《太上灵宝朝天谢罪大忏》Vol. 3

The “registers of sins and blessings” are records of transgressions and the blessings earned through good deeds.

At this time, the Supreme Lord of the Primordial Beginning revealed his awe-inspiring power. Auspicious light shone across the mountains, rivers, and lands of every realm, leaving even the slightest transgression exposed. The Perfected Ones Jinhua, Yuqing, Miaoxing, and Jiuku burned incense and paid homage to the Most High, then presented this memorial:

“We now see that many beings in the lower realm do not believe in the righteous Way. They indulge their bodies and minds, persist in harming others, take lives, and commit all manner of evil deeds. Their transgressions are recorded by the spirits who attend to each day in the ten directions, as well as by the gods who govern destiny and keep the registers, and are reported to the Heavenly Office. Their sins cling to them through many kalpas, making release difficult. The Way of Heaven judges and rewards or punishes misfortune and blessing without the slightest error.

“We see that when people accumulate good deeds and De during their lives, and do good in secret, Heaven and Earth protect them: the weather shelters them, the earth’s Qi supports them, the stars shine upon them, and spirits and gods respect them. The Five Blessings follow them, and many calamities keep their distance. But when people accumulate sins and do evil that harms others, Heaven and Earth withhold their protection, the stars do not shine upon them, and spirits and gods afflict them. The Five Blessings depart, and calamities follow them. Seeing this, we are deeply grieved. We beseech the Lord to show great compassion and open wide the gates of salvation, so that all beings may understand the highest Way and escape impurity.”

The Most High then addressed the assembled Great Perfected Ones:

“I pity all beings in the lower realm and regard them as my children. I hope that each one may attain the Way. Yet their sins are grave. They have long dwelt in impurity, indulged their desires, and committed many defiling acts. Some, while alive, have given themselves over to lust, even having sex in sacred places such as palaces, spirit sanctuaries dedicated to the stars, temples, and altars to the local gods. Some have harmed others, separating mothers and children, abducting other people’s sons and daughters, destroying the love between spouses, and severing the bonds of affection between family members. Some have even engaged in incest with close relatives or their own kin.

“Others have deceived people into giving up their servants, whether beautiful or plain, wise or foolish. Some have forced men and women, breaking up marriages. Some have defiled those who have left home to practice, while others have exposed themselves beneath Heaven and Earth and violated people of different ranks. Every kind of lustful conduct has been committed. The six passions—the desires of the six senses—are allowed to run wild; evil thoughts entangle body and mind, clouding awareness and confusing the six faculties of perception: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. Jing and Qi are depleted, and sins grow grave. May all beings today cleanse their transgressions through repentance and pray that these sins be completely erased.”

The Primordial Celestial Worthy again said to the attendants serving the perfected immortals beside him, “I see men and women in the lower realm. No matter how many times they are reborn, once the thought of stealing arises, they often go on to steal. Some steal sacred images of the Celestial Worthies, scriptures, ritual implements, and property.”

The Primordial Celestial Worthy again said to the attendants, “I see men and women in the lower realm. No matter how many times they are reborn, once the thought arises, they often go on to steal. Some steal sacred images of the Celestial Worthies, scriptures, ritual implements, and property; some steal the property of ordained Daoist masters; some steal property from sacred temples and star altars; some steal funds and goods intended for building revered images; some seize cultivated estates and communal property kept for the ongoing use of Daoist temples; some steal offerings made during Zhaijiao purification rituals; some steal property used to worship ghosts and spirits in temple rites. Some steal the property of their parents or children; some use their influence to force others to hand over their property; some exploit legal disputes involving the authorities to deceive people and extort property; some use unjust means to seize property by force; some secretly obtain property through fraud; some become attached to property they have borrowed; some borrow money or goods and then refuse to repay them; and some take advantage of others’ unguarded moments to bully them and seize their property by unjust means.

