《萃善录》

A Prayer for the Emperor’s Birthday

At the birth of the sage sovereign, auspicious signs appeared like lightning descending from the Purple Tenuity Palace. The Lord on High came in person, and joy spread like clouds unfurling along the zodiac. We observe purification and fasting, set forth our words in prayer, and at dawn tomorrow will petition Heaven.

I recall that I recently received the ancestral master’s seal of transmission and traveled far to the capital to pay court to the Son of Heaven. At the Altar of the Dragon and Tiger, I received the incense bestowed upon me and personally carried out the imperial decree. I had hoped to celebrate the sovereign’s birthday at the Qilin Hall, but have not yet been able to make the journey. So I have ordered the ritual master to preside over the purification rite and, in the presence of the sovereign’s majesty, to dedicate its merit to him. I respectfully pray that the green petition bearing our prayer may reach Heaven tonight, and that the immortal retinue may descend upon the Celestial Capital, where the Heavenly Emperor resides. May spring warmth fill the palace halls, may the foundations of the state remain firm for ages, and may its blessings be abundant.

A Prayer of Thanks for Rain

We raised an altar upon the earth, and the soil seemed to turn to jade. We looked up to the clouds and prayed, and Heaven sent down rain like sweet dew. The life of all things revived at once. This is the efficacy of the Dao: it acts without seeming to act.

I reflect that we bear the name of the Dao, while the people depend on farming for food and livelihood. We feel ashamed that our daily efforts have fallen short, and hope for a successful spring sowing and an abundant autumn harvest. The drought in recent days has been far worse than in previous years. We have already gone to the outskirts to make offerings to the ancestral deities and have prayed for a long time. We hoped only that we would no longer have to worry day after day, and that the crops might grow strong. The people transporting grain for relief are already exhausted; if harvests fail year after year, how will the people make a living? Fortunately, Heaven’s intent was close at hand: rain soon fell, and the drought began to ease. We therefore used sacred water to honor the spirits, arranged offerings and performed music, repaying divine grace and returning to the source.

We respectfully pray that Heaven’s kindness continue to the end and bless this year with a good harvest. From three days hence, we ask that timely rain continue to fall, its moisture reaching all four quarters. May no one be left beyond its blessings, and may the people throughout the land live in peace and prosper.

The Celestial Master’s Return to the Mountain after Performing a Jiao Rite in the Capital

After performing a Jiao rite in the capital, the Celestial Master returned to the mountain.

The ruler’s summons was urgent, and there was not even time to prepare the carriage. Yet I was kept from the pure, luminous divine light that was so near at hand. The August Heavens treat all living beings alike, subtly setting in motion the transformations of primordial Qi between Heaven and Earth. I respectfully stored the incense offerings in the imperial capital and sent the memorial back to the ancestral altar, the place where Daoist rites are performed and documents kept.

I reflect that I have received the blessings of generations, and presumptuously accepted the ritual seal handed down by the ancestral masters. Yet my words and actions have often been at fault; looking back, I have repeatedly strayed from the teachings. My household has suffered upheaval, my fate has been beset by misfortune, and calamities have followed one another. Fortunately, I lived under the rule of a sage sovereign, but I lost my way amid the comings and goings of court service. Who would have thought that, just as my illness began to ease, I would be delayed for another half year? Longing deeply for the emperor’s gracious summons, I solemnly established an altar and performed the Lingbao Fast, a Daoist purification rite, to atone for my faults, avert calamity, pray for favor, and prolong my life.

I humbly ask the Lord Emperor to look upon me with compassion and grant my prayer, to recognize my sincere resolve to repent and reform, and to bestow a blessing that renews life without end. May the pure and upright ways of Daoism shine ever more brightly, and may I increasingly enjoy imperial favor. May new blessings arrive one after another, and may decrees of grace be solemnly sealed, like imperial edicts stamped in purple clay. May all who cherish their aspirations and value their lives receive this gracious pardon.

“Prayer for Repaying Blessings and Averting Fire”

A prayer for a Daoist ritual to repay blessings and ward off fire

In the Gengwu year, I dreamed of a clear spring day. In the dream I saw something before the Chongxi Hall; then the spirit of Zhuxuan returned and said that his house would suffer a fire. Jiuxuan thereupon promised to perform a ritual, and later all was safe.

To interpret a dream within a dream: both parties know that visions are hard to trust. When we hear a doubtful report, however, we dare not disregard the warning it may contain or fail to take precautions. Having received blessings in the past, we must now repay them. I reflect that if we want a tree to grow well, we must tend its roots; and if we sleep upon firewood, we must remain ever alert to the danger of fire. The butterfly’s transformations are many and mysterious, their causes hard to fathom, and those who hear of them cannot help but feel a private unease. How much more uncertain are gain and loss, fortune and misfortune, like a deer appearing and disappearing within a hunting enclosure. Caution is always the wiser course.

Thus, though the rite was held because of a dim and elusive vision, what we seek is peace and harmony. The Lord Emperor has shown compassion; people, too, should consider how to repay it. I humbly ask that the vow made at the outset may be fulfilled, and that the final blessing may be brought to completion. How could I forget? May I forever receive the grace bestowed amid wind and rain. May all accord with Heaven’s design and quietly fulfill the intentions of our ancestors, who passed down the incense offerings. May De shine like the spring sun, and may its blessings flow on for a long time.

The Celestial Master’s Prayer at the Completion of the Repository Hall

The transformations of the Great Dao never cease, and the Heavenly Emperor has shown special favor to this Daoist temple. The repository of sacred texts has now been completed, a work made possible, indeed, by the mysterious will of Heaven. We therefore establish this Zhaijiao (purification ritual) in celebration and respectfully offer our prayers to all the divine perfected ones.

I have reflected again and again on myself, examined my words and deeds, and considered my faults. At times, I may now be reaping the consequences of seeds planted in the past. At times, I believe I have done few good deeds and many wrongs. At times, grievances have long accumulated in my heart without my awareness. At times, I have secretly done what was improper and brought loss upon myself. At times, the Life Palace has met a solitary star; at times, the Palace of Children has turned away from auspicious stars and received no illumination. With so many misfortunes reaching this point, how may I repent and dispel them?

Now that we have built this precious repository, we truly believe there is room for fate to turn. Moreover, with all the divine perfected ones present before us, perhaps they can set the workings of Heaven in motion and change our destiny. Fortunately, human effort has completed the hall and repository. We hope the sacred and luminous spirits will respond to our prayers. We respectfully set out offerings and sincerely present our devotion.

We earnestly ask the spirits to set aside their sternness and bestow kindly expressions and generous benevolence. The workings of creation never cease, and fate, too, can turn as circumstances change. May the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) gather their wondrous power, so that the six children born of Qian and Kun each take their proper place. May Yang Qi flourish and all things bloom; may adversity turn to prosperity at this very moment. Though Heaven holds destiny in its hands, we still hope its grace will descend today.

Wu Weide offers this prayer on behalf of his mother.

Far from home on a long journey, I can only yearn for my native place in vain. Clouds linger among the mountains of my homeland, yet I will never again see my beloved parent’s face. I respectfully follow the mysterious teachings of the Dao and, looking up, bow before the Pure Capital, the dwelling place of the Celestial Emperor. I know that my study of the immortals has been shallow, and that I failed in my service to my mother. I thought that even if I wandered without a settled home, as long as I lived I could still support her with simple meals and offer what little filial care I could. Who could have known that my return journey would drift uncertainly like a broken reed on the water? By the time I reached home, my mother had suddenly passed away, leaving me only to weep in grief.

What good was it, I wonder, to leave home and cultivate the Dao? Fortunately, faith in the salvation of the suffering in the ten directions is not empty. On this day of mourning, I have specially held a solemn Daoist liturgy. I humbly pray that the departed may ride upon radiant pearls and ascend to the Lion Throne, receive an investiture inscribed on jade tablets and dragon-decorated documents, and ride back to the immortal realm of Penglai, awakening from the dream of this illusory world. May she attend a feast beside the Peach Pool in the immortal realm and enter the Land of Joy. May her soul and vital energy find a place of refuge, and may her descendants receive blessings through her.

Prayer for Establishing the Orthodox Rite of the Nine Netherworlds

No one can know what the future holds. My father went before me, and the grief is unbearable; how could this sorrow simply fade? I pray that the Lord on High will guide my father to a higher realm. In my anguish, I cannot shape my words; my tears have run dry, and now I weep blood.

My father was not yet advanced in age, and was as precious as unworked jade from Yan. What fault could he have committed to suffer such a fate? It was as though a toothless creature concealed a deadly poison, wounding a finger and leaving one plunged in grief too profound ever to repay. Perhaps the descendants’ fate was not meant to end; perhaps only my father’s allotted years had run their course. My heartfelt devotion has never diminished, yet I cannot dispel the sorrow of his passing. May the vast and wondrous Daoist teachings comfort his hopes beneath the Nine Springs.

I offer wild greens from the mountain stream as a sacrifice, and pray that the spirits will judge with fairness and discernment. I humbly pray that the gate of release may be opened and the way to a realm of emptiness and stillness shown, so that old grievances may melt away like ice and deluded thoughts arise no more. May the departed’s soul ascend and be refined, its form transformed, all through the recompense of good deeds. May those who come after follow the righteous way and pass their good works on to their descendants.

The Immortal Lady Recommends Her Parents

How could I rely on my father, and what could I depend on my mother for? At the thought that from now on I would be separated from my parents for good and never again return home to visit them, I could not help but sigh in sorrow. The Dao of Heaven gives all things the power to begin; the Dao of Earth enables them to grow. I can only hope that Heaven and Earth’s power to nurture all things may be renewed. With reverence, I petition Heaven three times, then express my sincerity through nine prostrations.

I think of how my daughter is already married, yet I have no way to repay my parents’ kindness. I offer sacrificial gifts to my ancestors and help others through good deeds and instruction. I respectfully and carefully serve my ancestors, while feeling ashamed that my own merits are slight and examining myself at all times. Seeing the hardships of the world, tears rise in my heart at the passing of the times; when plants and trees put forth new growth, they stir thoughts of remembrance for my ancestors. I prepare pure water as an offering and earnestly rely on the grace of Heaven and Earth.

May the power of creation never cease, and may the highest powers of discernment receive my prayer with compassion. May the Dao of Earth shine forth like the sun, allowing my mother’s decaying form to transcend its mortal state. May the primal Qi of the human world unite with the mysterious Dao, fulfilling my sincere wish, like a sunflower turning toward the sun.

My mother raised me to adulthood; the grief born of her profound kindness is without end. The anniversary of her passing has arrived, and time flies too swiftly, like a white colt glimpsed through a crack in the wall. All I can do is bear my grief and mourning and report my plea to Heaven above. Though I suffer the sorrow of my mother’s death, I must still endure the stars’ courses and the turning of the years. The fate of the dead—whether they are reborn or sink into suffering—is hard to know. Fortunately, Daoism has rites for delivering departed souls. So I respectfully purify my dwelling and solemnly welcome the descent of the divine retinue.

May the clouds and mists part, revealing the road to the realm of the immortals; may the gentle wind bring a green memorial, a prayer written to the gods for a Daoist rite. I beseech the deities to send their commands through the Three Realms, so that the departed spirit may roam in peace and ease, and to welcome the many Perfected Ones to descend. May the compassionate light of the gods shine far and wide, bearing witness to my sincerity in offering reverent worship and pure gifts. Tomorrow I will establish an offering altar and perform worship. Though I am humble and my prayers are unending, words cannot express them.

Sun Qiubi holds a Pudu rite to fulfill an earlier vow for protection and safety, and establishes an offering altar to recommend and deliver his former master and ancestor, Lu Ziji.

Remembering the promise made long ago, since I entered into this covenant, I am resolved to repay it. With sincere devotion, I seek to deliver all beings. When I think of the departed, they seem still to be before my eyes; I ought to help them attain transcendence. How could I betray my earlier vow and presume to report it to Heaven? I know that to have a body is to be subject to illness. My illness resisted treatment for a long time, and I hastened to pray to Heaven. Fortunately, a Jiao ritual—a Daoist ceremony performed at an altar to seek blessings, avert calamity, or deliver the dead—temporarily prolonged my life. Now there is no way to bring the dead back to life, and I suddenly realize that seven years have passed since that event. The departed have gone far away, but the promise I made then still remains. I remember it in my heart, and the spirits will remember it too. May I fulfill what I owe and help the dead escape the netherworld. I humbly pray that the Dao is compassionate and the Perfect Truth is present everywhere: guide them onto the immortal road to Penglai, or let them depart with the Weaver Maiden. May they enter a realm of immortals as tiny as a grain of millet and share in the joys of the heavenly beings and perfected immortals, so that their merit may be complete and their descendants in later generations may be enlightened.

Opening Prayer for a Jiao Ritual on the Eve of the Ceremony, by Commander Chen Huang Nie

May bandits in the mountains and forests be quelled, so that the people can harvest the wheat and the troops can rest. May the immortals in the sacred realm of Zaoling clear the thatch and serve the Celestial Emperor. In accordance with the liturgy, we observe the purification fast with due solemnity before the Jade Coffer and submit our formal petition with reverence at the Jade Altar.

I reflect that I have been entrusted with the duty of pacifying the people and pursuing and arresting bandits. Human life is the most precious thing between Heaven and Earth; how could I bear to take lives? Yet the bandits have caused distress to the ruler and to parents, and this would mean betraying the state. I therefore went in person with the army and was fortunate to capture their leader alive. Though we have returned victorious, how could I not worry that too many were killed? May this campaign put an end to the people’s fear at every rumor, like hearing the cries of cranes and geese, and show a benevolence that uproots weeds to protect the seedlings and help the grain grow.

I humbly pray that the world may turn toward peace and stability, and that all disorder and turmoil may be dispelled. Weapons are dangerous; to take them up is truly a last resort. May the grievances of all who died unjustly be appeased. I am willing to do all I can for the good of the state; I beseech the spirits to see clearly the sincerity and steadfastness of my heart.

Prayer for the Three Ceremonial Days

A gentle breeze rises in the Hall of Medicine, and the summer wind in the fifth month brings coolness. At the Zhi Altar, sacred chants carry forth as the rites continue for three days; the daylight seems especially long. May music be played before the majesty of Heaven, praising the radiant virtue of the ruler.

A cool breeze stirs the hall where sacred medicines are enshrined. It is the fifth month of the summer calendar, and the gentle wind drifts in. On the ritual altar, sacred fungi and herbs are laid out, their fragrance spreading through the air. We pay homage three times each day, and it seems to make the daylight last longer. We stand close before the majesty of Heaven, praising the radiance of the sovereign’s virtue.

We humbly reflect that we, your servants, have received your favor and the protection of the spirits. We have moved about amid military campaigns, only recently bringing the fighting to an end around Ting and Jian, and then gathering our forces around Hong and Qian. The rebels’ strongholds were burned down like anthills, and, fortunately, their leader was captured and brought to justice. The emperor, hearing the good news carried by the post stations, rejoiced as well. Now, as we perform the rites at Hefeng, we respectfully attribute the achievement to the court. We pray that August Heaven will protect the Song dynasty, restore its former territories in full, and renew all things. May sovereign and ministers gather in celebration, sharing in the joy; may warfare cease, and may peace and contentment increase both at court and among the people.

Evening Court Prayer

The camps have been dismantled at Fine Willow Barracks, and years of turmoil have only just been brought to an end. The graves beneath the white poplars are a sorrowful sight; the spirits of the dead in the long night cannot be summoned back. So we establish a purification rite in this blessed place and earnestly pray to Vast Heaven above.

We think of the rebellion that arose in the land of Gan, where many people were killed or wounded. Some were bound and tortured, then soon killed and left as corpses in the streets. Others died in the charge against enemy lines, and many wronged souls lie buried in the wilderness. Your servant’s intention was to save the people, and the emperor likewise supported your servant in putting down the rebellion. The killing was not our wish, but a necessity; those who survived still face long years of hardship. We pray that the emperor will pardon the prisoners confined in dark jails and grant deliverance to all suffering spirits. May the customs of the five regions be brought into harmony through instruction, and may weapons of war give way to farming and sericulture. May the lands everywhere share one way of life, as in the glorious eras of the Three Dynasties; may axle standards and written characters be unified, and may ritual and music be observed throughout the realm.

