《太上灵宝朝天谢罪大忏》Vol. 2

(We bow in reverence to the Celestial Worthies of the Heavens.) We bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Celestial Master of High Excellence.

With focused and reverent hearts, we bow to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Serenity and Jade Treasure; the Celestial Worthy Who Shines Light upon and Guides the Immortal Way; the Celestial Worthy of the Four Luminaries of the Upper Origin; the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Honor and Golden Truth; the Celestial Worthy of the Inner Secrets of the Cavernous Mystery; the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Manifestation and Treasured Opening; the Celestial Worthy of the Myriad Origins and the Cavernous Illumination; the Celestial Worthy of Peerless Treasure and Radiance; the Celestial Worthy of Divine Powers and True Vision; the Celestial Worthy of the Great Void and the One Vehicle; the Celestial Worthy of the Clear Vermilion Grove; the Celestial Worthy of Responsive Truth and the Stillness of the Dharma; the Celestial Worthy of the Way’s Fortune in the Central Mystery; the Celestial Worthy of Liberation Beyond Conception; the Celestial Worthy of the Three Heavens of the Wisdom Origin; the Celestial Worthy of Divine Wisdom and the Way’s Fortune; the Celestial Worthy of Expedient Means and Ultimate Truth in the Cavernous Mystery; the Celestial Worthy of Flying Scriptures in the Upper Cavern; the Celestial Worthy of the Supreme Emperor and the Earthly Sovereign; the Celestial Worthy of Entering Wondrous Stillness; the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Wondrous Practice; the Celestial Worthy of the Three Heavens in the Upper Cavern; the Celestial Worthy of Ever-Resplendent Golden Light; the Celestial Worthy of Clear Understanding of the Great Mystery; the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Void of the Cavernous Truth; the Celestial Worthy of the Sagely Truth and the Lesser Realm of Being; the Celestial Worthy of the Responsive Affinity of Vermilion Elixir; and the Celestial Worthy of Equality in the Upper Palace.

Here, “with focused reverence, we bow” means offering obeisance to the Celestial Worthies with undivided attention and reverence. “Celestial Worthy” is an honorific title for revered deities in Daoism. The names listed express reverence for the divine; reciting them and bowing are ritual acts within a penitential liturgy.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Equality in the Upper Palace, the Heavenly Worthy of the Seven Sages of the Mysterious Epoch, the Heavenly Worthy of the Supreme Grade of the Upper Primordial, the Heavenly Worthy of the Dharma Sea of the Treasure Storehouse, the Heavenly Worthy of the Dharma Sea of the Treasure Altar, the Heavenly Worthy Who Responds to Voices and Relieves Suffering, the Heavenly Worthy of the Treasure of Truth for the Myriad Spirits, the Heavenly Worthy of the Marvelous Venerable Zhu Mirror, the Heavenly Worthy of the Treasure of Truth of the Western Numinous Realm, the Heavenly Worthy Who Carries the Dawn and Illuminates the Dao, the Heavenly Worthy of Truth and Destiny Who Shines Everywhere, the Heavenly Worthy of the Golden Sage, Condensed and Clear, the Heavenly Worthy of the Dharma Wheel of Eastern Florescence, the Heavenly Worthy Who Contemplates Truth and Prolongs Life, the Heavenly Worthy of the Golden Numinous, Marvelously Still, the Heavenly Worthy of Myriad Destinies, Bright and Vast, the Heavenly Worthy of the Mysterious, Spiritually Fortunate, and Bright, the Heavenly Worthy of the Dao’s Teaching of True Emptiness, the Heavenly Worthy of Dao’s Response, Wisdom, and Radiance, the Heavenly Worthy of the Natural Spirit-Treasure, and the Heavenly Worthy of the Marvelous Treasure and Mysterious Origin.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Dao’s Response, Wisdom, and Radiance, the Heavenly Worthy of the Natural Spirit-Treasure, the Heavenly Worthy of the Marvelous Treasure and Mysterious Origin, the Heavenly Worthy of Transformation, Brightness, and the Ultimate Dao, the Heavenly Worthy of Bright Radiance and Supreme Destiny, the Heavenly Worthy of Wisdom, Brightness, and Lofty Destiny, the Heavenly Worthy of the Most Victorious Luminous Appearance, the Heavenly Worthy Who Ever Guides the Three Realms of Existence, the Heavenly Worthy of the Yellow Venerable, Sovereign of Earth, the Heavenly Worthy of the Mysterious Convergence of the Dao’s Destiny, the Heavenly Worthy of the One Appearance of the Great Primordial, the Heavenly Worthy of the Vast Accomplishment of the True Dao, the Heavenly Worthy of Spirit-Wisdom and the Dao’s Destiny, and the Heavenly Worthy of the True Dharma Who Brings Heaven to Completion.

The repeated phrase “with single-minded reverence, I pay homage” expresses devout reverence toward a series of Heavenly Worthies. Their titles are listed in sequence, presenting the ritual content of paying homage to these honored beings.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Upper Spirit and Jade Radiance.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of High Fortune and Illumination.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the True Dao and Vast Accomplishment.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Divine Wisdom and the Dao’s Fortune.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the True Law and Heaven’s Fulfillment.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Upper Spirit and Jade Radiance.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of High Fortune and Illustrious Conduct.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Empty Mystery and Radiant Brightness.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Reflections and Northern Truth.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy who Brings All Things to Light.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Upper Spirit at the Origin.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Dao’s Virtue and True Emptiness.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy who Opens the Hidden Treasury of Goodness.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of East Flower, who Rescues from Suffering.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Pure Spirit and Jade Radiance.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy who Establishes the Great Purity.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Empty Dao and Wise Fortune.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Saving Life and Upholding Truth.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Deliverance and Life’s Renewal.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Eight Lights and Northern Truth.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy who Spreads the True Precepts Far and Wide.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Vastly Illuminated True Dao.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Illustrious Conduct and Great Fortune.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Precepts, Life, Transformation, and Fulfillment.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy who Spreads the True Precepts.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Vastly Illuminated True Dao.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Illustrious Conduct and Great Fortune.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Precepts, Life, Transformation, and Fulfillment.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Crimson Elixir and Violet Emptiness.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrously Honored One and Golden Flower.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Northern Truth.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of Illustrious Transformation and the Lofty Dao.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the True Abyss, Free from Obstruction.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Upper Origin and Transformative Deliverance.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy who Receives and Upholds the Mysterious Communion.

Reverently bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Immortal Spirits and Universal Compassion.

With single-minded reverence, I bow before the Venerable Celestial One of the Five Elders and Brahma’s Practice, a revered deity associated with the five directions and Five Phases; the Venerable Celestial One of Splendid Golden Radiance, a radiant and brilliant deity; the Venerable Celestial One Who Protects Souls Without Obstruction, who ensures that souls flow freely and unhindered; and the Venerable Celestial One of Unimpeded Naturalness, who embodies freedom from obstruction.

With single-minded reverence, I bow before the Venerable Celestial One of Supreme Blessings and Good Fortune, who bestows blessings and joy; the Venerable Celestial One of Treasure-Radiance and Immortal Flight, associated with immortals ascending through the skies; the Venerable Celestial One of Wondrous Origin and Vermilion Radiance, whose virtue is mysterious and luminous; the Venerable Celestial One of Great Holiness and Eternal Joy, who embodies lasting peace and happiness; the Venerable Celestial One Who Pulls Souls from the Nine Depths and Frees Them from Sin, who rescues those suffering in the shadowy underworld of the Nine Depths; and the Venerable Celestial One Who Grants Rebirth According to One’s Wishes, who protects beings as they are reborn in accordance with their aspirations.

With single-minded reverence, I bow before the Perfected Ones of Compassionate Rescue from Suffering, Compassionate Deliverance, Great Compassion and Beneficence, Liberation, the Grotto Mystery, Rescue from Suffering, the Grotto Spirit, Relief from Suffering, Demon Subjugation, Equal Illumination, Golden Radiance, Jade Light, and Brightness. I also bow before the Celestial Masters of Saving the Dying, Protecting Life, Extending Life, Delivering People, Cherishing Life, and Upholding Goodness.

The phrase “with single-minded devotion, I pay homage” is repeated throughout to express focused and reverent worship. Those honored include Celestial Worthies, Perfected Ones, and Celestial Masters. The prayer asks them to rescue those in suffering and distress, protect life, remove sins, and help beings attain liberation.

The Primordial Lord (a supreme deity venerated in Daoism) told the immortals and perfected beings who attended him: “I now dispatch Perfected Taihua, bearing these honored titles of Celestial Worthies, Perfected Beings, and Celestial Masters, to the human world. Let them be spread throughout every kingdom and province, so that all people and beings of the heavenly realms may pay homage and recite them. In this way, disasters above may be dispelled, and harmful influences below may be transformed.

If those who cultivate the Way and seek the truth, and the people who revere the Great Dao, hold a grand Zhaijiao (purification ritual) for the Three Ministers, their assistants, and generals and ministers on their year of birth or birthday, and perform repeated prostrations and recitations of this scripture and penitential liturgy, they will enjoy the Five Blessings for a long time and preserve the Qi of the Three Origins. They will attain noble status, long life, and immeasurable blessings.”

With sincere devotion, I pay homage to:

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Difei,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Gaizhu,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Qingyuan,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount An,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Shike,

The blessed land of Eastern Source of Immortals.

With sincere devotion, I pay homage to:

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Difei,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Gaizhu,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Qingyuan,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount An,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Shike,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Eastern Source of Immortals,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Qingyu,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of the Yumu Grotto,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Chishui,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of the Danxia Grotto,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Jun,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Jiaoyuan,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Lingxu,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Wozhou,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Tianmu Peak,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Ruoye Stream,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Jinting,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Maling,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Eyang,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Dongzhen Xu,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Guangtian Altar,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Donggong,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Qingyu Altar,

And the assembly of immortal officials and sacred beings,

The immortal officials and sacred assembly of the blessed land of Mount Maling.

The immortal officials and holy assemblies of such blessed lands as Goose and Sheep Mountain, Dongzhen Market, the Altar of Radiant Heaven, the Cavern Palace, the Altar of Clear Jade, and Mount Tao Gong.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning said to the Perfected Ones attending him, “I now send the Perfected Taihua with this scripture to spread it throughout the world, so that all beings in Heaven and among humankind may bow, worship, and recite it. In this way they may lengthen their lives, gather blessings and De, preserve their lives, and dispel calamities. If those who follow the Dao observe a purification rite and worship on the Three Primal Days, the Eight Festival Days, or their own natal birthday, recite the revered titles of the Three Pure Ones and the names of the Celestial Worthies, and vow to pray for blessings for the three armies, the people, and all beings throughout the world, while burning incense and honoring the Dao, then all the holy ones will protect their households. They will grant them long life and rank, increase their immeasurable blessings and De, and dispel their immeasurable sins.”

The Master Chongmiao bowed in gratitude before the Supreme Emperor of the Golden Palace—the palace where the Heavenly Emperor resides—and offered this poem of praise:

“The radiant, luminous Empty Cavern Chapter, whose wondrous sound shakes the nine heavens. The Most True Dao opens its precious hidden treasury and transmits chapters of subtle mystery. Now we have once more encountered these precious verses and numinous writings, able to deliver our ancestors’ departed souls from the endless night and raise them to the Heaven of Vermilion Mound, where Daoist legend says the departed are settled and transformed. With reverent devotion, we honor the deities we venerate and bow in gratitude before the Void Emperor.”

The Great Repentance of the Most High Numinous Treasure: Bowing to Heaven and Repenting for Sin, scrolls five and six.

At that time, the Emperor of Primordial Beginning was in the Palace of the Great Luo Heaven…

In the Golden Hall of the Palace of the Great Luo Heaven, within curtains adorned with the Seven Treasures, the Emperor of Primordial Beginning manifested his vast divine might. Auspicious light blazed forth, illuminating Heaven and Earth. Perfected Immortals attended and guarded him in number beyond counting. Holding ceremonial insignia and bearing incense, they stood in ordered rows, circling in procession with the ritual steps of pacing the void as they praised the Supreme One. At that time, the celestial, terrestrial, and aquatic immortals composed themselves and went to pay court at the Golden Palace. They presented registers recording the lives and deaths, sins and blessings of the people throughout the world, listing their names and deeds; not even the slightest detail was omitted.

At this time, the Primordial Supreme Lord, a revered deity in Daoism, said to the Perfected Ones attending him, “I observe all sentient beings and see that the things they cling to are illusory. Their thoughts arise and vanish, changing without pause. Thus beings transmigrate amid suffering, while ordinary people remain unaware, passing among the Three Evil Paths—the realms of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals—and enduring hardship through countless kalpas. Again and again they are reborn, entangled in afflictions, all because of delusion and inverted views. Beings fasten their minds to life and death, unable to free themselves. This is truly cause for compassion.”

At the assembly, the Perfected Ones Jinhua and Guangfu, holding their court tablets and arranging their ornaments, stepped out from the ranks, burned incense, and bowed to the Supreme Lord of the Golden Palace, a celestial deity who dwells in the Golden Palace. They said, “We have accumulated profound merit through good deeds and attained a place in Jade Clarity, the realm of subtle clarity in Daoism. Fortunate to attend you, we respectfully hear your teachings and receive your instruction for the sake of all beings. Now we see that beings in the lower world disregard the causes and conditions of their former lives and fail to follow the scriptures and teachings. They argue with one another over right and wrong; their six consciousnesses—the faculties of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and thinking—are clouded, while the five poisons, such as greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt, bind their hearts. They commit evil deeds without fear. Some call upon ghosts and spirits, hoping for aid; others swear by the sun, moon, and stars, or by their ancestors. Even relatives harm one another, killing and injuring without restraint. At the approach of death, they still cling to their homes and possessions, cherish their bodies, and worry over their spouses and children, their hearts anxious and their attachments hard to release. Some even make evil vows, while creditors and enemies seem to appear before them. In the end, they sink into the Five Destinies, the five realms of rebirth, with no means of escape. We beseech the Celestial Worthy to show great compassion, pardon all beings, and save them from the netherworld, so that they may all awaken to the Great Dao.”

