《太上灵宝三元三官消愆灭罪忏(1)》

At that time, before the heavens and earth were opened and while the Great Beginning had not yet divided, the Taishang Daojun (Most High Lord of the Dao) gathered the celestial immortals, great sages, true persons of the ten directions, and the flying-heaven divine kings. Together they came to the Yanggu Altar beneath the Changsang Grove. They circled the altar three times in ritual procession, paid homage with one mind, and made their report to the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun):

"I have seen that mortals in the world show no reverence for heaven and earth and offend the sun, moon, and stars. In the presence of the Lord of the Northern Dipper, they commit all manner of evil deeds, deceiving heaven and betraying earth, acting with violence and folly. Some are greedy and miserly and refuse to give alms; others slander the sages and worthies, and so their names are entered in the black register. The Youths of Good and Evil and the Four Duty Officers (divine officials who observe human good and evil day and night and report them at the proper times) send word of these deeds up to the Palace of Numinous Insight and Primal Yang under the Celestial Office of the Upper Origin.

"As a result, these people meet with hardship year after year. Misfortune, mourning, and ruin follow one upon another; their goods and grain dwindle, and unexpected calamities never cease. They may even be drawn into lawsuits and thrown into prison. Their livestock do not thrive, their farming and silkworm raising go poorly, their plans often go astray, and whatever they undertake is hard to bring to success.

"Relying on good karmic connections from past lives, we have been blessed in this life, and today we are able to behold the Supreme Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning. We therefore lay before you these perplexities and beg for your compassion. If we receive your teaching, it will be like withered and decayed life receiving vitality anew. Having received such grace, we can never repay it."

The Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning said to the Taishang Daojun: "The calamities you describe are truly pitiable. In order to awaken those who are deluded and foolish, and turn them toward the realm of blessing, sit down and listen carefully as I explain."

The Celestial Worthy said: "The wealth and rank, clothing and food, official posts, servants, oxen and horses, as well as the prosperity of fields, silkworm raising, and livestock that people enjoy in life, are all rewards for having made offerings in past lives to the Three Venerables (the sacred beings revered in Daoism) and for having taken refuge in the one hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies of the Upper Origin.

"Those who do evil, when they come into the world, may be poor and destitute, lacking adequate food and clothing. Though they have a human form, their bodies may be impaired: they may be deaf, blind, mute, lame, or dull-witted. They may also suffer harm from snakes or tigers, be struck by lightning, burned in wildfire, afflicted by plague and miasma, caught in warfare, or die in prison. Their undertakings fail, their wishes go unfulfilled, their families and relatives are at odds, and for many years they remain in difficulty, unable to find stability. These sufferings arise because they committed evil deeds in past lives and now receive the retribution of the sins of former existences.

"If one wishes to dispel transgressions and deliver others, one may seek out an eminent Daoist master versed in the scriptures and hold a purification rite (Zhaijiao) in accordance with the Lingbao Ziran Dianshi (Lingbao Codex of Natural Procedure). It may be carried out for one, two, or three days in succession, with incense burned throughout the night, and an offering (jiao) set up at the altar to present a memorial. Ritual practice is conducted in six periods over a day and a night, in which one in turn recites and bows to the names of the one hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies of the Upper Origin and repents of one's offenses, so as to be freed from all manner of suffering."

Let all bow in reverence.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Qi of the Upper Origin (Shangyuan Jiuqi Tianzun), who presides over the Upper Origin.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Solemn Purity and Dharma Power (Yanjing Fali Tianzun), who is adorned and purified by the power of the Dharma.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Adaptive Majesty and Virtue (Yingbian Weide Tianzun), who responds to every circumstance and is complete in majestic De (Virtue).

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Fearless Pure Conduct (Wuwei Fanxing Tianzun), who is without fear and upholds pure conduct.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Ocean of Great Wisdom (Da Zhihui Hai Tianzun), whose wisdom is vast as the sea.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Immeasurable Treasury of the Dharma (Wuliang Fazang Tianzun), who holds boundless teachings and a treasury of scriptures.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Majesty and Virtue (Da Weide Tianzun), who is complete in vast majesty and De.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Fearless Pure Conduct.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Ocean of Great Wisdom.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Immeasurable Treasury of the Dharma.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion and Myriad Goodness (Dabei Wanshan Tianzun), who holds great compassion and accomplishes countless good deeds.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Profound Subtlety and Freedom (Xuanwei Zizai Tianzun), who is mysterious, subtle, free, and unimpeded.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Luminous Awakening (Wubian Mingjue Tianzun), whose awakened radiance is vast and without limit.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Gentle Kindness and Wondrous Treasure (Cihe Miaobao Tianzun), who is loving and benevolent, precious as a wondrous jewel.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Dignified Majesty and Power (Duanyan Weili Tianzun), whose bearing is upright and solemn and whose power is complete.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Light Shining Upward (Guangming Shangzhao Tianzun), whose light shines upward.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma Bridge and Great Deliverance (Faqiao Dadu Tianzun), who, like a bridge of the Dharma, carries all beings across.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Opens and Reveals the Wondrous Gate (Kaixian Miaomen Tianzun), who discloses and makes plain the profound gateway of the teachings.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wide Propagation and Preservation of Life (Hongtong Baoming Tianzun), who spreads the teachings and protects life.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Guards the Soul with Compassionate Rescue (Huhun Ci Jiu Tianzun), who watches over the hun and po souls and saves with compassion.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Karmic Conditions and Salvation (Yinyuan Jidu Tianzun), who rescues and delivers beings according to causes and conditions.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Flowing Light and Joy in the Dharma (Liuguang Faxi Tianzun), who spreads light and brings the joy of practice.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Authenticity and Loving Kindness (Yuzhen Ci'ai Tianzun). "Jade Authenticity" refers to a pure and precious true nature; this is the Celestial Worthy who loves all beings.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Sanctity Who Transforms the Ordinary (Weisheng Huafan Tianzun), who instructs ordinary people through awe-inspiring and sacred power.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Constant Peace, Stillness, and Wisdom (Chang'an Dinghui Tianzun), who grants people lasting peace and increases their steadiness and wisdom.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Penetrating Spirit and Compassionate Mindfulness (Dongling Cinian Tianzun), who perceives the subtle and numinous and protects with compassionate care.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Joy in the Dharma (Faxi Tianzun), who feels delight through practicing the true teaching.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Authenticity and Loving Kindness.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Sanctity Who Transforms the Ordinary.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Constant Peace, Stillness, and Wisdom.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Penetrating Spirit and Compassionate Mindfulness.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Faith and Wisdom Who Fashions Accomplishment (Xinhui Jiangcheng Tianzun), who achieves practice through faith and wisdom.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Increases Noble Aspiration (Zengyi Shengzhi Tianzun), who strengthens lofty resolve in cultivation.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Merit and Solemn Purity (Gongde Yanjing Tianzun), who adorns body and mind with merit and makes them pure.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Precious Light and Compassionate Rescue (Baoguang Cijiu Tianzun), who saves beings with precious, compassionate light.