Palace Gate: Locusts

The crops are growing across the fields, and a good harvest seems near. Yet swarms of locusts have entered the territory, devouring the crops and bringing disaster. The people’s lives and livelihoods depend on the harvest, and the emperor is deeply troubled.

Palace Gate: Locusts

The crops have grown in unbroken fields, and a good harvest seems near. Locusts have swarmed across the borders, devouring the crops and bringing disaster. The people’s lives depend on this matter, and it is precisely what the Celestial Emperor cares about. I think of the region west of the great river, long known as a land of prosperity and ease. Its borders are largely peaceful, and fortunately it has been spared the urgent burden of military supplies. The villages of Zhejiang, however, have suffered poor harvests and are already weighed down by heavy government levies. Now they look to an abundant harvest this autumn so that the people may secure their livelihoods. Yet this great locust plague has spread throughout the countryside. As a lowly minister overseeing the government, I have struggled to capture them, but have nowhere to turn; I can only set up a Jiao altar with care and pray to Heaven to avert the calamity. I beg the Celestial Emperor to pity all living beings, forgive their transgressions, drive away the swarming locusts, and urge the spirits who govern the fields of the prefectures to protect the crops. May the grain ripen in heavy heads and be gathered in, granting the farmers the joy of a plentiful harvest. This urgent prayer begs that blessings be bestowed at once.

Prayer for Clear Skies at Xianying Abbey

A prayer for clear skies has been performed, and mist has descended from above. Yet the gloomy rain gathers and does not disperse, so people fear floods and the suffering of the populace. I think of the places where the people of Zhejiang live: they are waterlands enclosed by dikes. If there is too much rain, even when the crops put forth shoots, there may not be time for them to form ears.

Prayer for Clear Skies at Xianying Abbey

A prayer for clear skies has been performed, and mist has descended from above. Yet the gloomy rain gathers and does not disperse, so people fear floods and the suffering of the populace. The homes of the people of Zhejiang lie in waterlands enclosed by dikes. Excessive rain means that even if the crops put forth shoots, they cannot form ears. The river tide eats away at the embankments, and lake waters inundate homes. In the low-lying lakes and marshes, the rain continues without letup; the oppressive damp and heat may even bring illness. The Son of Heaven is troubled and worn with worry, and the ministers who plan affairs of state can find no peace. Therefore, with reverence, an altar is set up for a Jiao ritual, and a prayer is carefully presented. I beg Heaven and Earth to clear and brighten the skies, so that the sun may shine; may the farming of every season proceed smoothly, and may summer’s labor bring an autumn harvest. May the dynasty’s vast lands be at peace, rich in produce, and may the people be safe and well.

Prayer for Clear Skies at the Advance Jiao Ritual in the Bright Hall

The ruler governs the state and nurtures the people, inheriting the great succession established at the beginning of Heaven and Earth. He honors Heaven as father and Earth as mother, and solemnly performs the rites to the ancestors. Now Heaven and Earth are worshipped together, while the ruler fasts and abstains from food in preparation for the prayer. I beg that the autumn sky be clear and bright, and that the climate be harmonious through all four seasons. May the Lord on High send down good fortune, so that the rites in the double-roofed hall may be completed smoothly. May the young Son of Heaven inherit the imperial throne, and may the dynasty’s foundations flourish ever more.

Prayer for Rain at Xianying Abbey

The people are already suffering greatly. If they missed the spring sowing, they can no longer hope for an autumn harvest. May the firmament clear, the four seasons return to harmony, and the Lord on High send down auspicious blessings. Once the rites have been completed in the grand, lofty hall, the young ruler will inherit the throne, and the realm’s fortunes will flourish further upon this great foundation.

Prayer for Rain at Xianying Abbey

The people are already suffering greatly. If they missed the spring sowing, there is no hope of an autumn harvest. Heaven does not speak, yet day after day it brings clear skies and drought, withholding the rain. We know that some failing in the conduct of government has brought this about, and with anxious hearts we sincerely pray to Heaven.

I think of how I was commissioned to escort the grain tribute by water but failed to achieve success, and how my hope of returning to court service has gone unrealized. Meteors have streaked across the sky by day, and signs that drought is imminent have been reported again and again. The summer heat makes the work in the rice paddies all the more urgent. We have already prayed at shrines and temples in many places; now we can only beseech the Lord on High to show compassion and send blessings.

May Heaven send clouds and thunder, filling the ditches and channels with rainwater, so that grain can be sown in time and a rich harvest granted. May the heavens also display auspicious signs: the sun and moon joined together, and the stars strung like pearls. If any of these prayers are insincere, let the punishment fall upon me.

Prayer for Rain at a Second Zhaijiao at Xianying Abbey

The season for farming has already been delayed, and the drought is so severe it is like a raging fire. Heaven’s hearing is far above us, yet our prayers have failed to reach it and we have received no blessing. So, without begrudging the effort, we bow once more and pray to the vast heavens.

I think of how I bear responsibility for managing the grain transport of the two Zhejiang regions and am wholly devoted to the state. Though expenses have doubled, funds are rarely allocated. By rights, I should long ago have resigned the honorable post entrusted to me, yet I have been kept in office. Western and Eastern Zhejiang are rich in grain, and we pray for the Five Grains to flourish. Summer is the season of plum rains, yet the fields are parched and scorched by drought. Having mediums pray for rain by exposing themselves to the sun cannot, in the end, make human methods succeed; summoning thunder and lightning and calling upon the Dragon Gods all depend on the will of the Lord on High. A Zhaijiao has now been established beside the lake, and we pray for abundant rain to revive all things.

May Heaven restrain the fierce sunlight and spread sweet rain widely, so that farmers can plow and weed in time and complete their work in the fields. May grain be plentiful and goods circulate, enough to supply the state’s reserves. We ask only for an average harvest, which would already spare us many troubles.

Prayer for Rain on Behalf of Maoshan

The year’s harvest is nearing maturity, and government affairs urgently need the nourishment of rain. The autumn sun blazes over the land, drying it until the soil cracks, while the drought grows ever more severe. This is both a place where immortals and sages dwell and a place where the people pray for blessings. I reflect that I have been entrusted with a heavy responsibility and charged with overseeing the secondary capital, beyond the main capital. With the times now beset by troubles, the people hope for nothing more than a good harvest.

The season for reaping has arrived, yet the fields remain afflicted by drought. Beginning in the outskirts, the disaster stretches all the way to the borderlands, across a thousand li, and the people fear they will not make it through the year. Heaven looks down upon the four quarters: can it bear to cut off the people’s means of survival and let every part of this jurisdiction suffer drought? I fear the disaster may have arisen from my own failure in office, and so I am filled with unease, hoping that my sincere heart may reach Heaven’s hearing. I humbly ask that abundant grace be bestowed far and wide, benefiting all beings; that these people, who have labored long and hard in the fields, be shown compassion; and that plentiful rain descend so this year’s farming need not be lost.

Prayer for Averting Fire at Kaiyuan Palace

By day, a meteor fell from the sky: a warning sent by Heaven. Fires have repeatedly destroyed people’s homes, leaving the people displaced. With a compassionate heart, I respectfully report to Heaven: I reflect that I have no means to provide for the people, and that households are left with only a little grain in reserve. Water ought to flow freely, yet it has been obstructed. The disaster was already a source of grave concern, but the flames could not be controlled; again and again they consumed homes and burned away the people’s stores.

Shangqiu is blessed by its sacrificial rites, and the state of Song once prayed for the long endurance of its fortune. Therefore, we now perform the rites, respectfully inviting the spirits to descend. We humbly ask the spirits to extend their kindness and quietly dispel disaster, so that the capital may be secure and the hot winds may cease, allowing the people to rest at ease. May sweet rain also fall upon the fields in spring and hasten the beginning of farm work.

We respectfully invite the spirits to descend and humbly ask them to extend their kindness and quietly dispel disaster, so that the capital may be secure and the hot winds may cease, allowing the people to rest at ease. May sweet rain also fall upon the fields in spring and hasten the beginning of farm work.

Prayer for Averting War

The bandits in the mountain caves were ignorant and foolish, and even stirred up a rebellion by taking to the greenwood—that is, gathering in groups to plunder. The border region was deeply troubled that the people would suffer harm, so its officials looked up to the distant heavens and respectfully laid out the crisis. I reflect that I have governed this province for many years, and the region should by now be peaceful. Yet neighboring bandits have grown rampant, plunging the people at once into dire hardship; violent criminals hide in ambush, and disorder may again arise from within. Thankfully, Heaven has thwarted the rebels, though they continue to send people with warnings. The royal palace has been seized and its occupants driven out; many soldiers defending the strongholds have been wounded or left disabled. The troops guarding strategic passes have not yet fully put down the rebellion. For the sake of the people, I respectfully pray that their lives be spared, and earnestly submit my petition in prayer to the Heavenly Emperor. I ask that the faults of the people in this region be forgiven, so that the multitudes may be kept safe. May this perilous turn of fate quietly change; may the army grow ever stronger and destroy the rebel leaders, bringing some comfort to the innocent dead. May the people live in peace on their farms and together receive the benevolent virtue that does not readily resort to killing.

Petition for a Royal Heir

The emperor governs the realm from his court and has long held the throne. He should have an heir to inherit the royal line and receive the auspicious sign of a son’s birth. Repeatedly, rites have been performed to pray to Heaven, in the hope that this wish may reach its will. In the palace of the Great One, the honored deity, a day corresponding to the emperor’s lower-era natal destiny was selected. The Daoist priest was solemnly entrusted with the task, and a petition written in vermilion ink was respectfully presented. I ask the Heavenly Emperor to look with compassion on the foundation that protects the state, so that the imperial house may flourish, its blessings endure, and a male heir be granted. May joyful news come one after another from the imperial consorts in the palace chambers; may a child be welcomed to inherit the ancestral temples and preside over the sacrifices, fulfilling the auspicious sign of a long line of descendants.

Petition for a Ninefold Abyss Rite by Minister Zhang

I earnestly call to mind my mother’s kindness. Her care was so great that it is hard to repay. My grief cuts deep, as though it reached up to the Way of Heaven. The Way of Heaven is everywhere and responds to sincere devotion. I have therefore specially held a Qingjiao, a Daoist purification rite for blessings, and reverently expressed my heartfelt sincerity.

I remember my late mother and her fine character. My late father and mother shared a life together and had seven children. She raised her children and cared for her grandchildren with loyalty, kindness, filial devotion, and tireless effort. Three generations gathered in harmony, and she showed her family the deepest affection. She was once treated with honor in a neighboring country, and her daily meals were generally comfortable. Now her life has run its course and she has passed away, leaving us orphaned. I think of how my frail body still remains in this world, while my mother is gone, and my grief grows all the greater. I once more set forth my sorrow, reverently following the ritual procedures of the Jade Casket liturgy and solemnly presenting a Green Memorial, a document submitted to the celestial realm. I humbly ask Heaven to grant its mercy and pardon her faults. May she, before the poplars stir in the wind and the path to her tomb is sealed, be delivered to a blessed realm; may she quickly gain new life, like a flame kindled anew and a golden thread joined without a break. May this grace also reach the underworld and extend to all people.

Fang, Ritual Official: Prayer for the Forty-Ninth Day

When a woman marries, she hopes to grow old together with her husband. Now that my husband has died, I can scarcely bear this grief. I can only raise an incense altar in my loneliness and write a Green Memorial to submit to the celestial realm.

I remember my late husband. He had only just received a modest stipend when he was parted from his family forever. Grief clings to me like the mourning custom of resting one’s head on a clod of earth. He had meant to make arrangements for the future, but fell ill as he approached the cemetery and died in the prime of life. The tenderness of our life as husband and wife is painful to remember, and this calamity upon our household is all the more tragic. Our orphaned children have no one to rely on, and no one hears their cries. I humbly ask Heaven to show compassion and pardon his faults, so that his soul may be reborn in a good place and still be reunited with his family. I also ask that the widowed wife who cares for and raises the young children be protected, and may she always receive the Dao’s safeguarding.

Chen Shuai: Prayer for an Overnight Stay at Yulong Palace

At present, the administration has only just been renewed, while bandits in the mountains and forests have not yet been quelled. With circumstances changing so swiftly, I have specially held a Huanglu Zhai, a Daoist purification rite for blessings and the averting of calamities. I have personally gone to the blessed sanctuary, set up a sacred altar in advance, and prayed through the night. My loyal sincerity is devoted to my sovereign; though my hair is now white, I remain with the army. Fujian has been freed from military restrictions, and we rejoice that ruler and people can live in peace and harmony.

Government affairs now urgently need reform, yet the bandits in the forests and hills have not been subdued. With the situation changing constantly, we therefore perform the Yellow Register Retreat, a Daoist purification rite to pray for blessings, avert disasters, and guide the souls of the dead. I went personally to the blessed sanctuary and set up the sacred altar the night before. Though my hair has turned white, I remain with the army, serving my ruler with loyal devotion. The state of Min has lifted its emergency restrictions, and fortunately ruler and people are at peace with one another. Yet moving the garrison to towns along the river raises concern, as famine follows famine. Is this because the people have accumulated too much sin, or because officials are greedy and cruel? I can only offer a Daoist sacrifice at the immortals’ abode, praying that Heaven and Earth show mercy. With reverence, I pray that Yin-Yang be harmonized and the seasons follow their proper course, that the ruler above enjoy long life and all things below may grow; that rebellion be swiftly quelled and the army need not remain in the field for long; and that crops flourish in the fields, allowing the people and officials a brief respite.

“Prayer for the Heavenly Calendar: A Retreat for the Grand Master’s Safe Return”

I gaze northward from afar, hoping for a letter from the Grand Master, the revered teacher who transmits the Daoist teachings. I look east toward the horse’s head, praying that the spirits extend their blessings and protection. May my prayers soon be answered; when they are, I shall know to be grateful and repay the kindness. I reflect that cultivating the Dao and advancing in De depend on oneself, while one’s actions and choices are constrained by circumstances beyond one’s control. I oversee religious affairs in the capital and always do my utmost to support them. Yet I myself am stranded beyond the passes, just as I am parted from the Grand Master. I once submitted a petition, praying Heaven to grant its blessing. Now, having received its favor, I have returned safely.

Today I have been able to return to the right path; this was no mere stroke of luck. How could I dare forget my pledge? I therefore respectfully set the ritual altar in order and carefully conduct a pure Daoist prayer rite to repay the spirits’ kindness. With reverence, I pray that the state recover its former order and the emperor once again extend his grace; that the Daoist teachings spread far and wide, bringing blessing to the sacred mountain where Daoist practitioners yearn to dwell; and that the Star of Longevity shine brightly, its auspicious Qi illuminating the court’s offices of the Three Excellencies.

“Prayer for the Celestial Master’s Stay in the Capital and the Establishment of the Annual Scripture”

In moments of leisure in everyday life and in the spare time at the end of the year, it is only through the gods’ protection that we have been able to come this far. May the state surely prosper and all go smoothly in our homes; may good fortune and blessings descend everywhere. Now, as we give thanks and make our petitions, we are careful in word and deed, as though standing at the edge of an abyss or walking on thin ice.

We respectfully recall that although the ruler of a certain dynasty has long since passed from this world, the imperial heart’s concern endures. The years have turned, yet his beneficence remains unforgettable. Heaven has secretly nurtured grace within the lineage of the Dao, and all await the arrival of renewed blessings. We respectfully present offerings to express our loyalty and admiration. This gratitude is engraved in our hearts and impossible to repay; we can only look up to the gods and trust in their clear insight.

We respectfully pray that the supreme power of creation extend its benevolence, that the imperial capital share in auspicious celebration, and that the growth of all things accord with the hopes of the people. May our households welcome an auspicious atmosphere like spring; may both public service and retirement bring honor and fulfillment, and may welcome news arrive soon by courier. May we cultivate hidden virtue and look up in gratitude to the great work of creation. May we also cultivate hidden virtue and look up in gratitude to the great work of creation.

