《太上慈悲道场灭罪水忏》

At that time, the Celestial Venerable of the Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, a supreme deity of Daoism) was in the Purple Tenuity Celestial Terrace, within the Golden Gate of the Jade Capital in the Great Network Heaven. There he gathered the assembled immortals and proclaimed the profound and subtle teachings of the Dao (the Way), to deliver the beings of heaven and earth, help them awaken to the great Dao, and spare them suffering. The Celestial Venerable displayed his power and released a radiant light that illuminated every place, so that the sins and blessings of all beings appeared before their eyes. Even to those lost souls trapped in the hells and suffering without end, he extended his aid, so that they would sink no further and might be delivered.

In his compassion, Yuanshi Tianzun spread the teachings of the Dao and revealed essential paths of cultivation, so that beings of the past and the future alike could benefit from them. He then spoke to the immortals and perfected ones attending him: "At birth, all people receive the same primordial Qi (vital energy). After birth, however, lifespan and fortune or misfortune, wealth and poverty, as well as good and evil, sin and blessing, life and death, each have their causes and roots in former lives, and each must bring its corresponding retribution. Retribution follows the deeds each person has done, without the slightest confusion, just as a shadow follows a body and an echo answers a sound in a valley."

On each of the Three Origin days every year (the fasting days of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Origins), the officials of the Three Origins, together with the spirits of the Three Realms and the ten directions, the Four Departments and Five Emperors, the Boys of Good and Evil, and the various spirit officers, all go to court before the throne of Yuanshi Tianzun in the Golden Gate. There they examine the registers of life and death of men and women in the world, the causes and conditions of their sins and blessings, and the names and ledgers of deeds of the departed souls in the Nine Hells of Darkness and the Water Prefectures.

Suppose that good and faithful men and women, at this time, spontaneously give rise to a Dao-minded heart. They build the Purple Tenuity precious terrace, the Jade Capital precious mountain, and pavilions, towers, and halls, adorn them with treasures, and offer incense and flowers. They burn incense and walk the Dao, chant the Dongzhang (Daoist scriptures), light lamps, and release living beings. They perform the Buxu rite (a ritual in which Daoist priests pace and chant), give alms, make vows, repent and apologize for their faults, and submit memorials to Heaven. With sincere devotion they hold grand Zhaijiao (purification rituals, Daoist rites of offering and prayer), and pray to heaven and earth day and night without slackening. Then the Celestial Venerable will send the Celestial Venerables and Perfected Ones of the ten directions, the immortals of all the heavens, the Four Departments of the Three Realms, and the Youths Who Save from Suffering to descend to the ritual altar in the human world. They will wipe away these people's sinful karma, protect the living, bring peace to the land, health to men and women, and a growing abundance of good, with no evil arising. The suffering souls in the hells will likewise be freed at the same time, and ultimately ascend to the heavens, there to enjoy peace and joy in Wuwei (non-action). The merit gained is vast, and the blessings are immeasurable.

The Compassionate Venerable further said: "On the fifteenth day of the first month, the Celestial Official of the Upper Origin and the officials of the departments in charge of recording merits and faults go to the Celestial Gate to present the registers of the sins and blessings of the people of the world. Today, therefore, the penitent leader of this ritual, So-and-so, dedicates the merit to all the High Perfected Ones of the Upper Origin heaven, taking refuge in their spirit (Shen), their body, and their life, and reverently taking refuge in the Supreme Celestial Venerable of Great Compassion and Great Mercy."

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Original Beginning of Jade Purity (Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun), one of the supreme deities revered in Daoism.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Boundless Blessings and Life (Fusheng Wuliang Tianzun), a title invoking limitless blessings.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Dispels Calamity and Resolves Hardship (Xiaozai Jie'e Tianzun), a title invoking the removal of disaster and the relief of distress.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Extends Life and Increases the Allotted Years (Yanshou Yisuan Tianzun), a title invoking longer life and a greater span of years.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Long Life Who Preserves Life (Changsheng Baoming Tianzun), a title invoking longevity and the safeguarding of life.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Purple Purity Who Bestows Blessings (Ziqing Jiangfu Tianzun), a title invoking the descent of blessings.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Protects the Body through the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) (Bagua Hushen Tianzun), a title invoking the protection of oneself through the power of the Eight Trigrams.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Extends Life and Increases the Allotted Years, to the Celestial Venerable of Long Life Who Preserves Life, to the Celestial Venerable of Purple Purity Who Bestows Blessings, and to the Celestial Venerable Who Protects the Body through the Bagua (the original text repeats these titles here).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Guards Against Calamity through the Nine Palaces (Jiugong Han'e Tianzun), a title invoking protection against and defense from misfortune.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Exalted Perfected and Wondrous Fruition (Gaozhen Miaoguo Tianzun), a title honoring those who have attained the Dao, become perfected, and realized the wondrous fruit.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Numinous Treasure of the Ten Directions (Shifang Lingbao Tianzun), a title honoring the sacred, numinous deities of the ten directions.

From here, I bow and recite the sacred titles of the Celestial Venerables. I humbly beg that repentance be made on my behalf. From beginningless time until this very day, in all that I have done toward my teachers, parents, and the six kinds of kin, through the three karmas of body, speech, and mind (the actions of the body, words, and thoughts), and in all the faults I have created through the six sense faculties of eye, ear, nose, tongue, and the rest (the senses and mind by which one perceives the world), I ask to repent of them all.

I have craved the delicate comforts felt by the body, and allowed deluded thoughts to arise in my heart. My eyes have looked upon improper sights, my ears have listened to depraved sounds, my nose has delighted in unseemly scents, and my tongue has coveted flavors. Jealousy has arisen in my heart, and foul words have come from my mouth. Such transgressions are beyond counting and beyond telling. Today, with a sincere heart, I ask to repent of them all together.