The Primordial Supreme Lord then said to the Perfected Ones attending him, “I observe beings in the lower world and see that delusion and inverted views all arise from the mind. They force distinctions and bind their thoughts to the heart; whenever they encounter external things, they become confused, and as soon as a thought arises, they often fall into delusion. They should calm their minds and use wisdom to examine themselves: bones, flesh, skin, bodily form and hair; the six sense faculties and the four great elements—earth, water, fire, and wind—that compose the human body; the five organs and the spirits within the body. Examine them closely, and nowhere will you find a real, unchanging substance. These parts come together through causes and conditions and gather only temporarily to form the body. Search within and without, piece by piece: where, in the end, is there a fixed ‘self’? Since the body is only a temporary, illusory gathering, the mind too has no independent, unchanging substance. Neither emptiness nor illusion is a true inherent nature; in the end, both are delusions. One should eliminate every attachment to right and wrong, hatred and affection, and the six objects of perception—form, sound, smell, taste, touch, and mental objects—as well as jealousy, stinginess, greed, killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, smooth-tongued deceit, and abusive speech. When the inner mind and outer world are clear, still, and open, one can realize the true Dao for oneself.”

The Original Beginning Supreme God told the attendants of the True Way, the immortal officials who serve it: “Contemplate your own body with focused wisdom, and you will discover that it contains no eternal, unchanging, independently real substance. People cling to all kinds of views because the six faculties—the six senses and consciousness that correspond to the three karmic actions—and the three karmic actions have not yet been purified. If you make both inner and outer realms clear, still, and empty, you can realize the True Way for yourself.

“The six faculties are the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. They give rise to various actions and karmic results, as plants and trees produce flowers, leaves, and fruit. They also stir the six emotions, six thieves, and six desires, leading to all kinds of karma. By repeatedly contemplating these matters with wisdom, you can gradually bring to an end the karma arising from the six faculties.

“The three karmic actions are actions of the body, mind, and mouth. Bodily actions include killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct; mental actions include stinginess and craving, and anger; speech includes flattery, lying, hurtful speech, and sowing discord. Together these are called the ten evils. Reflect carefully, and you will understand that the ten evils have no fixed, real essence. Gradually let go of the attachments arising from the three karmic actions and the six faculties. Keep reducing them, persist over time, and you can realize the True Way for yourself.”

The Primordial God said to the immortal officials who served the true Dao at his side: “I think of the beings in the lower world. Since the beginning of countless kalpas, their thoughts and intentions have often been false and unreal. They have lacked sincerity and simplicity, and have often spoken empty, extravagant words.

“At times, before the sacred image of a Heavenly Venerable, in a ritual hall where scriptures are recited and practices performed, before their parents and honored elders, before worthy people and seniors, before the wealthy and powerful, before the intelligent and learned, and even before the holy assemblies of the heavens, the sun, moon, and stars, their thoughts and words have been marked by boastful and deceptive speech. These offenses are grave. Today, they humbly confess and repent before the numinous altar of the Three Treasures, where the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters are enshrined, and ask that these faults be washed away.

“I think of how, in their dealings with others and in their thoughts and intentions, beings often speak boastfully and tell lies; wound others with their words and spread gossip; envy those who surpass them; provoke disputes and confuse right and wrong; sow discord among close relatives; and present falsehood as truth and fabrication as fact. Today they repent of these offenses. May they all be cleansed, so that beings may regain purity and enter the root of faith—the steadfast conviction needed for spiritual practice.”

The Primordial Lord said to the immortal officials who served the True Dao at his sides: “I have seen the living beings in the lower realm. Ever since they took human form, they have often let thoughts and impulses arise through their eyes, ears, nose, and tongue, committing all kinds of evil: taking life, stealing, engaging in illicit and unrestrained sex, hoarding and craving, giving way to anger and hatred, and sinking into ignorance and confusion. They speak boastfully and falsely, lie, use abusive language, and stir up discord. They envy those stronger than themselves; drink alcohol and eat meat; violate the laws of the Heavenly Dao represented by the sun, moon, and stars; turn away from the True Dao and pursue falsehood; believe deviant teachings and hold upside-down views. They make offerings to ghosts and spirits but do not revere the Three Treasures spoken of in Daoism. They slander others, make noise and quarrel, act contemptuously and arrogantly, and behave without restraint or respect. They indulge in sexual desire, crave fragrances, and become attached to bodily contact and things in the external world. Evil thoughts arise within, evil deeds are carried out outwardly, and each evil act gives rise to more.

The six faculties—the six capacities for perception and thought, known as the six roots—stir one another, causing faults to multiply. The roots of wrongdoing grow ever deeper, and every thought strays from the right path. The sins accumulated by living beings are beyond counting; their bad habits have persisted for a long time and are deeply embedded in body and mind.

Human nature is originally pure. With a single turn of thought toward clarity, it can return to purity. This is like a bright mirror obscured by dust and grease: as these build up over time, the mirror grows dim. But when a skilled craftsperson cleans and polishes it, the mirror becomes clear and luminous inside and out, able to reflect things both near and far, and regains its original state. Why is this so? Because nature is originally pure, and human life is the same; consciousness is pure from the beginning, free of defilement. Yet after acquiring a body, people are gradually polluted by habitual tendencies and commit faults. The six roots, the six feelings—sensations and emotions arising from the six roots—the six thieves, the six sensory desires that disturb one’s nature, the six desires, and the six consciousnesses, the six forms of perceptual awareness, all act upon one another. They make people form deluded distinctions and create defilement, covering them over and causing them to lose their nature. Thus they wander through the cycle of birth and death. Their actions continually draw them into sin and entangle them in retribution, until they finally fall into hell, endure every kind of torment, and remain trapped in the cycle for a long time.

Out of compassion, I take pity on living beings. From one kalpa to the next, I have come in turn to the human world: sometimes born among the Yi peoples, sometimes in China; sometimes as an old person, sometimes as a young one; sometimes in a position of honor, sometimes in a humble station. In many different ways, I have taught and delivered living beings. I have caused the scriptures and teachings to circulate, awakening them so that they might escape suffering and leave the realm of the mud-bottomed hell forever. Yet living beings have little wisdom and find it difficult to understand. Now I will explain to you the causes and conditions of sin and merit, so that all living beings may understand and thereby attain liberation.”

The Primordial Celestial Emperor said to the assembled Perfected Ones: If men and women in the lower world who sincerely believe in the Dao recite and uphold this scripture, burn incense, repent, and cleanse their minds and bodies of all manner of afflictions, their mind and body will become pure, and immeasurable, boundless evil karma from past lives will be dispelled. The holy beings of Heaven and the immortals often hope that people will diligently burn incense and repent. In this way, benevolent gods from the heavenly realms of the ten directions will protect them, and the holy beings will also watch over them.

When the weight of one’s sins is great and they cling to one’s person, binding one both within and without, one may be tested and harmed by evil spirits, plagued by illness, or face many kinds of suffering, including floods and fires, weapons, venomous insects and fierce beasts, shackles, and imprisonment. Ordinary people know only to improve their outward appearance and wash their clothes, hands, and feet, but do not understand that they must cleanse their sins from within. Is this not foolish? Washing the face, hands, feet, and clothes makes them clean; if one can encounter an immortal, one may receive blessings.

The Primordial Celestial Emperor said to the Perfected Ones who attended him: If men and women in the lower world who follow the Dao establish a sacred seat for the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and an altar to the Five Emperors in an ancient temple’s sacred precinct or in a clean room in their home, on behalf of their deceased ancestors and forebears; recite scriptures; perform rites of repentance; and hold a Great Offering to the celestial gods, they will all receive blessings and good fortune when they encounter immortals.

The Primordial Celestial Emperor again said to the Perfected Ones attending him: If men and women in the lower world who follow the Dao establish a sacred seat for the Three Pure Ones and an altar to the Five Emperors in an ancient temple’s sacred precinct or in a clean room in their home, on behalf of their deceased ancestors and forebears; recite scriptures and perform rites of repentance; and hold a Great Offering, I will send the Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering, to open the treasures of Purple Tenuity and the jade scrolls and elixir writings, proclaim the Celestial Worthy’s sacred titles, praise and extol them, and chant the chapters of the Caverns. I will petition for the removal of sins recorded in the jade registers of the Ninefold Darkness, so that beings in both the human and celestial realms may be delivered from suffering, have the sins of all their past lives erased, and receive immeasurable blessings. Therefore, those performing the rites should burn incense, devote their minds and bodies, offer their lives, and bow with all five parts of the body touching the ground.

With sincere hearts, pay homage to:

The Primordial Celestial Worthy of the Jade Clarity Sacred Realm, Void and Natural;

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

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

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

The Southern Pole Star Lord, the Heavenly Emperor of the Purple Tenuity Palace;

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

The Most High Sovereign of the Vast Heaven, the Jade Emperor, Supreme Lord of the Golden Palace;

the ruler of the Southern Pole Star, the August Emperor of Heaven, the upper official of the Purple Tenuity Palace;

the ruler of the Central Heaven Star, the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole, the middle official of the Purple Tenuity Palace;

the August Earth Deity, Empress Houtu, who receives Heaven’s mandate, models herself on the Dao of Heaven, and governs the earth through the vast power of abundant De;

the Great Emperor of Southern Pole Longevity, the Heavenly Venerable who unifies Heaven and governs the celestial realm and long life;

the Great Emperor of Azure Florescence, the Heavenly Venerable Taiyi, Savior from Suffering, who dwells at the Eastern Pole and delivers living beings;

the Great Sage of Bright Constancy, the Heavenly Venerable who answers the Nine Heavens and transforms through the sound of thunder;

the Great Emperor, Ancestral Lord of Thunder of the Nine Heavens, the Heavenly Venerable who dispels calamities and benefits all things;

the Great Heavenly Emperor Taiyi of the Purple Tenuity Palace of Jade Green, the Heavenly Venerable who safeguards against the cycles of tribulation;

the Great Emperor of the Six Heavens and Cavernous Abyss, the Supreme Great Heavenly Venerable Taiyi who subdues demons;

the Sovereign Lord, Master of the Six Waves of Heaven, the Heavenly Venerable who broadly spreads the moistening power of the Law;

the Elder in Charge of Measures, Ke Han of the Nine Heavens, the Heavenly Venerable who grants life at Zhu Ling;

the Commissioner of the Nine Heavens, the Heavenly Venerable who responds to the primordial force, safeguards fortune, and brings wondrous transformation;

the Elder of the Azure Numinous Beginning, the Heavenly Venerable of the Empty Cavern, in the Nine-Qi Heaven of the East;

the Elder of the Cinnabar Numinous Truth, the Heavenly Venerable of the Clear Cavern, in the Three-Qi Heaven of the South;

the Elder in Charge of Measures, Ke Han of the Nine Heavens, the Heavenly Venerable who grants life at Zhu Ling;

the Commissioner of the Nine Heavens, the Heavenly Venerable who responds to the primordial force, safeguards fortune, and brings wondrous transformation;

the Elder of the Azure Numinous Beginning, the Heavenly Venerable of the Empty Cavern, in the Nine-Qi Heaven of the East;

the Elder of the Cinnabar Numinous Truth, the Heavenly Venerable of the Clear Cavern, in the Three-Qi Heaven of the South;

the Elder of the Bright Numinous Sovereign, the Heavenly Venerable of the Void Cavern, in the Seven-Qi Heaven of the West;

the Elder of the Five Numinous Mysteries, the Heavenly Venerable of the Subtle Cavern, in the Five-Qi Heaven of the North;

the Elder of the Mysterious Numinous Origin, the Heavenly Venerable of the True Cavern, in the One-Qi Heaven of the Center.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage to the Heavenly Venerable who cherishes life and grants deliverance in the southeast.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage to the Heavenly Venerable who opens the way for suffering souls to escape their plight.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage to the Heavenly Venerable of the Immortals of High Attainment who understands karmic affinities.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage to the Heavenly Venerable of awakening and universal illumination.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage to the Nameless Great Mystery Heavenly Venerable.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage to the Heavenly Venerable of divine transformation and exalted purity.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage to the Heavenly Venerable who opens the way to merit and safeguards life.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage to the Heavenly Venerable who guards life and dwells in the Purple Void.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage to the Great Sage, the Sage King Heavenly Venerable.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage to the Heavenly Venerable who brings the Great Cavern to completion and purity.

This passage successively lists the honorific titles of various Heavenly Venerables, stellar emperors, and deities of the four directions and the center. The phrase “with wholehearted reverence, I bow in homage” expresses the deepest devotion. In Daoist penitential liturgies, bowing to these deities is a way to honor the divine, pray for the dispelling of calamities and release from distress, and seek deliverance for suffering souls.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Eight Spirit Powers, Who Establishes Awe.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Bright Truth and Wisdom.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Ascending to the Profound and True Brilliance.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Immortal Spirits of the Purple Palace (the revered divine immortals dwelling in the Purple Palace).

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Wise Vision and Illuminated Immortality.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Truth in the Azure Palace.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy Who, Unhindered, Protects Life (the revered deity who safeguards life and grants peace and freedom from obstruction).

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the revered Heavenly Worthy.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Immortal Spirits of the Purple Palace.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Wise Vision and Illuminated Immortality.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Truth in the Azure Palace.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy Who, Unhindered, Protects Life.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy Who Protects Life and Warns Against Harm.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Great Vehicle, Renewed Each Day.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Wondrous Joy of the Lotus Flower.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Flowing Lightning and Cloud Palace.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Rosy Clouds, Contemplated and Gathered into Stillness.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Great Harmony of Ten Thousand Transformations.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Vermilion Stillness and Wondrous Rosy Clouds.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy, Dharma King Who Covers the Heavens.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Six Awakenings and Profound Penetration.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Great Clarity and Cavern of Truth.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Vast Heavens and Wondrous Operation.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Dharma Ocean and Precious Heart.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Celestial Emperor’s Ascent to the Highest Pole.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Dao’s Practice and True Emptiness.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Five Elders’ Brahmic Practice.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Emptiness, Profound Vastness, and Wondrous Operation.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Dharma Ocean and Precious Heart.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Celestial Emperor’s Ascent to the Highest Pole.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Dao’s Practice and True Emptiness.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Five Elders’ Brahmic Practice.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Emptiness and Profound Penetration.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Precious Brilliance and Wise Understanding.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of True Rescue and Preservation of Life.

