《太上消灭地狱升陟天堂忏》

All participants should conduct the rite in accordance with proper ritual form, each holding a heart of sincere devotion and reverence.

With sincere hearts we pay homage, and with single-minded focus we hold and recite this scripture (Jing), which is treasured within the mysterious jeweled cases and the precious canons of the Dao (Dao). May Heaven extend its grace far and wide, universally delivering all beings, so that the gates of the underworld may be thrown open; may the sun of wisdom shine down upon us, and the light of compassion watch over and protect all living beings.

With sincere hearts we pay homage, and with single-minded focus we hold and recite the numinous scriptures of the Three Treasures (the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters revered in Daoism) and the sacred exemplars of the Nine Pure Realms (the Qingwei domains of the Daoist celestial world). May salvation be extended widely, and may grace reach throughout the realm of the dead; may the deceased be delivered, ascend to the Southern Palace, and find new life in the Northern Prefecture.

With sincere hearts we pay homage, and with single-minded focus we hold and recite the true scriptures of the Ten Caverns (the system of Daoist grotto-heavens) and the sacred chants of the heavens of the immortals. May the spirits (Shen) mercifully rescue and deliver, and spread the mysterious teachings far and wide, so that all beings dwelling in realms of darkness may receive exceptional grace. Now we shall present the Jade Registers (Daoist documents recording merits and transgressions, names and ranks), and have specially convened a solemn liturgical rite (Keyi), inviting the Most Sacred One to open the way and the host of the Perfected (the many Daoist true ones) to descend riding upon the clouds.

Thus may the realms of the Nine Obscurities (the depths of the underworld) be brought together, and may the Five Sufferings (the many torments of hell) alike hear the teaching. Let all present, following the rite, dedicate the merit and carry out the observance, offering praise and chanting, striving to accord with the proper standard.

At that time, the Celestial Venerable of the Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, a supreme Daoist deity) was in the Palace of the Three Origins, within the wondrous realm of the Nine Pure Heavens. Seated on the Terrace of Kalpa-Mastering Blades, he convened the assembly beneath the Qian-wood grove. The Taishang Daojun (Supreme Lord of the Dao), Taishang Laojun (Supreme Elder Lord), the holy hosts of all the heavens, the venerable deities of the Three Realms, the Three Officials of the Nine Bureaus, the Four Departments and Five Emperors, the Youths who Examine Destiny, and the Perfected of Wondrous Conduct all arrived together. They rode in jeweled carriages of the Eight Radiances and five-colored jade chariots, mounted on qilin and winged horses, with phoenix feathers for canopies and dragon banners streaming. The assembly chanted the Daoist scriptures (Jing) and bowed in homage and praise before the Celestial Venerable's precious throne.

With vast compassion, the Celestial Venerable Yuanshi sent forth a radiant light that illuminated the Nine Nether Hells (the depths of the underworld) and opened the Luofeng offices of the underworld (the seat that governs the realm of shadows) in every quarter. The assembly said: "What fortunate occasion is this, that after countless eons we have at last received such a response? For years beyond number we have dwelt in darkness, and now we are blessed to be illumined by the Celestial Venerable."

Yuanshi Tianzun then commanded the Great Emperor of the Northern Capital, the Five Emperors' examining officials, the clerks of the Six Palaces, the ox-headed demon soldiers, the tiger-eyed Spirit Kings, the great demons of the Three Realms, and the multitude of souls in the Nine Nether Regions to summon the officials of the Six Palaces in every place. They were to inspect the registers of life and death of the Nine Bureaus, together with the Twelve River Sources, the Twenty-Four Bi'an (prisons of the underworld), the Hall of the Southern Waters, and the Court of Endless Night in the Northern Sea. Thereupon, all beings received the Celestial Venerable's compassion, the sacred Dao was opened wide, and the Nine Perfected Precepts (Daoist moral codes) were proclaimed, offering sentient beings in the underworld something to rely upon. As soon as a sincere heart begins to burn incense and practice, the response from the unseen realms will manifest. Relying on the transforming teaching of Xuanyuan (the primordial source of the Dao), all beings turn toward the gate of salvation and deliverance. The assembly bowed their heads to the ground, took refuge, and sincerely repented.

