《太上灵宝朝天谢罪大忏》Vol. 1

At this time, the Primordial Supreme God, the Supreme Lord of the Dao, and the Supreme Lord Lao sat upright upon the Purple Tenuity Terrace, adorned with the Seven Treasures, in the Great Blessed Heaven’s Jade Clarity Sacred Realm within the Great Encompassing Heaven. They summoned the assembled immortals and expounded the subtle Daoist teaching of “True Unity.” Displaying its immense power, they sent forth auspicious light that shone throughout boundless worlds, enabling all beings to see the causes and conditions of good and evil. Through this light, the gods also offered guidance, helping beings understand their destiny, their sins and blessings, and the karmic retributions they would experience across the three ages: past, present, and future.

At that time, the Great Sages of the various heavens burned incense and bowed in worship. They took their places in orderly ranks and stood in attendance, reverently listening to the sound of the teaching. The Primordial Lord released divine light in nine colors, shining brightly through the heavens and across the nations of the human world. His divine power transformed without limit, illuminating everything without obstruction; all that lay before him was as clear as his own palm. With the aid of this light, the immortals standing at his sides saw every circumstance of karmic cause and effect, good and evil, throughout the heavens. Changes within and without were all perfectly clear.

They saw that some Great Sages and High Perfected Ones—those of profound Daoist attainment—had round halos above their heads and dignified, wondrous forms. Others rode shafts of rosy light through the air, driving dragons and riding cranes, treading clouds and walking through the void. They traveled in carriages drawn by luan birds and beneath canopies adorned with phoenixes, roaming freely in all eight directions, unimpeded in their divine powers. They saw heavenly immortals, earthly immortals, golden boys and jade maidens, and countless living beings enjoying blessings, virtue, and happiness. They saw immortals holding banners and tallies, burning incense and scattering flowers, and displaying the power to manifest in multiple forms.

They also saw flying divine kings and boys who recorded good and evil patrolling the human world, noting people’s good and wicked deeds and reporting them to the heavens. They saw the palaces of the sun and moon, the jeweled palaces of the stars, and the divine officials who governed the mountains, rivers, seas, and peaks inspecting the good and evil, merits and faults of the people below. Not even the smallest detail escaped their notice.

At that time, the Perfected Ones of the Ten Radiances, together with the Great Sages of the various heavens, burned incense and bowed in worship. They addressed the Most High, saying, “Today we have been granted the good fortune to come to the Jade Pavilion, behold and hear this wondrous assembly of the teaching, and attend upon you at your side. May you display your power and establish a vast bridge of the teaching, guiding living beings so that all may attain the Dao and forever escape the delusions of the mortal world.”

Then the Primordial Lord said to the immortals and Perfected Ones attending at his sides, “All of you immortals, follow my auspicious light as we look down upon the lands of the nations, their mountains and rivers, and their many people, and observe the retribution for good and evil. Establish merit and virtue, so that living beings may forever escape the delusions of the mortal world.”

At this time, the Primordial Heavenly Lord, a revered deity in Daoism, said to the perfected beings attending him, “You immortals, follow me on auspicious rays of light down to the lands of the human world. Observe the mountains, rivers, and earth, and all living beings. See their good and evil actions and the corresponding rewards and consequences.

“Those who cultivate merit and virtue and sow blessings far and wide all receive blessings bestowed by the heavens. You will see emperors, empresses and consorts, generals, and ministers burning incense in their main halls and holding grand ritual assemblies. They perform purification rites and Zhaijiao (purification rituals), recite scriptures, and bow in repentance, seeking to avert calamity and pray for blessings for beings in the human and heavenly realms. You will also see them act with humility and reverence, offering precious treasures to the heavens; building Daoist temples, creating sacred images, and reciting scriptures and paying homage to pray for blessings for all beings; or giving away wealth to aid the poor, the elderly, the sick, and those in distress. They are ever compassionate: they do not kill or harm living beings, indulge in luxury, or waste resources, but live frugally.

“You will also see Daoist priests and worthy people build sacred temples and star altars, copy scriptures, and create images of deities. Some abstain from grain and fast, purify body and mind, and recite the classics. Some release animals to save their lives and provide aid to the poor. Some diligently cultivate themselves through hardship, praying to the stars to transcend the ordinary and ascend as immortals. Others are loyal to their rulers, honor their parents, and show affection to their family and friends.

“You will also see emperors, rulers of states, and civil and military ministers go on hunting trips, killing living creatures and harming the people; tormenting the people with cruel punishments and driving them into hardship; greedily indulging in lust and desire, feasting and revelry without restraint; destroying Daoist temples and setting fire to Daoist halls; despising those who have left home to cultivate the Dao, insulting ritual masters and torturing them; scorning Heaven and Earth, the sun, moon, and stars; and poisoning the good and innocent.

“You will also see men and women slander those who have left home to cultivate the Dao, engage in sexual misconduct inside Daoist temples, kill all kinds of animals, and defile sacred lands of blessing. Some kill their parents and commit the five acts of grave rebellion, fail to honor their parents, violate the principles of Heaven and Earth, and disbelieve in the consequences of good and evil deeds. Some steal from Daoist temples the offerings of wealth, flowers, fruit, and banners dedicated to the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters. Some turn away from the Great Dao and abandon their teachers, break their vows, fail to repay debts, and deceive others. There are also those imprisoned in stocks and chains, beaten and interrogated until their bodies are maimed; those born disabled, intellectually impaired, deaf, or mute, with twisted hands and feet; those foolish and confused, afflicted with leprosy or mental illness; those devoured by venomous insects or fierce beasts; those separated from their loved ones before their time and unable to enjoy family affection; those whose mothers and children are parted, sold into servitude; and those whose bodies rot, eaten by worms, oozing pus and covered in blood.

“You will also see the horrors of the hells: some tread on mountains of knives, their limbs severed; some climb trees of swords, their joints torn apart; some swallow fire and eat charcoal, their bodies smoking; some are pounded in mortars and crushed by millstones until reduced to powder; some embrace copper pillars, their bodies scorched and dried; some lie on iron beds as their fat runs out and their flesh is burned away; some are boiled in cauldrons of seething broth until their bodies dissolve; some are sawn apart, blood running over their bodies; some are crushed beneath enormous rocks until blood bursts from their pores; some are subjected to bitter cold until their bodies crack with frost; some carry volcanoes on their heads, their faces and heads burned black; some have their eyes pecked out by iron birds, their skin and flesh torn away; some have their tongues pulled out and then pierced with iron awls. Some transport and draw water from the sea to pour into the four great rivers; some carry stones on their backs to fill rivers, ceaselessly day and night.

“Others are reborn as hungry ghosts or as livestock—cattle, sheep, pigs, and dogs—or are born in remote lands into lowly circumstances. Some are reborn with many illnesses: deaf, blind, or mute, with twisted limbs or a limp. Some are reborn as worms, beasts, flies, or filthy creatures in the mud; others as vicious insects, birds, animals, fish, turtles, or crabs.”

At this time, the great sages and immortals gathered at the ritual assembly saw that various causes and conditions in Heaven and Earth gave rise to karmic retribution, and that people’s sins and blessings differed. They did not know what beings had cultivated in past lives or what wrongs they had committed in this life; what blessings they had accumulated before or what sins they had created now. Some had planted causes in earlier generations, bringing calamity upon their descendants; others had accumulated faults over a lifetime and therefore suffered karmic retribution. They respectfully prayed that the Celestial Worthy, in great compassion, would grant them insight, so that beings might understand the causes and conditions of past lives, the retribution for sins and blessings, and the exactness of Heaven’s rewards and punishments. All who sincerely resolve to seek deliverance and follow the teachings of the sages can be delivered.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning again said to the Perfected Ones attending at his side: “If in the lower realm there are people who have succeeded in cultivating the Dao, or who sincerely believe in the Dao, and who arouse the supreme aspiration for the Dao; if they generously give of their wealth, aid the poor, release living creatures and save lives, build a wondrous platform adorned with the Seven Treasures, install sacred images of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), observe purification and abstinence, burn incense, and solemnly make offerings to the myriad spirits of Heaven and Earth and the stars of the celestial palaces, presenting offerings of every precious kind, then I will dispatch the Celestial Worthy, Great One Who Relieves Suffering”—the revered deity who governs the relief of suffering and deliverance of the dead—“to open the cinnabar registers and purple writings in the Palace of the Supreme Ultimate. He will proclaim the Celestial Worthy’s honored title, praise and extol him, and chant the Dongxuan chapters, passages from Daoist scriptures. He will ask that the registers of sin be erased for the souls of the dead in the deepest reaches of the netherworld, amid its long night, and that their ancestors, fathers, and mothers be freed from the sufferings of countless kalpas and the entanglement of unresolved karmic offenses. All the departed souls will receive absolution and be reborn in Heaven, living freely in Wuwei (non-action), with clothing and food arising naturally. In this way, immeasurable blessings and De (Virtue/Power) will be increased, immeasurable sins will be erased, and great merit will accumulate, so that all beings may be delivered.” Thereupon, everyone burned incense, took refuge with body and mind, and bowed with all five limbs touching the ground.

They sincerely paid homage:

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, in the Holy Realm of Jade Clarity, the realm of emptiness and naturalness;

The Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, the Lord of the Dao, in the True Realm of Highest Clarity;

The Celestial Worthy of the Dao and its Virtue, the Most High Lord Lao, in the Immortal Realm of Great Clarity;

The Most High Jade Emperor, Supreme Lord of the Golden Palace beneath the Vast Heavens;

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, Lord of the Southern Pole Star, in the Holy Realm of Violet Tenuity, the realm of emptiness and naturalness;

The Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, the Lord of the Dao, in the True Realm of Highest Clarity;

The Celestial Worthy of the Dao and its Virtue, the Most High Lord Lao, in the Immortal Realm of Great Clarity.

With reverence, I bow in worship to the Most High, the Supreme Jade Emperor of the Golden Palace beneath the Vast Heaven, revered by Daoists as the Jade Emperor; the Great Emperor of the Southern Pole, Lord of the Stars in the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity; the Great Emperor of the North Pole, Lord of the Stars in the Central Palace of Purple Tenuity; the August Earth Deity Houtu, who bears and models Heaven’s ways and whose abundant Virtue shines far and wide, the Earth deity who governs the land; the Great Emperor of Long Life at the Southern Pole, the Celestial Worthy, Sage of the Primordial Heavenly Origin; the Great Emperor of Azure Florescence at the Eastern Pole, the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Relieves Suffering, a revered deity who delivers those in distress; the Celestial Worthy of True Brightness, Great Sage of the Nine Heavens, who answers the Origin and spreads the transforming power of thunder; the Great Emperor, Thunder Patriarch of the Nine Heavens, the Celestial Worthy who dispels calamities and aids all beings; the Great Celestial Emperor Taiyi of the Jade Green Palace of Purple Tenuity, the Celestial Worthy who safeguards against the cycles of calamity; the Great Emperor of the Six Heavens and the Cavernous Abyss, the Supreme Celestial Worthy Taiyi who subdues demons; the Lord Emperor, Master of the Six Thunderbolts, the Celestial Worthy who widely bestows the blessings of the Dharma; the Elder Lord Zhu Ling, who governs the Nine Heavens and delivers souls to life; the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Transformation, who answers the Origin and safeguards fortune as Envoy of the Nine Heavens; and the revered deities of the heavens in the four directions and the center: in the eastern heaven of the Nine Qi, the Celestial Worthy, Ancient One of Azure Effulgence, of the Empty Cavern; in the southern heaven of the Three Qi, the Celestial Worthy, Ancient One of Cinnabar Effulgence, of the Clear Cavern; in the western heaven of the Seven Qi, the Celestial Worthy, Ancient One of White Effulgence, of the Void Cavern; in the northern heaven of the Five Qi, the Celestial Worthy, Ancient One of Dark Effulgence, of the Subtle Cavern; and in the central heaven of the One Qi, the Celestial Worthy, Primordial Ancient One of Dark Effulgence, of the True Cavern.

I also especially reverently invoke the Celestial Worthies of the southern, western, northern, and central heavens.

With sincere devotion, I bow in worship to the August Celestial Worthy of Jade Treasure in the East; I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous True Jade Sound, the Celestial Worthy of Universal Radiance in the Upper Origin, the Celestial Worthy of Cavernous Illumination and Vermilion Culmen, the Celestial Worthy of Peace and Joyful Cinnabar Origin, the Celestial Worthy of True Form and Sevenfold Radiance, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Colors of the Golden Immortals, the Celestial Worthy of Mystery Upon Mystery, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Accomplishment in Numinous Truth, and the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Light in the Upper Palace.

The phrase “with sincere devotion, I bow in worship,” which recurs here, expresses focused and heartfelt reverence toward the deities. By invoking the Celestial Worthies one by one, the scripture conveys devotion and offers prayers.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Great Dao’s Radiant Vastness, who shines forth the Great Dao in boundless brilliance.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Liberation and Mysterious Transformation, who guides living beings to liberation and brings about wondrous transformations.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Opening the Stillness and Purple Clarity, who opens the realm of stillness and dwells in the realm of Purple Clarity.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Mysterious Light of the Upper Palace, who dwells in the Upper Palace and possesses wondrous radiance.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Great Dao’s Radiant Vastness.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Liberation and Mysterious Transformation.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Opening the Stillness and Purple Clarity.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Dharma Sea and Scriptural Treasures, who treasures Daoist teachings and scriptures as vast as the sea.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Cinnabar Origin and Penetrating Vision, whose insight penetrates the mysteries of the Dao.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Wondrous Joy and Cinnabar Purity, who accords with the Dao of wondrous joy and cinnabar purity.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Great Practice in the Cloud Palace, who widely spreads the Dao’s transformative influence from the Cloud Palace.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Golden Slips and Wondrous Joy, who accords with the precious golden slips and the Dao of wondrous joy.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Great Clarity and True Dao, who embodies the realm of Great Clarity and the pure, true Dao.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of True Solemnity and Constant Deliverance, who continually delivers living beings through the path of truth and solemnity.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Three Lights in Free Wandering. The Three Lights—sun, moon, and stars—symbolize radiance and ceaseless movement.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Great Origin and Mysterious Ancient One, primordial and wondrously mysterious, with an ancient and venerable standing.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Rightly Opening the Emptiness and Stillness, who opens the realm of the right path, emptiness, and stillness.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Most Wondrous Cinnabar Origin, who embodies the Dao of supreme wonder and cinnabar origin.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Jade Majesty and the Dharma Sea, whose dignity is like jade and whose laws and teachings are deep as the sea.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable Who Ranges Through the Lofty Heavens, moving through the high and distant clouds.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable Who Preserves Destiny and Opens Life, who safeguards the course of destiny and awakens the vital force of life.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Wondrous Honor and Serene Mystery, noble and wondrous, still and profound.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Responsive Transformation and Primordial Wholeness, who transforms in accord with circumstances and harmonizes with the undivided Way of Heaven.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Eight Radiances of Mysterious Insight, who understands the mysterious Dao and accords with the Eight Radiances.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Dao’s Course and Mysterious Transformation, who manifests the movement of the Great Dao and its wondrous transformations.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Golden Mystery and Gathered Light, who gathers wondrous radiance.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Virtue’s Light and Union, who brings virtue and radiance together.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Mysterious Communion with Cause and Effect, who sees through cause and effect and comprehends the mysteries.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Great Mystery and the Dao’s Course, who embodies the profound and mysterious movement of the Great Dao.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Golden Mystery and Gathered Light.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Virtue’s Light and Union.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of Mysterious Communion with Cause and Effect.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the Great Mystery and the Dao’s Course.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of True Emptiness and Eastern Florescence, who embodies the wondrous principle of true emptiness and accords with Eastern Florescence.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable Who Responds to the Radiant Great Course, harmonizing with the movement of the radiant Great Dao.

