《洞玄灵宝河图仰谢三十六土皇斋仪》

The first scroll of the Liturgy of the Purification Rite of Reverent Repentance to the Thirty-Six Earth Emperors in the River Chart of the Lingbao Tradition of the Cavern Mystery records: Face east and bow in reverent repentance toward the nine layers of the earthly realm.

We, your servants, sincerely entrust ourselves to the first Earth Emperor, the deity who governs the first tier, “Moist Earth.” Bow twice and knock your heads five times. When you have completed your repentance in your hearts, rise together. In cases of severe or grave illness, let your hair hang loose and knock your head; there is no need to slap your own cheeks.

We, so-and-so and others, submit this petition to the Most High, the supremely true one beyond all nothingness; to the responsive, true essence of the supreme, Wuwei Great Dao; and to the First Earth Sovereign of the First Layer, the Colored, Moist Earth, guardian deity of this land, whose name is missing from the original text.

Today’s emperor has received the mysterious favor of Heaven and, relying on the blessings left by his forebears, bears the great responsibility of managing all affairs and ruling countless millions of people. In virtue, he looks to Yao and Shun as his models. Since inheriting the imperial enterprise, he has often reflected on himself, mindful and wary.

The world is now in decline, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without Heaven’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer many afflictions. Seeing these disasters and epidemics, we bow and beseech Heaven’s grace, hoping that the state may be secure and prosperous and the people healthy and well provided for.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn to the Great Dao and entrust ourselves to the Earth Sovereign, placing our lives and natures in the hands of the true spirits. We respectfully invite the Three Sovereigns’ Central Primordial Prayer and Purification Rite, a Daoist Zhaijiao ritual, over which we preside. Our wisdom is shallow, and we are not fit to assist the Great Dao. Yet, mindful of the favor we have received, we dare not break our vows. We therefore observe the fast with care and, following the ritual procedures of the Dongshen tradition, establish an altar and arrange the divine seats, symbolizing the thirty-six heavens. We burn incense and lamps in response to the thirty-six earths. By these means, we dispel darkness and welcome the spirits. On behalf of so-and-so, we present the true writ, raise banners, and pray for the preservation of life; we lay bare our sincerity, confess our offenses, repent, and begin anew.

We beseech the Earth Sovereign to show great compassion, bestow boundless grace, and grant the blessing of deliverance and the benevolence that allows one to amend past wrongs. May the spirits’ Qi flow freely and the spiritual officers be in harmony. Protect so-and-so, forgive the immeasurable offenses of past and present, and recognize and approve his sincere repentance now. May the merit of this purification rite be transferred to the ancestral shrines and spirits of so-and-so’s generations, the nine generations of ancestors on his father’s side and the seven on his mother’s side—in short, all forebears—as well as all the dead. May they escape the suffering of the netherworld, ascend to a blessed realm, be reborn and attain the Dao, and protect those still living.

May ancestral mausoleums and tombs be at peace, disasters dispelled, and palaces and homes secure; may strange dreams and ominous portents fade away. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and the courses of the sun, moon, and stars be stable. May wind and rain arrive in season, and cold and warmth follow their proper measure. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be tranquil, and adversaries submit. If so-and-so suffers from an illness, may he recover; if he faces a lawsuit, theft, or other such troubles, may he be spared calamity as he has prayed. May all people escape disaster and live long; may the virtue of the imperial house flourish ever more, calamities in the four directions disappear, auspicious clouds gather, and the seasons remain in harmony. May all living beings receive blessings, uphold the orthodox teachings, and return together to the natural course. Having attained the Dao, may they join the emperor in accord with the true Dao.

After the rites are complete, bow in sequence to the thirty-six Earth Emperors. Replace the vermilion taboo characters with the corresponding names, and handle all other differences according to the ritual for the thirty-six heavens.

We, your ministers, respectfully submit this petition to the Most High, the Unbounded and Utmost True, the Supreme Wuwei (non-action) Great Dao, responsive to supplication and endowed with true essence, and to the Earth Emperor Lord Huang Chang Shangwen Boni, ruler of the first tier of the earth, the First Layer of the Color-Softening Earth.

The present emperor has received wondrous blessings and inherited the good fortune of his forebears. He occupies the position from which myriad affairs are governed and rules over countless people. His responsibilities are as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and his heart looks up to the ways of Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great undertaking, he has often reflected upon himself and remained vigilant. Now that morality and custom are declining day by day, it is difficult to revive the simple and honest teachings. Without the vast protection of Heaven and Earth, how could the people live in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer greatly. Seeing these many calamities, we knock and beseech Heaven’s grace, hoping that the state may flourish and the people be safe and prosperous.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor. We entrust our lives to the Utmost True Dao and respectfully request the establishment of an altar to perform the Three Sovereigns’ Zhongyuan Great Purification Rite, a rite conducted during Zhongyuan to ask the deities for protection. We are indeed foolish and ignorant, and are not worthy sages who can assist the Great Dao. Yet, mindful that we have received favor and are bound by an oath, we dare not fail in our duty. In reverent and orderly observance of the Dongshen method, one of the three cavern traditions of Daoist scriptures and rites, we set up an altar and arrange the divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps in response to the thirty-six earths. May darkness be dispelled and the divine spirits summoned. We present a truthful petition on behalf of a certain person and raise banners to pray for longevity. We reveal our hearts and loosen our hair, thereby making amends for past faults and renewing our practice of goodness.

We humbly pray that the Earth Emperor Lord descend in great compassion and bestow boundless grace and blessings of deliverance, mercifully allowing people to reform and begin anew. May the Dao’s Qi flow freely and the divine Qi be in harmony. May the spirit officials protect a certain person, forgive all past and present transgressions, and look kindly upon and commend that person’s sincere repentance. May these merits be dedicated to that person’s seven ancestral temples, the nine generations of forebears and seven generations of ancestors, and all departed kin, so that they may escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, be reborn and attain true realization, and bring benefit and protection to those still living.

May the ancestral tombs and burial grounds be peaceful and pure; may the entanglements of calamity be severed; may palaces and homes be safe and secure; and may strange dreams fade away. May Heaven and Earth be harmonious, and the courses of the sun, moon, and stars well ordered. May wind and rain come in season, and cold and warmth accord with the proper time of year. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be tranquil, and adversaries submit. May a certain person’s particular illness be cured at once. If there are legal disputes, theft, or other such troubles, may all calamity be removed as requested. May all people be freed from disaster and granted longer lives; may the emperor’s virtue grow ever more flourishing; may calamities across the Four Seas be dispelled; may auspicious clouds gather; and may the four seasons and eight seasonal nodes be peaceful. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, uphold the orthodox teachings, and return together to the Dao of Nature. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite with the emperor in the True Dao.

We respectfully submit this petition to the Most High, the Truly Perfect One beyond all absence, the responsive and wondrous essence of the supreme Wuwei (non-action) Great Dao (the Way), and to the Third Earth Sovereign of the First Layer, the Earth of Lustrous Color—the Earth Sovereign who governs this level of the terrestrial realm. May all beings receive blessings and good fortune, uphold the true Dao together, and return to nature. Having attained the Dao, may they also unite in perfection with the Earth Sovereign and become perfected immortals.

We also respectfully submit this petition to the revered deities named above. The present emperor has received the wondrous grace of the mysterious Dao and draws upon the blessings and good fortune accumulated by his predecessors. He governs all affairs and rules over all the people, bearing a responsibility as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng. He looks to the way of Yao and Shun, and since inheriting the imperial legacy has often examined himself and remained mindful of what he must guard against. Now that moral conduct and social customs have declined, it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and honesty. Without the vast protection of Heaven and Earth, how could the people live in peace? At times there are droughts and floods; at times the people suffer many calamities. Witnessing these disasters, we therefore beseech Heaven’s grace, praying that the altars of state may remain secure and prosper, and that the people may be healthy and well provided for.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn the merit toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Sovereign, entrusting our nature and life to the spirit of supreme perfection. We respectfully request permission to establish the Great Zhongyuan Supplication Fast of the Three Sovereigns, a Daoist fast held at Zhongyuan. Our learning is meager, and we are not among those who assist the Great Dao. Yet, having received favor, we dare not break our covenant sworn upon ascending the altar. We therefore carefully and reverently perform the rite according to the Dongshen method. We set up an altar and spirit seats to represent the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to represent the thirty-six earths, thereby dispelling darkness and welcoming the spirits. We lay out and recite the Perfected Texts on behalf of a certain person, raise banners to pray for an extension of life, bare our hearts and unbind our hair to atone for past wrongs and begin anew. “Baring the heart and unbinding the hair” is a ritual gesture of sincere repentance during the fast.

We earnestly ask the Earth Sovereign to bestow vast compassion, boundless grace, and blessings of salvation, so that people may mend their ways and begin again.

May the spirits make the Dao’s Qi flow freely and the numinous officials work in harmony, protecting a certain person and pardoning all his past and present offenses. May they also understand and commend the sincerity with which he now seeks to reform. May this merit be directed toward the spirits of his seven ancestral temples, his nine generations of ancestors and seven generations of forebears, and all the deceased who came before him, so that they may escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to blessed lands, be reborn and cultivate themselves into perfected immortals, and also protect the living. May ancestral shrines, tombs, and burial grounds be at peace; calamities be dispelled; homes remain secure; and strange dreams cease.

May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and the courses of the sun, moon, and stars move in due order. May wind and rain come in their proper time, and cold and heat accord with the seasons. May the people be safe, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and adversaries submit. If a certain person suffers from an illness, may he recover. If he is troubled by lawsuits, thieves, or other difficulties, may he be spared disaster. May all people escape calamity and enjoy long life; may the imperial family’s virtue grow ever more flourishing; may disasters in the four directions dissipate, auspicious clouds gather, and every seasonal period be peaceful. May all beings receive blessings and good fortune, uphold the true Dao together, and return to nature. Having attained the Dao, may they unite in perfection with the Earth Sovereign.

We, your humble ministers, respectfully present this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nothingness, the unsurpassed Wuwei (non-action) Great Dao, responsive to prayer and endowed with true essence, and to Fei Chen, the Loyal Emperor, Lord of Earth of the Fourth Layer of the First Rampart, the Earth of Lustrous Color—the Earth deity who guards the fourth level of the terrestrial realm.

The present emperor has received the blessings of the Mysteries and relies on the good fortune left by his ancestors. He governs all affairs and rules over countless millions of people. He bears a great responsibility, lofty as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and looks to the ways of Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the imperial enterprise, he has often examined himself and remained mindful of the need for caution. Now that virtue and custom have declined, it is difficult to revive the teachings of simple goodness. Without the vast protection of Heaven and Earth, how could the people live in peace and prosper? At times droughts and floods bring calamity; at times the people endure many hardships. Seeing these disasters, we beseech Heaven for its grace, hoping that the state may be honored and secure, and the people healthy and prosperous.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, placing ourselves under the rule of the Utmost True One. We respectfully request the Great Purification Fast of Prayer to the Three Sovereigns at the Mid-Yuan Festival, a blessing ritual held during the Mid-Yuan season. We are dull and ignorant, unfit to assist the work of the Great Dao; only because we have received favor do we dare not betray our sworn pledge. We therefore fast with care and follow the rites of the Dongshen Cavern. We establish an altar and divine seats to symbolize the thirty-six heavens, and burn incense and light lamps in response to the thirty-six earths. By these means we dispel darkness and welcome the gods, presenting the true writ on behalf of [name], raising banners to pray for the extension of his life, and laying bare his heart as he repents and reforms.

