《大明御制玄教乐章》

Welcoming the Phoenix Carriage

Welcoming the Deities

The Dao and De (Virtue) are lofty and sublime, manifesting a power of supreme numinosity and wonder; Yin-Yang (阴阳) turns and transforms, giving birth to the myriad things and nurturing them.

Profound and subtle, it transcends ordinary names and forms; it can rise beyond the long span of kalpic calamities and attain longevity.

The deities ride the clouds and drive the winds to arrive at Taiqing (the Great Pure, the Daoist realm of serene immortals); we present our offerings and respectfully invite the divine beings to behold the sincerity of our hearts.

Presenting Offerings

The wondrous work of creation moves between the two Qi (气, vital energy) of Yin and Yang, shaping the myriad things and nurturing all beings, revealing a universal and sacred merit.

May the radiance of the spirits shine forth and descend upon the Xuanqiong (the azure vault of heaven); splendid carriages and violet canopies follow in their train.

May the deities accept the offerings and bestow blessings; may abundant grace continue without end and extend to all people.

Processional Circuit (Xingdao)

Fanqi (the pure primordial Qi of Daoism) drifts and spreads in misty expanse, reaching throughout Zichen (the residence of the Celestial Emperor, also meaning the heavens).

May the deities accept the offerings and bestow blessings; may abundant grace continue without end and extend to all people.

Processional Circuit (Xingdao)

Fanqi drifts and spreads in misty expanse, reaching throughout Zichen; it opens up the light, causing the Three Radiances (the sun, moon, and stars) to illuminate the patterned brilliance of the five directions.

Taichu (the Great Beginning, the primal state before heaven and earth divided) was a deep and dim chaos, from which heaven and earth were formed; the myriad things came into being through transformation, and the power of creation spread broadly through the world.

The guardian spirits stand in solemn ranks, and the assembled Perfected (those immortals who have attained the Dao) come to pay homage; the host of spirits appear in response, observing this solemn rite.

Invoking the Masters

The profound and subtle methods are opened here, and the myriad gateways of practice are established; the wondrous principles of Yuanshi (the Primordial Beginning) and Taiji (太极, the Supreme Ultimate) are elucidated from this point.

The Langhan secret writings (treasured scriptures and secret transmitted texts) reveal the order and form of the ritual; the Xuanmen (the Mysterious Gate, the Daoist path) is thereby broadened, and the radiance of the Dao shines more brilliantly.

Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) spreads widely across the worlds of the ten directions, delivering living beings and aiding people of the world, and the blessings it brings are beyond measure.

Offering of Wine

May Heaven bestow blessings and bring peace to all under heaven; may the sun and moon move in their proper seasons, and may the five grains ripen abundantly year after year.

May the realm be at peace, the rivers run clear and the seas lie calm, and may people live in joy and harmony; may all illness and pestilence never arise again.

We present yuchang (fragrant sacrificial wine) to convey the sincerity of the assembly, and pray that great blessings and favor may come without end.

May the realm be at peace, the rivers run clear and the seas lie calm, and may people live in joy and harmony; may all illness and pestilence never arise again.

We present yuchang to express the sincerity of all gathered, and pray that abundant blessings and favor may descend day by day.

Escorting the Sages Away

The myriad spirits descended lightly from the clouds, and now, suddenly, they ride a chariot swift as the gale back into the clouds.

We pray that, whether descending or returning, the divine beings will reveal their sacred power, bestow blessings, gather auspicious fortune, and set in motion the workings of creation.

Joy Under Heaven

Heaven and earth are settled, and the two forces of Yin-Yang (阴阳) each keep their proper place; heaven and earth turn the work of creation with subtle power. As Qi (气) circulates, the myriad things are born and transformed. The heavens are clear and the earth is calm; the principle of the divine is beyond all telling, and all of this rests on the protection of Heaven.

May bounty be spread widely, so that people dwell forever in peace and joy. Wind and rain come in due season, the four seasons are in harmony, and the hundred grains are plentiful. The principle of the divine is beyond all telling, and all of this rests on the protection of Heaven.