I sincerely pay reverence to the Heavenly Venerable of the True Origin and the Ten Thousand Dao, who embodies the original, true Qi and the myriad Dao.

“Reverently paying homage with a sincere heart” is an expression of reverence used in Zhaijiao rites of purification and repentance. It means bowing to the Heavenly Venerables with utmost sincerity.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Dongyang Responding to the Mysterious; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the High Sovereign’s Cinnabar Heaven; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Fortune and Illumination; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Inner Illumination of the Highest Rank; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Hanging Pearl’s Wondrous Light; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Virtue and Responsive Merit; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Majesty and Constant Aid; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Liberation, Fortune, and Illumination; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Fortune Responding to the Dao; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Sage King Seated in the Hall; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Ascending to the Mysterious and Entering the Cavern of Spirit; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Gathered Radiance and Golden Form; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Palace of Wondrous Delight; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Accomplishment; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma Cloud that Saves Life; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Great Holiness and Long Life; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Fortune and Illumination in the Great Mystery; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrously Seen Immortal Capital; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Whose Merit Reaches Fulfillment of Virtue; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Hidden Celestial Worthy of Great Holiness and Long Life; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Fortune and Illumination in the Great Mystery; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrously Seen Immortal Capital; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Whose Merit Reaches Fulfillment of Virtue; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Hidden Celestial Worthy of Illumined Sainthood and Truth; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Fortune and Refined Brightness; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the True Ultimate of the Empty Dao; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Spirit Immortal Who Illuminates Delusion; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Treasury of Gold and Precious Things; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Fulfills All Wishes Through Transformation; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Dao of Civilized Brilliance; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Pervasive Illumination and Broad Fortune; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Fortune and Illumination Through Broad Practice; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Radiance of the Upper Palace; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Delight and Gathered Mystery; with utmost sincerity and reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Treasury’s Wondrous Radiance.

“Worshipful audience with focused sincerity” is a reverential phrase used in Daoist rites of worship. It means to bow in worship with undivided attention and reverence. The titles that follow are names of Celestial Worthies, each praised and honored in turn.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Illuminates the Marvelous Dao.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Everlasting Purple Origin.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Ever Opens the Hidden Treasury.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Western Spirit’s Transformative Response.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Radiance and Dharma Ocean.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Sovereign Freedom and Divine Powers.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Crowns the Dharma with Supreme Purity.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Palace and the Marvelous Colors of the Ocean.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Sovereign Freedom and Divine Powers.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Crowns the Dharma with Supreme Purity.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Palace and Marvelous Colors.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Vast Dao and Radiant Splendor.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Protects Life and Opens All Paths.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Brings the Dharma Together in the Jade Sea.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Eastern Florescence and Dharma Treasures.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Light of Cinnabar Radiance.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Vast Dao and Vast Spirit.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Illuminated Wisdom and Merit.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Dharma Pervading the Three Palaces.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Cinnabar Truth and Heavenly Emperor.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Extends the Years and Bestows Primordial Wisdom.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Responds to the Dao and Brings Fortune.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Sets the Higher Course in Motion and Brings Clarity.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Eight Powers of the Cavern Mystery.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Opens and Transforms the Jade Palace.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Accompanies Each Step and Responds to Each Affinity.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Dao into the Empty Cavern.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Moves with Illumination and Acts with Wisdom.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Immortals and Universal Radiance.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the True Celestial Worthy Who Opens and Transforms the Jade Palace.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Accompanies Each Step and Responds to Each Affinity.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Dao into the Empty Cavern.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Moves with Illumination and Acts with Wisdom.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Immortals and Universal Radiance.

With utmost sincerity, I respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Grade and Clear Purity.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Celestial Worthy of the True Writings’ Eight Assemblies, who presides over the writings of the Daoist Heavenly Books’ “Eight Assemblies.”

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Celestial Worthy of the True Assembly Pervading the Dao.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Celestial Worthy of the Precious Mysteries of Cause and Effect.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Illumination in the Cinnabar Heaven.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Celestial Worthy of the Supreme Primordial, the Highest True One.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Celestial Worthy Who Grants Rebirth According to One’s Vows, who protects and blesses beings so they may be reborn in accordance with their wishes.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Compassion Who Rescues the Suffering.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Compassion Who Saves and Delivers.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Great Compassionate Benevolence.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Compassion.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Wondrous Awakening.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Compassion and Wisdom.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of the Wise Countenance.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Clear Understanding.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Benevolent Awakening.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Compassionate Concern.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Wise Contemplation.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Compassionate Love.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Constant Joy.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to Celestial Master Qiyuan.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to Celestial Master Daoguang.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Mindfulness.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Wise Contemplation.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Compassionate Love.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Perfected One of Constant Joy.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to Celestial Master Qiyuan.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to Celestial Master Daoguang.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to Celestial Master Kaihua.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to Celestial Master Jinxian.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to Celestial Master Chongguang.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to Celestial Master Langqing.

The Primordial Lord (the highest deity revered in Daoism) told the assembled immortals: “I now confer these honorific titles of the Heavenly Worthies, together with the names and ranks of the Perfected Ones and Celestial Masters. I send the Perfected One of Jade Purity, bearing my decree, to the human realm, to proclaim it throughout the Nine Provinces of every kingdom, so that people in the human and heavenly realms may copy, worship, and recite it. If those who cultivate the Dao, or people who accrue blessings through good deeds, pray for the emperor and the ruler of their state during the purification periods of the Eight Seasonal Nodes, the Three Primal Days, and other observances, or on their own birth anniversary, then burn incense, scatter flowers, set out precious objects and various fruits, hold a grand sacrifice to worship the stars, and make offerings to the enlightened immortals dwelling in famous mountains and grottoes, they can stabilize the destiny of the state and make its fortunes endure as long as Heaven. The kingdoms will flourish in harmony, and the customs of the Four Seas will become unified. The spirits of cultivators will ascend to the Golden Palace in Heaven, and their names will be entered in Jade Purity, the heavenly realm revered in Daoism. There will be no evil or defilement between Heaven and Earth; the kingdoms will be at peace, their merit will be great, and their blessings will be boundless.”

Worship with sincere devotion:

The immortal officials of the Lesser Youqing Grotto-Heaven at Mount Wangwu;

the immortal officials of the Great Youming Grotto-Heaven at Mount Weiyu;

the immortal officials of the Great Mystery Ultimate Perfection Grotto-Heaven in the Western Regions;

the immortal officials of the Three Mysteries Ultimate Perfection Grotto-Heaven at Mount Xixuan;

the immortal officials of the Treasure Immortal Nine Terraces Grotto-Heaven and the Great Youming Grotto-Heaven at Mount Qingcheng;

the immortal officials of the Great Mystery Ultimate Perfection Grotto-Heaven in the Western Regions;

the immortal officials of the Three Mysteries Ultimate Perfection Grotto-Heaven at Mount Xixuan;

the immortal officials of the Treasure Immortal Nine Terraces Grotto-Heaven at Mount Qingcheng;

the immortal officials of the Upper Clarity Jade Peace Grotto-Heaven at Mount Tiantai;

the immortal officials of the Vermilion Radiance Grotto-Heaven of True Illumination at Mount Luofu;

the immortal officials of the Golden Altar Huayang Grotto-Heaven at Mount Mao;

the immortal officials of the Left Spirit Hidden Void Grotto-Heaven at Mount Linwu;

the immortal officials of the Spirit Virtue Hidden Mystery Grotto-Heaven at Mount Kuocang;

the immortal officials of the Huo Grove Grotto-Heaven at Mount Huotong;

the Perfected Lord of the Azure Emperor at Mount Tai, the Eastern Peak;

the immortal officials of the Vast Mystery Great Void Grotto-Heaven;

the Perfected Lord of the Vermilion Emperor at Mount Heng, the Southern Peak;

the immortal officials of the Vermilion Mound Great Void Grotto-Heaven;

the Perfected Lord of the White Emperor at Mount Hua, the Western Peak;

the immortal officials of the Supreme Ultimate Assembly of Immortals Grotto-Heaven;

the Perfected Lord of the Black Emperor at Mount Chang, the Northern Peak;

the immortal officials of the Great One Assembly of Mystery Grotto-Heaven;

the Perfected Lord of the Yellow Emperor at Mount Song, the Central Peak;

the immortal officials of the Grotto-Heaven where the Supreme Lord governs the Perfected;

the immortal officials of the Empty Spirit Great Marvel Grotto-Heaven at Mount Emei.

The Immortal Officials of Zhen Cave Heaven at Mount Lu, Chishui Cave Heaven at Mount Siming, and Jixuan Cave Heaven at Mount Yangming,

The Primordial Supreme God again said to the attendant Perfected Ones at his side: “I now spread this scripture throughout the ten thousand kingdoms and nine provinces, and across the worlds in the ten directions. If there are people who serve the Dao and set their minds on pursuing the supreme Great Dao, on days such as the Three Origins (the Upper, Middle, and Lower Origins) or the Eight Seasonal Festivals, which Daoists hold in special regard…”

The Primordial Supreme God again said to the attendant Perfected Ones at his side: “I now spread this scripture throughout the ten thousand kingdoms and nine provinces, and across the worlds in the ten directions. If there are people who serve the Dao and set their minds on pursuing the supreme Great Dao, and on the days of the Three Origins and Eight Seasonal Festivals burn incense and pay their respects on behalf of the emperor, ruler of the realm, heir apparent, or crown prince, while reciting the revered names of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the Heavenly Venerables, and the Perfected Ones, they can bring peace to the state and stability to the realm, ensuring its enduring continuity through generations and enabling the ruler to remain on the throne for a long time.”

Master Chongmiao bowed in worship and gave thanks to the Supreme God of the Golden Palace, offering this hymn:

The Supreme God issues his command; the sovereign’s years of life are long. The royal house’s branches flourish, and its descendants are fragrant. The Five Planets each follow their proper course; the Seven Luminaries—the sun, moon, and five planets—shine with radiance. The light is vast; the numinous chapters of the Cavern of Emptiness reveal their efficacy and glory. May blessings fall upon the sage emperor, and may the realm’s fortune know no bounds. May the sky be clear and the earth at peace, as radiance shines across the four quarters of the world.

The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao, Worshipping Heaven and Acknowledging Transgressions, Volume One

The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao, Worshipping Heaven and Acknowledging Transgressions, Volume Two

At that time, the Primordial Supreme God was in the Crimson Brightness kalpa, the age of cosmic tribulation…

The light is vast; the numinous chapters of the Cavern of Emptiness reveal their efficacy and glory. May blessings fall upon the sage emperor, and may the realm’s fortune know no bounds. May the sky be clear and the earth at peace, as radiance shines across the four quarters of the world.

The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao, Worshipping Heaven and Acknowledging Transgressions, Volume One

The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao, Worshipping Heaven and Acknowledging Transgressions, Volume Two

At the beginning of the Red Radiance kalpa, the Primordial Lord, a revered deity in Daoism, was in the Palace of Fire Refinement at the Southern Elixir Kaiyang Upper Lodge, in the Great Luo Heaven of Jade Purity. He summoned the assembled immortals. The Heavenly Emperors of the four directions, countless heavenly beings, and Jade youths and maidens all came to the gathering. Holding talismanic staffs, they burned incense, scattered flowers, and chanted the Cavern Chapters, Daoist scriptures, as they circled the wondrous Heavenly Treasure Terrace. Dragon candles and phoenix lamps stood in orderly rows, illuminating the Most High. The Primordial Lord’s sacred De was lofty and majestic. The immortals praised their good fortune in witnessing this splendid scene with their own eyes.

Then the Primordial Lord displayed his vast power and sent forth auspicious light, illuminating the immeasurable lands of the ten directions. In that light, all things appeared clear and transparent, bright within and without, like crystal, with nothing concealed. The great sages of the ten directions and the assembled immortals who served the True Gods followed this auspicious radiance. Looking down upon the kingdoms and regions of the ten directions, they saw mountains, rivers, and earth; the joys and sufferings of the people; and the retributions brought about by sin and merit in the hells and heavens, all as if before their eyes.

The divine kings of the heavens and the spirit officials of the Three Offices, who administered affairs in the Daoist celestial realm, took their places in court and paid homage. They presented registers recording the sins and merits of the people in every land under heaven, each entry clearly written and without error.

The Perfected Ones of Jade Purity and Golden Splendor, together with the immortals at the gathering, burned incense in reverence and respectfully bowed before the Most High. The immortals reflected that they were fortunate to attend the ritual assembly that day, draw near to worship in the compassionate light, and hear the sacred teaching. Its words dispelled the confusion of the mundane world, enabling everyone to understand the Great Dao. This was truly a blessing earned through cultivation in past lives.

The Primordial Lord (a revered deity in Daoism) said to the perfected ones who attended him: “I once gazed down from the Jade Clarity Heaven upon the people of the world. Those who accumulate good deeds and cultivate blessings and De will receive blessings in return.

“Those who widely produce scriptures and divine images, establish Daoist temples, teach and guide people, make offerings, observe fasting, rescue the living, deliver the dead, and care for all beings will be reborn in the future as a Son of Heaven or ruler of a state. Those who make offerings to the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters—burn incense and lamps, recite scriptures and bow in worship, widely cultivate fields of blessing by accumulating De through good deeds, and aid those suffering disaster or hardship will be reborn as an empress or mother of the nation.

“Those who believe in and accept the teachings of the scriptures, observe fasting, cultivate the Dao, and give alms to the poor will be reborn as wealthy, honored, and intelligent people. Those who are constantly compassionate, rescue the living, deliver the dead, revere the Three Treasures, and diligently burn incense will be reborn as pure monastics. Those who have faith, practice the Dao, and make offerings to the stars will be reborn as long-lived, pure, and upright people. Those who complete Daoist temples and establish sacred altars will be reborn as wealthy, honored, and intelligent people. Those who give to the poor and accomplish meritorious deeds without holding back will be reborn among the celestial beings. Those who do not kill, steal, envy, or harm others will be reborn as people who enjoy longevity and fulfillment.

“Those who make offerings to the Three Treasures, pity all beings, and treat living things with compassion will receive status and honor. Flourishing descendants, long life, and wealth are blessings gained by making offerings to the Celestial Worthies, the Great Dao, and the stars. Harmony between spouses and gentleness between men and women are blessings gained by not obstructing one another’s love. Being respected wherever one goes, enjoying fine food, and wearing fine clothes are blessings gained by revering Heaven and Earth and paying homage to, and believing in, the Three Treasures. Holding a high and honored position in this life and inspiring awe are blessings gained through reverence for and faith in the Three Treasures.

“Leaving home to cultivate the Dao and receiving people’s reverence are blessings gained by expounding the true teaching and guiding others. Wealth, honor, and lasting prominence are blessings gained through almsgiving and meritorious deeds. Purity of body and mind, and clear wisdom, are blessings gained by upholding the teachings of the scriptures. A peaceful home free from calamity is a blessing gained by releasing living creatures and saving them from harm. Abundant descendants, wealth, and long life are blessings gained by giving generously and seeking to accumulate blessings and De. Bearing noble sons and sharing lasting mutual respect and affection with one’s spouse are blessings gained by teaching people in a sacred sanctuary to awaken faith. A dignified appearance, gentle speech and laughter, and the respect of others are blessings gained by making offerings to the Three Treasures and observing the precepts of the scriptures.

“All these blessings are the results received in this life from the hidden De accumulated by one’s ancestors and the good causes they planted. Some people, meanwhile, do good throughout their own lives and receive immeasurable blessings because they planted good causes in past lives.”