We respectfully ask the Earth Emperor to extend his boundless compassion, send down inexhaustible grace, and grant the blessings of deliverance and the mercy of a renewed chance to reform. May the Qi of the gods flow freely, may the spirit officials be in harmony and protect [name]. May all sins, past and present, be pardoned, and may his sincere repentance now be regarded with compassion and approval.

May the merit of this purification fast be dedicated to [name]’s seven ancestral temples, his nine generations of distant forebears and seven generations of ancestors, and all the departed, so that they may escape the torments of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, attain true realization through rebirth, and protect those still living. May the ancestral mausoleums and graves be at peace and no longer bring calamity; may homes be safe and strange dreams fade away. May Heaven and Earth come into harmony, and the movements of the sun, moon, and five planets be clear and orderly. May wind and rain come in season, and cold and warmth accord with their proper cycles. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be tranquil, and adversaries submit. May [name]’s [illness] be cured at once; and if there are legal disputes, theft, or other troubles, may he be freed from them. May all people escape calamity and enjoy long life; may the imperial family’s virtue flourish ever more, the troubles of the four seas dissipate, auspicious clouds gather, and the seasons remain harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, follow the true teachings, and return together to the natural Dao. After attaining the Dao, may they also unite with the emperor in accord with the true Dao.

We, your ministers, respectfully submit this petition to the Supreme True One beyond all nonbeing, the responsive and efficacious True Essence of the supreme Wuwei (non-action) Great Dao, and to the Fifth Earth Sovereign of the Second Tier, the Firmly Colored Earth, the deity who governs its corresponding region. His taboo name is Wu Shen Wenguang.

The present emperor has received profound blessings and the protection of his ancestors. He bears the great responsibility of governing the state and ruling over its many people. His charge is weighty: he cherishes the way of governing practiced by Yao and Shun, and since inheriting the great enterprise, he has often reflected on himself and remained vigilant. Yet the customs of the age have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without Heaven’s protection, how could the people live in peace and contentment? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we knock and plead for Heaven’s grace, hoping that the state may be honored and prosperous, and that its people may be safe, healthy, and well provided for.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Sovereign, entrusting our nature and life to the True Spirit. We respectfully beseech the gods to bestow their grace and permit us to hold the Great Zhongyuan Supplication Fast of the Three Sovereigns, a blessing rite conducted during Zhongyuan. We know that we are ignorant and incapable, and are not worthy assistants to the Great Dao. Yet, having received its grace and taken on the burden of a sworn pledge, we dare not betray our vow. We therefore prepare ourselves with reverence and solemnity. Following the ritual methods of the Cavern of the Spirits (Dongshen), we establish an altar and set out the divine seats, symbolizing the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps, symbolizing the thirty-six earths. In this way we dispel darkness and welcome the gods. On behalf of a certain person, we declare our prayer, display scriptures and raise banners, asking that life be bestowed. We lay bare our hearts and loose our hair as signs of sincere repentance and resolve to reform.

We earnestly beseech the Earth Sovereign to extend great compassion, pour down boundless grace, grant the blessing of deliverance, and show the kindness that makes renewal possible. May the Great Dao open a passage for the divine Qi, so that the spirit officials, the protective gods, may unite in harmony and guard the body of this person. May they pardon all past and present offenses, and recognize and commend this person’s sincere repentance at this moment.

May this merit be dedicated to this person’s ancestral spirits of the seven temples, the nine generations of ancestors and seven lines of forebears, and all deceased kin. May they escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to realms of blessing, be reborn to cultivate the Dao, and protect their living relatives. May the ancestral shrines and tombs be at peace, calamities be dispelled, the household be secure, and strange dreams vanish.

May Heaven and Earth be in harmony; may the sun, moon, and stars move in accord and shine clearly; may winds and rains come in due season, and cold and warmth follow their proper times. May all the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and hostile forces submit. May the illness afflicting this person be cured; may any troubles from lawsuits, bandits, or other misfortunes be averted. May every calamity be dispelled and life prolonged. May the virtue of the imperial house grow ever more abundant, calamities across the four seas vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal divisions remain peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings and follow the orthodox teaching together, returning to the natural Great Dao. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite in truth with the August Heaven.

We, your petitioners, reverently submit this memorial to the Most High, the True and Perfect One beyond all nothingness; to the supreme, nonacting Great Dao, its responsive and numinous essence; and to Yu Huang, Mother of Life, the sixth Earth Emperor of the Second Layer, the Firmament of Strong Colors.

The present emperor has received the mysterious blessings of Heaven and inherited the good fortune of his predecessors. He bears the affairs of state and rules over countless people, with a responsibility as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng. He admires the virtuous governance of Yao and Shun and, since inheriting the great enterprise, has often reflected on himself with reverence and concern. Yet the customs of the age have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without the protection of the Great Dao, how can the people live and work in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people face many hardships. Witnessing these calamities, we knock at Heaven’s gate and beseech its grace, hoping that the state may flourish and the people enjoy peace, health, and abundance.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the True and Perfect God. We ask to perform the great Three Sovereigns’ petitioning fast for the Mid-Autumn period. Our capacities are dull, and we are not fit to assist the work of the Dao. Yet we remember the favor we have received and dare not break the pledge made when we entered the covenant and swore our vow. We therefore solemnly and carefully perform the rite according to the Dongshen method: we establish an altar and divine seats to represent the Thirty-Six Heavens, and burn incense and light lamps to correspond to the Thirty-Six Earths. In this way, we dispel darkness and welcome the gods; we present the true writings and raise the banners on behalf of [name], praying for deliverance and protection. We lay bare our hearts, confess our faults, and from this day mend our ways.

We earnestly beseech the Earth Emperor to show great compassion, spread boundless grace, and grant the blessings of deliverance and the benevolence that allows one to establish oneself anew. May Dao Qi flow freely and the numinous officials be in harmony. Protect [name’s] body, pardon the immeasurable sins of past and present, and look with compassion and favor upon this sincere repentance.

May this merit be dedicated to [name’s] seven ancestral temples, the Nine Mysteries and Seven Ancestors of the distant past, and all departed relatives. May they all escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, be reborn and cultivate realization of the True Dao, and bring blessings to those still living. May ancestral temples, mausoleums, and graves be peaceful and pure; may calamities cease, homes and residences be safe, and strange dreams fade away.

May Heaven and Earth be harmonious, and the courses of the sun, moon, and stars proceed in due order. May wind and rain come in season, and cold and warmth accord with the time of year. May the people be at peace, warfare cease, and the whole world enjoy tranquility; may those who are hostile submit. If [name] is troubled by illness, may recovery come at once. If legal disputes or the threat of thieves arise, may fault and harm be averted. May all people be freed from calamity and granted long life. May the virtue of the imperial house grow ever more flourishing, calamities across the four seas disappear, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal markers be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, follow the teachings of the orthodox Way, and return together to the natural. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite with the Imperial Dao in a single truth.

We, your disciples, respectfully petition the Most High, the Utmost and Most True, the Supreme Wuwei Great Dao, whose response accords with each appeal, and the True Essence; also the Lord of the Earth, Xuande Weiqian Huangmeng, ruler of the seventh earth in the second layer, the Firm and Colored Land.

The present emperor has received mysterious grace and relies on the blessings of his forebears. He governs the myriad affairs of state and rules over the people, bearing a great responsibility and looking up to the virtue of Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great enterprise, he has often reflected on himself, mindful and cautious. Yet the age has declined, and it is hard to revive the teachings of purity and simplicity. Without the Great Dao’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we bow and plead for Heaven’s blessing, hoping the state may stand firm and the people enjoy health and prosperity.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Lord of the Earth, entrusting our nature and life to the Most True. We respectfully invite all to join in the Grand Purification Rite of Supplication to the Three Sovereigns for the midyear observance, a Daoist rite centered on purification, the establishment of an altar, and prayer. Though our capacities are dull and we cannot assist the Great Dao, we remember the grace we have received and dare not betray our vows. We therefore proceed with care and devotion according to the ritual methods of the Cavern of the Spirit (Dongshen). We establish an altar and divine seats to symbolize the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to correspond to the thirty-six earths, dispelling darkness and inviting the gods. On behalf of a certain person, we present the True Writ, raise banners to pray for Heaven’s mandate, lay bare our thoughts and disclose our faults, and pray for repentance and renewal.

We earnestly beseech the Lord of the Earth to bestow compassionate grace and extend boundless favor, granting the blessing of deliverance and the benevolence of reform. May the roads be clear and the spirits and Qi be in harmony; may the numinous officials guard a certain person, forgive the countless sins of past and present, and take pity on and commend his sincere repentance at this moment.

May this merit be dedicated to the spirits of a certain person’s seven ancestral temples, the nine generations of ancestors and seven generations of forebears, and all who have died before us. May they be freed from the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, be reborn to cultivate the Dao, and protect the living. May ancestral shrines and tombs be at peace and bring no further calamity; may homes be secure and strange dreams disperse. May Yin and Yang between Heaven and Earth be in harmony; may the sun, moon, and stars move in clear order; may wind and rain come in due season, and cold and warmth accord with the seasons. May the people be at peace, warfare cease, the whole realm be tranquil, and hostile forces submit. May a certain person’s particular illness be cured; and if there are lawsuits or danger from thieves, may calamity be averted according to the circumstances. May every kind of disaster be dispelled and life extended; may the royal house’s virtue grow ever more flourishing, calamities in the four quarters vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons remain in harmony. May all beings receive blessings and uphold the Correct Teaching, returning together to the natural Great Dao; and, having attained the Dao, may they unite in truth with the Imperial Dao.

We, your humble ministers, respectfully petition the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nonbeing, the essence of the responsive and numinous Great Dao, supreme and Wuwei (non-action), and the Earth Emperor Changhuang Ming, the eighth deity of the Second Tier, the Firm-Colored Earth, who governs the earthly realm. May we, having attained the Dao, unite with the Earth Emperor in the True Dao.

We, your humble ministers, respectfully petition the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nonbeing, the essence of the responsive and numinous Great Dao, supreme and Wuwei, and the Earth Emperor Changhuang Ming, the eighth deity of the Second Tier, the Firm-Colored Earth. The present emperor, blessed by mysterious grace and the protection of his ancestors, bears the weight of state affairs and rules over countless millions of people. His responsibility is as great as Mount Song and Mount Heng. He looks up to the ways of Yao and Shun, and since inheriting the great undertaking, has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Now, customs have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of honesty and simplicity. Without the protection of the Great Dao, how could the people live and work in peace? At times there are droughts and floods; at times the people face many hardships. Seeing all manner of calamities and epidemics, we bow and implore Heaven’s grace, hoping that the state may grow more secure and the people enjoy peace, health, and abundance.

Now we sincerely turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the Utmost True Dao. We have also been appointed to preside over the grand petitioning fast of the Three Sovereigns at the Mid-Autumn Festival, a fasting rite for praying for blessings. Our talents and wisdom are meager, and we are not fit to assist the Great Dao. Yet, bearing this duty, we dare not break the oath we swore when we entered the covenant. We therefore fast with care and perform the rite according to the methods of the Cavern of the Spirits (Dongshen): we establish an altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens, and burn incense and lamps to correspond to the thirty-six earths, dispelling darkness and welcoming the deities. We present a petition on behalf of a certain person; following the methods of the Cavern of the Spirits, we set up the altar and divine seats, burn incense and lamps, offer the sacred writings, and raise banners to beseech the gift of life. We lay bare our hearts and loosen our hair to show our sincerity in confessing and changing our ways.

