《太上三洞表文》

I, your humble minister, whose full ritual title is recorded here, am sincerely fearful and humbled. I bow my head and prostrate myself twice.

I am but a lowly person of the dusty world, born among the common folk. Through karmic ties from a former life, I received grace and was permitted to receive registers, advance in rank, inherit the scriptures, and study the Dao. Yet I am dull and ignorant, unable to grasp its profound and mysterious principles. My faults are grave, while my merits are slight. By Heaven’s nurturing protection, I have fortunately escaped punishment. I wish to deliver living beings and aid the people of the world, repaying the kindness I have received. Now, in keeping with the purpose of this Zhaijiao (purification ritual), I respectfully submit this petition.

I fear that the souls of the dead are detained in such netherworld regions as Quanqu and Luofeng, and imprisoned in underworld jails such as the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus, and the Iron Enclosure and Avici Hells, where they endure interrogation and suffering for ages, with no day of release. Unless they turn their hearts toward the celestial realm and implore the compassion of the Jade Emperor of Eastern Florescence, the honored deity who governs the East and rescues the suffering, how can they leave the netherworld, reach the wondrous palace of the dark heavens, and undergo refinement and deliverance so they may be reborn? Therefore, not daring to presume upon my own worth, I respectfully present this petition to the Green Palace, praying that the honored deity look upon us with the power of wisdom and rescue us through divine authority and compassion. May the deity specially bestow the wondrous Qi of the Azure Mystery and the radiance of a hundred treasures, shining through layer upon layer of darkness and opening the long night, so that all above and below Heaven may be illumined. May the deceased, so-and-so, thereby rise beyond the netherworld, attain the wondrous realm of emptiness, receive pardon for their transgressions, and finally ascend to the Golden Palace.

I respectfully summon the Green-Mystery Youth Who Rescues the Suffering, the Jade Maiden Who Rescues the Suffering, and the envoys bearing the Nine-Dragon Talisman of Command. Let them proceed together to the jade steps before the Palace of Eternal Joy at the Eastern Pole, request the Eastern Florescence Nine-Dragon Talisman of Command, and proclaim its decree to the boundless divine realms in the ten directions, the passes of the netherworld, and the places of interrogation and confinement. May they swiftly erase the deceased, so-and-so, from the register of offenses, extinguish their evil roots, and protect their body and soul, so that they may promptly be released.

I further respectfully summon the Green-Mystery Yellow Register Spirit Officers Who Break Open the Prisons, the chief prison officials, the divine clerks who carry talismans, and the flying-dragon courier clerks who deliver command talismans. May they descend together, charged with opening the prisons of the netherworld and commanding its officials. May the flames of the volcanoes be extinguished and the freezing waves of the icy pools stilled; may the sword forest become a grove of tall trees, and the knife forest a grove of jade trees. May the hells be demolished and the iron city opened, releasing the spirits so they may escape their torment and come before the ritual altar to behold the light.

I further respectfully summon the Great One’s True Light, which dispels darkness and rescues the souls of the dead, together with its spirit officers, envoys, and judicial clerks. May they search for and guide the true soul and upright spirit of the deceased, so-and-so, enabling them to return to their earthly home, bathe and change clothes, pay homage to the True Gods, and receive offerings of food.

I further respectfully summon the true officials of refinement and deliverance in the Fire Court of Zhulings and the Upper Palace of Nanchang, together with the Yellow-Flower Jade Maidens and youths, and the Generals of Water and Fire. May they descend together expressly to cleanse the deceased, so-and-so, of worldly defilements and refine away their karmic obstructions, so that they are clear within and without, and both body and soul return to purity.

I further respectfully summon the Jade Maiden of Harmonious Union and Dark Spirit, the Left and Right Spirit Officers Who Uphold Righteousness, the flying-cloud officials who guide souls and record merit, the Jade Clarity Immortal Clerks Who Inspect Talismans, and the flying-cloud spirit officers who travel freely and transfer registers. May they descend together to examine and clarify the deceased’s circumstances, recommend them for the path of rebirth, record their good deeds, guide their soul upward, transfer them from the ghost register to the immortal register, and make them forever members of the Dao community, no longer turning through cycles of suffering.

I further respectfully summon the immortal clerks who make immortal souls carefree, joyful, natural, and pure; the spirit officers of Supreme Mystery who deliver souls and guide them through their appointed passages; the Jade Maiden Merit Officers; and the Great Divine Registrar. May they guide the deceased, so-and-so, to the Palace of the Supreme One’s Mysterious Birth, where they may pay homage at the lotus throne and roam and feast amid its solemn wonders. May their body shine with jade light and their clothing and food be freely provided. May auspicious mists dispel the aura of death, and celebratory clouds clear the way for new life. May all beings in the Five Sufferings and Three Paths attain the fruit of Wuwei (non-action), and may all beings in the Four Births and Six Realms swiftly transcend the realm of conditioned rebirth. May all the people under Heaven receive its benefits.

I respectfully rely upon your compassionate, creative power and implore you to recognize my sincerity. I now entrust this petition to the Jade Maidens of the Azure Mystery, the Merit Officers of the Azure Mystery, the Jade Document Merit Officers of the Four Watches, the Merit Officers Who Guide the Spirits and Join Them to the Dao, and one flying celestial envoy from each of the ten directions. May they convey this vermilion petition to Heaven for rescue from suffering and present it before the Eastern Pole. I humbly pray that Heaven’s grace descend in response. I, your humble minister, am sincerely fearful and humbled. I bow my head and prostrate myself twice, and respectfully submit this petition.

Your subject, whose surname is [name], belongs to [province], [county], and [Daoist temple]. From within the Palace of Eternal Joy in the Heaven of the Eastern Pole, I submit this memorial to the Greatly Compassionate One, the Supreme Unity Heavenly Worthy Who Rescues from Suffering and Comes to Deliver Beings at the Sound of Their Cries.

Respectfully submitted on [year], [month], [day], at [place].

Memorial to the Eastern Pole

Your subject [name], holder of a ritual rank, is filled with awe and trepidation. I bow until my forehead touches the ground, then bow again.

I submit that on [day] of this month, the disciple [name], observing the purification retreat, performed the wondrous Qingxuan rite for rescuing from suffering on behalf of the departed soul of [name]. The rite lasted [number] days and nights, and was offered in prayer for the soul’s deliverance. I now respectfully prepare this memorial to report the matter.

Reverently, I say: When the heavens were opened in the Red Luminosity era, light shone across the four quarters of the world. The Heavenly Worthy of the Azure Mysterium governs the course of Heaven, while auspicious clouds spread thickly throughout the netherworld. The Heavenly Worthy manifests a radiance like white jade and a countenance like purple gold. Hearing a plea, he responds; answering prayers, he extends compassion. With boundless power, he can rescue departed souls. For this reason, I reverently take refuge in him and make this special petition.

Your subject is filled with awe and trepidation. I bow until my forehead touches the ground, then bow again. I reflect that the departed soul of [name] remains entangled in the dust of the world, having endured its turmoil and confusion. The sea of desire is unfathomably deep, and the soul is often swept along by its wild waves. The river of passion rises to dizzying heights; the soul cannot break through its turbid currents and is carried away by them. In an instant, the spirit sinks into ruin; night after night, its steps descend ever deeper into the netherworld. Bronze gates stand forbiddingly, and iron ramparts enclose it. Lonely and sorrowful, the soul can only envy those who have found a path to life; amid fear and suffering, it awakens to the dreadful truth that there is no way to call for help. Without returning its life to the Heavenly Worthy of Azure Radiance, how could its spirit and soul escape the dark realm of the Yellow Springs?

I reverently beseech the Greatly Compassionate One within the Palace of Eternal Joy in the Heaven of the Eastern Pole, the Supreme Unity Heavenly Worthy Who Rescues from Suffering and Comes to Deliver Beings at the Sound of Their Cries, to look down with compassion upon this memorial.

Majestic divine power fills the four quarters, and the power of wisdom reaches everywhere. The Qian Grove, adorned with the Seven Treasures, scatters bright sweet dew; around the throne of nine-colored lotus blossoms, radiant clouds of compassion spread. True light shines throughout the vast cosmos, and auspicious vapors fill billions of heavens and earths. Mortals dwell in the world, shaped and nurtured by it; indeed, they rely on the guidance and support of the holy perfected ones.

We respectfully beseech the holy perfected ones to make their virtuous conduct manifest, their numinous might vast and boundless, and to command the immortal officials of the Nine Offices, who oversee various affairs, to carry out the talismanic orders according to the regulations of the underworld. May they summon the true officials of the Two Courts and follow the Dao of Heaven in spreading the Great Dao. May good deeds be recorded in the cinnabar registers and evil obstructions erased from the mysterious lists of transgressions. May the soul of the deceased, so-and-so, travel lightly at dawn and swiftly escape the long night; may it forever be freed from the tormenting heat of the hells and enjoy the pure bliss of heaven, ascending directly to the Vermilion Fire, the Daoist realm of radiant clarity. May the deceased ascend lightly to the realm of wondrous being, and may body and spirit swiftly attain the realm of emptiness. My gratitude is heartfelt and urgent. I respectfully submit this memorial for presentation above and set forth my petition here.

On the [day] of the [month] in [year], your subject, so-and-so, of [rank], respectfully submits this memorial.

Also:

Your subject, so-and-so, of [rank], bows twice and submits this petition: On [day] of this month, the disciple observing the purification, so-and-so, held a wondrous Qingxuan rite of salvation from suffering for the deceased, so-and-so—a purification ritual beseeching the Celestial Worthy of Qingxuan, Savior from Suffering, to deliver the departed soul. The rite lasted for [number] days and nights, with the purpose of guiding the spirit of the deceased, so-and-so, to salvation. I respectfully prepare this memorial to report the matter.

With reverence, I reflect that when the offices of Qingxuan are established, auspicious clouds rise and radiant light illuminates the Three Realms. When a Yellow Register palace is erected, flying mists shine with color and light the eight directions. The radiance of the sun of wisdom gleams before the lion throne, while divine majesty appears amid dragon-patterned ceremonial regalia. I humbly pour out my utmost sincerity and respectfully present this memorial. I am filled with fear and unease, and bow my head again and again. I reflect that I am fortunate to have encountered a flourishing age and to be able to practice the Great Dao; to follow the Dao of Heaven in spreading the Dao, and, looking up to the ranks of the immortals, to take my place among them; to receive talismanic orders, proclaim the holiness of the perfected ones, and respectfully attend the lotus throne. Having already received the grace of their teaching and nurture, how could I fail to repay their virtue in bringing me to completion and lending me support?

With reverence, I reflect that…

Before the sacred throne of the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Savior from Suffering, in the Palace of Eternal Joy in the Celestial Center of the Eastern Pole:

The Celestial Worthy sits in solemn majesty, enthroned in the Palace of Eternal Joy. When beings offer prayers from their hearts, he extends his compassion and scatters auspicious Qi at the gates where the dead dwell. Hearing cries for help, he responds and manifests, sprinkling sweet dew at the gates of the living. Thus, all souls sunk in darkness may be rescued and guided.

We respectfully beseech the Celestial Worthy to help them swiftly escape the darkness of the long night and enter the light as at dawn; to erase the records of darkness in the netherworld and dispel the delusion and gloom that obscure the great thousandfold world; to register and settle them in Qinghua, the realm of Eastern Pole Qinghua, and let them travel by the true light of Taiyi. May they serve forever the exalted one of purple gold and ascend to the jade-green realm of the immortals. With urgent and heartfelt devotion, I, your subject, beseech you to rescue the departed souls and guide them all. May they swiftly leave the night and enter the light as at dawn; may the dark records of the netherworld be erased and the delusion and gloom that obscure the great thousandfold world be dispelled; may they be registered and settled in Qinghua, travel by the true light of Taiyi, serve forever the exalted one of purple gold, and ascend to the jade-green realm of the immortals. In utmost earnestness, I respectfully submit this memorial and reverently state my petition.

On [year, month, day], your subject, [surname], holding the rank of [rank], submits this memorial.

Memorial for Breaking Open the Prisons

Your subject, holding the rank of [rank], bows twice.

I submit this petition: On a certain day of this month, the ritual patron, disciple [name], for the soul of the deceased [name], established the wondrous Qingxuan Salvation from Suffering Retreat, performing the rites of the retreat for a number of days and nights. In accordance with ritual prescriptions, the prisons were broken open and the soul summoned. I respectfully reflect that to ascend to truth and deliver a life, one must gather cool, sweet dew in the realm of Qinghua. By breaking the chains and opening the gates, auspicious Qi can be spread throughout the netherworld. I therefore presume to beseech the sacred and exalted one’s compassion, hoping to receive the grace of rescue and deliverance. I set forth my wish with a hundred prostrations and sincerely pray for salvation.

In fear and trembling, I bow my head and bow again, concerned that the departed soul may still be lingering in a cold and gloomy realm, trapped in a deep valley. Walls of iron-built fortresses surround them layer upon layer, binding them through countless kalpas; gates of cast bronze stand grim and imposing, holding them in confinement for ages. The ghost officials administer their duties according to the laws of Yin and Yang, while netherworld clerks carry out punishments in the prisons of water and fire. Unless the prisons are broken open by imperial command, how can the departed soul be freed and rise to a higher state?

Before the sacred throne of the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Savior from Suffering, in the Palace of Eternal Joy in the Celestial Center of the Eastern Pole.

May the divine spirits of Heaven and Earth respond in many ways and come to the aid of the departed, extending their support. Send down your majestic radiance to pierce layer upon layer of darkness; raise your divine staff and open the long night. May Heaven hear this petition and grant a clear sign of assent, carrying out the ritual rites as prescribed by divine law, so that the sacred rites accord in secret with the dragon talisman—the token of divine command—and usher in a bright dawn. In accordance with the liturgy, may the restraints of the nether prisons be destroyed, so that life like springtime returns to the prisons in an instant.

May the deceased, so-and-so, leave behind the sorrow and suffering of the night and find joy as dawn arrives. May brilliant radiance illuminate all nine levels of the netherworld; may the blessings bestowed by the spirits reach everywhere, bringing peace and safe passage to the Three Paths, the three destinations where the dead suffer. May all who endure suffering escape their hardships and arrive together in the land of peace and happiness. My heart is fervent and sincere; I respectfully submit this memorial for presentation.

On the [day] of the [month] of [year], the duly ranked official, so-and-so, submits this memorial.

Memorial of Qingxuan on the Merits of the Rite

The duly ranked official, so-and-so, bows twice.

Memorial:

On a certain day this month, the disciple conducting the purification, [name], held a solemn Blue Mystery Rite of Deliverance from Suffering (a Daoist purification ritual for rescuing departed souls) at [place]. The rite lasted several days and nights and delivered the soul of the deceased [name]. Now that the ritual altar has been dismantled, I respectfully confess my faults before the gods and report my merits to the officials who oversee merit and transgression.

I reflect that the Blue Mystery—the honored deity in the lineage of the Great Emperor of Eastern Florescence—presides over transformation, bestows the sweet dew of wisdom, and nourishes all beings. The Yellow Register, a ritual protocol used in Daoist Zhaijiao for seeking blessings and delivering the dead, opens its sacred charts, while auspicious clouds shine and soar. Golden slips reveal the mysteries of dragon talismans; jade books disclose the wonders of phoenix scrolls. Vitality turns anew throughout the Three Realms, and beneath the Nine Heavens the dead may return to life. Grateful for the gods’ gift of light and their deliverance of the lower realm, I sincerely repay their kindness. My gratitude rises from the heart, and I respectfully and diligently confess my faults. I still beseech the gods, in their profound stillness and compassion, to grant me special pardon. In fear and trembling, I bow twice.

I reflect that my abilities are meager, like a small fish in a cart rut or a frog at the bottom of a well, and my understanding is shallow. I have not been able to observe the Blue Precepts, yet presume to take my place among the ranks of the Mysteries. I do not know the proper forms for advancing, withdrawing, bowing, and looking up, and my conduct has often been careless. Nor do I understand the rules for purification and cultivation, and so I have too readily violated taboos. I presumptuously set the officers of the true divine bureaus to work and summon them; in memorials to the gods, I have falsely claimed authority over their offices. My words have been confused, yet I have rashly proclaimed the laws of Heaven; my thoughts have been disordered, yet I have misused jade registers—Daoist talismans and ritual texts. These actions have exposed many errors. On reviewing and examining them, I fear I have accumulated numerous faults. I respectfully beseech the gods, in their compassion and benevolence, to understand and pardon them all. I submit this report before the jade steps of the Old Lord of Eastern Florescence, Blue Mystery, and the Celestial Worthy of Great Unity, Savior from Suffering:

The Great Dao is vast and extends throughout the Three Poles; its De surpasses the Ten Directions. The honored gods encourage and support the true spirits, rewarding them according to their merits. They uphold the officials in their various duties, enabling them to bear with impurities and conceal faults. At the beginning of the purification, those petitioned included the celestial immortals’ soldiers and officers; the terrestrial immortals’ troops; the Perfected Ones’ troops; the divine beings’ troops; the troops of the sun, moon, and stars; the troops of the Three Rivers and Four Seas; the troops of the Nine Palaces and Five Emperors; the supervisors and attendants of the purification rite in the Thirty-Two Heavens; the jade youths who attend the incense; the jade maidens who scatter flowers; the Merit Officers and attendant messengers of the Three and Five; the appointed talisman officers and daily incense officials of the Five Emperors; the flying dragon cavalry officers and divine celestial immortals of Lingbao; the jade maidens who receive petitions from the heavens of the inner court; the Merit Officers who marshal spirits and unite with the Dao; and the true officials and immortal functionaries on the left and right of the Blue Mystery Yellow Register…

All celestial officials, generals, clerks, and staff: May the celestial officials and generals of the Court of Universal Salvation in the Nine Heavens, and the officials serving in the departments of the Mysterious Altar Office for Opening the Way and Deliverance, the Office for Untying Knots, the Office of Supervision over Births, the Celestial Physicians’ Office, the Office of Washing and Rinsing, the Office of Headwear and Cases, the Office of Transformation, and the other departments, along with the officials responsible for conveying and proclaiming commands, the attendant celestial officials, Jade Boys and Jade Maidens of this sanctuary, and its chief and deputy officials, guardians of the Way, altar supervisors, and altar officiants, each fulfill your duties and attend diligently to your work.