In the east there are certain sinners who dwell in the prison of wind and thunder and the jail of thunderbolts, suffering the torments of sword-trees and knife-mountains, with flying spears and drifting halberds. Their five organs are pierced and their four limbs are torn apart. Year after year they are confined in prison, finding no peace by day or night. With reverence, this penitential text is offered to seek salvation and passage for them, in the hope that they may be reborn.

With utmost sincerity, we take refuge in the Celestial Venerable of the Pure Capital who Expounds the Teaching.

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in (devoting my whole heart in reverence to) the Heavenly Worthy of Compassion Descending from the Purple Palace (the Heavenly Worthy who sends down compassion from the Purple Palace).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Opens and Delivers Heaven and Earth (the Heavenly Worthy who opens up heaven and earth and delivers living beings).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Illuminates Like the Sun and Moon (the Heavenly Worthy who shines upon all things like the sun and moon).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy of Lofty Reverence and Sacred Majesty (the Heavenly Worthy of exalted height, venerable and solemn in sacred virtue).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy of Vast and Profound Merit (the Heavenly Worthy who possesses vast, mysterious merit and virtue).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Turns the Wheel at Ease (the Heavenly Worthy who turns the wheel of rebirth freely and delivers living beings).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Grants Rebirth Through Refinement (the Heavenly Worthy who enables departed souls to undergo refining deliverance and receive new life).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Transcends to the Highest Realm (the Heavenly Worthy who leads beings upward to the upper realms).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy of Carefree Roaming in the Great Void (the Heavenly Worthy who roams at ease in the realm of the Great Void).

We bow our heads in homage and take refuge, repenting with sincere hearts.

In the south there are many sinners imprisoned in the Prison of the Beacon Wheel and the Dungeon of Debt Mountain. Raging fires scorch their heads, fierce flames burn their faces, their bones turn to ash, and their skin is charred and scalded. Day and night they are trapped in these prisons, unable to find release. With reverence we offer merit on their behalf to deliver them, that they may be reborn.

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Sends Down Transformation from the Profound Vault (the Heavenly Worthy who bestows teaching and transformation from the lofty heavens).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy of Supreme Sanctity Who Extends Grace (the Heavenly Worthy who bestows the grace of supreme sanctity widely upon living beings).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy of Compassion for the Five Sufferings (the Heavenly Worthy who compassionately delivers those who endure the five kinds of suffering).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Pities the Three Paths (the Heavenly Worthy who has mercy on beings in the Three Paths; the Three Paths refer to the realms of suffering: hell, hungry ghosts, and animals).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Resolves Deep Grievances and Ends Confrontations (the Heavenly Worthy who dissolves long-buried grievances and puts an end to karmic confrontations).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Brings Lingering Souls to Rebirth (the Heavenly Worthy who delivers souls that remain stranded, freeing them to be reborn).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Extinguishes the Evil Destinies (the Heavenly Worthy who removes the suffering of beings in the evil paths).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Enriches Good Affinities (the Heavenly Worthy who increases good karmic connections).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Ascends to the Precious Grotto (the Heavenly Worthy who leads beings up into the immortal realm of the Precious Grotto).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Soars to Zhuling (the Heavenly Worthy who leads beings to fly up to the immortal realm of Zhuling).

We bow our heads in homage and take refuge, repenting with sincere hearts.

In the west there are many sinners imprisoned in the Prison of Vajra and the Dungeon of the Iron Enclosure. Golden hammers choke their hearts, iron rods pierce their bellies, their flesh and bones rot, and their limbs and joints come apart. Day and night they are trapped in these prisons, unable to find release. With reverence we offer merit on their behalf to deliver them, that they may be reborn.