The Primordial Heavenly Lord once again said to the immortals beside him, “I have seen that those who destroy images of the Heavenly Worthies, the stars, and the Great Dao will fall into the Nine Netherworld Hells—the dark depths of the underworld—after death and be judged and punished by Fengdu, the underworld court. Only after passing through vast kalpas may they be reborn, and they will carry diseases and bodily deformities with them. Those who do good throughout their lives may also receive immeasurable blessings through the good causes they accumulated in the past.”

The Primordial Heavenly Lord continued: Those who destroy images of the Heavenly Worthies, the stars, and the Great Dao will be punished in hell after death. Only after passing through vast kalpas will they be reborn with leprosy, their bodies eaten by worms and foul-smelling. Those who slander the Three Caverns’ scriptures and registers—the Daoist scriptures, precepts, and Fulu (talismans and registers)—and the ritual codes, or alter the order of their chapters and scrolls without authorization, will be punished in hell after death. Only after a hundred kalpas will they be reborn as beasts, with rotten tongues and ruined bodies. Those who slander monastics who cultivate the Dao will suffer worm-infested leprosy in this life and may be reborn as domestic animals in the next.

Those who destroy spirit altars in Daoist temples or tear down Daoist halls may lose their eyebrows and beards and suffer bodily decay in this life; in the next, they will be reborn as venomous snakes or starving tigers. Those who show no reverence for the Heavenly Worthies, the Great Dao, and the stars will be dull-witted in this life and reborn as domestic animals, birds, or beasts in the next. Those who do not believe in the scriptures and teachings or in karmic retribution across past lives will fall into servitude in this life and be reborn among distant foreign peoples in the next. Those who slight monastics who cultivate the Dao or defile sacred sites dedicated to the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the teachers—will be lame in this life and reborn as pigs or dogs in the next. Those who sexually assault monastics or humiliate ritual masters will have foul-smelling bodies in this life and be reborn as poisonous insects in a cesspit in the next. Those who engage in illicit sex and lust without regard for rank or status will suffer wind-related illnesses in this life and be reborn as livestock such as pigs, sheep, cattle, and horses in the next.

Those who steal property belonging to Daoist temples, or clothing and textiles offered by the four communities of followers, will become mad and foolish in their next life. Those who steal flowers, fruit, vegetables, or vegetarian food belonging to the Three Treasures will suffer wasting illness and hunger in this life, and be reborn as starving tigers or venomous snakes in the next. Those who steal food offered during Zhaijiao rites may be struck by lightning or harmed by evil spirits in this life, and reborn as pythons, venomous insects, or starving dogs in the next. Zhaijiao is a Daoist rite in which an altar is set up to pray for protection and offer petitions to the gods.

Those who curse monastics who cultivate the Dao will suffer severe illnesses such as wind epilepsy in this life, and be reborn as rabid dogs or fierce beasts in the next. Those who violate vegetarian observances and break precepts will face imprisonment in this life and be reborn as fly maggots or ants in the next. Those who kill living beings indiscriminately will have short, illness-ridden lives and may also face imprisonment, interrogation, and punishment. Those who crave meat and slaughter livestock recklessly will be afflicted with a hundred illnesses in this life and be reborn as wild animals such as deer in the next. Those who drink excessively and delight in meat, pungent foods, and filth will go mad and be burned by raging fire in this life; in the next, they will be reborn as monkeys, and after death will fall into the Cauldron of Boiling Broth Hell, where sinners are boiled alive.

The Primordial Heavenly Lord also said that if beings in this life have severed limbs, twisted or curled hands and feet, or a limp, it is because in the past they showed no reverence for the Three Treasures and the stars. Blindness in both eyes and a rotting tongue result from slandering the scriptures and teachings and slighting the Three Treasures. Muteness or an inability to smell results from deceiving monastics and disbelieving the scriptures and teachings. Lost eyebrows, curled lips, an exposed tongue, and a sunken nose result from destroying places of worship and slandering the Three Treasures. A deranged mind and ugly appearance result from arrogance and loud, mocking contempt toward monastics who cultivate the Dao.

Being attacked by bandits and robbed of one’s possessions results from having robbed the Three Treasures and the public property of Daoist temples in the past. Drowning or being harmed by fish and dragons results from damaging the public property of the Three Treasures. Being burned by fire or swallowed by venomous snakes results from harming monastics and demolishing Daoist temples. Poisonous insects entering the mouth and spitting up blood and filth result from speaking curses and calling upon ghosts and spirits. Poisonous insects burrowing into bodily openings, or being swallowed by tigers, wolves, or other fierce beasts, result from secretly plotting against others and harboring deceit.

Parents, spouses, and children being separated, unable to reunite for a long time, and quarreling day and night result from jealousy and adultery, disrupting the harmony of others, and driving apart relatives. Those who engage in illicit sex without regard for kinship or appearance are reborn from domestic animals such as pigs and dogs. Those who crave meat, kill wantonly, drink excessively, and behave wildly are reborn from fish, turtles, frogs, poisonous insects, or fierce beasts. Those with filthy, foul-smelling bodies are reborn from poisonous creatures such as tadpoles. Those reborn as livestock such as cattle and horses have killed living beings, incurred debts, or violated prohibitions in the past. Those reborn as wild animals and venomous creatures such as muntjacs, deer, pit vipers, scorpions, and pythons have been jealous, harmed others, and plotted in secret. Those reborn as starving tigers or jackals have oppressed, robbed, and killed or injured others.

Those reborn as filthy insects in latrines, frogs, tadpoles, or ants have slighted the Three Treasures and lacked all reverence and faith. Those reborn as mad dogs, wild boars, fish, turtles, or strange insects have betrayed their teacher’s lineage, forgotten their roots, and violated the scriptures and teachings. Those reborn as swallows, turtledoves, or pigeons have recklessly debated the scriptures and teachings and incurred the karmic burden of their speech. Those reborn as birds of prey such as eagles and hawks have offended monastics and destroyed the scriptures and teachings. Causing a fetus to miscarry, or being born with a large belly and a thin neck, results from mocking the Three Treasures, behaving arrogantly and recklessly, and slighting monastics.

Suffering imprisonment in fetters and harsh torture results from ingratiating oneself with others while harboring malice, forming cliques for personal gain, and harming the poor and weak. Being beaten with whips or rods and confined results from vicious greed and cruel abuse of others. Those reborn as cats, dogs, wild dogs, jackals, wolves, foxes, or raccoon dogs have been miserly, hypocritical, and deceitful. Those reborn as mice, weasels, centipedes, or earthworms have secretly harbored ill will and harmed others out of jealousy. Those reborn as bees, scorpions, poisonous insects, geckos, or lizards have cursed monastics and deceived or slighted the Three Treasures. Those reborn as spiders, earthworms, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, or lice have slighted the Daoist teachings and mocked or slandered the scriptures. Those reborn among distant, despised peoples, bald or with little hair, with sunken eyes, long noses, and foul-smelling bodies, have killed living beings, engaged in illicit sex, and disbelieved in karmic retribution.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, one of the highest divine beings in Daoism, said to the immortal adepts attending him: “The sinful deeds mentioned earlier must be answered for after death. People will face interrogations and punishments in the underworld, and endure many trials and tribulations. Only after repaying their sins may they receive a human body again. Some people undergo karmic retribution in this very life: the sins they commit and the conditions connected with them will each be revealed in full. Everyone should clear the mind, quiet the thoughts, and repent with sincerity. The blessings gained in this way are immeasurable.

“The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning then said to the immortal attendants beside him: ‘If, in the lower realm, men and women who believe in the Great Dao and are sincere establish a ritual altar on behalf of empresses and consorts, the heavenly ancestors enshrined in successive imperial temples, and the nobles of successive generations; set up the treasured seats of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and altars to the Five Emperors and stars; hang banners; offer flowers and precious fruits; burn incense and light lamps; perform a grand star-offering rite; and hold rites to rescue departed souls, then I will dispatch the Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering, a divine being who relieves suffering and guides the dead. He will open the Gate of Vermilion Mound, where departed souls are said to be saved, and issue sacred documents such as cinnabar edicts and purple registers. He will proclaim the names of the Celestial Worthies, praise and honor them, and chant the Cavernous Chapters, Daoist scriptures. He will release the souls detained in the Nine Depths of the underworld, dispel the hindrances created by their past karma, and guide them through the Five Paths, where they will dwell in peace and freedom and receive rebirth and blessings. In this way, all sins can be cleansed. Therefore, when performing the rite, burn incense, entrust body and life, and prostrate yourself with all five limbs touching the ground.’

Worship with sincere devotion:

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, of the Sacred Realm of Jade Clarity, empty, void, and naturally so;

The Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure, the Supreme Lord of the Dao, of the True Realm of Highest Clarity;

The Celestial Worthy of the Dao and Virtue, the Supreme Lord Lao, of the Immortal Realm of Great Clarity;

The Supreme August Jade Emperor, Sovereign of the Golden Palace in the Vast Heavens;

The Celestial Emperor of the Southern Pole, Lord of the Stars in the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity;

The Great Emperor of the Northern Pole, Lord of the Stars at the Center of Heaven in the Central Palace of Purple Tenuity;

The Earthly Sovereign Empress Houtu, who receives Heaven’s mandate and models its way, whose virtue is abundant and radiant;

The Great Emperor of Long Life at the Southern Pole, Celestial Worthy Who Commands Heaven and Presides over the Origins of the Sages;

The Great Emperor of Azure Florescence at the Eastern Pole, Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering;

The Great Sage of True Luminosity, Celestial Worthy Who Responds to the Origin of Heaven’s Ninefold Thunder and Spreads Its Transformative Power;

The Great Emperor, Patriarch of Thunder in the Nine Heavens, Celestial Worthy Who Removes Calamities and Benefits All Beings;

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi, the Great Heavenly Emperor who Protects and Sustains, of the Azure Jade Palace of Purple Tenuity;

The Great Emperor of Azure Florescence at the Eastern Pole, Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship and pay homage to the Great Sage Zhenming, the Celestial Worthy of Thunder’s Universal Transformation, Responding to the Origin in the Nine Heavens.

We bow in worship and pay homage to the Great Emperor, Ancestor of Thunder in the Nine Heavens, the Celestial Worthy Who Removes Calamities and Aids All Beings.

We bow in worship and pay homage to the Great Heavenly Emperor Taiyi of the Purple Tenuity Palace of Jade Green, the Celestial Worthy Who Preserves and Regulates the Cycles of Tribulation.

We bow in worship and pay homage to the Great Emperor of the Six Heavens and Dongyuan, the Supreme Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Subdues Demons.

We bow in worship and pay homage to the Lord of the Six Waves, the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Bestows the Dharma’s Moistening Grace.

We bow in worship and pay homage to the Elder of the Office of the Nine Heavens, Kehan, of the Vermilion Mound, the Celestial Worthy Who Delivers Lives.

We bow in worship and pay homage to the Commissioner of Inspection of the Nine Heavens, the Celestial Worthy Who Responds to the Origin, Preserves Good Fortune, and Brings Wondrous Transformation.

We bow in worship and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Qingling Shilao of Dongkong in the eastern heaven of the Nine Qi; the Celestial Worthy Danling Zhenlao of Dongqing in the southern heaven of the Three Qi; the Celestial Worthy Haoling Huanglao of Dongxu in the western heaven of the Seven Qi; the Celestial Worthy Wuling Xuanlao of Dongwei in the northern heaven of the Five Qi; and the Celestial Worthy Xuanling Yuanlao of Dongzhen in the central heaven of the One Qi. Here, “the Qi of the Five Directions” refers to the Celestial Worthies residing in the east, south, west, north, and center.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Profound Truth and Myriad Blessings in the South.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in worship and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Deep Stillness and Dharma Clouds; the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom, Power, and Skillful Means; the Celestial Worthy of Eastern Florescence, Who Opens and Transforms; the Celestial Worthy, Supreme and Unequaled in the Three Heavens; the Celestial Worthy of the Great Purity, Who Attains the Dao; the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Dao of Vermilion and Mystery; and the Celestial Worthy of Beneficial, Skillful Means.

Then, with utmost sincerity, we bow in worship and pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Eastern Florescence, Who Opens and Transforms; the Celestial Worthy, Supreme and Unequaled in the Three Heavens; the Celestial Worthy of the Great Purity, Who Attains the Dao; the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Dao of Vermilion and Mystery; the Celestial Worthy Who Extends Blessings and the Course of the Dao Everywhere; the Celestial Worthy Who Spreads Grace from the Vermilion Scene; the Celestial Worthy of the Five Emperors of the Great Purity; the Celestial Worthy Who Spreads the Treasure of True Precepts; the Celestial Worthy of Responding Clarity and Lofty Fortune; the Celestial Worthy Who Delights in the Great Cavern; the Celestial Worthy of the Profound and Vast Course of the Dao; the Celestial Worthy, Emperor of Heaven; and the Celestial Worthy Whose Dharma Nature Opens Everywhere.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in worship to the Heavenly Worthy of All-Awareness throughout the Upper Origin; the Heavenly Worthy Who Opens Heaven through the Divine Unfolding of the Dao’s Fortune; the Heavenly Worthy of Spirit Manifested in Radiant Colors; the Heavenly Worthy Who Responds Wonderfully through Wuwei (non-action); the Heavenly Worthy of the Compassionate Vessel Who Rescues from Suffering; the Heavenly Worthy of the Wondrous Working of the Divine Dao; and the Heavenly Worthy of the Mysterious Model and Penetrating Dharma.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in worship to the Heavenly Worthy Who Responds Wonderfully through Wuwei, the Heavenly Worthy of the Compassionate Vessel Who Rescues from Suffering, the Heavenly Worthy of the Wondrous Working of the Divine Dao, and the Heavenly Worthy of the Mysterious Model and Penetrating Dharma; to the Heavenly Worthy of Precious Brightness and Perfect Virtue, the Heavenly Worthy Who Constantly Opens the Light, the Heavenly Worthy of the Wondrous Light of the Mirror-Mind, the Heavenly Worthy King of the Dharma of Floating Clouds, the Heavenly Worthy Who Opens Compassion and Broadens the Spirit, the Heavenly Worthy of the Precious Dharma Jewel of Jade Pendants, the Heavenly Worthy of the Mysterious Dao and Luminous Writings, the Heavenly Worthy Whose Ten Thousand Fortunes Pervade the Dao, the Heavenly Worthy of the Immortal Radiance of the Realized One, the Heavenly Worthy of the True Venerable and the Immortal Dao, the Heavenly Worthy of the Purple Abode on Jade Mountain, the Heavenly Worthy Who Constantly Practices the Unfolding of Illumination, and the Heavenly Worthy of Unimpeded Ultimate Reality.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in worship to the Heavenly Worthy; to the Heavenly Worthy of the Purple Abode on Jade Mountain, the Heavenly Worthy Who Constantly Practices the Unfolding of Illumination, the Heavenly Worthy of Unimpeded Ultimate Reality, the Heavenly Worthy Whose Words Fulfill the True Dao, the Heavenly Worthy of the Upper Dao’s Luminous Illumination, the Heavenly Worthy of the Great Vow of the Clear Source, the Heavenly Worthy Who Views Equally the Profound Mystery upon Profound Mystery, the Heavenly Worthy of the Ultimate Nature That Is Not Two, the Heavenly Worthy of the Wisdom Dao Pervading All, the Heavenly Worthy Who Attains Fruition in Emptiness, and the Heavenly Worthy of the Wisdom and Emptiness of the Dao’s Unfolding.

“With wholehearted reverence, I bow in worship” is a devotional phrase used in Daoist rites of worship. It expresses focused, reverent homage to a divine figure. The titles of the Heavenly Worthies praise the virtues and powers of the deities.