We implore the Earth Emperor to show great compassion, bestow boundless grace, and grant the blessing of deliverance and the benevolence of a new beginning. May the divine Qi flow freely and the spirit officials be in harmony. Protect a certain person, forgive all past and present offenses, and look with compassion and approval upon the sincere repentance now offered.

May the merit of this fasting rite be dedicated to the ancestral spirits of a certain person’s seven ancestral temples, the Nine Generations and Seven Ancestors, and all deceased kin. May they be freed from the sufferings of the underworld, ascend to blessed realms, be reborn to cultivate the True Way, and bring benefit and protection to the living. May ancestral mausoleums and graves be at peace, with calamities ended; may homes be secure and troubling dreams fade away. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and the sun, moon, and stars move in proper order; may wind and rain arrive in due season, and cold and warmth accord with the seasons. May the people be safe, wars cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and hostile forces surrender. May a certain person’s illness be cured soon; should lawsuits or theft arise, may harm be averted according to the circumstances. May all people escape calamity and enjoy longer lives; may the royal house’s Virtue flourish ever more, calamities across the four seas disappear, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight festival periods be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, follow the orthodox teachings, and return together to the Dao of nature. May we, having attained the Dao, unite with the Earth Emperor in the True Dao.

We, your ministers, submit this petition together, reverently addressing the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nonbeing, the responsive and numinous essence of the supreme, nonacting Great Dao, and Zhang Wei Shenbao, the Ninth Earth Emperor of the Stone-Grease-colored Land in the Third Layer.

The present emperor has received the blessings of the mysterious Dao and the accumulated protection of his ancestors. He bears the weight of governing and rules the people under Heaven. His responsibilities are as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and in governing he looks to the example of Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great undertaking, the emperor has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Today, moral conduct and customs have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teaching of simplicity and honesty. Without Heaven’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace? At times there are droughts or floods; at times the people suffer many calamities. We have witnessed the ravages of pestilence, and so we knock at Heaven’s gate and beg for its grace, hoping that the state may flourish and the people enjoy peace, health, and abundance.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the Utmost True Dao. We respectfully invite the establishment of the “Grand Fast of Petition to the Three Sovereigns in the Middle Origin,” a Daoist purification rite for petitioning the spirits, dispelling calamities, and seeking blessings. Our wisdom is shallow, and we are not truly fit to assist the Dao. Yet, burdened with our duties, we dare not betray the pledge we made when we entered the covenant and swore our vows. We now carefully and devoutly follow the methods of the Cavern of Divinity tradition, one of the Daoist scriptural and ritual lineages, setting up an altar and its sacred seats to represent the thirty-six heavens. We burn incense and light lamps corresponding to the thirty-six regions of the earth. May darkness be dispelled and the spirits summoned. On behalf of a certain person, we present this prayer, raise the banners, and seek protection. We lay bare our hearts, sincerely repent of past failings, and renew ourselves.

We earnestly beseech the Earth Emperor to show great compassion and bestow abundant grace: grant the blessing of deliverance and the mercy that allows one to amend past wrongs. May Daoist Qi flow freely and the spirits be in harmony; may the numinous officers protect this person, forgive all past and recent offenses, and recognize and commend the sincere resolve with which he now repents and reforms.

May this merit be dedicated to this person’s ancestors of the seven ancestral temples, the nine generations and seven lines of forebears, and all the departed. May they leave the suffering of the underworld, ascend to blessed realms, be reborn to cultivate the Dao and attain true realization, and bring benefit and blessing to their living relatives. May ancestral shrines and tombs be at peace, calamities cease, homes be secure, and strange dreams fade away. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony; may the sun, moon, and stars move in brightness; may wind and rain come in due season, and cold and warmth accord with the seasons. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven enjoy peace, and hostile powers submit. If this person is suffering from an illness, may it be cured; if he faces legal troubles or the threat of thieves, may he be spared harm. May all people escape calamity and enjoy longer lives.

May the virtue of the imperial house grow ever more flourishing, calamities throughout the four quarters disperse, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal divisions be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, uphold the true teachings, and return together to the natural Dao. When we attain the Dao, may we join the emperor in accord with the true Dao.

The Ritual of Purification for Reverently Appealing to the Thirty-Six Earth Emperors in the Lingbao Scripture of the Cavernous Mystery, Based on the River Chart, Volume One

The Ritual of Purification for Reverently Appealing to the Thirty-Six Earth Emperors in the Lingbao Scripture of the Cavernous Mystery, Based on the River Chart, Volume Two

Facing south, we bow and repent before the nine levels of the underworld.

With sincere hearts, we take refuge in the tenth Earth Emperor, the deity of the third tier, whose land is the color of stone fat.

We, your subjects, [name], respectfully report to the Most High, the Nonexistent and Utmost Perfect One; to the unsurpassed, Wuwei (non-action) Great Dao; and to the responsive, numinous essence. We also present our repentance to the tenth Earth Emperor, the deity of the third tier, whose land is the color of stone fat.

With sincere hearts, we take refuge in the tenth Earth Emperor, the deity of the third tier, whose land is the color of stone fat.

We, your ministers and subjects, respectfully submit this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all absence; to the responsive, true essence of the supreme, nonacting Great Dao; and to Zhou Bo, the Benevolent Lord, tenth among the Earth Sovereigns of the Stone-Grease-colored land of the Third Rampart, divine ruler of this region.

The present emperor has received profound and wondrous grace and the blessings bequeathed by his ancestors. He governs the state and its countless people, bears a weighty responsibility, and aspires to the way of Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great undertaking, he has often examined himself. Now that customs have declined and it is difficult to restore an age of simple and generous teaching, how can the people live in peace without the protection of the Great Dao? Droughts, floods, and other calamities occur from time to time, and the people face many hardships. Seeing these disasters, we knock and plead for heavenly grace, hoping that the state may be honored and prosperous, and the people safe, healthy, and well provided for.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Sovereign, entrusting our lives and nature to the Utmost True Way. We request permission to establish the “Great Purification Rite of Prayer to the Three Sovereigns in the Middle Origin,” a Daoist purification liturgy for praying for blessings and averting calamity. Though we are dull and incapable, unworthy to assist the Great Dao or spread its teachings, we have received favor and dare not betray the vows made when we entered our covenant. We therefore fast and purify ourselves with care, following the ritual methods of the Dongshen Cavern. We set up an altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens and thirty-six earths, burn incense, light lamps, and perform the purification rite of supplication.

We humbly ask the deities to dispel darkness and summon numinous brightness, present a petition and raise banners on behalf of [name], and grant a life-bestowing mandate. We lay bare our hearts and loosen our hair, confessing our offenses before the deities, repenting, and reforming ourselves. We humbly pray that the Earth Sovereign will show great compassion and extend abundant grace, granting the blessings of deliverance and the favor of a fresh chance to reform; that the Qi of the Dao may flow freely and the spirit officers be in harmony; that [name] may be protected, past and present offenses forgiven, and this sincere repentance approved.

May this merit be dedicated to the ancestral spirits of [name]’s seven ancestral temples, the nine generations of ancestors and seven forebears, and all the dead, so that they may escape the sufferings of the netherworld, rise to blessed realms, be transformed and attain the Real, and protect their living kin. May ancestral mausoleums and tombs be peaceful, calamities cease, homes and palaces be safe, and disturbing dreams fade away. May Heaven and Earth be harmonious, the sun, moon, and stars shine clearly, rain and wind arrive in their proper time, and cold and warmth accord with the seasons. May the people live in peace and joy, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and adversaries surrender. May [name]’s illness soon be cured; if there are legal disputes or theft, may harm be averted. May the many calamities disperse and life be prolonged; may the royal house’s virtue flourish ever more, disasters throughout the four seas be dispelled, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal divisions pass in peace and harmony. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, uphold the orthodox teaching, and return together to the natural order. Once the Dao is attained, may we unite with the imperial Dao and become one with the Real.

We, your subjects, respectfully address the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nonbeing; the supreme, Wuwei (non-action) Great Dao, whose true essence responds to prayers; and the Lord of the Earth, Zhu Ming Chezi, the eleventh deity of the third layer, the Earth of Stone Marrow Color. We pray to unite in truth with the Lord of the Earth.

We, your subjects, respectfully address the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nonbeing; the supreme, Wuwei Great Dao, whose true essence responds to prayers; and the Lord of the Earth, Zhu Ming Chezi, the eleventh deity of the third layer, the Earth of Stone Marrow Color. The present emperor has received the grace of the mysterious Dao and inherited the blessings and good fortune accumulated by his predecessors. He bears the weighty task of governing all affairs and rules over countless people. His responsibility is as great as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and in governing the realm he looks to the example of Emperors Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great enterprise, the emperor has often reflected upon himself and remained vigilant. Now that morality and customs have declined, it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without the Great Dao’s vast protection, how could the people live and work in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer hardship and calamity. Seeing these disasters and pestilences, we knock and plead for Heaven’s grace, hoping that the state may become more secure and revered, and that the people may enjoy peace and prosperity.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Lord of the Earth, entrusting our nature and life to the Utmost True Spirit. We ask that your subjects establish the Great Fast of Supplication to the Three Sovereigns for the middle period of the year. We are truly dull and ignorant, and are not people capable of assisting the Great Dao and accomplishing its great works. Yet, mindful that we have accepted this responsibility, we dare not break the oath sworn upon ascending the altar. With care and single-minded devotion, we follow the rites of the Dongshen Cavern: we set up an altar and arrange the divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to represent the thirty-six earths. In this way we dispel darkness, invite the spirits, and state the facts on behalf of a certain person. Then, following the rites of the Dongshen Cavern once more, we set up the altar and arrange the seats, burn incense and light lamps, dispel darkness, invite the spirits, lay bare this person’s thoughts, present the true document, and raise banners of prayer to ask for a blessing of life. We reveal our hearts, let down our hair, confess our faults, and begin anew.

We humbly pray that the Lord of the Earth will bestow compassionate grace, grant boundless protection and deliverance, and through benevolence enable people to set themselves right again. May the divine Way be unobstructed and the spirits’ Qi be in harmony. May the spirit officials protect this person, forgive the countless offenses committed in the past and present, and look kindly upon and commend their sincere repentance now. May the merit of this fast be dedicated to this person’s ancestral spirits of seven temples, the nine generations of ancestors and seven generations of forebears, and all departed kin, so that they may escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to a blessed realm, be reborn and attain the True, and protect those who remain in this world. May ancestral shrines and tombs be peaceful, calamities and intrusions cease, residences and homes be secure, and strange dreams disappear.

May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and may the sun, moon, and five planets move with clarity. May wind and rain arrive in season, and cold and warmth accord with the calendar. May the people be at peace, warfare cease, all beneath Heaven enjoy peace, and hostile forces surrender. May the particular illness afflicting this person be cured at once. If there are legal cases, thefts, or other such matters, may fault be avoided and the matter properly resolved. May all people escape calamities and enjoy longer lives; may the imperial house’s virtue grow ever more flourishing; may calamities across the four seas dissipate, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal divisions be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, follow the Orthodox Teaching, and return together to the natural Way. Having attained the Dao, may they unite in truth with the Lord of the Earth.