Also present are the officials and generals serving diligently in the provincial, prefectural, and departmental offices; the deities who inspect and protect a certain temple and its deity; the gods of the City God offices of this prefecture and county; the true officials of the local districts and the proper gods of the soil; the talisman messengers of the Three Realms and the merit officers of the Four Watches; and the deities who govern the land, lifespan, and Six Spirits in the ritual host’s household. May each of you keep your appointed place at the altar, attend diligently to your work, display a solemn bearing, and be properly attired. Accompany the memorial I present as you proceed to the Mysterious Capital, the dwelling place of Daoist supreme deities, to receive your reward for merit.

How could I, your servant, fail to keep this in mind, strive diligently, preserve my purity, and cultivate body and mind? May I not disappoint the grace by which Heaven and Earth have nurtured me, and may I do my utmost to spread the Way that transforms and nourishes all things. May I accord with the Way of the Primordial Beginning and accomplish works that correspond to the Sovereign Lord of Eastern Florescence, sharing his radiance and joining the ranks of the perfected. May I receive the teachings, cultivate the true Way, and assist the transmission of the scriptures and teachings of Southern Elixir. My heart is filled with gratitude and reverence beyond measure. I respectfully submit this memorial for presentation, and hereby state my petition.

On a certain year, month, and day, your servant of a certain surname and name, holding the office of servant, presents this memorial.

Memorial for Inviting Water and Fire

Your servant, holding the office of servant, bows twice.

I respectfully report to those above: Today, a purification ritual is being performed for a disciple of the fasting rites, [name], and will continue for several days and nights. Its purpose is to deliver the soul of the deceased, [name], so that it may ascend to the realm of immortals. We now reverently invite water and fire to descend and refine the departed soul through the rites of deliverance—a ritual use of water, fire, and other means to purify and transform the soul, freeing it from the impediments of death.

I respectfully reflect that Heaven and Earth each abide in their proper place, while the Ancestral Qi, the primordial vital energy present at the birth of Heaven and Earth, flows and circulates, manifesting as light. The Fire of Li and the Water of Kan each divide into essence and energy, exercising their wondrous functions to transform and nurture the myriad things. The Five Patterns, the talismanic forms or laws of energetic transformation that establish the order of Heaven and Earth, opened up the cosmos, and through them the myriad things were shaped. To bring forth the wondrous radiance of the Nine Refinements, one must indeed rely on the sacred workings of Yin-Yang in Heaven and Earth.

I am filled with awe and fear, and bow twice. I worry that the soul of the deceased, [name], remains entangled in the dusty habits of many lifetimes, with layers of karmic hindrances accumulating upon one another. The soul cannot return to the life-root of the Nine Qi and recover its original state; it is also bound by the death-root formed from the Five Forms—the human body and the energies of the Five Phases—and cannot accord with the realm of emptiness. Without refinement and transformation, how could it ascend beyond these constraints and reach the heavenly realm?

The Fangzhu, a vessel that gathers dew beneath the moon, reflects its radiance and draws the golden essence of the Eastern Well. The Yangsui, a bronze mirror that kindles fire from the sun, gathers light and pours forth the cinnabar fire of the south. Without mirrors and vessels to reflect it, who could assist in proclaiming the divine light?

With reverence, I contemplate the Supreme One—the formless, nameless, empty, natural, and most true Dao—and the Most High Primordial Venerable One beneath the golden towers and jade steps.

The Dao moves in concert with Yin-Yang, and its De enfolds Heaven and Earth. I earnestly beg that a decree be issued, bestowing the essence of the Five Dragons and Jie Lin, sacred powers embodying numinous energy. May the divine beings be commanded to spread the transformation of the Nine Phoenixes and Yu Yi, the power of the sun’s divine radiance represented by the Nine Phoenixes and Yu Yi. May the deceased’s withered bones be restored to life. I pray that the spirits will look upon this petition and deliver the soul.

Through nine refinements, the body is made whole again, and each Qi reveals the wonder of renewed life. Through ten acts of deliverance, beings are released, and every spirit manifests the mystery of its formation from primordial Qi. The departed soul rises from the night of Li to the realm of Chaoyuan, riding the dawn light and traveling upon the sun’s radiance. With deepest sincerity, I look up in hope of your gracious command and respectfully submit this memorial with my petition.

I am filled with awe and fear, and bow twice. Respectfully, I submit this petition.

On [year, month, day], your servant, [surname and name], of [official or ritual rank], submits this memorial.

I, your humble servant, respectfully bow in homage.

I submit this memorial: On a certain day of this month, a certain fasting rite was conducted for the disciple who undertook the rite, lasting several days and nights, to pray for the soul of the deceased, so-and-so, to be delivered. I now respectfully present this memorial to the Heavenly Court.

I believe that when one knocks upon the ninefold gates of Heaven and declares one’s sincerity to the heavens, clouds gather over Qingwei Heaven, one of the heavenly realms in Daoism. When one ascends the eight flights of steps and expresses reverence to the heavens, a pure breeze scatters the gloom. May the Three Realms—the different levels of existence, including Heaven, Earth, and humanity—widely bestow impartial wisdom, and may their blessings, which nurture and transform all things, reach the ten directions. May blessings descend everywhere and light shine forth, as rain and dew nourish the earth and the sun, moon, and stars give light. I reverently turn toward the Heavenly Court and lay bare my sincere heart, humbly requesting that the holy and enlightened ones look down and bear witness.

I am overcome with awe and trepidation, and bow twice. I think of the soul of the deceased, so-and-so: resentment and cunning were woven into their nature, while a web of karmic offenses entangled their heart. The Three Delusions—afflictions such as greed, anger, and ignorance—were not dispelled, and so they strayed into confusion, their spirit and mind disordered. They also failed to uphold moral principles and laws, and thus took the deviant path, wandering back and forth. The record of their offenses accumulated in Beifeng, the northern underworld in Daoist belief, and their transgressions were also recorded at Dongdai, Mount Tai, traditionally regarded as a place that governs the souls of the dead. The deceased lies in a vast, dark abyss, tormented by the terrors of water and fire; they are also imprisoned in a silent, cold court of the underworld, trembling before its judgment. Therefore, a fasting rite of repentance and atonement is now being held. Without the boundless compassion of the supreme sage, how could the ignorant receive deliverance, like all things flourishing in the spring?

We respectfully look up in reverence:

The Most High is formless and nameless, empty and spontaneous: the supremely true Great Dao, the highest Primordial Venerable One, dwelling beneath the golden gates and jade steps.

The Supreme Dao (the Way) is vast beyond measure and difficult to describe in words. It gathers wondrous forms into being, spreads forth subtle and refined Qi (vital energy), and brings forth the Nine Earths. It also gives birth to emptiness, from which pure Qi arises, extending its grace throughout the Three Heavens. The revered Dao, taking pity on the sufferings of all beings, widely bestows compassion and kindness.

With reverence, I pray that the light of the spirits never be extinguished and that the ancestral Qi—the vital energy at the root of all things—remain ever alive. I humbly ask that the Office of the Mysterious Register, which governs documents of the netherworld, erase the record of grievances against the deceased from its registers; and that the Office of the Elixir Registry, which governs the records of the dead, remove their transgressions from its rolls. May the soul of the deceased leave behind the terrors of night and find peace at dawn; rise beyond the Three Realms of Desire, Form, and Formlessness, and suffer no more confinement or torment. I further ask that the Nine Gates of the Netherworld be commanded to provide attendants and protection, and to welcome and escort the soul joyfully.

I, your servant, humbly pray to receive the transformation of the Dao, as if bathed in sunlight, so that its mysterious teachings may unfold. May I ascend the steps of green jade and lay bare my thoughts, striving to receive the honored grace; may I stand before the purple-gold divine sovereign, join my hands in salute, and forever bathe in imperial favor. My gratitude and supplication are beyond measure. I respectfully submit this memorial, setting forth my prayer, and humbly make it known above. Your servant is fearful and uneasy, bows twice, and respectfully presents this petition.

On such-and-such a day in such-and-such a month and year, your servant, of the rank of [title], named [name], respectfully submits this memorial.

Memorial for the Blood Lake

Your servant, of the rank of [title], named [name], bows once more.

The memorial states: On this day, the person sponsoring the rite has performed a purification ritual for the soul of the deceased, over several days and nights, praying that the departed spirit be delivered and rise into the realm of the immortals. The deceased died in childbirth, and both her body and spirit were stained with impurity. We humbly ask the sacred and enlightened power of creation to grant compassion and cleanse her thoroughly, restoring the harmony of her vital energy and renewing the balance of the protective and nourishing Qi within her body. We respectfully submit this memorial for your consideration.

I revere the profound De of Heaven and Earth, which gives life and sustains all things, and have long been grateful for Heaven’s merciful grace bestowed upon the world below. Now, with reverence, I sincerely set forth the wish in my heart: may the departed spirit soon escape the darkness of the underworld and receive the radiant blessings of the celestial realm. I bow twice and state my plea, wholeheartedly seeking forgiveness. I am filled with awe and trepidation; I bow my head and bow again.

I reflect that, by good fortune, I inherited blessings from the past and lived in an age of flourishing civilization. I have promoted the Great Dao and followed the Way of Heaven, and have several times been granted an audience with the Son of Heaven. Having received a celestial mandate, I have proclaimed De and sworn to spread its abundant blessings. I also think of the departed spirit: born a woman, she once made her living in the human world, but lost her way in the snare of passion and desire, gradually losing the foundations of cultivation. She then became entangled in worldly schemes, and her originally pure spirit was stained. For nine nights she sank in the sea of suffering, and then fell into the lake of blood. The underworld jailers hold the instruments of punishment and are about to examine her offenses in the realms of Yin and Yang; the officials of the netherworld are stern and fearsome, their punishments of water and fire a source of terror. Without the Emperor of Heaven’s boundless grace, how could she leave the dark regions and ascend to the realm of light?

I respectfully beseech the Supreme Dao, formless and nameless, empty and naturally arising, together with the Most High Primordial Worthy, the supreme Daoist deity: may your sacred presence before the Golden Palace and jade steps look upon this plea.

The Great Dao (the Way) envelops and sustains all things. De (Virtue/Power) joins the hidden realm with the manifest one. A spirit of benevolence blows across the eight directions, and all the gods and spirits rejoice; the sweet rain of instruction nourishes the nine levels of the netherworld, bringing joy to the countless dead. I humbly ask Heaven to recognize my earnest intentions and bestow abundant, far-reaching grace. May the grace of pardon be widely extended to the departed, and may a sacred edict descend in particular. May the Three Qi (the three primordial energies in Daoist teaching) shine forth and illuminate the dawn, giving people hope; may the radiance of the Ten Blossoms pierce the darkness, so that night is no longer dim.

May the soul of the deceased be cleansed of defilement and find peace in body and mind. May the soul be delivered at Zhuling (the place of deliverance for the dead in Daoist teaching), with every kind of sin dispelled and all things brought to purity and peace. May the name be removed from the Black Register (the roll recording the sins of the dead), and a thousand grievances be resolved, bringing harmony among all. May the spirit be as pure as jade, and may every step be as gentle as spring. I, your servant, pray with utmost sincerity and respectfully submit this memorial setting forth my petition. In profound fear and awe, I bow my head twice and respectfully present this petition.

On the [day] of the [month] of the [year], your servant [name], holding the appropriate official rank, submits this memorial.

Opening Memorial for the Six Rites

Memorial to the Mysterious Master

Your servant [name], holding the appropriate official rank, bows twice and submits this petition:

On [day] of this month, the disciple of the purification rites, [name], respectfully established a [type of] Zhaijiao (purification ritual), lasting [number] days and nights, and performed an opening rite of deliverance for the soul of the deceased [name], humbly seeking Heaven’s grace so that the departed may be reborn in a blessed realm. The rite also sought blessings and the dispelling of calamity concerning [matter], humbly seeking Heaven’s grace to protect all in peace. Now, once again, an opening rite of deliverance is being performed for the soul of the deceased [name], humbly seeking Heaven’s grace so that the departed may be reborn in a blessed realm; blessings and the dispelling of calamity concerning [matter] are also sought, humbly asking Heaven’s grace to protect all in peace. The sponsor of the purification rite has now established the altar and made this announcement.

I respectfully submit: Daoist teachings originated in the Heaven of Beginning Blue and, after passing through the Five Kalpas, still shine with sacred numinous radiance. The Great Dao pervades the Azure Heavens, spreading the Ancestral Qi (the source energy in Daoist teaching) to the eight directions. Preserving the solemn rites of purification depends above all on the honored lineage of the masters. I respectfully follow the sacred teaching and venture to state what I seek in my heart. In profound fear and awe, I bow my head twice.

I know that I have received the protection of ancestral virtue and was born in a flourishing age, yet I am only an ordinary person. Though Yin-Yang energy has gathered within me, I merely move among the world’s people; though I know the patterns of Heaven and Earth and their mysterious principles, I cannot fathom the true meaning of the Western Immortal Realm. Now I venture to ascend the Jade Altar (the altar where Zhaijiao is performed) and make my petition, fearing that my name may be entered in the Jade Register (the register of the divine realm), and so my heart is filled with apprehension. I rely entirely on the gods’ far-reaching and discerning insight, and humbly ask for their compassion and support.

Respectfully presented before the sacred presence of the Perfected Lord, Great Master of the Mysterious Center.

The subtle and wondrous principles are endowed by emptiness; pure spiritual Qi is born and nurtured from the Great Nonbeing. You govern the guiding principles of the ten directions, spreading the wondrous wind of the spirit to transform and nurture the myriad things. You preside over the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen), sending forth the light of wisdom so that all things may grow. We earnestly beseech you to extend your profound and boundless compassion and graciously descend, riding upon the wind. Issue talismanic commands and establish ordinances, so that we may assist in the workings of the Dao of Heaven. Proclaim your teachings and bestow your grace, that the myriad things of the earth may be nurtured and brought to fulfillment. May the merit of this Zhaijiao (purification ritual) be complete, its blessings spread far and wide, and Heaven’s grace extend everywhere. Your servant, with utmost sincerity and reverence, humbly submits this memorial in prayer. In fear and trembling, your servant bows twice and respectfully sets forth this petition.

On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, your servant So-and-so, holding the appropriate rank in the ritual hierarchy, submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Celestial Master

Your servant So-and-so, holding the appropriate rank in the ritual hierarchy, bows twice.

I respectfully report: On a certain day this month, the disciple of the Zhai tradition, So-and-so, respectfully established a certain Zhai ritual for a certain purpose, to be held over a certain number of days and nights. If it is a rite for the deliverance of the dead, the Zhai is held for the deceased So-and-so, seeking the opening of the way to salvation and the raising up of the departed soul.

Memorial to the Celestial Master

Your servant So-and-so, holding the appropriate rank in the ritual hierarchy, bows twice.

I respectfully report: On a certain day this month, the disciple of the Zhai tradition, So-and-so, respectfully established a certain Zhai ritual for a certain purpose, to be held over a certain number of days and nights. If it is a rite for the deliverance of the dead, your servant seeks Heaven’s grace for the soul of the deceased So-and-so, so that it may be saved and attain a blessed realm. If it is a rite to avert calamity and pray for blessings, your servant seeks Heaven’s grace in a certain matter and its protection for peace and safety. In accordance with the ritual, at the opening of the Zhaijiao, we first perform the preliminary rite of lodging the invocation and announcing the Zhai (a preliminary rite of announcement before the formal Zhai begins).

Your servant reflects that in the age of Longhan, the charts and seals of the Dao of Heaven were first revealed, spreading a sacred teaching that embraces all things; and that at Heming Mountain, the destiny of Daoist teachings was opened, proclaiming the wondrous power of attaining the Dao and becoming one with it. In fear and trembling, your servant bows twice. I reflect that, sheltered by the accumulated virtue of my ancestors, I was born in a flourishing age. Though the Yin-Yang principles of the male and female coalesce in wondrous ways, they are but vainly blended in the Eastern Realms; though the principles of warp and weft unite in mystery, they cannot discern the true Dao of the Western Forbidden Realm. I have presumptuously accepted the office of presenting petitions at the Jasper Altar, and tremble lest the matters I report be entered into the celestial registers on jade tablets. I rely entirely on your noble and discerning protection, and earnestly ask you to look upon me with favor, guide me, and lend me your support.

I respectfully pray before:

The Holy True Lord, Great Master of the Three Heavens.

The endowment received at birth is pure and refined, and the original Qi bestowed by one’s allotted share is extraordinary and numinous. The Patriarch’s radiance shines bright: he established the teachings in western Shu. The school’s tradition has spread far and wide, leaving its mark in the Jiangyou region. We earnestly beseech the profoundly compassionate gods to condescend and descend, riding the wind to come here. The myriad perfected immortals carry out their commands, racing like relay horses through the realm of the mysterious and empty; the heavenly realms of the ten directions receive their beneficence, as they ride flying dragons on their circuit through the primordial chaos. I pray with utmost sincerity and urgent words, respectfully presenting this memorial to state my petition. I am filled with awe and trepidation; I bow my head twice in reverence and respectfully set forth these words.

On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, the appointed official, your servant So-and-so, submits this memorial.

Memorial of the Ritual Supervisor

The appointed official, your servant So-and-so, bows twice in reverence.

I respectfully submit this petition: On a certain day of this month, the ritual disciple So-and-so will reverently establish a certain Zhaijiao rite and conduct it for a specified number of days and nights. If this rite is performed to deliver the deceased, I pray that Heaven’s grace will shelter the soul of the late So-and-so, allowing it to be delivered and ultimately reborn in a blessed realm. If it is performed to pray for blessings and avert calamity in a particular matter, I pray that Heaven’s grace will protect those concerned and keep them safe. I have now conducted the preliminary initiation rite and begun the purification observance.

I reflect that the Golden Statutes of the Great Red Order extend their grace in all eight directions and shine forth in splendor, while the Jade Precepts of Nüqing support the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen) scriptures, helping them spread and shine. I am filled with awe and trepidation; I bow my head twice in reverence.