“Anyone who has entertained the thought of stealing even once accumulates boundless offenses, no matter how little they steal. These offenses remain concealed within them, and they never openly confess and repent. Now, here, we acknowledge our faults before the divine, burn incense, bow in reverence, and repent of our wrongs, praying that all our offenses may be erased.”

The Primordial Lord said again to the Perfected Ones attending him: “I see the living beings in the lower realms piling up wealth as high as mountains, yet still unsatisfied in their hearts, endlessly craving pleasure. They exhaust themselves in schemes and calculations, wearing down their bodies, while scarcely thinking of giving aid to others. Throughout their lives, they think only of grasping and withholding.

“Some see the Celestial Worthies and the stars, and greed and stinginess arise in their hearts. They see sacred temples devoted to the spirits, or the scriptures and teachings, and the same thoughts arise. They see Daoist priests and ritual masters, parents and children, the poor and lonely elderly, the dead and disabled, prisoners in jail, people starving in years of famine, travelers and captives, those caught in fires or floods, and servants and laborers—and think only of taking, refusing to give.

“They see celestial immortals and constellations, altars of the Celestial Worthies, scriptures, registers, and Zhaijiao rites (Daoist scriptures, talismans and registers, purification rites, and sacrificial ceremonies), the copying of scriptures and making of divine images, eminent ritual masters, the poor and lonely elderly, prisoners, the sick and suffering, those caught in fires or floods, travelers in desperate straits, and people starving in years of famine, yet they refuse to give alms.

“All a person’s plans and toil in life ultimately earn only a lifetime’s livelihood. At birth, they bring not a single coin; at death, they take not a single coin with them. Once the body dies, all things come to nothing. Yet the foolish remain attached to their wealth and possessions, without the slightest compassion. When their breath ceases, their treasures and amusements, houses and storehouses, estates and fields all pass to others. Their wives and children weep in grief, and their family is scattered. What good has any of it done? The karma they create while alive will, in the end, bring each its corresponding consequence. The thought of this is too painful to bear.

“I also see the living beings in the lower realms committing offenses throughout the day, with greed and evil thoughts entangling their hearts. They exploit and oppress the lonely and destitute, almost never sparing them a thought. They feel anger before images of the Celestial Worthies, and anger toward temples and scriptures. They feel anger when they see Daoist priests who have left home, the copying of scriptures and making of divine images, Zhaijiao ritual gatherings, and the spirits in temple courtyards. They feel anger toward the old and infirm, the lonely and destitute, prisoners, those facing life and death emergencies, victims of fires and floods, people starving in years of famine, servants and laborers, poor and lonely people who beg, and even livestock such as oxen and horses.

“Such thoughts and karmic actions are without end. In making their way through the world, people show almost no compassion or forbearance in their thoughts or deeds. Now we take refuge, repent, and confess our offenses, beseeching that all these karmic transgressions may be erased.”

The Primordial Beginning Lord says: I have seen that among the people of the lower world, the six senses and the mind are clouded and unclear, and there is scarcely any good conduct. Some commit foolish deeds before the sacred images of the Heavenly Worthies; some do so before the great road of the stars, at palace temples and Daoist altars, or in ritual grounds where scriptures and registers are transmitted. Others behave foolishly toward ordained Daoist priests, sages in the vast emptiness, their parents, spouses, and children, and even Heaven and Earth, the sun, moon, and stars. They revile Heaven and Earth, curse ghosts and spirits, defy their sovereigns and fathers, and fail to honor their clan and kin. They turn to violence and wrongdoing, devise laws that disrupt the constant Way, commit incest with relatives at home, and kill others outside it. They do not believe that good and evil bring their due consequences, or in karmic causes, conditions, and retribution carried over from past lives. They think they will exist forever, never born and never dying. They cannot distinguish good from evil, or the wise from the foolish. Such deluded conduct is truly unbearable to behold.