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Together Receives the Sun of Wisdom (the Heavenly Worthy who enables all beings to receive together the light of wisdom).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Universally Delivers Through the True Way (the Heavenly Worthy who universally delivers living beings through the true Daoist ethos).

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy Who Rescues Through Profound Compassion (the Heavenly Worthy who rescues living beings through the power of mysterious compassion).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable of Sacred Power Opening the Way (the Celestial Venerable who opens and clears the path through sacred power).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Cleanses Sins and Transgressions (the Celestial Venerable who removes offenses and faults).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable of Profound Compassion Who Rescues and Delivers (the Celestial Venerable who saves all beings with deep and vast compassion).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable of Sacred Power Opening the Way.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Cleanses Sins and Transgressions.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Rescues the Drowned Through Repentance (the Celestial Venerable who uses repentance to save those who have sunk into ruin).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Transforms the Traces of the Five Paths (the Celestial Venerable who changes the destinations of the deceased among the five paths).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable of Ten Turnings Who Returns the Spirit (the Celestial Venerable who enables the deceased to undergo transformation so that their spiritual nature may turn back).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Responds and Transforms Everywhere (the Celestial Venerable who manifests and teaches in every place).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Gives Birth to Immortals Wherever They Are (the Celestial Venerable who enables the deceased to be reborn in the realm of the immortals).

I respectfully bow down, take refuge in the teachings of the Dao, and sincerely repent.

In the north there are many guilty deceased, dwelling in the dark and frigid prisons of hell. There are icy hills and frozen pools, halberds standing like snow, and blades as sharp as frost spread everywhere; corpses rot and venom pours down upon them. Day and night without pause, they are confined in these prisons. Now, with reverence, we offer ritual services and merit to deliver them, wishing that they may be reborn.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable of Inexhaustible Power of the Dao (the Celestial Venerable whose power of the Dao is without end).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable of Wuji and Profound Penetration (the Celestial Venerable who penetrates the profound realm of Wuji, the Limitless).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Removes Karmic Sins (the Celestial Venerable who eliminates the karma of transgressions).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Rescues and Redeems the Sunken (the Celestial Venerable who saves and ransoms those who have fallen into ruin).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Breaks the Blades of the Mountain of Knives (the Celestial Venerable who snaps the blades of the Mountain of Knives).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Shatters the Edges of the Sword Trees (the Celestial Venerable who destroys the sharp edges of the Sword Trees).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Flies Across the Five Gates (the Celestial Venerable who helps the deceased fly over the barriers of the Five Gates).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Transcends the Eight Portals and Breaks the Blades of the Mountain of Knives.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Shatters the Edges of the Sword Trees.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Flies Across the Five Gates.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Transcends the Eight Portals (the Celestial Venerable who helps the deceased pass beyond the barriers of the Eight Portals).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Transforms and Is Born in the Purple Zenith (the Celestial Venerable who enables the deceased to be reborn in the immortal realm of the Purple Zenith).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable of Tranquil Emptiness in the Azure Firmament (the Celestial Venerable who reaches the pure, tranquil, and lofty realm of the azure sky).

I respectfully bow down, take refuge in the teachings of the Dao, and sincerely repent.

In the northeast there are many guilty deceased, dwelling in the hells of boiling cauldrons and in prisons of furnace coals. Their limbs are boiled to pieces, their six viscera are cooked and torn apart, their sinews and bones are defiled, and their pus and blood dissolve. Day and night without pause, they are confined in these prisons. Now, with reverence, we offer ritual services and merit to deliver them, wishing that they may be reborn.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Cuts Off Obstacles (the Celestial Venerable who removes obstacles to cultivation and liberation).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable Who Extinguishes Grievances and Enmities (the Celestial Venerable who dissolves grievances and enmities).