With utmost sincerity, worship the Celestial Worthy of Mystical Penetration and Wondrous Attainment, the Celestial Worthy of the Southern Pole’s Precious Wheel, the Celestial Worthy of True Emptiness and True Stillness, the Celestial Worthy Whose Transformations Extend Without Limit, the Celestial Worthy Who Sets the Bright Spirits in Motion, the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Treasures of Great Clarity, the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Clear Realm and Protects Life, the Celestial Worthy of Golden Radiance and Utmost Affinity, the Celestial Worthy of Stillness, Stability, and Abundant De, the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Emperor’s Great Mystery, and the Celestial Worthy of True Ones Without Obstruction, among the other Celestial Worthies. In the scripture, “with focused heart, pay homage” means to worship with undivided attention and reverence.

Then worship the Celestial Worthy of the Stillness of the Three Realms, the Celestial Worthy Who Illuminates Emptiness and Grants Liberation, the Celestial Worthy Who Answers Prayers to Save Beings, the Celestial Worthy of the Bright Echo of the True Dao, the Celestial Worthy of the Clear Stillness of the Three Origins, and the Celestial Worthy of Emptiness Without Obstruction, as well as the Celestial Worthies of the Radiant Clouds of the Upper Palace, the Spiritual Countenance of the Dharma Treasure, the Golden Spirit and Jade Treasure, the All-Seeing Great Clarity Cavern, the Radiant Bright Cinnabar Heaven, the Wondrous Golden Light and Purity, and the Seven Reflections of the Northern Origin. Finally, worship the Celestial Worthy of True Uprightness and the Precepts That Give Life, the Celestial Worthy of the Upper Immortals Who Extend One’s Years, the Celestial Worthy of Great Practice in the Central Palace, and the Celestial Worthy of the Bright Echo of the Upper Dao. Through the repeated invocation of names and acts of worship, the scripture expresses reverence for and supplication to these Celestial Worthies.

With sincere and reverent devotion, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Practice and Western Radiance, the Celestial Worthy of Broad Instruction and Immortal Spirits, the Celestial Worthy of Profound Realization and Purple Clarity, the Celestial Worthy who Sets the Example in Jade Clarity, the Celestial Worthy of the Celestial Emperor at the Pole of Dawn, the Celestial Worthy of Great Wisdom and Mysterious Clarity, the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar Radiance and Resolve, the Celestial Worthy of Virtue and Understanding in the Upper Origin, the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Radiance and Immortal Virtue, the Celestial Worthy of Parables and Expedient Means, the Celestial Worthy of Universal Fruition in Purple Clarity, the Celestial Worthy who Protects Life and Opens the Rosy Clouds, the Celestial Worthy of Silent Transformation into Emptiness, the Celestial Worthy of Clear Emptiness and All Beings, the Celestial Worthy of the Bright Resonance of the Spirit Way, the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Communion and Hidden Response, the Celestial Worthy of Yellow Radiance and Illuminating Power, the Celestial Worthy who Delivers and Liberates the Truly Worthy, the Celestial Worthy of the Illuminating Wisdom Way, and the Celestial Worthy who Grants Rebirth in Accordance with One’s Vows; and the Perfected One of Compassionate Rescue from Suffering, the Perfected One of Compassionate Deliverance, the Perfected One of Great Compassionate Benevolence, the Perfected One of Compassionate Contemplation, the Perfected One of Equal Rescue, the Perfected One of Wisdom and Emptiness, the Perfected One of the Precious Form, the Perfected One of Mysterious Awakening, the Perfected One of Clear Emptiness, the Perfected One of Equal Forms, the Perfected One of Compassionate Radiance, and the Perfected One of Luminous Spirit.

The repeated phrase “with wholehearted devotion, I pay homage” expresses reverence and piety as the worshipper pays homage in turn to the Celestial Worthies and Perfected Ones. “Celestial Worthy” and “Perfected One” are Daoist titles for revered deities and immortals who have attained the Dao.

With sincere hearts, we respectfully pay homage to the Celestial Masters of Pure Resolve, of Subduing Heresy, of Capturing Ghosts, of Controlling Demons, of Beheading Evil, and of Opening Heaven, as well as to the Perfected One Yaoling, a title of a Daoist immortal.

The Primordial Heavenly Lord, a revered Daoist deity, told the kings of the gods in the heavens: “I now send this scripture into the human world with the Perfected One Jinhua, to spread it throughout the ten directions and the three realms—the vast divine world as described in Daoism—and have all the people of the land recite it. If people who follow Daoism and men and women who sincerely believe in the Dao, on the day corresponding to the heavenly-stem-and-earthly-branch cycle of their birth year, hold a grand Daoist sacrifice for the empress, the noble consorts, the crown prince and their relatives, as well as for Heaven and Earth, the sun and moon, the stars, famous mountains, grotto dwellings, and immortals who have attained the Dao, and recite the titles of the Heavenly Worthies, Perfected Ones, and Celestial Masters, then ten benevolent celestial gods will protect them and report their deeds to the Heavenly Bureau, the government of the heavens. They will be rid forever of worldly calamities, receive Heaven’s grace for a long time, dwell in peace in the Phoenix Pavilion, a palace in the heavens, and serve Fuming, a deity, each day. Their merit will be great, and their blessings immeasurable.”

With sincere hearts, we respectfully pay homage to the immortal officials of the Grotto Heaven of True Virtue on Mount Taibai; the Grotto Heaven of the Ultimate Truth of Heavenly Treasure on the Western Mountain; the Grotto Heaven of Mysterious Eminence and Cherishing Life on Mount Dawei; the Grotto Heaven of Mysterious Administration beneath the Heavenly Pillar on Mount Qian; the Grotto Heaven of Great Mystery and True Administration on Mount Guigu; the Grotto Heaven of Ascending to Truth and Primordial Transformation on Mount Wuyi; the Grotto Heaven of Great Excellence and Dharma Bliss on Mount Yusi; the Grotto Heaven of Great Jade and Rongcheng on Mount Huagai; the Grotto Heaven of Radiant Longevity and Precious Primordial on Mount Gaizhu; and the Grotto Heaven of Precious Mystery on Mount Duqiao.

Immortal officials of Qiongxiu Changzhen Grotto-Heaven on Baishi Mountain, of Yuque Baogui Grotto-Heaven on Goulu Mountain, of Chaoxu Taixu Grotto-Heaven on Jiuyi Mountain, of Dongyang Yongguan Grotto-Heaven on Dongyang Mountain, of Dongzhen Taixuan Grotto-Heaven on Mufu Mountain, of Dayou Huamiao Grotto-Heaven on Dayou Mountain, and of Jinting Chongmiao Grotto-Heaven on Jinting Mountain.

The Primordial Heavenly Emperor once again addressed the immortal officials who attended him: “I now wish to spread this scripture throughout the world, so that people on earth and in heaven may bow in reverence and recite it, welcoming good fortune, gathering blessings and De, preserving life, and extending longevity. If faithful men and women wish to do so, when the Three Primal Festivals—the Upper, Middle, and Lower Primal Festivals—or the Eight Seasonal Festivals arrive, they may burn incense, turn and bow, and recite the revered names of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), as well as the name and exalted title of the Perfected One of Golden Radiance. May the empress, noble consorts, crown prince, and members of the imperial family bow and make offerings, accumulate blessings and De, and extend their years, so that the dynasty may prosper for a long time, endure through generations, and dwell forever in the Purple Court, the palaces of heaven.”

The Master Chongmiao burned incense, bowed in homage, and gave thanks to the Emperor of the Golden Palace, offering this hymn:

Holy Mother of the Western Numinous Realm, adorned with precious jade,

attending the Heavenly Emperor’s chariot amid the Luan Terrace and Phoenix Pavilion.

Rainbow light pierces straight through the Northern Dipper; moonlight illuminates the Great Void.

The palace precincts are pure, still, and serene;

forever she guards her dwelling in heaven.

The Supreme Taishang Lingbao Great Penitential Liturgy of Facing Heaven and Repenting of Sins, Volume Two

The Supreme Taishang Lingbao Great Penitential Liturgy of Facing Heaven and Repenting of Sins, Volume Three

At this time, the Primordial Heavenly Emperor was in the Jade Capital and Golden Palace of the Unexcelled Great Luo Heaven, seated upon the Celestial Treasure Wondrous Terrace, together with the Supreme Jade Morning Dao Lord and the Supreme Holy Ancestor, the Most High Lord Lao of Great Purity…

At that time, the Primordial Heavenly Lord, a revered deity in Daoism, sat upright upon the wondrous platform of the Heavenly Treasure in the Jade Capital’s Golden Palace, high in the supreme Great Encompassing Heaven. Together with the Supreme Jade Dawn Dao Lord and the Supreme Sage Ancestor, the Most High Lord Lao of Great Purity, he summoned the assembled immortals and expounded the profound Dao teachings, scriptures, and precepts.

All the great sages of the heavens and the assembled perfected beings present burned incense, scattered flowers, and held banners and ceremonial insignia. They chanted passages from the Cavern scriptures and performed the ritual steps and chants known as “Pacing the Void,” offering their praise. Such solemn merit had never before been seen or heard. Today, I am fortunate to have come to this treasured hall and to stand among the ranks of immortals, respectfully listening to the sacred teaching. I pray to receive its grace and open the gate to salvation.

At that time, the Primordial Lord (a revered Daoist deity) said to the immortal officials serving beside the True Gods: “My radiance shines throughout boundless worlds, illuminating the people of the human realm and all living beings. Deluded and ignorant, they are entangled in worldly concerns and sunk in the six desires—the cravings arising from the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. Unable to awaken, they are often beset by suffering and distress, swept along through the cycle of birth and death, and never attain enlightenment.

“If men and women who believe in the Orthodox Way can resolve to seek the supreme Dao and, for the sake of all living beings, establish the sacred seats of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the highest deities of Daoism, and spirit altars to the Five Emperors, the celestial rulers of the five directions; hang banners, offer fresh flowers, burn incense, bow in reverence, and recite scriptures and penitential texts, then they can pray for the sins of their ancestors and kin, deceased parents, spouses, children, and relatives to be expunged. May these departed ones be purified in body and mind, continually hear sacred teachings, avoid falling into the evil paths, and keep faith as they follow the Orthodox Way, repenting the wrongs of past and present lives.

“People may, in disbelief, slander, damage, defile, mock, revile, curse, slight, or disdain the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters revered in Daoism. They may also disparage scriptures and ritual registers, rashly debate what is true or false, alter texts without authority, argue irresponsibly over right and wrong, or judge the relative depth and worth of scriptural teachings and methods. Some may be unclean in their appearance, clothing, hands, feet, or breath; drink wine, eat meat, or consume pungent foods such as onions and garlic; speak obscenely; or harbor no reverence in their hearts. Others may enter a spirit altar with unclean hands, without burning incense, rinsing their mouths, or bathing, thereby offending the divine images and showing disrespect to the True Sages and Immortals, the Heavenly Kings and Mighty Warriors, the Jade Maidens and Golden Boys, and the spirit officials who guard the altar.

“Some show no reverence before the Three Pure Ones, the scriptures and teachings of the Most True, or ordained Daoist masters; they act arrogantly and refuse to believe. Some ride in by carriage or on horseback, barging into temples and spirit altars, approaching the divine images and disturbing these pure, blessed places. Some refuse to believe in those who observe fasting and keep the precepts. When they see people bowing and reciting scriptures or conducting Zhaijiao (Daoist rituals of prayer or averting calamity, involving scripture recitation and the establishment of an altar), they disrupt the rites, dismissing them as delusions and superstition. When they enter ritual gatherings, they shout loudly and disturb those taking part in the ceremonies.

“Some stir up disputes and argue over what is true or false through their words and actions. They exploit the name of the Three Treasures to make money, deceive the people by claiming to spread Daoist teachings, or divert the Three Treasures’ offerings for their own use. Some even threaten ordained Daoists, pick at their faults, and use these as a pretext to demand money for supporting their families. Such offenses are beyond measure.

“Now, if they can sincerely confess and repent by openly acknowledging their wrongs, bow in repentance before Heaven and Earth, the Three Treasures, and the stars, and earnestly pray on behalf of their ancestors, parents, and living relatives, asking that their sins be expunged and that they be purified within and without, then I hope they may all be delivered.”

The Primordial God said again to the Perfected Ones who attended him: “I take pity on the people of the world, who still live among the human realm. The karmic offenses they incur through the three activities of body, speech, and mind, and through the six faculties of eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind, are grave. For a long time they have killed living beings and acted cruelly, without compassion. They kill all kinds of creatures and treat the six domestic animals as food.

Some kill countless beings for their parents, themselves, their brothers, wives, children, and kin, or to gather people from their villages for a feast. They kill cattle, sheep, donkeys, horses, pigs, dogs, chickens, and piglets—livestock raised by people; muntjacs, deer, foxes, rabbits, tigers, leopards, jackals, and wolves—wild animals of the mountains and forests; geese, ducks, small birds, doves, pigeons, owls, kites, and wild ducks—birds of the air; insects, snakes, scorpions, bees, centipedes, earthworms, and ants; softshell turtles, alligators, fish, turtles, snails, clams, frogs, and crabs—creatures of the water. They also kill small insects such as dung beetles, ants, midges, caterpillars, and earthworms, as well as tiny creatures such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas, lice, and mayflies.

Some fly hawks and set dogs after prey, spread nets to catch animals, or set fire to mountains, killing every creature in the forests and waters. Some kill with bows and arrows, knives, or staves; others crush creatures in their hands, trample them underfoot, or sit or lie on them. Plowing and sowing fields, building walls, constructing houses, digging pits for earth, and taking down fences to build barriers can also harm living beings. So can cutting open a womb, breaking birds’ eggs, or pouring hot broth onto the ground. Some even kill in front of scriptures and images, sacred altars, and Daoist temples. Others kill to make offerings to ghosts and spirits or to vent their anger.

Some creatures die at human hands; others die beneath a blade. Some have their heads or limbs cut off, or their fur and skin stripped away; some are scorched in fierce flames or scalded in boiling water. Some mothers and young are torn apart alive, while their unborn offspring cannot be born. Some have their very source of life cut off and are utterly destroyed. People also kill worthy men, Daoist practitioners, the old and the young, women and men, creditors, enemies, and good people from every region. They take lives through threats, poison, spells, and insults; some kill with their own hands, while others order someone else to do it. Every raised hand and movement of the body can thus create the karma of killing. The beings harmed are countless, the karmic offenses grave, and the matter too painful to hear.

Now, if men and women who revere the Great Dao sincerely confess and repent, pay homage to Heaven and give thanks to the spirits, submit memorials, and perform a grand Zhaijiao for the Three Officials—Heaven, Earth, and Water—they can make amends for and cleanse the offenses of their ancestors of seven generations, their deceased parents, and all their kin. By freeing living beings and protecting life, giving alms, aiding the orphaned and poor, burning incense and practicing the Way, chanting Daoist scriptures, and performing repentance through ritual processions and prostrations, they can turn from evil and cultivate goodness, purifying body and mind. Their requests and wishes will all be fulfilled; the kin they save will be delivered from suffering, guided by immortals, and set free in Wuwei. Their names will be entered in the Southern Palace, and they will be reborn among humankind, receiving immeasurable blessings.”