I consider that I have inherited the blessings of my ancestors and was born in a prosperous age. Yet although Yin and Yang Qi have gathered in mysterious subtlety, I am merely lost among the common world and cannot attain the true Dao in the realm of the Eastern Isles. Although the principles that bind and order things reach into the hidden and profound, I have no means of mastering the essential methods of the true Dao at the Western Forbidden Court. Now I presume to ascend the Jade Altar and submit this petition, fearing that my name may be inscribed on a jade tablet. My heart trembles with apprehension. I can only rely on the gods’ lofty and profound might, and earnestly beseech their compassionate support and protection.

I respectfully submit this petition before the sacred presence of the Perfected Lord, Great Master of the Numinous Treasure, Guide of Immortals and Supervisor of the Purification Rite:

The Perfected Lord, Great Master of the Purification Rite, maintains purity and abides in truth, nurturing the mysterious and mastering the hidden, subtle truths. He commands the divine bureaus of every rank, manifesting his authority upon frost tablets; he oversees the various offices and assists the sacred teachings in transforming and nurturing all beings.

Before the sacred presence of the Perfected Lord, Great Master of the Purification Rite.

The elusive and profound nourishes the simple and unadorned; subtle mystery merges with the Way of truth. In the Celestial Court, each office carries out its appointed duty, displaying the majesty of the spirits upon the frost tablets, where the responsibilities of the heavenly realm are recorded. They oversee the many offices and assist the sacred teachings in guiding and transforming, like what is borne in the cloud pouch, a symbol of heavenly authority. May all the revered deities exercise their boundless compassion and condescend to descend upon the wind. The assembled gods pay their respects, standing with hands clasped before the Dragon Steps to deliberate together. Their ceremonial guards are arranged according to rank; the court assembly is put in order and its ranks inspected and corrected. I, your servant, earnestly offer my petition, unable to restrain myself, and respectfully present this memorial to declare my wishes. In fear and trembling, I bow my head twice and respectfully submit this report.

On the [day] of the [month] in [year], your servant [name], of [rank], submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Five Emperors

Your servant [name], of [rank], bows twice.

I report: On a certain day this month, the disciple [name], who practices the purification rites, respectfully established a certain rite of purification, to be conducted over a certain number of days and nights. If this rite is for opening the way and delivering the dead, it is to deliver the soul of the deceased [name], humbly seeking Heaven’s grace so that the soul may be reborn in a favorable realm. If it is for praying and averting calamity, it is to seek relief from disaster in a certain matter, humbly asking Heaven’s grace to protect and preserve peace. Tonight, at the preliminary invocation before the formal Zhaijiao rites, I specially inform the gods of this purification rite.

I believe that the Dao’s beneficence covers the ten directions, and I look up to it as clouds rising and coursing through the profound and mysterious workings of the Way of Heaven. The sacred teachings extend throughout the eight directions; I hope Heaven will send down its grace and bestow blessings far and wide. Who can uphold the solemn rites of purification? They depend precisely on the exalted emperors of the heavenly realm. I respectfully follow the sacred rites and presume to set forth my thoughts. In fear and trembling, I bow my head twice.

I reflect that I have inherited the blessings accumulated by my ancestors and was born in a prosperous age. Though the Qi of Yin-Yang has gathered into a profound mystery, I have done no more than drift about in the immortal realm of the East. Though the warp and weft of Heaven and Earth accord with the hidden principles, I have been unable to penetrate the true Way of the western heavens. I presume to preside over the jade altar, the place where Zhaijiao is performed, and submit this petition; I am apprehensive, fearing that my name may be inscribed on a jade register. I can only rely on the discernment of all the revered deities and earnestly beg them for compassion and protection.

I respectfully pray before the sacred presence of the revered deities:

Heavenly Lord of the Green Spirit, Primordial Elder of the Nine Qi; Heavenly Lord of the Red Spirit, True Elder of the Three Qi; Heavenly Lord of the White Spirit, August Elder of the Seven Qi; Heavenly Lord of the Five Spirits, Mysterious Elder of the Five Qi; Heavenly Lord of the Original Spirit, Primordial Elder of the One Qi.

May your virtue stand equal with Heaven and Earth, and your authority match Yin and Yang. You assist the supreme Great Dao, and your great work is complete. Within the primordial Qi, the One Qi spoken of in Daoist teachings, you proclaim the Red Writ; among the numinous spirits of the five directions, you arrange the purple immortal registers and govern the four quarters. May the gods exercise their vast and profound compassion, deigning to ride the clouds and winds down to us. May a gentle breeze arise before the seat of the Lion, as you lead the assembled saints and proclaim your gracious kindness. May the immortal assembly descend each day to nourish all beings and extend blessings far and wide. I earnestly beseech the gods, unable to contain myself, and respectfully submit this memorial to state my request. I am filled with fear and reverence; I bow my head twice in homage and respectfully present this petition.

On the [day] of the [month] of [year], I, [name], your servant, holding the appropriate ritual rank, submit this memorial.

Memorial to the Three Officials

I, [name], your servant, holding the appropriate ritual rank, bow twice in homage.

I respectfully report: On [day] of this month, the disciple of the fasting rites, [name], reverently established a [type] purification ritual, to be conducted over [number] days and nights, to deliver the deceased [name] through the rites and pray for blessings and salvation for the departed soul. I respectfully present this petition.

On the [day] of the [month] of [year], I, [name], your servant, holding the appropriate ritual rank, submit this memorial.

Memorial to the Three Officials

I, [name], your servant, holding the appropriate ritual rank, bow twice in homage.

I respectfully report: On [day] of this month, the disciple of the fasting rites, [name], reverently established a [type] purification ritual, to be conducted over [number] days and nights, to deliver the soul of the deceased [name], and to beseech Heaven’s grace so that the departed may attain a place of rebirth or peaceful repose. If this rite is offered to seek blessings and avert calamity in a particular matter, we also beseech Heaven’s grace for protection and peace. The preliminary rite of announcement and invitation before the purification ritual is now being performed; I respectfully present this petition.

I understand that the movement of the Dao rests upon the Purple Tenuity, the dwelling of the Heavenly Emperor and the center of the celestial realm, which draws forth mysterious Qi from before the division of chaos. The teachings are boundless, spreading their beneficence across Heaven and Earth like sweet dew. The dignity of the purification rites depends upon the august power of the celestial imperial palace for its protection. Presumptuously following the sacred rites, I state the wishes in my heart. I am filled with fear and reverence; I bow my head twice in homage.

Reflecting that I have received the blessings of my ancestors and was born in a flourishing age, I see that although Yin and Yang Qi gather in mystery, I am merely mingled among the lands of the East; although Heaven and Earth’s hidden patterns converge in the profound, I still have no means to apprehend the true Dao in the forbidden precincts of the western immortals. Presumptuously ascending the Jade Altar, the ritual platform, to make this petition, I fear that my name may be entered in the jade register, and so I tremble with unease. I beseech the exalted gods to draw upon their sublime power and graciously assist me. I again reflect on my ancestors’ blessings and rejoice that I was born in a flourishing age. Although Yin and Yang Qi gather in mystery, I am merely mingled among the lands of the East; although Heaven and Earth’s hidden patterns converge in the profound, I still have no means to apprehend the true Dao in the forbidden precincts of the western immortals. Presumptuously ascending the Jade Altar to make this petition, I fear that my name may be entered in the jade register, and so I tremble with unease. I beseech the exalted gods to draw upon their sublime power and graciously assist me.

I respectfully present this petition before:

The Heavenly Official of the Upper Origin, Bestower of Blessings, the Radiant Spirit and Primordial Yang Great Emperor;

The Earthly Official of the Middle Origin, Remitter of Sins, the Numinous Spirit and Pure Void Great Emperor;

The Water Official of the Lower Origin, Reliever of Calamities, the Golden Spirit and Grotto Yin Great Emperor.

Harmonizing and setting all things in motion, you govern the Three Origins—the Heaven, Earth, and Water officials in Daoist teaching and the affairs under their charge. The gods of Heaven and Earth, as well as humanity, are listed and checked in the Cinnabar Register, the record of divine names and offices. Matters of Yin-Yang, Water and Fire, and the like are written into the Black Documents, Daoist records used to examine good and evil, calamity and blessing. May you extend your profound compassion and deign to descend here, riding upon the wind. You administer the Six Offices of Heaven and proclaim their laws through thunder; you govern the myriad spirits and bring transformation to life through rain and dew. I, your petitioner, earnestly beseech you, with the utmost urgency, and respectfully submit this memorial to make my plea known. I am filled with fear and trepidation; I bow my head twice in reverence. Respectfully, I submit this memorial.

On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, your petitioner, so-and-so, of Daoist rank, submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Three Masters

Your petitioner, so-and-so, of Daoist rank, bows twice and submits this memorial:

On a certain day of this month, the disciple of the purification rites, so-and-so, is reverently establishing a certain purification retreat for a certain purpose, to be conducted over a specified number of days and nights. If the rite is for the deliverance of the deceased, one may write: “For the soul of the departed so-and-so to be delivered; we humbly seek Heaven’s grace, that they may be reborn in a good place.” If the rite is to avert calamity and pray for blessing, one may write: “For a certain purpose, we humbly seek Heaven’s grace and protection, that all may be safe.” Since the purification rite is now being performed in accordance with ritual, I respectfully announce the commencement of the retreat in advance.

I respectfully reflect that the transformations of the Clear Tenuity realm have opened the way, and the divine wind sweeps across the blue vault of Heaven. Daoist teachings spread to the farthest reaches of Heaven, while the rain of transformation pours over the earth. The rites of purification and fasting are held in honor through the revered protection of the Three Masters. In accordance with the sacred teachings, I venture to state my wishes. I am filled with fear and trepidation; I bow my head twice in reverence.

I reflect that I have received the blessings accumulated by my ancestors and was born in an age of flourishing order. Though I live amid the transformations of Yin and Yang, I am merely lost in the dusty world and have failed to grasp the wondrous principles of the Eastern Isles, the immortal realm in the east. Though I have encountered the patterns of Heaven and Earth and their mysterious transformations, I have no way to discern the true Dao of the Western Forbidden Realm, the immortal realm in the west. Now I venture to ascend the Jade Altar, the platform for conducting the purification rite, and make this memorial. I fear that my name may be entered in the Jade Register, and so my heart is filled with reverence. I humbly beseech the Three Masters to stoop with their lofty virtue and guide and care for me.

With reverence, I make this announcement before the sacred presence of the Lord of the Lingbao Scripture Master, the Lord of the Lingbao Register Master, and the Lord of the Lingbao Ordination Master:

The virtue of the Three Masters accords with the myriad mysteries; their Dao-centered minds accord with the Four Profundities, the esoteric principles taught in Daoism. They bear the transmission of the Lingbao lineage, carrying on the virtue of earlier practitioners and bringing it to full splendor. They hold the seals of the founding masters and oversee the transmission of the lineage’s rites.

Your Dao and Virtue accord with the many mysteries between Heaven and Earth; all your actions and thoughts are in harmony with the profound principles of the four directions. You have received the transmission of the lineage and continued the Dao work of practitioners of former generations, bringing it to full flourishing. Holding the seal of the patriarchs, you awaken later generations of those who study the Dao and pass its teachings on to the future. We earnestly beseech you to extend your profound compassion and graciously descend, riding upon the wind.

May you proclaim the teachings upon the celestial stairs of the eight directions, so that the lessons in the cinnabar writings may reach the heavenly realm. May your grace bathe the many spirits and support the practice of the Daoist liturgy in the human world. I pray with all my heart and can scarcely contain myself; I respectfully submit this memorial to set forth my thoughts. I am filled with trepidation, bow twice, and respectfully present these words.

On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, your servant, a person holding an official post, submits this memorial.

Memorial of Gratitude for the Six Canopies

Memorial to the Mysterious Master

Your servant, a person holding an official post, bows twice and submits these words: On a certain day this month, for a disciple of the ritual fast, a certain person, a certain fast rite was respectfully performed for a number of days and nights. If it was a rite for deliverance, we prayed for Heaven’s grace so that the soul of the deceased, a certain person, might be delivered and ultimately attain a blessed destination. If it was a rite to avert calamity and pray for blessings, we prayed for Heaven’s grace concerning a certain matter, asking for protection, peace, and smooth success. Now the rite has concluded, the altar has been dismantled, and the fast is complete.

By the grace of Heaven’s light, I was able to pay homage to the Heavenly Emperor. At this time, when the Dao of Heaven is in motion and its teachings flourish, I was fortunate to take part in the rite and join the ranks of the immortals. The fast rite was brought to a successful completion according to its prescribed rules chiefly through the leadership and support of the lineage. The worship ceremony has ended, and I once again set forth my sincere thoughts. I am filled with trepidation and bow twice.

I reflect that I have inherited the Daoist lineage and received the great Dao teachings, yet I am deeply ashamed. The fast rites place importance on visualization and inward contemplation, but I may not be able to wield their wondrous power within the Mysterious Altar. Though the scriptures and ritual forms are complete, how could I truly cultivate the inner methods recorded in the alchemical classics? I have rashly taken on the foremost duty of proclaiming the Dao, and fear that I may be examined and punished for failing to follow the prescribed rules. I earnestly beseech you to look upon me with compassion and extend your aid and rescue.

Respectfully offered before the Holy Presence of the Three Heavenly Transformation Lords, the Great Mysterious Master.

May the highest goodness nourish all things like water, and may great De be as vast as the heavens. May the faults of the people be forgiven, and may worthy adepts of every rank be supported. May rewards be given according to merit, and may all the perfected spirits be widely thanked and encouraged. We trust that the divine spirits have returned to their jade chariot and swiftly made their way back to the immortal palace. Dense purple Qi has spread abundant grace throughout the void, while radiant spiritual light has brought the earth the blessings of mystery. Miraculous achievements have been revealed, and the sacred teaching has been passed down. I am deeply grateful and respectfully submit this memorial to express my thanks. I am filled with awe and fear; I bow twice and submit this petition with care.

On the [day] of the [month] in the [year], I, [name], your servant holding the office of [title], respectfully submit this memorial.

Memorial of the Celestial Master

I, [name], your servant holding the office of [title], bow twice and submit this petition:

On the [day] of this month, a purification rite was performed for [name], a disciple practicing the rites of purification. A [name] purification rite was established and carried out over [number] days and nights. The rite of opening the passage was performed to deliver the soul of the deceased [name], humbly seeking Heaven’s grace so that the soul may attain a place in the realm of rebirth, a fitting destination for its rebirth or repose. If the rite was performed to pray for blessings and avert calamity in connection with [matter], then we humbly seek Heaven’s grace to protect and grant peace. The rites at the altar have now been completed, and the purification period has ended.

With sincere devotion, I respectfully offer the blue-green jade bi to Heaven, and have been fortunate to receive the radiance of the sacred sun. I have also received the blessings symbolized by the dark jade gui, so that the light of the true Dao may spread far and wide. The purification rites were fortunately conducted in accordance with strict precepts, and relied as well on the authority and protection of the lineage. The court rites have been completed, and I now respectfully state my heartfelt sincerity once more. I am filled with awe and fear; I bow twice.

I reflect that I am unworthy to inherit the Daoist lineage and receive its vast transformation. The devotion and focused contemplation required by the liturgy may not have been fully expressed at the mystic altar. Though the scriptures set out the ritual forms in full, how can I be certain that my heart has truly practiced in accordance with the cinnabar registers—the Daoist scriptures, talismans, and registers? I have rashly taken on the important duty of presiding over petitions to Heaven, and fear that I may leave grounds for fault and be called to account. I look up to the exalted spirits in their compassion and humbly ask them to show mercy and offer aid.

Respectfully presented before the sacred presence of the True Lords, the Great Masters of the Three Heavens.

Heaven and Earth bring forth and transform all things on a vast scale, leaving nothing beyond their care. The ordinances and laws of the heavenly realm are clear and precise: they assess the merits of the perfected immortals and grant rewards. Its regulations are also manifest and strict, yet they take compassionate account of the faults of officials in their respective offices, allowing them to be freed from blame. May your immortal carriage return to its jade palanquin and swiftly reach the Jade Tower. Auspicious clouds of incense drift in every direction, bestowing precious blessings throughout the human world; rosy clouds spread across the sky, as the clear, resonant music of the immortals echoes on high for a long time. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I respectfully submit this memorial to express my thanks. In utmost trepidation, I bow my head twice and respectfully state my words.

On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, your servant, holding a ritual rank and bearing the name So-and-so, respectfully submits this memorial.

Memorial of the Ritual Supervisor

Your servant, holding a ritual rank and bearing the name So-and-so, bows twice and respectfully states:

On a certain day of this month, I conducted a purification retreat for the disciple So-and-so, who practices the ritual methods, lasting a number of days and nights. If this was a deliverance retreat for the deceased, I prayed for Heaven’s grace, so that the soul of the deceased So-and-so might be delivered and ultimately attain its place of rebirth. If it was a retreat to pray for protection from calamity in a certain matter, I prayed for Heaven’s grace and protection, so that the matter might proceed safely and smoothly. The rites at the retreat altar have now concluded, and the retreat period has been completed.

I respectfully observe that the clouds have drawn back and the gates of the heavenly realm stand clear; the gathered deities take their places in court and present their reports. Rosy light shines in all directions, spreading blessings far and wide and proclaiming the successful completion of the rites. That this retreat could be completed in full accordance with the exacting ritual methods depended entirely on the essential leadership of the revered masters and ritual officiants. The rites, solemn as those of the imperial court, have concluded, yet I must still respectfully express the sincerity in my heart. In utmost trepidation, I bow my head twice.

I know that I have inherited the Daoist methods of the Mystery Gate and been placed among the ranks of the divine, yet I fear that my talent and virtue are inadequate and that I have failed the teachings I received. The retreat rites place their emphasis on visualization and stillness of mind; without focused practice at the altar of the Mystery, their wonders cannot be brought forth. The scriptures provide solemn rites; without devoted practice in accordance with the cinnabar registers—that is, Daoist scriptures—how can one truly carry them out? I have rashly undertaken the important duty of presiding over the rites and submitting the petitions, and fear that I may thereby incur faults and face severe scrutiny in Heaven’s records. I earnestly beseech your compassionate regard and your aid and deliverance.