Words for Closing the Altar

In the human realm, rites are performed upon a solemn and splendid altar. The Heavenly Emperor dwells in a pure and lofty place, sending down sacred rites to observe the human world. The court ceremony has been prepared, and the purification rites have been completed. The value of ritual lies in carrying it out according to the proper forms; the reverence it expresses is like the sincerity shown in pouring libations and presenting them to the gods. We respectfully pray that the imperial spirits be tranquil and harmonious, and clearly observe the participants’ reverent care in every step and movement. May the honored masters and the gods shine forth in splendor, recognize and forgive our earnest sincerity in completing the ceremony.

Words of Thanksgiving

At the time when the yang returns and begins to rise after the winter solstice, the Zhen trigram, which symbolizes the eldest son among the Eight Trigrams (Bagua), first made its appeal. Our three wishes have, by good fortune, received the assent of the Supreme Emperor, who has looked upon us and descended here. Such grace is truly beyond repayment, and we hardly know how to speak of it.

We respectfully reflect that our sincere petitions have been completed, and the imperial spirits have watched over us with unfailing clarity. The earlier snowfall revealed an auspicious sign; the weather then remained clear for half a month. Springlike warmth followed, and rain came three days later. These are manifestations of the gods’ response, visible in the changes of the weather. Moreover, those joined in our covenant have always supported one another, whether in danger or at ease, and all the officiants have carried out their movements with composure. This is not due to our own wishes alone; the Supreme Emperor had already discerned it in his heart.

How can the seasons align with human affairs? The people bathed, purified themselves, fasted, and prayed, giving thanks even as they made their petitions. We respectfully pray that the gods examine our offerings and sincerity, and grant us offerings like the water plants growing beside a stream, for them to receive and enjoy. May they also attend to the smallest details, grant what we seek, and bring signs still in their earliest growth into view. Though the gods do not speak, they respond to prayer with benevolence.

Illness brings people together in mutual support, a time when human feeling and moral duty call for compassion. May we express our gratitude through the rites of sacrifice and pray for protection, respectfully asking the gods to look upon us. May the gods accept offerings as humble as duckweed by a stream, taking only the sincerity within them, and show that our prayers have been answered, so that what we seek may go well. Though a favorable sign has only just begun to appear, it may still receive a kind response without a word being spoken.

Prayer for Protecting Someone from Illness

Illness brings people together in mutual support, a time for compassion and loyalty. Love knows no bounds of kinship, and we sincerely pray for Heaven’s protection. May the Celestial Emperor accept this petition and grant the wishes of the people. We think of someone who labored greatly to build a Daoist temple, yet was stricken with illness: wind pathogen is the root of this stubborn affliction, though its outward cause seems slight; the illness, however, is like water running against its course, bringing grave concern. Ginseng, atractylodes, and other medicines have brought no relief. How could we not beseech the gods for their grace? We respectfully pray that the immortals’ written charms leave a fragrant trace, that divine elixirs spread like mist, that the Celestial Physician descend among us, and that healers gather with effective medicines. May the Star of Longevity and Good Fortune and the Star of Bright Longevity shine upon the patient, making them firm and long-lived as a wooden stake. May every blemish brought by illness be washed away, and may the patient receive the nourishment of divine grace.

Spring of the Gengwu Year: Prayer for the Opening Vigil of the Grand Golden-Nickel Fast, as Shu Guihe Carried Imperial Incense into the Mountains

Since August Heaven and the Sovereign Earth have jointly undertaken the great Mandate of Heaven, the sacrifices to famous mountains and great rivers are now solemnly performed. An envoy has been specially dispatched on a distant journey to respectfully make offerings to the three spirits of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. As bells and drums sound and offerings of jade and silk are laid out, the ritual vessels—gui, bi, cong, and huang—are all made ready. Through solemn rites, we express our sincerity and entrust our hopes to the one who inherits the lineage of Heaven and Earth. May the gods manifest their presence and bestow blessings and protection upon the state and its people.

Prayer at the Early Morning Court

We respectfully proclaim the springtime ordinances, following the sincere observance of the morning rite to the sun. Reverence and awe have long been joined in our hearts; how could we neglect our duty to honor Heaven? We look up to the gods and pray that they will see clearly and protect the peace of the state and its people.

Prayer at the Early Morning Court

We respectfully proclaim the springtime ordinances, following the sincere observance of the morning rite to the sun. Reverence and awe have long been joined in our hearts; how could we neglect our duty to honor Heaven? We look up to the gods, who seem distant, yet hope that silent prayer may reach them. We consider what the people depend upon for good governance and peace; in the end, these must be arranged under the Celestial Emperor’s direction. Heaven is high and the stars are distant, yet the Five Planets move without error. The earth is stable and people’s hearts are at peace, so the borders in all eight directions remain secure and undisturbed.

Prayer at the Midday Court

Heaven’s Way is clear and impartial, like the sun rising once more to its midpoint. The firm and vigorous Way of Qian moves in season; only Heaven is truly vast. Through its solemn authority, Heaven brings the world’s flourishing and decline into succession and makes sacrifices possible. People look up toward the palace gates of the Celestial Emperor, hastening to pay homage with sincere prayers. When utmost sincerity reaches and resonates with Heaven, a solemn and gracious response follows. All under Heaven dwell beneath its protection. Heaven bestows auspicious signs on the myriad things, allowing each to grow and flourish in its own way, in accordance with Heaven’s Way of nurturing and transforming.

Prayer for the Evening Audience

The ruler governs the people and plans affairs of state, yet at night remains vigilant and mindful of self-examination. He appoints officials to pray to Heaven and takes even greater care in performing the morning and evening rites of reverence. He keeps his sincere heart hidden within, allowing it to reach into the distant and unseen, and silently resonate with the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and humanity. In this solemn and secret rite, the ruler’s sincerity is directed toward the heavenly deities. May all affairs of state proceed smoothly, and may the people live in peace and prosperity, praising an age of peace like that of Yao. May the Imperial Standard—the ruler’s principle of impartiality and rectitude—remain unbiased, and may Heaven bestow the blessings set out in the Nine Categories of the Jichou, the principles for good government symbolizing the blessings of statecraft in the Great Plan.

Prayer for the Main Jiao Rite

The state faces hardship. I have inherited the legacy of my ancestors, yet do not know how to repay the deities of Heaven and Earth, or the spirits of the mountains, rivers, and state altars. Thinking of the many troubles besetting the realm, I know how difficult it is to be a ruler. May all the people under Heaven be treated fairly, and may Heaven bestow the blessings symbolized by the Jichou.

Prayer for the Main Jiao Rite

The state faces hardship. I have inherited the legacy of my ancestors, yet do not know how to repay the deities of Heaven and Earth, or the spirits of the mountains, rivers, and state altars. Thinking of the many troubles besetting the realm, I know how difficult it is to be a ruler. The people have repeatedly endured peril; when years of famine come, they cannot help but flee and wander. If Heaven’s will cannot be turned back, how can the state be governed well? Therefore, with reverence, I entrust my sincerity to this Jiao rite, a Daoist ceremony performed at an altar to pray for blessings and avert calamity, and hope that the Three Spirits of Heaven, Earth, and humanity will dispel disaster. May the deities reveal the right time and means for governing, and show signs of a measure of peace. May the foundations of the state recover, and may auspicious signs of harvest and prosperity appear, bringing a growing population and peace among the people, and gradually establishing orderly government and a stable society.

Prayer of Preliminary Offering on the Eve of the Ren Shen Sacred Birthday

As the sacred birthday draws near, I recall the month of my birth and silently ponder Heaven’s purpose in it. In reverence I follow Heaven’s will, performing the rites outside the palace and solemnly repaying the source of life. I therefore send an envoy bearing offerings to an immortal altar, where a Jiao rite is performed. The Five Rites are observed according to their proper forms, and prayers are offered in accordance with the ceremony, asking the Three Spirits of Heaven, Earth, and humanity to look upon us with favor. May abundant virtue flourish like wood in spring, revealing a heart that nurtures all things. Tomorrow I shall attend court; first, I present this prayer of supplication.

Prayer for the Morning Audience

At dawn I rise with care and offer the first fruits of my sincerity to the Celestial Emperor. Even when food and drink bring no comfort, I place the people’s welfare first. The ruler seeks Heaven’s mandate through the Mysterious Rites, revealing the earnest concern of the Son of the Lineage, the ruler’s own title. With benevolence in my heart, I remain mindful of the Celestial Emperor and pray that wind and rain come in due season, that the Five Grains yield abundant harvests, that government follow the path of impartiality and rectitude, and that the people enjoy years of plenty.

Rising at dawn, I carefully and reverently perform the sacrifice, expressing my first sincere devotion to the Supreme Emperor. I worry for the people and cannot find a moment’s peace, making their protection my foremost concern. Relying on the mysterious ritual protocols of Daoist liturgy, I seek Heaven’s mandate and show the care of the heir. With compassion in my heart, I keep the Supreme Emperor in my thoughts, praying for timely winds and rains and a good harvest in due measure. May the lands within the four seas and the nine provinces gather enough wealth for people to live and work in peace.

Words for the Midday Court Audience

When the sun reaches its height, it begins to descend, reminding us to guard against the pride of fullness. Heaven listens and observes from afar, considering who can protect and steady the state. The state needs people to uphold it together, and the times are ripe for action. I offer golden prayer tablets, used in rites to seek blessings, and beg for grace; baring my shoulder in the ritual, I carry out Heaven’s mandate. May Heaven faithfully protect us and send down more auspicious signs of blessing. Following the precedents set by our ancestors, I hope to bring the state to stability and its government and teachings to clarity.

Words for the Evening Court Audience

Day is ending and night is approaching, yet I dare not neglect the morning and evening court rites. The foundation of the state lies in self-cultivation, and I am fortunate to have received a weighty mandate from Heaven. On this birthday, we jointly open a ritual to dispel calamity and seek blessings. How could I lack the resolve to seek blessings actively? What I pray for is the hidden gift of longevity. Having received such great grace, how should I repay it? Only by personally putting into practice the teachings of following the Dao. In the end, I still pray for grace and vow to take responsibility for acting on Heaven’s behalf.

Words for the Principal Jiao Offering

Today marks the day of my rebirth, and I am fortunate to receive the numinous energy of mountains, rivers, the sun, and the moon. Heaven does not favor only one particular person; it silently turns the foundations and greater affairs of the state. Grateful for the times, I issue commands and pray for Heaven’s protection; I labor anxiously day and night, rising early and retiring late. Recently, springlike weather has appeared in winter. Who can become a support for the people? My concerns extend beyond calamities such as floods, droughts, and epidemics. I examine the principles by which I govern the state: how can I fulfill my responsibilities to cultivate myself, put my household in order, govern the state, and bring peace to all under Heaven? With so many affairs resting on me, I perform the sacrifice with solemn care, praying for the protection of the numinous powers of Heaven, Earth, and humanity. As the ruler of this region, I seek stability and peace. For the state and for my household alike, I hope to see prosperity and tranquility with my own eyes.

Words for the Eve Vigil of the Sage’s Birthday

The weather is clear and fresh, and the birthday has arrived. May all the lands in the eight directions enter a realm of longevity and peace.

With the realm at peace, the fortunes of the state endure; incense smoke fills the air, and the True Wind carries on without end. Just then, the golden figures raised the sword from the heart of the water and established an altar on the jade-adorned ritual ground, hanging precious pearls as small as millet grains. At night, they performed the invocation rite, praying to Heaven according to the sublime liturgy and humbly seeking the Emperor of Heaven’s attention. They respectfully prayed that the Three Realms of Heaven would bestow their abundant grace, and that the myriad perfected spirits would descend to witness the rite. May the blessings of longevity and wealth among the Nine and Five come to pass. May the whole world be our home, with eight thousand years in each of spring and autumn, enduring as in high antiquity without growing old.

Court Prayer

The enlightened sovereign inherited the throne and was born on the Shangsi Festival, the third day of the third lunar month, as a rainbow of light appeared. Through fragrant incense, he attuned himself to the spirits, and auspicious signs spread throughout the land. We welcome the imperial envoy to this blessed place, respectfully present the Golden Register, a Daoist document for praying for blessings, and offer prayers to Heaven. We bow before the red clouds and sincerely present the blue petition, a prayer addressed to the celestial gods. We respectfully pray that starlight shine upon us and grace flow like the sea, granting long life; may blessings fill the Three Palaces, the sacred palaces of the Daoist heavens, rising like lofty mountains beneath the morning sun, and nourishing the people across the Nine Provinces.

Another Prayer

The Way of Heaven is worthy of reverence. We burn incense and pray with due care at this blessed place; the Emperor’s heart sees clearly, and we seek his care and protection for the imperial house. We respectfully present and recite the Green Petition, a prayer addressed to the gods, sending it up to the celestial court and earnestly asking the spirits to bear witness. We humbly pray that, though the spirits are near at hand, they will look down upon all things, high and low; that every request, even when left unspoken, will receive a gracious response. May Yin and Yang be in harmony, and wind and rain arrive in due season. May the ruler govern through Wuwei (non-action), wise ministers assist him, and the people live in peace and comfort.

Heavenly Calendar Prayer for the Emperor’s Birthday

Chosen by Heaven to be Son of Heaven, he has only just inherited the throne; auspicious signs are about to appear, and so blessings are prayed for in advance. We humbly pray that, though the spirits are near at hand, they will look down upon all things, high and low; that every request, even when left unspoken, will receive a gracious response. May Yin and Yang be in harmony, and wind and rain arrive in due season. May the ruler govern through Wuwei (non-action), wise ministers assist him, and the people live in peace and comfort.

Heavenly Calendar Prayer for the Emperor’s Birthday

Chosen by Heaven to be Son of Heaven, he has only just inherited the throne; auspicious signs are about to appear, and so blessings are prayed for in advance. May warfare cease in an age of peace, and may the people turn toward benevolence. May weapons and armor be put away, and peace prevail throughout the realm. May the sun and moon shine brightly and the mountains and rivers display their splendor. May the ruler enjoy boundless longevity and live as long as Heaven.

Prayer for the State Offering at Yan Zao Mountain

Heaven bestowed nine great principles for governing the realm, bringing comfort to the people so they might live in an age of long life and peace. The state established special rites of sacrifice and held grand ceremonies atop famous mountains. Heaven watched over the human world and brought stability to the four quarters, so that the sun, moon, and stars each followed their proper course. All this depended on the unseen power that protected the people, and expressed their sincere reverence for the Lord on High. We humbly pray that peace prevail in the four quarters and that blessings and longevity be granted to the palaces of the Three Realms of Heaven; that Heaven and Earth be at peace and primordial Qi be harmonized; that all things be free from calamity and illness, Yin-Yang be in accord, and the people prosper; and that the ruler receive blessings and good fortune.

Morning Court Prayer

The sun rises from Xianchi and passes over Yanggu, casting nine rays of red light. The palace gates open, and the sun enters the imperial residence, where auspicious clouds like rosy mists await the sovereign’s audience. May the ruler attend diligently to affairs of state and wait through the night for dawn; may the season’s warmth bring the gentle spirit of spring. The fragrant petitions arrive from afar, awaiting Heaven’s gift of a plan for good governance and peace. We humbly pray that good fortune protect the ruler’s throne and auspicious blessings fill the palace, so that the sovereign may enjoy health and peace in the Dragon Tower, with signs of good fortune appearing in the Crane Enclosure, the forbidden palace grounds. May Yin-Yang be clearly ordered and Heaven and Earth established, so that the imperial house endure for ten thousand generations. May autumn arrive at its proper time and all things yield abundant harvests, bringing the people of the realm the benefit of the ruler’s grace.

Midday Court Prayer

The sun reaches Kunwu, the legendary place where it stands at noon, high in the sky, while all things display a solemn order. The wind rises in a soaring spiral. We respectfully present our heartfelt petition; the sound of the ceremonial bells falls silent, and the sun, moon, and stars each follow their courses. I devote my whole heart to this, and Heaven clearly sees what is within it. We humbly pray that Heaven assist the ruler’s plans for governing the state and spread the civil virtues far and wide; that the Six Offices and Three Affairs—the ancient domains of finance, water and land management, education, and other duties of state—be governed well, so that the affairs of the nation are settled and its foundations made great and enduring. May the four seas and nine provinces be united under one rule, sharing the peace of governance through Wuwei (non-action).

Memorial

A memorial for offering sacrifice to the Great Yin, usually referring to the Moon deity or the moon.