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Quells the Flames of the Smoke Prison" (Yanlao Xiyan Tianzun), praying that the prison of smoke and fire be calmed.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Sinks the Light of the Fire Hell" (Huoyu Chenguang Tianzun), praying that the blazing light of the fire hell be extinguished.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Returns the Bones and Grants Deliverance" (Huihai Dedu Tianzun), praying that the remains and spirits of the deceased may be delivered.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Refines the Substance and Bestows Rebirth" (Lianzhi Shousheng Tianzun), praying that the deceased, having been refined and transformed, may receive life anew.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Brings All into the Sea of Blessings" (Xian Deng Fuhai Tianzun), praying that all beings may enter a realm of deep and boundless merit and blessing.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Spreads the Bridge of the Dharma Far and Wide" (Guangbu Faqiao Tianzun), praying that the gateways of liberation for all beings may be established everywhere.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Whose Spirit Ascends to the Langyuan Garden" (Shensheng Langyuan Tianzun), praying that the Shen (spirit) and soul may rise into the immortal realm of Langyuan.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Whose Soul Ascends to the Brahma Heaven" (Hunzhi Fantian Tianzun), praying that the soul may ascend to the pure Brahma Heaven.

I bow my head in refuge and repent with reverence and sincerity.

In the southeast there are many sinners imprisoned in the Prison of Bronze Pillars and the Cell of the Iron Bed. They embrace the scorching bronze pillars with their hands and stand upon them with their feet; their bellies are charred black and their backs ulcerated, pus and blood dripping without end, while smoke and fire burn them day and night. May they suffer no longer, and may their souls ascend to the Brahma Heaven.

I bow my head in refuge and repent with reverence and sincerity.

In the southeast there are many sinners imprisoned in the Prison of Bronze Pillars and the Cell of the Iron Bed. They embrace the scorching bronze pillars with their hands and stand upon them with their feet; their bellies are charred black and their backs ulcerated, pus and blood dripping without end, while smoke and fire burn them day and night. Day and night without cease they are confined in the Bi'an (the prisons of hell). Now, with the merit of this ritual, we respectfully offer salvation on their behalf, that they may be reborn in a better realm.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Bestows Sage Transformation from Above" (Shangchui Ruihua Tianzun), praying that the Celestial Venerable will carry out compassionate teaching and transformation.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Of Vast Compassion Who Delivers All" (Pudu Hongci Tianzun), praying that all beings may be universally saved through boundless compassion.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Of the Great Mystery Who Raises the Dead" (Taixuan Qisi Tianzun), praying that the deceased may be raised from death to life.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Gives Birth to Spirit Through the Precious Register" (Baoji Shengshen Tianzun), praying that, by means of the sacred precious registers, the deceased may regain their Shen (spirit) and Qi (vital energy).

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Can Cleanse the Path of Karma" (Neng Juan Yedao Tianzun), praying that the suffering of the deceased along the path drawn by karmic force may be removed.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Escapes the Wheel of Suffering" (Detuo Kulun Tianzun), praying that the deceased may be freed from the wheel of suffering and rebirth.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Soars Beyond the Sea of Desire" (Feisheng Yuhai Tianzun), praying that the deceased may soar upward and leave the bitter sea of desire.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Crosses Beyond the River of Attachment" (Lichao Aihe Tianzun), praying that the deceased may transcend the bitter river of entangling passions.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Of the Realm of True Free Wandering" (Xiaoyao Zhenjing Tianzun), praying that the deceased may enter the true realm of freedom and purity.

With sincere devotion, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable "Who Soars to the Immortal Palace Gates" (Tengzhu Xianque Tianzun), praying that the deceased may ascend to the palaces of the immortals.

I bow my head in refuge and repent with reverence and sincerity.

In the southwest there are many sinners imprisoned in the Prison of Butchery and the Cell of Inverted Suspension. Their five viscera, skin, limbs, and sinews are all pierced and slashed by blades, and their blood flows over the ground. Day and night without cease they are confined in the Bi'an. Now, with the merit of this ritual, we respectfully offer salvation on their behalf, that they may be reborn in a better realm.