Respectfully submitted before the sacred presence of the Perfected Lord, Great Ritual Master of the Lingbao Order, who oversees the purification retreat and leads the immortals.

Even the smallest good deed is surely recorded, while great virtue receives generous praise. The Heavenly Court registers merit in the Cinnabar Register, allowing the spirits and souls of those who have earned merit to ascend to the azure firmament—the blue sky of Daoist belief. It also washes away faults from the White Tablets and raises their rank, admitting them among the honored ranks of the Yellow Realm, a term for the earth and its domains. May they return to their immortal carriages and swiftly reach the Jade Gate, the palace of the immortals. High Heaven and the thick Earth together gather blessings and spread their radiance like sweet dew. May Yin and Yang each find their proper balance, and may auspicious Qi spread everywhere, brightening the scene.

Your servant, filled with gratitude, respectfully submits this memorial to express thanks and present it to the Heavenly Court. Your servant is fearful and humbled, bows twice, and respectfully makes this report.

On the [day] of the [month] in [year], your servant [name], of [rank], respectfully submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Five Emperors

Your servant [name], of [rank], bows twice.

Your servant reports: On [day] of this month, for the disciple [name], who is undertaking a purification retreat, we respectfully performed the Zhaijiao purification ritual for [number] days and nights. If the rite is for delivering the dead, we beseech Heaven’s grace so that the soul of the deceased [name] may be delivered and ultimately find a place of rebirth. If it is a prayer for blessings and the averting of calamity, we beseech Heaven’s grace on behalf of [matter], asking that peace and safety be granted. The rites at the altar have now concluded, and the purification retreat is about to end.

Your servant respectfully reflects: Sunlight shines upon the Jade Grove, the trees of the immortal realm, as we look up to see dragons and phoenixes attending the Heavenly Emperor. Clouds veil the Jade Steps of the immortal palace, where the celestial officials put their ranks in order and proceed in sequence into the court assembly. We are fortunate that the purification rites have been completed in full, all through the grace and protection of the Imperial Court.

Your servant is fearful and humbled, and bows twice. I reflect that, having received the Daoist transmission and taken on the duty of instructing others, I have failed to devote myself fully to visualization and cultivation at the Dark Altar, the place where Daoist rites are performed. Though the scriptures provide the ritual procedures, I have not truly applied myself to studying them. Now I presume to take the foremost role in proclaiming and submitting memorials, and fear that the Celestial Bureau will investigate and record my faults. I humbly ask you all, in your compassion, to bend down and come to my aid.

I respectfully beseech:

Heavenly Lord of the Azure Spirit, Ancient Primordial, Nine Qi;

Heavenly Lord of the Vermilion Spirit, True Ancient, Three Qi;

Heavenly Lord of the White Spirit, August Ancient, Seven Qi;

Heavenly Lord of the Five Spirits, Mysterious Ancient, Five Qi;

Heavenly Lord of the Primordial Spirit, Original Ancient, One Qi;

I respectfully submit this memorial before your sacred presence.

The radiance of Dao and De shines like a light across the night sky, while harmonious Qi brings forth the vitality of spring. The gods each perform their appointed duties and receive the Mandate of Heaven, reducing faults and entering merits in the Cinnabar Register, which records the merits and transgressions of the immortals. Ten thousand perfected gods accept their offices and inscribe their accomplishments in the Mysterious Chart, the register of merit in the divine realm. I imagine that Your Excellency has returned to the Jade Carriage and swiftly made your way back to the Jasper Palace in the celestial realm. Heaven’s light now shines in splendor, and teachings spread and nourish like sweet rain. The prohibitions on earth have also been lifted; the wondrous teachings now circulate widely, vast and boundless. I am deeply grateful and respectfully submit this memorial to express my thanks. I am filled with awe and apprehension, bow twice, and respectfully make this report.

On the [day] of [month], [year], your servant [name], holding the office of [title], submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Three Officials

Your servant [name], holding the office of [title], bows twice and submits this report:

On a certain day this month, the disciple [name], who undertakes the practice of ritual purification, respectfully performed a certain purification rite for a total of several days and nights. If the rite was performed for the deliverance of the deceased, may the soul of the departed [name] be delivered; we humbly ask Heaven’s grace to protect them and enable them to be reborn in a blessed realm. If it was performed to pray for blessings and avert calamity in a certain matter, then it was a prayer for peace and safety. Now that the rite has concluded, we are preparing to dismantle the altar and end the period of purification.

I understand that auspicious clouds have gathered around the Celestial Forbidden Palace, reaching the Golden Gate of Heaven, where the gods may come to pay audience. The ranks of celestial immortals have gathered like rain, proclaiming the sacred instructions in accordance with the Jade Tablets, the divine realm’s decrees. Fortunately, the rite observed strict precepts; this was made possible by the exalted authority of the Celestial Sovereign. I am filled with awe and apprehension and bow twice.

I reflect that I have inherited the lineage of Daoist teachings and assumed the responsibility of spreading them, yet truly dare not claim this as my own achievement. Though the ritual regulations and procedures are complete, all depends on the divine workings of the spirits at the Mysterious Altar, where Daoist rites are performed. Even with scriptures at hand and the ceremony fully prepared, how could it succeed without sincere practice in accordance with the Cinnabar Canons, the texts that preserve Daoist scriptures and methods? I have presumptuously taken on the primary responsibility of presiding over the rite and proclaiming Heaven’s mandate, and fear that my errors may be examined and recorded by the gods. I humbly ask the compassionate beings to take pity on me and grant their aid and deliverance. I respectfully invite:

The Upper Origin’s Heavenly Official Who Bestows Blessings, the Radiant Spirit, the Primordial Yang Supreme Emperor;

The Middle Origin’s Earthly Official Who Remits Sins, the Cavern Spirit, the Pure Void Great Emperor;

The Lower Origin’s Water Official Who Relieves Calamities, the Golden Spirit, the Cavern Yin Great Emperor;

to take their places respectfully before the holy assembly.

I observe the feeling that nurtures and sustains all living beings, and respond to all things with the embrace of an abyss. I erase the records of faults and bend to support the spirits who each fulfill their appointed duties. In accordance with the regulations governing the conferment of honors, I widely promote the many perfected immortals. I presume that the assembled spirits have returned to their jade chariots and will soon be back at the Jasper Palace. The Dao is beyond ordinary speech; it watches over and supports the myriad beings. It is mysterious upon mystery, its grace reaching in all directions. I am grateful and will remember this, though words cannot express it fully. I respectfully submit this memorial of thanks. I am filled with awe and fear; I bow my head twice and make this report.

On the [day] of the [month] of [year], your official servant, [name], holding the rank of [title], submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Three Masters

Your official servant, [name], holding the rank of [title], bows twice:

I submit this report: On the [day] of this month, for [name], a disciple practicing the purification rites, a certain purification ritual was solemnly established and conducted over several days and nights to release the soul of the deceased [name] and enable it to ascend to a blessed realm. Averting calamity was also sought for [matter], with prayers for… Your official servant, [name], holding the rank of [title], bows twice.

I submit this report: On the [day] of this month, for [name], a disciple practicing the purification rites, a certain purification ritual was solemnly established and conducted over several days and nights to release the soul of the deceased [name] and enable it to ascend to a blessed realm; prayers were also offered to avert calamity and seek peace. The rites at the ritual altar have now concluded, and the period of purification has ended. I respectfully understand that the Dao’s Qi (vital energy) should accord with the Purple Yang, while the ranks of the spirits at the Mystic Gate are put in order to help bring about transformation and nurture life. Governance and teaching are carried out in the Yellow Chaos, and inscribed medicine slips—documents recording ritual procedures and gracious decrees—are set forth to proclaim benevolence. It is fortunate that the purification rites have been completed in accordance with strict precepts; this is due entirely to the authority and protection of the revered elders of the lineage. I am filled with awe and fear; I bow my head twice.

I reflect that I have inherited the Daoist lineage of the Mystic Gate, yet feel unworthy of receiving the charge to spread the Great Dao’s teachings. The purification rites prize the practice of inner visualization, yet I have not been able to make full use of wondrous spiritual practice at the Mystic Altar, the place where Daoist rites are performed. The scriptures contain solemn rituals, yet I do not know how to devote myself to cultivating the alchemical texts, the Daoist scriptures. I have rashly taken on the foremost duty of proclaiming the Daoist teachings, and fear that I will thereby incur the severe penalties of the registers, which examine merit and fault and record sin and blessing. I look up to the Three Masters for their compassion and humbly ask them to aid and rescue me. I respectfully submit this before the sacred presence of:

The Lord of the Lingbao Scripture Masters, who transmits the Lingbao scriptures and methods;

The Lord of the Lingbao Register Masters, who oversees the transmission of Lingbao registers and methods;

The Lord of the Lingbao Ordination Masters, who presides over ordination and the transmission of the teachings.

The Water Assessor, a divine official overseeing water affairs and weighing matters, administers justice fairly; the Ice Mirror, seeing clearly as if through a mirror of ice, is wholly impartial. The true spirits are repaid and rewarded, and their merits are recorded in the Azure Register. Those who have earned merit are supported and given their place, while their offenses are erased from the Dark Register of Transgressions. I imagine that you have already returned in your jade carriage, the conveyance of an immortal, and will soon be back at the Jade Palace, the dwelling of immortals. All things between Heaven and Earth share in the benevolent grace of the Mysterious Source, the root of the Great Dao. As Yin and Yang alternate in their courses, all likewise bathe in the grace of the Lord of Creation. My gratitude and indebtedness are beyond words; I respectfully submit this memorial to express my thanks. I am filled with awe and trepidation, bow my head, and prostrate myself twice. I respectfully present this memorial.

On [year, month, and day], your official servant, [name], of [official rank], submits this memorial.

Memorial for Unrolling the Curtain and Communing with the True

Your servant, [name], of the minor rank of Xiaozhao in the Daoist clergy, is filled with awe and trepidation, bows his head, and prostrates himself twice.

Your servant respectfully reports: The Dao’s primordial Qi is immeasurable and profound, and the jade forms gather radiance. The honored scriptures of the thirty-six divisions expound the teachings. Your servant looks up in reverence toward the exalted carriage, encircled by dragons and phoenixes, in the Crimson Palace of the immortals, and stands solemnly before the ceremonial ranks of the immortal officials at the Mysterious Altar. Your servant presumes to take up the brush and first set forth his heartfelt sincerity. Your servant is filled with awe and trepidation, bows his head, and prostrates himself twice.

Yesterday, in accordance with the rules for purification rites, your servant received a request from the disciple [name] to perform a certain purification ritual at [place], lasting for a specified number of days and nights. If it is to deliver the deceased, then it is to seek Heaven’s grace for the soul of the late [name], so that it may attain rebirth. If it is to pray for blessings and avert calamity in a particular matter, then it is to seek Heaven’s grace and protection for peace and safety. Having accepted the office of upholding the teachings, your servant could not rightly refuse. He therefore respectfully followed the Mysterious Ritual Code and carried out the rites in their proper sequence.

Your servant recalls that, in his early years, he received the transformation of the Dao and vowed to spread its teachings far and wide. He was to lead the Daoist community and urge its members to make courtly visits along the Forbidden Road, the route to the palaces of Heaven. He was to preside over the Three Caverns, the three great divisions of Daoist scriptures, and vowed to transmit and expound the secret methods, preserving them in the jade pouch that holds the treasured scriptures of immortals. Above, he was to make the Daoist rites manifest and ensure that the statutes of Heaven were carried out in good order; below, he was to uphold the teachings’ commands and assist in completing the work of the Heavenly Emperor. The ritual grounds were laid out in successive tiers, modeled on the arrangement of Heaven’s ninefold palaces. The Three Flower, Kalpa-High Terrace, a lofty platform of the immortals, shimmers amid violet mists; the Seven-Treasure Palace of Tranquil Yang floats in the distance among crimson clouds. Without following the jade decree of Heaven as the credential for ascending the steps, how could one enter the Golden Gate of Heaven to present a memorial? Your servant respectfully reflects…

O Most High Taishang (the Daoist honorific for the supreme deity), you have neither form nor name. You abide in emptiness, spontaneous and natural: the utterly true and supreme Great Dao, the Primordial Venerable One above all. You dwell upon the golden gates and jade steps, exercising wondrous merit without seeking to rule. Your enlightened teaching extends everywhere without limit.

In the blue vault of heaven, ethereal songs resound, and five-colored radiance illuminates the vast sky. The purple firmament, encircled by rosy clouds, is splendid and flourishing; it divides the Three Celestial Lights—the sun, moon, stars, and other heavenly bodies—bringing all things into view. You sit exalted, your realm of immeasurable height, having reached the supreme state. May you show a little favor before the phoenix screen, granting your servant leave to approach directly the dragon-carved steps of your heavenly palace.

Auspicious winds and clouds gather; the worlds of the ten directions all look up to the radiance of your spirit. Your grace, like rain and dew, is revealed in every quarter, and distant lands in all eight directions receive the light of the Ancestral Qi, the source of vital energy. Near and far alike are blessed by your favor; the netherworld and the human realm are both nourished. May this grace continue to spread through kalpas beyond reckoning, and may your servant forever assist and revere Xuanyuan, the honored name of the Dao.

Your servant gazes up at your heavenly countenance and awaits your sacred command, deeply moved and filled with trepidation. I respectfully present this memorial, setting forth my petition. Your servant is sincerely fearful and humbled, bows twice, and cautiously submits these words.

On this day, in this month and year, your appointed servant So-and-so respectfully presents this memorial.

Memorials of the Three Caverns of the Most High, Scroll One

Memorials of the Three Caverns of the Most High, Scroll Two

Petition to Break Open Fengdu and Establish the Way

Your appointed servant So-and-so is sincerely fearful and humbled, and bows twice.

I am ashamed that I am like a stunted oak, a useless piece of timber, and as lowly as a thatched hut overrun with mugwort. Yet, thanks to the blessings and ties of affinity accumulated in previous lives, I have been admitted to the ranks of the perfected immortals in the Daoist tradition. My merit is not even a little thing, while my faults are as numerous as deep abysses and towering mountains. Through your forgiveness and forbearance, I have escaped punishment. I vow to practice diligently, in the hope of repaying your kindness. Now that I have accepted this charge, how could I fail to submit a report?

I respectfully set forth what is required by the purification ritual. I reflect that the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus, the Northern Capital of Luofeng, and the Six Grottoes and Ten Palaces—all these courts of the underworld—have dark and hidden passages, with trials by water and fire. They confine the living and the dead to the cycles of life and death, subjecting them to endless suffering as they pass through the ages. Though all beings must bear the karmic consequences of the delusions they have wrought, Heaven’s supreme benevolence and grace also call for compassion. Without relying on pardon and forbearance, how could they attain release? I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it to the Three Heavens, humbly imploring compassion and grace: may the Dao Qi of Jade Clarity and the wondrous light of Lingbao descend in particular, shining across the ten directions and opening and illuminating the nine layers of the underworld.

I beseech you to let the deceased person in question, along with the Nine Mysteries and Seven Ancestors, their kin across countless kalpas, beings of the Six Paths and Four Births, and all manner of spirits in the netherworld, bathe in this wondrous Qi and awaken at once to the goodness innate in them. May the enmities and sins formed across their many past lives thereby be dispelled. I respectfully petition the flying celestial envoys of the ten directions, together with the Jade Youths and Jade Maidens who rescue beings from suffering in the ten directions, to carry this appeal upward together…

With reverence, we petition beneath the Jade Steps of the Golden Palace of the Three Heavens: may the talismanic decree of the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning descend, together with the gold-register and white document—which record merits and faults and convey proclamations of pardon—and the true talisman for rescuing those in distress. May these be proclaimed to the Ten Directions and Three Realms, the boundless realm of the spirits, and the divine offices that govern Heaven, Earth, and Water and keep the registers of Yin-Yang offenses. Let them be announced to the Three Officials, the nine prefectures, and the one hundred and twenty bureaus—the divine offices and agencies of every rank—as well as to the Northern Capital of Luofeng, the legendary underworld; the inner and outer palaces and caverns; the Avici, or Uninterrupted, Hells; the great and small Iron-Enclosing Mountains; the sources of the twelve rivers; the Office of the Winding Springs; the divine offices that assess offenses in the Nine Depths and at the Five Sacred Peaks; the government offices of the Five Sufferings; the various hells; the prefectures of the Five Paths; and the underworld tribunals that administer the law.

May the light of this talisman shine upon the Iron City, shatter its torments, loosen its bonds, release the imprisoned souls of the dead, and end their suffering in furnaces and burning coals. May the copper pillars become beautiful groves, and the boiling cauldrons and freezing pools turn into lotus ponds. May the Ash River and the coals of the torture racks grow cool; may mountains bristling with knives and swords become forests of jeweled trees. May the tortures of the blazing hells and the successive Diamond Mountains be abolished. May the underworld courts cease their judgments, and may those judgments become fair and impartial; may enmities and grievances be resolved. May the roots of evil karma be destroyed and the registers of offenses erased. May the faults of the deceased, so-and-so, be pardoned, and may this pardon extend to the countless trapped souls and suffering prisoners in the underworld, so that all may attain freedom. May lingering po and sinking hun souls each find release.

We further beseech the sacred, enlightened decree to be issued from the Azure Palace. May the documents in the Jade Casket of Purple Yang be opened, and the name of the Compassionate Worthy who responds through transformations be proclaimed, so that the teachings may spread throughout the Ten Directions and beings of every kind may take refuge. May the gates of the Dharma be opened wide to save generations of underworld kin accumulated over time. May good affinities spread far and wide, and efficacious blessings reach every place. May all beings together receive the grace that gives life, nurtures, and transforms; let this serve as proof that our petition has been answered. May all grace return to the Great Dao. We humbly beseech its compassionate mercy.

Your foolish servant respectfully asks the divine officers who carry out the orders of the Two Officials, the Zhengyi Merit Registrar, the attendant messengers on the left and right, the Yin-Yang spirit adjudicators, and the ritual carriage and red-talisman officials to convey this petition. May good affinities spread far and wide, and efficacious blessings reach every place. May all beings together receive the grace that gives life, nurtures, and transforms; let this serve as proof that our petition has been answered. May all grace return to…

May the Great Dao look upon us with compassion, examine this matter distinctly, and grant mercy.