With sincere devotion and reverence, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Vermilion Blossoms and Wondrous Colors.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Revered Celestial Worthy Who Warns and Gives Birth to Heaven; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Unity of Authority and Reality; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Responsive Manifestation in Profound Mystery; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Compassionate Light and Vermilion Sun; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Fruit and Pale Moon; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Transforms Affinities and Responds to Change; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Concentration in the Three Heavens; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Illuminates the Hidden Course of the Unseen; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Emptiness of Dao and De; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Origin and Supreme Spirit; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Reflections and the Northern Truth; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Empty Mystery and Luminous Form; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Brings All Things to Light; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom and True Longevity; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Stillness Responding to the Mystery; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Honor and Golden Radiance; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Light and Pure Clarity; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Dao Wisdom; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom and True Longevity; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Stillness Responding to the Mystery; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Honor and Golden Radiance; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Light and Pure Clarity; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Dao Wisdom and the Cavern of Mystery; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Whole, Condensed in Emptiness; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Pure Splendor of the Cloud Palace; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Attains Supreme Mystery; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Bright Yellow Dao Lord; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Blessings and Felicity of the Highest Grade; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Treasure’s Response and Flying Immortals; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Origin and Vermilion Light; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Universal Radiance of Immortal Spirits; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Delivers through the Immortal Dao; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom, Insight, and Mysterious Stillness; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Right Vision in the Upper Palace; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Boundless Great Cavern.

The repeated recitation of “With single-minded devotion, I pay homage” expresses worship of the Celestial Worthies with a focused and sincere heart. Their titles are listed one after another, reflecting the ritual reverence for divine beings in a penitential liturgy.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Immortal Way and Universal Salvation, who saves all beings everywhere.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wise Understanding and Mysterious Serenity, whose wisdom is far-reaching and whose mystery is tranquil.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Right Contemplation in the Upper Palace, who observes with clarity and dwells in the Upper Palace.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Cavern and Boundless Merit, who penetrates the Way of the Great Cavern and possesses immeasurable merit.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wise Awakening in the Upper Capital, who is awakened in wisdom and dwells in the Upper Capital.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Whose Radiance Shines in All Directions, whose light illuminates the four quarters.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Reveals the True Way in the Jade Cavern, who makes the True Way manifest and dwells in the Jade Cavern.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Responds to Hearts and Saves All, who answers the heartfelt wishes of beings and rescues them everywhere.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Unwavering Resolve and Great Clarity, who remains steadfast and returns to the realm of Great Clarity.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Protects the Soul and Frees It from Hindrance, who guards the soul and lets it pass without obstruction.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Treasured Wondrous Canon, who opens precious and wondrous scriptures.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy, King of the Immortal Brahma-Dharma, who upholds the wondrous laws of the immortal realm.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Illumination and Great Radiance, whose wondrous wisdom shines forth with brilliance.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Radiance and Numinous Stillness, who is numinously clear and tranquil like golden light.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Saves Life and Contemplates Emptiness, who protects life and contemplates the principle of empty stillness.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Exalted Numinousness and Golden Splendor, who is noble and wondrously numinous, shining like golden blossoms.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Pure Fruition and Wondrous Joy, who attains pure and wondrous fruits and enjoys sublime bliss.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure and Natural Spontaneity, who embodies the natural principle of the Great Way of the Numinous Treasure.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Splendor and Unceasing Movement, who shines brightly and moves without end.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Exalted Cinnabar Origin, who is noble and supreme.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Immortal Numinous One of Wondrous Stillness.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure and Natural Spontaneity.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Splendor and Unceasing Movement.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Exalted Cinnabar Origin.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Numinous Wondrous Stillness, who is wondrously numinous and tranquil in Wuwei (non-action).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Sets Radiance in Motion and Reveals Wisdom.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Light and Divine Might, whose brilliance shines forth and whose divine power is vast.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Uses the Precepts to Subdue Demons, who brings evil spirits under control through the power of the precepts.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Vast Reach and Bright Movement, who is broadly encompassing and moves with clarity.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Whose Divine Merit Illuminates the Way, whose wondrous merit makes the Great Way manifest.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Eastern Florescence Dharma and Cinnabar, who upholds the Eastern Florescence teachings and holds the Way of the Elixir within.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Hidden Merit Who Responds Everywhere, whose cultivation is concealed and who manifests in response to each place.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Light and Universal Radiance, whose supreme light illuminates all things.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure and Serene Stillness, who is a wondrous treasure, pure and tranquil.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Carriage and Jade Treasures, who rides in a golden carriage and possesses jade treasures.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Luo Heaven and Numinous Truth, the wondrous and true sovereign of the Great Luo Heaven.

With sincere reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Fortune and Great Illumination, praying that the wondrous workings of the Heavenly Dao shine throughout all directions.

With sincere reverence, we bow to the Celestial Worthy of Silent Stillness and Purple Deliverance, praying that through quietude we may receive deliverance from the Purple Palace. We bow to the Celestial Worthy of Harmonious Union and Deep Clarity, praying that all things may unite and return to settled stillness and lucid clarity; to the Celestial Worthy of the Universal Illumination of the Divine Way, praying that the Way of the divine beings may be made manifest everywhere; to the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Citadel and Serene Stillness, praying that our heart and spirit may be as steadfast as a golden citadel and return to stillness; to the Celestial Worthy of Immaculate Purity Beyond Compare, praying that body and mind may be disciplined and pure, and our virtue unmatched; and to the Celestial Worthy Who Rescues from Sin in the Ninefold Darkness, praying that beings in the underworld may be rescued and freed from the suffering of sin.

Next, we bow to the Celestial Worthies of Harmonious Union and Deep Clarity, the Universal Illumination of the Divine Way, the Golden Citadel and Serene Stillness, Immaculate Purity Beyond Compare, and Rescue from Sin in the Ninefold Darkness. We also bow to the Celestial Worthy Who Grants Rebirth According to One’s Vows, praying that all beings may attain rebirth in accordance with their wholesome aspirations. In Daoist ritual, “with focused heart, we pay homage” expresses the act of bowing and praying to the divine beings with wholehearted reverence.

With sincere reverence, we bow to the Perfected Ones of Compassion Who Rescue from Suffering, Compassion Who Deliver, Great Compassion and Benevolence, Perfect Purity, Compassionate Rescue, Compassionate Illumination, Jade Radiance, Radiant Mystery, Luminous Emptiness, Luminous Mystery, Luminous Sovereignty, Ten Thousand Ways, and Radiant Clarity.

We then bow to the Perfected Ones of Luminous Mystery, Luminous Sovereignty, Ten Thousand Ways, and Radiant Clarity. The revered deity called “Primordial Beginning” is also mentioned in this passage of homage.

The Primordial Heavenly Lord said to the perfected beings who served at his side, the Three Officials who governed the heavens, earth, and waters, and all the gathered sages: “I now reveal these Heavenly Worthies’ names to the human world and send the Perfected One of Golden Radiance, a title for a perfected being in Daoism, to spread them throughout the world, so that all people may worship and recite them.

“If a pure and devout cultivator sets up a vegetarian offering and performs the Dao on behalf of the departed souls of seven generations of ancestors, their forebears, and all living beings—on the Three Primordial Observances and Eight Festival Days, the Five La Days and Ten Days of Abstention, or on birthdays and memorial days—and invites Daoist priests and ritual masters to conduct ceremonies, chant the Steps of the Void, offer hymns of praise, present memorials and petitions to Heaven, worship and give thanks to Heaven and Earth, the sun, moon, and stars, the underworld’s officials, and the immortals of the water realm, then the Ten-Day Spirit Officials will report these merits to the heavens. Through these merits, the departed can escape the Five Sufferings and be delivered from the Three Paths of Torment—the hells, the realm of hungry ghosts, and the animal realm. They may ascend to the Palace of Vermilion Mound, where Daoism says departed souls receive salvation, or enter the Gate of Opening Light and be guided by the immortals. Blessings will endure for generations, bringing good fortune to all living beings throughout the world; even amid great calamities, they will receive Heaven’s grace.”

We sincerely pay homage to:

All the immortals who attained the Dao on Penglai Mountain,

all the immortals who attained the Dao on Fusang Mountain,

all the immortals who attained the Dao on Fangzhang Mountain,

all the immortals who attained the Dao on Canglang Mountain,

all the High Perfected who attained the Dao on Yingzhou,

all the High Perfected who attained the Dao on Zuzhou,

all the High Perfected who attained the Dao on Juku Zhou,

all the High Perfected who attained the Dao on Yanzhou,

all the High Perfected who attained the Dao on Fenglinzhou,

all the High Perfected who attained the Dao on Xuanzhou,

all the High Perfected who attained the Dao on Liuzhou,

all the High Perfected who attained the Dao on Changzhou,

all the High Perfected who attained the Dao on Yuanzhou,

all the High Perfected who attained the Dao on Shengzhou,

and the immortal officials of the thirty-six Daoist sanctuaries throughout the world.

All the immortals who have attained the Dao among the sacred mountains and twenty-eight jurisdictions throughout the world.

The Primordial Heavenly Lord once more addressed the Perfected Ones who served at his side: “I now send the Perfected One of Jade Purity down to the human world with this scripture, so that all beings may circulate and venerate it, and recite it throughout the four seasons. In this way, disasters above may be dispelled and calamities below averted, while blessings and Virtue continue to grow.

“If those who practice goodness and accumulate Virtue offer prayers for the blessed repose of their deceased ancestors and parents on the Three Yuan days—the Upper, Middle, and Lower Yuan, among other important days of ritual purification—the Eight Seasonal Festivals, including the four beginnings, the two equinoxes, and the two solstices, or on the memorial day of their own birth, they may burn incense, bow in worship, and recite the honored names of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and the various Great Perfected Ones. May their departed ancestors, their own parents, and all beings throughout the world receive blessings in every generation, encounter immortals soon, enjoy the Five Blessings in their own lives, and long abide in the blessings of nature.”

The Master of Profound Marvels bowed before the Supreme Lord of the Golden Palace—the Lord who dwells in the palaces of Heaven—to give thanks, and offered this hymn:

The Jade Emperor proclaims Heaven’s decree, universally releasing the departed from darkness. Every kind of suffering is dispelled, and all five paths—the routes along which the dead pass through rebirth—are made clear. Fengdu, the underworld of Daoist legend, no longer pursues their transgressions, and the departed may ascend to the Palace of Vermilion Mound, where Daoist legend says they are settled and saved. When all beings understand the Supreme Dao, they will enjoy boundless blessings forever.

The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao, Offering Thanks to Heaven and Atoning for Transgressions: universally releasing the departed from darkness; dispelling every kind of suffering and clearing all five paths; ending the pursuit of transgressions in Fengdu, so that the departed may ascend to the Palace of Vermilion Mound; enabling all beings to understand the Supreme Dao and enjoy boundless blessings forever.

Volume Six of The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao, Offering Thanks to Heaven and Atoning for Transgressions.

Volume Seven of The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao, Offering Thanks to Heaven and Atoning for Transgressions.

At that time, the Primordial Heavenly Sovereign, a revered Daoist deity, sat upright in the Palace of Jade Purity in the Great Luo Heaven, upon the Heavenly Treasure Wondrous Terrace borne aloft by five-colored auspicious clouds. He summoned the celestial immortals, earthly immortals, water immortals, numinous beings of the Three Realms, and countless living beings. Together they came to the Heavenly Gate to pay homage to Jade Purity, burning incense and scattering flowers. They circled the terrace in the ritual steps of treading the void, then bowed before the Most High.

Then the Primordial Heavenly Sovereign radiated a majestic, brilliant light and proclaimed the wondrous teachings far and wide, holding in his heart the wish to save all living beings so that they might understand the Great Dao. The Perfected of Highest Clarity, the Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate, and the Perfected of Wondrous Conduct then stepped forward, burned incense, and paid homage to the Most High. They said, “Since time beyond measure, we have been fortunate to rank among the immortals and Perfected, and to serve with honor in the immortal palaces. Whenever we hear your numinous and wondrous teachings, the dust and grime in our hearts are dispelled. We are always mindful of the people in the lower world. Swept along by the sea of desire, they drift in the river of passion, ceaselessly circling through birth and death. We do not know what good deeds they should cultivate to escape this sinking and be delivered in their entirety.”

The Primordial Heavenly Sovereign then said to the Perfected Ones attending at his side, “If there are virtuous men and women in the lower world who do good over a long period and benefit others, restrain themselves and give up their possessions to help others, continually cultivate blessings and De, rescue birds, beasts, and other sentient lives, and widely aid those suffering from hunger and cold, these are the most important good deeds. If they can dig wells beside the road to provide water, build shelters where people may rest, plant fruit trees, and care for and relieve those worn down by hardship; if they also build bridges over rivers to help travelers cross, and diligently do good without slackening, then all the sages will protect them, and they will receive immeasurable blessings.”

The Primordial Heavenly Lord (one of Daoism’s highest deities) said to the Perfected Ones who served at his side: “I think of how all beings are trapped by the Three Poisons of greed, anger, and delusion, and by the ten kinds of evil conduct. They are beset by all manner of demons, spirits, malevolent ghosts, wicked gods, venomous creatures, and fierce beasts, as well as weapons, floods and fires, instruments of torture, prisons, illness, suffering, and calamity, and cannot find peace. For this reason, I will expound for you the great methods of the Three Caverns—the Daoist scriptures and practices—and the precious scriptures of talismans and registers. I hope to protect and save the world and bring peace and happiness to all beings.

“Beings are ignorant and do not understand the principles of sin and blessing, so they give free rein to their desires. Some kill, steal, or engage in licentious sex; some are miserly and greedy, lash out in anger, or are deluded and confused. Some speak empty, showy words, lie, abuse others, or sow discord. Others devour living beings, defy Heaven and Earth, abandon the right way for heretical teachings, and pray to and make offerings to ghosts and spirits. Their many kinds of wrongdoing are intertwined, with not a single good deed among them. As a result, poisonous winds and baleful energies, along with the demons of the Six Heavens, spread throughout the human world, and killing and calamity continue day and night. My heart is filled with compassion for them.

“I often dispatch the emperors of the various heavens, the immortals of the Ten Extremities, and the gods of the Four Offices and Five Emperors to travel through the human world and aid all beings, helping them awaken and attain deliverance so that they will no longer encounter all manner of evil and can dispel the sins they have accumulated in the past.”

The Primordial Heavenly Lord once again addressed the Celestial Immortals at his side: “I have seen ordinary people in the world sink into sin and suffering, age after age, for immeasurable eons (in Buddhist and Daoist traditions, an immensely long span of time). They commit every kind of wrongdoing: killing living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct and debauchery, stinginess and greed, resentment and anger, ignorance and delusion, as well as cruel speech, sowing discord, boasting and deceitful lies. They eat the flesh of all kinds of birds and beasts, kill living creatures, go against the Way of Heaven and Earth, and do not believe in karmic retribution for good and evil. The weight of the karma they create is beyond measure.