May bounty be spread widely, so that people dwell forever in peace and joy. Wind and rain come in due season, the four seasons are in harmony, and the hundred grains are plentiful; and auspicious signs appear as well, such as the bright star, the auspicious cloud (celestial and cloud phenomena that symbolize good fortune), sweet dew, and the sweet spring (a spring of sweet water).

We hope further that the Yellow River will run clear, that the graceful ears of wheat will bow low, and that fine grain (superior grain that symbolizes a bountiful harvest) will grow; that goods will be plentiful and the people live and work in contentment, their lives peaceful and prosperous, all of which depends on the grace of heaven and earth in bringing forth the myriad things. The people reverently bow before the Heavenly Venerables and the holy spirits.

May all the assembled Perfected and Immortals descend to this place, lend an ear together, and receive our offerings. With reverent and respectful hearts, we sincerely invite you.

We welcome the Perfected Immortals as they descend, their radiance illuminating this place. They ride phoenixes and luan birds, borne on swift winds and cloud-chariots. Stars are scattered across the vault of heaven like pieces on a board; the myriad spirits appear one after another, and their light pours down upon the azure sky.

Within Ziwei and Taiwei (the celestial star palaces), the Perfected wheel about at ease, riding the clouds and traveling across the heavens. Their banners and ceremonial standards stream like rainbows. The Supreme Perfected (the highest of the divine Perfected) penetrates the principles of the mysterious and grasps the hidden, subtle pivot of things; their realm is remote and profound, beyond the reach of words.

With undivided hearts we praise the Perfected of Shangqing (the Highest Purity, the celestial realm revered in Daoism), and we ask them to proclaim the pure and wondrous teachings of the Dao, as exquisite as fine jade, so that with the power of the ten directions they may deliver living beings. With utmost sincerity and a pure heart, we petition that supreme radiance, most subtle, without form and without sound.

The Primordial Beginning and Mysterious Origin (the source of the Dao) and the Nine Heavens of Jade Void (the lofty celestial realms): their true source is ever pure. May the auspicious light shine upon the Nine Depths (the dark and distant places), rescuing the beings sunk there, and may all that is dim and ignorant, every small creature with a spark of spirit, be set free.

May all beings who have sunk into suffering be delivered. May they be revived and nourished, as if bathed in the gentle warmth of spring sunlight; may all beings be at peace and fare well. May the Three Luminaries (the sun, moon, and stars) shine in brilliance, spreading across heaven and earth, reflecting one another in crystalline splendor.

Summon the wind and thunder with a command, and descend to Yaochi (the dwelling place of the immortals); roam Penglai and Yingzhou (legendary immortal mountains in the sea). Observe all quarters of the world, travel throughout the human realm, radiate light and manifest divine power, revealing your form and transforming into many shapes.

九工九五九工上工上工工工九工九五九工上工上一四四合四合四

In the void of the Three Realms (heaven, earth, and the human world), the myriad spirits of the ten directions all receive vast grace and dwell in peace, generation after generation.

四合工工合四合上工上一四合九工工

Guo Sheng (transitional passage)

上工上一四四合四合四

In the void of the Three Realms, the myriad spirits of the ten directions all receive vast grace and dwell in peace, generation after generation.

四合工工合四合上工上一四合九工工

Guo Sheng (transitional passage)

Meritorious works are complete. We pray that within the realm of Taiqing (Great Purity, the pure heaven of Daoism), all beings may ascend to an age of great peace and joy.

六工尺工合四合四上一四四

Song of the Azure Heaven

Daluo Heaven (the highest heaven in Daoism) is lofty and boundless, lying above the Three Realms; the billowing Fanqi (the sacred primordial Qi of Daoism) reveals the stars in clear array. Evil spirits hide and retreat, and demons dare not intrude; the vast and boundless teachings of the Dao are proclaimed for all time, radiant and manifest.