We reverently submit this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nothingness, the Supreme One who dispels afflictions. May auspicious clouds gather; may the four seasons and eight seasonal nodes be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, accept the Orthodox Teaching, and return together to the natural order. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite as one with the imperial Dao.

We reverently submit this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nothingness, the responsive True Essence of the supreme, nonacting Great Dao, and to Kang Wen, the Revered Lord of Earth, twelfth in rank among the Earth Emperors, whose realm is the third rampart, the land of stone-fat hue. Today, the emperor has received the mysterious grace of Heaven, inherited the blessings of his forebears, and shouldered the grave responsibility of governing the myriad affairs of state and ruling over countless people. His charge is as weighty as a mountain, and in governing the realm he looks to Yao and Shun as his models. Since inheriting the great undertaking, the emperor has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Yet moral conduct and customs have declined, and it is hard to revive the teachings of simple goodness. Without the Great Dao’s unseen protection, how could the people live in peace? At times there are droughts and floods; at times the people endure many hardships. When we witness calamities, plagues, and misfortune, we appeal to Heaven’s grace, hoping that the foundations of the state will be secure and the people healthy and prosperous.

Now we sincerely turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our bodies and lives to the Utmost True One. We respectfully invite the Great Central Primeval Heaven Petitioning Retreat to Bless the Emperor—one of the rites of the Three Emperors Retreat. Though ignorant and unlearned, and unworthy to assist the work of the Great Dao, we have received its grace and dare not betray our sworn pledge. With solemn care, we perform the rites according to the methods of the Cavern of Spirit (Dongshen): we establish the retreat altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to correspond to the thirty-six earths. In this way, we dispel darkness and invite the gods to attend. On behalf of a certain person, we present a truthful petition, raise banners to invoke Heaven’s mandate, lay bare our hearts, and scatter offerings in atonement, resolving to amend our ways and begin anew.

We earnestly ask the Earth Emperor to show great compassion, spread boundless grace, and grant the blessing of deliverance and merciful permission to reform. May Dao-Qi flow freely and the numinous officials be in harmony; may they protect the body of this person. Forgive the countless sins of the past and present, and look with kindness upon and commend this person’s sincere repentance now.

May this merit be dedicated to the ancestral spirits of this person’s seven temples, the nine generations of forebears and seven generations of ancestors, and all departed relatives, so that they may escape the sufferings of the underworld, ascend to the Hall of Blessings, transform and become perfected, and protect those still living. May tombs and ancestral temples be peaceful, calamities cease, homes and residences be safe, and strange dreams fade away. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony; may the sun, moon, and stars move in clear order; may wind and rain come in season, and cold and warmth accord with their proper measure. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and adversaries submit. May the particular illness afflicting this person soon be cured; if there are legal disputes, theft, or other such troubles, may fault be avoided, with prayers offered according to the circumstances. May all calamities be dispelled and life extended; may the imperial family’s virtue flourish ever more, calamities across the four seas vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal nodes be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, accept the Orthodox Teaching, and return together to the natural order. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite in true accord with the imperial Dao.

We respectfully submit this petition to the Most High, the Supreme Nonbeing and Perfect Truth, the responsive and numinous essence of the supreme Wuwei Dao, and to Jia Yun, the thirteenth Earth Emperor of the Lush and Fertile Land of the Fourth Layer.

The present emperor has received the subtle grace of the Mysteries and the accumulated blessings of his forebears. He bears the heavy responsibility of governing the state and ruling over the people. He admires the ways of Yao and Shun and, since inheriting the great legacy, has often reflected on himself and remained vigilant. Yet now the customs of the age are in decline, and it is hard to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without the protection of the Great Dao, how can the people live in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at others, the people endure many hardships. Seeing these disasters and afflictions, we bow and appeal for heavenly grace, praying that the state may be secure and prosperous, and the people healthy and well provided for.

Now we sincerely turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our lives to the Way of Perfect Truth. We respectfully request permission to perform the Great Purification Rite of Petition to the Three Sovereigns at Mid-Autumn, a rite held during the Zhongyuan season to pray for blessings. We are dull and ignorant, unworthy to assist the Great Dao. We have received honors beyond our merit and are ashamed to have failed the vows we made when entering the covenant. Now we carefully purify and compose body and mind, and perform the rite according to the methods of the Dongshen Cavern: we establish the altar and set the sacred seats, symbolizing the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps, responding to the thirty-six earths. In this way, we dispel darkness and summon the spirits, present a truthful petition on behalf of a certain person, and raise banners to pray for Heaven’s mandate. We lay bare our hearts, repent, and renew ourselves.

We earnestly beseech the Earth Emperor to grant his great compassion and boundless grace, bestowing the blessings of deliverance and the kindness that allows one to reform. May the Dao’s Qi flow freely, and may the spirit officials be in harmony as they protect a certain person. May they pardon all his past and present offenses, and recognize and commend his sincere repentance at this moment.

May these merits be dedicated to a certain person’s ancestral spirits of the Seven Temples, the Nine Mysterious Ancestors and Seven Forebears—that is, all ancestors near and distant—and all deceased family members. May they leave the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, be reborn and attain the True Dao, and protect those still living. May ancestral shrines and burial grounds be pure and peaceful; may the bonds of calamity be severed, homes kept safe, and strange dreams dispelled. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and the sun, moon, and stars move in clear order. May winds and rains come in their proper seasons, and cold and warmth accord with the time of year. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and adversaries submit. If a certain person suffers from an illness, may he recover; if he faces a lawsuit or the threat of thieves, may he be spared calamity. He may also state his petition according to his actual circumstances. May all disasters be dissolved and life prolonged; may the virtue of the imperial house flourish ever more, calamities across the four seas disappear, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons remain harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, uphold the Orthodox Teaching, and return to nature. After attaining the Dao, may they unite in truth with the Imperial Dao.

We, your ministers, respectfully petition the Supreme One of No-Nonbeing, the Utmost True; the responsive, wondrous essence of the unsurpassed Wuwei (non-action) Great Dao; and Xie Bo Wuyuan, the Fourteenth Earth Sovereign of the Fourth Layer, the Earth of Moistening Abundance.

The Emperor has now received mysterious blessings and inherited the blessings left by his forebears. Amid the turmoil of countless affairs, he governs the people of the realm, bearing a responsibility as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng. He admires the virtues of Yao and Shun and, since inheriting the great undertaking, has often examined himself and exercised careful self-discipline. Yet moral conduct and worldly customs are now in decline, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without the unseen protection of the divine powers of Heaven and Earth, how could the people live in peace and prosperity? At times droughts and floods rage; at others, the people suffer many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we knock and plead for Heaven’s favor, hoping that the state may flourish and the people enjoy peace and abundance.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Sovereign, entrusting body and mind to the True Way. We request the holding of the “Great Central Prime Purification Rite of the Three Sovereigns,” a Daoist purification ritual for praying for blessings, confessing transgressions, and seeking divine protection. Though ignorant and limited, unable to assist the Great Dao, we dare not betray our vows. With solemn care, we perform the rite according to the methods of the Dongshen Cavern: we establish the altar and set the sacred positions to represent the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to represent the thirty-six earths. By these means, we disperse darkness and welcome the divine powers. For a certain person, we proclaim the True Text, raise banners to pray for the prolonging of life, reveal our inner thoughts, sincerely repent, and begin anew.

We humbly pray that the Earth Sovereign will show great compassion, extend boundless grace, and bestow the blessings of deliverance and the favor of renewal. May Dao Qi flow freely and the spirits be in harmony; may they protect a certain person, pardon all past and present transgressions, and acknowledge with compassion the sincerity of his repentance at this moment.

May the merit of this purification rite be dedicated to the ancestral spirits of a certain person’s seven temples, his nine generations of ancestors and seven generations of forebears, and all the departed. May they be freed from the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to realms of blessing, be reborn and cultivate the True Way, and protect their living relatives. May mausoleums and graves be at peace, calamities be dispelled, dwellings remain secure, and strange dreams cease. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and the movements of the sun, moon, and stars be balanced. May wind and rain come in season, and cold and warmth be fitting. May the people be at peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be tranquil, and those who oppose the realm submit. May the illness afflicting a certain person be cured; if there are legal disputes, theft, or other troubles, may calamity be averted as circumstances require. May all people escape disaster and enjoy long lives; may the virtue of the imperial house grow ever stronger, calamities across the four seas vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons remain settled and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, follow the righteous Way, and return together to the natural. Once the Way is attained, may we join the Emperor in accord with the True Way.

We, your subjects, jointly submit this petition in prayer to the supreme Taishang Daozu, the Wuwei Great Dao, and the fifteenth Lord of the Earth, who presides over the Fourth Layer, the Nurturing Earth. His sacred name is “Siwen Qinchen.”

The present emperor has received mysterious grace and, through the blessings left by his ancestors, taken on the great responsibility of governing the state and ruling over countless people. He bears a heavy charge and looks to the ways of governance practiced by Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great enterprise, he has often examined himself and governed his conduct with care. Yet customs have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of sincerity and kindness. Without Heaven’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace and prosper? At times droughts and floods bring suffering; at others, the people endure many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we bow and beseech Heaven’s grace, hoping the state may grow more secure and the people enjoy health and abundance.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn our hearts toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Lord of the Earth, submitting ourselves to the judgment of the perfectly true spirits. We ask that we be permitted to establish the “Great Purification Rite of Prayer to the Three Sovereigns for the Mid-Yuan Festival,” a purification rite held at the Mid-Yuan Festival to seek the spirits’ protection. Our understanding is limited, and we are not people capable of assisting the Great Dao and accomplishing great works. Yet, mindful of the good fortune of having received this charge, we dare not betray the pledge made when we entered the covenant and swore our vows. With care and reverence, we therefore perform the rite according to the Dongshen methods: we set up an altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens, and burn incense and light lamps to represent the thirty-six earths. In this way, we dispel darkness and welcome the gods. We present a truthful memorial on behalf of a certain person, raise a ritual banner to pray for the prolonging of life, and, with open hearts, offer our sincerity and scatter our hair in repentance, seeking to reform our conduct.

We beseech the Lord of the Earth to bestow great compassion, boundless grace, the blessing of salvation, and the kindness that enables renewed cultivation of goodness. May the spirits make the Dao’s Qi flow freely and the spirit officials act in harmony; may they protect a certain person and forgive the countless offenses, both past and recent, that he has committed, while also understanding and encouraging his sincere repentance now. May the merit of this purification rite be dedicated to his seven ancestral temples, his nine generations of ancestors and seven generations of forebears, and all his deceased relatives, so that they may escape the sufferings of the underworld and ascend to blessed realms; or be reborn to cultivate the Dao and attain the true Dao, while protecting those still living.

May the ancestral tombs be at peace and the chain of calamities be broken. May palaces and homes be safe, and strange dreams fade away. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and the movements of the sun, moon, and stars be balanced and clear. May wind and rain come in season, and cold and warmth follow their proper times. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, and all beneath Heaven enjoy tranquility; may adversaries submit. May a certain person’s particular illness be cured at once. If he faces legal troubles or danger from thieves, may he be spared harm; may other matters be prayed for as circumstances require. May all people escape calamity and live longer lives. May the royal house’s virtue flourish ever more, calamities across the four seas vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons remain harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, follow the true teachings, and return together to the natural order. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite with the sovereign in the true Dao.