The Primordial Sovereign once again said to the attendant perfected ones at his sides—the immortals who serve the gods: “If, in the lower realm, there are people who sincerely believe in the Dao and, burdened by grave karmic offenses caused by aquatic beings, crustaceans, flood dragons, fish, softshell turtles, shrimp, snails, mussels, clams, and other creatures of the waters, as well as poisonous beasts of the wetlands, establish sacred seats for the Three Pure Ones and numinous altars for the Five Emperors, burn incense and light lamps, submit memorials and offer petitions, and repent with sincerity, seeking forgiveness, I shall dispatch the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Rescues from Suffering. From the Cloud Tower’s blue registers and the treasury of golden inscriptions, I shall bring forth the Celestial Worthy’s sacred title, so that it may be widely praised and honored in the human and celestial realms. People shall recite the Cavern Chapters, visualize the gods, chant the Great Dao, and pray that the relevant records be struck from the registers of the Ninefold Darkness of Illuminated Truth and the enclosure of Long Night, names for the sufferings of the underworld. In this way, all aquatic and crustacean beings may be freed from suffering, their countless offenses erased, and their souls delivered. Therefore, those performing the rite burn incense, entrust body and life, and prostrate themselves with all five limbs touching the ground.

“Worship with sincere devotion:

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, of the Jade Clarity sacred realm of emptiness and naturalness;

The Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure, the Lord of the Dao, of the Highest Clarity true realm;

The Celestial Worthy of the Dao and Virtue, the Most High Lord Lao, of the Supreme Clarity immortal realm;

The Supreme Jade Emperor, Most High Sovereign of the Golden Palace in the Vast Heavens;

The Great Emperor of the Southern Pole, Lord of the Stars, of the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity;

The Great Emperor of the Northern Pole, Lord of the Stars at the center of heaven, of the Central Palace of Purple Tenuity;

The Earthly Sovereign Houtu, who bears Heaven’s mandate and embodies its ways, of abundant virtue and radiant greatness;

The Celestial Worthy of the Southern Pole, Great Emperor of Long Life, Holy One Who Rules the Heavens;

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Rescues from Suffering, Great Emperor of the Eastern Pole and Verdant Radiance;

The Celestial Worthy of Thunder, the Great Sage of Pure Light, Who Answers the Primordial Mandate of the Nine Heavens and Spreads Universal Transformation;

The Great Emperor of the Northern Pole of the Nine Heavens;

The Earthly Sovereign Houtu, who bears Heaven’s mandate and embodies its ways, of abundant virtue and radiant greatness;

The Celestial Worthy of the Southern Pole, Great Emperor of Long Life, Holy One Who Rules the Heavens;

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Rescues from Suffering, Great Emperor of the Eastern Pole and Verdant Radiance;

The Celestial Worthy of Thunder, the Great Sage of Pure Light, Who Answers the Primordial Mandate of the Nine Heavens and Spreads Universal Transformation;

The Celestial Worthy of the Great Emperor, Ancestor of Thunder of the Nine Heavens, Who Removes Calamities and Aids All Beings;

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Great Heavenly Emperor of the Green Jade Palace of Purple Tenuity, Who Preserves and Governs the Cycles of Calamity;

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Supreme Above All, Great Emperor of the Six Heavens and the Cavern Abyss, Who Subdues Demons.”

With focused reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Sixfold Heaven, Lord and Sovereign, who governs the laws of the heavenly realm and bestows blessings far and wide.

With focused reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy, the Elder of the Nine Heavens, Ke Han Si, who delivers lives from the land of Zhuling, and to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Transformation, who responds to the Mandate, protects fortune, and serves as Envoy of Inspection in the Nine Heavens, appointed to survey the heavens, safeguard the course of fortune, and bring about wondrous transformations.

With focused reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Azure Spirit, the First Elder of the Cavern of Emptiness in the Nine Qi Heavens of the East; the Celestial Worthy of the Cinnabar Spirit, the True Elder of the Cavern of Clarity in the Three Qi Heavens of the South; the Celestial Worthy of the Bright Spirit, the Yellow Elder of the Cavern of the Void in the Seven Qi Heavens of the West; the Celestial Worthy of the Fivefold Spirit, the Dark Elder of the Cavern of Subtlety in the Five Qi Heavens of the North; and the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Spirit, the Primordial Elder of the Cavern of Truth in the One Qi Heaven at the center. These Celestial Worthies correspond, respectively, to the heavenly Qi transformations and divine spirits of the East, South, West, North, and Center.

With focused reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Cinnabar Spirit, the True Elder of the Cavern of Clarity in the Three Qi Heavens of the South; the Celestial Worthy of the Bright Spirit, the Yellow Elder of the Cavern of the Void in the Seven Qi Heavens of the West; the Celestial Worthy of the Fivefold Spirit, the Dark Elder of the Cavern of Subtlety in the Five Qi Heavens of the North; and the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Spirit, the Primordial Elder of the Cavern of Truth in the One Qi Heaven at the center.

With focused reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Subtlety in the West; the Celestial Worthy Who Treads the Bright Upper Way; the Celestial Worthy of the Serene Purple Cassia; the Celestial Worthy of the Revered Golden Countenance; the Celestial Worthy of the Congealed Light and Golden Cavern; the Celestial Worthy of the Divine Radiance of the Three Luminaries; the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Immortals of Purple Clarity; the Celestial Worthy of Great Action in the Midheaven; the Celestial Worthy of Broadly Spreading the Dao through Emptiness; the Celestial Worthy of the Supreme True One Who Carries the Dao’s Fortune; the Celestial Worthy Who Guides and Delivers through the Immortal Dao; the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar Light and Profound Mystery; the Celestial Worthy of Great, Broadly Spreading Illumination; the Celestial Worthy Who Follows the World; the Celestial Worthy of Profound Stillness and the One Vehicle; and the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrously Revered Golden Hall.

The phrase “with focused reverence, I bow in worship,” repeated here, means to pay homage to the Celestial Worthies with a single-minded and reverent heart. “Celestial Worthy” is an honorific title for high-ranking deities in Daoism. This passage chiefly praises and pays homage to the Celestial Worthies in turn through acts of worship.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Untroubled Freedom and the Three Vehicles, a revered deity symbolizing transcendence, freedom, and mastery of the Three Vehicles.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Observing Practice and Manifesting Immortals, a revered deity symbolizing contemplative practice and the manifestation of immortal spirits.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of the Flying Celestial Dharma King, a revered deity symbolizing ascent to the heavens and protection of the Dharma.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Clear Origin and Vast Teaching, a revered deity symbolizing the still, pure origin and the wide spread of teachings.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Great Harmony and the One Vehicle, a revered deity symbolizing the Qi of Great Harmony and the wondrous Dao of the One Vehicle.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of True Movement and Illuminated Practice, a revered deity symbolizing the movement of the true Dao and its clear understanding and enactment.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Golden Compassion and Jade Treasure, a revered deity symbolizing precious compassion and dignity like gold and jade.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Opening Illumination and Untying the Mind, a revered deity symbolizing awakening understanding and freeing the mind.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Liberation through Layered Mystery, a revered deity symbolizing transcendence through successive depths of mystery.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Supreme Excellence and Empty Clarity, a revered deity symbolizing the highest excellence and a clear, open stillness.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Liberation’s Radiant Light, a revered deity symbolizing the light of liberation shining everywhere.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Precepts Giving Rise to the Dharma King, a revered deity symbolizing the arising of the true Dharma through precepts.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Treasure and Golden Citadel, a revered deity symbolizing wondrous treasures of the Dharma and steadfast protection.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Stillness and Great Truth, a revered deity symbolizing quietude, purity, and unfeigned sincerity.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of the Origin of the Cavern and Ten Thousand Fruits, a revered deity symbolizing penetrating the source and bringing about every kind of good fruit.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of the Pure King and Wondrous Joy, a revered deity symbolizing purity and loftiness, and the freedom of wondrous joy.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Mysterious Response and Attentive Hearing, a revered deity symbolizing subtle resonance and penetrating perception.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Universal Compassion and Reflected Light, a revered deity symbolizing all-embracing compassion and shining illumination.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of the Unimpeded Celestial Immortals, a revered deity symbolizing the freedom and ease of the celestial immortal realm.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of True Awakening and Manifesting Immortals, a revered deity symbolizing genuine awakening and the manifestation of immortal spirits, and to the Heavenly Worthy of Mysterious Response and Attentive Hearing.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Universal Compassion and Reflected Light.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of the Unimpeded Celestial Immortals.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of True Awakening and Manifesting Immortals.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Pervasive Awakening and Communion with Mystery, a revered deity symbolizing complete knowledge and understanding of wondrous, mysterious principles.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Receiving Good Fruits in Accordance with One’s Deeds, a revered deity symbolizing receiving good fruits in response to good actions.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Excellence and Layered Mystery, a revered deity symbolizing the wondrous, exceptional Dao and deep entry into layers of mystery.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of the Wondrous Dao’s Luminous Light, a revered deity symbolizing the luminous manifestation of the wondrous Dao.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Concentrated Stillness and Golden Treasure, a revered deity symbolizing focused spirit and stillness, and preciousness like gold.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Unconcealed Causes and Conditions, a revered deity symbolizing causes and conditions that are clear and evident, with nothing concealed.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Luminous Light and Lofty Fortune, a revered deity symbolizing far-reaching radiance and the flourishing fortune of the Dao.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of the Great Vehicle and Wuwei (non-action), a revered deity symbolizing the vast Dao of non-action.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Qinghua, Master of the Life Span, a revered deity symbolizing authority over the allotment of years and protection of life.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Clear Wisdom in Motion and Unimpeded Understanding, a revered deity symbolizing the application of clear wisdom and unhindered comprehension.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Ten Thousand Immortals Who Save Life, a revered deity symbolizing the rescue of all beings and the preservation of life.

Reverently bow to the Heavenly Worthy of Golden Radiance and Wondrous Stillness, a revered deity symbolizing a realm of golden light and pure, quiet stillness.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who attained the immortal Way.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who pervades the six paths—the six realms through which beings transmigrate.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who illuminates the teachings and sets their wondrous workings in motion.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of the pure, empty realm above.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who manifests wondrous radiance and bears the dignity of crimson.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who pervades the six paths.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who illuminates the teachings and sets their wondrous workings in motion.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of the pure, empty realm above.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who manifests wondrous radiance and bears the dignity of crimson.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who puts the Great Dao into motion and dwells in the Cinnabar Heaven.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who penetrates the mysterious origin and is solemnly pure.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who penetrates the origin and possesses every kind of merit and virtue.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy whose immortal nature is cinnabar-red, radiant, and wondrous.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who is limpid and crimson, and who attains the wondrous fruit.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy whose Dharma ocean is vast and whose radiance shines everywhere.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who aspires to return to the realm of the Cavernous Origin.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy whose response is beyond compare.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who sets radiance in motion and brings blessings and felicity to the immortals.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who is still and mysterious, clear as a golden mirror.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who illuminates the Three Heavens.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who penetrates the numinous and shines with a vermilion light.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy whose wisdom and merit shine everywhere.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who penetrates the numinous and whose attained rank is radiant.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who saves beings everywhere and manifests the glow of cinnabar clouds.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy, exalted and numinous like a torch of wisdom.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy whose compassion and wisdom dispel the suffering of beings.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who is limpid and wondrous, radiant with golden hues.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who saves beings far and wide and guides them toward the immortal Way.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who sets the Great Dao in motion and responds with sublime power.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy whose compassion and wisdom dispel the suffering of beings.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who is limpid and wondrous, radiant with golden hues.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who saves beings far and wide and guides them toward the immortal Way.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who sets the Great Dao in motion and responds with sublime power.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who sets the Great Dao in motion and practices the truth.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy, whose Cinnabar Origin is full and whose way is unobstructed.

With sincere reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy who saves beings from the realm of the Northern Origin.

With single-minded sincerity and reverence, I bow in homage to the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Compassion, whose grace extends to all; the Celestial Worthy Who Opens and Transforms the Royal Palace, who reveals himself there to teach; the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Dao Responding and Shining Forth; the Celestial Worthy Who Illuminates the Course of the Dao with Supreme Radiance; the Celestial Worthy of the Great Brahma Realm; the Celestial Worthy Who Reveals the Great Dao through Divine Powers; the Celestial Worthy Who Saves Life and Uplifts Through Transformation; the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Perfected Ones among all the heavens; the Celestial Worthy Steadfast and Lofty as a Golden Mountain; the Celestial Worthy of the Dao’s Course Through the Boundless Void; the Celestial Worthy of Jade Radiance and Wondrous Music; the Celestial Worthy Who Increases Blessings and Good Wisdom; the Celestial Worthy of the True Nature, Still and Clear; the Celestial Worthy of the Profound Depths within the Cloud Palace; the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Mind and Brings Spiritual Understanding; the Celestial Worthy, True Lord of the Celestial Emperor; the Celestial Worthy of the Central Origin Who Saves Life; the Celestial Worthy of the Perfected One Whose Radiance Shines Everywhere; the Celestial Worthy Who Embodies the Void and the Everlasting Nature; the Celestial Worthy Who Guards Life through the Mysterious Ordinances; the Celestial Worthy Who Follows the Natural Way in Every Direction; the Celestial Worthy Who Delivers People through the Most Excellent Skillful Means; the Celestial Worthy Who Gradually Enters the Wondrous and Comprehends the Profound; the Celestial Worthy Who, through De and wisdom, Penetrates the Profound; the Celestial Worthy, Immortal Treasure Who Penetrates the Origin; the Celestial Worthy of Great Truth, Whose Torch of Wisdom Shines Brightly; the Celestial Worthy Whose Divine Response Resounds Clearly; the Celestial Worthy Who Rides Through the Boundless Void; the Celestial Worthy of the Precious Elixir of the Great Mystery; the Celestial Worthy Who Increases All Good Practices; and the Celestial Worthy Who Cultivates with Clarity and Follows a Lofty Course.

“Zhixin chaoli” is a formula of reverent salutation used in Zhaijiao purification and repentance rites. It expresses offering homage to the Celestial Worthies with undivided sincerity and reverence. Repeated titles in the original are retained as they appear. The character “zeng” appears on its own, leaving the meaning unfinished, so its intended reference cannot be determined.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Heavenly Worthy Who Grants Rebirth According to One’s Vows, praying that all beings may be reborn in accordance with their wholesome vows.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One Who Compassionately Rescues the Suffering, praying for compassionate relief from hardship.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Compassionate Savior, praying for compassionate rescue and protection.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Heavenly Worthy Who Increases All Blessings, praying that all good works may flourish and blessings and benefits grow.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Heavenly Worthy Who Brings Forth Brightness and Great Fortune.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Heavenly Worthy Who Grants Rebirth According to One’s Vows, praying that all beings may be reborn in accordance with their wholesome vows.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One Who Compassionately Rescues the Suffering, praying for compassionate relief from hardship.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One Who Compassionately Saves and Liberates, praying for compassion that rescues and frees all beings.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One of Great Compassion and Wisdom, praying for compassion and great wisdom.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One of Radiant Emptiness.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One of Equality.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One of Great Compassion.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One Who Cherishes Life, praying that life be treasured and living beings protected.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One of Radiant Ascent.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One of Equal Radiance.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One of Pure Wisdom.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One of Bright Understanding.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One of Wondrous Wisdom.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Perfected One of Bright Emptiness.

With wholehearted reverence, I worship the Celestial Masters who oversee registers, submit petitions to Heaven, avert death, secure life, protect, and offer universal aid. I pray that they respectively oversee the recording of names and registers, petitions to the Heavenly Court, the removal of calamities that threaten life, the securing of vitality, the protection of all beings, and universal relief.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning again told the Perfected Ones attending him: “I now confer the titles of Celestial Worthy, Perfected One, and Celestial Master. I am sending the Perfected One of Golden Splendor to the lower world to spread them throughout the land, so that all the people may repent, make obeisance, and offer apologies for their offenses.

“If a virtuous person who sincerely follows Daoism burns incense and recites scriptures on the birthday corresponding to their birth-year zodiac animal, establishes a Zhaijiao altar and prays before the title of Celestial Master, and offers thanks to Heaven and Earth, the immortals in the grotto heavens will record their name. The God King will remove it from the register of the dead and enter it in the register of the living, record their merit, and report it to the heavens. In this way, they may enjoy abundant wealth and lasting peace. If a grand star Zhaijiao ceremony is held to pray for the heir apparent, the Crown Prince, a princess, or other members of the imperial family, auspicious signs will arrive, blessings and joy will gather, and immeasurable good fortune will be attained.