Next, I dedicate the merit (offering the merit gained through homage and repentance to those for whom one prays) to all the exalted Perfected (revered immortals who have attained the Dao) of the Upper Origin heavens, and I take refuge in the Dao, in Shen (spirit), in the body, and in life, reverently turning toward the Celestial Venerable of great compassion and great mercy, the Supreme One.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Azure Numen and Primal Elder (Qingling Shilao Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Cinnabar Numen and True Elder (Danling Zhenlao Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Radiant Compassion, Great Mercy, and Supremacy (Haoci Dabei Wushang Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Azure Numen and Primal Elder, the Celestial Venerable of the Cinnabar Numen and True Elder, the Celestial Venerable of the Radiant Numen and Sovereign Elder (Haoling Huanglao Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of the Five Numina and Mysterious Elder (Wuling Xuanlao Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of the Dark Numen and Original Elder (Xuanling Yuanlao Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Solemn Purity and Dharma Grace (Yanjing Fahui Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Responsive Power and Might (Yinggan Weili Tianzun), and the Celestial Venerable of Fearless Brahma Form (Wuwei Fanxing Tianzun).

Sincerely I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) whose great wisdom is vast as the sea. Sincerely I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy whose treasury of the Dharma is boundless.

From this point, prostrate and recite the sacred title of the Celestial Worthy. On my behalf, the penitent, I earnestly confess: from beginningless time until today, I, together with my teachers, parents, and kin of the six relations, have created boundless and immeasurable karmic offenses of taking life.

At times we slaughtered pigs, sheep, cattle, horses, chickens, dogs, geese, and ducks; at times we killed birds and beasts, the fish of the waters, and every living creature. At times, in order to cure illness, we served or made offerings to improper, licentious spirits and ghosts, killing living beings in sacrifice. At times we killed for the pleasure of hunting, or, in plowing fields and digging the earth, in raising silkworms and boiling cocoons, in setting fires and releasing waters, in burning dung and sweeping the ground, we took lives without intending to. At times we drank wine and ate meat, prepared sauces and pickled fish, kept lamps burning long while burning firewood, or poured hot soup upon the ground, and these too may have harmed living things. At times we separated mothers from their young and cut off the birth of unborn offspring; at times we destroyed fetuses and insect eggs; at times we killed beings beyond number.

At times we killed creditors who came to collect their debts, or innocent and virtuous people. At times we killed out of quarrels, deceit, jealousy, seizure, and plunder; at times we killed through war, slander, or secret schemes. At times we relied on sorcery, burying inscribed charms and cursing others in the hope of bringing about their deaths. At times, when officials enforced the law unjustly, people were put to death wrongly; at times, coveting another's wealth, we gave false testimony and framed them so that they were sentenced to death. At times we seized another's wife or contended for another's husband, which in the end led to killing.

At times we killed living beings before Heaven and Earth, the sun and moon, the empty void, or the shrines of temples and altars. At times we invoked our ancestors, swearing oaths in their names and then taking life. At times, during marriages, auspicious and inauspicious gatherings, the birth of children, or the entertainment of relatives and friends, we played music and feasted at improper moments, indulging in sensual pleasures and revelry, and so caused countless killings, until the qi of resentment filled the void.

These many offenses of killing are boundless and immeasurable, and today I sincerely seek to repent of them. I then dedicate the merit to all the High Perfected (a Daoist term of respect for exalted divine beings) of the Upper Origin Heaven, and take refuge in the Celestial Worthy, entrusting my body, mind, nature, and life (xing and ming) to the supremely great and compassionate Celestial Worthy.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Great Compassion and Ten Thousand Virtues.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Profound Subtlety and Ease (the Heavenly Worthy who is mysterious and subtle, at ease and unobstructed).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Boundless Luminous Awakening (the Heavenly Worthy whose awakening is vast and without limit).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Gentle Harmony and Wondrous Treasure.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Dignified Majesty and Mighty Power.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Radiant Brilliance Shining Above.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of the Bridge of the Law and Great Deliverance (the Heavenly Worthy who takes the true Law as a bridge to deliver all beings broadly).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Expansive Communion Who Protects Life (the Heavenly Worthy who propagates the true Way and safeguards life).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy Who Opens and Reveals the Wondrous Gate (the Heavenly Worthy who opens and makes manifest the gate of the mysterious and wondrous teaching).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy Who Protects the Hun-Souls and Compassionately Rescues (the Heavenly Worthy who guards the souls and saves them with compassion).

Thus ends the veneration and recitation of the sacred names of the Heavenly Worthies. I pray that repentance be made on my behalf for the sins of theft committed from beginningless time until today by my Seven Ancestors and Nine Generations (the ancestors and clan forebears of all past generations), my teachers and elders, my parents, whether living or deceased, and all my kin. These sins are too many to count: some stole sacred images of the Heavenly Worthies, the Three Treasures (the Dao, the scriptures, and the teachers), and various goods and properties; some stole the possessions of parents and relatives; some stole from the wealthy, the noble, or the poor; some took goods from the state treasury, tribute and tax revenues, and government funds; some stole from wives and concubines, and from male and female servants. The scripture lists these acts of theft repeatedly in order to show how numerous the kinds of sin are. For these boundless and immeasurable sins of theft, today I bring a sincere heart and ask for repentance for them all together.

Next, the merit of this repentance is dedicated (the merit gained through practice is offered and transferred to others or to a particular recipient) and directed toward all the exalted Perfected Ones (revered Daoist divine beings) of the Heavens of the Upper Origin. I take refuge in the divine powers, and in my own self and life, and I pray that the Supreme Heavenly Worthy will show great compassion and great mercy.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Flowing Light and Joy in the Dharma.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Majestic Sanctity Who Transforms the Mundane (the Heavenly Worthy who transforms ordinary people through majestic and holy virtue).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Penetrating Numinous Compassionate Mindfulness.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Benevolent Grace and Fulfilled Conditions.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy Who Increases Sacred Wisdom (the Heavenly Worthy who augments holy and illuminated wisdom).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Solemn Purity of Merit.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Wholeness and Lasting Joy.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Precious Light and Benevolent Stillness.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Radiant Aspect and Sovereign Ease.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Golden Truth Who Delivers Life.