With sincere devotion, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Primal Wholeness and Lasting Joy (Huncheng Changle Tianzun), who returns beings to harmonious completeness and enduring happiness.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Universal Light and Pure Love, the Celestial Worthy of Riding the Light and Good Stillness, the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Form and Freedom, the Celestial Worthy of Golden Truth Who Delivers Life, the Celestial Worthy of Golden Stillness and Mysterious Penetration, and the Celestial Worthy of Compassionate Universal Salvation. Once more I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Truth Who Delivers Life, the Celestial Worthy of Golden Stillness and Mysterious Penetration, and the Celestial Worthy of Compassionate Universal Salvation.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Unobstructed Lofty Mystery, the Celestial Worthy of Longevity and Myriad Goodness, the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Spirit and Pure Wonder, the Celestial Worthy of True Wandering and High Ascendancy, the Celestial Worthy of Far-Reaching Harmony of the Dharma Stream, the Celestial Worthy of the Treasury of Lofty Virtue, the Celestial Worthy of Constant Stillness and Turning Thought, the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Virtue and Settled Vow, the Celestial Worthy of Total Truth Responding and Appearing, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Accomplishment and Perfect Conduct, the Celestial Worthy of Dragon Virtue and Majestic Dignity, the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Mystery and Great Simplicity, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Color and Golden Radiance, the Celestial Worthy of the Great Sovereign of Numinous Truth, the Celestial Worthy of Golden Countenance and Wondrous Aspect, the Celestial Worthy of Opening Clarity and Essential Purport, the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Surpassing Excellence, the Celestial Worthy of Enduring Presence Who Rides the Radiance, the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Origin of Primal Numinosity, the Celestial Worthy of Carrying the Four Births Across, and the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Transformation of the Primal Current.

The scripture then once again, with utmost sincerity, pays homage to the "Ying..."; here the original text contains only the single character "ying" (應, "responding"), and the meaning is left incomplete. It then pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Origin of Primal Numinosity, the Celestial Worthy of Carrying the Four Births Across, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Transformation of the Primal Current, the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma King Who Responds to the World, and the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Wandering and Pure Wonder.

"Zhixin chaoli" (至心朝礼, "homage with utmost sincerity") is a phrase of reverent worship used in Zhaijiao (zhai-jiao, purification rituals) and penitential liturgies; "Tianzun" (天尊, Celestial Worthy) is the Daoist honorific for venerated deities.

Sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Boundless Mystery and Subtlety (Wuji Xuanwei Tianzun, symbolizing the profound and limitless Celestial Venerable).

Sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Sacred Wisdom Who Soars Through the Mystery.

Sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Transcends and Ascends the Precious Sea.

Sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Flowing Light and Universal Longevity.

At that time, the Celestial Official of the Upper Origin (the divine official who presides over the Upper Origin festival season and bestows blessings), the Perfected of the Upper Origin, and the many soaring immortals, together with all beings of the Thirty-Two Heavens, the Heaven of Great Network (Daluo Tian, the highest celestial realm in Daoist cosmology), and the Boundless World (Wuji world), whether they had left home to become renunciants or remained householders, men or women, old or young, all sincerely took refuge in and revered the sixty Celestial Venerables, praising and extolling their names. At this moment, all the karmic retributions and grudges bound up with life and death were dissolved.

The Taishang Daojun (Supreme Lord of the Dao, a revered deity of Daoism) and all the assembled sages were delighted to hear this teaching, and they urged all beings everywhere to take refuge in the great Dao and to turn to repentance.

From this day forward, I commit my body, my Shen (spirit), and my life entirely to the Supreme Boundless Great Dao (Taishang Wuji Dadao), to the Sixty Celestial Worthies of the Upper Origin, and to the assembly of boundless sages. I repent of the offenses I have committed from the time I was born until today: offending the celestial immortals of the Upper Origin, the sun, moon, and stars, the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions (the twenty-eight groups of stars in the heavens), and the Southern Stars and Northern Dipper, or clashing with them in my comings and goings and in my undertakings.

I also repent of killing livestock and eating their flesh; of refusing to give alms while clinging greedily to goods and hoarding money; of devouring the blood and flesh of living beings to nourish my body; of setting hawks and hounds to hunt, or setting fire to mountains and forests, killing insects, birds, and beasts; of seeing people suffering from illness and hardship yet refusing to help or heal them; of blocking roads and cutting off travel and passage; of failing to revere the Three Treasures (the Dao, the scriptures, and the master), of abandoning my teacher's lineage and corrupting the Dao's teachings; of slandering natural forces such as wind, thunder, rain, and dew; of constantly harboring evil thoughts, intending to take people's lives or seize their property; of taking away another's wife, children, or servants; and of stealing others' sacred images, bells and chimes, banners and flowers, ritual mats, Daoist ritual implements, and scriptures.

Evil deeds of this kind, produced through the six roots (the sources of perception and action) and the three karmas (deeds of body, speech, and mind), are beyond counting and cannot be fully told. All the faults I have committed in this life and in former lives, I now sincerely confess and repent, praying that they be washed away.

I humbly beg the Flying Celestial Divine King of the Upper Origin, the Ten Duty Perfected Ones (the immortals who oversee the ten days of fasting), and the Messengers of the Celestial Emperor to record these offenses, transform them into merit for the practice of fasting and purification, and report them to the celestial court. May they ensure that this person, in both past and present, is spared great calamity, freed from suffering, and granted peace and joy, and may all the assembled immortals constantly bestow their protection.

Let each person be reverent.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Yuzhen of Shangqing (the venerable deity Yuzhen of the Shangqing Realm).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Taihuang Huangzeng. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Taiming Yuwan. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Qingming Hetong. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuantai Pingyu. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuanming Wenju. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Qiyao Moyi. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuwu Yuexing. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Taiji Mengyi. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Chiming Heyang. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuanming Gonghua.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuwu Yuexing. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Taiji Mengyi. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Chiming Heyang. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuanming Gonghua. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Yaoming Zongpiao. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Zhuluo Huangjia. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuming Tangyao. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Guanming Duanjing. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuanming Gongqing. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Taihuan Jiyao. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Yuanzai Kongsheng. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Taian Huangya. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Xianding Jifeng. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Shihuang Xiaomang. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Wengzhong Furong. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Wusi Jiangyou. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Shangdie Ruanle. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Wuji Tanshi. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Haoting Xiaodu. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Yuantong Yuandong. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Taiwen Hanchong. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Taisu Xiule. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Taixu Wushang. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Taishi Yulong. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Longbian Fandu.