The impulse of life emerges, and through it the De of all things comes into harmony. The utmost subtle essence of Heaven and Earth is set in motion; celestial signs hang high, numinous Qi descends, and the earth nourishes all things everywhere. Creation is boundless, its wondrous transformations deep and unfathomable. A revered deity descends to observe and bestows grace according to each person’s circumstances; things wax and wane according to their own Way. In the stillness of the Vast Cold Palace, the solemn Seven Treasures dwell on high. Fragrant, pure water reveals the broad function of the Fangzhu, an ancient vessel for drawing water. To achieve the wondrous method of refining jade through nine lives, one must rely on a single drop of grace left by the golden waves. All look forward to grace flowing downward, nourishing beings of every kind so that they may submit and be transformed. Heaven must correspond with embodied form, and the Dao with outward appearance, for these to accord with the whole of creation. The moon is the soul’s corporeal aspect, and the sun its spiritual aspect; all things lie within the bounds of Yin-Yang. The work of molding and nurturing transformation truly depends on looking up and observing, looking down and examining, and knowing where to turn for refuge.

Supplementary Memorial to the Celestial Worthy for Refining Solitary Souls on the Ninth Night

By covenant sworn before the Jade Casket, may the departed spirits unite with the true Dao and transcend the nine depths of the earth. May sacred flowers appear in accordance with their honored titles, so that they may attain the fruit of the Dao in the heavens. Reverently, I submit this memorial and humbly beseech the Celestial Worthy to hear and heed it. Below, I observe the rules of purification and fasting, joining in the hope that the Jade Capital, the celestial palace, will give birth to numinous splendor, and that auspicious signs will rise from the Jade Towers. With the myriad treasures solemnly arrayed, we look up to receive the sacred Brahma Qi of the Miro Heaven, the exalted celestial realm of Daoism. The radiance of the Nine Heavens shines forth, opening a path through darkness and gloom, so that souls may cross over to Zhu Ling, the Daoist realm that governs the deliverance of the dead, and blessings may pass down to future generations.

Yellow Placard Text for Welcoming the Perfected

Six. With the myriad treasures solemnly arrayed, we look up to receive the sacred Brahma Qi of the Miro Heaven. The radiance of the Nine Heavens shines forth, opening a path through darkness and gloom, so that souls may cross over to Zhu Ling and blessings may pass down to future generations.

Spring stirs among the six pitch pipes, and the first Yang returns as Yin reaches its extreme. At dawn, the gates of the ninefold heavens open, and all the myriad sages descend together. This is the moment when the Yellow Altar prepares reverently to receive the honored deities, and when purple Qi first appears ahead of them. We shall respectfully welcome the pure Great Dao and look up as the divine perfected ones arrive through the air. The radiance of the celestial river turns back, while divine Qi moves above the wind and thunder. Heaven and Earth behold the scene; the honored deity’s ceremonial robe shimmers with the light of the sun and moon. The hundred spirits of the four directions go ahead to greet the deity, and the red ceremonial staffs on the Jade Altar are already arranged among the ranks of celestial officials. Red clouds coil beside the jade table, illuminating the gathering amid the pine blossoms.

Gatekeeper’s Placard

The Great Dao is vast. How has it ever distinguished between those who are close and those who are distant? The Heavenly Emperor’s dwelling is exalted, yet seems close at hand, not far away. One should respectfully still the mind and turn toward the Great Dao. Why not return to one’s original home? There is no need to ask, “Who are you?” or to say that you are merely a passerby. In the end, the many profound principles are not something called “mystery” to cling to; the scripture uses them to reveal the key to stillness and non-movement. The deepest words are inherently wordless, and nothing is so lofty that it cannot be put into practice. Consider the millet grain guarded by the beings of Heaven—a symbol in Daoist texts for subtle essentials—and you will believe that, at the root, there is no such thing as wind or rain. The way to Penglai, the fabled mountain of immortals, lies in purifying oneself. Follow the Dao, and reaching its realm is not difficult.

The earthly world stretches on without end, and people hurry about in their ceaseless striving. What, in the end, are they seeking? Now is the time to return home. The Mysterious Pass, the crucial gateway in cultivation, is upright and clear, right here in plain sight; the entrance has already been found. The spirits should strive in their practice. Follow the Dao, and reaching its realm is not difficult. The earthly world stretches on without end, and people hurry about in their ceaseless striving. What, in the end, are they seeking? Now is the time to return home. The Mysterious Pass is upright and clear, right here in plain sight; the entrance has already been found. The spirits should guard themselves with care. In the end, ordinary people and sages alike return to the same path.

List of the Celestial Physicians

The most wretched people in the world are the poor, who are often beset by illness as well. Why does Heaven make it so? The art of healing makes no display, yet quietly does its work. Even when a person is dying and the hun and po souls are dispersing and transforming, they raise their heads and cry out in grief, as if seeking help. People remember Shennong, the legendary founder of medicine, and the Yellow Emperor, yet can scarcely inquire of the divine beings who dwell in the highest heavens. Qin Huan, or Qin Yueren—known as Bian Que—and the physician called the Yue man lived a thousand years ago, but the spirit of their medical art has been passed down to this day.

The superior immortal medicines bestowed by the Jade Emperor, along with the three grades of Golden and Jade Elixirs, can undergo nine cycles of refinement, replenish the workings of creation, and harmonize Yin-Yang. They possess a wondrous energy, yet leave no visible trace. Revere the laws of Heaven, for Heaven always cherishes and nurtures life. When treating illness and easing suffering, do not suppose that ghosts and spirits have nothing to do with human beings. Alongside the diagnostic methods physicians call “looking, listening, asking, and palpating,” one should also value sacred assistance. May this assistance support Heaven and Earth in their work of transformation and nurture, and aid our meritorious Zhaijiao purification rituals.

List of Ritual Bathing

Record of Gathered Goodness

The poet sings of “the jade maiden with her basin,” saying that it is only for washing the hair. The fisherman, answering the official, says that this water is only for washing the feet. Neither account tells the whole story, and neither should be imitated as it stands. What is described here is the method of reversing Yin and Yang in Kan and Li (symbols of Yin-Yang, Water and Fire), whose effects are profound. Moreover, this water is the essence first endowed with Qi when Heaven and Earth brought forth the numbers one and six. Those who drink it will sense for themselves whether it is warm or cool; those who cup it in their hands find its coolness endless. This is called “bathing.”

More specifically, it is like autumn Qi entering the lungs, liver, and other organs: dew from a golden stem is sprinkled over the body, and its chill penetrates to the bones. It is also like ice steeped in a pot, as cold as jade; in its presence, dust and grime naturally disappear. Through this, one may attain a state in which both body and spirit are wondrous. This is unlike the scene of singing on the banks of the Yi River in late spring, and unlike lamenting at Huaqing Palace after leaving the hot springs and receiving imperial favor. Once everything has been washed away, one stands beyond selfhood: who, in the end, is doing the washing?

Notice for the Students of the Imperial College

When Taiji (the Supreme Ultimate), the source before the myriad things were divided, first differentiates, Qian and Kun (Heaven and Earth) are established, and the six children—the six trigrams generated by Qian and Kun in the Bagua—come forth. Original Qi spreads throughout, Yin and Yang unite, and the myriad things take shape. Human beings are most precious because the mind and spirit dwell within them: they are the heart of Heaven and Earth. So who, in the end, holds the authority over creation and transformation? A newly sprouted orchid is lovely, as though all the spirits had respectfully offered it. Yet someone may be born on a straw mat and die young; perhaps it all turns on a single thought. Even with support, one has not yet escaped the vine of the autumn melon. Do not let the fragrance in the cold valley lose its chance to flourish.

Officials in their separate departments carry out their duties in good order, while the transformations of creation leave no trace. You should understand that all that came before was like a dream, and regard it as such. The lingzhi mushroom had no fixed root to begin with; arriving here, one may at last awaken to the subtle workings of the myriad wonders. The peach blossom, consumed by its desire to bear fruit, only causes the East Wind to be blamed unjustly. Sweep the body and mind clean, and remain clear and awake.

Notice for the Purification Ritual

Millet and broomcorn millet, the two grains, have no fragrance in themselves; I have heard it said. If the grain used in a sacrifice is unclean, those presiding over the rite will hear people talk about it. The Way of Heaven and Earth is clear and manifest, while the principles of ghosts and spirits are hidden yet penetrating. If an offering is made without sincerity, the spirits will not partake of it; only conduct marked by De deserves a reward. Even when fragrant offerings have been prepared, pine pollen should not be scorned. So long as an offering is fragrant and clean enough to present, even water plants may be offered.

Yet although a fire of firewood can cook a meal, how could one dare to present rice covered in dust and ash as an offering? What is more, there is good reason for the sages to teach that uncooked rice should not be eaten. If an offering is rank and filthy, it must all the more be made clean before the exalted Lord on High. If it cannot be made clean, how can the principles of the spirits be brought to light? You worthy ones should make your accomplishments shine; do not neglect your duties. The nourishment of the Dao does not lie in flavor, so why seek the skill of Yi Ya, the cook famed for discerning tastes? If you crave novelty in food, do not let yourself be tainted by the greed of Zi Gong, whose forefinger was said to foretell delicacies. Keep careful watch over the kitchen, and strive to cultivate the heavenly rank earned through virtue.

Ji and Guo

We set out a shelter to welcome wandering souls, meeting twice each year. At Peng Mountain, too, we can hear the subtle Dao, as though reunited after a thousand years. Time flies; youth is like blossoms in spring. How long can a life last? The north wind sweeps up sand and dust, and dead branches howl in the cold. You have endured a hard journey to reach us.

Within the Four Seas, all are brothers. Once we meet, it is like immortals coming together. In former days, the Dark Master showed us the right road leading to the gate of the hidden realm. Now the Teacher, moved by compassion, has widely opened a ferry to rescue those lost in the sea of suffering. By what karmic affinity have we received this guidance and aid? Life and righteousness are both things I cherish; fortunately, I have encountered this chance, as though I could have both fish and bear’s paw.

Can the wealthy take pride in their wealth? Can the poor and lowly take pride in their poverty? Do not imitate the sandpiper and the clam, locked in struggle until both are ruined. Snow can be used to season food; clouds rise high, seeming to cleanse the heart. The flavor of the Dao lingers, and good thoughts come to light. With Heaven and Earth so vast, why be troubled by gloom on a rainy night? When Yin reaches its extreme, Yang turns back; the spring breeze will bring news of renewal.

List of the Solitary Souls

Zhuangzi, a leading figure of Daoism, once said that once a person takes on a physical form, that form will one day perish. Ruan Zhan, a renowned scholar of the Wei and Jin periods, once argued that there are no ghosts, yet what he later encountered told a different story. From this we can see that the workings of Yin and Yang are profound; the existence of ghosts and spirits cannot be affirmed or denied on the basis of just one view.

Could the ancients have deceived us with tales of Bo You and Peng Sheng appearing as spirits? The injustice suffered by Marquis Dou Ying of Wei Qi and Guan Fu is also recorded in reliable histories. Life continues from one generation to the next, and then fades away; from ancient times to the present, all things have kept changing. The Golden Valley Garden once rang with songs and dances of splendor. Who sings and dances there now? The flowers and trees of Pingquan Manor were beautiful, but how many people ever saw them with their own eyes? Descendants pass away like flowing water; all we see is the sun rising in the east and setting in the west as time moves ceaselessly on.

Some people in this world have no spouse, while others are left alone and without support. Among the common people, too, many are poor and helpless. Some are struck by illness and left weak or paralyzed; others die young, unconscious and unaware. Half of the lives taken or lost by Heaven fall among these people. They endure every kind of hardship, pressed on all sides by poverty and illness, with sorrows in their hearts too many to recount. In the end, they all die; and without descendants to make offerings to them, they become wandering spirits.

Now, by good fortune, the Yellow Register Purification Rite (Huanglu zhai, a Daoist rite established to pray for the dead and guide their souls onward) is being held, and the ritual officiants have specially initiated the profound liturgy. May you have food and hunger no more, clothing and cold no more. The blessed affinities of the revered scriptures of the Thirty-Six Sections, and the twelve thousand golden tablets—symbols of precious sacred scriptures and merits for guiding the dead—are blessings rarely encountered. May all your hun and qi proceed to the Dao of the immortals or the Buddhist path, with a way open to each; may the Gates of Heaven and the Gates of Humanity both be accessible.

After leaving the Yellow Altar and turning back to bid farewell, may you ride the refreshing wind of the immortal isle of Penglai and journey onward with ease. May your names be entered in the registers of the Cinnabar Palace, the abode of immortals, and may you ultimately enter the azure heaven, precious as a grain-sized pearl. May all the souls rejoice and ascend smoothly.

Announcement to the Ritual Officers and Attendants

Within the vast expanse of the Great Void, cloud forms appear like the patterns of talismanic script; the Dao makes itself visible through writing. Wind, thunder, and subtle, wondrous currents of Qi (vital energy) all depend on being held within the heart. Consider, too, how the sun, moon, and mountains are spread throughout heaven and earth yet follow one and the same principle. Heaven and humanity can likewise communicate and unite.

Lu Gong eventually became a divine official in the Thunder Ministry, while Fu Yue took his place among the stars. General Li was never ennobled as a marquis during his lifetime, but his achievements must surely earn him promotion in the ranks of heavenly nobility. Zhang Xun, known as Zhang Suiyang, held fast to his resolve to kill the enemy even as he faced death; he too will stir the unfulfilled aspirations of heroes. Although the essence of the Dao arises from nature, the practice of its arts still depends on established rites and ceremonies for commanding the spirits.

The Jade Terrace rises high; from the jade chariot, one gazes toward the celestial court. Golden slips join with Fulu (talismans and registers), and the key to the sacred book turns. Through these means, numinous winds are set in motion and the sun of wisdom shines clear, guiding people to find their way home and cross the waters of confusion. Even the darkest place in the Nine Depths, the remote underworld, can be lit by a single inch of sincere devotion. In one’s conduct, the essential thing is to accord with the Great Dao and save and deliver others; supernatural powers are not what deserve honor. Continue to do good, and auspicious signs will gradually arrive, bringing the joyous blessings of the immortals. Rewards should be assigned according to merit, allowing the deserving to advance by special promotion through the ranks of heavenly office.

Register of Ranks

Fasting and purification are undertaken to serve the Celestial Emperor. They should begin with the essentials and then extend to ritual forms and formal language. The Dao is not far removed from ordinary people, so how could it consist only of general principles, without concrete details? May all those serving at the Yellow Altar, where Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual) is performed, understand this: you are all members of the court assembly in the Purple Palace, the celestial offices of the immortals. Your rituals must be orderly, and your admonitions earnest.

Let your words be a standard and your actions a model. Be as careful as if your sovereign and father were standing before you. Neither spoken words nor written characters should be treated lightly. Believe that the way of the immortals can be learned and practiced. Walk in accordance with the rules, and turn in accordance with the proper forms. Do not think that you may be careless because no one sees you, or act without restraint because no one hears you. If you are censured for a fault, whom can you blame?

Even copying a single character of the Huangting Jing, an important Daoist scripture, incorrectly counts as a fault. Such a mistake cannot be reported on a Gengshen day, a day associated in Daoist belief with the examination of human good and evil; so why fear the Three Corpses, the spirits within the body who report people’s faults to Heaven? Let us all swear together before Heaven, with an oath as clear as the shining sun.

Tea Register

The magical delicacy of the sea, famed in the legends of the immortals, sends its brilliance soaring toward the Milky Way. The auspicious herbs of the mountains are gathered, their fragrance seeming to mingle with that of sweetflag and meadowsweet. Through extraordinary skill of the highest order, one draws in the essence of the finest talents. As for the Celestial Master, he was descended from a clan of the Han dynasty and was born with an immortal root. His insight into the Dao was profound and subtle, and he clearly perceived the “water of Zhongdong” (the reference here is unclear). The shoots of goodness flourished; let us set aside, for now, the tea buds of Mengding. Purple orchids and fragrant cassia accompanied him, while red herbs and auspicious grain stood close at hand. A gentle thunderclap shook open the pods, rousing people from their drowsiness.