From these transformations arises the Celestial Venerable of Lasting Joy.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Precious Light and Benevolent Stillness.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Radiant Aspect and Sovereign Ease.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Golden Truth Who Delivers Life.

Having offered these homages and recited the sacred titles of the Celestial Venerables, I humbly beg to repent on my own behalf. From beginningless time until today, all my relatives of past lives and of this present life have committed sins of sexual desire beyond measure.

These sins include: those who engaged in licentious acts beneath the open sky, under the sun, moon, and stars; those who did not avoid wells, hearths, doors, village shrines, temples, or Daoist abbeys, or who committed such acts in places of sacred remains; those who committed adultery with the six kinds of kin, or entered improper relations with blood relatives; those who defiled renunciants, violated the chaste, harmed others, or seized the affections of others, committing every kind of sin of desire. There are also those who, young or old alike, were sunk in debauchery, deluded and ignorant, and never repented.

Such sins of depravity and attachment to desire are immeasurable and boundless. Today, with a devout heart, I repent of them all, and I dedicate the merit of this repentance to all the High Perfected (the exalted divine beings revered in Daoism) of the Heaven of Highest Origin. I take refuge in the divine beings, and in my own self and life, and I beg the greatly compassionate, supreme Celestial Venerables to protect me.

With devotion I pay homage, and I repent of the faults of being sunk in delusion, ignorant and unrepentant, and of the immeasurable, boundless sins of depravity and attachment to desire. Today, with a devout heart, I repent of them all, and I dedicate the merit to all the High Perfected of the Heaven of Highest Origin. I take refuge in the divine beings, and in my own self and life, and I beg the greatly compassionate, supreme Celestial Venerables to protect me.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable, Heavenly Sovereign of Clear Subtlety.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable, Heavenly Sovereign of Yuyu.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable, Heavenly Sovereign of Great Red.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Golden Grace and Mysterious Penetration.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Bestows Compassion and Universal Deliverance.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Penetrating Clarity and Lofty Mystery.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Longevity and Myriad Good Deeds.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of True Wandering and Highest Supremacy.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Far-Reaching Harmony of the Dharma Stream.

Devoutly I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable, Treasury of Lofty Virtue.

From this point forward, one begins to prostrate and recite the sacred names of the Celestial Worthies (Tianzun). Prayer of repentance: From beginningless time until today, on behalf of my seven generations of ancestors and nine mysteries (a general term for ancestors of all generations), my teachers and elders, my parents, and all my relatives, both departed and living, I have committed the sin of arrogance and of offending the Supreme Perfected (honored immortals and perfected beings). I have also committed the sin of showing disrespect to Heaven and to the sun, moon, and stars. I have shown no reverence for celestial phenomena such as wind and rain, clouds and rosy mists, thunder and lightning. Or, when facing the Northern Dipper, I failed to withdraw from the presence of the heavenly deities: I stood naked, relieved myself, ate and drank with my hair unbound, spat and blew my nose, spoke foul words, laughed and wept frivolously, and committed all manner of conduct contrary to ritual propriety. The sins of offending the spirits and ritual propriety in such ways are boundless and without measure. Today, with a sincere heart, I pray for repentance for them all together.

Thereafter, I dedicate the merit to all the High Perfected (honored immortals and perfected beings) of the Heaven of the Upper Origin (the upper celestial realm in Daoism). I take refuge in their Dao, I take refuge in their divine beings, and I also take refuge with my body, mind, nature, and life. I humbly beseech the greatly compassionate and supreme Celestial Worthy to take pity on me.

With utmost sincerity I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of Constant Concentration and Transformed Destiny (Ningchang Zhuanming Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Virtue and Steadfast Vow (Xuande Dingyuan Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Unified Perfected and Responsive Manifestation (Zongzhen Yingjian Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Accomplishment and Perfect Conduct (Miaocheng Yuanxing Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of Dragon Virtue and Majestic Dignity (Longde Weiyan Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Mystery and Great Simplicity (Gaoxuan Taisu Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Perfected Great Emperor (Lingzhen Dadi Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Endowment and Wondrous Form (Jinzi Miaoxiang Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who Opens Illumination and Points to the Essentials (Kaiming Zhiyao Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Supreme and Most Excellent (Wushang Zuisheng Tianzun).

From this point, the congregation bows in worship and recites the sacred names of the Celestial Worthies, praying for repentance over the various karmic obstacles that a certain person has created. We respectfully beseech the Boundless Great Dao (Dao), the Three Venerables of the Supreme One (Taishang Sanzun), the Five Elders and High Perfected Ones, the Ten Radiant Sovereigns, the sun, moon and constellations, the Jade Armillary Sphere and Jade Transverse, the Eighty-One Heavens, the Thirty-Two Emperors, the Three Officials and Nine Bureaus, the Four Departments and Three Realms, and the Demon Kings and Flying Celestial Sages, together with the immortal officials of the future and the perfected officials of the past, to extend great compassion and mercy in universally rescuing and delivering all beings. May their grace wash away transgressions, and may their blessings dissolve grievances and knotted resentments, freeing suffering beings from bitterness and sorrow and allowing the Three Origins (the system of deities in Daoism who govern the bestowal of blessings, the pardoning of sins, and the relief of misfortune) to gather merit and virtue. May merit be fulfilled and virtue accomplished, so that one becomes united with the Great Dao. May all sentient beings together ascend to the shore of the Dao and return to the Three Treasures of the True Dao, the True Scripture, and the True Perfected One, as authenticated by the Supreme Void Sovereign.

The Supreme Scripture of the Compassionate Dao Site for Eliminating Sin through Water Repentance, First Volume

The Supreme Scripture of the Compassionate Dao Site for Eliminating Sin through Water Repentance, Middle Volume

At that time, the Compassionate Venerable said: "The fifteenth day of the seventh month is the Zhongyuan Festival, when the Earth Official leads the officials in charge of the registers to ascend to the celestial court and present the records of humanity's transgressions and merits." The person taking part in this ritual repentance today therefore dedicates the merit to all the sages and worthies of the Zhongyuan earthly realm, taking refuge in their spirit (Shen), their body, and their life, and sincerely entrusting themselves to the Supreme Celestial Worthy of great compassion and mercy.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Highest Purity and Numinous Treasure.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Delivers from Sin in the Nine Netherworlds (the Celestial Worthy who rescues beings from the sufferings and sins of the underworld).