With humble sincerity, I respectfully petition the Two Officials’ Direct Envoys, the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Merit Registrar, the attendants on the left and right, the Yin-Yang Spirit Adjudication Clerks, the Chedan Red Talisman Clerks, the Strong Wind Courier Clerks, the Relay Horse Memorial Clerks, the Flying Dragon Cavalry Clerks, the Phoenix Cavalry for Advancing Memorials, the Cloud Dragon Cavalry for Submitting Memorials, the Windborne Cavalry for Conveying Petitions, the Divine Dragon Cavalry for Guarding Memorials, and the Flying Dragon and Flying Tiger Cavalry for Presenting Memorials—to dispatch two officers from each group to carry out their duties.

I, the presiding petitioner, [name], kneel and present this memorial. Please deliver it to the Three Heavenly Bureaus, the celestial offices overseeing documents and affairs. I respectfully beseech Heaven’s grace to send down a notice and reply. In sincere awe and trepidation, I bow until my head touches the ground, bow once more, and submit this petition for consideration.

I, [surname], belong to [temple name] Jing in [village], [township], [county], [prefecture], where I burn incense and pursue cultivation. Jing is a place where Daoist priests practice cultivation and conduct purification rituals and liturgies.

Respectfully offered to the supreme and true Great Dao, formless and nameless, empty and spontaneous, and to the Most High Mysterious Venerable One, beneath the jeweled steps of the Golden Palace of Seven Treasures.

On [year], [month], [day], at [place], I kneel and submit this memorial.

Memorials of this kind are usually written in cinnabar on yellow paper. The paper is one chi, two cun, and six fen high, and each line is one cun and two fen wide. The scroll should be made from single sheets, with only one line written on each sheet. Each line must end with the fixed phrase “Bai Shang” (“Presented with reverence”).

Whenever writing a memorial, use yellow paper and cinnabar ink. The paper should be one chi, two cun, and six fen high, with each line one cun and two fen wide. Use a single sheet of paper for the scroll, writing one line on each sheet, with exactly seventeen characters to each line.

Leave the first two lines of the first sheet blank. On the third line, write the memorial’s title, repeating the title. Below it, write, “Your servant, [name], in sincere trepidation, bows low, prostrates, and bows again” (a respectful expression of a subordinate’s fear and reverence). This line does not follow the seventeen-character format; stop wherever appropriate. On the fourth line, write the two characters “submitted above,” one cun lower than the official title. Starting with this line, arrange the characters in the seventeen-character format, and follow the same format for every line thereafter. Leave half a cun blank above each line, and keep the characters at the end of each line from running together.

Write the surname and given name together as a single unit; do not separate them. Inauspicious characters such as “ghost,” “ominous,” “death,” and “thief” must not appear at the beginning of a line. Auspicious characters such as “immortal,” “person,” and “life” must not appear at the end of a line. After writing “to serve as proof of efficacy,” continue with “we humbly pray for your grace,” and proceed through “submitted for your notice.” Place “submitted for your notice” one character lower than the previous line, with three blank lines between it and “bows again.” Leave another three lines blank after “submitted for your notice,” then write, repeating them, the servant’s surname, prefecture, county, and village, as well as the name of the monastery and the Jing (a Daoist place of practice and residence). Begin halfway across the line and write to the edge of the paper, ending level with its bottom edge. Leave three lines blank, then write the “title of the Great Dao” (the sacred Daoist name or office under which one serves), repeating it and occupying only four cun and three fen. Leave another three lines blank, then begin halfway across the line and write, “Presented in worship at [place] on [year], [month], [day] of the current year,” ending level with the bottom edge of the paper. Leave the rest of the page blank after the year has been written.

When writing a memorial, fill in the title of the Great Dao promptly. In the date, the dot in “Your Majesty” and the ear radical in the character “notice” in “submitted for your notice” must be deliberately left blank or left unfinished, then completed in cinnabar during the verification of the memorial. On the memorial’s wrapper, write the title of the Great Dao, the ritual rank and office, the servant’s surname, and “Memorial respectfully sealed.” On the square envelope, write “Respectfully presented before the gates of the Three Heavens,” followed by the ritual master’s office, ritual rank, surname, and “Respectfully sealed again”; include it within the memorial title strip. The title strip should be one chi and two cun long and one cun and eight fen wide, wrapped three times with blue silk thread. Affix paper seals at the crossing of the threads and at both ends. Then place it inside a square envelope made of blue paper, following the same format described above for the square envelope. Finally, wrap it front and back with a cloth wrapper. This is the proper procedure for sealing a memorial.

The ritual master presiding over the purification rite, [name], respectfully and apprehensively bows his head in homage, prostrates twice, and submits this memorial:

I, your servant, am by nature indolent and dull, with little talent or wisdom. I have been fortunate to take on the duty of delivering departed souls, and dare not neglect it or fail to report it to Heaven. I only hope that the perfected high deities will forgive my presumption. Following the arrangements for the purification rite, I have accepted this responsibility within the tradition and cannot refuse it. I have respectfully chosen a certain day this month to begin the rite and, at a certain place, reverently established the Mysterious Altar, where Daoist rites are performed. In accordance with the regulations of the ritual code, I will carry out the purification rites in their prescribed order.

I reflect that the Ninefold Abyss, the Six Caverns, the Three Offices and Northern Feng, the divine bureaus that oversee judgments in the underworld, and the dark passes along the nether road all have officials charged with examining the souls of the dead. Without a proclamation issued from Heaven, how could these divine officials protect the bodies and souls of the departed? I have therefore prepared one memorial and submit it to the Three Heavens, requesting that notice be sent to the officials who examine the dead in the Ninefold Abyss, the Six Caverns, the Three Offices and Northern Feng, and the dark passes along the nether road.

I humbly pray that the gods, in their compassion, will look upon us with kindness and especially send down the Dao Qi of the Jade Clarity realm and the wondrous light of Lingbao, illuminating the underworld and brightening the shadowy courts of the dead. Then the deceased [name], together with the Nine Generations of Ancestors and Seven Generations of Forebears, relatives from countless kalpas past, beings of the Six Paths and Four Births—all who undergo transmigration—and every kind of wandering spirit may be spared suffering, released from their bonds, and brought to the Mysterious Altar to have their ranks determined and receive deliverance.

For this purpose, I respectfully request twelve Great Generals of the White Chariots and White Horses, with one hundred and twenty officers and commanders; twelve envoys bearing the Nine-Dragon Talisman Mandate, with one hundred and twenty officers and commanders; twelve Jade Maidens of the Great Mystery, with one hundred and twenty officers and commanders; and twelve Talisman Officers of the Great Mystery, with one hundred and twenty officers and commanders. May they proceed together to the Golden Gate and Jade Steps of the Three Heavens to request the descent of the Supreme One’s precious register of pardon for ascent to Heaven, and its proclamation throughout the Ten Directions and Three Realms. I also request twelve Jade Maidens of the Great Mystery, with one hundred and twenty officers and commanders, and twelve Talisman Officers of the Great Mystery, with one hundred and twenty officers and commanders, to proceed there together.

May the decree of the Most High be issued beneath the jeweled steps of the Golden Portal in the Three Heavens: a precious register granting pardon to departed souls and allowing them to ascend to Heaven. Let this command be proclaimed throughout the ten directions and the three realms.

Let it reach the divine realm without limits, the Northern Capital of Luofeng, the legendary underworld, the offices of the Spring Bend, and the Three Officials’ bureaus, the Nine Offices, the one hundred and twenty departments, and all other institutions of the underworld. Let it reach the palaces, offices, grotto heavens, and realms of water and fire, Yin and Yang; the thirty-six prisons, the Avici Hell without respite, the great and small Iron Enclosures, the fiery pools and marshes; the Four Rivers and Five Sacred Peaks, the twelve river sources, the examination officials of the Five Emperors, the clerks of the Six Palaces, and all divine officials who govern punishment, killing, merit and fault, household registers, lifespan, judgment, guilt, and prisons.

Let it also be announced to the Four Illustrious Guest Lords, the Chief of the Heavenly Gate Court, the Ten Palaces and Six Grottoes, the great demons of the Five Emperors, the Great Spirit of the Dark Depths, the prefectures of the Five Roads, the clerks of the Nether Terrace, the ghost officials of the Long Night, and the countless officials of the underworld. Command them to follow the talismanic warrant issued at this altar. Let them send guards to escort and receive the souls named above, immediately free them from every suffering and release them from the prisons of Hell. Let them forever leave behind the dark Long Night and behold the light. Let the Black Register, which records the souls’ sins, be burned, and the roots of their karma dispersed. Let the souls pay homage at the Mysterious Seat, receive instruction, and be reborn. May this serve as proof that their pardon and deliverance are complete. We earnestly ask the Great Dao to bestow its kindness openly and look with compassion upon them, saving and aiding them.

I, your servant, humble and cautious in my understanding, make use of the divine clerks who transmit memorials: the Direct Envoys of the Two Offices; the left and right messengers of the Zhengyi Merit Bureau; the clerks of the Yin-Yang Spirit Decrees; the clerks of the Sectional Vehicle and Red Talisman; the clerks who ride the Strong Wind post; the clerks who submit memorials by relay horse; and the Direct Envoys who ride flying dragons. I also send two each to carry out this mission: the Phoenix Riders who present memorials, the Cloud Dragon Riders who submit memorials, the Wind-Borne Riders who deliver spoken memorials, the Divine Dragon Riders who convey imperial memorials, and the Flying Dragon and Flying Tiger Riders who submit memorials.

I, the fasting officiant, [name], respectfully present this memorial, [title], and send it to the Office of the Three Heavens, which governs celestial documents. I humbly pray that Heaven’s grace will grant a reply. I, your servant, am filled with awe and trepidation. I bow my head and prostrate myself twice. I respectfully submit this report.

[Three blank lines]

I, [surname], belong to [village, township, county, and province], [palace or temple], and [Jing]. I burn incense and cultivate the Way.

[Three blank lines]

The Most High is formless and nameless, empty and spontaneous. The supremely true Great Dao is unsurpassed. I respectfully present this to the Venerable One of the Upper Mystery, beneath the Seven Treasures and Jeweled Steps of the Golden Portal.

[Three blank lines]

On [year], [month], [day], at [place], this is respectfully presented.

With reverent fear and humility, I, your appointed servant, bow and prostrate myself in homage, and make this petition once more:

My abilities are dull and limited, and my inborn nature clouded and unenlightened. Yet, through grace, I have been entrusted with a Daoist office; this is entirely Heaven’s doing. I venture to submit this petition again and again only to express a fraction of my utmost sincerity. In accordance with the purpose of this purification ritual (Zhaijiao), and because my duty is to preside over the religious rites, which I must faithfully carry out, I have chosen a day this month to begin. At a designated place, I will respectfully establish the Mysterious Altar, the ritual space for Daoist purification rites, and perform the rites in due order according to Daoist liturgical protocol.

I fear that the souls and spiritual consciousness of the deceased may encounter hindrances as they travel through roads and passes. Without a heavenly decree, how could their way be made clear? I therefore respectfully submit this memorial to the Three Heavens—the three celestial Lords revered in Daoism.

I beseech the Three Heavens to show compassion and mercy, and especially to send down the Dao Qi of Jade Purity, the vital energy of the Jade Purity realm, and the wondrous light of Lingbao. May they open the roads of the underworld and make them bright and unobstructed. May the deceased person, together with the Nine Generations of Ancestors and Seven Forebears, kin across countless ages, beings in the Six Paths and Four Births, and all departed spirits in the underworld, be released from their assigned domains and come to the ritual altar. May they dispel their sins, pass freely through the underworld, pay homage to the True Sages, and receive refinement and deliverance—the Daoist rite for liberating the souls of the dead.

I respectfully petition the Grand Mysterious Direct Talisman, the Taiyi Envoys, the Five Emperors’ Direct Talismans, the Ten Heavens’ Message-Bearing Mounted Officers, twelve each of the Golden Dragon and Interlaced Dragon Courier Officers of the Mysterious Capital, and the Jade Dragon and Flying Dragon Courier Officers, together with one hundred and twenty official generals, to convey this petition up to the Heavenly Court…

We respectfully beseech the Three Golden Palaces beneath the Jade Steps to send down the Nine-Dragon Talisman Mandate of the Eastern Flower Green Palace, the Purple Yang Treasure Insignia, and the Ten-Day Treasure Talismans representing the life-giving Qi of the Five Directions. May they make light appear in places of darkness and illuminate the long night of the netherworld.

This proclamation is now conveyed to the Heavenly Prisons and Earthly Hells, the Water Court and Yin Offices, the Underworld Bureau and Earth Lords, the Six Paths of the Winding Springs, the Nine Ramparts of Northern Feng, the Three Officials and Nine Depths, the Five Sacred Mountains and Ten Talismans, the Five Sacred Mountains and Ten Palaces, the local gods of the Nine Provinces, the Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands, and all officials in the various departments responsible for inspection and judgment. It is also made known to the Elder of Hao Village, the Tomb Officers and Grave Lords, the River Marquis and River Clerk, the Lords Beneath the Earth, the Venerable Spirit of the Year’s Virtue, the Elders of the Mountains and Forests, the springs, streams, and ravines, the hidden passes along the underworld roads, the divine offices in charge of sacrifices, and all presiding spirits, including the City Gods, local shrine gods, and Earth Gods.

May all the gods receive the celestial talismans and follow these instructions: dispel grievances and remove karmic offenses; open the way for the departed souls and unbar the gates of the netherworld; release the souls named in this document. Let them compose themselves, proceed in order, come to the ritual altar, hear the scriptures and teachings, pay their respects to the True Spirits, receive precepts and talismans, and partake of the merit generated by the rites. May the departed souls meet no danger or obstruction as they pass through the night of the netherworld, and may they pass safely through its gates to attain freedom and ease. We summon and draw in the departed souls without hindrance, using talismans as proof of authority.

We earnestly beseech the Great Dao to look upon each case and, in compassion, offer aid and deliverance. Your foolish servant, careful and utterly sincere, bows again in submission and presents this memorial.

The blank spaces, ritual offices, sacred titles, dates, and other details are to be filled in according to the format above.

Memorial for Summoning Departed Souls (a section for summoning departed souls)

Your servant, holding the appropriate ritual rank, is filled with awe and dread, and bows with forehead to the ground twice.

I, your minister, report in this memorial: My understanding is shallow, and I am ignorant and dull, yet I presume to set forth Daoist liturgy, to practice and proclaim its mysterious teachings. I fear this may offend the dignity of the sacred. I can only respectfully state my humble request and, relying on your compassion, humbly ask that you look upon it with discernment.

I have carefully followed the requirements of purification. My duty is simply to receive the teachings, and in principle I cannot refuse. I have therefore respectfully selected a certain day in a certain month to begin, and at a certain place to establish an altar to the Mystery (a ritual site for Daoist rites), then to practice and carry out the orthodox liturgy in its proper sequence. I fear the road through the unseen realm is vast and obscure. Without the power to summon and guide, how could the divine might of the spirit tiger (a deity charged with summoning and guiding) be made manifest? I therefore respectfully follow the secret method of the Great Unity Spirit Tiger and petition the Great Unity Dark Mystery, the deity who governs the unseen realm, to act according to the liturgy at the altar to the Mystery.

I also fear that the unseen realm where the souls of the dead dwell is vast and desolate. Following the secret method of the Great Unity Spirit Tiger, I therefore issue jade writs, spirit tiger talisman commands, and precious registers; establish an altar for the spirit tiger’s summoning; and prescribe the appointed time and ritual commands. Let these summon the deceased so-and-so, the nine generations of ancestors and seven forebears, relatives through all kalpas, and the dead among the beings of the six paths and four forms of birth, so that they may appear before their living kin and reveal their divine forms. I respectfully submit one memorial to report this to the Three Heavens, the heavenly realms of Daoism.

I humbly hope that, in your compassion, you will grant special descent of the Jade Clarity Dao Qi and the wondrous light of the Numinous Treasure, illuminating the passes of the unseen realm and opening an unobstructed way through them. May the jade writs and talisman commands shine brightly, and may all officials of the unseen realm respectfully receive their orders. For this purpose, I respectfully petition the Inner Perfected of the Northern Dipper’s Dark Pattern and the Spirit Tiger; the mighty Left Marshal, who commands the hundred joints and the talisman officers of the three hun souls; the Jade Bureau’s Lord of Mystery, who oversees the many mechanisms; the Flying Talisman Jade Writ Chief Officer of the Dark Bureau, the Martial Luan on the Right, who draws forth hun souls, gathers po souls, and reverses life; and the soul pursuing envoys of the upper, middle, and lower divisions, to go forth and summon the three hun souls of the seven generations of ancestors.

I further ask the Jade Maidens of the Upper Origin to summon the souls of those who died from wounds, leprosy, epilepsy, poison from gu insects, dysentery, or miasmic fever; the Jade Maidens of the Middle Origin to summon the unclaimed souls of those who died from consumption or paralysis; and the Jade Maidens of the Lower Origin to summon the souls of those who died from plague, lightning strikes, and similar causes. Let the Jade Talisman Maidens summon the souls of those who died from fright, execution by the sword, hanging, drowning, self-immolation, difficult childbirth, or defilement. Let the Jade Maiden Who Holds the Plain Tablet at the Turtle Terrace summon the souls of those who died from poison, curses and spells, war and plunder, execution under the law, or attacks by wild beasts. Let the Jade Maiden of the Ninefold Spirit’s Hidden Terrace summon condemned souls held in confinement. May the Zhengyi Life-Prolonging Maiden, the Six Jia Maidens Who Hide in Heaven, and the Numinous Talisman Maidens also descend swiftly, carrying talismans, proclaiming commands, and gathering the souls.