The assembled Great Perfected Ones, those who have attained the Way, burn incense and bow in repentance before the Lord of the Golden Gate, the Supreme Lord in the heavenly palace. They pray that, from this day onward, the karmic deeds created through the body, mind, speech, and intention of all beings in the lower world may be released and dissolved. May all beings keep the six faculties—the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—pure, and never contend with others. May they always hold gentle, peaceful, and compassionate hearts; avoid indulgence, arrogance, and greed; and keep a joyful spirit for a long time. May they always cherish the thought of refraining from killing and protecting life, practice filial piety, benevolence, righteousness, loyalty, and trustworthiness, and help the poor, rescue those in danger, and gladly benefit others and nourish all things.

If anyone can hold such thoughts, benevolent spirits from the heavens of the ten directions will protect them. Calamities in the world will then gradually vanish, sins and misfortunes will be dispelled, and they will remain forever free from worry and fear. Immortals will guide them onward, and in the end they will attain deliverance.

The Primordial Beginning Supreme God again said to the Perfected Ones who served at his side: “From now on, if among the beings of the lower world there are people who sincerely believe in the Dao, and who establish a sacred altar on behalf of all kinds of ignorant and unenlightened beings, those burdened by sins and karmic impediments, and living creatures such as birds, beasts, and the six kinds of domestic animals; if they recite scriptures and perform rites of repentance, light lamps and burn incense, submit memorials, and conduct a Jiao ritual, praying to Heaven and Earth, the sun and moon, the stars, the Five Peaks, the Four Rivers, and the underworld officials of Fengdu (officials who govern the affairs of the netherworld) to confess their faults and seek pardon, and if they persevere with sincerity, I will dispatch the Celestial Worthy of Great Unity, Savior from Suffering. He will open the Northern Spirit’s Purple Pavilion, the Langgan Repository (the place where scriptures are treasured in Heaven), take out the jade slips and golden writings and the Celestial Worthy’s sacred titles, praise and extol them, and recite the Dongzhang (Daoist scriptures). By keeping the true Dao in their hearts and praying for pardon, they will have the charges recorded in the jade casket within the offices of the spirit officials of the Netherworld’s Long Night erased. The Five Sufferings (five kinds of suffering in the netherworld) will all be dispelled, and the Three Paths of Torment (realms of suffering such as hell, hungry ghosts, and animals) will be escaped. These beings will leave behind their animal forms, be forever freed from sinful karma, and all receive deliverance. They will be reborn as human beings, no longer trapped in suffering, and dwell in peace and freedom for a long time, with their wishes fulfilled.” Therefore, burn incense and take refuge; dedicate body and mind to the Dao, and bow with all five limbs touching the ground.

With sincere devotion, pay homage to:

The Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning, of Void and Naturalness, in the Sacred Realm of Jade Clarity;

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

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

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

The Great Emperor, Sovereign of Heaven, of the Upper Palace of Ziwei, Lord of the Southern Pole Star;

The Great Emperor of the North Pole, of the Central Palace of Ziwei, Lord of the stars at the center of Heaven;

The August Earth Empress, who bears and emulates Heaven, whose virtue is profound and whose radiance is vast;

The Celestial Worthy of the Origin and Sagely Virtue Who Commands Heaven, the Great Emperor of Longevity at the Southern Pole;

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

The Great Emperor, Sovereign of Heaven, of the Upper Palace of Ziwei, Lord of the Southern Pole Star;

The Great Emperor of the North Pole, of the Central Palace of Ziwei, Lord of the stars at the center of Heaven;

The August Earth Empress, who bears and emulates Heaven, whose virtue is profound and whose radiance is vast;

The Celestial Worthy of the Origin and Sagely Virtue Who Commands Heaven, the Great Emperor of Longevity at the Southern Pole;

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

The Celestial Worthy of Thunder, Universal Transformation, Responding to the Origin, the Great Sage of the Nine Heavens, of Pure Brightness.

With reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Heavens, the Great Emperor of Thunder, who dispels calamity and aids all beings (a revered deity of the Nine Heavens Thunder Department, who governs thunder rites, sends down calamities, and saves beings); the Celestial Worthy of the Great Emperor Taiyi of the Purple Tenuity Palace of Green Jade, who protects against and regulates the cycles of tribulation (the Great Emperor Taiyi of the Purple Tenuity Palace, who protects all beings and regulates the cycles of tribulation); the Celestial Worthy of the Six Heavens, Great Emperor of the Cavernous Abyss, the Supreme Taiyi who subdues demons (a revered deity who subdues demons and malign forces); the Celestial Worthy of the Lord Emperor of the Six Poles, who widely bestows the nourishing grace of the Dao (a Celestial Worthy who spreads the blessings of the Dao and nourishes all beings); the Celestial Worthy of the Elder in Charge of the Nine Heavens’ Kekan Office, who delivers lives at Vermilion Mound (a revered deity who oversees the deliverance and saving of lives); and the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Heavens’ Commissioner of Inspection, Responding to the Primordial and Protecting Destiny through Wondrous Transformation (a Celestial Worthy commissioned to inspect and safeguard the course of destiny).

With reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Azure Numinous Primordial Elder of the Eastern Heavens, among the Nine Qi, of the Cavern of Emptiness; the Celestial Worthy of the Cinnabar Numinous True Elder of the Southern Heavens, among the Three Qi, of the Cavern of Clarity; and the Celestial Worthy of the Bright Numinous August Elder of the Western Heavens, among the Seven Qi, who delivers lives at Vermilion Mound. We also pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Heavens’ Commissioner of Inspection, Responding to the Primordial and Protecting Destiny through Wondrous Transformation; the Celestial Worthy of the Azure Numinous Primordial Elder of the East; the Celestial Worthy of the Cinnabar Numinous True Elder of the South; the Celestial Worthy of the Bright Numinous August Elder of the West, of the Cavern of Emptiness; the Celestial Worthy of the Five Numinous Mysterious Elder of the Northern Heavens, among the Five Qi, of the Cavern of Subtlety; and the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Numinous Primordial Elder of the Central Heavens, among the One Qi, of the Cavern of Truth. These honorific titles correspond respectively to the divine beings of the four directions and the center.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Sovereign of the Lower Realm, of the Cavern of Spirit (a revered deity who guards the lower realm). We also pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Attains Sainthood through Accumulated Merit (a revered deity who becomes a sage through the accumulation of merit); the Celestial Worthy Who Gathers the Spirit and Illuminates the Realm (a revered deity who stills the mind and perceives the realm); the Celestial Worthy Who Harmonizes the Spirits and Benefits All Beings (a revered deity who harmonizes the divine and benefits all things); the Celestial Worthy Who Commands All Spirits (a revered deity who governs all spirits); the Celestial Worthy Whose Hidden Light Shines without Limit (a revered deity whose profound illumination is boundless); the Celestial Worthy Skilled at Dispelling Delusion (a revered deity who excels at breaking through delusion); the Celestial Worthy Who Freely Untangles the Nets (a revered deity who excels at freeing beings from hardship); the Celestial Worthy of the Jade-Treasure Canopy (a revered deity symbolized by a precious canopy); the Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Radiance that Illuminates the Caverns (a revered deity whose light illuminates all things); the Celestial Worthy Who Understands the Myriad Practices (a revered deity who knows the many methods of cultivation); and the Celestial Worthy of the Cavernous Abyss and Subtle Mystery (a revered deity who perceives the profound and mysterious principles).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, we further pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade-Treasure Canopy, the Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Radiance that Illuminates the Caverns, the Celestial Worthy Who Understands the Myriad Practices, the Celestial Worthy of the Cavernous Abyss and Subtle Mystery, the Celestial Worthy Who Perfects the Myriad Practices (a revered deity who brings all practices of cultivation to completion), and the Celestial Worthy of the Boundless Jade Emperor (the infinitely exalted Jade Emperor).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mahayana Wisdom of Emptiness (the one who perceives emptiness through Mahayana wisdom).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Restores Merit and Repays Virtue (the one who brings meritorious deeds back to their source and repays kindness).