People may establish an altar to the Three Pure Ones and an altar to the Five Emperors of the stars in a Daoist temple’s sacred precinct (a ritual space where deities are enshrined and ceremonies are held), or in a clean room in their own home. They may burn incense, scatter flowers, bow before Heaven and Earth, confess their transgressions, and submit memorials, asking that their offenses be erased, that they and their homes be purified, that all calamities be dispelled, and that they receive boundless blessings.

If emperors, rulers, empresses and consorts, princes, and grand princes resolve with utter sincerity, they may invite Daoist priests or ritual masters to establish a ritual sanctuary in a palace’s main hall or courtyard, or in a pure Daoist chamber, for their ancestors of seven generations, their kin across seven generations, their deceased parents, and all their relatives. They should recite scriptures, perform rites of repentance, burn incense, light lamps, confess their wrongs, cultivate the Dao, and give alms of wealth, clothing, and bedding. They should also release living creatures to prolong life, hold Zhaijiao (purification rituals and offerings to the gods) on a wide scale, and persevere wholeheartedly in their practice without growing lax. The Primordial Heavenly Lord will send the Celestial Perfected of the Ten Heavens, the Four Offices and Five Emperors, the divine officials of the Ten Days, and other gods to descend and observe. For all who remain steadfast in body and mind, the sick may recover, the dead may return to life, those in peril may escape danger, prisoners may be released, travelers may return safely, and officials may be promoted. No calamity—whether flood or fire, weapons and warfare, tigers and wolves, poisonous beasts, evil spirits, or demons—will harm them again; they will enjoy long life and each find peace.

If prayers are offered for deceased ancestors, may they leave behind the suffering of the Ninefold Darkness (the remote, shadowy underworld): mountains of knives, trees of swords, boiling cauldrons, and cruel beatings. May they ascend to Heaven, roam freely, and realize the Highest Dao.

If scriptures are recited and rites of repentance performed to aid emperors, empresses and consorts, princes, the common people, the land, and all living beings, they will find peace in this life and receive boundless blessings. When warfare rages and the people are harmed, reciting scriptures and performing rites of repentance can bring the fighting to an end and spare them injury and death. When epidemics spread and the people fall ill, these practices can restore the sick to health and bring peace to the people. When floods and droughts disrupt the seasons and crops are damaged, they can bring rain and wind into balance and make the Five Grains flourish.

When fierce winds and poisonous vapors arise, or fires spread and houses burn, reciting scriptures and performing rites of repentance can bring fair weather and nourish all things. When evil ghosts, venomous insects, or wild beasts harm people, these practices can drive them away. If a woman is pregnant and has difficulty giving birth when labor begins, they can keep mother and child safe from calamity. If evil spirits, ghosts, or strange forces in a palace or home disturb its inhabitants, they can restore peace there, so that fear will never return.”

The Primordial Heavenly Lord, a revered deity in Daoism, said to the perfected ones who served at his side, “The merit accumulated through worship and repentance is beyond measure. It can protect the state and bring peace to families, harmonize Heaven and Earth, dispel disasters above, and remove harmful things below. The blessings gained are beyond reckoning and can deliver beings throughout Heaven and the human world.”

The Primordial Heavenly Lord also said to the perfected ones who served him, “For the sake of all beings, I have widely sown fields of blessing and built up merit: copying scriptures, making images of deities, establishing Daoist temples, guiding people toward the Way, worshipping the scriptures of repentance in sequence, conducting purification rites, and giving away material goods. The reward gained from these acts is great and profound. Why? Material goods are bound up with the lives of all beings, and no one gives them up lightly. Those who can give them away without reluctance can build up great merit and aid the lonely, suffering, and poor. Inwardly, this can put an end to stinginess and craving; outwardly, it can reduce robbery and theft. It benefits both the human world and the heavenly realms, and brings grace to both the living and the dead. The merit of rescuing and protecting all beings brings immeasurable blessings; even the spirits of one’s ancestors for seven generations can thereby be delivered.”

The Original Beginning Supreme Deity (Yuanshi Shangdi), a revered Daoist deity, said to the immortal adepts who attended him: “We immortals have looked down upon all living beings and seen that human life is like that of a mayfly, born in the morning and dead by evening. It is truly heartbreaking.

“When a person dies, the Qi of the Five Phases reaches its end, the breath stops, and the spirit and soul depart. The marrow dries up and the body decays, while the heart is filled with fear and unease. At life’s end, one suffers immense pain. Parents, children, and other loved ones gather around, as men and women, young and old, weep in grief. The dead person’s spirit and soul are terrified and helpless, with no idea where they are going. The body gradually grows cold. Once the breath stops, all the evil deeds and sins committed in life appear one by one before the person’s eyes.

“If someone accumulated good deeds during life, heavenly beings will assist and protect them, allowing their spirit and soul to ascend to a blessed realm. But if someone accumulated sins throughout life, ox-headed demons and rakshasas, the ghostly wardens of hell, will drive them there to endure every kind of suffering. At that point, no matter how brave or noble they once were, it all vanishes in an instant. Fine carriages and great horses can no longer help them; their houses, fields, gold, and treasures all pass to others. Their spouse, children, and relatives cannot take their place and bear the punishment. Every wronged party and enemy appears before them, following like a shadow, with no escape.

“If faithful men and women who believe in the Dao make a solemn vow on behalf of their deceased parents and all their kin, perform a grand Jiao rite, offering the ritual to Heaven and Earth, present memorials and petitions to the gods, and recite and pay homage to the true scriptures, it is like finding light in darkness, receiving medicine when ill, gaining treasure in poverty, finding food when hungry, being freed from prison, or welcoming sweet rain in a drought. In this way, the burdens of sin can be cleansed, the deceased purified and raised to a blessed hall, freed from the Five Sufferings, and granted deliverance forever.”

The Primordial Beginning Supreme Deity again addressed the Perfected Ones who served at his side: “In the lands of the ten directions in the lower realm, if men and women who sincerely follow Daoism establish the precious thrones of the Three Pure Ones and the numinous altars of the Five Emperors for suffering souls in hell and malevolent ghosts burdened by karmic offenses; burn incense and light lamps; make offerings of precious fruits; submit petitions and memorials in prayer; and perform a grand offering to worship the gods of the heavens; and if they also repent and seek forgiveness on behalf of all livestock, including pigs, dogs, oxen, horses, donkeys, and mules, then I will dispatch the Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering. He will open the jade tablets and precious caskets of purple registers in the Upper Palace of Ziwei—rare documents recording divine names and registers for rescuing the dead—and proclaim the Celestial Worthy’s honored title. He will transmit it to the beings of the lower realm, so they may praise and extol him, recite the Cavern Chapters (Daoist scriptures), visualize the gods, and call to mind the Perfected Ones. They may then pray for the removal of the karmic offenses they have incurred in the long darkness of the Nine Hells, as well as the karmic retribution borne by the livestock. Thus they will escape suffering and attain liberation, receive immeasurable blessings, and all be delivered.”

Therefore, when performing the rite, burn incense, direct body and mind toward the gods, and prostrate yourself with all five parts of the body touching the ground.

Worship with sincerity:

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, Holy One of the Jade Clarity Realm, Emptiness and Natural Spontaneity (one of Daoism’s highest deities);

The Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, Lord of the Way, Most High Lord of the Way, True One of the Higher Clarity Realm;

The Celestial Worthy of the Way and Virtue, Most High Lord Lao, Immortal of the Supreme Clarity Realm;

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

The Great Emperor of the Celestial Palace in the Upper Palace of Ziwei, Lord of the Southern Pole Star;

The Great Emperor of the Northern Pole, Lord of the Ziwei Palace at the center of the heavens;

The Lord Who Inherits the Way, Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure;

The Celestial Worthy of the Way and Virtue, Most High Lord Lao, Immortal of the Supreme Clarity Realm;

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

The Great Emperor of the Celestial Palace in the Upper Palace of Ziwei, Lord of the Southern Pole Star;

The Great Emperor of the Northern Pole, Lord of the Ziwei Palace at the center of the heavens;

The Empress of the Earth, Hou Tu, who receives Heaven’s mandate and models its virtue, vast and luminous;

The Celestial Worthy of the Southern Pole, Great Emperor of Longevity, Sagely Originator Who Commands Heaven;

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering, Great Emperor of the Eastern Pole and Azure Radiance, the exalted deity who oversees the deliverance of the dead;

The Celestial Worthy of Perfect Illumination, Great Sage of the Nine Heavens, Responsive to the Primordial Thunder, who Universalizes and Transforms;

The Celestial Worthy of the Great Emperor, Ancestor of the Nine Heavens of Thunder, who Removes Calamity and Benefits All Beings;

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Great Celestial Emperor of the Jade Green Palace of Ziwei, who Preserves and Controls the Fate of the Kalpas;

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Supreme One Who Subdues Demons, Great Emperor of the Six Heavens of the Cavernous Abyss;

The Celestial Worthy, Lord Emperor of the Six Waves, Master of the Heavens, who Widely Bestows the Moisture of the Dharma.

With wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jiutian Kehan Sizhàngren, who governs the land of Zhuling and saves living beings; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jiutian Caifangshi Yingyuan Baoyun Miaohua, who is charged with inspecting the Nine Heavens and safeguarding the flow of fortune.

With wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Qingling Shilao Dongkong in the Eastern Heaven of the Nine Qi; the Celestial Worthy Danling Zhenlao Dongqing in the Southern Heaven of the Three Qi; the Celestial Worthy Haoling Huanglao Dongxu in the Western Heaven of the Seven Qi; the Celestial Worthy Wuling Xuanlao Dongwei in the Northern Heaven of the Five Qi; and the Celestial Worthy Xuanling Yuanlao Dongzhen in the Central Heaven of the One Qi. These titles correspond to the directions east, south, west, north, and center, and to the Qi of the celestial realms. They express reverence for the divine beings who preside over the heavens of the five directions. In the scripture, “Qi” refers to the Daoist name for the primordial energy of life and the cosmos.

With wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Tailing Xuhuang of the Southwest; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Daogong Zhenkong; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuanhui Weishuo; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Yinguo Shangguang; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Duyou Dongxuan; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuanhui Shenmiao; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Yizhi Fangbian; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Zhanran Zhongtian; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Fanxing Taihuang; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Wande Dongxuan; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Bajing Jiesheng; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Jiuku Zhensheng; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Tianzhong Wanbian; with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Guangdao Zhizhen.

Again, with wholehearted reverence, homage to the Celestial Worthy Jiuku Zhensheng, the Celestial Worthy Tianzhong Wanbian, and the Celestial Worthy Guangdao Zhizhen; and homage to the Celestial Worthy Baoming Donghua, the divine being of Donghua who protects life; the Celestial Worthy Jingding Shangyin; the Celestial Worthy Jincang Miaobao; the Celestial Worthy Baji Dongyou; and the Celestial Worthy Guangyun Wuwei.

“Wholehearted reverence and homage” means paying respect with undivided devotion. The passage repeatedly lists the titles of Celestial Worthies, expressing reverence and supplication to these divine beings.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to Cheng (the original text uses this character; its meaning is unclear), the Heavenly Worthy of the Mysterious Dao’s Fortune.

With utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence to the Heavenly Worthy Who Constantly Preserves Life, the Heavenly Worthy of Cinnabar-Purple Affinity, the Heavenly Worthy of Pure Brightness and Purple Emptiness, the Heavenly Worthy of True Purity and Empty Confluence, the Heavenly Worthy of Accomplishing the True Dao, the Heavenly Worthy of Boundless Difficulty in Bestowing, the Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Form and Wondrous Color, the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Origin and Sound, the Heavenly Worthy of Mysterious Confluence and Wisdom, the Heavenly Worthy of Unimpeded Mysterious Capital, the Heavenly Worthy of Peerless Brahma Practice, the Heavenly Worthy Who Saves Life and Transforms through the Dao, the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Light of Jade Purity, the Heavenly Worthy of Compassion for All, the Heavenly Worthy of Serene Mysterious Response, the Heavenly Worthy Who Unites the Spirits and All Goodness, the Heavenly Worthy, Lord of the Dharma, Who Saves and Protects Life, the Heavenly Worthy of Serene Mysterious Response, the Heavenly Worthy Who Unites the Spirits and All Goodness, the Heavenly Worthy, Lord of the Dharma, Who Saves Life, the Heavenly Worthy of the Earthly Emperor and Unity, the Heavenly Worthy of Empty Clarity and Supreme Fortune, the Heavenly Worthy of the Many Wondrous Brahma Practices, the Heavenly Worthy of the August High One and All Things, the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Stillness in the Cavern Palace, the Heavenly Worthy of Clear Light and Cause and Effect, the Heavenly Worthy of Responsive Stillness and Many Wonders, the Heavenly Worthy of the Straight Dao and True Constancy, the Heavenly Worthy of Azure Florescence and True Resolve, the Heavenly Worthy of the Ten Thousand Purities and True Origin, the Heavenly Worthy Whose Dharma Pervades the Three Realms, the Heavenly Worthy Who Preserves Life and Opens Purity, the Heavenly Worthy of Bright Practice and Heavenly Constancy, and the Heavenly Worthy of Mysterious Confluence and Awakening.

Here, the phrase “with utmost sincerity, I bow in reverence” is repeated to pay homage to each Heavenly Worthy in turn. “Heavenly Worthy” is a Daoist title for a revered deity. Yin, read as “yin,” means protection or safeguarding.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who perfected the Dao into the true Dao.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who formed the cinnabar radiance.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Brightness of the Dharma Sea.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Recorded Wonders and Peaceful Bliss.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who formed the cinnabar radiance.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Brightness of the Dharma Sea.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Recorded Wonders and Peaceful Bliss.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Determined Formlessness.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Gathered Emptiness and Western Radiance.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Western Spirit and Jade Register.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who Sets the Emptiness in Motion and Brings It to Light.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Yellow Court and Emptiness in Motion.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar Radiance and the True Dao.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Long Life and Wisdom’s Truth.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Dao and Clear Wisdom.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who Illuminates the Scriptures and Transforms the Course of Things.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Immortal’s Reflection and Wondrous Vision.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of True Excellence and Primordial Harmony.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Formlessness and Unhindered Wisdom.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who Universally Delivers with Cinnabar Radiance.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Treasure of Adamantine Strength.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who Benevolently Raises Beings through the Six Paths.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Bliss and Pure Splendor.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who Opens the Way to Deliverance and Protection.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Void’s Ferryboat.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar’s Wondrous Bliss and Pure Splendor.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who Opens the Way to Deliverance and Protection.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Void’s Ferryboat.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar Essence and Vast Wisdom.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Supreme and Unsurpassed Victory.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Terrace and Wondrous Stillness.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy who Constantly Benevolently Rescues Beings.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Utmost and Protective Brightness.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Tablet and Serene Stillness.

