《太上玉清谢罪登真宝忏》

The Supreme One (Taishang) said: If there are male or female Daoist officials who sincerely devote themselves to the Dao (the Way) and diligently practice cultivation, and who perform many virtuous deeds during their lives but do not repent of the grievances and old karma of their former lives, they will never take a place in the Jade Court or have their names inscribed in the Golden Registers. Even if they wish to save the dead and help living beings, how could they possibly do so?

Pure and faithful men and women who follow my teachings and diligently practice repentance themselves can deliver and liberate their ancestors of nine generations and bring blessings to their descendants. If they persevere in their practice and do not grow slack partway, they will reach the state of attaining perfection and becoming immortals.

Before my sacred image, one should arrange incense, flowers, fresh seasonal fruits, banners, and lamps as offerings, and hold a repentance ceremony, reverently and sincerely declaring:

"Your repentant disciple, so-and-so, takes refuge in the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the three supreme deities honored in Daoism) and the Ten Utmost High Perfected (the exalted immortals and perfected beings of the ten directions). Since beginningless time, this disciple has not recognized the true Way, has believed in heterodox teachings and held inverted views, has indulged in desire, and has committed many offenses. I have been unfilial to my parents and have not honored the Three Treasures (the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters). I have been disrespectful in serving my elders and ungenerous in treating my subordinates. I have relied on powerful and influential people to oppress the lonely and weak; I have recommended the unworthy and driven out the loyal and good. I have been jealous of the talented and capable, concealing their good deeds and spreading word of their wrongs. At times I have used my authority to confuse right and wrong and to blur the difference between grave and minor matters. I have misapplied medical prescriptions and harmed lives. To obtain bribes, I have injured pregnant women and caused miscarriages. I have made sacrifices to illicit spirits, held banquets for guests, and boiled all kinds of living creatures and slaughtered pigs and sheep. I thought only of my own momentary pleasure, with no compassion at all, and I have even slandered the sages and worthies.

Now this disciple lays bare these faults and dares not conceal them. Before the holy and venerable ones, I repent sincerely, take refuge, and pay homage to the compassionate protectors of the world of Jade Purity. I reverently take refuge in and bow before the Heavenly Worthy of the Holy Realm of Jade Purity."

Note: In the original text, a passage is repeated at this point, and the closing phrase "归务快情" is suspected to be an error introduced in copying or printing. The rendering above has been arranged according to the surrounding context.

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Jade Pure Sacred Realm, Yuqing Shengjing Tianzun (the venerable deity dwelling in the Jade Pure Realm).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Universal Compassion who Protects the Nation, Puci Huguo Tianzun (the venerable deity who guards the country with compassion).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy, Supreme Sovereign of the Jade Void, Yuxu Huangshang Tianzun (the venerable deity of the Jade Void Realm).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Supreme One who Saves from Suffering, Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun (the venerable deity who delivers beings from affliction).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Profound Emptiness and Supreme De, Chongxuan Zhide Tianzun (the venerable deity of subtle mystery and the highest De, or Virtue/Power).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Wondrous Model and Responsive Resonance, Miaofan Yinggan Tianzun (the venerable deity who moves living beings through wondrous principles).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Light and Blazing Radiance, Lingguang Bingyao Tianzun (the venerable deity of resplendent numinous light).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who Gazes into the Hidden and Upholds Rightful Order, Zhuyou Zhengli Tianzun (the venerable deity who perceives the subtle and presides over right principle).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Great Brahma and Mysterious Stillness, Dafan Xuanji Tianzun (the venerable deity of purity, quiet, and profound mystery).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Fragrant De and Exalted Protection, Defang Chongyou Tianzun (the venerable deity whose virtue is fragrant and who protects all beings).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Mysterious Transformation who Benefits the Living, Xuanhua Lisheng Tianzun (the venerable deity who benefits beings through profound teaching).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy, Teacher-Sovereign of the Jade Register, Shihuang Yuji Tianzun (the venerable and exalted deity who holds the Jade Register).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Vast Merit and Ultimate Dao, Honggong Zhidao Tianzun (the venerable deity of great merit who accords with the Dao, the Way).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who Responds in Stillness and Embraces the Void, Yingji Hanxu Tianzun (the venerable deity who responds and transforms while remaining tranquil, embracing emptiness).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Great Subtlety who Holds the Pure, Taiwei Bingcui Tianzun (the venerable deity who upholds pure and refined Qi, or vital energy).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who Nurtures De and Purifies Transformation, Yude Chunhua Tianzun (the venerable deity who cultivates virtue and leads people back to uprightness).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Pure Jing and Radiant De, Chunjing Yaode Tianzun (the venerable deity of refined Jing, or essence, and luminous clarity who manifests virtue).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who Responds in Stillness and Embraces the Void, Yingji Hanxu Tianzun.