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Conceals His Traces and Preserves the Complete Dao (the one who hides his whereabouts and safeguards the Great Dao).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the High Emperor, Who Penetrates the Dawn.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Whose Purple Clouds Form a Canopy (the one whose canopy is made of purple clouds).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Dharma Clouds That Flow and Nourish (the one who nourishes all beings with the rain of the Dharma).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Proclaims the Wondrous Dharma (the one who spreads the subtle and wondrous Daoist teachings).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Peerless Sublimity (the one whose nobility and subtlety are without equal).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Profound Wisdom That Shines Afar (the one whose deep wisdom illuminates distant realms).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Manifests Change and Beholds the Dharma Realm (the one who appears in changing forms and surveys the entire Dharma realm).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Subdues Through Might and Forms Bonds Through Compassion (the one who subdues beings through awe-inspiring virtue and draws them near through compassion).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Clear Stillness and Embodiment of the Profound (the one who is serene and deeply still, and apprehends the mystery).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Sends Grace from the Jade Capital (the one who bestows blessings from the Jade Capital).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Protects and Delivers, Answering the Needs of the Times (the one who protects and delivers beings in accord with the course of events).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Tenuity and Radiant Splendor.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Whose True Aspect Is Complete, of Clear Stillness and Embodiment of the Profound (the one who possesses the true aspect, remains serene and deeply still, and apprehends the mystery).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Sends Grace from the Jade Capital.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Protects and Delivers, Answering the Needs of the Times.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Tenuity and Radiant Splendor.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Whose True Aspect Is Complete (the one who possesses the true aspect).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Guides the World and Leaves No One Behind (the one who guides people without letting anyone be overlooked).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Constantly Aids Beings Through Dharma Affinities (the one who continually helps beings through affinities formed with the Daoist teachings).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Inspires Unhindered Aspiration (the one who encourages beings to set their minds on cultivating the Dao and clears obstacles from their path).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Whose Great Light Shines Without Ceasing (the one whose vast radiance shines constantly).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Nourishes and Nurtures All Things with the Qi of the Dao (the one who sustains and transforms all things through the Dao’s vital energy).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Subdues the Violent and Tyrannical (the divine being who subdues the forceful and unruly).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Extends the Light and Spreads the Sacred Images (the one who extends the radiance and makes sacred images known far and wide).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Forever Realizes the Source of the Dao (the one who eternally awakens to the source of the Great Dao).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Wondrous Blessings (the one who possesses immeasurable and wondrous blessings).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Subtle and Wondrous Resolve and Integrity (the one whose aims and conduct are finely subtle and mysterious).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Constantly Transmits the True Precepts (the one who continually teaches the authentic precepts).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Whose Blessings of the Dao Are Complete (the one whose blessings from the Dao are full and complete).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Whose Light and Virtue Are Complete (the one whose radiance and virtue are fully perfected).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Brings Immeasurable Increase (the one who brings boundless benefit).

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Whose Flowing Clouds Form a Canopy (the one whose canopy is made of splendid clouds).