With single-minded reverence, we bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Communion and Awakening.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy whose wisdom shines everywhere and whose influence reaches far.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who nurtures and brings things to completion, manifesting awe-inspiring power.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who penetrates the true Dao and cultivates to perfection.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy whose spiritual power and beneficence are boundless.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who delivers the souls of the dead and dwells in the Taiqing realm.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who responds to the divine and numinous, and protects with stillness and emptiness.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who upholds the laws of the Golden Register and rescues beings in the netherworld.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who opens secret methods and reveals the Elixir of the Cinnabar Origin.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of layer upon layer of mystery, profound and subtle.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of mysterious truth, whose Dao-light shines brilliantly.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy in the Upper Palace who understands the profound principles.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy in the realm of Wondrous Joy and Purple Plain.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of mysterious truth, whose Dao-light shines brilliantly.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy in the Upper Palace who understands the profound principles.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy in the realm of Wondrous Joy and Purple Plain.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who safeguards the treasure of good fortune and governs the Central Thousand Worlds.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the mysterious and empty Dao, who is skilled at dispelling hardship.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who follows good conduct and brings good results to fruition.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who responds to sentient beings through a hundred million emanations.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy whose radiant golden body is adorned with wondrous treasures.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the sacred king Celestial Worthy who extends the span of life.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy surrounded by true immortals as countless as the sea and by hosts of gathered treasures.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of western radiance, who penetrates the principles of the Primordial Beginning.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who turns fortune toward clarity and guides beings to a realm of light.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who removes the sins and sufferings of the Ninefold Darkness, the depths of the netherworld.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who enables beings to be reborn wherever they wish.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Perfected One who compassionately saves the afflicted.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Perfected One who compassionately delivers sentient beings.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to the Perfected One who compassionately bestows abundant grace.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to Perfected One Jingxiang.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to Perfected One Mingjue.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to Perfected One Manxiang.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to Perfected One Jingkong.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to Perfected One Jingzhao.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to Perfected One Mingfa.

With reverence and sincerity, I pay homage to Perfected One Miaojing.

Reverently worship the Perfected One Jinghui (a Daoist title for a Perfected One).

Reverently worship the Perfected One Huasheng.

Reverently worship the Perfected One Xiangfan.

Reverently worship the Most Sagely Celestial Master.

Reverently worship the Perfected One Miaojing.

Reverently worship the Perfected One Jinghui.

Reverently worship the Perfected One Huasheng.

Reverently worship the Perfected One Xiangfan.

Reverently worship the Most Sagely Celestial Master.

Reverently worship the Celestial Master of the Void Emperor.

Reverently worship the Celestial Master of Boundless Measure.

Reverently worship the Celestial Master of the Bright Emperor.

Reverently worship the Celestial Master of the Deep Cavern.

Reverently worship the Celestial Master who Universally Receives.

Reverently worship the Celestial Master of Orthodox Unity (the Celestial Master of the Zhengyi school).

The Primordial Beginning Supreme Emperor (the highest deity revered in Daoism) said to the gods and immortals of the heavens: “I shall now entrust this scripture to the Perfected One of Jade Clarity, who will take it into the human world and spread it throughout all the kingdoms and the Nine Provinces, so that all people may recite it in turn, pay reverence to it, and make offerings. If those who have accumulated good deeds burn incense and recite the scripture on the days of the Three Primes (the Upper, Middle, and Lower Primes), on their own natal day, or during the Five Lustrations (Daoist days for sacrifice and purification), and hold a grand Jiao offering ritual (an altar ceremony to report to the spirits of Heaven and Earth), making reverent offerings on behalf of the dead from former lives, their own parents, and all their kin, they can help the souls of the dead in the netherworld escape suffering and receive salvation, and be reborn as human beings. They will also be escorted by immortals to the heavenly palaces, where they will enjoy boundless blessings.”

Reverently worship the divine dragon of the Yellow River Earl’s watery realm and the officials of his palace.

Reverently worship the divine dragon of the Luo River Earl’s watery realm and the officials of his palace.

Reverently worship the divine dragon of the Huai River Earl’s watery realm and the officials of his palace.

Reverently worship the perfected immortals, immortal officials, and holy assembly of Wuxia Stream.

Reverently worship the perfected immortals, immortal officials, and holy assembly of Five Cloud Stream.

Reverently worship the perfected immortals, immortal officials, and holy assembly of Min Mountain Stream.

Reverently worship the perfected immortals, immortal officials, and holy assembly of Qingyuan Stream.

Reverently worship the perfected immortals, immortal officials, and holy assembly of Tongbai Stream.

Reverently worship the perfected immortals, immortal officials, and holy assembly of Bo Stream.

Reverently worship the perfected immortals, immortal officials, and holy assembly of Kunlun Stream.

Reverently worship the perfected immortals, immortal officials, and holy assembly of Wuling Stream.

Reverently worship the perfected immortals, immortal officials, and holy assembly of Zhuluo Stream.

The true immortal officials and holy assembly of Diexi, Huanshaxi, and Mianchi Creek, together with the divine dragons, palace officials, and attendants of the water palaces at Mount Madang, within Mount Caishi, and below Mount Jin.

The Lord of the Primordial Beginning once again addressed the attendants of the Perfected Ones, the immortal officials who serve the Perfect Way: “I now send the Perfected One of Golden Florescence to bring down this scripture and spread it throughout the ten thousand kingdoms and the nine provinces, so that all beings in Heaven and the human world may recite it. They should bow and repent on behalf of their living parents, their departed ancestors, and all beings, thereby dispelling calamities accumulated in the past.”

Those who devoutly venerate this scripture will see their households flourish and their generations prosper. Calamities will not trouble them, and the gods will protect their doors. Among the people who follow the Dao, and among faithful men and women of good intent, those who observe purification and recite scriptures on Daoist fast days such as the Three Primes and the Five La, or on their own birthdays, may invoke the honored names of the Three Pure Ones and recite precious scriptures. In this way, they can pray for the release from guilt and deliverance of the spirits who, because of past deeds, have been condemned in the prisons of Fengdu. They may be raised to the Vermilion Palace, an immortal realm of Daoist legend, or reborn as human beings.

Master Chongmiao burned incense and paid homage to the August Emperor of the Golden Palace, then offered this hymn:

“The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning in the Jade Capital is the revered deity who brings forth the myriad things and governs the transformations of all. With numinous and wondrous scriptures, he informs the Three Officials—the Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water—and opens the gates of their offices deep in the netherworld. Before the fiery cauldrons of Fengdu, where the guilty souls are boiled in scalding liquid, the Celestial Worthy compassionately sends down the rain of the Dao. It washes clean the many guilty souls, enabling them all to attain deliverance.”

The Great Repentance of the Most High, Numinous Treasure, Facing Heaven and Acknowledging Sins, Scroll Seven

The Great Repentance of the Most High, Numinous Treasure, Facing Heaven and Acknowledging Sins, Scroll Eight

At that time, in the first year of the Longhan era, the Great Sage of the Golden Palace, the Primordial Beginning Emperor, sat upon a jeweled dais encircled by five-colored auspicious clouds in the Hall of Primordial Yang, within the sacred realm of Jade Clarity. He expounded the wondrous teachings to the holy assembly of the heavens. Suddenly, the gates of Heaven shook violently. The Primordial Beginning Emperor sent forth divine light to look below. He saw a dense, dark, foul-smelling current of blood-red vapor surge straight toward the heavenly court. It swirled and gathered there, lingering without dispersing, and everyone was greatly astonished.

The Primordial Beginning Emperor said to the holy assembly of the heavens beside him, “Below lies a vast, desolate sea. Its waters are foul and boundless. In the sea stands a great mountain, reaching upward to the sky and downward to the underworld. It is called Beiyin Fengdu Luoshan. It governs Yin energy and is the hub of the netherworld beneath the Nine Earths. A great cavern lies below the mountain, called the Palace of Yin Radiance in Heaven, presided over by the Taiyin Water Emperor.

“Within Beiyin are countless underworld officials. On the mountain stand three palaces, nine offices, and thirty-six great iron prisons. The plants and trees there naturally give off a poisonous, malign vapor. When it gathers, it seems to turn into blades and swords, their sharp edges thrusting toward the sky. Black smoke fills the air, and fierce winds rage without cease, day and night. This is where the underworld officials punish sinful ghosts and departed souls.

“Among them are great demons and evil ghosts from the Six Palaces. Seeing that living beings are deluded and confused, they form ranks and descend into the human world, recklessly conjuring strange phenomena and harming the living. They also conspire with the souls of people’s ancestors from seven generations past, bringing on all manner of calamities, grievous illnesses, and plagues. They spread poisonous vapors, causing people to die sudden and untimely deaths. This is truly pitiful; it is painful even to hear of it.

“At that time, the attendant Perfected Ones on either side took their places, burned incense, and presented a memorial, pleading that the Most High exercise compassion and wisdom to rescue living beings, so that both the living and the dead might receive his grace and escape sin and suffering. They prayed that the Most High take pity on all beings and spare every sinner from the Three Calamities, Nine Untimely Deaths, Five Plagues, Seven Afflictions, poisonous vapors, baleful influences, and the harm of goblins and demons that beset them in this life, granting them peace and safety.”

The Primordial Beginning Emperor then said to the attendant Perfected Ones, “I pity all living beings as a mother cares for her children. Now I will expound these wondrous teachings for you. Listen attentively and keep them firmly in your hearts.” The attendant Perfected Ones on either side and all the divine immortals bowed their heads, accepted his command, and listened to his teaching.

The Primordial Beginning Emperor said, “In ancient times, people’s customs were simple and sincere, and their hearts held no evil thoughts. They followed their natural course and lived out their allotted years; few died young or suffered injury. Now the world has fallen into decline, and people’s hearts have grown shallow. People separate from one another, fight, and deceive each other. They neglect the teachings of the righteous Way and pursue only perversity and delusion. They abandon truth and follow falsehood, keep neither the Way nor righteousness, and show no benevolence. They defy Heaven and Earth, rebel against their superiors, lack loyalty and filial devotion, and are devoid of compassion. They deceive the people, harm living beings, kill recklessly, and create all manner of enmity. Hence calamities never cease.

“Some are robbed and murdered by bandits; some are killed by evil demons; some are injured by venomous snakes, tigers, wolves, and poisonous creatures. Some are drawn into lawsuits for no reason, imprisoned, beaten, and punished. In some households, plague spreads and poisonous vapors take hold; young and old alike fall ill and die one after another, while relatives scatter and families are torn apart. Others are struck down by thunder or burned by celestial fire. These calamities and sins are all brought on by the heavy burden of accumulated karma.

“The killing force of the Six Heavens, the ghosts of Beifeng, the spirits of the Five Sacred Peaks, and the ghostly generals who died in battle wander throughout the world. Taking advantage of people’s transgressions, they spread poisonous vapors and kill the wicked, causing people to harm one another. In the end, this brings death, the ruin of households, and the extinction of descendants. When I see these things, I am deeply grieved and cannot bear to hear of them.

“If anyone in the world has faith in the Great Dao and awakens a heart of utmost sincerity, gives generously, helps the poor, releases living creatures to preserve their lives, and devotes themselves to reciting scriptures and repentance texts without slackening, they can lessen the calamities sent down by Heaven and ward off disasters in the human world.

“If a country is consumed by unending war and plague, and its people devoutly bow and recite this text of repentance while observing a pure fast and performing the ritual, the ravages of war can be brought to an end, and baleful spirits and evil influences will retreat. The beings of Heaven and the people below will rejoice, and the country will find peace.

“If someone encounters tigers, wolves, or fierce beasts in the mountains or wilderness, they need only make a devout petition and vow to recite this scripture in turn. The benevolent guardian spirits will come to their aid, and the beasts will naturally retreat and cease to harm them. If someone encounters fierce winds at sea and vows to recite this scripture in turn, the winds and waves will subside, allowing them to reach shore safely. If someone is caught amid troops and blades, and vows to recite this scripture in turn, the weapons will be stilled and no harm will come to them. If someone is imprisoned in chains and stocks and vows to recite this scripture in turn, their grievance will be heard and they will ultimately be freed. If someone is assailed by ghosts, demons, and baleful spirits and vows to recite this scripture in turn, the ghosts and spirits will vanish and dare not trouble them again.

“If someone dies and their soul enters the Ninefold Netherworld—the dark and distant realm of the dead—their relatives may perform a Ninefold Netherworld Zhaijiao, a purification ritual for the departed, and offer thanks to the Three Palaces, so that the soul may transcend the Five Sufferings and be reborn according to its allotted blessings.

“At that time, the sinners in the Ninefold Netherworld heard this scripture and became enlightened in body and mind. They all resolved to cultivate the Dao and would never turn back. Heaven was moved and issued a decree releasing the sinful souls, so that they could all be delivered. The black registers of sin in the Ninefold Netherworld were burned up at once; the volcanoes went out, and the icy pools grew calm. The punishments of swallowing fire and eating charcoal became sweet dew, while golden hammers and iron staves turned into lotus flowers. Immortals came to rescue the souls of the dead. Together, they ascended to the Southern Palace and were able to be reborn in new forms.”

Through his incomparable power, the Primordial Heavenly Lord extinguished the blazing flames of volcanic mountains and stilled the surging waves of icy pools. He swallowed flames and burning coals, transforming them into sweet dew, and turned golden hammers and iron staffs into lotuses. Thus the immortals were rescued and raised beyond suffering, ascending to attend court in the Southern Palace, where they could take refuge and be reborn.

The Primordial Heavenly Lord displayed his great power and spread his boundless compassion, saving all living beings and purifying their body and mind. He freed them from the Fengdu underworld prison—the subterranean realm of the dead in Daoist belief—and enabled them to be reborn according to their wishes. He then commanded the Perfected One Who Saves from Suffering to open the ritual platform leading to the world of the living, unfold the precious jade scrolls inscribed with purple writings, and proclaim the honored titles of the Heavenly Lords.