This passage is a liturgical text of homage from a penitential rite. "Zhixin chaoli" (wholehearted homage) means to pay respect to the venerable deities with a sincere and single-minded heart. The names that follow are mostly the titles of Daoist heavenly realms and their deities; by paying homage to them, the worshipper expresses reverence, seeks protection, and repents in order to dispel past transgressions. Repetitions among the listed names have been preserved as in the original.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Taiji Pingyu (Taiji, the Supreme Ultimate; a Daoist Celestial Venerable title).

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Hualin Zhusuan, and also to the Celestial Venerable Taixu Wushang.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Taishi Yulong.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Longbian Fandu.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Taiji Pingyu.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Hualin Zhusuan.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Xiling Jiming.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Danque Shangsheng.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Shuofang Luosi.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Linzheng Dakui.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Qingtian Hu Hun, Protector of the Hun Soul.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Baitian Shi Po, Attendant of the Po Soul.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Chitian Yang Qi, Nourisher of Qi (vital energy).

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Heitian Tong Xue, Opener of the Blood.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Huangtian Zhongzhu.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Baozhi Jieyun.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Shitian Changcun.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Yuanshi Anzhen.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Bawei Longwen.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Xuanzhong Taihuang.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Baozhi Jieyun.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Shitian Changcun.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Yuanshi Anzhen.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Bawei Longwen.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Xuanzhong Taihuang.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Shangdi Gaozhen.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Qingguang Huijia.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Jianzhen Dusheng.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Duren Busi.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Nanchang Shangguan.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Biluo Gongdian.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Jichu Zuibu.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Suiyuan Yinghua.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Shoulian Gengsheng.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Pudu Wuqiong.

The phrase "sincerely pay homage" here renders the formula of worship used in Zhaijiao (purification ritual) penitential liturgies (Keyi), expressing reverence offered with utmost sincerity to each of the listed Celestial Venerables. The Venerables' titles are preserved as they appear in the scripture, and "Qi" (炁), a term commonly used in Daoism, refers to the primordial energy that constitutes and moves between heaven, earth, and the human body.

Sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Timely Ascension.

Sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Responsive Transformation through Karmic Affinity.

Sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Refinement and Rebirth.

Sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Limitless Universal Salvation.

Sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Timely Ascension.

Sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Upper Origin Who Attests to Fruition.

Sincerely pay homage to the host of flying immortals and sages who roam and patrol the heavens.

At this time, the Celestial Venerable of the Primordial Beginning spoke once more to the Dao Lord: "Since beginningless time, I have followed circumstances and responded with transformation, answering the call of the ten directions, steadying and guarding the lands of every realm, teaching and transforming living beings, and delivering all of them from suffering.

"If Daoists, whether monks or nuns (female Daoist priests), in the famous mountains and cavern-dwellings practice and uphold the worship of the name of the Celestial Venerable of the Upper Origin, they will bring about the salvation of their Nine Mysteries and Seven Generations of ancestors (nine generations and seven generations of forebears), who will be reborn in the heavenly realms, and they themselves will attain true realization and abide in peace and ease.

"If kings, emperors, officials of prefectures and counties, officials of every rank, commoners, elders, and lay devotees encounter various calamities, or suffer illnesses that have long resisted treatment, they may set up a ritual space in a Daoist temple, at a spirit altar, or at home, light lamps and burn incense, and devote themselves wholeheartedly to fasting and practice, taking refuge in the Celestial Venerable of the Upper Origin Who Responds to Every Call and in the host of sages of the Limitless. Then the many calamities and lingering illnesses suffered by nobles, officials, commoners, elders, and lay devotees will be dispelled, and their karmic obstacles, even if as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, will vanish accordingly. All illnesses will likewise be relieved as they offer their prayers. This can also steady the fortunes of the state and make its destiny long-lasting, bringing peace to the world, renewal to all things, and contentment to the people. Disasters will no longer trouble them, the souls of the departed will be delivered, and they will receive the protection of the Dao's unseen qi (vital energy).

"Whoever reveres and upholds this teaching, whether in village or town, man or woman, official or commoner, may each year, on the important days of Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual) and sacrifice, namely the Three Origins, the Eight Convocations, the Four Seasons, the Eight Festivals, the Five Offerings, and the Ten Observances, burn incense, light lamps, fast and cultivate the Dao, declare their meritorious deeds, and repent of their faults, and so receive divine grace.

"The method of lighting lamps is as follows: in spring, light nine lamps, or ninety, or nine hundred; in summer, light three lamps, or thirty, or three hundred; in autumn, light seven lamps, or seventy, or seven hundred; in winter, light five lamps, or fifty, or five hundred. Act in accordance with the ritual protocol, follow the movements of qi through the four seasons, and send these prayers up to the Celestial Bureaus (the governing offices of heaven), and blessings and good fortune will be received.

"One may also establish an altar and perform the rites on a famous mountain, at a spirit altar, in a residence, in the districts and villages of a prefecture or county, or on a river, holding the ritual for one day, three days, seven days, or for seven sets of seven days, totaling forty-nine nights, lighting lamps, fasting, and venerating and reciting the sacred names. When the local people widely establish ritual spaces and repent of their transgressions, all will be pardoned, their offenses erased, and the merit they gain will be immeasurable and beyond conception."

After the Celestial Venerable and the host of immortals finished speaking this scripture (Jing), they bowed and withdrew. The assembly respectfully received and carried out the teaching, and sincerely prostrated themselves before the Three Treasures of the Supreme Void Sovereign, the True and Orthodox.

At that time, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) was expounding the Great Vehicle of the Dao (the Way) throughout the Boundless World of the Nine Lands. He clarified the essentials of cultivating the Dao and delivered living beings from all manner of suffering, so that all might live in peace and joy.

During the Mid-Origin (Zhongyuan) season, all Daoist priests and lay men and women received protection and deliverance, and enjoyed ease and carefree freedom. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning then spoke to the Earth Official of the Mid-Origin and to the assembled sages:

"From now on, if the people of the world live in unrest, with natural disasters, warfare, and other calamities striking one after another; if the Five Poisons (evil forces that bring misfortune) run rampant; if bandits and thieves plunder the land, and innocent people suffer and lose their livelihoods; if families live in fear, and the prefectures, counties, villages, and fields lie in ruin; if people starve, friends and relatives grow estranged, and kin are torn apart, and even great numbers perish, then all of this is caused by the rise of ghost soldiers and demon kings who bring disaster. During the Mid-Origin season, people suffer because of this, with nowhere to survive, and they face one another unable to think of any remedy.