We, your subjects, submit this petition in prayer to the Supreme, Unbounded, Most True One; to the responsive, true essence of the supreme, Wuwei Great Dao; and to the Earth Emperor Lord of the Sixteenth Earth, the Fourth Embankment of Moistening Earth, who governs the corresponding earthly realm and is named Xingji Zhengfang.

The present emperor has received the blessings of the Mysterious Dao and enjoys the good fortune inherited from his forebears. He bears the weighty responsibility of governing the state and leading the people. He looks up to the way of Yao and Shun, and, since succeeding to the great inheritance, has often reflected on himself and remained vigilant. Now moral conduct and customs have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without the Great Dao’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people are beset by hardship and many troubles. Seeing these calamities, we knock and plead for Heaven’s grace, hoping that the state may flourish in dignity and the people live in peace and abundance.

Now we sincerely direct our merits back to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the Most True Dao. We ask to preside over the Great Purification Rite of Supplication to the Three Sovereigns at the Mid-Yuan Festival, a Daoist purification ritual held at that time to pray for blessings. Our wisdom and ability are too limited to assist the Great Dao, yet we are mindful of the favor we have received and remember our oath, not daring to betray it. Therefore, we respectfully observe purification and abstinence and perform the rites according to the methods of the Cavern of the Spirits (Dongshen). We set up the ritual altar and divine seats to symbolize the Thirty-Six Heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to correspond to the Thirty-Six Earths. Through this, we dispel darkness and welcome the divine, present a memorial to the spirits on behalf of [the person], raise banners and seek protection, and, following the methods of the Cavern of the Spirits, disclose our hearts and distribute confession texts, repenting our faults and resolving to begin anew.

We humbly pray that the Earth Emperor Lord will bestow compassionate grace and boundless blessings, granting the blessing of deliverance and the kindness that allows one to mend one’s ways and begin anew. May the Great Dao flow freely, the divine Qi be harmonious, and the spiritual officials protect [the person]. May all past and present offenses be pardoned, and may the Lord recognize and commend [the person’s] sincere repentance at this moment.

May the merits of this purification rite be directed to [the person’s] ancestral spirits of the Seven Ancestral Temples, the Nine Generations of the Seven Ancestors—that is, distant forebears and ancestors of every generation—and all departed relatives. May they escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to realms of blessing, be transformed into perfected beings, and protect those still living. May ancestral tombs, temples, and burial grounds be peaceful and free of calamity; may homes be safe and strange dreams disappear. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, the sun, moon, and stars move in clear order, the winds and rains come in season, and cold and warmth arrive in due measure. May the people live in peace, wars cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and those who oppose the court submit.

May [the person’s] illness be cured at once. If there are legal disputes, theft, or other such troubles, may the resulting harm be averted as circumstances require. May all people escape calamity and live longer; may the royal house’s virtue flourish ever more, calamities across the Four Seas disappear, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, together uphold the Orthodox Teachings, and return to the natural Dao. Having attained the Dao, may they unite in perfection with the Imperial Dao.

All your ministers respectfully report to the Most High, the supremely true one beyond all nothingness; to the supreme, nonacting Great Dao, whose true essence responds to prayer; and to the seventeenth Earth Emperor, Hua Yanqi Ming, of the fifth mound, Jin Su Ze Di, the divine lord who governs the Earth Bureau.

Today, the emperor receives the blessings of the mysterious Dao and, through the good fortune inherited from his forebears, bears the weighty charge of managing state affairs and ruling over countless people. His responsibilities are as great as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and in governing he looks to the examples of Yao and Shun. Since succeeding to the great undertaking, he has often examined and cautioned himself. Now the world’s customs and people’s hearts have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teaching of simplicity and sincerity. Without the Great Dao’s vast protection, how could the people live and work in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we knock and petition Heaven for its grace, hoping that the state may flourish and the people enjoy peace, health, and prosperity.

With utmost sincerity, we now turn our merit toward the Great Dao, take refuge in the Earth Emperor, and entrust our lives to the true Dao. We respectfully invite all to establish the Grand Midyear Prayer Fast of the Three Sovereigns, a purification rite for seeking blessings and dispelling calamity. We are indeed ignorant and unworthy of assisting the Great Dao. Yet mindful of the blessings we have received, we dare not betray the covenant made under oath. Therefore, with care and solemnity, we conduct the Zhaijiao in accordance with the liturgical rites of Dongshen.

We set up the altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to represent the thirty-six earths. In this way, we dispel darkness and welcome the spirits. We present a truthful memorial on behalf of a certain person, raise banners to request protection, reveal our innermost thoughts, and scatter offerings in apology, thereby turning from past errors and beginning anew.

We earnestly beseech the Earth Emperor to show great compassion, grant boundless grace and blessings of deliverance, and extend the mercy of a fresh beginning. May the Dao’s Qi flow freely, may the spirit officers be in harmony, and may they protect a certain person’s body. May they pardon the countless sins of past and present, and recognize and commend the sincere repentance now shown. May this merit be dedicated to that person’s ancestral spirits from seven generations of ancestral temples, the nine generations of ancestors and seven generations of forebears, and all departed relatives, so that they may together escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to the Hall of Blessings, attain the status of perfected beings after rebirth, and bestow blessings and protection upon the living.

May mausoleums, ancestral temples, and burial grounds be peaceful and calamities cease; may homes be secure and strange omens in dreams disappear. May Yin and Yang between Heaven and Earth mingle in harmony, and the courses of the sun, moon, and stars proceed in balance. May wind and rain arrive in season, and cold and warmth accord with the time of year. May the people live in peace, war come to an end, the world be at peace, and those who oppose us submit. May a certain person recover from a certain illness; and if there are legal disputes or thefts, may the requested relief from misfortune be granted. May all be freed from calamity and enjoy longer lives; may the royal house’s De grow ever more flourishing, disasters in every direction disperse, auspicious clouds gather, and the seasons proceed in harmony. May all beings receive blessings and good fortune, together uphold the Orthodox Teaching, and return to the natural Great Dao. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite with the emperor in the true Dao.

We, your disciples, report to the Most High: May calamities throughout the four seas disperse, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal festivals be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, uphold the Orthodox Way together, and return to the natural state. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite with the Imperial Way in truth.

We, your disciples, report to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nothingness, the supreme, Wuwei Great Dao whose response manifests in true essence, and to the Earth Sovereign Lord of the eighteenth earth, the Fifth Tier of Golden Millet Marsh, named Huang Ling Wo Rong. The emperor who rules today has received the wondrous grace of the Mystery and the inherited blessings of his forebears. He bears the heavy responsibility of governing all affairs and ruling over countless millions of people. He looks up to the virtuous governance of Emperors Yao and Shun, and since inheriting the great undertaking, has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Yet moral conduct and customs have steadily declined, and it has been difficult to revive the teaching of simplicity and honesty. Without the Great Dao’s protection, how could the people live in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at other times, the people suffer many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we bow and appeal for Heaven’s grace, hoping that the foundations of the state may be secure and that the people may live in peace and abundance.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Sovereign, entrusting our lives to the Utmost True One. We respectfully request that the Grand Purification Rite of Petition to the Three Sovereigns be held at the Midyear Festival. Though we are ignorant and shallow, and are not among those who assist the work of the Great Dao, we have received its grace and dare not break the pledge made when we entered the covenant and swore our vows. We therefore solemnly and carefully perform this purification rite according to the liturgical rules of the Cavern of Spirit (Dongshen).

We establish an altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to reach the thirty-six earths. By these means we dispel darkness and welcome the deities. We present a petition on behalf of a certain person, raise banners to seek the gift of life, and open our hearts, letting down our hair to confess our faults and reform ourselves. The altar, incense, lamps, and raised banners are all ritual acts through which the deities are welcomed, blessings are sought, and heartfelt petitions are presented.

We humbly pray that the Earth Sovereign Lord will extend his compassion and bestow boundless grace, granting the blessings of deliverance and the mercy that enables one to reform and begin anew. May the Qi of the Dao flow freely and the Qi of the spirits be in harmony; may the divine officers protect a certain person’s body and mind, pardon all past and present offenses, and understand and commend the sincere repentance now expressed.

May these merits be dedicated to a certain person’s seven ancestral temples, nine generations of ancestors, seven generations of forebears, and all the departed. May they escape the suffering of the underworld, ascend to a blessed realm, transform and become perfected, and protect their relatives still living in this world. May the ancestral tombs and burial grounds be peaceful and pure, with calamities brought to an end; may the home be secure and strange dreams vanish.

May Heaven and Earth respond to one another and Yin-Yang be at peace. May the sun, moon, and five planets move in clear order; may wind and rain arrive in season, and cold and warmth accord with the time of year. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and hostile forces submit. May a certain person recover from a particular illness. If there is concern over a lawsuit or thieves, may calamity be averted as the circumstances require. May everyone be delivered from all manner of disaster and enjoy a longer life.

May the royal house’s moral prestige flourish ever more. May calamities throughout the four seas disperse, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal festivals be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, uphold the Orthodox Way together, and return to the natural state. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite with the Imperial Way in truth.

Scroll Three of the Ritual Manual for the Fast of Reverent Gratitude to the Thirty-Six Earth Emperors of the Lingbao River Chart of the Cavern Mystery: Ritual of Bowing and Repentance Before the Nine Earths of the West

We sincerely entrust our lives to the Nineteenth Earth Emperor, Lord of the Fifth Layer, Ruler of the Land of the Golden Millet Marsh.

I, your servant, and the others respectfully address the Supreme One, the One Beyond Nonbeing…

We respectfully submit this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all being, the responsive and numinous True Essence of the supreme Wuwei Great Dao (the Way), and to Yun Caiyuan Yuan, the Nineteenth Earth Emperor of the Fifth Layer, Golden Millet Marsh (the Earth deity who governs the land at this level).

The present emperor has received mysterious grace and inherited the blessings left by his predecessors. He bears the heavy responsibility of governing all affairs and leading the countless people. With the way of Yao and Shun in his heart, he has often examined and disciplined himself since taking up the great undertaking. Now moral conduct and customs are steadily declining, and it is difficult to revive the people through sincere and generous instruction. Without the Great Dao’s vast protection, how can the people live in peace and prosper? At times droughts and floods bring disaster; at other times the people suffer many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we appeal to Heaven for grace, hoping that the state may be secure and prosperous and the people healthy and well provided for.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn our merits back to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the Utmost True Dao. We request the performance of a grand Three Sovereigns Mid-Yuan supplication rite. Though we are foolish and unlearned, and no worthy aides to the Great Dao, we remember that we have already received its grace and dare not betray the vows made when we entered into our covenant. Therefore, we observe the fast with care and follow the ritual procedures of the Dongshen Cavern. We establish an altar and divine seats to symbolize the Thirty-Six Heavens, then burn incense and light lamps to correspond to the Thirty-Six Earths, dispelling darkness and inviting the gods.

On behalf of [name], we present the True Text, raise banners to pray for the gift of life, open our hearts, let down our hair in ritual observance, confess our faults, and reform ourselves. We earnestly ask the Earth Emperor to extend his compassionate grace, bestow boundless favor and the blessings of deliverance, and grant the chance to do good anew. May the divine Qi flow freely and the Dao Qi harmonize. May the numinous officials protect [name], pardon his past and present offenses, and recognize and encourage the sincere remorse with which he now seeks to reform.