You may establish sacred thrones for the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and spirit altars for the Five Emperors; hang banners; respectfully offer flowers and precious fruits; and arrange the offerings with reverence. Recite and pay homage to scriptures and repentance texts, submit memorials and petitions, and perform Zhaijiao rites in thanks to the celestial stars, the Five Emperors, and the Three Officials. Then burn incense and light lamps, chant passages from the Cavern scriptures, and pray that the sins recorded in the registers of the underworld be erased; that departed spirits be freed from their long confinement in darkness; that all may leave suffering and find deliverance; that immeasurable sins be removed and immeasurable blessings attained; and that both the living and the dead receive grace. Therefore, burn incense, take refuge in the Dao and its teachings, offer your body, mind, nature, and life to the Dao, and bow in homage with all five limbs touching the ground.

With focused reverence, pay homage to:

The Heavenly Worthy of the Primordial Beginning, of the Jade Purity sacred realm and the natural state of emptiness;

The Heavenly Worthy of the Numinous Treasure, the Supreme Lord of the Dao, of the Upper Purity true realm;

The Heavenly Worthy of the Dao and its Virtue, the Supreme Lord Lao, of the Great Purity immortal realm;

The Supreme Jade Emperor, the Most High Sovereign of the Golden Palace in the vast heavens;

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

The Great Emperor of the Northern Pole, Lord of the Purple Tenuity Central Palace and the central heavens;

The Empress of the Earth, who bears and models Heaven, whose abundant Virtue shines forth;

The Great Emperor of Longevity of the Southern Pole, the Emperor Who Unites Heaven;

The Great Emperor of the Northern Pole, Lord of the Purple Tenuity Central Palace and the central heavens;

The Empress of the Earth, who bears and models Heaven, whose abundant Virtue shines forth;

The Heavenly Worthy of the Great Sage, Primordial Saint Who Unites Heaven, the Great Emperor of Longevity of the Southern Pole;

The Heavenly Worthy of Great Unity, Savior from Suffering, the Great Emperor of the Eastern Pole’s Azure Radiance;

The Heavenly Worthy of Universal Transformation through Thunder, the Great Sage of Bright Purity, Responsive to the Primordial Essence of the Nine Heavens;

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

The Heavenly Worthy Who Protects and Regulates the Cycles of Catastrophe, the Great Emperor of Great Unity in the Purple Tenuity Palace of Jade Green;

The Heavenly Worthy of the Supreme Great Unity, Who Subdues Demons, the Great Emperor of the Six Heavens’ Cavernous Abyss.

With focused reverence, worship the Celestial Lord and Sovereign of the Six Waves of Heaven, who widely bestows the blessings of the Dao and its teachings; the Celestial Lord, Elder of the Office of the Ninth Heaven’s Ke-Han, who governs the immortal realm of Zhu Ling and saves lives; and the Celestial Lord of wondrous transformation, responding to the primordial mandate and preserving the fortunes of the age, who inspects the human world and protects its destiny in response to the times. Also worship the Celestial Lord of the Azure Spirit, Primordial Elder of the Cavern of Emptiness, in the Eastern Heaven of Nine Qi; the Celestial Lord of the Vermilion Spirit, True Elder of the Cavern of Clarity, in the Southern Heaven of Three Qi; the Celestial Lord of the Bright Spirit, August Elder of the Cavern of Void, in the Western Heaven of Seven Qi; the Celestial Lord of the Fivefold Spirit, Mysterious Elder of the Cavern of Subtlety, in the Northern Heaven of Five Qi; and the Celestial Lord of the Mysterious Spirit, Primal Elder of the Cavern of Truth, in the Central Heaven of One Qi. These titles are each associated with the Qi of one of the five directions and its sacred ruler.

The faithful worship with undivided attention the Celestial Lord of Boundless Great Flower of the Northwest, the Celestial Lord of Inconceivable Universal Compassion, the Celestial Lord Who Constantly Proclaims the True Dao, and the Celestial Lord of the Three Spirits, Primal Elder of the Cavern of Truth. They then worship once more the Celestial Lord of Boundless Great Flower of the Northwest, the Celestial Lord of Inconceivable Universal Compassion, and the Celestial Lord Who Constantly Proclaims the True Dao, as well as the Celestial Lord Who Clears and Unites the Three Realms, the Celestial Lord of Mysterious Stillness and True Silence, the Celestial Lord of the Three Lights of Nature, the Celestial Lord of the Jade Brilliance of the Dharma Ocean, the Celestial Lord of the Wondrous Depths of the Great Mystery, the Celestial Lord of Universal Compassion in Deeds and Practice, the Celestial Lord Who Responds to Encounters and Inspires the Immortals, the Celestial Lord of Golden Honor and Jade Grove, the Celestial Lord of Pearls, Purity, and Wondrous Spirit, the Celestial Lord of Wisdom’s Vision of the Great Subtlety, the Celestial Lord of True Form and Pure Brightness, the Celestial Lord Who Brings Transformation Through the Precepts, the Celestial Lord of Illuminated Understanding Following the Light, the Celestial Lord of Supreme Victory and Untroubled Freedom, the Celestial Lord, Sage-King of the Mysterious Net, and the Celestial Lord of the Noble and Victorious Cause.

In the scripture, “with focused reverence, worship” means to pay homage to the Celestial Lords with a single-minded and reverent heart. The Celestial Lord Who Brings Transformation Through the Precepts, the Celestial Lord of Illuminated Understanding Following the Light, and the Celestial Lord of Supreme Victory and Untroubled Freedom are then worshipped again.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord Luo Xuan, the Sage King, a revered deity of Daoism.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Victorious Causes and High Honor.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of the Primordial Spirit of Great Purity.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Radiant Golden Light.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord Who Delivers Beings, the Highest Among Heaven.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of True Qualities and Inner Names.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord Who Constantly Wields the Dharma’s Radiance.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord Who Illuminates and Penetrates the Realm of the Dao.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord Who Cautions Beings Against Birth and Leads Them into the Mysterious.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Pure Practice on the Divine Path.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of True Response in the Great Mystery.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Nature’s Marvellous Cavern.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of True Perfection and Everlasting Joy.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of the Supreme and Marvellous Practice.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of the Birth of Myriad Immortals.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of True Response in the Great Mystery.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Nature’s Marvellous Cavern.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of True Perfection and Everlasting Joy.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of the Supreme and Marvellous Practice.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of the Birth of Myriad Immortals.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of the Great Mystery’s Subtle Movement.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord Who Responds with Compassion and Extends One’s allotted years.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord Whose Wisdom Embraces the Great Unity.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Blessings, Responsive to Causes and Conditions.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord Who Wisely Understands Emptiness and Existence.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Marvellous Joy and Pure Splendour.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of the Northern Mysterious Jade Cavern.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord Who Transforms Beings into Heavenly Immortals.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Divine Wisdom and Skillful Means.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Unhindered Equality and Purity.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord, the True Sovereign of Heaven.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of the Mysterious Wonder of the Precious Pearl.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of the Sun of Supreme Spiritual Wisdom.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord Whose Sun of Wisdom Shines Brightly.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Bright Illumination and Auspicious Benefit.

With single-minded devotion, we pay homage to the Venerable Celestial Lord of Wuwei (non-action) and Supreme De (Virtue/Power).

With wholehearted reverence, I bow before the Celestial Worthy of Curved Purity in the Upper Cavern.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow before the Celestial Worthy of Purple Clarity and Mysterious Numinous Wisdom, the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom’s Sunlight, the Celestial Worthy of Illumination and Auspicious Fulfillment, the Celestial Worthy of Wuwei and Ultimate De, and the Celestial Worthy of Curved Purity in the Upper Cavern.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow before the Celestial Worthy of Purple Clarity and Mysterious Wisdom, the Celestial Worthy of Jade Clarity and Numinous Truth, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Illumination by Bright Light, the Celestial Worthy of Precious Birth and the Opening of Instruction, the Celestial Worthy of Unimpeded Cavernous Emptiness, the Celestial Worthy of Jade-like Grace and the Dharma Bridge, the Celestial Worthy of Transcendent Emptiness and the Three Vehicles, the Celestial Worthy of the Most Primordial Sage King, the Celestial Worthy of Jade Truth and the Great Void, the Celestial Worthy of Pure Practice in the Mysterious Cavern, the Celestial Worthy of the Majestic Radiance of the Three Origins, the Celestial Worthy of Jade-like Wonder and Splendor, and the Celestial Worthy of the Descending King.

With wholehearted reverence, I bow before the Celestial Worthy of Jade Truth and the Great Void, the Celestial Worthy of Pure Practice in the Mysterious Cavern, the Celestial Worthy of the Majestic Radiance of the Three Origins, the Celestial Worthy of Jade-like Wonder and Splendor, the Celestial Worthy of Subduing Demons and Curbing Life, the Celestial Worthy of Wandering Freely in the Mysterious Garden, the Celestial Worthy of Ever-Opening Dharma Wisdom, the Celestial Worthy of Pure Stillness and Union with Emptiness, the Celestial Worthy of Increasing Clarity about Cause and Effect, the Celestial Worthy of Ascending Mysterious and True Wisdom, the Celestial Worthy of Universal Transformation without Equal, the Celestial Worthy of Insightful Contemplation in the Jade Palace, the Celestial Worthy of the Infinite Sage and True Ones, the Celestial Worthy of Golden Pendants and Jade Fruit, the Celestial Worthy of Exceptional Holiness and Wondrous Stillness, the Celestial Worthy of Moving Illumination in Serenity, and the Celestial Worthy of the Supreme True One, the Earthly Sovereign.

“Paying homage with wholehearted devotion” means bowing before the Celestial Worthies with a focused and reverent heart. The repeated listing of their titles expresses reverence for the gods and offers them prayers of homage.

With sincere devotion, the disciple pays homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Emptiness and Harmony, praying that body and mind accord with the principle of emptiness and harmony.

With sincere devotion, the disciple pays homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Jade Purity of the Grotto of Truth, the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Dharma and Skillful Means, the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Origin in Mysterious Truth, the Heavenly Worthy of Eastern Florescence in the Numinous Palace, the Heavenly Worthy of the Celestial Sovereign of Ascending Mystery, the Heavenly Worthy of the Compassionate Assembly that Rescues from Suffering, the Heavenly Worthy of the Wondrously Revered Jade Grove, and the Heavenly Worthy of Light Pervading All Grottoes.

With sincere devotion, the disciple pays homage.

With sincere devotion, the disciple pays homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Celestial Sovereign of Ascending Mystery, the Heavenly Worthy of the Compassionate Assembly that Rescues from Suffering, the Heavenly Worthy of the Wondrously Revered Jade Grove, the Heavenly Worthy of Light Pervading All Grottoes, the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Origin in Empty Stillness, the Heavenly Worthy of Great Grotto and Supreme Purity, the Heavenly Worthy of the Jade Capital of the Three Origins, the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Goodness on the Vermilion Wheel, the Original Worthy of Bright Light and True Destiny, the Heavenly Worthy of Western Numinousness in the Empty Grotto, the Heavenly Worthy of Lofty Reverence for All Goodness, the Heavenly Worthy of the Eight Pure Ones of the True Dao, the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Bliss in the Six Grottoes, the Heavenly Worthy of Mysterious Stillness in the Three Vehicles, the Heavenly Worthy of Refined Attainment of Wondrous Fruits, the Heavenly Worthy of Spiritual Awakening in Purple Purity, the Heavenly Worthy of the Primordial Elder of Purple Purity, the Heavenly Worthy of Serene Clarity and Awakening, the Heavenly Worthy of Eastern Florescence in Numinous Truth, the Heavenly Worthy of Transformation through the Treasures of the Sea of Dharma, and the Heavenly Worthy of the Ten Thousand Spirits of the Grotto’s Origin.

With sincere devotion, the disciple pays homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Serene Clarity and Awakening, the Heavenly Worthy of Eastern Florescence in Numinous Truth, the Heavenly Worthy of Transformation through the Treasures of the Sea of Dharma, the Heavenly Worthy of the Ten Thousand Spirits of the Grotto’s Origin, and the Heavenly Worthy of Unstained Great Mystery.

“Prostrating with a focused heart” is a phrase used in Zhaijiao (purification ritual) worship. It means bowing before the deities with a reverent and undivided mind. Here, the disciple praises and pays homage to the Heavenly Worthies in succession, expressing reverence and making prayers.

With wholehearted devotion, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Rescues the Guilty from the Ninefold Darkness, the revered deity who delivers the suffering and guilty in the netherworld.

With wholehearted devotion, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Grants Rebirth According to One’s Wishes, the revered deity who protects the departed and grants them rebirth according to their wishes.

With wholehearted devotion, pay homage to the Perfected Ones of Compassionate Rescue from Suffering, Compassionate Deliverance, Great Compassionate Benevolence, Responsive Revelation, Equal Wisdom, No Thought, Great Mystery, Ten Thousand Longevity, Great Treasure, Fearlessness, Equal Wisdom, No Thought, Great Mystery, Ten Thousand Longevity, Great Treasure, Fearlessness, Equal Benevolence, Golden Wheel, Mysterious Height, and Dharma Wheel.

The Supreme God of Primordial Beginning told the celestial gods and immortals: “I will now use this scripture to send the Perfected One of Pure Florescence and Treasure down to the human world, spreading it throughout every country and province so that beings in heaven and on earth may pay homage and recite it. If devout and virtuous men and women, or those who cultivate the Dao, burn incense and pay homage to the names of the Celestial Worthies and Perfected Ones on days such as the taboo anniversary of their birth year—the ritual day corresponding to the year of their birth—or the Three Primordial Festivals and Eight Seasonal Festivals, important Daoist days of purification and celebration, and perform a Jiao, a Daoist rite of prayer and thanksgiving, to confess their offenses before the underworld officials, they can repent on behalf of their ancestral spirits, their parents who gave them life, and all their kin. They can atone for past failings, offenses, harmful karma, and grave calamities, freeing them from detention by the underworld authorities and releasing them from the bonds of sin. Their souls will be reborn in a blessed realm, return to human life, and be guided by immortals as they ascend to the Pure Clarity realm.”

With wholehearted devotion, pay homage to the Great Emperor of Fengdu, the Dark Heaven of Northern Yin on Mount Fengdu, sovereign of the netherworld, and to the underworld official who registers births in the Palace of the Sun, in the Left Office on Mount Fengdu.