"When such circumstances arise, people should gather pure offerings of goods. Five or ten households should join together with one heart and united effort, buy incense and oil, and set up a ritual altar (daochang). They should respectfully invite Daoist priests who are well cultivated and versed in the scriptures to bow in worship and recite the names of the one hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies of the Mid-Origin. They should also take refuge, with utmost sincerity, in the true image of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Five Elders and Supreme Lords, and all the immortals and sages, setting out their wishes in full detail so that their sincerity may ascend to the heavens.

"Thereafter, the Flying Heaven Divine King, the True Persons of the Ten Poles, the Four True Gongcao (divine officials who assist the deities in handling affairs), and spirits such as the Examiners of Fates, the Examiners of Registers, the Officers of Merit, and the Auditors of Transgressions will descend to the altar. They will hear the people's prayers and bestow blessings in accordance with what is recited and sought. They will seize the wicked and malevolent, eliminate the Five Poisons and the Three Calamities, send down grace, and protect those who sincerely turn toward the Daoist path. In this way, the people's names may be entered in the Mid-Origin purification registers (zhai ji) and the Jade Calendar, and they will long receive the profound grace and compassionate protection of the Dao. Most of what they seek will be fulfilled, their families will be healthy and at peace, and their clans will flourish and rise to honor.

"Once peace has been restored, they should devote themselves even more wholeheartedly to venerating the three lights of the sun, moon, and stars, and revere all the spirits. They will then naturally receive blessings and good fortune, and calamities will be dispelled as they pray for blessings."

When the Earth Official of the Mid-Origin and the assembled sages heard the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning explain this path for delivering living beings, they regarded its merit as immeasurable and beyond comprehension. At that time, the men and women in the assembly all praised and extolled it. All the grievances and calamities brought about by the karmic retribution of life and death were dissolved, the gates of darkness were sealed shut once more, and all beings received light. The suffering departed souls were also reborn according to what they had hoped for. The scripture closes by urging all beings to repent and bow in worship with utmost sincerity.

With utmost sincerity, let everyone respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the True Sovereign of the Middle Origin (the venerable deity who presides over the Middle Origin).

With utmost sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Supreme Excellence and Mysterious Penetration, the Celestial Venerable of Mysterious Origin and Wondrous Birth, the Celestial Venerable of Empty Wisdom and Steadfast Constancy, the Celestial Venerable of Expedient Compassion and Good Salvation, the Celestial Venerable of Penetrating Truth and Responsive Change, the Celestial Venerable of Manifold Goodness and Compassionate Giving, the Celestial Venerable of Fragrant Light and Patient Endurance, the Celestial Venerable of Concentrated Spirit and Mysterious Awakening, and the Celestial Venerable of Revolving Transformation and Deliverance.

With utmost sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Great Compassion and Selflessness (the venerable deity who holds great compassion and does not cling to the self), the Celestial Venerable of Numinous Penetration and Measured Discernment, the Celestial Venerable of Operative Transformation and Subtle Illumination, and the Celestial Venerable of Great Wisdom and Manifold Goodness. Pay homage also to the Celestial Venerable of Boundless Oceanic Measure, the Celestial Venerable of Wondrous Light and Lofty Mystery, the Celestial Venerable of Constant Abiding in Utmost Emptiness, the Celestial Venerable of Mysterious Subtlety and the Root of Virtue (De), the Celestial Venerable of Radiant Emptiness Who Delivers Life, the Celestial Venerable of Gathered Sound Who Opens the Teaching, the Celestial Venerable of Delight in Goodness and Joy in the Dharma, the Celestial Venerable of Wondrous Emptiness and True Aspect, the Celestial Venerable of Embracing Breadth and Measured Discernment, the Celestial Venerable of Hidden Wisdom and Subtle Penetration, the Celestial Venerable of Wisdom That Comprehends Empty Stillness, the Celestial Venerable of Universal Illumination of the Obscure and Mysterious, the Celestial Venerable of the Dharma-Root of Empty Concentration, the Celestial Venerable of Heavenly Treasure Who Relieves Suffering, the Celestial Venerable of Immeasurable Freedom, the Celestial Venerable of Wisdom Fulfilled in Great Completion, and the Celestial Venerable of Impartial and Good Response.

This passage is a liturgical text for paying homage to the Celestial Venerables. "Paying homage with utmost sincerity" means worshiping the deities with a sincere and reverent heart; the titles listed afterward praise, respectively, their virtues and powers of compassion, wisdom, relieving suffering, penetrating insight, and delivering sentient beings. The passage from "Great Compassion and Selflessness" to "Great Wisdom and Manifold Goodness" appears twice in the original, and there is also an extra character "至" at the end; the original's repetition and order have been preserved.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Opens Radiance and Aids Beings (Kaiguang Jiwu Tianzun), the revered deity who opens the light and delivers all living beings.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Pure Subtlety and Clear Awakening (Qingwei Chengwu Tianzun), the revered deity of serene and subtle purity who leads people to clarity and awakening.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Attains Great Fulfillment (Cheng Daman Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Impartial and Benevolent Response (Pingdeng Shanying Tianzun), the revered deity who answers the good vows of all beings without partiality.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Opens Radiance and Aids Beings.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Pure Subtlety and Clear Awakening.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Supreme Brightness and Resolved Emptiness (Taiming Kongjie Tianzun), the revered deity who uses vast radiance to lead people to a thorough understanding of emptiness.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Lofty Purity and Wondrous Wisdom (Gaoqing Miaohui Tianzun), the revered deity of exalted and luminous clarity, endowed with wondrous wisdom.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Who Opens Affinities and Universally Saves (Kaiyuan Pujiu Tianzun), the revered deity who opens wide the affinities of deliverance and helps all beings everywhere.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Immeasurable Wondrous Body (Wuliang Miaoshen Tianzun), the revered deity possessed of countless wondrous forms.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Ten Thousand Transformations of Radiant Form (Guangxiang Wanbian Tianzun), the revered deity whose luminous forms change without end.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Purple Void and Mysterious Sagehood (Zixu Xuansheng Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Soaring Emptiness and Wise Sagehood (Feikong Zhisheng Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Jade Firmament and Shining Radiance (Yuchen Yaojing Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Brahma Treasure and Supreme Void (Fanbao Taixu Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Spirit and Equal Contemplation (Yuanling Dengguan Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Ocean-Like Emptiness and Discerning Wisdom (Haikong Bianhui Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Excellent Victory and Wondrous Breadth (Zunsheng Miaoguang Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Good Vows and Universal Sound (Shanyuan Puyin Tianzun), and the Celestial Venerable of Immortal Spirit and Right Conduct (Xianling Zhengxing Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Compassionate Giving and Flourishing Goodness (Cishi Xingshan Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Inconceivable Majestic Power (Weili Nansi Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of Abiding Wisdom and Capability (Changzhu Huineng Tianzun), the Celestial Venerable of True Roaming and Original Practice (Zhenyou Benxing Tianzun), and the Celestial Venerable of Fragrant Grove and Settled Contemplation (Xianglin Dingxiang Tianzun).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Wuwei (non-action) and Universal Deliverance (Wuwei Puji Tianzun), the revered deity who universally delivers beings through the Way of Wuwei; the Celestial Venerable Who Protects Life and Ascends to Birth (Baoming Shangsheng Tianzun), the revered deity who safeguards life and helps people rise toward new life; the Celestial Venerable Who Extinguishes the Roots of Evil (Luomie Egen Tianzun), the revered deity who eliminates the source of evil karma; the Celestial Venerable of Unobstructed Wisdom and De (Virtue) (Zhide Wu'ai Tianzun), the revered deity whose wisdom and virtue are complete and without hindrance; the Celestial Venerable of Impartial and Good Salvation (Pingdeng Shanjiu Tianzun), the revered deity who saves all beings equally; and the Celestial Venerable Who Expounds the Sacred and Opens the Origin (Yansheng Kaiyuan Tianzun), the revered deity who proclaims the sacred Dao (the Way) and opens the fundamental source.