May these merits be dedicated to [name]’s ancestral spirits of the Seven Temples, the Nine Generations of Ancestors and Seven Forebears, and all the departed, so that they may escape the suffering of the underworld, ascend to a blessed realm, be transformed into perfected beings, and protect their living relatives. May tombs, temples, and burial grounds be at peace; may calamities be dispelled, homes be safe, and strange dreams fade away. May Yin and Yang between Heaven and Earth flow in harmony, and the sun, moon, and stars follow their courses in balance. May wind and rain come in season, and cold and warmth accord with the time of year. May the people be at peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be tranquil, and hostile forces submit.

May [name]’s illness be cured. If there are lawsuits, thefts, or other such troubles, may he be spared disaster according to the circumstances. May all people escape calamity and enjoy long life. May the royal house’s virtue grow ever more flourishing, the calamities of the Four Seas vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal divisions be peaceful. May all living beings receive blessings, uphold the orthodox teaching, and return together to the Dao of Nature. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite in truth with the Imperial Dao.

We respectfully submit this petition to the Most High, the Incomparable and Utmost Perfect One (the supreme Daoist deity), to the Supremely Non-Acting Great Dao that responds to all things, and to the Earth Emperor of the Fifth Layer, Golden Millet Marsh, Second of the Twentieth Earth Domain, the Earth deity who governs that region, whose sacred name is Meng Tong Ba Guang.

The present emperor has received the mysterious blessings of Heaven and relies on the accumulated merit and good fortune of his ancestors. He governs all affairs and rules over countless millions of people. His responsibility is as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Tai, and his heart is set on the enlightened virtue of rulers such as Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great undertaking, he has often examined himself and remained mindful of his grave responsibilities. Yet today, virtue and worldly customs have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without the vast protection of Heaven and Earth, how could the people live in peace and prosper? At times they suffer droughts and floods; at times they face many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we are often troubled, and so we beseech Heaven for its grace, hoping that the state may flourish in dignity and the people enjoy peace and abundance.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the Perfect Spirit. We respectfully invite all to conduct the Grand Central Prime supplication fast of the Three Sovereigns, a Zhaijiao purification ritual for seeking blessings and averting calamity. We are foolish and shallow, and cannot assist the Great Dao. Yet, mindful that we have received favor, we dare not betray our sworn pledge. We therefore observe the fast with care and, following the ritual procedures of the Scripture of the Cavern of the Spirit, establish an altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens. We burn incense and light lamps to represent the thirty-six earths, dispelling darkness and welcoming the spirits.

We present a truthful petition on behalf of a certain person and raise banners to pray for the gift of life. We lay bare the heart and loosen the hair to confess past faults and begin anew. We beseech the Earth Emperor to show great compassion and spread boundless grace, granting the blessing of deliverance and the benevolence that allows one to amend one’s ways. May the Dao’s Qi flow freely and the spirit officers be in harmony as they protect this person; may they pardon countless past and recent offenses, and regard with compassion and approve this person’s sincere repentance at this moment.

May this merit be dedicated to the spirits of this person’s ancestral shrines through the generations, to the Nine Profound and Seven Ancestors—the distant forebears and ancestors of every generation—and to all departed relatives and friends. May they be freed from the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to the Hall of Blessings, transform and become perfected, and bless those still living. May tombs and burial grounds be peaceful and pure, calamities brought to an end, palaces and dwellings kept safe, and strange dreams and omens dispelled.

May Yin and Yang between Heaven and Earth mingle in harmony, and the movements of the sun, moon, and stars proceed in due order. May winds and rains arrive in season, and cold and warmth accord with their times. May the people be settled, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and hostile peoples submit. May the illness afflicting this person be cured. If there are legal disputes or trouble involving thieves, may harm likewise be averted, as circumstances require. May the many calamities be dispelled and life prolonged; may the imperial house grow ever more virtuous, disasters in the four directions vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal divisions be peaceful and harmonious.

May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, follow the Orthodox Teaching together, and return to the natural Great Dao. Once they attain the Dao, may they join the emperor in accord with the true Dao.

We, your ministers, respectfully submit this petition to the Most High, the True and Perfect One beyond all being, the responsive and wondrous essence of the Supreme Wuwei Dao (the Way of non-action), and to Li Shang Shaojun, the twenty-first Earth Emperor of the sixth tier, the Vajra Iron Marsh.

The emperor today has received the mysterious blessings of Heaven and the inherited merit of his ancestors. He bears the great responsibility of governing the realm and leading its people. He admires the ways of Yao and Shun, and since inheriting the imperial legacy, he has often examined himself with humility and caution. Yet moral conduct and custom have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without the vast protection of Heaven and Earth, how could the people live in peace and prosperity? At times droughts and floods bring calamity; at others, the people suffer many hardships. Witnessing plague and distress, the emperor therefore implores Heaven for its grace, hoping that the state may be secure and flourishing, and its people healthy and well supplied.

The emperor now turns with utmost sincerity to the Great Dao and takes refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting his fate to the spirit of perfect truth. He has asked us to establish the “Great Upper-Middle Primordial Prayer Fast of the Three Sovereigns,” a blessing ritual grounded in the faith of the Three Sovereigns and held during the Ghost Festival season. We are ignorant and dull, unworthy of the wisdom needed to assist the Great Dao. Yet, mindful that we have been charged with this duty, we dare not violate our oath. We have therefore carefully purified ourselves and followed the methods of the Dongshen Cavern of the Three Caverns. We have set up an altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens, and lit incense and lamps in response to the thirty-six earths. Through these rites, we dispel darkness and summon the spirits; present petitions on the emperor’s behalf; proclaim the ritual documents; raise banners to pray for bestowed life; and openly confess our faults, seeking to amend our ways and begin anew.

We earnestly beseech the Earth Emperor to extend his compassion and pour down boundless grace, granting the blessings of deliverance and the benevolence that enables people to cultivate goodness anew. May the divine powers be accessible and the spirits’ Qi (vital energy) harmonious. May the numinous officials guard the emperor, pardon his countless past and present offenses, and recognize his sincere repentance at this time. May the merit of this ritual be dedicated to the spirits of the imperial ancestral temples, to the nine generations of ancestors and seven forebears, and to all the dead, so that they may escape the sufferings of the underworld, ascend to realms of blessing, and be reborn to cultivate the Dao and attain perfected realization, while also protecting the living.

May the imperial tombs, ancestral temples, and burial grounds be peaceful and solemn, with calamities no longer descending upon them. May palaces and residences be safe and secure, and strange dreams and omens disappear. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony; may the sun, moon, and stars move in balanced and radiant order; may wind and rain arrive in due season, and cold and warmth accord with the time of year. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and hostile forces submit. May the emperor’s illness be cured. Should troubles such as lawsuits or theft arise, may calamity be averted according to the circumstances. May all people be freed from disaster, their lives prolonged; may the imperial house’s virtue flourish ever more, calamities in the four directions disperse, auspicious clouds gather, and the seasons remain calm and harmonious.

May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, together honor the righteous Way, and return to what is natural. Having attained the Dao, may they join the emperor in uniting with the True Dao.

We, your ministers, reverently submit this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nonbeing, and to the responsive, true essence of the supreme Wuwei (non-action) Great Dao. We also address the Earth Sovereign, Fan Laidao’an, twenty-second in rank among the Earth Sovereigns of the sixth tier, the Vajra Iron Marsh.

The present emperor has received the mysterious grace and inherited blessings of his forebears. He oversees the affairs of the state, governs its countless people, bears a grave responsibility, and cherishes the benevolent rule of Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great undertaking, he has often examined himself with care. Yet the customs of the age have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teaching of sincerity and kindness. Without Heaven’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace and prosper? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer many calamities. Witnessing these disasters, we knock and appeal for Heaven’s grace, hoping that the foundations of the state will be secure and the people healthy and prosperous.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Sovereign. We entrust our nature and life to the Utmost True Dao, and respectfully invite the presiding deity to oversee the Grand Purification Rite of Prayer to the Three Sovereigns, held at the Mid-Yuan Festival. Our abilities are dull, and we are not worthy sages who can assist the Great Dao. Yet mindful of the favor we have received, we dare not forget the vows we made when entering the covenant. We therefore observe purification with care and, in accordance with the methods transmitted in the Dongshen scriptures, establish an altar and divine seats representing the thirty-six heavens. We burn incense and light lamps in correspondence with the thirty-six earths. By these means, we dispel the darkness, welcome the deities, present truthful petitions concerning the matters for which we pray, raise banners to supplicate for blessings and long life, openly reveal our hearts, confess our faults, and resolve to reform.

We earnestly beseech the Earth Sovereign to extend great compassion and spread boundless grace, bestowing the blessings of deliverance and the mercy that allows us to reform. May the Dao’s Qi flow freely and the spirit officials be in harmony as they protect [the person]. We pray that past and present offenses of every kind be pardoned, and that the sincere repentance offered at this moment be understood and encouraged.

May the merit of this purification rite be dedicated to [the person]’s ancestral temples of seven generations, the nine generations of forebears and seven generations of ancestors, and all the departed. May they be freed from the suffering of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, be reborn to cultivate the Dao, and protect those still living. May the ancestral shrines and tombs be at peace, calamities cease, homes be secure, and strange dreams disappear.

May Yin-Yang between Heaven and Earth be in harmony; may the sun, moon, and stars move with clarity; may wind and rain come in due season, and cold and warmth accord with the calendar. May the people live in peace, wars cease, all under Heaven be tranquil, and foreign enemies submit. May [the person] recover from illness; if threatened by lawsuits or thieves, may fault and calamity be averted. May every disaster be dispelled and life prolonged; may the imperial house’s virtue grow ever more flourishing, calamities in the four directions vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the seasons remain in harmony. May all living beings receive blessings, together uphold the orthodox teaching, and return to the natural Dao. Once they attain the Dao, may they join the emperor in accord with the True Dao.

We, your subjects, submit this petition to the supreme Taishang Daozun, the Wuwei Great Dao, and the twenty-third Earth Sovereign, Chang Li Yuan, ruler of the sixth layer, the Diamond Iron Marsh Land.

The emperor now bears the wondrous grace of the Dark Mystery and the blessings left by his ancestors. He has taken up the great affairs of state, governs a multitude of people, shoulders a heavy responsibility, and reveres the ways of Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great undertaking, he has often reflected on himself and remained vigilant. Yet the customs of the age have fallen into decline, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without Heaven’s vast protection, how can the people live in peace and prosper? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people face many hardships. Witnessing these calamities and plagues, we knock and plead for Heaven’s grace, hoping that the foundations of the state may be secure and the people healthy and prosperous.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Sovereign, entrusting our lives and nature to the Way of Perfect Truth. We request permission to perform the Great Zhongyuan Prayer Fast of the Three Sovereigns, a Daoist blessing ritual held at Zhongyuan, to seek Heaven’s grace and pray for a stable state and the well-being of its people. We are ignorant and limited, and are not among those who assist the Great Dao. But having received this weighty responsibility, we dare not betray the vows made when we entered the covenant and pledged ourselves. Therefore we observe purity and fasting, and conduct the rite according to the Dongshen method: we establish an altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens, and burn incense and light lamps to connect with the thirty-six earths. By these means we dispel darkness and welcome the gods; we present a truthful memorial on behalf of a certain person, raise banners to pray for the gift of renewed life, lay bare our sincerity, loosen our hair, confess our faults before the gods, and begin anew.