The underworld officials in the Palace of Great Yin, in the Right Bureau of Mount Fengdu, who keep the records of the dead;

the underworld officials in the Seven Transgressions Bureau and the Black Calamity Bureau of Mount Fengdu, who adjudicate guilt;

the underworld officials in the Linked Gardens Bureau and the Bright Dawn Bureau of Mount Fengdu, who adjudicate guilt;

the underworld officials in the Nine Netherworlds Bureau and the Bureau for Weighing Affairs of Mount Fengdu, who adjudicate guilt;

the underworld officials in the Pool of Salt Bureau and the Numinous Pivot Bureau of Mount Fengdu, who adjudicate guilt;

the underworld officials in the Yin Heaven Bureau of Mount Fengdu, who adjudicate guilt;

the numinous officials in the Numinous Investigations Prison and the Statutes and Commands Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Clear Numen Prison and the Nine Equalings Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Dark Sand Prison and the River Earl’s Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Green Radiance Prison and the Crime Prohibition Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Dark Heaven Prison and the Heaven One Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Yellow Heaven Prison and the Wind and Thunder Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Level Heaven Prison, the Sand Prison, and the River Earl’s Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Green Radiance Prison and the Crime Prohibition Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Dark Heaven Prison and the Heaven One Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Yellow Heaven Prison and the Wind and Thunder Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Level Heaven Prison and the Empty Heaven Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Woman Green Prison and the Natural Order Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Dark Capital Prison and the Primordial Governance Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Punishments and Governance Prison and the Ten Thousand Deaths Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Spring Bend Prison and the Nine Heavens Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the numinous officials in the Freezing Ice Prison and the Cauldron of Boiling Broth Prison of Mount Fengdu, who examine ghosts;

the Demon Kings and their holy retinues in the Palace of the Severed Yin Heaven of Mount Fengdu;

the Demon Kings and their holy retinues in the Palace of the Great Slaughter and Weighing Affairs, Sovereign Heaven, of Mount Fengdu;

the Demon Kings and their holy retinues in the Palace of Still Illumination and Sinful Qi of Mount Fengdu;

the Demon Kings and their holy retinues in the Palace of Ancestral Numen and Seven Transgressions of Mount Fengdu;

the Demon Kings and their holy retinues in the Palace of Daring Command and Linked Gardens of Mount Fengdu;

the Demon Kings and their holy retinues in the Palace of Bright Dawn, Enduring Offenses, and Martial Ramparts of Mount Fengdu;

the Demon Kings and their holy retinues in the Palace of Still Illumination and Sinful Qi of Mount Fengdu;

the Demon Kings and their holy retinues in the Palace of Ancestral Numen and Seven Transgressions of Mount Fengdu;

the Demon Kings and their holy retinues in the Palace of Daring Command and Linked Gardens of Mount Fengdu.

The Demon Kings and assembled holy beings of the Palace of the Heavenly Court of Mingchen Naifan Wucheng on Mount Fengdu, where the Daoist underworld is said to be located,

the Demon Kings and assembled holy beings of the Palace of the Heavenly Court of Xiuming Zongxu on Mount Fengdu,

the Demon Kings and assembled holy beings of the Palace of the Heavenly Court of Xuansi Chongzheng on Mount Fengdu,

the Demon Kings and assembled holy beings of the Palace of the Heavenly Court of Zhengzhen Shaoling on Mount Fengdu,

the Demon Kings and assembled holy beings of the Palace of the Heavenly Court of Yuji Mingchen on Mount Fengdu,

the Demon Kings and assembled holy beings of the Palace of the Heavenly Court of Chiying Yunqu on Mount Fengdu,

the Demon Kings and assembled holy beings of the Palace of the Heavenly Court of Tongxian Shengling Xiwei on Mount Fengdu.

The Great Emperor Yuanshi once more addressed the Perfected Ones serving at his side: “I now command the Perfected One Qinghua to bring down this scripture and spread it throughout the world, so that all beings in the human and heavenly realms may copy it, recite it, and pay it reverence. In this way, people can offer blessings in the underworld on behalf of the souls of the dead from former lives, enabling them to be delivered to the Southern Palace and return to the human realm, where in the end they may all attain long life.”

If among the people of this world there are Daoist practitioners and devout believers, women and men alike, who on auspicious days such as the Three Primes and the Eight Festivals, or on the anniversary of their birth, establish purification rites for their departed ancestors, the seven generations of forebears, parents, and relatives, and pay reverence while reciting the honored titles of the Three Pure Ones and the names of the true gods of heaven; or who, for deceased ancestors and living friends and kin, present memorial petitions to the celestial court, release living creatures to prolong life, perform good deeds widely, and together cultivate and uphold the Dao, then even people of different surnames may form bonds of closeness. The state will be secure, the people prosperous, and all under heaven at peace. All who sincerely uphold the Dao and pay reverence will be delivered.

The Master Chongmiao burned incense and paid homage to the Supreme Emperor of the Golden Palace, then offered this hymn:

“With sincere hearts we pay homage to Taiji; the Jade Emperor bestows profound grace. Celestial decrees are sent to the underworld, delivering the souls trapped in the long night. In the netherworld, the seven generations of forebears are released; sacred registers are conveyed to the Three Officials, who govern heaven, earth, and water. The immortals together guide the souls of the dead upward to the Heaven of Zhuling, one of the heavenly realms spoken of in Daoism. They are forever freed from the roots of their sins and enjoy the blessings of the natural order for ages to come.”

The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao, Facing Heaven and Acknowledging Sins, Volume Eight

The Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao, Facing Heaven and Acknowledging Sins, Volume Nine

At this time, the Primordial Heavenly Lord sat upright on the Seven-Treasure Wondrous Terrace in the Jade Capital’s Golden Palace, within the Highest Great Canopy Heaven, the supreme heaven honored by Daoism. Gathered there with him were the Most High Jade Dawn Lord of the Dao, the Most High Sage Ancestor Laozi, and the immortals of the heavens. He proclaimed the wondrous and profound teachings, offering salvation on a vast scale to beings in the heavens and the human world, so that all might attain the Dao and understand the Way of Wuwei (non-action) for ages to come.

At the assembly, the Perfected Ones of Jade Clarity and Supreme Ultimate, together with the other immortals, held Fulu (talismans and registers) and ceremonial regalia. They burned incense, scattered flowers, and circled the hall in ritual procession, chanting the steps of emptiness, a form of movement and recitation in Daoist purification rites. They praised the virtue of the Most High Sage. Then they respectfully stepped forward to pay homage and made this petition to the Supreme Lord:

“We are fortunate to serve beside the immortals and perfected ones, entrusted with sacred offices. We see that beings in the lower realms are clouded in body and mind. They do not understand the wondrous transformations of the numinous treasure’s natural workings, and so are difficult to save. Many suffer disasters such as the Six Calamities and Five Injuries, and the Hundred Essences and Nine Abominations. Evil ghosts bring trouble, epidemics spread, and calamities follow. Creditors and those who bear grudges against them entangle them; disputes and slander never cease. Cries of grief follow one another, and everyone is sorrowful and afraid. Within, chills and fevers alternate; without, illness assails them.

“Some even pray and make offerings to unrighteous ghosts and spirits, sacrificing livestock and presenting blood offerings. They make reckless claims about good and ill fortune, drawing countless strange beings into their lives, and thereby incur guilt before the Three Officials, the deities who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water. The Ten-Day Officials, who take turns overseeing good and evil in the human world, along with the Lords of Destiny and Record, then register their offenses and report them to the Celestial Court. They diminish their blessings, emoluments, and lifespans, leaving them trapped in the cycle of life and death, unable to escape.

“At times, the officials of the Five Dipper Stars, deities associated with the stars of the five directions, also send warnings, bringing floods and droughts and disrupting the balance of wind and rain. Wars arise across the land; epidemics and deaths increase. Rulers are anxious, the people suffer, and no help is to be found. We beseech the Supreme Lord to show compassion and protect the state, free the people from calamity, and spread the teachings of the Dao, so that all beings may awaken to the true Way and ultimately be delivered.”

At this time, the Primordial Lord (a revered deity in Daoism) said to the Perfected Ones who served at his side: “Since before the beginning of time, I have often taught and delivered living beings in the human world, enabling ordinary people and sages throughout the Ten Directions and Three Realms, in the heavens and on earth, to understand the correct Dao and remain pure and tranquil forever, without birth or death. If living beings can uphold the precepts, recite the teachings, and accumulate abundant merit, they can deliver other beings. For this reason, all the sages revere them, and even the demons bow down in homage. Their names are listed among the Highest Clarity (the pure and tranquil immortal realms of Daoism).

“I see that living beings are clouded in body and mind, and find it difficult to hear the true teaching. So now I will explain to you the supreme Ten Precepts. By observing them, you can accumulate merit in the human and heavenly realms, plant wholesome causes for future lives, receive blessings and avert calamities, and attain immeasurable good rewards.”

The Celestial Worthy instructed the attending Perfected Ones:

First, do not kill or harbor thoughts of killing; do not kill deliberately or take pleasure in killing. Always cherish compassion and aid all living beings, regarding them as you would yourself.

Second, do not steal or harbor thoughts of stealing. Always be humble and yielding, accept no ill-gotten wealth, and value others’ possessions as you would your own.

Third, do not engage in sexual misconduct or harbor thoughts of sexual misconduct. Remain upright and pure, and carefully guard your conduct. Regard all men and women as your own kin.

Fourth, do not be miserly or greedy, or harbor thoughts of greed. Always give generously and provide ample relief to the poor. Treat everyone equally, making no distinction between self and others.

Fifth, do not become angry or harbor thoughts of anger. Always remain joyful and treat enemies and friends with harmony. Regard all living beings as your own children.

Sixth, do not be ignorant or sink into deluded thoughts. Always apply wisdom and guide those who are confused. Regard all living beings as your own brothers and sisters.

Seventh, do not speak empty, embellished words or harbor thoughts of doing so. Always be loyal and upright, keeping your heart, speech, and conduct sincere and peaceful. Constantly recite and remember the scriptures and precepts.

Eighth, do not lie or harbor thoughts of deception. Always be trustworthy and honest, concealing nothing in private or in public. Deal with everyone without deceit or falsehood.

Ninth, do not speak abusively or utter other harmful words. Always maintain right mindfulness and give rise to no malicious thoughts. Recognize that hateful words arise from a poisonous mind, just as a venomous snake produces its own poison.

Tenth, do not sow discord or disrupt the bonds between friends and family. Always remain upright and principled, giving rise to neither favoritism nor hatred. Do not favor or distance yourself from others on the basis of closeness or estrangement.

The Supreme God of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Shangdi), a revered deity in Daoism, told the perfected beings who served at his side: “The precepts I have taught are the walls that shelter all living beings and the homes in which they dwell. If men and women can receive and uphold them, jade boys and jade maidens, vajra warriors, and the benevolent gods of the ten heavens will always stand guard beside them. They can dispel calamities and overcome hardships, preserve life and extend it; immortals will honor them, and divine beings will protect their doorways. No disaster can harm them: weapons, floods and fires, tigers and wolves, venomous snakes, illness, imprisonment, ghosts and bandits, malign spirits, or any hardship of hunger and cold. Those who pray for a son will have one, and those who pray for a daughter will have one. Wealth and honor, long life, and peace and joy—all their wishes can be fulfilled as they desire. They can also gain wisdom and intelligence, a dignified appearance, and merit so vast as to be beyond comprehension.

“If men and women of good heart can bow in repentance, practice the Dao, uphold the precepts, and do good while accumulating merit, these precepts and practices will be like a precious sword, cutting through every evil deed; like a vessel of the Dharma, carrying them across every hardship; like a blazing fire, burning away all wickedness; and like pure water, washing away every impurity. From the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the three highest deities revered in Daoism, down to the perfected immortals of the ten directions, there is no one who does not uphold the scriptures and precepts. The purpose of the precepts is to prevent mistakes and restrain wrongdoing, discipline body and mind, subdue external demonic obstacles, and establish communion with numinous immortals, thereby bringing boundless blessings.”

The Primordial God (Yuanshi Shangdi), the supreme deity revered in Daoism, said to the Perfected Ones who attended him: “I have seen the beings of the lower realms take human birth through ages beyond measure. Because they are greedy and full of desire, they drink wine and eat meat, indulging their appetites without restraint. In time, their bodies become filled with pus and blood, bringing illness and distress and deepening the roots of their karmic offenses. Over a lifetime, people endure aging, illness, and pain. They are also afflicted by heat and dampness, wind and cold, and suffer pain, itching, and aches. Harmful winds and toxins enter the body, and every kind of disease follows. Their thoughts shift from moment to moment, life is impermanent, and they often weep day and night.

“The spirits with which beings are endowed at birth differ, yet the cycle of birth and death continues without end, through countless births and deaths. Some dissolve into pus and blood while still in the womb. Others remain in the mother’s womb and cannot be born, or die soon after birth. Even when childbirth goes well, mother and child may die soon after they are separated. Such cases are beyond counting. Some live for one or two years, others for a hundred, but all undergo constant change. Their Jing and Qi gradually weaken; they suffer headaches and fever, and all kinds of afflictions assail them. Few know peace in life. This is all because they have eaten so much unclean food, which accumulates in the body. Wine and meat heat and grease the body, stagnating in the organs; harmful winds and toxins then invade the physical form. In the end, the body cannot endure for long.

“I neither drink nor eat. I embrace the Dao and accord with nature; my transformations have no fixed limit, and I live forever, never dying. I have often proclaimed scriptures and precepts to guide and save living beings. But ordinary people are ignorant and deluded, unable to believe or accept them. I have always felt concern and compassion for them, and so I expound the rites and procedures of purification, fasting, and ritual, enabling beings to dispel illness and suffering.

“I have also considered that, through ages beyond measure, the offenses committed in life by all the relatives of beings, whether living or dead, have been recorded by the spirits of the Five Paths, the inspectors, the Lords of Destiny, the Record Keepers, and other divine officials, and reported to the celestial realm. These offenses bind beings from one life to the next, making release difficult. They must undergo all manner of retribution, with no knowing when they will be able to turn back. Now people prostrate themselves with all five limbs, burn incense, and repent, beseeching that their names be struck from the register of offenses in the Jade Casket of the Nine Depths, the deepest reaches of the underworld. May beings in the human and celestial realms alike escape suffering and attain liberation; may immeasurable offenses be erased and immeasurable blessings bestowed.”