“With sincere devotion, make obeisance to the celestial officials of:

“Mount Magu’s Grotto Heaven of Cinnabar Dawn;

“Mount Xiandu’s Grotto Heaven of the Mysterious Capital and Prayer for Immortality;

“Mount Qingtian’s Grotto Heaven of the Great Crane at Qingtian;

“Mount Zhong’s Grotto Heaven of Great Life at Zhu Lake;

“Mount Liangchang’s Grotto Heaven of Liangchang’s Confluence in the Four Directions;

“Mount Zīgài’s Grotto Heaven of Mysterious Purple Illumination;

“Mount Tianmu’s Grotto Heaven of the Supreme Ultimate and Mysterious Canopy;

“Mount Taoyuan’s Grotto Heaven of the White Horse and Mysterious Radiance;

“Mount Jinhua’s Grotto Heaven of the Origin of the Cavern at Jinhua;

“the Grotto of the Azure Emperor on Mount Guang sang, the Eastern Sacred Mountain in the sea;

“the Grotto of the Red Emperor on Mount Changli, the Southern Sacred Mountain in the sea;

“the Grotto of the White Emperor on Mount Linong, the Western Sacred Mountain in the sea;

“the Grotto of the Black Emperor on Mount Guangye, the Northern Sacred Mountain in the sea;

“and the Grotto of the Yellow Emperor on Mount Kunlun, the Central Sacred Mountain in the sea.”

The Supreme Emperor Primordial Beginning again told the Perfected Ones attending him: “The celestial officials of the grottoes … the official of the Grotto of the Black Emperor on Mount Guangye, the Northern Sacred Mountain in the sea, and the official of the Grotto of the Yellow Emperor on Mount Kunlun, the Central Sacred Mountain in the sea.”

The Primordial Heavenly Lord again addressed the Perfected Ones who served at his side: “I now send Perfected One Taiyi with this scripture to spread it throughout the world, so that beings in the human realm and the heavens may bow in reverence and recite it. In this way, they can prolong their years, preserve their lives, gather blessings and De, and dispel calamities. Those who follow the Great Dao, if on the Three Yuan—the three important purification periods of the upper, middle, and lower yuan—the Eight Festivals, the eight festival days for purification, and their own birthdays, take turns bowing in reverence to the sacred names of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and the names of the Perfected Ones of the Ten Directions, can strengthen their bodies, preserve their lives for a long time, and receive boundless blessings.”

Master Chongmiao burned incense, bowed in gratitude to the Supreme Lord of the Golden Palace, the revered deity in the heavenly palace, and offered this hymn:

“Born in an age of peace and prosperity, day after day I serve the most exalted Heavenly Worthy. Dwelling in the palace of dragons and phoenixes, my name is entered in the register of immortals, in the company of one immortal generation after another. I burn incense in thanks for Heaven’s protection and recite the Wondrous and Subtle Chapters for ages to come. Through a thousand lifetimes I have received every kind of blessing, and my place is among the Clear Subtlety Heavens, one of the heavens in Daoist teaching. I abide forever in a realm of freedom and ease, naturally enjoying blessings and happiness for all time.”

At that time, the Primordial Heavenly Lord gathered the immortals at the Jade Capital and Golden Palace, on the Purple Tenuity Terrace in the Great Luo Heaven. He expounded the wondrous Dao teachings to save beings in the heavens and the human realm, enabling them all to understand the Great Dao and escape every kind of suffering. The Lord displayed his vast might and virtue, sending forth light that shone throughout the world and revealed all sins and blessings before their eyes. Using profound and subtle methods, he instructed and saved beings according to their circumstances. All the isolated souls trapped in hell, enduring immeasurable torments and indescribable pain, also received his grace and were rescued. They no longer sank into suffering, but were delivered and guided to salvation.

At this time, the Primordial Lord, in his boundless compassion, revealed another essential path of cultivation, bringing benefit to beings of the past and the future. He then spoke to the perfected ones who attended him:

At birth, everyone receives the same vital energy. After entering the world, a person’s lifespan is tied to the Three Origins, the divine system that governs Heaven, Earth, and Water. The length of one’s life, good or ill fortune, wealth or poverty, blessings or offenses, good or evil, and life or death all arise from their own causes and conditions and have roots in past lives. Each brings a corresponding recompense. Recompense follows the karma one creates without the slightest error, like a shadow following the body or an echo answering a sound.

On the fifteenth day of the first month, the Upper Origin Day, the Heavenly Officials of the Celestial Bureau oversee the records. All its departments ascend together to the heavenly court and submit registers of the world’s offenses and blessings. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the Middle Origin Day, the Earthly Officials oversee the records, and all the departments likewise ascend to report the registers of people’s offenses and blessings. On the fifteenth day of the tenth month, the Lower Origin Day, the departments of the Water Officials’ palace also ascend to make their report.

On the Three Origin Days, the gods of the Three Realms and the Ten Directions, the Four Offices and Five Emperors, the lads who record good and evil, and the various spirit officials all attend court before the Primordial Lord at the Golden Palace. They examine the registers of life and death for men and women, the causes and conditions of their offenses and blessings, and the lists of suffering souls in the Ninefold Dark Hells and the Water Officials’ palace.

If, at such a time, faithful men and women sincerely set their hearts on the Dao, build lofty halls and terraces such as the Ziwei Jewel Terrace and the Yujing Jewel Mountain, and adorn them with precious treasures; offer fragrant flowers, burn incense and practice the Dao, chant Dongzhang scriptures, light lamps, release living creatures, perform the steps and chants of the Void, give alms and make vows, repent and confess their faults, submit memorials, and hold Zhaijiao purification rites on a grand scale; if they pray reverently to Heaven and Earth without ceasing, day or night, then I will send the perfected ones of the Ten Heavens, the immortals of the heavens, the Four Offices of the Three Realms, and the spirit children who rescue the suffering down to the human world. Together they will come to the ritual altar, remove their offenses, and protect the living.

In this way, the realm may be at peace and men and women may live in contentment; good deeds may flourish together and evil deeds cease. The suffering souls in the Hells may be released all at once and ultimately ascend to Heaven to enjoy happiness, while peace and order prevail throughout the world. From this, one gains lofty merit and immeasurable blessings.

The Primordial Heavenly Lord once again addressed the attendant perfected beings who served him, saying, “I have seen the Heavenly Kings in the boundless worlds of the ten directions build jeweled altars thirty-two tiers high. They adorned them with purple gold, pearls, jade, and brocade; hung purple jeweled nets and canopies; raised purple tally staffs, banners, and streamers; and arranged flowers, food and drink, and all kinds of precious objects. Then they played the melodious music of the immortals. These offerings filled the sky, and the Heavenly Kings came to the ritual grounds, where they set them out in order as offerings.”

At that time, the Heavenly Lord displayed his miraculous power, transforming all the land around the ritual ground into lapis lazuli. It was transparent within and without, and scenes near and far shone with equal brightness, without distinction. The Three Realms and the ten directions all received blessings, and their joy was beyond words. The Nine Abysms ceased their interrogations and confrontations, and the Five Torments—the various punishments of the hells—came to an end, causing suffering no longer. The land was at peace, and its people lived long lives.

The Primordial Lord, one of the highest deities revered in Daoism, again admonished the Perfected Ones who served at his side: “If men and women in the world below believe in Daoism, Daoist priests and ritual masters should regularly expound the scriptures and precepts during the Three Yuan festivals—the Upper, Middle, and Lower Yuan. They should explain the causes and conditions that lead to karmic offenses and blessings, and guide people in repenting for their own deeds.

“The human body is only a temporary gathering of the impure Four Great Elements—earth, water, fire, and wind. It is fragile and insubstantial, changing from moment to moment, with nothing enduring. If people commit all manner of evil through the three karmic actions of body, speech, and mind, and through the six faculties of eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind, their offenses will accumulate little by little. They will then cycle through birth and death, falling into the Three Evil Paths—hell, hungry ghosts, and animals—and the Nine Dark Hells, where they will endure every kind of suffering: swallowing fire and eating charcoal; being boiled in scalding cauldrons; walking across mountains of blades and climbing trees of swords; being crushed by stone rollers, pounded in stone mortars, sawn apart, and pierced through; having their eyes pecked by iron birds and their tongues plowed by iron plows; being beaten by ox-headed jailers and burdened with iron staffs, while pus and blood pour out and their bodies rot. They sink into darkness, passing through the mud prisons of hell, carrying stones to fill rivers, and enduring punishment day and night.

“Once they enter the Fengdu Hells, the Daoist underworld, even ten thousand kalpas may not bring them pardon. All these bitter consequences are borne by living beings because of their own karma.

“If men and women who believe in Daoism resolve to do good on behalf of their ancestors through seven generations; themselves, while still alive; their parents and relatives; beings enduring the Five Sufferings; the dead in the Three Evil Paths; impoverished, wandering souls and hungry ghosts; animals; prisoners; and the elderly and sick, they may establish a high altar at the Jade Capital and a celestial platform at Purple Tenuity, where deities are enshrined and rites are performed. They may hang banners, offer flowers and other gifts, and hold a Jiao ritual—a Daoist rite of purification, offerings, prayer, and atonement—to give thanks to the stars. By submitting memorials, bowing in repentance, and praying with incense, they can remove every kind of karmic offense and bring all these beings deliverance.”

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning said to the perfected beings who served at his side: If men and women who aspire to goodness perform Zhaijiao (purification rituals) for the benefit of all beings on the Three Primal Festivals—the Upper, Middle, and Lower Primal days, when people fast and pray for blessings—recite scriptures, bow in repentance, and make offerings to the Celestial Worthies, immortals, the star deities of the constellations, and the many officials of the underworld, and if they show even the slightest kindness toward their ancestors and parents, remaining sincere and steadfast throughout, then their parents in all three ages—past, present, and future—will receive immeasurable blessings, and all manner of karmic offenses can be erased.

The Primordial Lord said to the immortal officials who served the True Dao at his side: “I see that the beings of the human world often suffer calamities and are harmed by malevolent ghosts. On the Five La Days, you may establish purification rites and cultivate the Dao on behalf of your deceased ancestors, parents, and honored elders; perform rites of repentance and submit memorials, so that your ancestors may be saved and delivered, and all may attain immeasurable blessings.”

In Daoist belief, the Five La Days are occasions when Heaven and Earth investigate the sins and blessings of humankind.

The first day of the first lunar month is the Heavenly La Day. The Five Emperors and immortals gather at the Azure Spirit Gate in the Precious Forest of the Azure Heaven to review the registers of people’s sins and blessings. The fifth day of the fifth lunar month is the Earthly La Day. The Five Emperors and immortals gather at the Vermilion Spirit Gate in the Auspicious Sun of the Brahma Treasure of the Cinnabar Heaven to review the registers. The seventh day of the seventh lunar month is the La Day of the Dao and De. The Five Emperors and immortals gather at the Pure Spirit Gate of the Golden Gate to review the registers. The first day of the tenth lunar month is the La Day of the People’s Year. The Five Emperors and immortals gather at the Dark Spirit Gate in the Cavernous Yin of the Mysterious Heaven to review the registers. The La Day in the twelfth lunar month is the La Day of Kings and Nobles. The Five Emperors of the Five Directions gather in the Hall of the Eight Radiances of the Primordial Lord at the Golden Gate of the Primordial Spirits, Wu and Ji, in the Jade Capital of the Mysterious Metropolis, to review the registers. The scripture says that on these five days Heaven and Earth meet to conduct their investigations and determine the registers of fortune and misfortune, life and death, and other matters.

If someone performs rites of repentance and submits a memorial to confess on behalf of deceased ancestors and parents, their records in the registers of sins in the underworld can be erased. Seven generations of ancestors can be delivered, and their names entered in the registers of the Highest Clarity, enabling them to be saved and delivered. The Five La Days are also when the deceased, their ancestors and parents going back nine generations, and spirits in the netherworld are called to account. The Great Emperor of the Northern Yin in Fengdu summons the souls of the dead for questioning, investigating the sins they accumulated in the underworld, the causes of their enmities, and the names and burial places of their descendants and relatives. If no one has sought redemption for a deceased person’s sins for a long time, the consequences may extend to their descendants and relatives.

Therefore, on these days, one should submit memorials confessing the faults of deceased ancestors and parents, and help them escape the suffering of the netherworld. The scripture says that ordinary offerings and sacrifices cannot readily reach the depths of Fengdu. Only through Zhaijiao (Daoist purification rites involving the establishment of an altar, ritual performance, scripture recitation, and prayers for blessings) and Daoist ritual methods can the dead be freed from their past sins and cease lingering in the underworld. When souls remain there for a long time, the underworld officials may be punished by the Celestial Bureaucracy. The living, too, may be implicated, their blessings turned into misfortune and calamities brought upon them. If dutiful men and women perform purification rites and Zhaijiao on the Five La Days, the deceased can be removed from the registers of sins, receive immeasurable blessings, and be delivered.

The Primordial Lord (a revered deity in Daoism) told the perfected ones who attended him: The understanding of beings in the lower realms varies, as do their habits and foundations for doing evil or cultivating goodness. I will now set out these essential teachings. Everyone should accept them in faith and put them into practice.

Guide those who delight in killing or harming others through the gate of compassion; those who steal or seize others’ property through the gate of righteousness; those who engage in licentious conduct through the gate of chastity; those who are greedy and miserly through the gate of generosity; those who are quick to anger and fight through the gate of joy; those who are ignorant and confused through the gate of skillful means; those whose speech is showy and ornate through the gate of simplicity and propriety; those who lie and deceive through the gate of honesty and uprightness; those who use abusive curses through the gate of recitation; and those who sow discord and maliciously berate others through the gate of praise.

Guide those who drink alcohol and eat meat without restraint through the gate of fasting and abstinence; those who slander others through the gate of teaching; those who are arrogant and look down on others through the gate of reverence; those who are forceful and boast of their courage through the gate of gentleness and humility; those who do not believe in the consequences of sin and blessing or in the destiny shaped by past lives through the gate of causes and conditions; those who cling to existence or nonexistence through the gate of the Middle Way; those who constantly judge right and wrong between themselves and others through the gate of equality; those who lust after what is impure through the gate of purity; those who stubbornly refuse to change through the gate of the cycles of transformation; those who are ceaselessly occupied with deliberate action through the gate of Wuwei (non-action); those who rigidly cling to fixed ways and cannot adapt through the gate of all-embracing transformation; those who are impatient, competitive, and inwardly unsettled through the gate of stillness and concentration; those sunk in vexation and unable to find relief through the gate of liberation; and those weighed down by sorrow and grief, with no joy in their hearts, through the gate of carefree freedom.

If these twenty-four methods are used regularly to guide beings, how could they fail to rejoice?

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, one of the highest deities revered in Daoism, said: “I originally used ‘non-restraint’ as my way of guiding and transforming living beings: that is, I taught them without binding them through force. Once living beings have awakened, they no longer need this way of guidance. Those who uphold this teaching will receive immeasurable blessings.”