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of the Great Subtlety who Holds the Pure, Taiwei Bingcui Tianzun.

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who Nurtures De and Purifies Transformation, Yude Chunhua Tianzun.

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Pure Jing and Radiant De, Chunjing Yaode Tianzun.

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who Wields Majesty and Holds the Torch of Wisdom, Weichi Zhiju Tianzun (the venerable deity who upholds the torch of wisdom with majestic virtue).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who Rescues the Deluded and Frees the Stagnant, Zhengmi Bazhi Tianzun (the venerable deity who aids the bewildered and releases those who are stuck).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Abundant Merit and Flourishing De, Fenggong Maode Tianzun (the venerable deity of rich achievement and profound virtue).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy who Washes Away Defilement and Dispels Anger, Digou Juanfen Tianzun (the venerable deity who cleanses impurity and dissolves wrath).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Gracious Harmony who Prolongs Joy, Huihe Yanxi Tianzun (the venerable deity who bestows favor and harmony and brings joy).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Majestic Spirit and Brilliant Radiance, Weishen Binghuan Tianzun (the venerable deity of manifest majesty and luminous divine power).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Heavenly Worthy of Divine Light and Dazzling Splendor, Shenguang Weiye Tianzun (the venerable deity of radiant sacred light).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Perfected One of Great Compassion and Wondrous Practice, Daci Miaoxing Zhenren (the Perfected One of vast mercy and refined cultivation).

We sincerely take refuge in and pay homage to the Perfected One of Great Pity who Universally Rescues, Dabei Puji Zhenren (the Perfected One who has compassion for all beings and saves them everywhere).

Here the phrase "I take refuge, believe, and pay homage" is chanted repeatedly, expressing sincere devotion, faith, and reverence. The Heavenly Worthies and Perfected Ones listed each reveal, through their distinct titles, merits such as protecting the nation, relieving suffering, teaching and transforming, removing obstacles, and delivering beings.

This disciple, [name], following the Daoist scriptures (Jing), reverently bows before all the true sages and sincerely prays, repenting with a single mind. Since beginningless time, I have created evil causes through body, speech, and mind, and have committed the ten unwholesome karmas. Now, before the sages, I repent of them one by one.

The karma of killing. In life, one's lifespan, whether male or female, may be short, and one will be solitary. After death, one falls into hell and suffers for a long time. When the suffering ends and one is reborn, one will again be killed by others, and grievances are repaid in turn, circling endlessly like ants going round in a ring. Now, before the sages, I sincerely repent.

The karma of stealing. In life, one is often punished by the law, beaten and flogged, and lives in poverty. After death, one falls into hell and suffers for a long time. When the suffering is exhausted and one is reborn, one may become a beast of burden, toiling under heavy loads to repay past debts. Once the retribution has run its course, one returns to hell and can hardly escape. Now, before the sages, I sincerely repent.

The karma of sexual misconduct. In life, one is despised by others and often falls ill. After death, one falls into hell and suffers for a long time. When the suffering is exhausted and one is reborn, one may become a sparrow, a pigeon, a pig, a dog, or the like. After the retribution is complete, one returns to hell and can hardly escape. Now, before the sages, I sincerely repent.

The karma of false speech. In life, one is suspected and distrusted by others, may develop sores on the lips, and has foul breath that makes others avoid one. After death, one falls into hell and suffers for a long time. When the suffering is exhausted and one is reborn, one may be ugly, poor, and lowly, enduring cold, hunger, and thirst, and may even become a hungry ghost or an animal. Once the retribution has run its course, one returns to hell and can hardly escape. Now, before the sages, I sincerely repent.

The karma of frivolous speech. Frivolous speech means flowery, untruthful words, or words used to please others. In life, one may be looked down upon, find that affairs go poorly, and often fall into distress. After death, one falls into hell and suffers for a long time. When the suffering is exhausted and one is reborn, one may be poor, lowly, and despised, or may become a mangy wild beast, shunned and bitten by other animals, with nowhere to hide. Once the retribution has run its course, one returns to hell and can hardly escape. Now, before the sages, I sincerely repent.

The karma of double-tongued speech. Double-tongued speech means sowing discord and spreading gossip. In life, one may become a servant or slave, driven about by others, and whatever blessings one had turn into misfortune, bringing calamity upon oneself. After death, one falls into hell and suffers for a long time. When the suffering is exhausted and one is reborn, one may become a two-headed snake or an earthworm. Once the retribution has run its course, one returns to hell and can hardly escape. Now, before the sages, I sincerely repent.

The karma of harsh words. In life, one may be abused and insulted by others and is often subject to legal punishment. After death, one falls into hell and suffers for a long time. When the suffering is exhausted and one is reborn, one may be ugly, with a bird's beak and a dog's face, with foul saliva and breath, and be distrusted by others. Once the retribution has run its course, one returns to hell and can hardly escape. Now, before the sages, I sincerely repent.