The Primordial Heavenly Sovereign again addressed the Perfected Ones who attended him: If, in the lower realm, someone who has faith in the Great Dao can establish an altar for the water dragons, softshell turtles, alligators, fish, and mirage creatures, as well as the shelled creatures that live in water, and perform rites of repentance, recite scriptures, burn incense, and light lamps on their behalf, then the sins of these water-dwelling beings—those born in moisture and those covered in shells—may be repented away. The person may also pray for Heaven’s grace to save them, so that they can shed their scales and shells and regain human form. May all the sins they have committed likewise be forgiven.

Then the Primordial Heavenly Sovereign commanded the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Rescues from Suffering to open the Dongyang Palace and bring forth the jade tablets and golden registers recording the Celestial Worthy’s honored titles. He praised the Celestial Worthy, chanted the Dongzhang—the Daoist liturgical verses—and submitted a memorial to Heaven. In this way, he redeemed these aquatic beings from sin and suffering, so that fish, dragons, and all other water creatures might be freed from distress, escape their hardships, dispel measureless karmic offenses, and increase their measureless blessings and De. Therefore, those performing the rite burn incense, entrust their bodies and lives, and prostrate themselves fully.

With sincere hearts, they pay homage:

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

The Celestial Worthy Lingbao, the Lord of the Dao, the Most High, of the Supreme Clarity true realm;

The Celestial Worthy Daode, the Most High Lord Lao, of the Great Clarity immortal realm;

The Most High, Supreme August Jade Emperor of Heaven, the Great Emperor of the Golden Palace of Jade;

The Great Emperor of the Heavenly Sovereign of the Southern Pole, Lord of the Purple Tenuity Palace above;

The Great Emperor of the Northern Pole, Lord of the Purple Tenuity Palace at the center of the heavens;

The Empress of Earth, Sovereign Goddess Houtu, who bears and models Heaven, whose abundant De shines forth;

The Celestial Worthy, Great Emperor of Long Life at the Southern Pole, Saint of the Primordial Origin Who Commands Heaven;

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

The Celestial Worthy of Thunder, the Great Sage of Brilliant Truth, Who Responds to the Nine Heavens and Universalizes All Things;

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

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Great Emperor of the Purple Tenuity Jade-Green Palace, Who Protects and Regulates the Cycles of Tribulation;

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi of the Six Heavens, Great Emperor of the Dongyuan Cavern, Who Subdues Demons;

The Celestial Worthy, Lord and Emperor of the Six Waves, Who Widely Bestows the Moistening of the Dharma;

The Celestial Worthy Zhu Ling, the Elder in Charge of the Nine Heavens, Who Delivers Souls and Grants Life;

The Celestial Worthy, Commissioner of the Nine Heavens, Who Responds to the Primordial Origin, Protects the Cycles of Fortune, and Brings Wondrous Transformation;

The Celestial Worthy Qingling Shilao of the East, of the Nine Qi in the Central Heavens, Who Dwells in the Cavern of Emptiness;

The Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Elixir Spirit and True Elder, Cavern Clarity, in the Southern Heaven of Three Qi; the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Bright Spirit and August Elder, Cavern Emptiness, in the Western Heaven of Seven Qi; the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Fivefold Spirit and Mysterious Elder, Cavern Subtlety, in the Northern Heaven of Five Qi; and the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Spirit and Primordial Elder, Cavern Truth, in the Central Heaven of One Qi.

With utmost sincerity, I pay reverence to the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Jade Void and Luminous August One above.

With utmost sincerity, I pay reverence to the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Dao’s Skillful Means, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Colors of the Precious Pearl, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Luminance of the Highest Dao, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Great Origin of Utmost De, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion and Wise Practice, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Jade Light and Pure Radiance, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Wondrously Honored Dipper’s Pole, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Wondrously Honored and Luminous Dao, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Golden Compassion and Deep Mirror, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of Transformed Spirit and Serene Stillness, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of Luminous Emptiness and Supreme Excellence, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of Utmost Truth and Lasting Joy, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Precious Substance and Sea of the Dharma, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Sage King Who Augments the Years, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the True Light of Merit and Virtue, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of Awe-Inspiring Power and the Golden Treasury, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Nine Mysteries and Turning Luminance, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the True Essence and Great Void, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of Jade Radiance and the Eight Pure Ones, the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Elixir and Manifest Vision, the Venerable Celestial Worthy Who Preserves Life and Opens Wisdom, and the Venerable Celestial Worthy of the True Ladder That Draws Beings from Suffering.

“To pay reverence with a focused heart” means bowing to the exalted deities with a single-minded and reverent heart. The scripture repeatedly lists the titles of the Venerable Celestial Worthies, expressing sincere homage and prayers.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Fruit and Shining Pearl.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Lord of the Golden City.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Dao of Guiding Wisdom.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Holy King of Floating Clouds.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Rank.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Fruit and Shining Pearl.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Lord of the Golden City.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Dao of Guiding Wisdom.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Holy King of Floating Clouds.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Opening Compassion and Primordial Wisdom.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Perfected, the High Ministers.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Blessings Flowing from Cause and Effect.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Fulfillment of the Dharma Treasures.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Universal Illumination and the Yellow Court.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Emptiness and Liberation.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Cavernous Origin and Lofty Practice.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Contemplation and True Emptiness.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Transformation and Supernatural Penetration.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Spreading Light and Delivering Immortals.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Immortal Lord’s Transformation of the Dao.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Holy King Who Answers and Delivers.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Child Shining with Light.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Universal Great Compassion and Light.

We devoutly bow before the Venerable Deity.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Holy King Who Answers and Delivers.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Child Shining with Light.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Universal Great Compassion and Light.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Shelters with Compassion Those in the Sea of Suffering.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma Sea and Precious Reflection.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Grove in the Golden Garden.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the One Vehicle, the Dharma Bridge.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Bliss, the Dharma King.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Scattered Radiance and Vast Illumination.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Lunar Wisdom and Luminous Light.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Delivers and Disciplines Living Beings.

We devoutly pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Palace of Ten Thousand Transformations.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom and the High Path, the Celestial Worthy of Auspicious Transformation and Numinous Power, the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Truth Who Transcends Souls, the Celestial Worthy of Jade Essence and True Wisdom, the Celestial Worthy of the Precious Prohibition Who Encompasses the Myriad Spirits, the Celestial Worthy of the Utmost Truth of the Eastern Pole, the Celestial Worthy of the Great Emperor of Cinnabar and Purple, the Celestial Worthy Who Transforms and Delivers Immortal Spirits, the Celestial Worthy Who Constantly Increases the Ten Good Deeds, the Celestial Worthy of Pure Brightness and True Stillness, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Emptiness and the Opening Lotus, the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion and the Brahma Origin, the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Truth and Cinnabar Brahma, the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Radiance and Wondrous Transformation, the Celestial Worthy of the Brahma Emperor of the Five Elders, the Celestial Worthy of Universal Illumination and Supreme Excellence, the Celestial Worthy of Profound Stillness and Spontaneous Nature, the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Excellence and Compassionate Pity, the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Spirits and the Profound Ultimate, the Celestial Worthy of the Sage, the True, and the Primordial Elder, the Celestial Worthy Who Increases the Favorable Conditions, the Celestial Worthy of the Boundless Immortal Way, the Celestial Worthy Who Purifies and Opens Universal Compassion, the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Truth and Compassionate Deliverance, the Celestial Worthy of the Immortal Abode at the Source of the Cavern, the Celestial Worthy Whose Spirit Illuminates the Grove of the Dao, the Celestial Worthy of Eastern Florescence and Jade Harmony, and the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar Brightness and Wondrous Purity.

This passage expresses reverence and homage through repeated praise of the Celestial Worthies’ titles. “Transcending souls” refers to delivering the souls of the deceased, and the “Ten Good Deeds” are ten kinds of virtuous action.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Heavenly Wisdom and Benevolence, the Celestial Worthy of Profound Radiance and Spiritual Purity, the Celestial Worthy of Cloud Rosettes and Wondrous Light, the Celestial Worthy of the Vastly Illuminated Immortal Court, the Celestial Worthy of Tranquil Desert and Profound Light, the Celestial Worthy of Pure Emptiness and Universal Radiance, the Celestial Worthy Who Responds to All and Guides Them to Deliverance, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Joy and Jade Compassion, and the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Peaks and Jeweled Tablets.

I sincerely pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Ten Blossoms of True Words, the Celestial Worthy of the Supreme Teachings of Liberation, the Celestial Worthy of the High Immortals of Cause and Condition, the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Practice and Untrammeled Freedom, the Celestial Worthy of the True Light of Brahma’s Fruit, the Celestial Worthy of the True Nature of Emptiness and Floating Clouds, the Celestial Worthy of the Original Destiny of the High Heavens, the Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Treasury of Wisdom with Benevolence, the Celestial Worthy of Spiritual Powers and Civilization, the Celestial Worthy Who Delivers Gods and Humans, the Celestial Worthy of the Radiance of Treasures and the Realm of the Dharma, the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Majesty of Understanding the Dharma, the Celestial Worthy Who Delivers All on the Immortal Way, the Celestial Worthy Who Draws Sinners from the Ninefold Darkness, and the Celestial Worthy Who Grants Rebirth in Accordance with One’s Vow.

I sincerely pay homage to the Perfected One of Compassion Who Saves the Suffering, the Perfected One of Compassion Who Delivers All, the Perfected One of Great Compassion and Benevolence, and the Perfected One of the Numinous Treasure.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to Perfected One Duming, Perfected One Dengjing, Perfected One Wugou, Perfected One Xuanming, Perfected One Dengcheng, Perfected One Deng’ai, Perfected One Dengxuan, and Perfected One Wudeng.

The Supreme Lord Yuanshi said to the Flying Celestial Divine Kings of the ten directions and the immortals at his side: “I now proclaim the honored titles of the Celestial Worthies and send the Perfected One Who Relieves Suffering to carry these titles down to the world below and spread them throughout the myriad kingdoms and the Nine Provinces, so that all the people may pay homage and make offerings. In this way, disasters in Heaven may be dispelled and calamities among humankind brought to an end. Men and women who cultivate purity and uphold the Dao may also pay homage and make offerings when they encounter these titles. On their own birth anniversaries, during the Three Primal festivals, or on the fasting days of the Five Lā, they may burn incense, recite the titles, and perform a Jiao offering ritual to confess their faults and pray for blessings before the gods of Heaven. Then the living and the dead may turn from danger to safety and enjoy good fortune; they may escape the Five Sufferings, and the souls of the dead in the Nine Darknesses—the depths of the underworld—may be released, receive salvation from the immortals, and ascend to the celestial palaces. The gods of Heaven will listen reverently and solemnly transmit the secrets of cultivation.”

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the sacred assembly of the Immortal Palace in the Blessed Land of Donglingyuan; the immortal officials and sacred assembly of the Blessed Land of the Three Sovereigns’ Well; those of the Blessed Land of Mount Lanke; those of the Blessed Land of Qinxī; those of the Blessed Land of Mount Longhu; those of the Blessed Land of Mount Ling; those of the Blessed Land of Quanyuan; those of the Blessed Land of Mount Xiaoyao; those of the Blessed Land of Mount Gezao; those of the Blessed Land of Mount Shifeng; those of the Blessed Land of Mount Jinjing; and all the gods of Baiyuan. I also pay homage to the immortal officials and sacred assembly of the Blessed Land of Quanyuan, Mount Xiaoyao, Mount Gezao, Mount Shifeng, and Mount Jinjing.

The immortal officials and holy beings of the blessed lands of Baiyuan Mountain, Bachi Mountain, Lun Mountain, Maogong Altar, Jilong Mountain, Tongbai Mountain, Pingdu Mountain, Lüluo Mountain, Zhangguan Mountain, Baofu Mountain, Taemian Mountain, Tiger Creek, Yuancheng Mountain, and Maiji Mountain, among others.

The Primordial Heavenly Sovereign once again addressed the perfected beings who served at his side: “I now send the Perfected One Who Relieves Suffering down to the human world with this scripture, to spread it among all immortal officials and holy beings, and among the people, for them to honor and uphold. If followers of the Dao practice and uphold the scripture, reciting it for themselves on the Three Primes Days, the Eight Festival Days, or their own birth anniversaries, their souls and spirits will become clear and upright, their original Qi will be preserved for a long time, they will suffer no distress, and light will shine from their bodies. If they can recite the Cavern Chapters—passages from Daoist scriptures—and reverently pay homage to the sacred titles of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and the Ten Great Perfected Ones, they can also secure the passage of their deceased ancestors, parents, and all suffering spirits of the dead. These souls will be freed forever from the Three Paths, realms of suffering and punishment; transformed through the immortal way, they will be reborn as human beings, transcend the Three Realms, and ascend to the Vermilion Palace, the celestial palace of Daoist belief.”

The Master of Profound Mystery burned incense and paid homage to the Sovereign of the Golden Palace, then offered this hymn:

“Great sovereign of the Golden Palace, revered teacher of all the myriad spirits between Heaven and Earth. With compassion, you send down sweet dew to wash away the delusions of the dusty world; you proclaim far and wide the Empty Cavern Chapters, the Daoist scriptures, so that all beings may understand the subtle mysteries of the Dao…”

The Great Sage, Lord of the Golden Palace, is the teacher of all living beings throughout heaven and earth. With a compassionate heart, he showers down sweet dew, washing away the dust and delusion in their minds. He widely expounds the “Chapter of the Empty Grotto,” enabling all beings to understand “Xi and Yi”—the subtle, hidden realm of the Dao’s essence, beyond ordinary perception. He rescues people from the suffering of the Eight Difficulties and the mire of the degenerate age of the Five Turbidities, helping them cross the sea of the Six Poisons and forever sever the three poisons of greed, anger, and delusion. The immortals come together to guide all beings, so they may ascend freely to Taiwei Heaven.

The Great Repentance of the Most High, Numinous Treasure, Facing Heaven and Acknowledging Sin, Volume Nine

The Great Repentance of the Most High, Numinous Treasure, Facing Heaven and Acknowledging Sin, Volume Ten

At this time, the Primordial Lord summoned the assembled immortals to the jeweled terrace of the Golden Palace in the Great Luo Heaven and widely expounded the wondrous, mysterious teachings to save the people of the world. The divine officials of the three realms of heaven, earth, and water, along with the gods of the Five Sacred Peaks and Four Great Rivers and the officials of the underworld, put their appearance in order, adjusted their swords and ornaments, and rode cloud dragons to pay their respects at the heavenly palace. They took their places in rank, burned incense, and stood beside the jade-adorned galleries, each reporting on the lives and deaths of the people in the regions under their jurisdiction.