尺一尺工六工尺工尺一四合工尺四合四四一尺四工尺一四合工尺

Hymn of the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven

Welcoming the Immortal Guest

From the one Qi came division, and the two forms of Yin-Yang were thereby established; in a realm of purity and peace, a sage was born to be welcomed. He holds the pivot of Heaven and Earth's movement, turns with the changes, subtly manifests the grace of the spirits, and subdues demons everywhere, banishing them utterly.

合四一一尺一尺工五六工尺工工六一尺四一六工尺一一尺一四合

Again

Gazing up at the sacred countenance, one sees a jade-like visage appear, manifesting the grace of the spirits and subduing demons everywhere, banishing them utterly.

合四一一尺一尺工五六工尺工工六一尺四一六工尺一一尺一四合

Again

Gazing up at the sacred countenance, one sees a jade-like visage appear: phoenix eyes, dragon brows, and a face like the full moon. He dwelt in seclusion in Zixiao (a realm of Daoist immortals), keeping to inner cultivation (the refinement of inner Jing and Qi), and through forty-one kalpas his demon-quelling majesty has reached all quarters.

Again

The essences of Li fire and Kan water (the Qi of Yin-Yang, water and fire) are all gathered and harmonized; he bestows blessings on the people and saves the world through his merits. His achievements are inscribed in golden registers and hidden in jade caskets; his wondrous transformations shine brightly, and both the netherworld and the human world receive his grace.

Again

Upon the Terrace of Seven Treasures, the exalted title shines forth. The Great Dao (Dadao, the supreme and fundamental principle of the cosmos) stands majestic and vast, presiding over and sustaining heaven, earth, and the myriad things. In the Palace of True Celebration, jade trees stand in solemn rows; in the realm of Supreme Simplicity and Splendid Music, auspicious clouds linger over the Jade Void Palace.

Again:

The Venerable of the Northern Pole (the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole) dwells in the seat of the Profound Sage, guarded by black banners and the divine generals of the Tortoise and Serpent. The Emperor holds the Palace of Kan (the northern position of Water), sweeping away evil spirits, hair unbound and feet bare, proclaiming True Qi (the primordial Qi of Daoist teaching) above the Nine Heavens.

Again:

Within the sacred realm, Brahmic Qi (pure and profound primordial Qi) rises. The spirits of the heavens in the ten directions stand in solemn ranks, encircling and protecting all phenomena. Edicts are issued from the Golden Gate, and the Jade Calendar descends to the human world. Holding the transformations of heaven and earth in hand, the profound merit is truly boundless.

Again:

The Dao flourishes and sacred traces appear; the Emperor travels in a cinnabar carriage and a jade palanquin. The Nine Qi endure, and countless arts are performed. Touring the four quarters, the Emperor subdues evil influences, and spirits and demons alike receive the transformations of divine power. The profound merit is truly boundless.

Again:

The Dao flourishes and sacred traces appear; the Emperor travels in a cinnabar carriage and a jade palanquin. The Nine Qi endure, and countless arts are performed. Touring the four quarters, the Emperor subdues evil influences, and spirits and demons are made manifest.

Again:

The sage's teaching shines forth, and merit and cultivation are fulfilled. A great bell rises from the waters, and enormous timbers drift along. Guarding the Nine Heavens and assisting the transformations of heaven and earth, the Emperor protects the state and shelters the people through the generations, bestowing boundless blessings.

Step by Step Ascending

Looking up in reverence at the profound accomplishment of the Dao, whose practice is lofty and whose virtue is subtle. It joins with heaven and earth, harmonizing their opening and closing, their brightness and darkness, and sets primordial Qi in motion. Taiqing Yuluo (the pure and wondrous Daoist celestial realm) is vast and flourishing, its light illuminating the sun, moon, and stars and revealing the planets of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). A thousand perfected ones and ten thousand sages ride in feathered carriages, driving the swift wind, spreading grace and letting blessings descend far and wide.