I further petition the Great General of the Vermilion Heaven’s Left Guard, the Guiding Youths of the Five Directions, the Dao Lords of the Ten Directions, the Merit Officers of the Six Paths, the soul-pursuing envoys of the Three Realms, the perfected beings of the Heavenly Caverns, and all the great generals. May they descend together and, on my behalf, summon the souls named above, so that they may gather their Shen and restore their Qi, recover the vital energy of life, and return to the world of the living; or rise beneath a soul-summoning banner and reveal their forms, manifesting in dreams. In this way, the Daoist teachings may be displayed above, while grieving relatives below may find comfort. May the dead receive refinement and talisman commands, and hear the scriptures and teachings. May their registers of guilt be erased in the Northern Dark Land and their true registers entered in the Southern Cinnabar Realm; may they be promoted in due course. Let this serve as proof of the rite’s efficacy. I earnestly ask that your grace be bestowed.

Great Dao (the fundamental Way revered in Daoism), please show mercy and compassion to each of us. I, your foolish and humble servant, bow twice here.

[Leave a blank line after “Submitted for your review,” then continue with the ending in the same format as the preceding text.]

Petition for Ablution and Healing

I, your servant, [title and name], filled with awe and trepidation, bow until my forehead touches the ground, then bow twice.

I submit this petition: Though lowly as dust and insignificant as an ant, I have received the duty of proclaiming Dao and De and teaching the multitude. I dare not cease performing rites to save people and aid the world. The divine powers are majestic and exalted; I humbly await their hearing. I shall act in accordance with the intent of the purification rite. Since I bear the duty of carrying out the teachings, I cannot properly decline. I respectfully choose the [day] of the [month] as the beginning, and at [place] I shall establish a sacred altar with reverence, conducting the rites in due order according to orthodox liturgy. I fear that the souls of the deceased named above are trapped in a dark and obstructed realm, with yin pollution clinging to them. To restore their forms to purity, they must be cleansed of defilement by the aid of a divine spring. I respectfully submit this petition to the Celestial Court.

We humbly ask for your compassionate attention and mercy toward the dead. May you specially send down the Dao Qi of Jade Clarity (the primordial Qi of the Jade Clarity realm) and the wondrous light of Lingbao, scattering them throughout the Orchid Pond until its waters shine brilliantly, ready for the dead to bathe. May the deceased, so-and-so, together with the Nine Mysteries and Seven Ancestors (ancestors of every generation), relatives from countless kalpas past, beings of the Six Paths and Four Births (all beings in the cycle of rebirth), and every kind of spirit in the netherworld, be freed of gloom and defilement. May their bodies and souls be cleansed, inwardly and outwardly clear, untouched by even a trace of dust.

I respectfully submit this petition for a bathing rite to be held in the east. We humbly ask the Lady of the Jade Pool of the Eastern Well, the Officials of the Jade Maidens for Washing and Bathing, one each of the Sun and Moon Youths, and the officials and attendants who dispel impurity in the Five Directions, one hundred and twenty from each direction, to descend together. May the gods manifest the Yellow Flower Pool of the Eastern Well and the Flowing Marsh of the Western Fields. May they draw the divine water of Stone Radiance and Yellow Flower, the orthodox Qi of the Five Directions, the essence of the sun and moon, sweet dew and golden fluids, and cloud-fat and jade brew, to bathe and purify the souls of the dead who are to be saved. May they wash away sins, obstructions, and defilements; cleanse the foul Qi formed in the womb; and dispel the shadows brought by karmic debts and afflictions.

I also respectfully submit this petition: May the Azure Spirit Beginning Elder of the East nourish the souls of the dead with the nine-Qi azure fluid; the Vermilion Spirit True Elder of the South nourish them with the three-Qi vermilion essence; the Bright Spirit Yellow Elder of the West nourish them with the seven-Qi white essence; the Fivefold Spirit Mysterious Elder of the North nourish them with the five-Qi dark fluid; and the Yellow Spirit Mysterious Elder of the Center nourish them with the one-Qi yellow essence. May this settle their hun and po souls and bring forth their five viscera anew.

May they also be granted a hundred refinements of adamantine, a thousand harmonies of jade fluid, flowing light of Great White, and the scattered essence of the Primordial Sovereign, to release knots of distress, sweep away defilement, and make body and mind pure and wisdom clear.

We further ask the Celestial Physician Officials, the Numina of the Office of Medicines, the Three and Five Merit Officers, the Imperial Physicians, the minor officials of stone acupuncture, and the Numina who apply medicines to secretly convey the Nine-Turn Zhi Essence and the Five-Colored Divine Medicines, spreading their healing power through the souls of the dead—their channels and collaterals, and their viscera and bowels—to treat the illnesses they suffered in life from disordered circulation of Qi and blood. May their old ailments disappear and chronic illnesses be cured; may their spirits recover as before and their bodies be cleansed. May they receive the transformation of the Dao and attain new life, as proof of its efficacy. We humbly await your gracious approval.

May the Great Dao extend compassion to each in turn. Your foolish servant reverently bows twice in submission and presents this memorial.

The spacing and closing format are the same as before.

Memorial for the Universal Deliverance of the Departed

Your servant, [name], of [rank], stands in awe and trepidation, bowing his head and prostrating twice as he presents this memorial:

Your servant has been fortunate to hold a place among the immortals, yet lacks the power to assist in spreading the teachings of the ineffable Great Dao. Your servant is resolved to follow its instructions and do all he can to transform and deliver living beings. He ventures to set these matters forth and humbly begs the Most High to take notice. Your servant will act in accordance with the true purpose of the purification rite. His duty is to receive and carry out the teachings, and propriety therefore forbids him from declining. Accordingly, he has selected a day this month to establish a sacred altar at a designated place and respectfully conduct the rites in proper sequence.

Your servant has seen with deep concern that countless lonely souls and wandering spirits remain trapped among the barriers of the netherworld and its shadowed roads. Some drowned in floods or were burned in fires; some died in armed conflict. Some were struck and injured by wood or stone; others were wounded by blades or tortured under sentence. Some endured hunger and cold for years; others suffered from poison or the harm of venomous insects. Some were murdered by bandits; others devoured by snakes or tigers. Some were executed under the harsh penalties of the law; others struck by lightning. Some died when carts overturned or horses fell; some hanged themselves or drowned in rivers. Some died far from home, stranded without refuge; others fell in battle while serving in the army. Some were seized and beaten by ghosts and spirits; others were caught up in feuds and grievances. Some lost their speech, became lame, or went deaf; others were afflicted by miasma, plague, paralysis, or other illnesses. Some died in childbirth; others were taken early by disease. Still others have long borne resentment and sighed in anguish, often weighed down by sorrow and bitterness. Some have not yet received the Great Dao’s grace and deliverance; others, even when granted the customary amnesty, have not been forgiven.

These lonely, stranded souls are beyond counting, and the fallen are scattered everywhere. Some take the mountains and forests as their shelter; others hide in the open country, wandering without a home or refuge. They are truly worthy of compassion. May the Yellow Register purification rite make manifest a grace that pours forth like a spring, open the gates of the netherworld, and entreat compassion and an opportunity for deliverance.

Though your servant carries out the rites of the Jade Talisman and respectfully administers amnesty, he still fears that its merit has not yet reached every part of the netherworld. In accordance with the Great Dao of universal deliverance, your servant has selected a night this month to establish a pure offering at the Jade Mountain of the Great Capital—a rite in Daoist purification liturgy for offering to the deities and delivering the departed. He will summon those from the nine continents and ten realms, the six paths and four forms of birth, as well as all who died through violence and every kind of spirit, so that they may come to receive offerings of food and undergo spiritual refinement and deliverance, leaving suffering behind and rising toward renewed life. Without the Great Dao’s compassion and mercy, how could these souls ever find release? Your servant respectfully bows and presents this memorial to the Heavenly Court.

May the Three Heavens above hear this plea: we earnestly beg you, in your compassion and mercy, to send down especially the Dao Qi of Jade Clarity (Yuqing, the Dao energy of the Jade Clarity Heaven) and the wondrous light of Lingbao (the divine radiance of Lingbao). Let them spread throughout the Ten Directions and shine across the Nine Wilds, reaching from the highest heights to the lowest depths. Guide all living beings to come together at the ritual altar, wash away their sins, dissolve their grievances, and enable the souls of the dead to refine their bodies and receive salvation.

Your servant respectfully submits this petition, requesting the Jade Clarity Vastness-and-Void Great Brahma Divine Officials and the Azure Mystery Yellow Register Officials Who Save from Suffering, together with the Merit Officers (divine clerks who convey documents and assist with rituals), Jade Youths, and Jade Maidens, each to dissolve the dead souls’ grievances, refine their forms, and transform them through salvation. Your servant respectfully submits another petition, requesting these divine officials, together with thirty-two Merit Officers, Jade Youths, and Jade Maidens of each kind, and one hundred celestial clerks, to go before the jade steps of the Golden Gate in the Three Heavens and pray that the Primordial Sovereign bestow compassionate, auspicious sweet dew, and bring the precious banner of Heaven’s mercy and pardon.

May they descend together to the ritual altar, recite the incantation, and sprinkle the sweet dew, so that it may permeate the food offering for the dead and spread throughout the empty sky without end. May the dew nourish the many souls of the dead, filling them with abundance, so that all who feel its presence and come to drink may be fully satisfied.

Relying on the luminous protection of the talismanic commands of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning; the Golden Registers and White Documents (documents used in Daoist rites to deliver the dead); the True Talismans for Saving from Suffering; the Spirit Talismans of Long Life; the Supreme One’s Precious Registers for Ascending to Heaven (registers that help souls of the dead ascend to Heaven); and the talismanic command of the Nine Dragons of the Azure Palace of Eastern Florescence, may the souls sunk in the dark underworld be rescued and delivered. Whether they belong to the Six Paths (the six destinations of rebirth) or the Four Kinds of Birth (womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born life), may they all undergo Yellow Register refinement (the refining rite for delivering the dead performed in a Yellow Register purification ritual).

For those souls who have not yet been delivered; those who have been delivered but not yet transformed into new life; those transformed but not yet ascended; and those ascended but not yet fully liberated, may they all, with the aid of the Spirit Talismans of Long Life, the Supreme One’s Precious Registers for Ascending to Heaven, and the luminous protection of the talismanic command of the Nine Dragons of the Azure Palace of Eastern Florescence, escape the underworld. Whether they belong to the Six Paths or the Four Kinds of Birth, may they undergo Yellow Register refinement and ultimately be transformed and ascend. Let the talismanic commands and certificates serve as proof, enabling the dead souls to return from the Yin realm to the Yang realm, transcend the human and celestial worlds, and stand as evidence of the ritual’s efficacy.

Relying on the compassionate grace of the Great Dao, we earnestly plead on behalf of each of the souls of the dead. Your servant is ignorant and humbly bows again and again in submission.

Petition for the Ninefold Refinement of the Living Immortals and the Ascension of the Souls of the Dead

Your servant, a Daoist official of a certain rank, submits this petition in utmost fear and reverence, bowing low again and again.

Your servant submits: My cultivation of the Dao has not yet attained the mysterious realm, and my De is not sufficient to enter the subtle and profound. I have repeatedly accepted people’s requests to preside over Zhaijiao (purification and prayer rituals), and each time I have felt apprehensive and examined myself. Relying on Heaven’s vast benevolence, I humbly beg for tolerance and forgiveness. I have carefully followed the intent of the Zhaijiao rites. My duty is only to receive and carry out the teachings by command, and reason makes it difficult for me to refuse. I have therefore selected a day this month to begin, and will respectfully establish a Mystic Altar at a designated place, then carry out the rites in due order.

I fear that the souls of the deceased named above have long been sunk in darkness, unable to encounter the bright Yang energy. Without the refining power of the Yellow Radiance, how could they ascend to the Azure Heavens and attain true transcendence? I have therefore selected a certain evening to perform the rites according to the Great Lingbao Method, respectfully establishing a Mystic Altar and carrying out the rites in due order. I fear that the souls of the deceased named above have long been sunk in darkness, unable to encounter the bright Yang energy. Without the refining power of the Yellow Radiance, how could they ascend to the Azure Heavens and attain true transcendence? On a certain evening, I will therefore follow the Great Lingbao Method, carry out the boundless rite for delivering people, open the Five Texts used in the ritual, and perform the Nine Refinements for refining departed souls. First, I will respectfully present a memorial, transmitting it to the Three Heavens.

I humbly pray that the deities will look upon this with compassion and grant their mercy in particular, pouring the Dao Qi of the Jade Clarity realm and the wondrous light of Lingbao into the Mystic Altar, so that the ritual space may shine with penetrating brilliance. In this way, the souls of the deceased named above may bathe in spiritual light and wash away the dark impurities in their hearts; through refinement by water and fire, their forms may be transformed, and they may be purified completely, within and without. I respectfully invite the Venerable God of Deliverance from the Southern Palace, the Great Lord of Longevity at the South Pole, the Great God Sima of the Office of Deliverance from the World, the Elder Lord Han who cherishes life, the Southern Director of Fate and Registrar of Life, the Venerable God who extends life, adds years, and delivers those in distress, the Perfect Lord of Boundless Deliverance who restores the corpse and raises the dead, and the Perfect Lord of the Southern Palace who delivers souls to higher birth, to record the allotted years of the deceased person, whose name is to be supplied, in golden script and establish their name on a jade tablet.

I further invite the Immortal Officers of Supreme Unity, Savior from Suffering; of the Golden Gate, Manifestation Incarnate; of the Vermilion Mound, Deliverer of Lives; of Ease and Joy; of Perfected Precious Blossoms; and of the Jade Office of Lingbao Refinement, together with the Jade Youths, Jade Maidens, and Generals, to establish the deceased’s name on a jade tablet. I also invite the Immortal Officers of Supreme Unity, Savior from Suffering; of the Golden Gate, Manifestation Incarnate; of the Vermilion Mound, Deliverer of Lives; of Ease and Joy; of Perfected Precious Blossoms; and of the Jade Office of Lingbao Refinement, along with the Jade Youths, Jade Maidens, Generals, Messengers, and Merit Officers who transmit documents and conduct official business, to transmit the petition together to…

We respectfully beseech the Jade Steps before the Golden Palace of the Three Heavens to send down the talismanic decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Golden Registers and White Slips (documents recording merits and names), the sacred talismans of longevity, the Jade Characters of Inner Sounds (secret celestial writings), the True Writings in Red Script, the treasured proclamation of the Yellow Register for ascent to higher life, and other sacred documents. May they descend upon the ritual altar to drive away the filth of Fengdu (the underworld) from the deceased, and dispel the dark Qi of the Yellow Springs.

May the roots of their karmic obstacles be cut away and the registers of their transgressions burned. May the deceased soar through the Five Passes of the underworld, and cut away the Three Corpses (Daoist spirits said to dwell in the human body, record one’s faults, and hinder cultivation). May a ritual bridge to the heavens be built for them, so that they may turn and ascend through the cloud realm. May the Well of Yellow Splendor be opened and the divine court of flowing fire established. May their Yang Shen be nurtured and refined, and all dark Qi swept away, so that they may ascend to the Vermilion Court and descend into the realm of opened radiance, return to the ranks of the myriad spirits, and be reborn amid the Nine Qi (the nine primordial energies that constitute all things in heaven and earth).

May the deceased don the ritual robes of heavenly ascent, ride a jeweled lotus carriage straight to the Gate of Heaven, pay homage at the Golden Palace, and roam freely, united with the Great Dao. May they never again suffer the pains of transmigration, but dwell forever in an age of radiant prosperity. May they soon be delivered and rise to a higher station, and quickly attain the state of a celestial being. All this depends upon the grace of the Great Dao; we respectfully set forth our plea in detail. Your servant, sincerely humble, once again bows in reverence and submits this petition.

For the opening and closing passages, follow the preceding example.

Petition for Fengdu’s Remission of Sins (a passage petitioning the underworld to pardon the deceased’s transgressions):

Your appointed servant, So-and-so, stands in reverent awe and bows twice.

I respectfully submit: I was born in a troubled age, yet came upon a time of flourishing. I was able to receive and wear the registers of the Dao, investigate profound teachings, transmit the scriptures, and understand the Great Dao. I vowed to save all people and uphold the teachings, hoping in this way to make amends for my failings and establish merit. Whenever anyone takes refuge in the Daoist teachings, I dare not forget to make a petition on their behalf to the deities.

With reverence, I reflect on the intention expressed in the purification ritual: the Three Offices and Nine Departments, the one hundred and twenty bureaus that govern the affairs of the heavens, the Six Caverns and Ten Palaces, the thirty-six prisons, the Iron Enclosure and Uninterrupted Hell of the underworld, the springs and river sources, the Five Sufferings and Three Paths, the Nine Hells and Five Sacred Peaks, and all other offices of the underworld administer its laws and examine the evidence of the living beings’ transgressions. When foolish beings fail to understand the righteous Way, incur karmic debts, and persist in doing evil, their names are entered in the Northern Feng, the underworld in the north. Their souls descend into the dark night and are confined in the prisons below, where they endure prolonged punishment and suffering with no way to escape. Without the mercy of pardon bestowed by the wondrous Great Dao, how could they be freed from the consequences of their sins?

Therefore, I respectfully submit this memorial to the Three Heavens—the three celestial realms spoken of in Daoism. I humbly pray that all the great and virtuous ones show compassion to living beings and extend their benevolence everywhere. In particular, may they send down the Dao Qi of Jade Clarity from the Jade Clarity realm, together with the wondrous light of Lingbao, illuminating the Ten Directions and revealing the Three Realms. May this light shine upon the gates of the underworld and its darkened paths, purifying in due time the souls burdened by guilt in the netherworld. May the departed souls named above leave the shadowy ravines and joyfully behold the morning light. May their suffering minds awaken, may they recognize the causes and conditions of their former lives, repent and turn toward goodness, and be freed from suffering through deliverance and rebirth.

I respectfully petition that the true talisman be sent down, and that one talisman officer and one spirit child be summoned to seek the Taiji true talisman specifically for the deceased person named above. Let it be conveyed to the Palace of Eternal Joy in the Eastern Pole Heaven, and let the Greatly Compassionate One Who Responds to Cries and Comes to Their Aid, the Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering, send down divine power and wisdom light to illuminate all the worlds in the Ten Directions. May this light shine through the many layers of darkness in the underworld and the Northern Capital’s cold pools, transforming every hell into a realm of light.