The immortal root, bright as the moon, embodies the subtle flavor of the Dao and clearly perceives the water of Zhongdong. The shoots of goodness flourish; let us set aside, for now, the tea buds of Mengding. Purple orchids and fragrant cassia lean toward one another, while red herbs and auspicious grain stand close at hand. Gentle thunder shakes open the pods, waking everyone from their drowsiness. The tea cake is round as the moon, its crystalline brilliance strikingly vivid. All who have tasted it know its flavor; they speak of it together, while deep in the root of the tongue, its meaning is quietly understood. It is as though one were to wave a banner of emerald plumes and ascend Penglai, with a fresh breeze rising beneath both arms. Holding a blue jade disc, one goes to pay court to He (the reference is unclear), and joy reaches the ninth heaven.

The sun slowly climbs to a height of thirty feet. The five-thousand-character book of the Dao is presented with composure. Fine verses gather naturally within a stone cauldron, and a fine reputation spreads anew among golden cups. White-snow-like tea foam and the shadows of flowers swirl in the bowl; a fragrance is faintly sensed at the tip of the nose. A spirit of benevolence quietly gathers, like buds of pearl and jade, bringing spring back early to the palm. One nods and steps forward, calm and attentive, to serve the tea.

Wine inscription

Fine wine is set out on the yellow altar. The vital energies of Heaven and Earth turn, and Yang energy begins to arise. In the dark pavilion, cups are raised in celebration; the grand rites are complete, and blessings of every kind are gathered with them. The bamboo grove and pine trees seem drunk with joy, while the apes and cranes appear to welcome the occasion. With reverence, we praise the Celestial Master: the Dao’s primordial Qi is noble and far-reaching, and this is a time when the sacred Dao mountain flourishes in splendor. Sweet, harmonious energy descends like nectar; auspicious clouds and fragrant breezes fill the abodes of the immortals.

Raise a ladle to scoop the heavenly nectar, and the spirit rises beyond the mundane. Set down the cup and ask the bright moon a question, in unhurried delight, untouched by worldly dust. The intoxication mingles with fine wine from Qingzhou; its flavor is rich as the ceremonial wine in a jade goblet, holding the mystery of the Yellow Center. Immersed in the flavor of the Dao, we cultivate the bearing of immortals. A heart filled with deep and abundant goodness brews joy that overflows and spreads among all. Why speak again of the wondrous fragrance of wine aged for a thousand days? The Son of Heaven summons us, as if to drink our fill amid the spring colors of the palace. One can imagine that when the feast ends, a vermilion decree will be delivered from beside the phoenix, bestowing imperial wine. Tap the jade flask, cool as ice, and think of the Dao minister’s heart, clear as still water. Point to the nectar on the golden stalk and smile at the dew gathered on the immortal’s palm. The wine is rich, and the fragrance of sweetflag and meadowsweet is close at hand.

Water Lantern List

The water lanterns are reflected on the surface, seeming to blossom into paired lotus flowers, one upright and one inverted. The light of Heaven shines across water and sky, revealing the hazy, ethereal isle of Penglai. Even the depths of the nine abysses seem free of night; a thousand floating lights shimmer with the promise of spring, their radiance seeming to outshine the sun and moon. The lights appear to stretch all the way to the sea and join the Milky Way. Fish and dragons leap and wheel through the surging waves, making one wonder whether luminous pearls are swimming there.

Yet all this golden radiance comes from the brushstrokes of those gathered here. With offerings of rice wrapped in leaves to honor Qu Yuan, why summon his spirit again? As blossoms rise with the waves, one may recite Su Dongpo’s verses. Wherever the lantern light reaches, even the shadowed places are bathed in its glow.

Universal Salvation Covenant List

The precious moon has become full once more; only then is the jade axe, said to have shaped the lunar disk, set aside. The spring breeze blows through nine nights, and the sacred ordinances are opened. All around is solemn and still; neither dust nor chariots are stirred. Immortal carriages glide in, leaving no trace. The five kinds of wandering souls that are difficult to deliver are entered in the registers and clearly distinguished; the beings of the underworld are classified in their proper order. Facing the ten directions, we hang this covenant proclamation aloft in the air.

Once the moon was full again, the jade axe at last came to rest. The spring breeze blew through nine nights, and the Golden Statutes—the rules governing Daoist purification rituals—were opened. The carts and horses of the mortal world fell silent. The immortals’ carriages floated past, leaving no trace. The Five Difficulties, the obstacles spoken of in cultivation and rites for the dead, were settled one by one, and the Three Darknesses, names associated with the netherworld, were thereby set apart. The worlds of the ten directions appeared in the sky, while a single precious pearl gathered all things within it. The principles of creation and transformation operated naturally within this scene, making it possible to save widely the souls of the dead in the netherworld. Cranes carried messages and proclaimed the dragon script; clouds rose. With solemn care, people remembered their ancestors and fully declared their purity and sincerity. May the dead leave their suffering behind and ascend to the ranks of the immortals. This is the moment to look up to and follow the wondrous Dao of salvation—and Heaven truly watches over it all.

Collected Record of Goodness, Scroll One, completed.

Collected Record of Goodness, Scroll Two

A prayer by Madam Li, who established a grand Ninefold Netherworld rite for the ascent and salvation of her deceased husband, descendants, and lonely souls, and performed a formal Zhengjiao rite

The rites of marriage and the great matters of life and death both deserve solemn attention. After fasting and bathing, Heaven and Earth bear witness. I have received Heaven’s permission to complete this rite, and so I now set forth these precious liturgical forms and publicly express my gratitude.

I, Madam Li, reflect that my share of good fortune is meager, and the blessings I received could not last. In the space of two years, seven funerals followed one another: my husband died, and then my sons as well. Alone, I mourned and saw off loved ones from three generations; my daughter died young, and my grandchildren also passed away early. During this time, I repeatedly encountered illnesses that caused fear and unease. Some said the calamities had another source. The spirits were angered, and disasters followed one after another. I dared not live at ease, and I knew in my heart that I was guilty. I once purified myself and observed the fast, hoping to dispel my offenses and aid beings in the Six Realms. Yet it is better to turn sincerely to a famous mountain, establish an altar, and pray for Heaven to grant life. Vast Heaven above, with pure water I lay bare my thoughts.

May the Great Dao give rise to the spirits, and may its compassion abandon no living being. May the immortals’ rite of nine refinements move the spirits, freeing the dead from their offenses and admitting them through the gate of liberation. May life in the human world be renewed, and may the path of hidden entanglements—known as Fulian, a term associated with calamity and unresolved grievances—be forever blocked. May the day of receiving blessings at last arrive, and may good deeds be accumulated in repayment to Heaven.

Prayer for the Preliminary Altar Rite

The Supreme God is supremely benevolent and is always concerned that people may stray from the proper human way. Even after ordinary people die, true liturgical rites for aiding the dead have been handed down. Now that I am old and have lost one close relative after another, how could I not grieve? And who can open a path to life for those who have already passed away?

Thus, with a heart of utmost sincerity, I have reverently and solemnly established a jade altar. May the ritual patterns of the Five Models be guided by a pure and subtle current, sustaining the mysterious rites. The nine gates of Heaven open like clouds; may the dead be granted an audience with the clear radiance of the heavenly realm.

By widely extending the virtue of loving and protecting life, one may move the Most High to send down radiance. Deep and enduring remembrance of one’s ancestors leads one to perform solemn rites at dawn and pray for Heaven’s mandate. Each day, through a single current of Qi (vital energy), Heaven and humanity are brought into communication. The bright Yang Qi reaches the pivot of transformation, allowing the spirits of the Three Powers—Heaven, Earth, and humanity—to meet, while bringing comfort to the dead beneath the Nine Springs. Jade writings are spread through the cycles of calamity to guide the way for immortals and spirits. Golden tablets convey the cinnabar writings, joining them to the sincere hearts of ordinary people.

Midday Court Invocation

At dawn I serve the Celestial Emperor and observe the fast with sincerity, yet still feel I have not fully expressed my devotion. At midday I go to pay court, lay before the throne the calamities in my household, and earnestly ask that my plea be presented on my behalf. Because of invading forces, a young member of my family has died; my grief is beyond words. All day I examine my faults and regret the calamity, hoping only for Heaven’s protection. Even amid hardship, a path to ease may open. I pray that the Lords of the Northern Dipper will quell the disasters that follow one upon another, that the radiance of the Southern Palace will shine through, and that the departed may be delivered and freed.

Evening Court Invocation

In the quiet hall on an autumn night, I reflect on the many hardships of human life. By night, I perform the court rite in accordance with ritual and recite and present the subtle words read by the young attendants. I pray that the Daoist rite will open a light in the netherworld, and that its grace will nourish the four quarters like fertile rain, helping both the dead and the living. May Heaven’s mandate be secure and the human world at peace. May I be fortunate enough to enjoy peace in old age, and may my descendants grow ever more prosperous, flourishing like fresh shoots of orchid.

Invocation Prepared in Advance for the Primordial Lady’s Recommendation of the Thirty-Seventh Celestial Master, Xiwei

This is the title of the text, “Invocation Prepared in Advance for the Primordial Lady’s Recommendation of the Thirty-Seventh Celestial Master, Xiwei.” “Recommendation” refers to recommending and delivering the spirit of the deceased. “Prepared-in-advance invocation” refers to a prayer text composed beforehand.

Alas, the son set out on a long journey and eventually died far from home, never to return. Heaven sees all and takes pity on the people, who have nowhere to turn with their suffering. His mother leaned by the gate, waiting until all hope was gone; then she held a Zhaijiao (purification ritual) and sincerely recited prayers.

We respectfully recall that so-and-so had followed the Daoist lineage for three years before packing his belongings and traveling ten thousand li from home. He had hoped to rely on the blessings of his ancestors and had chanced upon an opportunity, but illness kept him stranded in a distant land. How could he have died so young? When the tragic news arrived, it pierced the heart like a knife; seeing the coffin brought from afar made the grief almost unbearable. The bond between mother and son runs deep, and life and death are among life’s greatest matters. Now, with reverence, we take refuge in the teachings of the Patriarchs: first we sweep and cleanse the home, then we perform the rite.

May the Qi of the four directions be clear and bright, and the clouds of five colors spread wide. May the north not hold him for long. May the Heavenly Emperor send three emissaries to summon the departed soul. May the Immeasurable Savior of the East Pole, a Daoist deity who delivers the dead, guide him onward. In accordance with the scriptures and ritual method, may the scriptures be recited ten times.

Morning Prayer on the Second Day

Dawn breaks over a dim and boundless scene, but the son can no longer be seen, dressed and ready to bow farewell to his mother. The heartfelt grief of mortals can only be conveyed to Heaven through a written petition. We respectfully welcome the deities of the Ten Directions and Three Realms as they descend, at the opening of the six daily acts of worship on the second day.

May sunlight shine everywhere and an edict be issued: let word be sent to the departed soul wandering in the northern wilderness, granting him release from suffering. May his name be entered in the registers of the immortals of Pengying, the legendary islands in the sea, so that he may be delivered and rise to a higher realm.

Midday Prayer

At midday, the hope that the son might return in the light of day has come to nothing. May the spirits seem present before us as we reverently arrange the incense and lay bare our hearts. The cries of one mourning a son are full of sorrow; the heart turns urgently toward Heaven.

May the Jade Heaven, the Daoist celestial realm, bestow its gracious favor, and may the Golden Palace, the Heavenly Emperor’s court, issue its decree of mercy. May the Court of Flowing Fire open wide and cleanse the departed of all the stains of past offenses, so that he may enter the Office of Great Mystery in the celestial realm to serve, and thereby ascend to a higher realm.

Evening Prayer

Now evening has come, the time to retire, yet the eldest son can no longer appear in his room. At night the purification rite is held, and the assembled holy ones and perfected beings still descend to the altar. We carefully follow Daoist ritual forms and sincerely pray for Heaven’s compassionate attention.

May the Court of Flowing Fire open at night and cleanse the departed of all the stains of past offenses, so that he may enter the Office of Great Mystery to serve, and thereby ascend to a higher realm.

When night has grown deep and quiet and the family is asleep, the eldest son is absent from the bedroom. The Zhaijiao rite—the Daoist ceremony of establishing an altar and making offerings to the gods—still includes the evening liturgy, and the sacred perfected beings descend once more to the altar. We respectfully follow the prescribed liturgical rules and sincerely pray for communion with Heaven. May the night Qi be clear and pure, so that the heavenly perfected beings may come to guide the departed soul beyond this world and grant it eternal ease and freedom. May mother and son also be bound by fate, and perhaps meet in a dream.

Morning Liturgy on the Third Day

The dawn sun rises among the trees; sorrowfully, we watch the crows feed their parents. Before the altar, we look up to vast Heaven, bearing the hope of pardon and longing for a phoenix, like the rising sun, to descend. We bathe, burn incense, take refuge, and submit to the command; bowing low, we pray for grace. May Heaven’s gate open wide, allowing the departed to pay homage in the heavenly realm. May Heaven remember the descendants of Yangping, admit him to the ranks of the immortals, grant him the true transmission of the Jade Bureau, and let him hear the Great Dao firsthand.

Midday Liturgy

As the daylight lengthens, we think of mother and son separated in north and south, each traveling a different road, and grief fills our hearts. Heaven’s majesty is close at hand; seeing the mother grow old and the son remain young, how can we not grieve? Once more we set out pure water, our sorrow profound. May Heaven issue its talismanic command, and may Zhu Ling, the southern immortal realm in Daoist tradition, send down its decree. May the departed return in a feathered carriage and briefly look upon the old home; may he enter the jeweled orb, hear the pure sound of the Dao, and suddenly awaken to his former mistakes.

Evening Liturgy

White hair shines in the lamplight; the dream of recognizing one another by the ring is gone forever. Now we perform the Jade-Refining liturgy prescribed in the Golden Books and Cinnabar Tablets. The night is still and quiet, and the merits of the Zhaijiao rite are complete. May the celestial signs reveal auspiciousness and the emperor’s grace spread far and wide. May the departed leave the mortal world, ascend to perfection, and become an immortal; may he restore the original Qi of Heaven, Earth, mountains, and rivers, and teach the scriptures and the Dao, understanding the natural cycles of life and death, day and night.

Evening Liturgy

White hair shines in the lamplight; the dream of recognizing one another by the ring is gone forever. Now we perform the Jade-Refining liturgy prescribed in the Golden Books and Cinnabar Tablets. The night is still and quiet; the Zhaijiao talismanic command has been issued before the altar, and the decree has descended at Zhu Ling. May the departed return in a feathered carriage and briefly look upon the old home; may he enter the jeweled orb, hear the pure sound of the Dao, and suddenly awaken to his former mistakes.

Petition for the Celestial Master’s Return from Audience at the Mountain, by Imperial Command, to Perform the Golden-Nickel Fasting Rite

The emperor said: We respectfully choose an auspicious day to express reverence for the mountains, rivers, and the altars of Soil and Grain, the gods of the land and harvest. We serve Heaven with ritual and music, preparing jade, silk, drums, bells, and all the other offerings. This is the moment when Heaven, Earth, and humanity—the Three Powers—communicate with one another in sincerity, and when the breath is first harmonized in solemn reverence. At the ceremony, gold and jade are laid out upon the ground, and the scenes in all four directions are as dignified as fine jade. Gazing up at the first stirrings of Virtue, how could we dare show the slightest neglect? Receiving Heaven’s radiant authority, we dare not stray even half a step. The cloud chariot stands in solemn splendor, and the starry canopy gleams brightly. An edict is issued, summoning the people to assemble. Spirits and humans unite, and blessings arrive in keeping with the seasons. Auspicious signs descend; the sun shines more brightly and the moon more clearly. The sun, moon, and five planets move in harmony, and there is no need to take up arms.

Words for the Morning Court

The sun rises, and we perform the ancient rite of welcoming the sun. Yao followed the Way of Heaven and became a great ruler. Heaven bestows blessings and issues its commands; Tang of Shang engraved “renew yourself each day” upon a basin to keep himself vigilant. Preserve the clear, fresh energy of the early morning. Preside over court with reverence and composure, as though the spirits stood before you. May the emperor keep this in mind and gather blessings for all living beings, so that the world does not stray from the imperial Way. May the realm enjoy abundant harvests, and may the spring and autumn annals of later ages not claim all the fame.