This passage comes from the liturgy of a penitential rite (chanyi). It repeats the phrase "with utmost sincerity, I pay homage" to express devotion, praising the light, wisdom, compassion, and saving virtue of the Celestial Venerables. In the original, the phrase "with utmost sincerity, I pay homage" does not appear before "Cheng Daman Tianzun," and the line "wu chaoli" appears to contain a textual error; the translation above follows the praising tone of the passage to give a coherent reading.

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Extends Blessings and Protects the Spirit (the Celestial Worthy who bestows blessings and safeguards the spirit and soul).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Promotes and Practices the Wondrous Dao (the Celestial Worthy who raises up and spreads the profound and wondrous Way).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Countenance Who Responds to Beings (the Celestial Worthy who responds to living beings through a majestic form).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Illuminates and Guards the Kings (the Celestial Worthy who shines with light and protects the rulers of states).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Contemplates Emptiness and Non-Being (the Celestial Worthy who beholds the realm of emptiness and non-being).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Six Penetrations and Clear Awakening (the Celestial Worthy who is endowed with the six supernatural powers and is lucid in awakening).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Profound Truth and Wondrous Manifestation (the Celestial Worthy in whom the profound and true Dao is revealed).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Divides Forms and Penetrates De (the Celestial Worthy who can manifest in different forms and reach through to transformation by Virtue).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Spirit, Upright and Pure (the Celestial Worthy whose original spiritual nature is upright and pure).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Magnanimity (the Celestial Worthy who delivers beings far and wide through immeasurable compassion).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jeweled Summit and Great Accomplishment (the Celestial Worthy of perfected attainment).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Serenely Expounds Wuwei (Non-Action) (the Celestial Worthy who calmly practices the Way of non-action).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Truth and Dark Stillness (the Celestial Worthy of utmost truth and utmost tranquility).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Accumulates Dharma Power and Radiant Light (the Celestial Worthy who gathers sacred power and emits brilliance).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jeweled Summit and Great Accomplishment.

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Serenely Expounds Wuwei.

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Truth and Dark Stillness.

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Accumulates Dharma Power and Radiant Light.

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Adorned with Jeweled Flowers and Pure (the Celestial Worthy who is adorned with precious flowers and purifies body and mind).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Appears in Constant Aspect (the Celestial Worthy who manifests according to the conditions of beings and always shows a compassionate countenance).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Illuminates and Responds to Affinities (the Celestial Worthy who shines on all and responds to living beings).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Goes Forth in Response, Following Affinities (the Celestial Worthy who travels to respond and transform according to circumstances).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Ever Thinks of Delivering the Multitudes (the Celestial Worthy who constantly bears in mind the salvation of living beings).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Universal Light Who Urges Goodness (the Celestial Worthy who exhorts people toward goodness with all-illuminating light).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Enters Meditative Absorption and Embodies the Constant (the Celestial Worthy who abides in meditative stillness and realizes the principle of constancy).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Restores Souls and Raises the Dead (the Celestial Worthy who returns the hun and po souls and aids those at the brink of death).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Wondrously Protects the Supreme Truth (the Celestial Worthy who mysteriously safeguards the realm of the Supreme Perfected).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Opens and Illuminates the Primordial Kalpa (the Celestial Worthy who opens and reveals the ancient ages).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Plants and Transforms Life (the Celestial Worthy who spreads vitality everywhere and nurtures the myriad things).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Long Life Who Preserves Existence (the Celestial Worthy who sustains longevity and safeguards life).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Circulates to Deliver the World (the Celestial Worthy who travels throughout the world to save beings).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Wondrous Countenance (the Celestial Worthy possessing the highest, most wondrous form).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Eliminates Transgressions (the Celestial Worthy who removes sins and culpability).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Sovereign Authority and Freedom (the Celestial Worthy of vast majesty and power, acting with unhindered ease).

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy.

With single-minded sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Wondrous Countenance.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthies: the Heavenly Worthy who enables transgressions to be dispelled; the Heavenly Worthy of majestic authority and sovereign power; the Heavenly Worthy who ascends to the upper realms; the Heavenly Worthy who employs spiritual powers to aid living beings; the Heavenly Worthy who manifests myriad forms; the Heavenly Worthy who returns all things to their original source and to stillness; the Heavenly Worthy who bestows peace and joy and protects lasting well-being; the Heavenly Worthy who preserves life and safeguards one's innate life; the Heavenly Worthy who issues the registers of names and protects the span of years; the Heavenly Worthy who stabilizes and protects all sentient beings; the Heavenly Worthy who nourishes life with the Four Spirit Creatures; the Heavenly Worthy who guards life and grants rebirth; the Heavenly Worthy of boundless longevity; the Heavenly Worthy who evolves and spreads the myriad laws; the Heavenly Worthy who moves through and delivers the numinous powers of the eight directions; the Heavenly Worthy who meets in profound mystery with the Eight True Ones; the Heavenly Worthy who descends universally upon all endeavors of cultivation; the Heavenly Worthy who sustains harmonious qi (Qi) and supports the teaching of the right Way; the Heavenly Worthy who bestows compassion and goodwill widely; the Heavenly Worthy who accomplishes deeds that aid the world through wisdom; the Heavenly Worthy who establishes virtue (De) and makes kindness manifest; the Heavenly Worthy who constantly does good and rescues living beings; the Heavenly Worthy whose joy in the wondrous realm is without equal; the Heavenly Worthy who embodies the Dao (the Way) of emptiness and non-being; the Heavenly Worthy who promotes and exalts the teaching of the Dao and De.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthies: I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who constantly does good and rescues living beings; I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy whose joy in the wondrous realm is without equal; I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who embodies the Dao of emptiness and non-being; I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who promotes and exalts the teaching of the Dao and De; I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who is reverent, benevolent, compassionate, and forbearing; I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who guides and rescues the four kinds of beings born from the womb, from eggs, from moisture, and by transformation; I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who holds in mind the beings of the three evil paths and wishes them release from suffering; I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who propagates virtue and extends protection widely; I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy whose heart is pure and still and who responds to things as circumstances arise; I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who transforms freely and soars through the air.