Chapter on the Ninefold Refinement that Brings the Dead to Immortal Transcendence (a liturgical text for refining souls through nine stages and raising them to immortality)

Your appointed servant, the minister So-and-so, is overcome with awe and fear. I bow my head again and again, then bow in reverence twice.

I submit this memorial: My cultivation of the Dao has not yet reached its mysteries, and my De has not yet entered the realm of subtle refinement. I have often performed Zhaijiao at the request of others, and I regularly examine my heart, troubled and fearful. Relying on Heaven’s vast grace, I beg forgiveness for my faults. I have carefully followed the true purpose of the Zhaijiao rites. My duty is simply to carry out the teachings, and I cannot rightly refuse. I have therefore chosen a day this month to begin, and will respectfully establish a sacred altar at a certain place, then perform the rites in their proper order.

I fear that the souls of the deceased named above have long been sunk in darkness, far from the light of the sun. Without the refining power of Huanghua, how could they ascend to the blue heavens and attain true being? I respectfully set a certain night to perform the Nine Refinements according to the methods of the Lingbao Great Rites and the Limitless Salvation of Humanity. I will reveal the Five Writings, first respectfully presenting one memorial and reporting it to the Three Heavens. I humbly pray that the compassionate divinities will look kindly upon us, show their mercy, and bestow the Dao Qi of Jade Purity and the wondrous light of Lingbao. May these suffuse the sacred altar and fill it with radiant clarity. Through the Nine Refinements, may the souls of the deceased named above bathe in this numinous light, wash away the Yin defilements in their hearts, and have their forms refined through water and fire, until both inside and out are wholly purified.

For this rite, I respectfully invite the following: the Divine Worthy of the Southern Palace who brings salvation to humanity and grants immortality; the Great Lord of Longevity at the South Pole; the Great God Sima, who saves the world; Lord Han, the Elder, who cherishes life; the Southern Officials of Destiny and Records; the Divine Worthy who extends life, increases one’s allotted years, and dispels calamity; the True Lord of Limitless Salvation, who restores bones and revives the dead; and the True Lord of the Southern Palace, who guides souls to rebirth. May they record the deceased So-and-so’s allotted years in golden script and establish their name on a jade tablet.

I also respectfully invite the Immortal Officials of the Great One Who Saves from Suffering, the Golden Tower’s Manifested Form, the Vermilion Mound Who Grants Life, Freedom and Joy, Perfected Treasure Blossoms, and the Jade Bureau of Refinement, together with the Jade Youths and Maidens, Generals, Messengers, Merit Officers, and Chief Officials, to come and attend the assembly.

We respectfully beseech the talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Golden Registers and white documents that record the decrees of the gods, the numinous talismans of long life, the jade characters of inner sound—the sacred script transmitted in secret by Daoism—the red writings of true script, and the precious edict of the Yellow Register for ascent to higher life, which prays for the deliverance of the dead. May they descend to the ritual altar. Today we perform rites for the deceased, and pray that the defilement of Fengdu, the Daoist underworld, be broken, and that the darkness and gloom of the Yellow Springs and netherworld be washed away.

May the roots of the deceased’s karmic obstacles be cut away, and the registers recording their offenses be burned. May they fly upward and pass through the Five Gates, the barriers of the underworld, and may the Three Corpses—the spirits said to dwell within the human body and impede cultivation—be severed. Establish a ritual bridge for the deceased leading to Heaven, so they may travel and rise through the cloud realm. Open the precious well of Yellow Brilliance and establish the divine court of flowing fire. Refine their Yang spirit and clear away the Yin shadows, so they may ascend to the Vermilion Court above and enter the realm of Opening Light below. Summon the myriad spirits anew, and bring them back to life through the Nine Qi, the nine primal energies that form all things in Heaven and Earth.

May the deceased don the ritual robes for ascent to Heaven, ride in a precious lotus carriage, and proceed straight to the Heavenly Gate to pay homage at the Golden Court. May they henceforth roam freely, unite with the Dao, and realize the true. May they never again suffer the pains of reincarnation, but abide always in radiance and flourishing. We pray that the deceased soon complete their deliverance and attain the rank of a celestial being. We humbly beseech the Great Dao to show mercy and heed this plea. Your servant, foolish yet sincere, bows in reverence and submits this petition once more.

The opening lines and conclusion are as above.

Petition for the Pardon of Sins in Fengdu

Your servant, of the rank of [title], [name], filled with awe and trepidation, bows to the ground twice and submits this petition: Your servant was born in a troubled age, yet happened upon a time of flourishing. I received and wear Daoist registers, took part in cultivating the Mystery, transmitted the scriptures, and came to understand the methods of the Dao. I vowed to deliver living beings and accept the responsibility of teaching, hoping thereby to make amends for my faults and establish merit. All who take refuge…

I submit this petition: I was born amid the dust and turmoil of the human world, yet happened to live in a prosperous age. I received Daoist registers, studied the mysteries of the Dao, transmitted the scriptures, and came to understand the Great Dao. I vowed to save all people and take up the responsibility of teaching and guiding them, hoping in this way to make amends for my faults and build up merit. Whenever anyone takes refuge in the Daoist tradition, how could I fail to submit a petition and pray on their behalf?

In keeping with the true purpose of purification, I respectfully reflect: the Three Officials and Nine Offices, the Hundred and Twenty Bureaus, the Six Caverns and Ten Palaces, and the Thirty-Six Prisons—institutions of the underworld—as well as such netherworld realms as Iron Enclosure Mountain, the source of the Spring-Bend River, the Five Sufferings and Three Paths, and the Nine Depths and Five Peaks each administer their own laws and examine people’s transgressions. Ignorant beings do not understand what is right. They incur enmity and accumulate karmic offenses, harboring evil and committing wrongs. Their names are therefore entered in Beifeng, the underworld bureau that governs the dead; their souls are sent to the realm of darkness and confined in infernal prisons, where they are held and beaten for the rest of their lives. They endure every kind of suffering and cannot free themselves.

Without relying on the special pardon of the wondrous Dao, how could the retribution brought on by their offenses be dispelled? Therefore, I respectfully submit this petition and present it to the Celestial Court.

I humbly pray that the revered Great Deity, in compassionate protection of all life and boundless benevolence, will specially send down the Dao Qi of Jade Clarity (the primordial vital energy of the Jade Clarity realm) and the wondrous light of the Numinous Treasure. May they illuminate the ten directions and reveal the Three Realms, shining through the dark passes and paths of the underworld, so that the departed souls burdened by the netherworld may be purified in time. May the deceased leave the shadowy abyss and gladly behold the morning light; may their minds awaken, and may they recognize the causes and conditions of their past lives, repent of their faults, cultivate goodness, be freed from suffering, and transcend into renewed life.

I, your servant, respectfully submit this petition and request that one talismanic officer and one attendant boy be sent to summon the true spirits. In particular, I humbly request the Taiji True Talisman for the deceased so-and-so, praying that they may repent and turn toward goodness, escape suffering, and transcend into new life. I respectfully submit this petition and ask that the Taiji True Talisman be proclaimed to the Palace of Eternal Joy in the Eastern Pole Heaven. May the Greatly Compassionate, Benevolent, and Ever-Responsive Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering, send down divine might and the light of wisdom to shine throughout the worlds of the ten directions, the many layers of dark hells, and the Northern Capital’s Cold Pool, transforming every hell into a realm of light. May the iron city crumble and the shackles fall away. May the deceased so-and-so be pardoned, all their sins and karmic burdens cleansed, and old enmities reconciled, so that they need not pass through the hells again and may behold the light.

Relying on the Celestial Worthy, the Supreme Sage, may the Flying Heavenly Kings of the ten directions, the Perfected Ones who Save from Suffering, the Boys who Save from Suffering, and the Azure Mystery Jade Maidens be summoned to all the underworld’s hells. May they send down a compassionate Dharma rain and sprinkle the precious nectar of sweet dew. May spring suddenly come to lands of ice and snow, and the flames and smoke subside. May swords and blades become jade trees; may the biting cold of the ice prisons at once relent, and may the cauldrons of oil and copper pillars grow cool. May the ox-headed jailers awaken to goodness, and may the copper serpents and iron dogs forever abandon their ferocity. May the bureau officials who govern the hells strike from their rolls the names of those condemned to punishment, and may the clerks who keep the case records burn the writings that record karmic retribution.

May thunder and lightning obey their command, and the waves of the underworld grow still. May the punishments imposed on prisoners—carrying stones and sand, circling the heavens, tunneling through the earth to draw water, and beating up winds to move mountains—also be transformed by the power of the Dao. May arrests and forced labor in the underworld cease, and may the departed souls be conveyed to the Southern Palace. I pray that this earnest supplication be heard and answered, and that the grace of guidance and salvation be bestowed. The benevolence is truly profound…

Great Dao, please hear me as I set forth each matter of sorrow and supplication. In my ignorance, I respectfully bow twice and submit this memorial.

Memorial for Bathing and Deliverance

I, your servant, whose rank and office are duly recorded, submit with fearful reverence, bowing my head and prostrating myself twice: I am a body as lowly as dust, a life as humble as a wild plant. Through the shaping and elevation of the divine beings, I was able to enter the ranks of the Daoist tradition. Having received the grace that brings all things to their full completion, how could I dare forget to repay it? I vow to deliver those who have sunk into suffering, hoping thereby to accumulate merit. I act in accordance with the instructions of the purification observance. Since my duty is to uphold the teachings, I cannot rightly decline. I have respectfully chosen a day this month to begin, and at a certain place to establish a sacred altar for Daoist rites. Following the prescriptions of the orthodox liturgy, I will carry out the practices in their proper order.

I think with deep concern of the departed souls, long trapped in the dark depths of the underworld, wandering its shadowy and desolate roads. Burdened in body and mind by karmic obstructions and stains of sin, they endure every kind of hardship. Their souls have fallen into cold, hidden prisons; their consciousness has sunk into a dark abyss, surrounded by murk and gloom, veiled in shadow. Though talismanic commands and documents have already been issued, and the methods for restraining and summoning them carried out one by one, I fear they remain trapped amid darkness and impurity, unable to come forward and pay homage. If they are not bathed in the divine spring, how can their bodies and souls be cleansed and purified? I respectfully submit this memorial to the Heavenly Court.

We respectfully pray that the great and compassionate powers of the Three Heavens—the threefold celestial realm spoken of in Daoism—who cherish life and whose benevolence is boundless, will specially bestow Jade Purity Dao Qi (the vital energy of the Jade Purity realm) and the wondrous light of Lingbao. May they shine through the Orchid Pool, the sacred pool where the bathing rite is performed, and transform into wondrous spirit fluid, so that the deceased may wash and purify the body, nurture De, and cleanse away grime and dust. May the darkness within and without be washed away, and the vexation and suffering of body and soul dispelled, so that the deceased may pay homage to the True Gods, hear the sound of the Dao, leave the realm of suffering, and ascend to the wondrous realm of the immortals.

I, your minister, respectfully submit this petition and prayer: may five spirit youths from each of the Five Directions, one hundred and twenty Officers Who Remove Impurity, one Lady of Washing, and one Jade Maiden of Yellow Radiance descend at the appointed time and bring the divine water of Yellow Radiance to raise and deliver the deceased.

I, your minister, respectfully submit this petition and prayer again: may these divine beings descend at the appointed time and pour the divine water of Yellow Radiance, the plain decoction for refining corpses, the golden liquid of sweet dew, the jade brew of cloud essence, and other immortal spirit fluids into the Orchid Bath, the fragrant water prepared for ritual bathing. May they bathe the deceased, wash away the toil of the mortal world, and remove the barriers created by sin. May all five viscera and six bowels be refreshed, and the nine apertures and four limbs be cleansed and made clear.

I further submit this petition and prayer to the Great Generals who govern water and fire, the Mother of Water of Stone Radiance, the Jade Maiden of Flowing Essence, the Ninefold Radiance Youths, the Spirit Youths of the Fire Bells, and the true assembly of Qingxuan who refine souls in response to the summons. May they bring the true water and true fire from the Court of Flowing Fire at Zhu Ling in Nanchang, the sacred fiery realm where Daoists refine and deliver the souls of the dead, and from the Marsh of Flowing Moisture and Yellow Radiance at the Eastern Well, the sacred water realm of Daoism. May water and fire converge and descend, there to refine and cleanse the impure Qi of the deceased, temper and purify accumulated defilement, and adorn the departed, enabling them to receive deliverance and ascend to immortality. May the deceased forever realize Wuwei (non-action) and never again undergo the turns of reincarnation.

We beseech the Great Dao to see our request, look upon us with compassion, and bestow its grace. I, your foolish minister, respectfully bow twice and submit this petition.

Petition for Raising and Delivering the Souls of the Dead

I, the appointed minister, so-and-so, am filled with awe and trepidation. I bow my head and respectfully submit this petition. My nature and abilities are meager, and I have no talent worthy of note. Fortunately, through the great grace of my master, I have been allowed a glimpse of the subtle Daoist teachings. The virtue and grace of the Supreme Emperor shine brilliantly…

Petition for Raising and Delivering the Souls of the Dead

I, the appointed minister, so-and-so, am filled with awe and trepidation. I bow my head and respectfully submit this petition.

I know that my abilities are ordinary and my talents limited. Thankfully, my master’s kindness has been profound, allowing me to glimpse the wondrous Dao (the Way). The Dao’s grace is vast, like the power of an emperor. How can I repay it? I wish to carry out acts of deliverance on a wide scale, making manifest the merit of teaching and protecting all living beings. I respectfully follow the original purpose of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual). Though I hold a religious office, I would never dare neglect its duties. I have now selected a day this month to begin, and at a certain place I will reverently establish a Mysterious Altar—the site for conducting a Daoist purification ritual—and carry out the rites in sequence according to orthodox liturgy.

I reflect that the departed souls mentioned above have long been trapped in the netherworld, unable to see the sunlight of the living world. Without the rite for restoring life and returning them to life, how could they transcend and ascend, and attain freedom? I respectfully submit this memorial for that purpose, presenting it to the Three Heavens, the three celestial realms described in Daoism. I humbly hope that the Great Dao, which cherishes life and whose benevolence is boundless, will specially send down the Dao Qi of Jade Purity, the vital energy of the Heaven of Jade Purity, and the wondrous light of the Numinous Treasure, so that they illuminate the dark void and brighten the altar. May the departed souls bathe in this numinous light, find peace and joy, and, through the rite of refinement and deliverance, ascend freely beyond this world.

I respectfully petition the following deities: the Lord of Fate, the Lord of Registers, the Lord of Longevity, the Lord Who Augments the Count of Years, the Lord Who Dispels Calamity, the Lord Who Delivers People from Death, the Lord of Eternal Life of the South Pole, the Marshal in Charge of Transcending the World, the Elder Who Cherishes Life, and the Boundless Lord Who Restores Bones and Revives the Dead to Deliver People. I ask them to arrange the ascent and deliverance of the deceased, a certain person: let their allotted years be recorded on a jade tablet and their name inscribed in golden script. I also petition the Great Marshal, the Great Overseer of Births, and the Boundless Lord Who Restores Bones and Revives the Dead to Deliver People to make the same records of ascent and deliverance for the deceased. Then I petition the Great Marshal, the Great Overseer of Births, the Holy Mother Who Guards the Chamber, and the Youth of the Cavern Sun to perform refinement and deliverance for the deceased: first bringing them into the Yellow Flower Treasure Well, then into the Divine Court of Flowing Fire. May they cleanse the body and wash away its impurities, dispel Yin stagnation, and refine away all defilement. May they absorb the true Qi of the Nine Heavens and receive the numinous light of the Five Emperors, so that their breath becomes harmonious and their body and spirit are restored in full. Then may they ride in a carriage to the Azure Vault, ascend in a feathered carriage to Great Clarity, enter the gates of Heaven, and wear the talismanic credentials. From then on, may they be spared the suffering of transmigration, enjoy lasting freedom and ease, and receive transformation into new life. May this serve as proof that the rite of refinement and deliverance has taken effect.

I humbly hope the Great Dao will take account of what I have presented and show compassion and kindness in its judgment. In my ignorance, I respectfully bow twice and submit this memorial.

Memorial for Delivering and Raising the Departed

Your humble official, so-and-so, is filled with awe and fear, and bows his head twice.

I submit this memorial: By good fortune, I have received blessings and was born in a prosperous age. I have been granted registers of authority—the credentials of rank bestowed by Daoist teaching—advanced through the ranks, received instruction in the scriptures, and accepted the Daoist methods. Yet I am ashamed of my limited ability and understanding, and have failed to grasp the Dao’s subtle depths. My faults have already accumulated in great number, while I have gathered not the slightest merit. If I may receive the grace of Heaven and Earth, which bring forth and nurture all things, and be permitted to preside over Keyi for rescuing and delivering sentient beings, I will devote myself all the more diligently to cultivation, in repayment of this kindness. I respectfully present these sincere intentions and beg that they be reported to the divine authorities.

I shall respectfully carry out the arrangements for the Zhaijiao purification ritual. As a Daoist who has received the teachings and methods, I should not refuse or disobey. I therefore designate a certain day in this month as the opening day, and will respectfully establish a Mystic Altar at a certain place, practicing and performing the rites in sequence according to the orthodox liturgy.

I respectfully reflect that the Three Officials and Nine Offices, the Six Caverns and Ten Administrations, and the divine authorities who govern them—as well as the underworld realms of the Springs and Rivers, the Northern Feng, and the Eastern Peak—are all examining good and evil, and not even the smallest detail escapes their notice. Yet the people of the mortal world do not know to cultivate themselves and correct their faults. The Six Faculties—the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—the Three Karmic Deeds of body, speech, and mind, the Five Desires, and the Six Emotions draw them in, leaving them lost in darkness and ceaseless pursuit. As a result, their souls enter the offices of the netherworld, their consciousness returns to the gates of the underworld, and they are further entangled in old grievances, brought before the various bureaus and courts of the underworld for judgment. The long years of darkness are truly deserving of pity.

If the highest sages did not act with compassion and extend their benevolence, how could deluded and ignorant beings be spared the suffering of sinking into ruin? For this purpose, I respectfully present a petitioning memorial to the divine authorities.