We earnestly beseech the Earth Sovereign to show compassion, bestow boundless grace, and grant the blessings of deliverance and the mercy of repentance and renewal. May Dao Qi flow freely and the spirits be in harmony; may they protect a certain person in body and mind, pardon all past and present offenses, and recognize and commend the sincere repentance offered at this moment. May the merit be dedicated to that person’s seven ancestral temples, nine generations of forebears and seven generations of ancestors, and all the departed, so that they may escape the suffering of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, be reborn to cultivate the Way, and protect those still living.

May ancestral tombs and burial grounds be at peace, calamities come to an end, homes and residences be secure, and strange omens in dreams vanish. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and the sun, moon, and stars shine clearly. May wind and rain arrive in due season, and cold and warmth accord with the time of year. May the people be at peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be tranquil, and hostile forces surrender. May a certain person recover from a certain illness; and if there are lawsuits or thefts, may harm be averted as circumstances require. May all people escape calamity and enjoy long lives; may the royal house’s virtue grow ever more flourishing, calamities across the Four Seas be dispelled, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal divisions be peaceful.

May all living beings receive blessings and joy, together uphold the Orthodox Teaching, and return to the Way of Nature. Once they attain the Way, may they join the emperor in union with the Way of Truth.

We submit this petition to the Perfect Essence of the Great Dao, which responds to all, is utterly true and supreme, and practices Wuwei (non-action), and to the deities who bring peace to the eight divisions of the Vajra in the Sixth Layer: may all beings receive blessings, accept the teaching of the Orthodox Way, and return together to the natural order. Having attained the Dao, may they unite as one with the imperial Way.

We also submit this prayer to the Perfect Essence of the Great Dao, which responds to all, is utterly true and supreme, and practices Wuwei, and to the Earth Sovereign of the Twenty-Fourth Earth, in the Iron Marsh of the Vajra in the Sixth Layer—a deity who governs the twenty-fourth level of the Earth Prefecture. His name is Sinu Rong.

The present emperor has received the blessings of the mysterious Dao and the accumulated fortune of his ancestors. He bears the great responsibility of governing the realm and rules over countless millions of people. His duty is as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and he looks to the examples of Yao and Shun in governing well. Since inheriting the great enterprise, he has often examined himself and acted with care. Yet moral conduct and social customs have steadily declined, and the revival of wholesome teaching has proved difficult. Without the broad protection of the spirits, how could the people live and work in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we bow and appeal for Heaven’s grace, hoping that the state and its altars of soil and grain may flourish, and that the people may live in peace and prosperity.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Sovereign, entrusting ourselves to the Perfect and True Spirit. We ask to preside over the Great Purification Rite of Supplication to the Three Sovereigns at the Midyear Festival, a blessing rite held at that time of year with the Three Sovereigns as its principal deities. We are ignorant and limited, and cannot claim to assist the Great Dao. But bound by our oath, we dare not break it, and so we solemnly and carefully perform the rite according to the Dongshen method of the Three Caverns: we establish an altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens, and burn incense and light lamps to correspond to the thirty-six earths. In this way, we dispel darkness and invite the spirits; we proclaim efficacious scriptures on behalf of a certain person, raise the banners, and pray for the gift of life. We lay bare our thoughts, repent sincerely, and reform our conduct.

We beseech the Earth Sovereign to show great compassion, bestow boundless grace, and grant the blessings of deliverance and the favor of a fresh opportunity to reform. May the divine Way be made accessible and the spirits’ Qi be harmonized. May the spiritual officials protect a certain person, pardon the countless sins of past and present, and recognize and approve the sincerity of his repentance at this moment.

May the merit of this purification rite be dedicated to a certain person’s ancestors enshrined in the seven ancestral temples, the nine generations of forebears and seven generations of ancestors, and all deceased relatives. May they escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to blessed lands, be reborn to cultivate the Dao, and protect their living kin. May the ancestral shrines and tombs be at peace, calamities cease to fall, the family home remain secure, and strange dreams disperse. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and the sun, moon, and stars move in clear order. May wind and rain arrive in their proper time, and cold and warmth accord with the seasons. May the people be at peace, wars cease, all under Heaven enjoy peace, and opposing forces submit.

May the illness afflicting a certain person be cured at once. If he faces a lawsuit or trouble with thieves, may he be spared blame and pass through safely. May the many calamities be dispelled and life prolonged. May the imperial virtue flourish ever more, calamities across the four seas be eliminated, auspicious clouds gather, and the seasons in all eight directions be peaceful and harmonious. May all beings receive blessings, accept the teaching of the Orthodox Way, and return together to the natural order. Having attained the Dao, may they unite as one with the imperial Way.

We, the Daoist priests conducting the purification ritual, respectfully submit this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One without peer; to the responsive, true essence of the supreme Wuwei (non-action) Great Dao; and to the twenty-fifth Earth Emperor Lord of the seventh rampart, the Water-Controlled Marshland, whose taboo name is Tang Chushengying.

The present Emperor has received the blessings of the mysterious Dao and enjoys the accumulated fortune of his ancestors. He bears the affairs of state and governs countless people. His responsibilities are as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and his aspiration to rule is modeled on Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great enterprise, the Emperor has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Yet now moral conduct and customs have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without Heaven’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace and prosper? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we knock and appeal for Heaven’s grace, praying that the state may prosper for generations and that the people may enjoy health and abundance.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we dedicate our merit to the Great Dao, take refuge in the Earth Emperor, and entrust our nature and life to the True God. We respectfully invite you to preside over our Three Sovereigns Central Origin Great Purification Rite, established to pray for blessings and avert calamity. Though dull and incapable, and unfit to assist the Great Dao, we have received favor and dare not betray the vows we made upon ascending the ritual altar. We therefore solemnly and reverently perform the rite according to the Dongshen (Cavern of the Spirit) tradition: we establish the altar and set the divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to represent the thirty-six earths. In this way, we dispel darkness and summon the gods. On behalf of a certain person, we proclaim the true texts and raise banners to seek protection, lay bare our sincerity, confess our errors, and turn toward renewal.

We humbly pray that the Earth Emperor Lord will show great compassion and grant boundless grace and the blessing of deliverance, using benevolence to guide people back to goodness. May the Dao’s Qi flow freely and the spirit officials act in harmony to protect this person, pardon all their past and present offenses, and recognize and commend their sincere repentance at this moment.

May this merit be dedicated to the ancestral spirits of this person’s seven temples, to their nine generations of forebears and seven generations of ancestors, and to all the departed. May they all escape the suffering of the netherworld, ascend to realms of blessing, be reborn and cultivate the true Dao, and protect the living. May ancestral shrines and tombs be at peace; may calamities be dispelled, homes and residences be secure, and strange dreams fade away. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and the Seven Luminaries—the sun, moon, and five planets—move in clear courses. May wind and rain arrive in due season, and cold and warmth accord with the seasons. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven enjoy peace, and adversaries submit.

May the illness afflicting this person be cured at once. If there are legal disputes, theft, or other such matters, may they be spared blame according to the circumstances. May all people escape calamity and enjoy long lives; may the royal house’s virtue grow ever more flourishing, calamities across the four seas vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons remain harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, follow the orthodox teaching, and return together to the natural Dao. Having attained the Dao, may they unite in truth with the Imperial Dao.

We, your servants, respectfully report to the Supreme One, the Dao of utmost truth and non-action, whose true essence responds to all things (the highest Dao and true spirits), and to the Earth Emperor Wu Zhengfa Tu, the twenty-sixth Earth Emperor in the seventh tier, who governs the waters and restrains the marshes (the Earth Emperor deity who oversees this place):

The present emperor has received mysterious grace and, through the blessings of his ancestors, bears the affairs of state and rules over countless people. His responsibility is as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and he aspires to follow the example of Emperors Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great undertaking, he has often reflected on himself and remained vigilant. Now the ways of the world and its customs have declined, and it is difficult to revive the simple and generous teachings. Without the protection of Heaven’s Dao, how can the people live in peace and prosper? At times droughts and floods strike; at other times, the people suffer greatly. Seeing these calamities and illnesses, we beseech Heaven’s grace, hoping that the state may flourish and the people enjoy health and abundance.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn our devotion to the Great Dao, take refuge in the Earth Emperor, and entrust ourselves to the Way of ultimate truth. We respectfully invite your servants to establish the Grand Middle Origin Purification Rite to supplicate the Three Sovereigns (a Zhaijiao ritual offering prayers to the Three Sovereigns). Our wisdom and ability are shallow; we are not those who assist the Great Dao. Yet, burdened with our duties, we dare not violate the vows made when we ascended the altar and entered into covenant. Therefore, with caution and reverence, we perform the rite according to the methods of the Cavern of the Spirits (Dongshen): we set up an altar and divine seats representing the Thirty-Six Heavens; we burn incense and light lamps in response to the Thirty-Six Earths, thereby dispelling darkness and summoning the spirits. On behalf of a certain person, we proclaim the true text and raise banners to pray for Heaven’s mandate. We lay open our hearts and let our hair down, thereby acknowledging our errors, repenting, and beginning anew.

We humbly pray that the Earth Emperor will extend his compassionate kindness, bestow boundless grace, and grant the blessings of deliverance and the benevolence that enables one to reform. May Dao-Qi flow freely and the spirits harmonize. Protect a certain person and pardon all past and present transgressions, recognizing and approving his sincere repentance in the present.

May this merit be dedicated to the spirits of a certain person’s seven ancestral temples, the nine generations of ancestors and seven generations of forebears, and all departed ancestors, so that they may escape the suffering of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, transform into perfected beings, and protect the living. May ancestral shrines and tombs be at peace, calamities cease, homes be secure, and troubling dreams vanish. May Yin and Yang between Heaven and Earth be in harmony; may the Seven Luminaries—the sun, moon, and five planets of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—move with clarity. May wind and rain arrive in season, and cold and warmth accord with the proper time. May the people be peaceful, warfare end, all under Heaven be at peace, and adversaries submit. May a certain person’s illness be cured at once. If there are legal disputes, theft, or other such troubles, may he also be spared calamity; the particulars are to be stated according to the circumstances. May all people escape calamity and enjoy long life. May the virtue of the imperial house grow ever more abundant, calamities across the four seas dissipate, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons be tranquil. May all living beings receive blessings, follow the orthodox teaching, and return together to their natural state. Having attained the Dao, may they unite with the sovereign in the true Dao.

We, your ministers, submit this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond nonbeing, and to the responsive, perfect essence of the supreme, Wuwei Great Dao. We also address the spirits who preside over the twentieth station beyond the seventh rampart, where Water governs the marshland, and pray that we may unite with the Imperial Dao and attain the Real.

We further submit this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond nonbeing, and to the responsive, perfect essence of the supreme, Wuwei Great Dao, as well as to the twenty-seventh Earth Emperor Lord of the seventh rampart, whose personal name is Han Gao Wenche. The present emperor has received the mysterious grace and inherited the blessings accumulated by his forebears. He bears the affairs of state and rules over countless people. His responsibility is great; his resolve is as steadfast as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and he admires the virtuous governance of Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the imperial throne, he has often examined himself and urged himself to act with care.

Now the ways of the age and the people’s customs have declined, and it is difficult to revive the simple, generous teachings of old. Without the protection of the Great Dao, how can the people live in peace? At times they suffer drought or flood; at times they endure many hardships. Seeing these calamities, we knock at Heaven’s gate and beseech its grace, hoping that the state may grow more secure and the people live in health and abundance. We now sincerely dedicate our merits to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the Utmost True Dao. We respectfully ask that we, your ministers, establish the Great Purification Rite of Supplication to the Three Sovereigns for the Mid-Origin Festival, held at this season to pray for the spirits’ protection.