The phrase "with utmost sincerity" is repeated here to express wholehearted reverence. The "four births" refer to birth from the womb, from eggs, from moisture, and by transformation; the "three paths" (santu) usually refer to the beings of the three evil realms: hell, hungry ghosts, and animals.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Vast Virtue and Wondrous Conduct, the Celestial Venerable of Unified Vehicle of the Mysterious Capital (Xuandu), the Celestial Venerable of Great Wisdom and True Realization, as well as the Lords of the Prefectures of the Five Sacred Peaks and all the holy assembly.

Today, with utmost sincerity, I take refuge with my body, my Shen (spirit), and my very life in the Celestial Venerable of the One Hundred and Twenty Responses of the Middle Origin, within the Supreme Boundless Great Dao (the Way). Once more I confess and repent: from lifetimes past until this very day, I have committed the offense of throwing away scriptures, damaging them, letting their texts become incomplete or fall into pieces, and treating the sacred writings with disrespect; the offense of causing relatives, inner and outer, to quarrel with one another, of speaking recklessly to harm others, and of forming grudges and enmities that I refused to resolve; the offense of slandering those who have left the household life and of claiming that there are no divine beings; the offense of failing Heaven and Earth without feeling shame; the offense of resenting my parents, favoring my wife, and defying my brothers; the offense of borrowing others' gold, silver, jade, silks, and treasures and then keeping them for my own use; the offense of harming others in trade and seeking profit only for myself; the offense of harboring private calculations, using oversized measures and heavy scales, deceiving the government and the common people, and seizing the opportunity to take and cheat; the offense of falsely invoking the names of sages and worthies to solicit merit offerings and wealth from people, then keeping the money for myself rather than using it for good works, and even using this to manufacture fraud; and the offenses of taking life and of holding improper sacrifices.

Offenses such as these are immeasurable and boundless. Now I confess and repent of them one by one, and I humbly beg that they be dissolved. I pray that the Celestial Venerable of the Middle Origin who Responds to Sincerity, together with the holy assembly of the Boundless, will command the Ten Upright Immortals and the Envoys of the Celestial Emperor to record these offenses, transform them into the merit of the Ten Fasts, and submit them to the Celestial Bureau (the heavenly government offices). May the offenses I have repented be released and dissolved as they are recited.

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in and pay homage to the Three Treasures of the Supreme Void Sovereign, True and Upright.

Taishang Lingbao Zhongyuan Diguan Xiaoqian Miezui Chan (Middle Section)

Taishang Lingbao Xiayuan Shuiguan Xiaoqian Miezui Chan (Lower Section)

At that time, the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) was expounding the Dao and its methods in the Hall of Golden Spirit and Hidden Yin. A Perfected One (Zhenren) named Mingluo stepped forward from the ranks and addressed him: "Through good karma accumulated in past lives, I have been fortunate enough to attend you in person. Yet the calamities of the world, great and small, of the nine and the six, have still not been resolved or taught about. I humbly beg you to explain them to us."

The Celestial Worthy replied: "The turning of the four seasons and the transformations of Yin-Yang (阴阳) are governed by the Three Offices of Heaven, Earth, and Water. The four seas and three rivers, streams and mountain torrents, the sources of rivers, ponds, lakes and weirs, sandbars and caverns, and flowing springs, along with the fish, dragons, great turtles, alligators, tortoises, softshell turtles, and all other creatures that live in the water, as well as whether the harvest is plentiful or lean and whether the people meet fortune or misfortune, are all entrusted to the Water Official of the Lower Origin to examine and judge.

"In the past, in the first year of the Supreme Sovereign, I joined the Five Elders and Supreme Lords, the Perfected Ones of the Two Palaces of Yin-Yang, the Five Stars and Seven Origins, the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, and the Earth-God Commanders of the Nine Regions. Within the Three Heavens, we marked out our respective jurisdictions and separately examined good and evil. The Eight Trigrams (Bagua) and the Nine Palaces each have their own flowing springs as well.

"Now, looking upon this world, I see that few auspicious blessings descend and the people are often displaced and adrift. Drought and flood strike in various places, warfare never ceases, and the five grains fail. All of this is the consequence of the ignorance of ordinary people and the evil they have accumulated."

Thereupon the Celestial Worthy released a vast radiance that illuminated the lands of the ten directions. He summoned the immortals and holy assemblies of the many heavens, the spirits of mountains, rivers, pools and caverns, and the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas. The gods gathered like rushing clouds, and great rain fell amid roaring thunder and lightning. The rain nourished the country and freed the suffering people from their sorrows.

At that time, Daoists and common people, men and women, old and young, were all filled with joy. Reverently receiving the Celestial Worthy's grace, they were beyond words in their gratitude and praised him without end.

The Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) went on to say to the Water Official of the Lower Origin and the Perfected Person of the Water Bureau: The karmic ties that living beings form in the cycle of birth and death have never been broken. Parents conceive and give birth, nurse and raise their children, until the children gradually grow up and can tell right from wrong, and then they too fall into the grip of desire. The roots of transgression thus grow ever deeper and call down retribution matching the offenses and blessings. Every thought in the human heart gives rise to faults, and habits accumulated layer upon layer over countless ages remain in body and mind, lifetime after lifetime, so that people cannot escape the cycle of rebirth. Without the guidance of a sage or worthy, liberation is very hard to attain.

Living beings have long been swayed by the six emotions (human feelings and sensory desires), by attachment and affection, and by the three poisons (greed, anger, and delusion). They are covetous, wrathful, and foolish, and they envy those who have virtue and talent. May all these transgressions be dissolved. Let us repent with complete sincerity and turn toward the Dao (the Way); the one hundred and twenty Celestial Worthies of the Lower Origin will wash away every sin from our persons.

Without a master to explain the scriptures (Jing) to people, no one can grasp their principles. Now our Venerable Master has proclaimed the teachings and methods, freeing us from our sins and from the realm of sinking and stagnation. By the grace of the Venerable Master, we have been able to enter the right path. Therefore we urge all living beings to turn their hearts and awaken without delay.

Let all, each in reverence:

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Divine Water Official of the Lower Origin.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy, True Sovereign of Dongshen (the Cavern of Spirit).