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Supreme Celestial Worthy of Exalted Penetration, Great Compassion, and Great Mercy.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Highest Purity and Numinous Treasure.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Delivers from Sin in the Nine Netherworlds.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Exalted Penetration and Illumination.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Empty Wisdom and Constant Stillness.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Expedient Means and Benevolent Rescue.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Penetrating Perfection and Responsive Resonance.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Abundant Goodness and Generous Bestowal.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Softened Radiance and Patient Endurance.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Concentrated Spirit (Shen) and Mysterious Awakening.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Turning Wheel and Ceaseless Movement.

From here onward, one bows in worship and recites the sacred titles of the Celestial Worthies. In repentance, one prays: "From beginningless time until today, I have committed countless offenses of miserliness and stinginess toward my teachers, my parents, and my relatives, both living and departed. For example, when I saw someone urging others toward goodness or performing good deeds to accumulate merit, or when I saw people who were poor or ill, I was unable to give up my possessions, nor did I do my utmost to find ways to help them. All the many offenses of greed and miserliness that arise from an unwillingness to give are immeasurable and boundless. Today, with a sincere heart, I pray for repentance for them all. I then dedicate the resulting merit to all the true sages of the Middle Prime (Zhongyuan) realm of the earth (the domain of the underworld, where the beings of the earthly realm dwell). I take refuge in the Shen (spirit), take refuge in the body, take refuge in life, and turn toward the Supreme Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion and Great Mercy."

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion and Selflessness.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Subtle Radiance in Transformation.

I take refuge in the Shen (spirit), take refuge in the body, take refuge in life, and turn toward the Supreme Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion and Great Mercy.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion and Selflessness.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Subtle Radiance in Transformation.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Penetration and Measured Discernment.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Great Benevolence and Many Virtues.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Oceanic Measure.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Prosperity for the Nation and Great Peace.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Wonder and Lofty Mystery.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Constant Abiding in Ultimate Emptiness.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Subtlety and the Root of De (Virtue).

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Numen Who Delivers Life.

From this point, bow in reverence and recite the sacred names of the Celestial Worthies. I pray for repentance on my behalf (the "so-and-so" in the confession text is how the penitent refers to themselves): from beginningless time until today, I, together with my teachers, my parents, and my six kinds of kin, both living and deceased, have committed boundless and limitless offenses of anger and resentment.

These offenses include: having raged against the Celestial Worthies, the scriptures and the Dharma, the ritual masters, and the Daoist priests; having been angry at emperors, officials, parents, and relatives; having resented the ritual seats in the sacred altar space and the merits performed there; having resented the transformations of Yin-Yang, and the wind, rain, cold, and heat; having resented the sun, moon, stars, and revered sages in the empty heavens; having resented upright spirits and the worthy sages who pass through the world; having resented spring, summer, autumn, and winter, day and night, and their long and short durations; having resented scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, widowers, widows, orphans, and the childless, prisoners and those in forced service, the poor and suffering, the old, the weak, and the sick; having resented friends, wives and children, and servants; and having resented cattle, horses, and other domestic animals, birds and beasts, and all living things. The offenses brought about by this anger are boundless and limitless. Now, with a sincere heart, I ask to repent of them all together.

Next, I dedicate the merit to all the sages and worthies of the Middle Origin realm of Earth, taking refuge in their spirit (Shen), their body, and their life, and beseeching the Celestial Worthy of great compassion, great mercy, and supreme highness.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Huishan Kaizong.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Miaokong Zhenxiang.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Hanhong Pinliang.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Zhizang Weida.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Huijie Kongji.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Huishan Kaizong.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Miaokong Zhenxiang.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Hanhong Pinliang.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Zhizang Weida.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Huijie Kongji.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Puzhao Weixuan.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Fakong Xuning.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Tianbao Zizai.

With utmost sincerity, I bow to the Celestial Worthy Pingdeng Shanying.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of Radiant Light Who Aids All Beings.

From here, bow in turn and recite the sacred titles of the Celestial Venerables. Pray for repentance: I and my six kinds of kin and family, whether living or deceased, have from beginningless time until today created limitless and boundless transgressions. We did not believe in the causality of good and evil; our minds were clouded and clung to biased views. At times we acted foolishly before the Three Treasures (the Dao, the Scriptures, and the Master); at times before emperors and officials, before parents and relatives, or in the places where people and things dwell, we have also often behaved foolishly. The transgressions born of this folly are limitless and boundless. Today, with sincere devotion, we pray together for repentance. We then dedicate the merit to all the sages and worthies of the Middle Primordial realm. We take refuge in the Dao (the Way), take refuge in the divine powers, take refuge in ourselves, and take refuge in life itself, and we reverently honor the Supreme Celestial Venerable of Great Compassion.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of Subtle Purity Who Penetrates Awakening.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Great Radiant Realm of Emptiness.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of High Purity and Wondrous Wisdom.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Opens Karmic Conditions and Universally Saves.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of Radiant Light and Ten Thousand Transformations.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Purple Void and Mysterious Sage.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Sage of Wisdom Who Soars Through Space.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Brahma Treasure.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of Radiant Light and Ten Thousand Transformations.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Purple Void and Mysterious Sage.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Sage of Wisdom Who Soars Through Space.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Brahma Treasure and Great Void.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Spirit and Equal Contemplation.

I sincerely bow in homage to the Celestial Venerable of Sea-like Emptiness and Discerning Wisdom.