The karma of greed and craving. In life, one's heart is often full of distress. After death, one falls into hell and suffers for a long time. When the suffering is exhausted and one is reborn, one may become a hungry ghost, unbearably hungry and thirsty, not hearing even the name of a drop of broth for a very long time. Once the retribution has run its course, one returns to hell and can hardly escape. Now, before the sages, I sincerely repent.

The karma of anger and hatred. In life, one often harbors resentment and a cruel heart. After death, one falls into hell and suffers for a long time. When the suffering is exhausted and one is reborn, one may become a venomous creature such as a snake or scorpion, loathed by all and beaten to death on sight, forced to hide everywhere with no place to settle. Once the retribution has run its course, one returns to hell and can hardly escape. Now, before the sages, I sincerely repent.

The karma of ignorance and delusion. Ignorance and delusion mean failing to understand the principles of things and failing to tell good from evil. In life, one may be dull and uncomprehending, and be shunned by others. After death, one falls into hell and suffers for a long time. When the suffering is exhausted and one is reborn, one may become a farm animal, dragging the plow and bearing heavy loads, hungry, thirsty, and helpless, and when old and gaunt, be sold to the slaughterhouse and denied a peaceful end. Once the retribution has run its course, one returns to hell and can hardly escape. Now, before the sages, I sincerely repent.

Now I take refuge in, and reverently bow before, the sacred names of the venerable deities who are universally compassionate and protect all people.

I take refuge in and pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy who conceals auspicious responses within and nurtures all things; I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who guides those who have lost their way and dissolves their obstructions; to the Celestial Worthy of the realm of wondrous joy; to the Celestial Worthy of the realm of wondrous stillness; to the Celestial Worthy who removes peril and distress; to the Celestial Worthy who rescues the suffering; to the Celestial Worthy who delivers countless beings; to the Celestial Worthy who is unobstructed and free, without hindrance; to the Celestial Worthy who accords with the true Dao (the Way) and transforms people through De (Virtue); to the Celestial Worthy who reaches through the world and is in harmony with all things; to the Celestial Worthy whose dragon-like De illuminates all; to the Celestial Worthy who descends unseen and brings abundant blessings; to the Celestial Worthy who is in accord with the Dao and returns to stillness; and to the Celestial Worthy whose cultivation is complete and who has perfected the precious realm.

I take refuge in and pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Celestial Worthy who is in harmony with the world and reaches everywhere without obstruction; to the Celestial Worthy whose dragon-like De illuminates all; to the Celestial Worthy who descends unseen and brings abundant blessings; to the Celestial Worthy who is in accord with the Dao and returns to stillness; to the Celestial Worthy whose cultivation is complete and who has perfected the precious realm; to the Celestial Worthy who manifests a majestic and precious form; to the Celestial Worthy who is utterly clear and pure; to the Celestial Worthy who is far removed from the stain of worldly dust; to the Celestial Worthy whose heart is as vast as emptiness and embraces all things; to the Celestial Worthy who has attained true knowledge; to the Celestial Worthy who adorns all things everywhere with majesty; to the Celestial Worthy who frees people from fear; and to the Celestial Worthy who is pure, wondrous, and incomparably precious.

I take refuge in and pay homage with utmost sincerity to the Perfected One (the Dao-realized true person) of great compassion and great kindness; I pay homage to the Perfected One who removes suffering and delivers beings from misfortune.

Your disciple, following the Zhengao (Zhen Gao, the sacred texts of the Daoist canon), reverently bows before the Highest Perfected (the honored divine immortals), prays with sincerity, and repents with a single mind.

The wondrous function of the great Dao (the Way) is beyond words. It embraces the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, and is therefore called "great." The power of the spirits is unfathomable; they perceive every good deed in the world and send down auspicious blessings. Moreover, your disciple holds a heart of utmost sincerity and has met a fortunate season, and wishes that all causes and conditions may come into harmony. May I long revere and serve the Dao, and gather abundant, pure blessings.

Gazing toward the canopy of fungus-shaped plumes (the splendid canopy of the immortals' procession), I wish that the many deities may descend side by side. Having opened the sacred altar (the holy place where prayer or Zhaijiao, the purification ritual, is held), may this place be filled with divine response. Through the sincerity and purity of my inner heart, may I admire and follow the subtle and unfathomable Dao.

I respectfully pray that the precious retinue (the protection of the divine) will descend in splendor, so that this earnest heart may truly reach on high. May the spirits protect my household in harmony and good fortune, and sustain its blessings, longevity, and peace. That your disciple has received such good fortune is wholly owed to the shelter of the Perfected. Your disciple's sincerity is boundless, and this prayer is offered with the utmost earnestness.