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning then said to the Perfected Ones who served at his side: “Among the people of the lower realm, if anyone devoutly follows Daoism and, for the spirits of their nine generations of ancestors and their parents of the distant past, sets up a sacred altar to the Three Pure Ones in an ancient temple or a clean room in their own home, lights the seven luminaries—lamps symbolizing the sun, moon, and five planets—burns incense and performs the ritual, chants the Cavern Scriptures, recites scriptures and penitential texts with reverence, and performs a grand ritual of offering and prayer to the heavens, remaining sincere and steadfast throughout, then I will send the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Relieves Suffering, a revered deity who saves departed souls, to open the tower of seven treasures in the Palace of the Nine Qi Heavens. He will take out golden inscriptions on green bamboo slips bearing the honored title of the Celestial Worthy, and descend to the human world, so that both humans and beings in heaven may bow and recite his name. In this way, the jade casket that seals departed souls within the long night of the Nine Hells will be removed; the ancestors of seven generations will be saved and conveyed beyond, their souls ascending to the Southern Palace, where immortals will guide them. There they will roam freely, transformed through Wuwei, and receive immeasurable blessings. Therefore, all should burn incense, dedicate body and life, and bow until all five parts of the body touch the ground.”

With sincere devotion, they pay homage to:

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, of the Jade Clarity Sacred Realm, who is void and naturally so;

The Celestial Worthy Lingbao, the Lord of the Way, of the Highest Clarity True Realm;

The Celestial Worthy Daode, the Most High Lord Lao, of the Great Clarity Immortal Realm;

The Supreme Most High Sovereign of the Heavens, the Jade Emperor of the Golden Palace;

The Star Lord of the South Pole, the Great Emperor of the Celestial Sovereign of the Upper Purple Tenuity Palace;

The Star Lord of the Central Heavens, the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole in the Middle Purple Tenuity Palace;

The Supreme Most High Sovereign of the Heavens, the Jade Emperor of the Golden Palace;

The Star Lord of the South Pole, the Great Emperor of the Celestial Sovereign of the Upper Purple Tenuity Palace;

The Star Lord of the Central Heavens, the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole in the Middle Purple Tenuity Palace;

The Earthly Sovereign Empress Houtu, who bears Heaven’s mandate, models herself on it, and is vast in virtue and radiance, the goddess who governs the earth;

The Celestial Worthy of the Southern Pole, the Great Emperor of Longevity, the Sage of Primordial Heaven Who Governs All;

The Great Emperor Qinghua of the Eastern Pole, the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Relieves Suffering;

The Great Sage of True Radiance, the Celestial Worthy Who Responds to the Nine Heavens with Thunder and Spreads Universal Salvation.

With reverence, I bow to the Great Emperor, Ancestor of Thunder of the Nine Heavens, Venerable Celestial Who Dispels Calamity and Aids All Things (the honored deity of the Thunder Department of the Nine Heavens, who governs the dispelling of calamities and the rescue of all things); the Great Celestial Emperor Taiyi of the Purple Tenuity Palace of Jade, Venerable Celestial Who Protects and Brings Order to the Cycles of Tribulation (the emperor in the Purple Tenuity Palace who governs the cycles of tribulation and protects the world); the Great Emperor of the Six Heavens, Abyssal Grotto, Supreme Taiyi Venerable Celestial Who Subdues Demons (the Venerable Celestial who quells demons and malevolent forces); the Lord of the Six Poles, Imperial Lord, Venerable Celestial Who Universally Bestows the Grace of the Dharma (the Venerable Celestial who widely bestows the blessings of spiritual power); the Elder of the Office of Jiuhan in the Nine Heavens, Venerable Celestial of Zhu Ling Who Grants Life and Saves the Living (who governs the granting of life and the rescue of the living); and the Commissioner of the Nine Heavens, Responding to the Primordial, Venerable Celestial Who Protects Fortune and Brings About Wondrous Transformation (who safeguards the cycles of fortune in accord with the times and enacts wondrous transformations). I also bow to the Venerable Celestial of the Cavern of Emptiness, Elder of the Azure Numen in the Nine Qi Heavens of the East; the Venerable Celestial of the Cavern of Clarity, Elder of the Vermilion Numen in the Three Qi Heavens of the South; the Venerable Celestial of the Cavern of Void, Elder Sovereign of the Bright Numen in the Seven Qi Heavens of the West; the Venerable Celestial of the Cavern of Subtlety, Elder of the Five Numen in the Five Qi Heavens of the North; and the Venerable Celestial of the Cavern of Truth, Primordial Elder of the Dark Numen in the One Qi Heaven at the Center.

With utmost sincerity, I, your disciple, pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Jade Master of the Mysterious Heights of the North; and to the Venerable Celestial True Immortal of Mysterious Brightness.

I pay homage to the Venerable Celestial of the Cavern of Void, Elder Sovereign of the Bright Numen; the Venerable Celestial of the Cavern of Subtlety, Elder of the Five Numen in the Five Qi Heavens of the North; and the Venerable Celestial of the Cavern of Truth, Primordial Elder of the Dark Numen in the One Qi Heaven at the Center.

With utmost sincerity, I, your disciple, pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Jade Master of the Mysterious Heights of the North; the Venerable Celestial True Immortal of Mysterious Brightness; the Venerable Celestial of Mysterious Assembly and Compassionate Grace; the Venerable Celestial of Vermilion Radiance and Wondrous Attainment; the Venerable Celestial of Wondrous Attainment at the Four Extremes; the Venerable Celestial of Unimpeded Tenfold Splendor; the Venerable Celestial of Bright Fortune and Still Practice; the Venerable Celestial of the True Writ of Bright Fortune; the Venerable Celestial of Wondrous Attainment and Right Cause; the Venerable Celestial of the Yellow Way and Bright Fortune; the Venerable Celestial of the Dharma Sea and Precious Blessings; the Venerable Celestial of Bright Fortune and the Great Void; the Venerable Celestial of the Still Samadhi of Myriad Practices; the Venerable Celestial of Golden Form and Gathered Spirit; and the Venerable Celestial of Numen’s Merging, Responsive Embodiment, and Illumination. Once more, I pay homage to the Venerable Celestial of the Dharma Sea and Precious Blessings, and to the Venerable Celestial of Bright Fortune and the Great Void.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Ten Thousand Deeds and Stillness, who cultivated countless good deeds and attained serene tranquility.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Form and Gathered Spirit, who gathered spirit and Qi and manifested a golden venerable form.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Integration and Responsive Embodiment, who wondrously integrates and transforms in response to each circumstance.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Wisdom and the Dao, who applies the highest wisdom and practices the Great Dao.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Truth in the Cinnabar Heaven, who embodies wondrous truth and oneness and dwells in the Cinnabar Heaven.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Transformative Light and Wondrous Emptiness, who brings forth illumination and awakens to wondrous emptiness.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial One, the Heavenly Sovereign, who is the sole source of all beginnings.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Unequaled Primordial Beginnings, who is peerless and opens the way to the primordial Dao.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Wisdom and Radiance of the Supreme Dao, who comprehends the highest Dao and shines with wisdom.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Equal Regard for All Things and Supreme Attainment, who regards all things as equal and has reached an exalted state.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Unequaled Pure Resonance, whose pure sound is without peer.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Countenance and Wondrous Light, who manifests a wondrous countenance and radiant light.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Numinous Light, who shines everywhere with wondrous radiance.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Vast Wisdom and the Dao, whose wisdom is boundless and who clearly understands the Great Dao.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Compassionate Deliverance from Suffering, who mercifully rescues those in distress and releases them from hardship.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Realm of the Four Palaces, who dwells in that true realm.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Embodying the Mystery of the Great Cavern, who awakens to the mystery of the Great Cavern.

I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Vast Wisdom and the Dao, whose wisdom is boundless and who clearly understands the Great Dao.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Compassionate Deliverance from Suffering, who mercifully rescues those in distress and releases them from hardship.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Realm of the Four Palaces, who dwells in that true realm.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Embodying the Mystery of the Great Cavern, who awakens to the mystery of the Great Cavern.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Opening and Delivering through the Cavern Mystery, who opens the way and delivers living beings through the Dao of the Cavern Mystery.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Light and Wondrous Purity, whose golden radiance is wondrously clear and pure.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Bringing the Qian Grove to Fruition, who brings to completion the Qian Grove, a celestial realm or sacred domain.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma Lamp in the Cloud Palace, who illuminates the Dharma path like a lamp in a cloud palace.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Transforming the Dao of Supreme Mystery, who brings forth the Dao of supreme mystery.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom Light Across the Three Heavens, whose wisdom and radiance shine throughout the Three Heavens.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Naturally Flowing Bell, who moves naturally and sounds a bell.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy, the Jade Emperor of Stillness and Radiance.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Illumines the Deeds of Karma, who shines upon the karmic deeds of all living beings.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Brings the Dharma of Danhuo to Fruition.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jewel Grove and the One Vehicle, whose majesty is like a jeweled grove and who reveals the path of the One Vehicle.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Opens and Expounds in Response to Each Occasion, who teaches and spreads the Great Dao in response to circumstances.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Transmits the Dharma in Every Region, spreading the teachings in different places. I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Brings the Dharma of Danhuo to Fruition.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jewel Grove and the One Vehicle, whose majesty is like a jeweled grove and who reveals the path of the One Vehicle.

“Reverently paying homage with single-minded devotion” is an expression of reverence used in repentance liturgies. It means to bow before the Celestial Worthies with focused sincerity and respect. Repeatedly reciting their titles expresses devotion and repentance through acts of homage.

The disciple, with wholehearted sincerity and reverence, pays homage to the following Celestial Worthies:

Celestial Worthy Who Opens and Expounds the Assembly; Celestial Worthy Who Transmits the Dharma in Every Direction; Celestial Worthy of the Constant One in the Middle Thousandfold Realm; Celestial Worthy of the True Void of the Dao’s Fortune; Celestial Worthy of the Sublime Splendor of Heaven Above; Celestial Worthy of the Cinnabar Origin of Eternal Joy; Celestial Worthy Who Saves Life and Transforms the Myriad Things; Celestial Worthy of the Broad Fortune of Literary Truth; Celestial Worthy, Divine Sovereign of Earth; Celestial Worthy of Peerless Bright Purity; Celestial Worthy of the One Vehicle of Splendid Radiance; Celestial Worthy of the Three Heavens of Orthodox Unity (Zhengyi); Celestial Worthy of the Cloud Encampment in the Jade Palace; Celestial Worthy of Wisdom and Truth Who Extends Life; Celestial Worthy of Profound Mystery, Virtue, and Truth; Celestial Worthy of Flowing Compassion.

Once more, with wholehearted sincerity and reverence, the disciple pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Cloud Encampment in the Jade Palace; the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom and Truth Who Extends Life; the Celestial Worthy of Profound Mystery, Virtue, and Truth; the Celestial Worthy of Naturally Flowing Compassion; the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Reflections of Sublime Light; the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Origins of the Great Cavern; the Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Pole of the Upper Cavern; the Celestial Worthy of Equality in the Cloud Palace; the Celestial Worthy of the Radiant Void of the Dao’s Fortune; the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Bond of Sublime Treasures; the Celestial Worthy of Sublime Goodness and True Deliverance; the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar and Purple Wuwei (non-action); the Celestial Worthy of the Great Fortune That Transforms the Dao; the Celestial Worthy of the Central Splendor of the Purple Pole; the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Spirits Who Extend Life; the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Tones of the Sea of the Dharma; the Celestial Worthy of the True North of Sublime Mystery; the Celestial Worthy of Divine Truth in True Contemplation; the Celestial Worthy of the Dao’s Fortune and Sublime Mystery; and the Celestial Worthy Who Responds and Transforms in Western Radiance.

“Paying homage with wholehearted sincerity” means bowing to the Celestial Worthies with a single-minded and earnest heart. The titles of the Celestial Worthies are retained as they appear in the scripture.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Guides All into the Immortal Way, praying that all beings may be saved and enter the Immortal Way.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Makes the Great Dao Widely Bright, praying that the Great Dao may shine forth everywhere.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Way to Liberation, praying that all beings may open the gate to liberation.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Whose Immortal Radiance Shines Everywhere, praying that the light of the immortals may shine universally.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Inspires and Transforms, praying to receive inspiration and guidance.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Guides All into the Immortal Way, praying that all beings may be saved and enter the Immortal Way.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Makes the Great Dao Widely Bright, praying that the Great Dao may shine forth everywhere.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Way to Liberation, praying that all beings may open the gate to liberation.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Whose Immortal Radiance Shines Everywhere, praying that the light of the immortals may shine universally.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Palace’s Wondrous Music, praying that the palace’s exquisite celestial music may resound far and wide.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Saves the Living through Contemplation of Emptiness, praying that all beings may be saved and awaken to the principle of empty stillness.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Illuminates Wisdom and the Mysterious Dao, praying that wisdom may shine forth and the wondrous Great Dao be revealed.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Brings the Immortal Way to Fruition, praying that cultivation may attain its fruit and fulfill the Immortal Way.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Sets the Dao in Motion Above, praying that the Great Dao may operate and all beings may rise to good fortune.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Connects with the Hidden through Skillful Means, praying to make a subtle connection with the unseen through skillful means.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of the Immortals and the Southern Pole, praying for the immortals’ protection and a long life.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Connects with the Mysterious and Brings Lasting Joy, praying that the wondrous Dao may flow unobstructed and bring enduring peace and joy.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Fulfills the True Dharma, praying that the right path and true Dharma may be realized.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Constantly Saves All, praying that all beings may continually receive salvation.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of Wuwei (non-action) and the Elixir’s Origin, praying to accord with the Dao of Wuwei and to bring the Elixir’s origin to fullness.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of Precious Light and Great Salvation, praying that precious light may shine far and wide and save all beings.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Cause and High Veneration, praying for the protection of the revered immortals of the Vermilion Palace.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of Peerless Pure Resonance, praying that incomparable, pure and wondrous sound may resound far and wide.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Transforms and Fulfills the Immortal Way, praying that all beings may attain the Immortal Way through transformation.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Turns the Light toward Great Salvation, praying that light may circulate and save all beings on a vast scale.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Cause and High Veneration, praying for the protection of the revered immortals of the Vermilion Palace.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of Peerless Pure Resonance, praying that incomparable, pure and wondrous sound may resound far and wide.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Transforms and Fulfills the Immortal Way, praying that all beings may attain the Immortal Way through transformation.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Turns the Light in Wondrous Illumination, praying that light may circulate and wondrous wisdom shine everywhere.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Cultivates Bright Conduct through Precepts, praying that observance of the precepts and spiritual practice may lead to clear and upright conduct.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Sets the Supreme Dao in Motion and Reveals Its Light, praying that the highest Great Dao may operate and its radiance appear.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Fruit and Vermilion Purity, praying to attain wondrous fruits of cultivation, pure as vermilion silk.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy Who Grants Deliverance from the Purple Palace in Stillness, praying to receive the deliverance of the immortals of the Purple Palace in quietude.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of the Diamond’s Wondrous Radiance, praying that indestructible, wondrous light may appear.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of Compassionate Grace Who Removes Suffering, praying that compassionate grace may lift all beings from hardship.

Reverently worship the Celestial Worthy of True Emptiness and the Two Qi, praying to awaken to the principle of true emptiness and the wondrous workings of Yin-Yang’s two Qi (vital energies).

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who carries us through calamities and responds to change.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who removes karmic burdens from the Ninefold Netherworld.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who enables people to be reborn wherever they wish.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Perfected One who compassionately relieves suffering.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Perfected One who compassionately saves and delivers.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Perfected One who is compassionate and generously bestows blessings.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Perfected One of Bright Sovereignty.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Perfected One who illuminates and examines the principles of things.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Perfected One who universally saves all living beings.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Most Exalted Perfected One.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Perfected One who offers universal salvation.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the compassionate and awakened Perfected One.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Perfected One of the Jade Terrace, the Perfected One of Golden Mystery, the Perfected One of Wondrous Mystery, and the Perfected One of Freedom.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the compassionate and awakened Perfected One, the Perfected One of the Jade Terrace, the Perfected One of Golden Mystery, the Perfected One of Wondrous Mystery, and the Perfected One of Freedom.

With wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Master of Transformation, the Celestial Master of Divine Mystery, the Imperial Celestial Master, the Celestial Master of Myriad Blessings, the Celestial Master of the Supreme Ultimate, and the Celestial Master of Jade Dawn.

The phrase “with wholehearted reverence, we bow in worship” is repeated throughout to express focused sincerity in paying homage. “Perfected One,” “Celestial Master,” and “Celestial Worthy” are titles for revered Daoist deities or exalted divine beings.

The Primordial Celestial Sovereign told the assembled immortals: “I now confer the titles of Heavenly Worthy, Perfected One, and Celestial Master, and have sent the Perfected One of Great Clarity, one of Daoism’s revered deities, to carry them to the human realm and spread them throughout the myriad nations and the Nine Provinces, so that all beings in the human and heavenly realms may recite them. Faithful men and women who believe in the Dao, along with those who cultivate the Dao, should, at each of the Eight Seasonal Festivals—the four beginnings of the seasons, the two equinoxes, and the two solstices—the Three Primal Festivals of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Origins, or on the day of their birth and natal destiny, pay homage, recite scriptures of repentance, and perform a Zhaijiao purification ritual to give thanks to Heaven and Earth. They should burn incense and recite scriptures for the soldiers of the three armies, the common people, and all living beings. In this way, their households may prosper, their families flourish for generations, their descendants grow wise, and they gain longevity, blessings, and profound merit, while calamities in the world are dispelled forever.”

With reverent homage:

The deity of vast virtue of the Eastern Sea and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of vast holiness and broad benefit of the Southern Sea and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of vast nourishment of the Western Sea and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of vast bounty of the Northern Sea and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the broad source of the River Domain—the water deity of the Yangtze—and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the numinous source of the River Domain—the water deity of the Yellow River—and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the enduring source of the Huai Domain—the water deity of the Huai River—and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the clear source of the Ji Domain—the water deity of the Ji River—and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the Zhejiang Water Bureau and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the Wu River Water Bureau and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the Chu River Water Bureau and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the Jing River Water Bureau and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the Yangtze River Water Bureau and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the Xiang River Water Bureau and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the Song River Water Bureau and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the Southern River Water Bureau and the officials of the Dragon Palace;

the deity of the Han River Water Bureau and the officials of the Dragon Palace.

The Primordial Celestial Sovereign again told the Perfected Ones who attended him: “I now send down this scripture and spread it throughout the ten directions, so that people in both the human and heavenly realms may pay homage and recite it.”

The deity of the Han River Water Bureau and the officials of the Dragon Palace.

The Primordial Lord once again addressed the Perfected Ones who attended him: “I now bestow this scripture and spread it throughout the worlds in the ten directions, so that all beings in the human and celestial realms may pay reverence and recite it. In this way, they will receive blessings from generation to generation, dispel sins accumulated over many lifetimes, and have their requests granted and their wishes fulfilled.

“Those who follow Daoism in the world, and the families of devout believers, may burn incense, pay reverence, and recite the scripture on their birth anniversaries, the Eight Seasonal Nodes (Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice), and the Three Yuan festivals (Upper Yuan, Middle Yuan, and Lower Yuan). They may also hold grand Zhaijiao (Daoist rites performed at an altar to pray for blessings and report to the gods), reciting the revered titles of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and the names of the Perfected Ones. May the Three Dukes assist the ruler, and may ministers, generals, and officials at every level fulfill their duties. Through memorials presented to Heaven, may auspicious signs arrive and blessings gather, granting people lasting wealth and honor and a long life.”

Master Chongmiao burned incense and paid reverence, giving thanks to the Lord of the Golden Palace, the Supreme Lord who dwells in the celestial palace. He offered this poem in praise:

Heaven brings forth worthy and wise people

to assist an age of flourishing.

Their character is pure and lofty as ice and jade;

their bearing is noble as the phoenix and luan.

They help harmonize the transformations of Heaven and Earth

and give wholehearted support to an age of peace.

The people sing of abundant harvests in the fields;

the armies lay down their arms, and the four quarters are at peace.

May the Five Blessings endure for ages,

and may Heaven’s auspicious gifts be bestowed forever.

The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao: Facing Heaven and Repenting of Sins, Volume Four

The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao: Facing Heaven and Repenting of Sins, Volume Five

At this time, the Great Sage of the Golden Tower, the Supreme Thearch of Primordial Beginning, sat upright on a jeweled cloud throne in the Heavenly Palace of the Five-Cloud Heaven, within the wondrous realm of the Nine Clarities. He summoned the assembled immortals and expounded the wondrous teaching of “True Unity,” offering salvation widely to all living beings so that everyone might transcend delusion and awaken to the truth. The Lord of the Way, the Most High Lord Lao, the great sages of the heavens, the Perfected Ones of wondrous practice, the Highest True Ones of the Nine Heavens, and the gods and immortals of the Four Offices and Five Thearchs rode five-colored jade wheels and emerald carriages adorned with the Eight Radiances. They drove flying-cloud canopies, carried the Tenfold Sacred Banners and dragon pennants with phoenix streamers, burned incense, and scattered flowers. Moving to and fro through the air, they chanted Cavern Scriptures and circled the precious platform, towering high across the kalpa. Together they paid homage to and praised the Supreme Thearch of Primordial Beginning, in a scene both solemn and joyful.

At this time, the Supreme Thearch of Primordial Beginning manifested his great might and virtue, releasing divine light from the Seven Treasures. It illuminated all of space, reaching the boundless worlds and the prisons of the Ninefold Darkness, where it made every kind of karmic reward and retribution, good and evil, clearly visible. The Qi Lords of the Five Directions—East, South, West, North, and Center—each led attendant spirit officials to the Golden Tower to pay their respects. They took their places in order, burned incense, and presented registers concerning the life and death, offenses, and blessings of all living beings beneath Heaven.

Before long, palaces and terraces appeared one after another, all carved and adorned with crystal, colored glass, coral, and amber. Qilin and lions stood guard in ranks on either side. Each immortal came before the throne and recounted the registers of life and death in the Fengdu underworld. Suddenly, they heard the departed souls in the prisons of the underworld being interrogated and punished, wailing incessantly in agony. They also saw some souls with nowhere to turn, stranded in darkness and not even entered into the records by the ghost officials.

The Five Thearchs then submitted a question: “What deeds and karmic causes have brought these condemned people such unbearable torments? We beg the Celestial Worthy, in his compassion, to grant them special salvation.”

The Primordial Lord (Yuanshi Shangdi), a revered Daoist deity, said to the Imperial Lord: After death, the souls of those who die during the Lower Origin period, as Daoism understands it, must face judgment and punishment. Some were disloyal and unfilial in their former lives, failed to uphold the proper bond between ruler and subject, and lacked compassion between father and son. They showed no reverence for the Three Lights—the sun, moon, and stars—and did not believe in the karmic consequences of good and evil. They deceived their teachers and elders, slandered the Daoist teachings, and turned against their kin. They killed living beings on a great scale and gave free rein to greed and sexual misconduct. Thus the Director of Destinies, who governs human lifespans and fates, shortened their years. Their lifespans have no fixed measure; after death, their souls must still undergo retribution for their sins. When their appointed calamities arrive, escape is difficult.

Some people in their former lives indulged in drinking and gluttony for meat, killed living beings at will, did not accumulate good deeds, and acted only against the righteous Way. Even if their allotted years are not yet spent, demons and spirits of the Six Heavens’ Caverns may seize upon their offenses and send them poisonous pestilence. They suffer premature death and injury, and face calamities such as floods, fires, robbery, epidemics, and war. They become entangled in lawsuits and private disputes, endure slander and accusations, and suffer shackles and punishment. The demons and spirits exploit their offenses to bring down pestilence, causing early death and injury. Disasters and hardships follow one after another, leaving nothing to go smoothly. As the years pass, they endure no small number of ordeals.

There is also the Prison of Wind and Thunder. There, black winds blow without cease and thunder crashes. Lightning bolts and flying halberds strike the condemned, scattering their limbs and piercing their internal organs. They endure suffering day and night for ten thousand kalpas.

There is also the Prison of Blazing Fire. The condemned swallow fire and eat coals, are consumed by raging flames, and have their heads and faces burned black. They carry a mountain of fire on their heads; their skin, flesh, bones, and joints all catch fire. They suffer day and night for ten thousand kalpas.

There is also the Prison of Vajra. The condemned are beaten countless times with golden hammers and iron rods, until their limbs are mangled and their sinews and bones scattered. Iron forks pierce their bellies, and golden hammers are driven into their chests. They suffer day and night for ten thousand kalpas.

There is also the Prison of Dark Cold. The condemned sink into ice and are struck by swords and halberds sharp as blades of frost, breaking their sinews and bones. They are also forced to swallow poisonous liquids until their bodies and limbs are torn apart and their hearts and bellies split open. They suffer day and night for ten thousand kalpas.

There is also the Copper Pillar Hell. The condemned are forced to embrace a copper pillar and brace their feet against it. Raging fire blazes across the pillar, scorching their bodies inside and out. Their bellies and backs are ravaged and ooze pus. They suffer day and night for ten thousand kalpas.

There is also the Hell of Butchering and Cutting. The condemned are hung upside down and cut with knives and swords; their limbs, sinews, skin, and internal organs are all slashed by blades. Their blood covers the ground, and their pain is unbearable. They suffer day and night for ten thousand kalpas.

There is also the Hell of the Fire Chariot. The condemned are torn apart by five chariots, their limbs pulled in different directions. Some are placed on fire chariots whose wheels turn toward the four quarters. Each wheel is fitted with blades that cut the condemned as it turns, while raging flames burn their bodies until they are charred and mangled. They suffer day and night for ten thousand kalpas.

There is also the Hell of the Cauldron of Boiling Water. The condemned are pinned with iron forks and thrown into boiling cauldrons. Their bodies blister as they cook, their limbs decay, and pus and blood give off a foul stench. Their pain is unbearable. They suffer day and night for ten thousand kalpas.

At this time, the Original Beginning Supreme Lord, the Heavenly Worthy Who Saves from Suffering in the Ten Directions, and the Perfected One Who Delivers the Saved displayed their power, subjecting the sinful souls to harsh punishments. Their whole bodies were boiled and immersed in scalding liquid; their limbs rotted, and they were covered in foul-smelling pus and blood. Their suffering was unbearable. They endured pain through myriad kalpas, without respite day or night.

At this time, the Original Beginning Supreme Lord, the Heavenly Worthy Who Saves from Suffering in the Ten Directions, and the Perfected One Who Delivers the Saved also sent forth a powerful radiance. Using the wisdom of the Six Supernormal Powers, they led all the sinful souls to close their eyes and reflect in silence, recalling the many evil deeds they had committed in past lives and this life. Some had personally murdered their ruler or father and defied their parents; some had slandered true immortals; some had harmed their brothers; some had plotted to betray their teachers; some had committed incest with their kin; some had robbed, stolen, or killed; some had slaughtered the lonely, the suffering, the poor, and the weak, abusing those with less power; some had used their status and position to oppress and harm others; some had shown disrespect for sacred scriptures; some had secretly harmed others and envied them; some had wounded others with cruel words and spread rumors; and some had sown discord, causing good people to fight. At this moment, they clearly recalled each and every transgression they had accumulated over many kalpas. The sinful souls were overcome with even greater grief and anguish, longed to be released, and pleaded for salvation.

The Original Beginning Supreme Lord again told the attendant Perfected Ones: “I have seen those sinners who, over many kalpas, neither believed in the scriptures nor repented, but only continued to commit sins. Their names were therefore entered in the registers of evil. After death, they sank into the Ninefold Darkness, the depths of the underworld, and their souls remained trapped in the Three Paths of suffering—the realms of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals—unable to escape. If pure and sincere men and women resolve to establish purification rites and perform the Way on behalf of their departed ancestors, parents, and kin; submit memorials and petitions to Heaven; aid the lonely, the suffering, and the poor; and release captive creatures to prolong their lives, I will send the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Saves from Suffering, the honored deity who delivers departed souls, to the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity. There he will open the heavenly secret scriptures: the Three Heavenly Treasuries, the Seven Sections of Jade Writings, and the jeweled slips and jade caskets. He will proclaim the Celestial Worthy’s revered title and descend among humankind. When people praise and recite it, chanting the Cavernous Chants, their sins can be erased and the departed souls freed from the long night of the Ninefold Darkness. With the aid of the Jade Casket, all these sinful souls can leave suffering and attain liberation, be reborn wherever they wish, and roam in freedom, having been delivered beyond suffering.”

Therefore, people burn incense and entrust their body, mind, nature, and life, prostrating themselves with all five parts of the body touching the ground.

With sincere hearts, they pay homage.

With reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Void and Natural One, in the Sacred Realm of Jade Purity, one of Daoism’s highest deities; the Heavenly Worthy of the Numinous Treasure, the Lord of the Dao, in the True Realm of Highest Clarity; and the Heavenly Worthy of the Dao and its Virtue, the Most High Lord Lao, in the Immortal Realm of Great Clarity.

With reverence, I pay homage to the Supreme Jade Emperor, the Most High Lord of Heaven, Sovereign of the Golden Towers of Jade; the Great Emperor of the Celestial Emperor of the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity, lord of the southern pole stars; the Great Emperor of the Celestial Emperor of the Central Palace of Purple Tenuity, lord of the stars at the center of heaven; and the Empress of Earth, who bears and models the heavens, whose abundant Virtue shines brightly, the goddess who governs the earth.

With reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Longevity of the Southern Pole, the Sagely Origin who rules all heaven; the Heavenly Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering, the Great Emperor of the Azure Florescence of the Eastern Pole; and such exalted deities as the Heavenly Worthy of Perfect Luminosity, Great Sage, Responsive to the Primordial Force of the Nine Heavens, who Spreads Transformation through the Sound of Thunder, and the Heavenly Worthy, Great Emperor of the Thunder Ancestor of the Nine Heavens, who Removes Calamities and Aids All Beings. The scripture then names several of these deities again and pays homage to the Heavenly Worthy Taiyi, Great Celestial Emperor of the Jade Green Palace of Purple Tenuity, who Protects and Sustains the Course of Calamities; the Supreme Heavenly Worthy Taiyi, Great Emperor of the Six Heavens and Cavernal Abyss, who Subdues Demons; the Heavenly Worthy, Lord Emperor of the Six Waves, who Widely Bestows the Moistening of the Law; the Heavenly Worthy Zhu Ling, Elder in Charge of the Nine Heavens, who Grants Deliverance from Fate; and the Wondrously Transformative Heavenly Worthy of the Nine Heavens, Commissioner of Inspection, Responsive to the Primordial Force, who Protects and Sustains Good Fortune.

With reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthies in the heavens of the east, south, west, north, and center: the Heavenly Worthy of the Azure Spirit, Primordial Elder of the Cavern of Emptiness, in the eastern heaven of the Nine Qi; the Heavenly Worthy of the Cinnabar Spirit, True Elder of the Cavern of Clarity, in the southern heaven of the Three Qi; the Heavenly Worthy of the Bright Spirit, August Elder of the Cavern of Emptiness, in the western heaven of the Seven Qi; the Heavenly Worthy of the Fivefold Spirit, Mysterious Elder of the Cavern of Subtlety, in the northern heaven of the Five Qi; and the Heavenly Worthy of the Mysterious Spirit, Primordial Elder of the Cavern of Truth, in the central heaven of the One Qi. The scripture again recites the names of the Heavenly Worthies of the southern, western, northern, and central heavens.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Heavenly Worthy of the Northeast, the Supreme Sage who Guides Immortals to Deliverance, and the Heavenly Worthy whose Compassionate Light Shines upon Those in Suffering.