Intoxicated Immortal's Delight

The Purple Empyrean and the Supreme Subtlety (palaces of the heavens) blaze with radiance. The Jade Armillary (an astronomical instrument, also the pivot of the heavens' movement) turns, and the Jade Pivot revolves with it. The golden register (a document used in Zhaijiao, purification rituals, to inscribe the names of deities and offer petitions) opens the realm of Dongzhen (Cavern of Perfection), and the jeweled satchel (precious scriptures) proclaims the treasured texts. Divine light suddenly penetrates everywhere, and the myriad spirits make way. The Purple Chamber (the palace of the sovereign or Heavenly Emperor) welcomes the imperial chariot.

Note: Characters in the original such as "尺工工六工上尺" belong to gongchepu musical notation, indicating vocal lines or melody. They are not scriptural sentences and so are not translated.

The ethereal spirits ascend to the Purple Empyrean and descend to the human world on auspicious winds, presiding over the creation and transformation of Heaven and Earth. The deity manifests sacred virtue (De) and efficacious response; people pray silently with utmost sincerity, move Heaven, dispel calamity, and receive abundant blessings.

People rejoice at the deity's descent and share in its joy, relying forever on divine grace to nourish life, so that all may dwell in peace.

Hymn of the Hong'en Lingji Zhenjun

Welcoming the Immortal Guest

The Perfected Lord (Zhenjun) was born sagacious and enlightened, endowed with extraordinary virtue (De); his family came from the Southern Tang, an illustrious lineage. He cultivated the mysterious Way (Dao) and perfected his merit and virtue; intelligent and upright, he received the Mandate of Heaven and became a divine Perfected One.

The Perfected Lord's bearing is solemn, displaying the highest virtue. He and his brother are joined like calyx and flower, equally fragrant, an honor bestowed by Heaven. They revered the practice of the Way, accumulated loyalty and filial piety, and brought glory to the Jade Residence (the dwelling place of Daoist immortals), their renowned names recorded in the registers of the immortals.

The Perfected Lord's virtue matches Heaven and Earth and shines as brightly as the sun and moon. His virtue moved Heaven, and he was granted an honorific title and dwells in a palace of gold and jade. He turns the wheel of creation and transformation, establishes illustrious achievements, bestows blessings and longevity, presides over births, and removes calamity.

He manifests sacred accomplishments and receives the offerings of the people; the name of the blessed land of Ao Peak is likewise recorded in the registers of the immortals.

The Perfected Lord's virtue matches Heaven and Earth and shines as brightly as the sun and moon. His virtue moved Heaven, and he was granted an honorific title and dwells in a palace of gold and jade. He turns the wheel of creation and transformation, establishes illustrious achievements, bestows blessings and longevity, presides over births, and removes calamity.

He manifests sacred accomplishments and receives the offerings of the people; the blessed land of Ao Peak gathers spiritual energy (Qi). He opened a grotto-heaven (a realm where immortals dwell), guards the four directions, and vowed to rescue and deliver all beings, so that they may receive divine protection.

Auspicious clouds and propitious vapors swirl; two dragons descend from Heaven, coiling around to guard the Perfected Lord. He raises a purple banner and disperses the gloom; the radiant might of his divine transformations shines forth, and his wondrous deeds will be told for ten thousand years.

He ends droughts, quells floods, heals illness and relieves suffering, and spreads his grace widely. Locusts no longer breed and fires die down of themselves; the people and all creatures are prosperous and healthy, and all of this is owed to the divine virtue (De).

He prolongs the foundation of the imperial house and the destiny of the state; his vast grace descends and protects the nation for a long time. The court bestowed favor and titles, incense offerings continue unbroken through the generations, and the deity dwells among people through all four seasons.

People revere the Perfected Lord's numinous power and gaze up at his sacred image; the processional guards are solemn and imposing, surrounding precious ritual implements. People pray with sincerity, and the deity, having observed them, sends down protection: defending the nation, sheltering the people, and making the efficacy of the deity's blessings manifest for ten thousand years.

I bow in reverence to Xuantian Shangdi (Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven, a revered Daoist deity, also known as the Great Emperor Zhenwu). The deity is the incarnation of the Golden Portal (the heavenly palace) and the Great Celestial Venerable who subdues demons. Great Celestial Venerable, Great Sacred Emperor, Great Sacred Emperor, Great Sacred Emperor! Communion with the divine depends entirely on sincerity of heart and mind. Celestial Venerable, Great Sacred Celestial Venerable.