With sincere devotion I take refuge and pay reverence to the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun). The Celestial Worthy descends from the heavens to reveal the teachings and deliver living beings, enabling them to be reborn in the heavenly realms. He sends down the rain of the Dharma and spreads compassion far and wide, quietly helping beings escape the sea of suffering and swiftly leave the River of Ashes. He leaves a manifested body in the Dragon City and ascends to the realm of immortals at the Phoenix Gate, so that people may be freed from affliction forever, receive good fruit from their good deeds, and attain ease and joy.

I bow in reverence, take refuge in sincerity, and repent.

In the northwest are many sinners confined in the Fire Cart Prison and the Smoke Blade Jail. They are turned back and forth between east and west, their limbs pulled apart, their whole bodies wrapped in ashes and burning coals, and they suffer terribly. Year after year they are trapped in these prisons, day and night without rest. Now, with this ritual and these offerings, we respectfully seek their deliverance, wishing that they may be reborn in a better realm.

With sincere devotion I take refuge and pay reverence to the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun). The Celestial Worthy's grace is as vast as the heavens, extending to all things. Descending from on high, he delivers the people of the world. He opens the path to rescue beings in dark places and washes away their faults. Once beings call upon him, they receive his help, and their every thought accords with the true Dao. The Celestial Worthy erases the traces of their transgressions and cuts off the roots of evil thoughts, so that all beings may be reborn in realms of peace and joy and together celebrate their entry into the realm of immortals.

I bow in reverence, take refuge in sincerity, and repent.

In the central direction are many sinners confined in the Universal Plunder Prison and the Torture Jail, where they are beaten and tormented. Sword-trees pierce and sever their sinews, and blood streams down the mountain of knives. Their feet are hacked off by axe blades, and their bodies hang upon sword points. Year after year they are trapped in these prisons, day and night without rest. Now, with this ritual and these offerings, we respectfully seek their deliverance, wishing that they may be reborn in a better realm.

With sincere devotion I take refuge and pay reverence to the Celestial Worthy of Profound Grace Universally Extended (Xuan'en Puji Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy whose grace is deep and wide and is bestowed upon all beings.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable (Tianzun, the honorific Daoism uses for its revered deities), whose power is boundless.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, whose spiritual powers and merits are vast, and who is able to rescue all beings.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who enables people to leave the mundane world behind and become immortals.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who brings one's destiny from past lives into accord with the Dao (the Way).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who restores life to the souls of the dead.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who dissolves transgressions and karmic offenses.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who enables people to leave the mundane world behind and become immortals.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who brings one's destiny from past lives into accord with the Dao.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who restores life to the souls of the dead.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who dissolves transgressions and karmic offenses.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who washes away the sins and afflictions that cling to body and mind.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who quietly removes karmic obstacles (the hindrances brought about by past actions).

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable, who frees people forever from the Netherworld (the realm of the dead).

Bowing low, I take refuge in the Celestial Venerable and sincerely repent.

Fengdu (the legendary netherworld) extends twenty-six hundred li in every direction, and its ghost prisons are layered eighty-four thousand deep. It is a boundless sea of suffering, where snow-white waves surge a thousand fathoms high; its gray rivers stretch vast and hazy, their smoke-like billows shifting in endless forms. There is not a single tree that does not gather frost-blades, and not a single mountain ridge that is not strewn with wind-knives. The dead go long without receiving offerings or deliverance, and it is truly sorrowful to see them sunk in suffering.

For this reason, we rely on precious incense to proclaim the true Dharma in particular; we chant the sacred names so that all ten directions may respond; and we raise the sacred sounds so that they carry far across the Three Realms. May Heaven above bestow hidden merit widely, reaching down to the souls in the underworld. Now, with devotion and single-minded focus, we practice repentance in this ritual space, wishing that all beings be freed from the torments of hell: the mountains of knives and trees of swords, the cauldrons of boiling water and furnaces of burning coals, as well as the iron beds and bronze pillars, the wheels of blades and carts of fire, the tearing out of tongues and plowing with oxen, the nailing of bodies and sawing apart, the iron nets that sever limbs, and the fire pits and branding.