From past lives until today, in my words and dealings with my teachers, parents, relatives, and kin, I have created countless transgressions: speaking flowery words without substance, telling lies, saying one thing to someone's face and another behind their back, and saying with my mouth what differs from what is in my heart. I have spoken of the faults of one party to another and carried the words of the other back again, sowing discord among family members and destroying the friendships of companions. I have failed to examine my own errors or to investigate the true circumstances of matters, yet have discussed the rights and wrongs of others, and spoken of their strengths and shortcomings. I have not understood how to be considerate of the kindness and righteousness of others, concealing good deeds and spreading evil ones. I have mocked and slandered rulers and parents, and treated teachers and elders with disrespect. I have framed the loyal and upright, and buried those who surpassed me in ability. I have praised depraved and crooked music, and slandered the teachings of the orthodox Way. These sins of ornate speech, false speech, and divisive speech are truly beyond measure and without limit. Today I sincerely beseech and repent of them all together, and afterwards I dedicate the merit to all the sages and worthies of the Earth Realm of the Zhongyuan (Middle Primordial) festival. I take refuge in the Dao, in Shen (spirit), in the body, and in life, and reverently bow before the Supremely Merciful and Compassionate Celestial Venerable of Highest Heaven.

"Earth Realm of the Zhongyuan" refers to the spirits of the earthly realm spoken of during the Zhongyuan season; "dedication of merit" means wishing that the merit gained from reciting scriptures and performing repentance rituals be given to others.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Supreme Victory and Wondrous Fruit.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Good Vows and Universal Causes.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Subtle Mystery and Awesome Virtue.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Compassionate Protection and Deliverance.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Upright Serenity and Pure Conduct.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Good Accomplishment and Purity.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Immortal Spirit and Righteous Practice.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Compassionate Giving and Flourishing Goodness.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Inconceivable Power.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Adaptive Transformation According to Conditions.

The above describes the sincere veneration of the ten Celestial Venerables in sequence.

From past lives until today, in the presence of my teachers, parents, and relatives, I have committed countless offenses of verbal abuse. Those I have reviled include the Celestial Worthies and the Dao (the Way), the scriptures and their teachings, and the masters who transmit them; kings and officials; close friends; wives, concubines, sons, and daughters; and all the six kinds of kin. I have also reviled those with bodily deformities or illness, the poor, the elderly, children, widowers, widows, orphans, those who live alone, servants, and people of humble station.

I have also reviled Heaven and Earth, the sun and moon, the stars, wind and rain, clouds and rosy mist, rainbows, thunder and lightning. I have complained about the length of day and night, the cold of winter and the heat of summer, the seasons and their solar terms, frost and snow, and the weather. I have reviled the upright spirits and deities, as well as plagues of insects, locusts, floods, and droughts; the five grains and the hundred fruits, silk, hemp, and cloth; domestic animals such as oxen and horses, birds and beasts, and even the tiniest living creatures. I have also imprisoned offenders, or reviled the ignorant and the good and innocent. My offenses of harsh speech, of shouting at Heaven and calling upon Earth, of dragging in ghosts and spirits, and of slander and abuse are too many to count. Today, with a sincere heart, I ask to repent of them all together.

Next, I dedicate the merit of this repentance to all the sages and worthies of the Middle Origin (Zhongyuan) realm of Earth, taking refuge in their Shen (spirit), body, and life, and I humbly beseech the supremely compassionate and unsurpassed Celestial Worthies to bestow their mercy.

With utmost sincerity I pay homage: Xianglin Dingxiang Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Fragrant Grove and Settled Contemplation).

With utmost sincerity I pay homage: Wuwei Puji Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Wuwei and Universal Salvation).

With utmost sincerity I pay homage: Baoming Shangsheng Tianzun (Celestial Worthy Who Preserves Life and Ascends to Rebirth).

With utmost sincerity I pay homage: Zhide Wuai Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Supreme Virtue and Unobstructed Freedom).

With utmost sincerity I pay homage: Pingdeng Jiuku Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Equality Who Saves the Suffering).

With utmost sincerity I pay homage: Yan Xianglin Dingxiang Tianzun (Celestial Worthy Who Expounds Fragrant Grove and Settled Contemplation).

With utmost sincerity I pay homage: Wuwei Puji Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Wuwei and Universal Salvation).

With utmost sincerity I pay homage: Baoming Shangsheng Tianzun (Celestial Worthy Who Preserves Life and Ascends to Rebirth).

With utmost sincerity I pay homage: Zhide Wuai Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Supreme Virtue and Unobstructed Freedom).

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy Who Equally Saves the Suffering (the Heavenly Worthy who impartially delivers all beings from affliction).

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy Who Expounds the Sage and Opens the Origin (the Heavenly Worthy who propagates the sacred Dao and opens the primordial beginning).

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy of the Six Penetrations and Realized Awakening (the Heavenly Worthy who possesses the six spiritual powers and has attained awakening).

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy Who Divides Form and Penetrates De (the Heavenly Worthy who can manifest in different forms and has mastered Virtue).

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy of the Precious Summit and Great Accomplishment (the Heavenly Worthy of perfect fulfillment).

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy of Utmost Truth and Profound Stillness (the Heavenly Worthy who has reached the realm of utmost truth, deep and silent).

From this point, we bow and recite the sacred titles of the Heavenly Worthies above, earnestly entreating on behalf of a certain person that the manifold sins and karmic burdens of their body be repented. We humbly petition the compassionate venerable deities of the Nine Pure Realms and Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen), the Great Dao of the Five Elders and Ten Blossoms, the supreme Celestial Sovereign, all the high realized ones (the deities who have attained the Dao), the immortal officials of the Nine Emperors, the true rulers of the Ten Palaces, the Great Emperors of the Three Primes, the venerable deities of the Five Sacred Peaks, as well as the deities of the blessed lands and grotto-heavens, the spirits of Fengdu and Mount Dai, the clerks of the Four Bureaus, the court attendants of the Nine Offices, the many immortals beyond the world, and the assembled sages of the Gourd Heaven: may you bestow your vast grace and let your blessings fall universally, dissolve the transgressions of the mortal world, eliminate the calamities of the earthly realm, take pity on all beings, and deliver the souls of the dead in the dark realms, so that all beings, generation after generation, may ascend to the Great Dao.