Words for the Morning Court

The sun rises, and we perform the ancient rite of welcoming the sun. Yao followed the Way of Heaven and became a great ruler. Heaven bestows blessings and issues its commands; Tang of Shang engraved “renew yourself each day” upon a basin to keep himself vigilant. Preserve the clear, fresh energy of the early morning. Preside over court with reverence and composure, as though the spirits stood before you. May the emperor keep this in mind, gather blessings, and bestow them upon all living beings. May the realm live up to the Supreme Norm, the just and balanced Way by which an emperor governs the world, and enjoy a bountiful harvest year after year. May the worthy rulers of the Spring and Autumn period not stand alone in their renown.

Words for the Midday Court

The sun shines with radiant light; we look up and receive the lesson of the sun and moon shining together. The heavens hang high above us, and we dare not disobey the command to act in accordance with Heaven. The spirits manifest in their vastness above, and the emperor continually displays divine authority. The Supreme Pole, the abode of the Heavenly Emperor or the Way of Heaven, receives the court’s homage; the celestial palace assigns its charges. The Divine Land is the foundation of the realm: may the Nine Provinces be secure and steadfast. The people of the capital region are simple and sincere: may governance throughout the four quarters be clear, and the whole realm be well ordered.

Words for the Evening Court

As autumn begins and evening draws near, we must still serve Heaven with sincerity. A single measure of sincerity shines forth on its own. Preserve the clear energy that first arises at night, and use it to honor the Way of Heaven. In the deep stillness, let there be no selfish thoughts; through caution and diligence, Heaven’s mandate is fulfilled. Vigorously carry forward the work of our ancestors and support the state. Though seated upon the imperial throne, do not dwell on imperial power; truly rely on the Way of governing that sustains the foundations of the state. The emperor sits in the Bright Hall, the ancient place where the Son of Heaven deliberated on affairs of state and performed sacrifices, and governs the world, yet dares not depart from the foundations of virtuous rule.

Words for the Orthodox Sacrifice

The state honors the lineage heir, the eldest legitimate son of the clan, here referring to the emperor, as one would cherish a precious treasure. His father is a stern and upright ruler, and in everyday matters he should seek his counsel. In carrying out his duties, he dares not transgress them; each day he openly and sincerely gives thanks to the spirits for their support. Ritual gives expression to the heart, while sincerity is prized for its ability to reach the spirits. Regard the people as one’s kin and all things as one’s kind; govern the world with a benevolence that treats all alike. Let customs become wholesome and achievements in government shine forth, fully revealing the blessings of the Three Powers—Heaven, Earth, and humanity.

Prayer of Preliminary Announcement on the Thousand-Autumn Festival

The emperor bears a great responsibility, carrying on the work of his forebears with the support of Heaven and Earth. The rites are performed to express sincerity; only with sincere devotion can blessings be received. He regards the people as his kin and all things as belonging to the same kind, treating them equally with benevolence. Customs are refined, government succeeds, and the virtue of the Three Powers—Heaven, Earth, and Humanity—is fully revealed.

Prayer of Preliminary Announcement on the Thousand-Autumn Festival

The emperor inherits a great responsibility and continues the work entrusted by Heaven and Earth. He nurtures the people in due season and devotes himself to observing the workings of Heaven and Earth. His sincerity surpasses what offerings of jade and silk can express, while the rites are solemnly performed on a terrace like a celestial palace. He early purifies himself of worldly dust and reverently receives Heaven’s lofty decree. When the Son of Heaven travels, a carriage adorned with luan birds leads the way; within the palace, word of the imperial procession is heard with reverence. A Golden Register (jinlu), a document used in Daoist rituals to pray for blessings and avert calamity, is presented to convey Heaven’s mysterious intent; the evening offering is not delayed.

Prayer for the Third Morning

Heaven sincerely protects the people, and each day the emperor examines the duties he bears in the Green Palace, the residence and title of the heir apparent. From morning until noon, he reverently pays homage to the Purple Pole, symbol of the celestial emperor or the imperial palace. In reflecting on himself, the emperor truly comes to feel awe; he devotes his whole heart to asking distant spirits to look upon him with favor and grant blessings to the state and ancestral temple, so that the dynasty may endure. Through self-cultivation and diligent study, he has long laid the foundations for maturity and virtue. When serving his elders in the two palaces, he is gentle and gracious, warm as spring, attending to them at dawn and dusk and providing for his parents.

Prayer for the Principal Offering

The state has its roots in the ancestors and bears the duty of carrying on their legacy; how could it dare to abandon that charge? Spring, the first month of the lunar year, brings forth new life and presides over the source of all things’ generation, which is thereby made manifest. On the emperor’s birthday, incense offerings are respectfully sent, and a Golden Register Zhaijiao, a Daoist ritual to pray for blessings and avert calamity, is performed at a famous mountain. Heaven is not far away; it is as though the celestial emperor were present to observe. In governing the state and commanding its armies, the emperor depends on support in both domestic and external affairs. In serving his parents and attending to their food and daily needs, he fulfills his filial and loyal duties toward sovereign and kin.

Prayer of Preliminary Announcement

The court arranges the rites according to the stars and solemnly dispatches its envoys. The regional military governors obey the court’s decree and begin the rites with reverence, following the prescribed altar ceremonies. From the cloud-kissed, jade-bright palaces above descends sweet rain; the dust and wind around the Golden Hall seem wholly cleansed and stilled. The celestial emperor’s decree brings springlike warmth, and the state’s sincerity is reverently declared at night. All take their places according to ritual protocol, preparing to attend court the next day. In the ninefold palace, the roads along which the imperial carriages pass gleam with light; all this is ordained by Heaven.

Prayer for the Morning Audience

The sun chariot rises and travels along the ecliptic, as the morning court assembles in solemn dignity. Immortals surround the imperial procession with auspicious clouds like red mists, while the imperial road stretches through the sky. The ministers express their sincere devotion to the state and pray for calamities such as fire and earth disasters to be dispelled. Though the ruler’s De (Virtue/Power) can move Heaven, the imperial command must first be carried out. The stars happen to lie between Yi and Zhen, and many favorable and auspicious signs gather around the ruler. The moon passes over the regions of Jin and Qin, where auspicious Qi (vital energy) converges from three directions, bringing abundant blessings.

Words for the Midday Court

The Grand Astrologer calculates the calendar from celestial signs, seeking to avert calamities for the state and determine good and ill fortune. On a spring day, the Court pays homage to the Origin (chaoyuan), a Daoist rite venerating the Celestial Worthies, including the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning. In this way, the ruler’s close attendants express their respectful and reverent devotion. Praying for blessings is a minister’s duty, and the ruler, too, can transform fear of calamity. The ministers address the divine in prayer, proclaim their petitions, and wait quietly for Heaven’s mandate. If the sun and moon fall out of their proper sequence, the Dao of Heaven is in disorder, and the stars reveal ominous signs to the earth. May auspicious Qi gather around the ruler, and may his De long support the sovereign.

Words for the Evening Court

The officials in charge of the calendar observe the stars, noting their movements and changes in the heavens, and then submit their reports to the throne. Acting under imperial orders, they perform ancestral rites and pray for the state’s blessings; at night, they cultivate a tranquil and still Qi and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning. The halting and retrograde motion of Mars, called Yinghuo in ancient times, is difficult to predict, but Daoist Keyi (liturgy) can be used to establish an altar and avert its ill effects. With the guiding principles in place, it is no difficult matter to alter the fortunes indicated by the stars. So long as the rites of the ancestral temple remain free of trouble, springlike harmony will fall upon the palace, the imperial descendants will receive blessings, and joy will fill the court.

Words for the Principal Purification Rite

Qian is the father, Kun the mother. Observing where the stars halt or move backward helps clarify the signs of Heaven. Heaven takes shape as the sun, moon, and stars; Earth gives form to the myriad things. For this reason, the state has rites to offer sacrifices and avert calamities. Daoist ritual implements are reverently arranged in the Jade Palace, and a blue petition, written on blue wisteria paper and submitted to the celestial court, is presented at the Pure Capital, the residence of the Heavenly Emperor. Prayers are offered to the star deities one by one, asking that their grace descend upon the ruler and his consort. A brief prayer alone can drive back an ill-omened star; there is no need to praise only the portents of disaster and good fortune recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals. May the primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth rest in the center and protect the state and its people for ages to come. May blessings reach the imperial heir, and may joy endure among the descendants of the imperial clan.

Words for the Sage’s Birthday

Reverently receiving Heaven’s mandate and shouldering the great responsibility of carrying on the imperial line, I know that although the throne endures without end, succeeding to the legacy of my predecessors is no easy task. At the start of my reign, after two periods of purification, I reflected on myself and served the Highest Lord with reverence. I performed a Golden Register purification rite, a Daoist rite for praying for blessings and dispelling calamities, and submitted petitions according to the liturgies recorded in the jade register. I have been careful in word and deed and committed no transgressions. I have already respectfully performed the rite of paying homage to the Origin, venerating the celestial deities. The spirits’ majesty is manifest, so I have offered my utmost sincerity and ascribed the merit to Heaven. I have sent memorials far up to the azure heavens and once more set forth these petitions on blue-green paper.

May the wondrous workings of creation be accomplished through Wuwei (non-action), and may the imperial lineage flourish through the generations. May Yin-Yang be harmonized, the winds and rains arrive in season, and all living beings enjoy peace and well-being. May the assisting ministers be worthy, all things grow and thrive, and the countries under Heaven remain stable and orderly.

Prayer for a Purification Rite to Preserve the Living and Deliver the Departed

Having brought illness upon myself through accumulated misdeeds, I bow to the ground in self-examination, remember the dead, and pray for the safety of the living. I look up to Heaven and call out, asking that life be preserved. With a sincere heart I voice my grief, yet fear disturbing the distant and mysterious heavens. I think of the remorse that has gathered within me, and of the young cut down before their time; their souls wander apart, and calamity follows. The dead cannot return to life, while the living suffer afflictions—how can their safety be assured? Both life and death are in peril, and the fear and sorrow are the same. So I purified myself at a famous mountain and earnestly laid my plea before the celestial palace. Following the liturgy, I established a Golden Tablet purification rite, a Daoist rite in which petitions are offered on golden tablets, and sincerely performed an offering rite to pray to the deities.

May the eminent and supremely benevolent deities extend their boundless mercy and bestow broad-reaching talismans of deliverance, freeing all living beings from suffering. May the virtue of cherishing life reach in every direction, allowing people to live out their years, their families to flourish, and all to receive Heaven’s grace forever.

Opening Prayer for the Overnight Retreat of the Bingyin Universal Salvation Purification Rite

Attentive to the intentions of Heaven and Earth, we cherish the living beings of spring and feel compassion for the souls of the dead in the nine nights. This is the dwelling place of the immortals. Though thousands of miles may lie between us, we must entrust it with our sincere devotion. Following the wondrous rites, we first made our pledge, then composed a Green Petition—a blue-green memorial presented to the gods in Daoist ritual—and offered it up.

I reflected that we should treat all things with equanimity and extend our own intentions to others. I have heard that great mountains often hold rituals of universal salvation for the souls of the dead. Though I am confined to a small corner of the world, I should still keep this aspiration in my heart. Those pitiable souls who, with no one to make offerings for them, become wandering spirits—if we can help them pass beyond and ascend, how much more should we keep our own loved ones in mind? How could we leave them behind?

As I said before, we should put ourselves in others’ place, help wandering spirits pass beyond, and hold fast to this resolve. Our words are as clear as sunlight, and our sincere hearts accord with the will of Heaven. Having solemnly informed the gods and been the first to take up this cause, how could we fail to put it into practice ourselves and see it through to the end? The altar rites are solemn and pure; the ranks and pathways open freely, as clouds and mist disperse. May the Five Qi, the five primal energies that make up all things in Heaven and Earth, gather into perfection; may the Three Spirits, the numinous energies of Heaven, Earth, and humanity, harmonize and respond to one another. May the wondrous Daoist influence bring forth all things and open anew the primordial realm of Taiji. May the moon of the Dao shine brightly and illuminate the deepest darkness.

Morning Court Invocation

Clouds and rosy light illuminate the palace of the Emperor Lord. The Song of Universal Grace, which invokes blessings for all, greets the rising sun and guides living beings onward. The immortal steps gleam jade green; everyone stands solemnly in formation as the court rite is held at daybreak. Sunlight falls on the sunflower turning toward the sun, and spring’s vitality leaves no plant untouched. Heaven and Earth bring forth life without end, and the power of the Dao never ceases. Light rises in the east, just as it does this morning. As for the joy of facing south and ruling the world, what could surpass the happiness entrusted to this court rite?

Midday Court Invocation

The mystery of the Dao appears before the patterns and images of the Changes take shape; among the Eight Trigrams, it is revealed in the Li trigram. Yang energy sprouts from a state of stillness and constancy, displaying the return and renewed vitality symbolized by the Fu hexagram. We look up to the Vermilion Numen, a deity revered in Daoism, and pray for the gift of life. We hope to receive the Golden Writ, a celestial register or divine mandate bestowed by the gods, and thereby fulfill our purpose. The Three Qi blend in harmony, and a single radiance shines everywhere. Through refinement, the sun’s soul becomes clearly manifest from the hidden workings of the subtle aperture. When one’s inborn nature is left undisturbed, one transcends the ordinary and accords with the utmost Dao.

Evening Court Invocation

The assembly stands in ordered ranks, like a flock of cranes and a spread of stars, and performs the evening rite with solemn precision. With a memorial inscribed in dragon patterns, we present our petition to the gods. Through refinement and deliverance, the souls of the dead become clearly manifest from the hidden workings of the subtle aperture. When one’s inborn nature is left undisturbed, one transcends the ordinary and accords with the utmost Dao.

The crane-shaped arrangement is scattered like stars, standing solemnly in the evening rite. A memorial adorned with dragon patterns is presented, still beaded with dew, amid the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of night. With sincere reverence, we serve the Celestial Emperor, proclaim the teachings, and carry forward the great vow to deliver people from suffering. Beneath the radiance of wisdom, the heart is clear and bright as a mirror. Meritorious deeds are recorded on jade-inscribed documents, and the sun and moon of the Three Lives—past, present, and future—come into view. Precious talismans prolong people’s allotted years and reopen the cosmic order represented by the Four Images: the Yin-Yang transformations and the cycles of the four seasons.

Prayer for the Zhengjiao Rite

Thunder resounds and rain pours abundantly, washing away at once the accumulated grievances and anguish of the netherworld. Heaven’s light shines clear and Earth’s Qi is pure; the good works and blessings of the Daoist tradition are impartial. Blessings quietly find their proper accord, and the sincere devotion of fasting and prayer is fulfilled.

With reverence, I reflect: I keep in mind the wondrous Great Dao and look up to the orthodox liturgy. That which cannot be named in words was never an ordinary name; only a deliverance that leaves none beyond its reach deserves to be called universal salvation. Thus forgiveness that accords with the heart is opened, bringing to fulfillment the benevolence that nurtures all things. From the Eastern Pole, willow branches quietly sprinkle cool, sweet dew. Within the Beginning Blue millet—tiny sacred matter symbolizing the vitality of life in Daoist rites—is contained the springtime Yang Qi that brings forth all things. Let Dharma’s blessings fall like rain, nourishing all beings; send forth a sacred wind, restoring life to what has withered and decayed. Its efficacy has already become manifest, and in the netherworld there must be no being beyond aid and deliverance.

My offerings are meager; how can they repay such profound grace? I reverently pray that the Nine Perfected Ones gather in joy, and that the radiance of all virtues shine together in harmony. When people seek the Dao with utmost sincerity, worldly affairs are brought to completion and principles become clear of themselves. From the heart, sincerity arises; I venture respectfully to glimpse the whole of Heaven and Earth. May all things find their way freely and smoothly—who could remain outside the vast grace of Heaven and Earth?

May the sacred wind breathe upon what has withered, making its manifest efficacy shine forth, so that all beings in the netherworld may receive deliverance. Though the offerings are few, how can they repay such deep kindness? I reverently pray that the Nine Perfected Ones gather in joy and that the virtues of all shine brightly together in harmony. People seek the Dao with utmost sincerity; when worldly affairs are fully ordered, principle becomes clear. May sincerity arising from the heart glimpse the whole of Heaven and Earth, and may all things be at peace. Who could stand apart from the boundless grace of Heaven and Earth?