May they also be freed from the sufferings of hells of blades and weapons, claws and talons, tigers, wolves, hawks, and hounds; of swallowing iron pellets, of flesh rotting away, of dark mountains of flesh, of being hacked, chopped, filed, and cut; of drinking molten copper and iron, of briny water and freezing ice, of the iron-ringed mountain gates, iron horses and iron oxen, iron donkeys and iron birds, iron mountains and iron houses, iron carts and iron garments, flying knives swift as lightning, limbs torn apart, heads seized; and of the Eight Colds and Eight Extremes, the Two Tongues and Two Stones, burning hands and scorched feet, flaying skin and drinking blood, excrement and urine, minced flesh, the hell of jiao, and the hell of collapse and burial. There are also the hells called Apopo, Apopo (Abapo), Ahzha-zha, and Aluo-luo. In these hells, some are scorched by raging flames and others are bitter with piercing ice; unless the Dao teachings are proclaimed through repentance, sins and karmic burdens can hardly be dispelled.

Thus, following the Keyi (liturgy) and its teachings, we bow in reverence, form karmic ties, and cultivate repentance. With the merit of this morning's incense offering, we seek to relieve the suffering of countless past kalpas, deep as the sources of great rivers; to rescue the departed souls from the long, dark Nine Nights, and to free them from the sharp pains of the hells of the eight directions. May they be moved by compassion toward Mount Dai (the Eastern Peak, Mount Tai, which governs the underworld), and open the sealed passes of Fengdu, hoping to receive the power and merciful protection of the divine ones. Now we direct our minds in petition and bow in reverence.

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy who is entreated to dispel the accumulated sins and karmic offenses of past lives.

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy who is entreated to deliver and rescue the souls of the dead sunk in suffering.

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy who is entreated to sever and extinguish the Three Evil Paths (the evil realms of hell, hungry ghosts, animals, and the like).

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy who is entreated to lead souls out and upward from the Nine Depths (the dark and distant underworld).

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy who is entreated to manifest divine wonders at Penglai (the legendary immortal mountain in the sea).

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy who is entreated to soar in ascension to Kunlang (the immortal realms of Kunlun, Langyuan, and others).

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy who is entreated to ascend to Aodao (the legendary sea isle where immortals dwell).

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy who is entreated to bring about the convergence of karmic conditions that leads to Linzhou (a legendary immortal isle).

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy who delivers all beings, whoever they are and wherever they may be.

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Heavenly Worthy who responds to every prayer, so that whatever the heart holds in mind is met with resonance.

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Perfected One (Zhenren, one who has cultivated the Dao and attained realization), greatly compassionate, who rescues those in suffering.

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Perfected One, greatly compassionate, who removes calamities.

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Perfected One, greatly compassionate, who dissolves sinful karma.

With single-minded reverence, I take refuge in the Perfected One, greatly compassionate, who delivers beings from hardship and misfortune.

Also I repent on behalf of the great hells and the great ghost prisons. There stand seven layers of iron walls and seven layers of iron nets. The ox-headed jailers have sixty-two eyes, eight heads, eighteen horns, and nine tails. They wield iron halberds, and iron pellets shoot from their eyes. The sinners are pierced by these pellets, which enter through the crown of the head and exit through the soles of the feet. The pain cuts to the marrow and torments the heart and liver; they wish to live but cannot, and wish to die but cannot. The sinners are also ground again and again in stone mills and pounded up and down in iron mortars, while smoke and flames scatter in every direction and birds and beasts attack one another. All these sufferings are the result of being summoned by the evil paths (the destinations of suffering produced by evil karma). They are brought entirely by karma created in the past, so that the sinners cannot see the sun, moon, or stars, and do not recognize the Three Treasures (the Dao (the Way), the Jing (scripture), and the Master).