Scripture of the Water Repentance for Eradicating Sins at the Altar of the Supreme Compassion, Middle Fascicle

Scripture of the Water Repentance for Eradicating Sins at the Altar of the Supreme Compassion, Lower Fascicle

At this time, the Compassionate Worthy said: On the fifteenth day of the tenth month, the Water Official of the Lower Prime (Xiayuan) leads the officials of all the bureaus to ascend to the Celestial Court and present the registers of the sins and merits of the people of the world. Today, the chief supplicant of this altar, a certain person, therefore dedicates the merit to all the immortals, realized ones, sages, and worthies of the Lower Prime water realm, and takes refuge in them with body, mind, nature, and life, reverently turning toward the Supremely Compassionate and Greatly Merciful Supreme Heavenly Worthy.

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy of Great Purity, Dao and De (Taiqing Daode Tianzun).

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy Who Appears in Response with Constant Countenance.

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Protection and Supreme Truth.

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy Who Restores the Soul and Raises the Dead (the Heavenly Worthy who returns souls to their bodies and aids those near death).

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy of Authority and Freedom.

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy Who Calms and Guards the Sentient (the Heavenly Worthy who steadies and protects all sentient beings).

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy of Boundless Longevity.

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy Who Constantly Does Good and Saves Beings (the Heavenly Worthy who always aids beings with a benevolent heart).

With single-minded devotion, I reverently bow before the Heavenly Worthy Who Embraces Breadth and Transforms through De (the Heavenly Worthy who is generous and inclusive, teaching beings through Virtue).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the "Heavenly Worthy Who Brings Forth All Things" (the Heavenly Worthy who presides over the generation and transformation of the myriad beings).

From this point, I bow in turn and invoke the sacred names of the Heavenly Worthies. I beseech them to receive my repentance: from beginningless time until today, among my teachers and elders, my parents, and my six categories of kin, as well as in my everyday dealings with others, I have committed countless, boundless transgressions that obstruct harmony in the world.

Moreover, in past trading, selling goods, and keeping shops, whether measuring with the sheng and dou measures, scales, or rulers, or calculating down to the smallest fractions and the zhu and liang weights, I may have deliberately added or shaved quantities in order to deceive others. I may also have swapped coarse goods for fine, passed off the short as the long, and so caused loss to both buyer and seller; or I may have broken through walls to enter homes, robbed and stolen, blocked roads, or refused to repay debts.

I may also have charged excessive interest when lending money, or used false pretexts to swindle others of their property; envied the intelligence, wealth, and rank of others, and relied on officials or the powerful to denounce and slander them; secretly wounded people with bow and arrow, or done things that defy the spirits; drunk wine, eaten meat, and consumed the Five Pungent Vegetables (onions, garlic, and other strong-smelling pungent plants) and the Three Aversions (three categories of meat and fish forbidden during Daoist fasts), thereby profaning merit and virtue.

I may also have governed unjustly while in office, failed to observe propriety while in a high position, and shown disrespect to subordinates or juniors; at court, I may have disregarded distinctions of rank, and in my village, distinctions of age. For all such countless and boundless transgressions, today I sincerely seek repentance for them together.

Next, I dedicate the merit of this repentance to all the immortals, perfected ones, and sages of the Lower Origin Water Realm (the immortals and sages whom Daoism holds to govern the realm of water). With a heart of refuge, I entrust my body, mind, nature, and life together to the Heavenly Worthy of great compassion and supreme station.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the "Heavenly Worthy Who Unfolds the Law and Completes the Fusion" (the Heavenly Worthy who unfolds the principles of the Dao and joins them in a unified whole).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the "Heavenly Worthy Whose Law-Grace Flows Widely" (the Heavenly Worthy who spreads the blessings of the Dao's teachings far and wide).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the "Heavenly Worthy Who Accumulates Merit and Attains Sainthood" (the Heavenly Worthy who gathered merit and so reached the sage's state).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the "Heavenly Worthy Who Concentrates the Spirit and Illumines the Realm" (the Heavenly Worthy who steadies the mind and contemplates all realms).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the "Heavenly Worthy Who Harmonizes the Spirit and Benefits Beings" (the Heavenly Worthy who attunes spirit and breath and brings benefit to the myriad beings).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the "Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Release from the Net" (the Heavenly Worthy who frees beings from net-like predicaments through wondrous means).

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of Perfected Merit and Virtue.

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who repays accomplished practice and requites kindness and virtue.

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who conceals all traces and thereby preserves the Great Dao (Way).

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who appears amid violet clouds and mist like a canopy of splendor.

From this point, one bows in turn and recites the sacred names of the Celestial Venerables. This disciple, so-and-so, earnestly begs to repent: from beginningless time until today, this disciple, together with parents and teachers, the living and the dead, and all relatives both among those who have left the household life and those who remain in it, have committed many kinds of transgressions. Some of us outwardly honored the Three Treasures (the Dao, the scriptures, and the master) while remaining divided in heart. Some turned away from our teachers and broke our vows. Some were disloyal to our rulers, failed to act in accord with the times, did not honor the Great Dao, and held the teachings in contempt and disrespect. Some polluted the rivers and netted the fish of a hundred streams, taking them as delicacies for the mouth. Some, feeling no shame, belittled food and clothing, scattered the five grains, cursed oxen and horses, harmed silkworm moths, and did not cherish farming and sericulture. Some, seeing profit, forgot righteousness; they were neither honest nor ashamed, delighted in the new and discarded the old, and received kindness without repaying it. Such offenses are boundless and beyond measure. Today we sincerely beseech forgiveness and repent of them all together. We then direct the merit of this repentance to all the immortals, perfected beings, and sacred assembly of the Lower Origin Water Realm (in Daoism, the sacred domain associated with the water offices), and we take refuge in them with body, mind, and the whole of our nature and life (xing and ming), beseeching the greatly compassionate Supreme Celestial Venerable for protection.