Prayer for Deliverance at the Universal Salvation Assembly and Its Concluding Rite

The profound bond between mother and child once led me to pray to the gods to protect my child from harm and illness. Now that death has parted us, my love and grief for my child have no end. I first offer thanks, then make my earnest plea, observing purification through fasting and bathing as an expression of reverence and sincerity.

I think of my late son, [name], born into an ordinary family and frail in health. His body was not properly cared for on one occasion, and he endured a grave illness for a long time. We once prayed to Heaven, asking it to pity him in his tender years and hoping the gods would secretly protect him. Yet, who could have known he would die so young, with medicine unable to help? One loved one after another has passed away, and the grief is unbearable. As the one left behind, I cannot help but blame myself. Since we were not granted the wish to share long lives and good fortune, and since a rite of universal salvation for the dead is now being held, I take this opportunity to use its merit to help him pass on to rebirth.

I earnestly beseech Heaven to look down with compassion and erase the deceased’s offenses from the registers of the netherworld. May the gods of the sun and moon protect my lonely and grieving heart, so that the father may go first and the son follow, and together they may ascend to the highest rank in the realm of the immortals.

The Five Perfected Recommend the Assistant Director of the Hall

Heaven’s grace rescues and delivers without distinction between the netherworld and the world of the living. When ordinary people pray sincerely, it is often because a loved one has died. I make my earnest plea and present these words with a hundred bows.

I think of my late grandson, [name], whose life was marked by misfortune and who has now been gone for many years. When he was still an infant, I took him in and raised him, hoping he would carry on the family line. When he grew up, I planned to arrange a marriage for him, but who could have known he would suddenly die, leaving us parted forever? Though Yin and Yang now divide us, the longing between grandparent and grandchild has no end. Now the time of the Great Auspicious Memorial has arrived—the anniversary marking two years since a loved one’s death. I respectfully perform a Pure Offering, a Daoist purification rite, and use its merit to recommend and deliver his spirit, so that he may rise beyond this world.

I earnestly beseech the Purple Palace, the realm of the immortals, to cleanse him of his faults and grant him transformation through mysterious power. May his original nature become clear and lucid, and may the delusions of the past be dispelled. May the Dao’s teaching fall like rain, nourishing withered spirits far and near, so that all these departed souls may attain freedom and ease.

Opening Petition for the Assembly Leader’s Establishment of a Ninefold Retreat to Recommend and Deliver Kin in the Nine Netherworlds

As time flows on and the sun and moon alternate, my longing for my loved ones grows deeper with each passing day. Heaven and Earth are vast, lofty, and generous; my thoughts of the ancestors endure without end. Seeking a way to approach the Great Dao, I established a jiao offering at a sacred mountain and presented a written prayer. I ought to express my sincerity to the utmost. Through the guidance and kindness of my revered master, precious Dao registers shone with light, the Lingbao liturgy was set in motion, and celestial documents bestowed their commands. The road to Zhuling, where the dead are said to be delivered, remains ever open. This extraordinary grace is truly beyond repayment.

I presented the written prayer three times, and ought to express my sincerity to the utmost. Through the guidance and kindness of my revered master, precious Dao registers shone with light, the Lingbao liturgy was set in motion, and celestial documents bestowed their commands. The road to Zhuling remains ever open. This extraordinary grace is truly beyond repayment.

Prayer for the Three Morning Rituals

Heaven, the Qian trigram, brings things forth; Earth, the Kun trigram, gives them life. The Celestial Worthy descends alone into the ritual. I rise early and retire late, taking part in the morning rites three times each day. By the grace of the immortals’ compassionate rites, which deliver all beings, I am able to fulfill the duty of children to repay their parents. I bow to present my humble plea and lift my face to give thanks for the blessings of the divine perfected ones. May filial devotion move the gods. Remembering that I have received their grace and come here to perform these rites, I bow in shame. I think of how my parents were once with me morning and night, and how now they have gone to their long rest; grief fills my heart.

Prayer for the Principal Jiao Offering

The workings of Heaven and Earth sustain life and renewal among humankind, and their transforming power is without limit. I look up toward the celestial court with reverence, proceeding carefully and respectfully toward the realm of the immortals, and bow my head to voice my deepest sincerity. Thoughts of my parents fill me with sorrow. A child far from home longs for loved ones as grass yearns for the spring sun. A parent’s love is as boundless as the vast heavens, yet I cannot bring them back to life from the long night. Spring rain nourishes plants and trees, yet only deepens my grief for the desolation of my loved ones beneath the Yellow Springs. Their fundamental kindness is impossible to forget, and kin are bound together by affection. With the aid of a Golden Tablet, a Daoist document used to petition the divine or deliver the dead, I seek to open a passage through the netherworld for my departed parents. Following the commands of a jade talisman, I open a path to renewed life. I respectfully establish this pure jiao offering solely to give thanks for the profound grace of the divine.

I humbly pray that the Three Black currents, mysterious forces described in Daoist writings, may circulate and shine; that primordial Qi may begin its movement anew, bringing forth signs of revival in all things; and that Heaven and Earth, transformed from the Supreme Ultimate, may again unfold. May light turn darkness into brightness and once more nourish the land of China. May I remember this grace and see my wishes fulfilled, repaying kindness through the accumulation of De.

Prayer for the Night Vigil for Recommending Sun Zhen

How could we remember our distant ancestors and former masters without relying on the foundation of religious teaching? What could we rely on to give the dead hope of leaving darkness behind and attaining transcendence? With my small measure of sincerity, I respectfully pray to the Three Treasures revered in Daoism: the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters.

When I think of my former master, so-and-so, he was upright in life and committed no other faults in death. The affairs of the world cannot always accord with one another, and people’s judgments of beauty and ugliness, good and evil, are not easily brought into agreement. The mundane world is full of illusion; at times the human heart is clear, at times obscured. Fearing that I have not yet learned to avoid wrongdoing, I pray with a sincere heart. I have therefore put the rites of the Daoist tradition in order, established an altar at a pure Jade Terrace, and performed the rites there.

I respectfully pray that the perfected masters revered in Daoism, the true sovereigns, grant a radiant jade book to illuminate the paths to the gates of the Ten Earths, the layered realms of the underworld. May they circle toward us in a jade-adorned carriage and descend in a chariot from the Nine Heavens. I look up, awaiting your arrival, long have I hoped for it.

Verses for the Three Morning Services

Rising early at dawn, we choose an auspicious day and pray that our departed kin may transcend the underworld. At night, we serve Heaven with reverence and express the respect in our hearts. The morning rite is solemn and orderly; the Heavenly Court is pure and far-reaching. Only the kindness of one’s master must never be forgotten by later generations. The workings of the Great Dao are everywhere and never depart from any thing. Relying on the good path and its blessings, we guide the souls of the dead who wander in the underworld: with a golden tablet, a ritual document that communicates with the gods, we make our appeal above and point directly toward the realm of freedom. At the Cinnabar Terrace, we await the command and journey together through the tranquil heavens.

Verses for the Principal Offering

How could the master who taught and transmitted the teachings be left only beneath the Nine Springs? The Way of Generating Spirit, which enables the dead to rise beyond this world, can still open the realm at the beginning of Taiji. You fulfilled and protected me; how could I dare forget your profound kindness?

When I think of my former master, so-and-so, his bodily form has vanished, yet it was like a flower, never possessing substance. Before the vast sea of darkness, how can one know how to cross beyond it? Fortunately, the subtle rites of Daoist ritual offer a skillful means on which we can rely. May we guide my former master’s soul here and save the suffering spirits, releasing them from every entanglement, so that the three karmic actions of body, speech, and mind no longer bind them. To repay this kindness, I respectfully present offerings and perform the rites with all my heart, reverent as a sunflower turning toward the sun.

I respectfully pray that the numinous sovereign gladly accept these offerings and extend abundant grace. May the Dharma Body and Reward Body show the way to emptiness, and may the paths of Heaven and humanity alike return to tranquility. May these blessings extend to descendants in generations to come, so that they may long enjoy this grace.

Zhang Guoxiang’s Verses for Recommending His Father at the End of the Seventh Seven-Day Period

Record of Gathering Good Deeds

When a father is gone, whom can his children rely on? Thinking of oneself as a child left without that support is deeply sorrowful. People often say that Heaven is lofty and difficult to fathom. Now, grieving for one’s parents, how could one ever repay them, even in the smallest measure? In the end, life’s destination is emptiness. The Way of Heaven and the way of humanity both ultimately return to stillness and purity. The blessings left by ancestors reach their descendants, who will remember and receive them forever.

Zhang Guoxiang’s Memorial for His Father at the End of the Seventh Seven-Day Period

When a father is gone, whom can his children rely on? Thinking of oneself as a child left without that support is deeply sorrowful. People often say that Heaven is lofty and difficult to fathom. Now, grieving for one’s parents, how could one ever repay them? As the forty-ninth day since my late father’s passing approaches, grief continues to rise in my heart.

I remember my late father, so-and-so. Throughout his life, he gave much thought to how he conducted himself, yet he was not especially skilled at making a living. He labored all his life, as though living through a dream. He wished to make fewer mistakes, but could not. I have heard that there are established rites for delivering the dead. How could I neglect my father’s funeral rites? So I put his humble dwelling in order and cleaned it, reverently sought the Mandate of Heaven, and presented a petition to the heavenly court, praying for its grace. I respectfully offered gifts during the ritual and, according to proper ceremony, set up a Pure Offering (a Daoist Zhaijiao purification rite for praying for blessings and commending the deceased).

I beseech the all-embracing benevolence that reaches everywhere, and the vast power of creation that can shelter all beings. Take pity on my sincere remembrance of my ancestor, and widely extend the path of deliverance to all beings. May the deceased, in the boundless, silent, formless Great Void, be free of hardship. And may he, amid the long night, find a way to reform and leave suffering behind.

Zhang Wushan’s Offering to Repay the Protection of His Daughter

A daughter’s illness is as much a cause of worry to her parents as a son’s. When one receives kindness, one ought to repay it; who would dare defy the principles of Heaven? Now my daughter’s illness has indeed answered the vow I made with my humble sincerity. How could I betray the good vow I made at the time?

I recall that earlier, when my daughter, so-and-so, fell ill, her Qi and blood became obstructed … May she, amid the long night, find a way to reform and leave suffering behind.

Zhang Wushan’s Offering to Repay the Protection of His Daughter

A daughter’s illness is as much a cause of worry to her parents as a son’s. When one receives kindness, one ought to repay it; who would dare defy the principles of Heaven? Now my daughter’s illness has indeed answered the vow I made with my humble sincerity. How could I betray the good vow I made at the time?

I recall that my daughter, so-and-so, had Qi and blood obstructed, and a lump formed in her breast, leaving her paralyzed. I prayed with all my heart for the spirits to answer and bestow blessings, hoping she might be spared and live. Now, by their grace, calamity has been dispelled and hardship overcome, and she has been fortunate enough to return to life. Arrangements for her marriage and household have been completed, but I still owed the vow to hold an offering rite. So I swept and cleansed the dwelling and reverently welcomed the spirits’ carriages.

I beseech the auspicious clouds to bring abundant blessings, and the stars to light her fortunate path. May joy fill the household, and may my daughter live in harmony in her husband’s family. May her character flourish, and may she soon fulfill her parents’ hopes. From now on, may all things go smoothly, and may both my daughter and her husband’s family prosper and flourish.

Zhang Zijiang’s Offering to Repay the Protection of the Mother at Yutai

My illness brought me such sorrow that my head ached, yet I could not bear this suffering in my mother’s place. So I prayed with all sincerity, pleading for the heavenly palace to show mercy. I respectfully recited the Precious Petition (Baogao), a prayer praising the deities, and presented the merits of my plea for healing; there was a reason for doing so. Though I bowed thousands upon thousands of times, I wondered how much this could truly help the vast, boundless Haotian. Yet Heaven’s hearing is not beyond our reach: sincere devotion can indeed connect with the human world. Now that my wish has been fulfilled, I respectfully entrust my feelings to a Jiao rite (a Daoist ceremony in which an altar is established and rituals are performed to pray to the gods and avert misfortune). Even a small pool of water can reach the celestial capital, Qingdu. I only pray that the Lord on High will look kindly upon us and bless my mother with long life.

May my parents live as long as the spring sunshine, complete in blessings and longevity. May their later years be peaceful and healthy, accompanied by every blessing. How can I repay their kindness? I dare not forget to sow the seeds of virtue.

Prayer for the Recovery of My Mother-in-Law

To love one’s own family and honor one’s elders is to share one another’s sorrows and joys. The Dao can be spoken of and named, yet when the heart is wholly sincere, nothing stands between us. Heaven has graciously answered human wishes, and I too sincerely turn toward the Dao.

I recall that my mother-in-law, of the Xie family, was once gravely ill and in a perilous condition. I hurried to visit her, afraid that any delay would let her illness worsen. Before I had even reached home, I prayed to Heaven along the way. As her son-in-law, I have had my wish fulfilled, and the grace of the Lord on High has become ever more evident. How could I break my earlier vow? I therefore solemnly establish a Jiao rite and pray for the deities’ protection.

May my mother-in-law’s years and lifespan be extended. May the elders in the household enjoy the springtime of daylilies and cypress trees, never growing old. May the young people of the family flourish like peach and plum trees beneath the elders’ sheltering care. May I forever honor Heaven’s grace and receive its blessings.

Prayer of Celebration for Huang Zhuxuan’s Seventieth Birthday and the Establishment of a Permanent Residence

A pillar of talent supports the great hall, bearing this weighty responsibility alone. To reach one’s seventieth birthday is a great occasion worthy of celebration. With reverence for this blessed place, I sincerely pray for Heaven’s aid. May the Lord on High grant this heartfelt wish: may the years within the pot—a Daoist image of immortal life, withdrawn from the mundane world—preserve the ageless spring, and may the mountains and rivers beyond the cauldron, symbols of the world of cultivation, share in the Dao’s inexhaustible delight.

Prayer for the Completion of the Seven Rites for Protection and Peace

Earlier, out of reverent caution and in the hope of answered prayers, we held seven rites in succession. Now, with undivided reverence and focused intent, we give thanks for the original beneficence. We respectfully set our sincere thoughts down in a green memorial, a Daoist document presented to the heavenly court, and convey them to the vermilion steps of the celestial palace.

We consider the affairs of the mountain forests: how could Heaven and Earth ever rest? Looking back and examining our former plans, we made many vows but did not fulfill them. Now, as the time comes to carry on what was begun, how can we hide our fear and awareness of our faults? Though each person’s original duties differ, all share the same wish to serve the public, do good, and benefit others. How could we fail the spirits? The principle is one and the same. We therefore perform this rite to repay their kindness, hoping the spirits will recognize our sincerity and forgive our failings. We respectfully pray that the great transforming power of Heaven and Earth be generous, and that the many perfected spirits descend to receive our offerings. We give thanks for kindness received in the past and pray that blessings will continue to be bestowed in the days ahead. The years to come are long; may we dwell in favorable circumstances and enjoy an age of peace and stability, leaving everything to Heaven’s will.

Prayer by the Community for Someone’s Protection and Well-Being

When people fall ill, they call for their parents. Who has made them so? The foundations of the Immortals’ lineage depend entirely on the ancestors, so everyone should pray together. A certain member of the Lü family is frail. In childhood, perhaps because he was kept in a closed dwelling and not properly cared for, he gradually developed a minor illness, giving cause for concern about his long-term health.

We reflect that we should look to our ancestors and trace things back to their roots. How could we forget the kindness of our teachers and elders, whose protection of those who follow them is like a gift from Heaven? If we receive their care and the nourishment of life, there will surely be a way for him to recover little by little as time passes. Seeking aid blindly from outside brings no benefit, and sincere devotion requires no elaborate formalities. We respectfully pray that the sincerity expressed in this rite reach the heavenly court, and that the words of our petition receive blessings. May the fragrance of mugwort drift beyond the well curb, and may the miraculous effects of divine medicine soon appear. May orchids grow in the courtyard, and may we soon rejoice in the well-being of the descendants. The bonds of order will endure, and this kindness will remain forever in our memory.