Then the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) said: "If anyone copies this Jing, reverently recites its meaning, calmly sets up an altar and images, and sincerely performs the rites of the Dao and scatters flowers, I will dispatch the Vajra Spirit Kings, the Heavenly Soldiers and Mighty Warriors, the Five Emperors of the Three Realms, and all the spirits. They will spread compassion widely and bring blessings, so that corpses revive and the dead return to life, and so that bodies, refined and transformed, attain their true form. The radiance of compassion shines down upon all beings, and the boundless mystery of transformation extends everywhere without obstruction. When the jade bell is struck, the path to deliverance opens; when the jade chime (a chime made of jade or symbolically of jade, a percussion instrument used in rituals) resounds, it guides and proclaims the way of salvation. By relying on the wondrous methods of the Nine Pure Realms and entrusting oneself to the true scriptures of the Ten Caverns, one can turn the icy hells into lands paved with jade and transform the prisons of flame into precious ground. The sharp points of the sword trees will be broken, and the blades of the knife mountains cut away. Let all beings who sink and suffer in the long night be released today."

Closing the Scripture

Upon hearing the text of the Jing, one can attain the Dao; following its guidance, one is reborn in a good place. Its inexhaustible mysterious merit and boundless loving grace can dissolve and resolve past grudges and karmic obstacles, and forge good affinities for lives to come. All beings who have fallen into the Three Evil Paths (the three evil destinies of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals) will be spared the Eight Difficulties (the eight hardships that obstruct the practice of the Dao and the hearing of the teachings).

Hearing the scripture, one awakens to the great Dao (the Way); wherever the mind's intent is directed, one is reborn in a good realm. May these immeasurable good causes and this vast sacred virtue (De) help the deceased cease the cycle of rebirth and sever forever the pull of karma and all entanglements. May light arise within the evil paths, and may the souls of the dead be delivered and purified.

Hearing the scripture, one awakens to the great Dao; wherever the mind's intent is directed, one is reborn in a good realm. May these boundless good causes and this inexhaustible wondrous power allow the Four Bureaus that govern the souls of the dead to conduct their affairs without obstruction, and allow the souls to pass smoothly through the checkpoints of the Nine Offices. May the souls be delivered to Zhuling (in Daoist legend, the place where the souls of the dead are refined and delivered), and let their spirits (Shen) roam in the Purple Palace (in Daoist legend, a realm of immortals), forever severed from the pull of karma and all entanglements. May light arise within the evil paths, and may the souls of the dead be delivered and purified.

Hearing the scripture, one awakens to the great Dao; wherever the mind's intent is directed, one is reborn in a good realm. May these boundless good causes and this inexhaustible wondrous power allow the Four Bureaus that govern the souls of the dead to conduct their affairs without obstruction, and allow the souls to pass smoothly through the checkpoints of the Nine Offices. May the souls be delivered to Zhuling, and let their spirits roam in the Purple Palace. Now the penitential liturgy (a ritual of worship, repentance, and prayer for the deliverance of the dead) has been completed, and the prostrations and recitations draw to a close. May all present receive the protection of the compassionate clouds and together ascend to a realm of purity; may they then be guided by a procession of rainbow-like banners, welcomed by the feathered carriages of the immortals, and soar to the Great Void (the vast, boundless emptiness), roaming at ease in the realm of utmost bliss.

Praise of the Scripture (Jing) (after the rite is concluded, the merit of the scripture is praised).

The Superior Mysterious Codes (Shangpin Xuanke), the exalted scriptures and rules of advanced Daoism, are precious texts of the celestial realm. They record sacred writing in phoenix seal and dragon script, and pages that seem like flying clouds and dripping dew. The efficacy of these scriptures (Jing) reaches through transformation, and their power can lift people up and help them advance. Through the scriptures, the great Dao (the Way) is made clear, and by following the Dao, the scriptures are established. If we do not diligently expound and recite them, how can we untie the sins that bind body and mind?