“Zhixin chaoli” (“with utmost sincerity, I pay homage”) is a formula used in Zhaijiao purification and penitential rites to express single-minded sincerity in paying respect to a Celestial Worthy. Through repeated acts of homage, this passage praises the wisdom, compassion, protection, and teaching virtue of the Celestial Worthies.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Balanced Harmony, Purity, and Joy, a revered deity symbolizing peace, purity, and happiness.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Seclusion and Wuwei (non-action), a revered deity who is profound and hidden, and follows the course of Wuwei.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Unfathomable Hidden Source, a revered deity whose source is deep and obscure, beyond measure.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Abides Forever in the Formless and Imageless, a revered deity who dwells eternally in a state beyond form and image.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Nurtures and Transforms the Four Kinds of Life, a revered deity who teaches and transforms living beings. With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Floating Clouds.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Balanced Harmony, Purity, and Joy.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Seclusion and Wuwei.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Unfathomable Hidden Source.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Abides Forever in the Formless and Imageless.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Nurtures and Transforms the Four Kinds of Life. “Four kinds of life” refers to beings born from the womb, from eggs, from moisture, and through transformation.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Void and Eternal Stillness, a revered deity who dwells constantly in the vast emptiness and tranquil realm.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Void Who Observes the Subtle, a revered deity who perceives what is hidden and minute.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Realizes Truth and Quiets the Mind, a revered deity who embodies truth and keeps the mind at peace.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Gathers the Spirit in the Purple Palace, a revered deity who gathers the spirit and stills the mind in the Purple Palace.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Wanders Ever in Tranquil Realms, a revered deity who continually wanders in realms of clear stillness.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Trusts and Delights in the Orthodox Dharma, a revered deity who believes in and delights in the Orthodox Dharma.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Whose Excellent Deeds Shine Inwardly, a revered deity whose outstanding accomplishments hold their radiance within.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Contemplates Wuwei in Silence, a revered deity who silently realizes the Dao of Wuwei.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Truth and Steadfast Wisdom, a revered deity endowed with profound truth and unwavering wisdom.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Diligently Cultivates De in the Mysterious Realm, a revered deity who diligently cultivates Virtue in a profound and wondrous realm.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Protects the Spirits, a revered deity who protects all spirits.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Wields the Wondrous Powers of the Spirit, a revered deity who exercises the spirit’s wondrous powers.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Gathers the Spirit and Gives Rise to Wisdom, a revered deity who gathers the spirit in quiet contemplation and thereby gives rise to wisdom.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Rides Auspicious Light and Wanders the World, a revered deity who travels through the world upon auspicious light.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Universally Protects the Spirits.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Wields the Wondrous Powers of the Spirit.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Gathers the Spirit and Gives Rise to Wisdom.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Rides Auspicious Light and Wanders the World.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Rescues Beings from the Eight Calamities, a revered deity who helps living beings escape eight kinds of suffering.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Extends Life Without End, a revered deity who makes life endure without limit.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Abides in the Mysterious Capital in Stillness, a revered deity who dwells in a profound and tranquil realm.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy Who Hides the Wondrous by Softening the Light, a revered deity who restrains radiance and conceals the wondrous Dao within.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Transformation in the Deep and Obscure, a revered deity who brings about wondrous transformations in a profound and distant realm.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Pure Mind and True Intent, a revered deity whose mind is pure and who realizes the true Dao.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Vast Wisdom and Abundant De, a revered deity whose wisdom and Virtue are broad and profound.

With single-minded reverence, I bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of the Supreme and Utmost Joy, a revered deity who brings joy of the highest order.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who is dignified and tranquil, harmonious and serene; to the Heavenly Worthy who is supremely excellent and wondrous, and brings about marvelous fruits; to the Heavenly Worthy who is skilled at rescuing and protecting the world; to the Heavenly Worthy who is clear and profound, pure and kind; to the Heavenly Worthy adorned with a hundred treasures; to the Heavenly Worthy who widely carries out wondrous teachings; to the Heavenly Worthy who is lofty, empty, and still, supremely profound and mysterious; to the Heavenly Worthy who reveals the mysterious principle; to the Heavenly Worthy whose southern cinnabar radiance shines brilliantly and whose grace is bestowed far and wide; and to the Heavenly Worthy of Vermilion Numinous Treasure-Virtue.

With utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who widely carries out wondrous teachings, the Heavenly Worthy who is lofty, empty, and still, the Heavenly Worthy who reveals the mysterious principle, the Heavenly Worthy of Southern Cinnabar Radiance and Grace, and the Heavenly Worthy of Vermilion Numinous Treasure-Virtue. I pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy, king of treasures, who possesses wondrous power; to the Heavenly Worthy who, in the utmost emptiness, manifests responsive signs; to the Heavenly Worthy who is compassionate, gentle, forgiving, and loving; to the Heavenly Worthy whose honor is boundless; to the Heavenly Worthy who pacifies the myriad spirits; to the Heavenly Worthy who appears in auspicious signs, peaceful and joyful; to the Heavenly Worthy who presides over the court assembly and commands the Supreme Emperor; to the Heavenly Worthy who reveals mysterious principles and scriptures; to the Heavenly Worthy of Western Numinous Response; to the Heavenly Worthy who skillfully guides people back to the source of the Great Dao; to the Heavenly Worthy who manifests auspicious signs of cloud blossoms; to the Heavenly Worthy who gathers the spirit in stillness and dwells in the Golden Palace; to the Heavenly Worthy who skillfully dispels demonic obstructions and trials; to the Heavenly Worthy of the Primordial Sovereign, the True One; to the Heavenly Worthy of boundless numinous response; and to the Heavenly Worthy who is free from all hindrance and attachment.

Once again, with utmost sincerity, I pay homage to the Jade Purity; to the Heavenly Worthy who skillfully dispels demonic obstructions and trials; to the Heavenly Worthy of the Primordial Sovereign, the True One; to the Heavenly Worthy of boundless numinous response; and to the Heavenly Worthy who is free from all hindrance and attachment.

The phrase “with utmost sincerity, I pay homage” is repeated here as a ritual expression of sincere reverence in Zhaijiao purification and repentance rites. The titles that follow praise the Heavenly Worthies’ virtue, power, and spiritual abilities.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Purity and Golden Form.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Northern Truth and Refined Mystery.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Unhindered Compassion and Grace.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Rescues the Guilty from the Nine Darknesses.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Grants Rebirth According to One’s Wishes.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One of Compassion Who Rescues from Suffering.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One of Compassion Who Delivers and Saves.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One of Great Compassion and Grace.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One of Compassion Who Turns the Wheel.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One of Mysterious Penetration.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One of Supreme Mystery.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One of Nine Radiances.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One of Universal Compassion.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One Who Rescues from Calamity.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One Who Protects Life.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One Who Saves from Death.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One of Vast Grace.

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One Who Delivers Life.

The Great Emperor Yuanshi told the Five Emperors, the immortals, and the sages of the Three Realms: “I now proclaim the honored titles of the Celestial Worthies and the names and ranks of the Perfected Ones. I am sending the Perfected One Who Rescues from Suffering to bring this true scripture down to the human world and spread it throughout the ten directions, so that all beings in the heavens and on earth may understand its teachings.”

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the Perfected One Who Delivers Life.

The Great Emperor Yuanshi again told the Five Emperors, the immortals, and the sages of the Three Realms: “I now proclaim the honored titles of the Celestial Worthies and the names and ranks of the Perfected Ones. I am sending the Perfected One Who Rescues from Suffering to bring this true scripture down to the human world and spread it throughout the ten directions, so that all beings in the heavens and on earth may understand and awaken to its teachings, and ultimately attain immortality.

“Those who uphold the Dao and men and women who cultivate the Way and seek the truth may, on each of the Three Primal Festivals—the Upper, Middle, and Lower Primal fast days—the Five La Festivals, or on their own birth anniversaries, pray for blessings on behalf of their deceased ancestors, parents, and relatives. They may deliver the souls of the dead from the netherworld and repent for, and dispel, the offenses they committed in the past.