Prayer for the Rite Held by Master Wu in the Winter of the Bingyin Year, When He Returned to the Mountain Bearing Incense to Celebrate the Completion of the Hall of the Three Pure Ones, with an Opening Rite on the Eve

Heaven’s will and the ancestors’ mandate are passed down together, and the responsibility of carrying them forward is weighty. The people and the altars of state place their hopes in lasting peace. At this time, a hall honoring the Heavenly Emperor has newly been built on the famed mountain. We perform the rites in accordance with tradition to express our profound and sincere devotion to the state. We therefore dispatch an emissary of the Daoist tradition…

We reverently serve Heaven above and our ancestors, inherit the great undertaking, and shoulder weighty responsibilities. To govern the people and rule the state, we must always hold fast to a long-range vision for bringing peace to all under Heaven. Thus we go to a famous mountain, to the place where the Emperor Lord is enshrined, and perform the sacrifice according to ritual propriety, expressing our profound and sincere concern for the state. We also send envoys, solemn and respectful, to the Jade Altar, a divine altar named for its jade adornments. The rules and ritual texts must be clearly set forth; we observe solemn purification and carry out each rite in accordance with propriety. We address Heaven above and reach Earth below, presenting the matters for which we pray.

Morning Court Prayer

With utmost sincerity, we make our ritual offering and prayer, clear in understanding and faithful to propriety. The state rests on stability, for which we must pray sincerely from dawn until dusk. Only when the lofty Qi of Heaven and Earth flows in harmony can the work of assisting Heaven and Earth and bringing forth the myriad things become manifest. We cultivate virtue to receive Heaven’s mandate and show sincere reverence to both Heaven and Earth. We bring all things under Heaven into unified harmony, follow the seasons, and allow the growth and transformation of all things to proceed unhindered. Heaven, Earth, and humanity—the Three Powers—respond to one another; with time, the source of the Great Dao grows ever more expansive.

Midday Court Prayer

Yang Qi emerges, and state affairs are conducted in accordance with the seasons and celestial signs. At midday, the palace gates open to receive ministers and people, as we pray for the state’s foundations to remain secure and for peace and well-being in the age. The people’s intentions bear on the order of Heaven and Earth, while the ruler bears responsibility for calming the people and securing their lives. We make offerings with complete ritual observance, praying for illuminating grace and the smooth fulfillment of all affairs, for lasting peace across the four seas and firm foundations for the state. May the four seasons be free of calamity, the rhythms of Heaven and Earth be harmonious, and government be clear and peaceful.

Evening Court Prayer

Heaven grants the ruler the state and household; governing the state should take self-cultivation as its foundation. Each day, we act with solemn respect and follow the proper path. We preserve the quiet Qi of the night, then present our words of prayer. Having completed the evening rites according to propriety, we stand in reverence before the spirits of Heaven and Earth. Without a ruler, upon whom could the people rely? May the Supreme Emperor take this matter to heart. Harmony within the palace will bring lasting stability to the inner realm; may the clan’s younger generations live in concord and observe the rites, and may the governing policies of our forebears be brought to light.

Prayer for the Principal Zhaijiao

Only through careful planning and sound governance can such harmony be achieved. The ruler, with undivided virtue, communes with the divine and performs the prescribed rites to the gods of mountains, rivers, and stars with sincere devotion, never daring to slacken. Now that the sacred precincts have been completed, the court has ordered the ritual officials to make offerings according to proper ceremony. The signs in the heavens call for fair administration; if conditions on the land are unfavorable, their causes must also be sought. How can the people live in peace and prosperity, and the realm be in harmony? How can stability be maintained both within the court and beyond it? There are enduring principles for governing a state; when faced with hardships and dangers, one must think deeply about how to overcome them. I keep watch over affairs throughout the day, hoping only that Heaven will lend its aid. Auspicious signs have appeared at the proper time, and I, too, reflect on how this has come to pass. May abundant blessings spread far and wide, sustained for generations by the workings of the ruler’s benevolence, so that the primal Qi of Heaven and Earth may be restored and an age of peace made manifest.

Prayer for the Bao’an Jiao purification ritual held in spring of the Dingmao year

Dwelling in a blessed land, we remain ever mindful of distant troubles. We have received Heaven’s protection, and truly depend on the benevolence of the numinous spirits to restore the primal Qi and bring peace to the realm.

Prayer for the Bao’an Jiao purification ritual held in spring of the Dingmao year

Dwelling in a blessed land, we remain ever mindful of distant troubles. We have received Heaven’s protection and truly depend on the numinous spirits. How could we, while living in safety and free from danger, forget to guard against calamity? Moreover, this is the day of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual). With hearts as earnest as sunflowers turning toward the sun, we make our plea; with fine offerings, we seek grace. May the spirits show compassion for our utmost sincerity and send the Water Official, the deity who oversees the waters, to keep watch, so that peace may prevail throughout the region. May this security endure and remain unshaken.

Prayer for the Celestial Master’s Jiao ritual, performed in advance of the tide’s retreat

The provincial authorities, concerned about the danger from the tides, sent urgent dispatches by relay station and issued their orders. The Celestial Master’s residence was quiet as water, and so, following the teachings passed down by the patriarchs, we led the assembly in beginning the ritual. Our hearts are set only on following the Great Dao; without Heaven’s assent, how could the undertaking succeed? We have set up a pure Jiao ritual in advance, looking to the spirits for their great favor. May their divine authority and commands be made manifest, and may the strange disturbances in the sea soon subside. May the teachings of the Dao spread far and wide, the damaged sand embankment be restored, the people’s confidence further strengthened, and the foundations of the state kept secure for generations.

Prayer for the Celestial Master’s Huang Niesu initiation ritual in the Wuchen year

The Yellow Altar, the ritual platform specially established for Zhaijiao rites and offerings, follows the principles of the Three Heavens and Two Earths. Offerings are displayed in the Cinnabar Court, the abode of immortals and also a name for a Daoist ritual precinct, in gratitude for the wish that three generations may live together and the whole family enjoy peace. When we recognize our faults but do not hasten to correct them, we risk losing our trustworthiness. Keeping a promise should begin with acknowledging and correcting past mistakes. May Heaven look upon us clearly and show compassion, protecting both the manifest world and the unseen realm.

We humbly pray that the Great Dao will always respond benevolently, setting the workings of creation in motion through ritual and symbol. The sacred and enlightened Dao is unfathomable. May the spirits and the flow of Qi between Heaven, Earth, and humanity be in communication, so that events may become apparent before they occur and people may know of them in advance.

A Morning Audience on the First Day: Prayers for the Sovereign

With loyal hearts, we respond to Heaven and reverently observe the essential codes of the Zhaijiao rites. Our clear intentions take shape at dawn, as we carefully observe the morning audience rites. We call upon the power of the spirits, daring not to pray for personal gain. The rite that supports moral instruction begins by repaying the sovereign’s kindness. We humbly pray that the palace gates open at dawn and sunlight warm the banners; that Heaven and Earth send down auspicious signs, allowing all to witness the peace of a ruler who governs without exertion. May Heaven’s heart accord with the people’s fate, and may the people sing of peace throughout the realm and the laying down of arms.

The Midday Audience: Ministers and Officials

With the sovereign’s concerns in their hearts, ministers and officials fulfill their duties as descendants who plan for the future and servants who serve faithfully, humbly securing the foundations of the state. May the realm be at peace and worthy ministers be appointed. At the daytime audience, may officials sincerely present matters of state and do their utmost to advance moral instruction, responding to the needs of the age. We humbly pray that auspicious Qi sustain the sun and warm spring winds enter the cold valleys; that the four seasons be harmonious, the seasonal cycles run smoothly, and the ordering of government accord with the times. May the foundations of the state be firm as a city of metal and a moat of boiling water, and may all things throughout the realm be governed through the sovereign’s instruction.

The Evening Audience: Prayers for the Realm

At evening, we devoutly submit our petitions, first purifying ourselves and then stating our wishes. We have always followed the teachings, making the people’s prosperity our urgent concern. We dare not claim to be hurriedly putting forward a private request; we only hope that our prayers may first bring benefit to the people. We humbly pray that winter draw to a close and Yang Qi begin to emerge, and that an auspicious star shine forth. May the Lord on High take pity on the people, so that plants and trees emerge from winter into spring warmth. May Heaven set the power of creation in motion, granting some warmth to those in the twilight of life.

A Morning Audience on the Second Day: Prayers for Solitary Spirits

At daybreak, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, a revered deity in Daoism. As the morning light rises, it seems as though dew descends; beneath the bright candlelight, we peer into the depths and illuminate all things. Who will take pity on the wandering souls with nowhere to turn? They wish to save themselves from delusion, yet can find no way. Fortunately, the arcane rites (Daoist purification rituals and their associated liturgies) show them the path. This is the supreme benevolence of Heaven. May the sun of wisdom rise with the dawn, and the numinous wind enter the early morning. The Kan trigram receives Wu and the Li trigram receives Ji; Water and Fire respond to one another, Fire descends and Water rises. Qian initiates and Kun transforms and brings forth life, as Heaven covers and Earth bears, nurturing all things.

Midday Morning Service for Formal Salvation

Once more, the sun’s auspicious light shines high. Why speak at length during the morning homage? Heaven is present above us; how could we fail to pray for its blessings in the netherworld? We also remember our deceased relatives in this tradition and therefore establish a rite of ten rounds to deliver people—that is, to save the departed through Daoist ritual. The jade text serves as proof, and the golden register is impartial. May the dead refine and transform their bodily forms, leave the netherworld, and ascend like spirits. May the blessings of the ancestors also benefit their descendants, so that later generations inherit the lineage of the Arcane Court, the heavenly offices of Daoism. May women among the deceased also attain immortality and be entered in the registers of those who ascend to the immortal realms.

Evening Morning Service with Additional Salvation

The Book of Songs says, “I divine this night.” The immortals prize delivering living beings and have set the relevant methods down in texts. As the saying goes, the benevolent extend their care widely. Remembering those of different degrees of kinship in the Daoist community who have passed away, we consider where their souls and spirits have now gone, and add rites of salvation for them.

The Book of Songs says, “I divine this night.” The immortals prize delivering living beings and have set the relevant methods down in texts. As the saying goes, the benevolent extend their care widely. Remembering those of different degrees of kinship in the Daoist community who have passed away, we consider where their souls and spirits have now gone. May they return to emptiness and find stillness together. May the light of wisdom shine everywhere like the bright moon, and may awakened nature accord with Heaven. May they understand that the illusory body is not the true body and recognize the numinous source. May form appear from the formless, and may they transcend the usual boundaries between night and day, the netherworld and the human realm.

Third-Day Morning Service for the Daoist Community

The sun shines upon the Golden Gate; three times we pay homage to the heavenly realm among the red clouds. We present offerings pure as dew before the jade throne and pray that the Arcane Heaven bestow blessings like spring. Under its protection, the duties of the Daoist community have fallen to me. To act with care and fulfill my responsibilities at all times is the principle I must uphold. I take “Run Yang” as a warning, and speak with trembling heart. May we still turn toward the light amid darkness, follow its brightness without losing our way, and carry forward the authentic Daoist lineage so that the ancestral teachings do not perish. May newly bestowed grace descend like an imperial edict and further strengthen the Daoist lineage.

Midday Morning Service for the Master’s Lineage and the Temple Lineage

The teachings of the founding masters, passed down through a thousand years, are honored and upheld as an inheritance of blessed lands. The ethical teachings revealed in the Book of Changes also establish the proper distinctions within the family. May the ancestral teachings not perish; may new grace descend like an imperial edict and further strengthen the Daoist lineage.

For generations, ancestral teachings have been passed down. In this blessed place, a family shrine was established and ancestors are honored. The Great Changes explains the teachings of human relationships, assigning each family member their proper place. All the relatives concerned, whether living or dead, pray together for peace and safety. Each day, from dawn through the morning, they come to pray three times, listening for news of spring’s return and recording it. With reverence they pray for clear skies, for clouds and thunder to harmonize, for the incense and sacrificial rites to flourish through the generations, for Heaven to bestow its grace abundantly, and for the lineage of the clan to thrive in orderly succession, with blessings held within it.

Evening Prayer for Offspring

I have prayed to Heaven for a long time, hoping that the mysterious Daoist tradition might find a means of support. All day I remain reverent and apprehensive, yet I do not know why my longstanding wish has never been fulfilled. Perhaps it is due to causes and conditions accumulated by my forebears, or perhaps it is the consequence of my own actions. Perhaps this has nothing to do with disputes over graves; could there be a curse or an oath involved? As the morning rites have just ended, I venture to lay this matter before Heaven. With reverence I pray: may the assembled perfected immortals extend their pardon, cleanse every kind of offense, and dispel hardship; may the Nine Qi—the primordial Qi spoken of in Daoism—gather wondrously, receive the moment when Yang is reborn, and allow Yang energy to sprout anew.

Formal Prayer to Vast Heaven

The registers of the celestial realm repeatedly record an ancient covenant made by my forebears, like a yellow token of faith. I respectfully declare my sincerity and submit this petition in secret, presenting as well the heartfelt vow I have made. Though I have received grace, its fulfillment has been long delayed. I express what is in my heart and quietly await Heaven’s command.

I, so-and-so, lost my grandfather in my youth and have often lived in fear and anxiety, as if beset by hardship. The wish I have held for half my life remains unfulfilled, and the worry that I will have no successor is deeply troubling. I cannot keep my loved ones from leaving, yet my wish remains; I examine myself and know this in my heart. The matter has been delayed again and again, and I silently consider that there must be a reason. The gods stand solemnly arrayed; this is not something for which I can demand repayment. If I break my vow once more, how could I evade punishment? I am willing to make amends for a thousand faults, and to offer three sincere requests in return.

With reverence I pray: please grant forgiveness and look kindly upon my request. May the Heavenly Emperor extend compassion, nurture all things everywhere, and help them grow. I dare not say more; I only hold silently in my heart the hope of welcoming a new life and seeing it safely through. I know that the day will come when I can repay this kindness, and I will also accumulate good deeds and practice goodness in return for Heaven’s grace.

Prayer to the Three Heavens

Now the situation is urgent. I pray to Heaven—how could I break my word and be faithless? I have chosen an auspicious day to repay the kindness I have received, observe a purification rite, and pray for blessings, so that grace may reach both the visible world and the realm of the unseen. I hold silently in my heart the hope of welcoming a new life and seeing it safely through. I know that the day will come when I can repay this kindness, and I will also accumulate good deeds and practice goodness in return for Heaven’s grace.

When circumstances become dire, one prays to Heaven, even at the cost of breaking one’s word and betraying trust. Since an auspicious day has been chosen, one performs a purification rite to repay the gift, extending its grace throughout the visible and hidden realms and discerning those whose sincere intentions are subtle and hard to see. Each good deed has its own fulfillment, and good rewards do not fail to follow. Hoping to bring about good fortune, one vows to perform many good deeds in secret. Having received blessings and seen one’s wishes fulfilled, how could one dare to silence one’s conscience?

Hymn to the Eastern Pole

The liturgy for purification and offerings is now clearly set forth, also serving to repay vows made in the past. The deceased, together with their bright spirit, ascend; after a single bow, they receive a renewed mandate. The Sage’s work does not arise from deliberate control, and human order is thereby opened anew. Auspicious radiance appears through outward forms, yet not for private gain; the life force flows through all things, moving without trace. All are born of Heaven and Earth and live in relation to one another, each with strengths and limits according to their endowment. Each has its own form and appearance; from the beginning, has Creation ever shown favoritism?

Houtu, the Southern Pole, the Northern Pole, and the Ninefold Depths

The Lord Emperor left behind the rites of purification to rescue lost souls in the long night. His ministers, with humble sincerity, repay vows made long ago. The Dao flows through all things, and its grace reaches far into the Nine Springs. Delivering the dead also benefits the living; freeing souls from the hidden realms brings blessings. We respectfully pray that goodness be widely bestowed without exception, and that all beings may ascend to the Vermilion Palace, the abode of the spirits. May every wish be granted; we only hope that the turning of Heaven and Earth’s cycles will bring it to pass soon.