Suffering beings of every kind, whether toothed creatures or people with unbound hair, or the souls of those who died wronged and were reborn as birds and beasts, cannot escape torments such as water, fire, and wind-blades. They drift through the cycle of birth and death, gather in the Yin Prefecture (the underworld), and are interrogated and judged in the Mysterious Bureau (the divine office that governs the netherworld). We therefore present these offerings and prepare to state our plea and repent, begging for rescue.

We respectfully invite the Golden Maidens who tend the incense and the Jade Lords who keep the scriptures (the spirits who serve the incense fires and oversee the sacred texts) to open the eight gates above and open the five doors below. May they proclaim the immortal ranks by which departed souls are reborn, and spread the wondrous sound of the divine lord's commission. May those who turn to this teaching enter the immortal capital of peace and joy, and may those who listen with devotion escape perilous realms. May the river of desire grow calm, may ferries be set on the sea of suffering, and may bridges of the Dharma be built far and wide, so that all beings together reach the far shore of the Dao. May they swiftly follow the rainbow banners and feathered escorts, and ever accompany the crane-drawn carriages. May they wander among the seven-jeweled scripture terraces and roam joyfully through the cavern palaces of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the supreme Daoist deities' celestial residences). When the nine-splendor immortal music ends, may ten thousand stones of heavenly sound answer in harmony. Having received the subtle and merciful grace, may all beings return to the wondrous Dao.

Now, at the morning hour of practice, we take the opportunity of burning incense and offering reverence to pray for our ancestors of past generations: may they soon be moved out of the dark realm. We also pray for relatives who died recently: may they be freed from the underworld. We humbly ask that their registers of sin be wiped away and their evil karma swept clean, that they be rescued by the Han Bureau (the divine office in charge of salvation), that Fengdu (the underworld in Daoist belief) be opened for them, and that they proceed to the heaven of utmost joy and each be reborn in a fitting place.

In private, we also reflect on the many oversights and wrongs we ourselves have committed, all of which carry entangling causes and conditions. Every act that indulges appetite and lust and harms living beings creates grudges from life, and when life ends, one must bear the corresponding retribution. Without practicing the methods of repentance and atonement, it is hard to be freed from the long, tangled path of karma. May all beings who bear grievances and debts find peace, and may birds and beasts also receive the grace of transformation and release. May the power of repentance to cleanse sin be made manifest, so that body and speech are no longer hindered by obstacles and distress.

We reverently invite the Merciful Venerable of the Golden Gate and the Supreme Sages of the Jade Capital (revered Daoist deities) to extend wide compassion and especially accept our sincere petition. When beings return to simplicity, may they no longer suffer the eight obstacles; on the day they return to sincerity and depth, may they no longer pass through the three evil paths (hell, hungry ghosts, and animals). May they ride the wind and drive the Qi (vital energy) before the Nine-Radiance Terrace, and in the Palace of Five Brightnesses unite with the Dao and return to the True. For the living, their names are recorded on white tablets, and they receive the mandate of the red scripts of the thirty-two heavens. For the dead, their names are struck from the death registers by the yellow registry and removed from the black registers of the one hundred twenty bureaus. May the departed receive grace, and may the living receive blessing and celebration.

We establish many sacred titles of the Purple Void to answer the hearing of the ten-thousand-fold cinnabar towers of heaven. As we open the scriptures, may the strength of our practice increase; as we recite the numinous texts, may a heart of reverence arise. May incense burn unbroken morning and evening, and may the lamp of wisdom shine constantly at midnight. We accumulate boundless good deeds and immeasurable excellent causes and conditions, take refuge with great effort, and practice repentance widely.

Note: In the original text, two passages are repeated, and a few words or phrases appear to be corrupted or missing; the above has been interpreted according to the surrounding context.