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy Who Accumulates Merit and Attains Sainthood.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy Who Concentrates the Shen (Spirit) and Illuminates the Realm.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy Who Harmonizes the Shen and Benefits Beings.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy Overseer of All Spirits.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy Who Illuminates the Obscure Without Limit.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy Who Delights in Untangling the Nets.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy of Vermilion Radiance and Penetrating Illumination.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy of Things.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy Overseer of All Spirits.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy Who Illuminates the Obscure Without Limit.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy Who Delights in Untangling the Nets.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy of Vermilion Radiance and Penetrating Illumination.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy of the Perfect Fulfillment of Ten Thousand Practices.

Pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy of Great Vehicle Wisdom of Emptiness.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Repays Merit and Requites Virtue (the Heavenly Worthy who gives back merit and virtue).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Conceals His Traces and Perfects the Great Dao (the Heavenly Worthy who withdraws all traces of action and brings the Great Dao to fulfillment).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Whose Dharma Body Arises from Conditions (the Heavenly Worthy whose Dharma body is accomplished through causes and conditions).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Floating Purple Canopy (the Heavenly Worthy before whom purple clouds appear like a canopy).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Three Worthies of the Flowing Dharma Clouds (the three revered deities who spread the clouds of the Dharma and nourish all beings).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Proclaims Wondrous Transformation (the Heavenly Worthy who manifests and propagates the profound teachings).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Profound Wisdom Illuminating Afar (the Heavenly Worthy who shines from afar with deep and subtle wisdom).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Peerless Honor and Wonder (the Heavenly Worthy who is venerable, mysterious, and without equal in the world).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Perfected Practice in the Realm of Emptiness (the Heavenly Worthy whose practice is complete and who moves through the realm of the void).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Bestows Wisdom from the Jade Capital (the Heavenly Worthy who confers wisdom from the Jade Capital).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Protects and Delivers in Response to the Age (the Heavenly Worthy who safeguards and saves beings, in accord with the times).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Radiant Standard of Taiwei (the Heavenly Worthy who reveals luminous order and law in the Taiwei heaven).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Complete in True Aspect (the Heavenly Worthy endowed with the fullness of true and wondrous form).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Guides the World through Wuwei (Non-action) (the Heavenly Worthy who leads people by the Way of non-action).

Utmost.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Bestows Wisdom from the Jade Capital, the Celestial Worthy Who Protects and Delivers in Response to the Age, the Celestial Worthy of the Radiant Standard of Taiwei, the Celestial Worthy Complete in True Aspect, and the Celestial Worthy Who Guides the World through Wuwei.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Constantly Aids Through Dharma Affinity (the Heavenly Worthy who always rescues beings through Dharma affinity).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Eternally Realizes the Source of the Dao (the Heavenly Worthy who forever attains the original source of the Great Dao).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Constantly Turns the True Precepts (the Heavenly Worthy who ever proclaims and carries out the true precepts).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Harmonious Balance and Pure Joy (the Heavenly Worthy who possesses the states of balanced harmony, purity, and joy).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Profound Concealment and Wuwei (the Heavenly Worthy who is mysterious, hidden, and in accord with the Way of non-action).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Unfathomable Hidden Source (the Heavenly Worthy whose deep, original source cannot be measured).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Silently Contemplates Wuwei (the Heavenly Worthy who quietly embodies the Way of non-action).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Leaves Teachings to Deliver Far and Wide (the Heavenly Worthy who bequeaths the teachings and widely saves beings).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Delivers from the Eight Calamities (the Heavenly Worthy who rescues beings who encounter the eight kinds of suffering).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Ascends to the Golden Gate Tower (the Heavenly Worthy who ascends to the heaven of the Golden Gate Tower).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Roams and Feasts in the Jade Capital (the Heavenly Worthy who wanders and dwells in festive repose in the Jade Capital heaven).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Leaves Teachings to Deliver Far and Wide, the Celestial Worthy Who Delivers from the Eight Calamities, the Celestial Worthy Who Ascends to the Golden Gate Tower, and the Celestial Worthy Who Roams and Feasts in the Jade Capital.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Roams the Great Void (the Heavenly Worthy who travels freely through the vast emptiness).

The phrase repeated throughout, "zhi xin chao li" (至心朝礼), is a standard expression of worship in penitential liturgy (Keyi), meaning to pay homage to the divine with utmost sincerity. The two isolated lines reading simply "至" are reproduced as given; the line "至心朝为天尊" appears to be corrupted, and I have rendered it literally as "With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy."

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of Natural Dispersal and Gathering (a venerable deity symbolizing that all separation and union accord with the natural order).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable Who Originally Dwells in Emptiness (a deity symbolizing that the root of all things exists within the void).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who pervades all of empty space.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who gathers in manifest traces and returns to the root.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who ten times delivers the people of the world.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who protects and guards the sacred scriptures.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who, following each opportune moment, awakens living beings.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who cuts off wicked thoughts and obstacles.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of boundless sacred virtue (De).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who reveals and teaches the profound Dao (the Way).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who is replete with a hundred treasures, majestic and supremely excellent.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who widely bestows wondrous teachings.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of vast wondrous power, noble and without superior.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who presides over the court assemblies of the Highest Sovereign.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable whose meritorious works return to the highest good.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who manifests a sacred form in radiance like clouds and rosy mist.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who, with concentrated spirit (Shen) in stillness, dwells in the Golden Gate Palace (the celestial palace of Daoist teaching).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of profound depth and distant mystery, who transforms all things with wondrous power.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who dwells in the Grove of Seven Treasures.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who penetrates the subtle and profound ultimate principle.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who diligently and tirelessly cultivates the work of the Dao.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who nourishes all things like an ocean of true pearls.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who is far removed from names forcibly established.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who receives ease and joy according to the heart's accord.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable whose jade-colored radiance flows and circulates, moistening all things.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of spiritual and wondrous transformation, shining with brilliant light.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of Wondrous Practice, supreme and unsurpassed.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who is pure and clear like an ocean of wisdom.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable whose virtuous conduct is vast and immeasurable.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who, with spirit settled in stability, is replete with wisdom.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable whose meritorious works are beyond compare.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Precious Plumage and Jade Grove (Baoyu Qionglin Tianzun).

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Boundless Universal Response (Zhouying Wuji Tianzun).

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Vast and Perfect Fulfillment (Guangda Yuanman Tianzun).

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Grieves for the Suffering of the Many (Aibei Zhongku Tianzun).