We earnestly beseech the honored deities of the Three Heavens—the three celestial realms spoken of in Daoism—to bestow moral guidance and compassionate protection. In particular, may they send down the Dao Qi of Jade Purity, the vital energy of the Jade Purity realm, and the wondrous light of Lingbao to illuminate Yudan and brighten Zeilei. May the deceased, [name], behold this sacred light, recognize their own destiny, abandon evil deeds and turn toward the good, escape suffering, and attain new life.

I, your servant, respectfully petition the twelve Radiant Gate boys who open the light of the Supreme One, one Celestial Way Merit Officer, and the nine Orthodox Unity Merit Officers of the Nine Heavens’ Cloud Road, along with the welcoming divine host, divine boys, and jade maidens of the Upper Palace of Nanchang, one hundred and ten of each. Bearing the Supreme One’s talismanic mandate for the migration of spirits, may they open the way, guide the spirit banner, and receive the soul of the deceased for whom this rite is offered. May the soul be bathed in sunlight and, guided by them, ascend the Cloud Road, roam freely through the vast sky, and never again fall into the cycle of rebirth.

We earnestly beseech the Great Dao to extend its grace and grant compassion to each in turn. I, your foolish servant, respectfully present this petition with a second bow.

The empty lines follow; the closing formula is as before.

Chapter on Cleansing the Blood Lake

I, your servant [name], of [title and rank], trembling with fear and awe, bow my head to the ground and prostrate myself, then kneel and bow once more.

I, your servant, submit this petition. Though as lowly as dust and sand, a humble person from the fields, I have by good fortune been admitted to the ranks of Daoist officials and entrusted with the duty of delivering departed souls. I have no way to repay Heaven and Earth for their virtue in bringing forth and transforming all things, so I have vowed to proclaim their benevolence in nurturing all things. How could I ever forget to report the matter to Heaven on behalf of anyone who has taken refuge? I respectfully follow the intent of purification and sincerely remember the deceased person in question: over many lives and generations, they incurred many debts and wrongs, and were prone to bringing guilt upon themselves through all manner of desires and emotions. They also suffered a fatal childbirth misfortune, and their spirit and soul fell into the netherworld. The underworld offices of Beifeng and Dongdai have entered their name in the registers; the prisons of Gorge-Stone and the Blood Lake have put their body and soul on trial and subjected them to torture. Their suffering is endless, and year after year they find no release.

I reflect that, when beings first receive life, who does not inherit Qi from their ancestors and receive a share of spiritual nature? Now they have brought suffering upon themselves through wrongful deeds, and this is truly deserving of compassion. The grace of the Imperial Lord reaches everywhere; surely he will take pity on them. I respectfully submit a memorial on behalf of this person, presenting it to the Three Heavens—the three tiers of heaven in Daoist teaching—and earnestly beseeching mercy for the netherworld and special consideration of this matter. May the Qi of the Way of Jade Clarity and the wondrous light of the Numinous Treasure descend, shine throughout the ten directions, and illuminate the long night; may darkness become light, and the Blood Lake prison be transformed into a pure realm.

May all departed souls who suffer punishment come to understand the causes and conditions of their past lives, abandon evil deeds and turn toward the good, escape suffering, and attain rebirth beyond this world. I respectfully petition Heaven to send one officer bearing the talisman of the flowing light of the Three Qi and one officer bearing the talisman for cleansing the Blood Lake, together with twenty-four officers and generals of each kind, to ascend together to the celestial realm.

We humbly beseech the Three Heavens’ Golden Palace and Jade Steps—the celestial palace gates—to send down the True Talismans of the Three Qi and Flowing Light and of the Jade Origin that Cleanses the Blood Lake, and to proclaim their command to the Blood Lake Hell in the Stone Gorge of the Great Iron Enclosure Mountains at Luofeng, the Northern Capital. May the talismanic light shine forth and brighten the dark places. May it pardon the deceased person and those still confined there, who died in childbirth and have not yet escaped suffering. May their names be swiftly erased from the registers of sin, their evil roots destroyed, their resentments dissolved, and their minds opened to clarity. May they heed today’s talismanic command, leave the paths of the netherworld, and come to the Mysterious Altar—the site of a Daoist ritual—to hear the scriptures and teachings, regain complete form, and be reborn according to their own causes and consequences.

We also recall that they were stained by blood, their bodies and spirits defiled and impure. They come to pay homage to the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the teachers—but cannot easily approach the pure light of heaven. We therefore respectfully petition Heaven to send one officer each from among the Purification Lords and functionaries of the Five Directions and Five Emperors, twenty-four Jade Maiden messengers, and one each of the Great Generals Jiufeng, who Breaks Defilement, Cleansing Defilement, Washing Defilement, and Extinguishing Defilement, together with twenty-four subordinate officers and generals for each. We also ask the Lord of the Eastern Well, who presides over bathing, and his twenty-four officers and generals; the Lady of Washing and the Yellow Flower Jade Maiden, one each; and one hundred and twenty Immortal Flower Jade Maidens—all to descend together. May they take divine water of the Yellow Flower, pure liquid for refining the corpse, sweet dew and golden fluid, and cloud essence and jade nectar, mix them into fragrant orchid water, and bathe the deceased person. May they wash away the pollution and bloodiness brought on by childbirth, make the inner and outer being bright and pure, cleanse body and spirit, and remove the defilements of the senses and the stains of karma.

We further recall that when the deceased person first died, they endured pain and their body was weakened and damaged, without the chance to recover in peace. We therefore respectfully petition Heaven to send one each of the divine officers of the Celestial Physicians, the numinous officials of the Office of Medicine, the merit officers who treat illness, and the imperial medical scholars, all to descend together. May they secretly apply their superior arts of healing and bestow the essence of the sun and the brilliance of the moon, jade fungi and golden nectar, and divine elixirs in five colors, to relieve every kind of suffering. May Yin and Yang be brought into harmony, blood and Qi flow smoothly, the channels return to their normal state, and the souls and spirits become clear and upright. May the deceased then be able to pay homage to the perfected spirits, receive deliverance, and be reborn in the human or celestial realms, never again to sink into the depths, but dwelling in a realm of freedom and light.

May numinous light shine brightly, blessings spread widely, the waves of the sea of karma grow calm, and the Blood Lake’s surging cease. May the people and all living things receive the nourishment that sustains life. May the light of transformation reach the Three Paths of suffering—the hells, the hungry ghosts, and the animals—and may the benevolent wind extend throughout the eight directions. We respectfully make this petition.

The Great Dao above, I respectfully set forth what I seek and earnestly beg for compassion. Though foolish and cautious, I bow twice in utter sincerity and submit this petition.

（Blank line and closing format as before.）

Chapter on Deliverance from Death and the Refining of Corpses into Immortals (a chapter concerning the deliverance of the dead and the refining of their bodies so that they become immortals)

Your servant, holding the appropriate office, is overwhelmed with fear and trepidation. I touch my head to the ground and prostrate myself again and again.

Your servant submits: By good affinities from a former life, I have had the good fortune to take part in the work of profound teaching. I vow to spread widely the methods of salvation and deliverance, and to strive to assist the transformation and generation of all things. My faults are deep as an abyss, while my merits are slight. I still earnestly beg Heaven to bestow its grace abundantly, look down upon me, and grant pardon. Your servant, overwhelmed with fear and trepidation, touches my head to the ground and prostrates myself again and again.

In this memorial, I state: By good fortune, I have inherited karmic ties from former lives and been permitted to take part in the mysterious teachings. I vowed to spread widely the Way of deliverance and to do all I could to assist Heaven and Earth in nurturing the myriad things. Yet my faults are grave, while my merit is negligible. I beg Heaven to extend its grace widely and pardon my transgressions.

I respectfully make this petition on behalf of my late master, a certain person. As recorded in the documents, these were the circumstances of my master’s life: the birth date and destiny assigned at birth; the scripture and register received and worn; the methods practiced and office held; and the place where incense was burned and cultivation undertaken in a Jing chamber, the place where a Daoist cultivates and performs rites. My master’s cultivation of the Dao was still shallow, and the rank of an immortal had not yet been perfected. He could not leave the mundane world, ascend through the air, or roam the realms of immortals. Now, having met his fate and passed from the world, my master traversed the Great Yin, the Daoist underworld or realm of the dead, on a certain day in a certain month and year, at the age of—. According to the rites and ranks of the Three Caverns’ rites of deliverance for the dead, sacred talismanic writings have been placed throughout my master’s clothing and bedding to protect his remains.

Further, in accordance with the rites of the Precious Scripture of the Five Refinings for Quelling Death and Reviving the Corpse, true jade characters have been used to pacify the five directions and protect my master’s spiritual awareness. An auspicious day has been chosen for the burial, and the remains will be placed in the tomb. I am especially concerned that my master’s merit in life may not have been complete, and that this could hinder his ascent. Therefore, on a certain day this month, at a certain place, we respectfully held the wondrous Lingbao fast of quelling death and the five refinings for reviving the corpse. It lasted two days and two nights. We prayed for support and guidance for my master, a certain person, so that he might transform his form, be reborn, and roam the vastness of space.

I serve the Golden Court, the palaces of Heaven, and my bond with my late master was like that between father and son. My heart is filled with grief and dread. I now respectfully follow the orthodox liturgy, carrying out each rite in its proper order. I know clearly the celestial offices of the Three Officials, the Nine Offices, and the one hundred and twenty bureaus, as well as the precepts of the Four Extremes’ Bright Statutes and the Three Grades’ Cavern Laws: they are as clear as the sun and moon, and as fearsome as thunder. In cultivating the Dao and seeking the truth, even a slight transgression can readily bring punishment. Without pardon, one is certain to fall into the netherworld. At the thought of this dreadful path, I tremble and break into a cold sweat.

My late master, a certain person, was born in a flourishing age and received and honored the Mysterious Origin, a Daoist title for the Dao or Laozi. Yet he did not understand the methods of cultivating the truth, mastering radiance, and attaining immortality; he had only the resolve to save living beings. During fast days and observances such as the Yuan and La festivals, my master often transgressed. In cultivating and upholding scriptures and registers, he sometimes failed to pay homage to the divine and perfected beings. Moreover, his repeated submissions of memorials may have disturbed the immortals and perfected beings; when performing libation rites and setting up fasting altars, he may also have offended divine officials. Thus, the mysterious offices of Heaven have entered his offenses into their records, and the register of darkness has recorded his faults: his sins in the world of the living have not been pardoned, and he cannot escape his offenses in the realm of the dead. My master departed this life suddenly and at once fell into a silent, dark realm. If the Great Dao did not extend its boundless compassion, how could later disciples so swiftly ascend to the realm of immortals?

With deepest respect, I submit this memorial to the Court of Heaven.

We humbly pray that all the Supreme Sages of the Three Heavens—the three tiers of heaven recognized in Daoism—show mercy and not leave our late master’s transgressions beyond pardon. Our late master died suddenly and soon sank into the netherworld. Without the Dao’s boundless compassion, how could later students swiftly ascend to the realm of the immortals? We respectfully present this memorial to the celestial realm.

We humbly pray that the Supreme Sages of the Three Heavens extend their compassion, and that the Most Perfect Ones—the highest perfected beings and spirits—show mercy. May they specially send down the Dao Qi of Jade Clarity, from the realm of Jade Clarity, and the wondrous light of Lingbao to protect the soul and remains of our late master, so-and-so; erase his transgressions; and release him from the judgments and entanglements of the underworld, allowing him to follow the light, ride the Qi, and ascend directly to the realm of emptiness. We also pray that they convey this request to all the true offices throughout the Ten Directions and Three Realms, the divine agencies that administer celestial affairs, and specially pardon every transgression committed by our late master in past lives and this life through the three karmic actions of body, speech, and mind, as well as through desires and thoughts. May they also forgive all the countless offenses he incurred since beginning his study of the Dao, transfer his name to the Purple Register—the celestial roster of immortals and perfected beings—and grant him renewal through the transformation of the Dao.

I respectfully petition that three Lingbao spirit officials who dispel the evil paths, each accompanied by 120 officers and generals; four spirit officials who sever the roots of the underworld, each accompanied by 120 officers and generals; and five spirit officials who carry the accumulated households across, each accompanied by 120 officers and generals, descend together to eliminate the Three Evil Paths—hell, the realm of hungry ghosts, and the animal realm—for our late master, so-and-so. May they sever the roots leading to the underworld and carry him across the Five Passages, the gateways or barriers used in Daoist rites to deliver the souls of the dead. May his name be listed among the highest heavens of Taixuan, and may he ride the light, ascend as a spirit, and enter the realm of Limitless. If the soul of our late master, so-and-so, has already fallen into the Three Paths, the Five Sufferings, or the Six Heavens and Nine Abysses—the places of suffering in the netherworld—may he also be delivered and freed, and ascend to the upper realm.

I further respectfully petition that twelve golden-dragon courier officers of the Mysterious Capital, the nine-dragon talisman-command envoys of the Eastern Florescent Green Palace, one merit officer of the Heavenly Dao, and ten flying-heaven envoys from the Ten Directions deliver and free our late master, and raise him to the upper realm.

I further respectfully petition that twelve golden-dragon courier officers of the Mysterious Capital, the nine-dragon talisman-command envoys of the Eastern Florescent Green Palace, one merit officer of the Heavenly Dao, and ten flying-heaven envoys from the Ten Directions, together with 120 officers and generals each, proceed together to…

May the talismanic decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning descend from the Golden Towers and Jade Steps of the Three Heavens, together with the Golden Register and White Scroll, the numinous talisman of long life, the Nine-Dragon decree from the Azure Palace of Donghua, the true talisman that enables people to ascend to perfection and transcend the limits of life, escape death, and the precious proclamation from the Upper Palace of Nanchang. May these be announced to the Three Offices and Nine Departments, the Five Emperors and Four Offices, and the other bureaucracies of the underworld.

If our former master, so-and-so, committed offenses in public or private matters and has not yet been pardoned, may the merit of this rite for delivering the dead secure complete forgiveness for all his transgressions. If his karmic offenses implicate the three generations of ancestors and nine generations of forebears, relatives across successive lives, adversaries from past lives, or those with whom he incurred resentments in the netherworld, may the good deeds he performed in life be recorded one by one, and may his offenses be expiated and pardoned as soon as possible. May his name be removed from the register of the condemned and entered on a jade scroll, so that his spirit may rise in rank and ascend to the heavens.

We further pray to the Nine Heavens, the Thirty-Two Heavens, the Five Elders and August Ones, the celestial offices, the Northern Dipper and Southern Dipper, the sun, moon, and five planets, and the host of spirits in the celestial bureaucracy. May each send forth its true Qi (sacred primordial energy) to receive and guide our former master, so-and-so, cleanse him of his errors and failings, and raise him into the realm of the Dao. May he resume the office entrusted to him, let his spirit and Qi return to the wondrous realm, attain the rank of a perfected being, and never again undergo transmigration.

May the true spirits and orthodox gods of the particular sacred peak and mountain to which our former master, so-and-so, belongs, together with the nine local earth officials summoned by the decree, each guard his remains within their jurisdiction. May calamities be dispelled and his tomb kept in peace; may his body be secure, his spirit protected, and his soul kept from dispersing. May the gods bear talismans and tokens, and by means of their talismanic warrants, bring his remains back to life and reunite body and spirit. May he roam freely, rise and soar, and attain immortality. All of this accords with the intent of the Scripture on the Five Refinements for Reviving the Dead. May he receive the Mysterious Favor forever, and may this serve as proof of its efficacy.

The Great Dao is compassionate and gracious; we beseech it to bestow its care in each regard. I, your foolish servant, respectfully submit this petition with a second bow.

“Leave blank; ending as above” is a formatting instruction in ritual documents. It indicates that this place is to be left empty and that the closing should follow the same format as the preceding text.

“Petition for Delivering a Soul to Immortality” is the section title. It refers to a written petition for delivering the deceased and transforming them into an immortal.

Chapter on Delivering the Souls of Immortals Beyond This World

Your appointed servant, so-and-so, stands in awe and fear, and bows twice with his forehead to the ground as he submits this memorial:

I hold a position among the military officials and have been entrusted with the duty of delivering souls. The favor I have received exceeds my due. Looking back upon myself, I know well my own origins. I have vowed to spread the benevolence of the Cavern Teachings in delivering all beings, and to offer unseen support to Heaven and Earth as they nurture and transform the myriad things. I humbly ask Heaven to look down and witness my wholehearted sincerity.

I respectfully set forth this petition in accordance with the intent of the purification rites. As one charged with leading the teaching, I should not, by rights, decline this duty. I think of a certain person who, through the good affinities of a former life, was fortunate to receive the protection of the Mysterious Gate. He wore Fulu (talismans and registers), practiced the Dao’s methods, received the scriptures, and studied the cultivation of the Dao, yet repeatedly became entangled in worldly affairs and failed to understand its profound and subtle principles. When setting up a purification altar and performing Zhaijiao (purification rituals), he often violated the prescribed rules. When making formal petitions to the Dao, he failed to observe the proper courtesies of reverence and decorum. He broke the purifying fast and transgressed the precepts, indulged his desires and acted as he pleased, often going against the principles of Heaven and yielding instead to his own impulses.

On the Three Origins—the Upper, Middle, and Lower Origin purification days—and the Five Laba days, important days of purification in Daoism, he did not diligently pay reverence to the divine immortals. On Jiazi and Gengshen days, he never repented or made amends. His transgressions have been entered in the Black Register, and his name recorded in the Mysterious Bureau, the celestial office that oversees registers of names and offenses. He was not released at once, nor did he immediately shed his form and ascend as a spirit. Now his allotted Qi is nearly spent and he is due to pass away. He has traveled through Great Yin, the realm of the underworld; whether he will rise or sink is difficult to know. In the blink of an eye, several months have passed.

If a son is pleading on behalf of his father, my bond with father and son is deep, and my heart is filled with grief and dread. If a disciple is pleading on behalf of his master, my bond of affection and loyalty is the same, and I am likewise stricken with grief and dread. Were it not for the compassion of the Supreme Sages and the protection of the Most High Perfected Ones…