Again:

Great Celestial Venerable, I pay reverence to Xuantian Shangdi, the incarnation of the Golden Portal and the Great Celestial Venerable who subdues demons. Great Celestial Venerable, Great Sacred Emperor, Great Sacred Emperor, Great Sacred Emperor! Communion with the divine depends entirely on sincerity of heart and mind. Celestial Venerable, Great Sacred Celestial Venerable.

Again:

Great Celestial Venerable, you are the Hunyuan Six Heavens (a title of honor for a Daoist deity) and the founding master who transmits the teachings of the Dao. You cultivate the true Dao, realize the great Dao, and rescue and deliver countless bewildered beings. Your grace extends throughout the Three Realms (the vast worlds of heaven, earth, and water described in Daoism) and benefits all living beings without exception. Great Celestial Venerable, may you dispel calamity and obstruction, so that all people remember your kindness with gratitude. Great Sacred Celestial Venerable, communion with the divine depends entirely on sincerity of heart and mind. Celestial Venerable, Great Sacred Celestial Venerable.

Again:

Great Celestial Venerable, you have eighty-two manifestations, appearing in power to protect and aid the founding masters of the Three Teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism). In your great compassion, you deliver people from suffering. Great Celestial Venerable, you preside over the Three Origins (the Upper, Middle, and Lower Origins) and serve as the envoy who inspects the Nine Heavens. Great Sacred Celestial Venerable, communion with the divine depends entirely on sincerity of heart and mind. Celestial Venerable, Great Sacred Celestial Venerable.

Again:

Great Celestial Venerable, you are the Left Tiangang and the Great General of the Right Wall of the Northern Pole. We revere you for receiving the mandate to guard the heavens and assist the Way of Heaven. Zhenwu manifests efficacious power and extends divine abilities widely, so that blessings and virtue endure and auspicious joy increases. Your good fortune, benevolence, uprightness, and awesome might are all displayed together in the Great Celestial Venerable. You are truly the Sacred Celestial Venerable.

Again:

Great Celestial Venerable, you are the Left Tiangang and the Great General of the Right Wall of the Northern Pole. We revere you for receiving the mandate to guard the heavens and assist the Way of Heaven. Zhenwu manifests efficacious power and extends divine abilities widely, so that blessings and virtue endure and auspicious joy increases. Your good fortune, benevolence, uprightness, and awesome might are all displayed together in the Great Celestial Venerable. You are truly the Xieyun Zhenjun (Perfected Lord Who Harmonizes Fortune, a Daoist honorific). Great Sacred Celestial Venerable, communion with the divine depends entirely on sincerity of heart and mind. Celestial Venerable, Great Sacred Celestial Venerable.

Again:

The Great Celestial Worthy (Da Tianzun, an honorific for the supreme deities) bestows his grace across the four seas, and people everywhere say he is the deity who governs the world and grants blessings to all beings. The Great Celestial Worthy is indeed the Master-Minister of Jade Void (Yuxu Shixiang, a revered deity of the Jade Void Palace), manifesting wondrous and efficacious power. The Great Sage Celestial Worthy responds to the call of the spirits, and the key lies entirely in sincerity of heart. Celestial Worthy, Great Sage Celestial Worthy.

Again:

The Great Celestial Worthy, the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven (Xuantian Shangdi, a Daoist deity also known as Emperor Zhenwu), possesses a boundless and vast wondrous De (Virtue/Power), all of it manifested through transformations from the Golden Gate Palace (Jinque, the palace where immortals dwell). Fortunately, it is a time when celestial beings and spirits gather in joyful assembly. He sweeps away demonic obstructions and dispels calamities, so that heaven, earth, and the four directions are clear and at peace, and the four seas remain tranquil for ages. Responding to the spirits depends entirely on sincerity of heart. Celestial Worthy, Great Sage Celestial Worthy.