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Pities Emptiness and Holds the Treasury of the Dharma (Minkong Fazang Tianzun), the Venerable who has compassion for all beings and reveals the treasury of the teaching of emptiness. Celestial Venerable of Precious Plumage and Jade Grove.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Boundless Universal Response.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Vast and Perfect Fulfillment.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Grieves for the Suffering of the Many.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Pities Emptiness and Holds the Treasury of the Dharma.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Pities All Kinds of Beings (Min Yiqie Lei Tianzun), the Venerable who has compassion for all living beings.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Transmits the Precious Scriptures (Liuchuan Baojing Tianzun), the Venerable who spreads the treasured classics.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Unobstructed Wisdom Arising (Wuai Huisheng Tianzun), the Venerable in whom unhindered, all-penetrating wisdom arises.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Jade Pure Golden Aspect (Yuqing Jinxiang Tianzun), the Venerable who bears the noble and majestic form of Jade Purity.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable Free of Attachment to Form (Wuzhi Zhuoxiang Tianzun), the Venerable who is not bound by clinging to appearances.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Silent and Subtle Supreme Attainment (Jimiao Shangcheng Tianzun), the Venerable who has realized the realm of stillness and subtlety.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Illuminates the World (Dongming Shijie Tianzun), the Venerable who sees clearly into the world.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Cherishes Life and Delivers Souls (Haosheng Duming Tianzun), the Venerable who loves life and saves living beings.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Boundless Transformation and Deliverance (Wufang Huadu Tianzun), the Venerable who is bound to no single place and teaches and saves beings everywhere.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Dragon Virtue and Transformation (Longde Bianhua Tianzun), the Venerable who embodies the virtue of the dragon (De) and is skilled in transformation.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Constant Compassion and Tender Pity (Changci Ai'lian Tianzun), the Venerable who ever holds a compassionate heart and cherishes all beings.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Saves the Myriad Kinds (Jiudu Wanpin Tianzun), the Venerable who delivers beings of every kind.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Immeasurable Responsive Change (Yingbian Wuliang Tianzun), the Venerable who responds to circumstances and whose workings are inexhaustible.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Great Compassion and Vast Capacity (Hongci Daliang Tianzun), the Venerable whose compassion is vast and whose heart is generous.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Travels Everywhere to Relieve Suffering (Zhouxing Jiuku Tianzun), the Venerable who goes everywhere to aid suffering beings.

Devoutly pay homage.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Immeasurable Responsive Change.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Great Compassion and Vast Capacity.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Travels Everywhere to Relieve Suffering.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Cultivates Merit through Brahmic Transformation (Fanhua Xiugong Tianzun), the Venerable who teaches through the Brahmic way and cultivates merit.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of Penetrating Insight without Obstruction (Dongjian Wuai Tianzun), the Venerable who perceives all things and moves without hindrance.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Hastens to Calamity and Bestows Grace (Funan Chui'en Tianzun), the Venerable who rushes to places of danger and extends help and favor.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Radiance of Sun and Moon (Riyue Guangyao Tianzun), the Venerable who shines with the brilliance of the sun and moon.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable of the Six Penetrations and Four Reaches (Liutong Sida Tianzun), the Venerable who possesses spiritual powers and wisdom reaching in every direction.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Fulfills the Myriad Vows (Wanyuan Kecheng Tianzun), the Venerable who brings countless good vows to fulfillment.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Incarnates and Is Reborn in Response (Yingsheng Zhuanshi Tianzun), the Venerable who is born in response to need and is reborn in the world to deliver people.

Devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Venerable who Expounds the Law and Bestows Writings (Yanfa Chuiwen Tianzun), the Venerable who proclaims the teachings of the Dao and transmits the scriptures and their literary instruction.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of Constant Joy and Serenity.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who bestows wondrous blessings upon all.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who has realized the Great Dao (Dao, the Way) and abides in peaceful stillness.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who possesses the eye of boundless wisdom.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who constantly sends down the rain of the Dharma, nourishing all beings.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who roams free while practicing the Ten Virtues.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who teaches and delivers countless beings.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who causes the ten thousand rivers to return at last to their source.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who proclaims the teachings of the Dao and delivers the people of the world.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who rises like a dragon and responds to circumstances as they arise.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who enables people to transcend the Three Realms (the Desire Realm, the Form Realm, and the Formless Realm).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who bestows boundless grace and aids all beings.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of Pure Subtlety and Supreme Virtue.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who abides always in the world and protects its people.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who transforms and dispels obstacles and calamities.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of Pure Subtlety and Supreme Virtue.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who abides always in the world and protects its people.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who transforms and dispels obstacles and calamities.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable of the Purple Pole and Primordial Sovereign.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who is perfectly integrated, all-penetrating, and free of obstruction.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who skillfully guides beings who are ignorant and deluded.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who has passed through the five kalpas of cyclical turning.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who expounds the teachings of the Dao, abiding in stillness and guarding the true.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who experiences the subtle and profound mystery of the Dao.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who frees all beings forever from the cycle of birth and death.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who causes the blessings of the Dharma to spread far and wide.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to the Celestial Venerable who penetrates and illuminates the dark void.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow to all the holy assembly of the water palaces, rivers, and seas.

Today, with utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Spirit (Shen), in the body, and in life itself, and I pay reverence to the Supreme Limitless Great Dao (the Way), to the Celestial Venerable of the Lower Origin who responds to the one hundred and twenty kinds of petition, and to the holy host of the Limitless.

I reflect once more: from the distant past without beginning until today, I fear I have accumulated many transgressions. I have killed the worthy and the good, and committed acts that are perverse, ugly, and contrary to human relations. I have lusted after beauty, stolen goods, ruined the achievements of others, separated people from their kin, and taken away what others treasured. As a child I was unfilial; as a subject I was disloyal, defying my ruler and attacking my teachers and my school. Above, I did not revere Heaven and Earth; below, I did not revere the ghosts and spirits. I slandered the Great Dao and treated the sacred scriptures (Jing) with disrespect. My mouth said one thing while my heart thought another; I boasted of myself and envied the talented. I slighted the Four Elements (earth, water, fire, and wind, which compose all things in the world) and defiled the Three Lights (sun, moon, and stars). My speech was vicious and given to sowing discord, and I falsely accused and attacked the good.

These transgressions are of countless kinds, too many to number. Now I come in person before the Dao and repent with a sincere heart. I humbly ask the holy host of the Lower Origin, the Youths who Inspect Fate, the Officers of Merit who record good and evil (divine functionaries who register good and bad deeds), and the Ten Attending Immortals to register my transgressions, to help me amend my ways and practice the purification ritual (Zhaijiao), and to report this matter to the Celestial Bureau (the administrative office of Heaven). May the transgressions I repent be dissolved with every thought, and may all be released. May the Nine Mysteries and Seven Ancestors (ancestors of near and distant generations) swiftly be reborn in the upper realms, and may all sentient beings ascend to the shore of the Dao and escape the realm of suffering.

With utmost sincerity I bow my head and pay reverence to the Three Treasures of the Supreme Void Sovereign, the True and Upright (the Dao, the scriptures, and the master, venerated in Daoism).

End of the Supreme Lingbao Lower Origin Water Official Repentance for Dissolving Transgressions and Extinguishing Sins