“Some of these souls may have fallen among the six kinds of livestock, becoming aquatic creatures such as dragons and shen, or animals that dwell in marshes and are covered in scales. They may also have been reborn as various tiny creatures. Pray that they be freed from suffering and reborn as human beings, and that immortals guide them so their souls may ascend to the Southern Palace. In this way, the grave offenses accumulated over many past lives will be dispelled, and they will receive immeasurable blessings.”

With single-minded reverence, I pay homage to the immortal officials and holy assembly of Deshan’s blessed land.

May the celestial officials and holy beings of the Blessed Lands of Lánshuǐ and Yùfēng, and those of the Blessed Land of Mount Tiānmù, dispel and release all weighty calamities and disasters, so that all beings may receive immeasurable blessings.

With sincere hearts, we worship and pay reverence to the celestial officials and holy beings of the Blessed Land of Mount Dé, and to those of the Blessed Lands of Lánshuǐ, Yùfēng, Mount Tiānmù, Mount Shāng, Zhānggōng Cave, Yúhú Cave, the Zhōngtiáo Range, Mount Sīmǎhuǐ, Mount Miánzhú, Mount Gān, Mount Guī, Mount Jīnchéng, Mount Yún, Běimáng, Mount Wǔdāng, Mount Nǚjǐ, Shàoshì, Mount Lú, Xīshānyuán, Mount Nántián, Mount Yùpán, and Mount Bàodú. Another version in the Daoist scriptures writes “Mount Yùpán” as “Mount Yùliú.”

In Daoism, a “Blessed Land” is a sacred realm where immortals dwell and practice the Dao. The list of celestial officials and holy beings associated with these places expresses reverence and worship, along with a prayer for calamities to be averted and blessings received.

The Primordial Heavenly Lord spoke again to the Perfected Ones at his sides: “I now send the Perfected One Who Relieves Suffering, carrying this precious scripture, to spread it in the lower realm. Let beings in the human world and the heavenly realm together turn toward it in reverence, recite it, and uphold it. Through prayers of repentance and offerings on behalf of the departed souls of former lives and deceased family members, may the wandering spirits be rescued and transformed into human beings, transcend the Three Realms, and roam freely in the Upper Clarity realm, the pure immortal realm spoken of in Daoism.

“If men and women in the world obtain and spread this precious scripture, beings in the human world and the heavenly realm may likewise turn toward it in reverence, recite it, and uphold it. Through prayers of repentance and offerings on behalf of the departed souls of former lives and deceased family members, may the wandering spirits be rescued and transformed into human beings, transcend the Three Realms, and roam freely in the Upper Clarity realm.

“If men and women in the world, on the Three Primordial festivals—the Upper, Middle, and Lower Primordial festivals—and the Eight Seasonal Festivals, including the Four Beginnings, the two equinoxes, and the two solstices, present memorials and petitions to Heaven, sincerely confess their offenses to Heaven and Earth, observe pure fasting, and recite the honored titles of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), then the Perfected Ones of the heavens will absolve the sins of wandering spirits in the hells, beasts covered in fur, creatures of the waters, and all living beings. If these beings pray to be cleansed of the sins and calamities of the past, they can all be rescued from the underworld, freed forever from the authority of ghost officials, transformed into human beings, and universally delivered.”

Master Chongmiao burned incense, bowed in worship, and offered this hymn to the Supreme Deity of the Golden Palace, the highest honored deity in the heavenly palace:

“The Jade Emperor sends down numinous response and grace; Heaven proclaims it to the myriad spirits. He rescues the suffering in the Ninefold Darkness and widely spreads the scriptures of the Three Caverns. The names of the departed are reported to the Southern Cinnabar Court, and their souls ascend beyond the Northern Cold Court. They leave the fiery cauldron hell forever and step straight out of the city of ice pools. The immortals join in bringing salvation, so that all beings may roam freely in the Great Clarity realm, the immortal realm of Daoism.”

Volume Ten of the Great Repentance of the Most High Lingbao for Facing Heaven and Confessing Sins