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who is honored, wondrous, and without equal.

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who sends down grace from the Jade Capital (the celestial palace).

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who delivers beings with the precious Dharma-teaching and bestows expedient aid as circumstances allow.

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of the Taiwei Heaven, luminous and pure.

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable in whom true sincerity and faithful aspect are fully complete.

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who is honored, supreme, pure, and tranquil in Wuwei (non-action).

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of harmonious calm, peaceful, pure, and joyful.

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of stillness and Wuwei (non-action).

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable in whom true sincerity and faithful aspect are fully complete.

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who is honored, supreme, pure, and tranquil in Wuwei (non-action).

With single-minded reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of harmonious calm, peaceful, pure, and joyful.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable (Tianzun) of stillness, free from all seeking.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of profound depth, beyond fathoming.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of silent Wuwei (non-action).

Having bowed in this order and recited the sacred names of the Celestial Venerable, we now pray for repentance: From beginningless time until today, whether living or deceased, whether renunciants or laypeople, we have all failed to appreciate the toil of our parents in raising us, and have not repaid their kindness. Our mothers carried us for ten months and nursed us for three years, often leaving the dry places for their children while sleeping in the damp themselves; they swallowed the bitter and saved the sweet for their children. They washed and cared for us and worried over us, and their kindness was profound, yet we have instead committed grave offenses such as the five rebellious acts and unfilial conduct.

At times, for the sake of romantic love or material gain, we indulged in wine and sensual pleasure; at times we formed grudges and cursed others, implicating our parents and breeding endless resentment. At times, in building homes or constructing tombs, we violated many taboos, and our accumulated wrongdoing grew heavy, thereby inviting misfortune. The retribution may appear in matters of graves, lawsuits, or summonses, and may also implicate deceased relatives; it may also appear as declining fortune, calamity befalling one's person, or the movement of baleful stars. The various evil deeds done in this life form retribution in the present world, while after death one receives the corresponding consequences in the underworld prisons.

The Compassionate Venerable (the merciful divine lord) says: The retributions suffered in this life all arise from offenses committed in past lives; after death one undergoes the sufferings of the underworld prisons, and in future lives one again receives retribution within the Six Paths (heaven, human, asura, animal, hungry ghost, and hell), turning in the cycle of rebirth without end. Today, with reverent hearts, we pray together for repentance, and dedicate the merit to all the immortals, perfected ones, sages, and worthies of the Lower Origin Water Realm. We take refuge in their divine spirit and Dao teachings, offering our bodies, minds, and our nature and life, and we beseech the greatly compassionate, supreme Celestial Venerable for protection.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of boundless, vast merit.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who sends down the Dharma rain universally.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of vast and perfect fullness.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who has compassion for the suffering of all beings.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who is empty and still yet holds immeasurable meanings of the teaching.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable Huiwang (King of Grace), who attains nothing.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who accords with conditions and manifests teachings.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who perceives and understands the world.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who transforms in response to circumstances, unbound by fixed forms.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Vast Compassion and Great Capacity (the Venerable One who bestows compassion widely and whose heart is boundless).

From this point, bow in reverence and recite the sacred name of the Celestial Venerable: the Celestial Venerable Dehui Wang (King of Received Grace).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Responds and Transforms According to Conditions (the Venerable One who manifests in accord with karmic conditions to deliver living beings).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Illumines the World (the Venerable One who sees clearly through all things in the world).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Responds to Impermanence and Change (the Venerable One who adapts to every circumstance, free and unobstructed).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Vast Compassion and Great Capacity.

From this point, bow in reverence and recite the sacred names of the Celestial Venerables above. I pray that they will help me (the one repenting) to dispel my sinful karma: from beginningless time until this very day, I earnestly beg to repent of and have eliminated all the transgressions I have committed.

At this point, the Compassionate Venerable (Cizun) spoke again: "I see that many among the common people suffer calamities and are harassed by malevolent ghosts. On the days of the Five La (the five major fasting days in Daoism), you may hold a Zhaijiao (purification ritual, comprising fasting and ritual offerings) for your deceased ancestors, parents, and elders. Perform the Dao rites and repentance (practicing according to liturgical procedure, with worship and confession), and submit petitions to Heaven to seek their deliverance, so that all the departed may be saved.

The first day of the first month is the Heavenly La day, when the Five Emperors and the immortals gather at the Qinglong Gate of Anbao Hualin in the Azure Heaven to review the registers of people's sins and merits. The fifth day of the fifth month is the Earthly La day, when the Five Emperors and the immortals gather at the Dantai Gate of Fanbao Changyang in the Crimson Heaven to review the registers of people's sins and merits. The seventh day of the seventh month is the La day of Dao and De, when the Five Emperors and the immortals gather at the Suling Gate of Jinmen in the White Heaven to review the registers of people's sins and merits. The first day of the tenth month is the La day of the People's Year, when the Five Emperors and the immortals gather at the Dongyin Heiling Gate in the Dark Heaven to review the registers of people's sins and merits. The La day of the twelfth month is the La day of Kings and Lords, when the Five Emperors and the immortals gather at the Golden Gate of Yuanling Wuji in the Xuandu Yujing, in the Hall of the Eight Radiances of the Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi), to review the registers of people's sins and merits.

These days are all days of assembly and judgment, on which the ledgers that determine fortune and misfortune, life and death are fixed, and which also concern the ancestors, the parents, and the nine generations of forebears of those still living. On these days, the souls held in the prisons of the underworld are brought out for interrogation by the Northern Emperor of Fengdu (the deity who governs the realm of the dead). Having lingered long in the Yin bureaus, their sins and faults have accumulated over many years, implicating the names of their descendants and the locations of their graves. If no atonement has been made for them for a long time, they may burden the living; the Yin bureaus will examine the names of descendants, kin, and the nine clans, tracing their connection to the sins of the deceased, so that the family is drawn into the consequences.

Therefore, on these days one may submit memorials on behalf of one's deceased parents, confessing their offenses and begging for their rescue, so that the departed are delivered one by one. The prayers of ordinary offerings can hardly reach the underworld, for Fengdu is deep and remote, and communication is difficult. Only through the power of Daoist methods and ritual can the old transgressions accumulated by the dead be dissolved, and the Yin bureaus themselves are unwilling to keep souls detained for long. If a soul remains too long, the Celestial Bureaus (Tiancao, the heavenly administrative offices) will hold officials to account, and the officials of the Yin bureaus will be censured; the blessings of the living may turn into misfortune, and calamity arises from this.

If devoted children perform a Zhaijiao on these days, they can have the deceased struck from the Black Register (the ledger recording sins) of the underworld and be delivered. Today, I, so-and-so, presiding over the repentance rite at this ritual altar, respectfully dedicate this merit to all the immortals, perfected ones, and sages of the Lower Origin realm of Water, taking refuge in their spirit, their body, and their life. O Heavenly Venerable, most compassionate, most merciful, and unsurpassed!"

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who responds to the petitions of all beings and manifests according to circumstances.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who practices pure conduct and accumulates merit.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who perceives all things and clings to nothing.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who bestows grace and rescues beings in times of calamity.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who is luminous like the sun and moon.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who is unobstructed and does not cling to outward forms.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who is not bound by place, and who broadly teaches and delivers all beings.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who is ever compassionate and takes pity on all beings.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who possesses immeasurable Dharma bodies.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who responds universally and manifests the Dharma body.

All of the Celestial Venerables above should be venerated, and their sacred names invoked.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who is not bound by place, and who broadly teaches and delivers all beings.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who is ever compassionate and takes pity on all beings.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who possesses immeasurable Dharma bodies.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who responds universally and manifests the Dharma body.

The Celestial Venerables above should be venerated, and their sacred names invoked. I humbly petition that repentance be made on behalf of one named so-and-so (the penitent refers to themself here): From beginningless time until this very day, my six kinds of kin and relatives, whether living or deceased, have been drifting through the cycle of the Six Realms of rebirth; passing through the four modes of birth (womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born), we have continually cast off one body and taken another, never ceasing. I have given free rein to the three karmas of body, speech, and mind, letting the desires of the six senses lead me on, and have committed the sins of killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct, and have also given rise to greed, delusion, and anger; I have spoken harsh words, sown discord, lied and deceived, and used frivolous, ornate speech. I have not believed in cause and effect, have not practiced skillful means, have failed Heaven and Earth, and have broken the fasts and precepts; out of personal affection I colluded with outsiders and, in turn, plotted against my master; I have created enmities, cursed others, and summoned ghosts and spirits. I have not been mindful of the many kinds of beings born in the four modes, nor have I reflected on how brief life is. These deeds have brought about their retribution, and with every thought I have created transgressions. These sinful karmas have accumulated within my person, and I cannot cleanse or eliminate them by myself. If, because of this, I fall into hell or am reborn as an animal, and have still not encountered the scriptures of the sages, how could I ever be delivered? Such sinful karmas are immeasurable and boundless; today, with a sincere heart, I pray for repentance for all of them together. Next, I dedicate the merit to all the immortals, perfected beings, and sages of the Lower Origin Water Realm (the Daoist term for the divine realm of waters). I take refuge in their spirit (Shen), take refuge in their body, and take refuge in their life, and I pray that the supremely compassionate and merciful, most exalted Celestial Venerable will grant protection.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Yubao Huangshang.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Mysterious Perfected One of Myriad Blessings; I take refuge in all the immortals, perfected beings, and sages of the Lower Origin Water Realm, taking refuge in their spirit (Shen), their body, and their life, and I pray that the supremely compassionate and merciful, most exalted Celestial Venerable will grant protection.

Reverent homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Treasure and Supreme Sovereign (Yubao Huangshang Tianzun), a revered deity of Daoism.

Reverent homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Truth and Myriad Blessings (Xuanzhen Wanfu Tianzun).

Reverent homage to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Subtlety and Ultimate Perfection (Taimiao Zhiji Tianzun).

Reverent homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Supreme and Jade Firmament (Xuanshang Yuchen Tianzun).

Reverent homage to the Celestial Worthy, Supreme Sage Who Delivers the Immortals (Duxian Shangsheng Tianzun).

Reverent homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Cherishes Life and Delivers Destiny (Haosheng Duming Tianzun).

Reverent homage to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Numinous Void and Sovereign (Tailing Xuhuang Tianzun).

Reverent homage to the Celestial Worthy of Immeasurable Supreme Radiance (Wuliang Taihua Tianzun).

Reverent homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Void and Luminous Sovereign (Yuxu Minghuang Tianzun).

Reverent homage to the Celestial Worthy, True Sovereign of the Cavern Spirit (Zhenhuang Dongshen Tianzun).

From here, one bows and recites the sacred names of the Celestial Worthies above, seeking repentance for all one's manifold sins and karmic burdens. With reverence we invoke the Compassionate Worthies of the Three Realms, the Supreme Sages of the Ten Directions, the Great Emperors of the Three Primes, the Five Elders and High Perfected, the One Hundred and Twenty Bureaus (divine bureaus that administer the affairs of the heavens), the Seventy-Two Offices, and all the revered holy assembly, that they may compassionately bring deliverance.

From here, one bows and recites the sacred names of the Celestial Worthies above, seeking repentance for all one's manifold sins and karmic burdens. With reverence we invoke the Compassionate Worthies of the Three Realms, the Supreme Sages of the Ten Directions, the Great Emperors of the Three Primes, the Five Elders and High Perfected, the One Hundred and Twenty Bureaus, the Seventy-Two Offices, the Four Departments and Five Emperors, the Eight Seas and Nine Rivers, the Twelve River Sources, and all the immortals, perfected ones, and sages, that they may open wide the gates of salvation and extend their compassion universally. May they send down vast clouds of Dharma and pour out the broad rain of Dharma, dispelling vexation and affliction, washing away faults and transgressions, bringing coolness and refreshment to body