Our capacities are dull; we are not people fit to assist the Great Dao and accomplish great undertakings. Yet, since we have been charged with taking part in this matter, we dare not betray our oath. We therefore solemnly prepare the altar and its sacred seats according to the rites of the Dongshen tradition, representing the thirty-six heavens. We burn incense and light lamps to represent the thirty-six earths. In this way, we dispel darkness and summon the spirits; on behalf of a certain person, we declare our sincerity and present the scriptures, raise banners to pray for the gift of life, and, with hair unbound, lay bare our hearts, repent of our faults, and begin anew.

We beseech the Earth Emperor Lord to bestow vast compassion and boundless grace, to send blessings and deliverance, and to grant the chance to reform. May Dao Qi flow freely and the spiritual officials be in harmony; may they protect a certain person, pardon all past and present offenses, and show understanding and approval of his sincere repentance now.

May these merits be dedicated to the ancestral spirits of a certain person’s seven ancestral temples, his nine generations of forebears and seven generations of ancestors, and all who have passed away before him. May they all escape the suffering of the underworld, ascend to blessed lands, be transformed into perfected beings, and protect those still living. May the ancestral mausoleums and burial grounds be peaceful and pure, calamities be brought to an end, palaces and dwellings remain secure, and strange dreams and omens vanish.

May Heaven and Earth be in harmony; may the sun, moon, and stars move with clarity; may wind and rain come in their proper seasons, and cold and warmth accord with the time of year. May the people be safe, wars cease, the whole realm be at peace, and foreign enemies submit. May the illness of a certain person be cured at once; and should he face lawsuits, theft, or other misfortunes, may these be dispelled according to the circumstances. May all people escape calamity and have their lives prolonged; may the virtue of the imperial house flourish ever more, calamities across the four seas vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal divisions remain harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, uphold the correct teachings, and return together to the Dao of Nature. Once they attain the Dao, may they unite with the Imperial Dao and attain the Real.

Ritual of Fasting and Reverent Thanks to the Thirty-Six Earth Emperors of the River Chart, from the Dongxuan Lingbao Tradition, fascicle three

After attaining the Dao, one can unite with the Earth Emperors and reach the state of returning to the source and recovering one’s true nature.

Ritual of Fasting and Reverent Thanks to the Thirty-Six Earth Emperors of the River Chart, from the Dongxuan Lingbao Tradition, fascicle four

We bow and repent before the Nine Earths of the north.

With sincere hearts, we entrust our lives to the twenty-eighth Earth Emperor, ruler of the seventh tier, Water Controlling Marshland.

We respectfully submit this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nothingness, to the responsive and efficacious True Essence of the supreme, nonacting Great Dao, and to the Earth Emperor Lord Dong Zhonglongshou, the twenty-eighth in rank, who governs the seventh tier, the land that controls waters and marshes.

The present emperor has received the mysterious and wondrous grace of Heaven and, drawing on the blessings accumulated by his forebears, governs all affairs of state and rules over countless people. His responsibility is as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng. He cherishes Dao and De and looks up to Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great enterprise, he has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Yet the age and its customs have declined, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and honesty. Without Heaven’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace and contentment? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people endure many hardships. Seeing these calamities and afflictions, we knock and plead for Heaven’s grace, hoping that the foundations of the state may be secure and the people peaceful and prosperous.

Now, with sincere hearts, we turn our merit toward the Great Dao, take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrust our lives and nature to the True Spirit, and respectfully request that the Three Emperors’ Mid-Origin Blessing and Thanksgiving Great Retreat be presided over on our behalf. Our wisdom and ability are slight; we are not fit to assist the Great Dao. Yet, having received grace and taken on this responsibility, we faithfully uphold our covenant vows at the altar, turn our merit toward the Great Dao, take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrust our lives and nature to the True One, and respectfully request that this retreat be conducted.

With care and purity, we establish the altar and divine seats in accordance with the Dongshen method, one of the lineages of Daoist scriptures, representing the thirty-six heavens. We burn incense and light lamps to correspond to the thirty-six earths. Through these rites, we dispel darkness and summon the spirits; present a petition on behalf of [name]; raise banners to seek Heaven’s mandate; and lay bare our hearts, confess our transgressions, and renew ourselves. We beseech the Earth Emperor Lord to extend great compassion and bestow boundless grace: grant the blessing of salvation and the benevolence that allows one to amend past wrongs and begin anew. May the Dao’s Qi flow freely and the spirit officials be in harmony; may they protect [name], pardon all past and recent offenses, and recognize and commend his sincere repentance today.

May this merit be turned toward [name]’s seven ancestral temples, the nine generations and seven lines of forebears, and all departed relatives, so that they may escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, be reborn and attain the Dao, and protect those still living. May the ancestral shrines and tombs be at peace; may calamities and ill omens cease, homes and dwellings be safe, and strange dreams vanish.

May Yin-Yang between Heaven and Earth be harmonious, and the movements of the sun, moon, and stars proceed in due order. May wind and rain come at their appointed times, and cold and warmth follow the seasons. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and adversaries surrender. May [name]’s illness be cured; and should he face litigation or the threat of thieves, may he be spared harm according to the circumstances. May all people be delivered from calamity and granted long life; may the emperor’s virtue flourish ever more, calamities in the four directions disperse, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal divisions remain harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, follow the orthodox teachings, and return together to the Dao of Nature; and, having attained the Dao, may they return to the True Dao together with the emperor.

We reverently submit our petition to the Most High, the Truly Perfect One beyond all nonbeing, the responsive and numinous true essence of the supreme Wuwei Great Dao; and to Ge Xuanxian, the twenty-ninth Earth Sovereign of the Second Rampart, the Great Wind Marsh Land (the Daoist deity who governs the earth).

The present emperor has received the grace of the mysterious Dao and inherited the blessings left by his ancestors. He bears the affairs of state and governs countless people, carrying a burden as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng. He admires the way of Yao and Shun, and since inheriting the great undertaking, he has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Now morality and worldly customs are both in decline, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without Heaven’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace and prosper? At times drought and flood bring hardship; at times the people face many trials. Seeing these calamities, we beseech Heaven’s grace, hoping that the foundations of the state may be secure and the people’s lives peaceful and abundant.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Sovereign, entrusting our nature and life to the Truly Perfect Way. We ask that he preside over the Grand Central-Origin Supplication Rite of the Three Sovereigns, held during the Ghost Festival. Though we are foolish and ignorant, unfit to assist the Great Dao, we bear this duty and dare not betray the vows sworn upon ascending the altar. With care and reverence, we perform the rite according to the Dongshen method, the teachings on which Daoist scriptures and purification rites are based: we raise an altar and establish its positions to symbolize the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to attune ourselves to the thirty-six earths. In this way, we dispel darkness and welcome the gods. We present a memorial on behalf of a certain person, raise banners to pray for his life, disclose our hearts and loosen our hair, confess our faults before the gods, and resolve to mend our ways.

We beseech the Earth Sovereign to bestow compassionate grace and boundless blessings, grant the blessing of deliverance, release us from the sufferings of darkness, and mercifully permit a new beginning. May the divine path be clear and the divine Qi be harmonious. May the Spirit Officials protect this person, and may all his past and present offenses be forgiven. May the gods also take pity on him and acknowledge the sincerity of his repentance at this moment.

May the merit of this purification rite be transferred to this person’s ancestors of the seven ancestral temples, his nine generations of ancestors and seven forebears, and all his departed kin. May they escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, transform and attain the true, and protect the living. May the ancestral mausoleums and graves be at peace; may all entanglements with calamity be completely severed; may palaces and homes be safe; and may strange dreams vanish.

May Yin and Yang between Heaven and Earth be harmonious, and the movements of the sun, moon, and stars proceed in due order. May wind and rain come in season, and cold and warmth accord with their proper times. May the people be at peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be tranquil, and hostile forces submit. May the illness afflicting this person be cured; and if he is troubled by legal disputes or thieves, may the misfortune be removed according to his request. May all people be freed from calamity and their lives prolonged. May the imperial family’s virtue flourish ever more, calamities in the four directions disperse, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight solar terms be peaceful. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, uphold the righteous Way, and return to their natural state. Once we attain the Way, may we join the emperor in union with the true Dao.

We respectfully petition the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all nonbeing, the responsive and wondrous essence of the supreme, Wuwei Great Dao (the Way), and the Earth Sovereign of the thirtieth earth realm, Great Wind Marsh, in the eighth layer—whose name is Hua Mao Yunchang.

The present emperor has received the mysterious grace of Heaven and relies on the residual blessings of his ancestors. He bears the heavy responsibility of governing all affairs and ruling over countless people. He reveres the ways of Yao and Shun, and since inheriting the great undertaking, he has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Now moral character and customs are in decline, and it is difficult to revive the teaching of simplicity and sincerity. Without the protection of Heaven and Earth, how can the people live in peace and prosper? At times droughts and floods strike; at other times, calamities befall the people. Seeing these afflictions, we appeal to Heaven for benevolent protection, hoping that the realm may flourish and the people live in health and abundance.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Sovereign, entrusting our nature and life to the Utmost True Dao. We respectfully invite the ritual officiant to establish the Grand Mid-Autumn Offering for Blessings to the Three Sovereigns, a fasting rite of supplication. Though foolish and incapable, unable to assist the Great Dao, we have taken part in this undertaking and therefore dare not break our oath. With care and reverence, we accordingly perform the rite according to the Dongshen method, one of the Three Caverns’ systems of Daoist scriptures and ritual practice. We establish the altar and divine seats, symbolizing the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps, answering to the thirty-six earths. In this way, we disperse darkness and welcome the gods, presenting our petitions on behalf of the emperor. We raise banners to make our plea, disclose our thoughts, repent with sincerity, and reform our ways.

We earnestly beseech the Earth Sovereign to extend boundless compassion, bestow inexhaustible grace, and grant the blessings of deliverance and the mercy that allows us to amend our faults anew. May the roads be clear and the spirits and Qi (vital energy) be harmonious; may the numinous officials protect the emperor. Forgive his countless past and present offenses, and show understanding and approval of his sincere repentance now. May this merit be dedicated to the emperor’s ancestors enshrined in the seven ancestral temples, to the nine generations of ancestors and seven generations of forebears, and to all deceased relatives, that they may be freed from the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, be transformed into perfected beings, and protect the living. May the ancestral mausoleums and graves be tranquil, with calamities brought to an end; may palaces and residences be secure, and strange dreams dispelled.

May Yin-Yang (yin and yang) in Heaven and Earth be harmonious; may the sun, moon, and five planets follow their proper courses; may wind and rain arrive in season, and cold and warmth accord with the calendar. May the people be at peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be tranquil, and adversaries submit. May the emperor’s illness be cured; if lawsuits, thefts, or other troubles arise, may he be spared their harm. May all people escape calamity and enjoy long life; may the royal house’s virtue flourish ever more, calamities in every direction disperse, auspicious clouds gather, and the seasons remain gentle and balanced. May all living beings receive blessings, follow the Orthodox Teaching together, and return to their natural state. Having attained the Dao, may they also unite with the Perfect alongside the emperor.

We respectfully submit this petition to the Utmost High, the Truly Perfect One beyond all nothingness; to the responsive, true essence of the supreme Wuwei Great Dao; and to Yang Zhen, the Thirty-First Earth Emperor of the Third Earth of the Eighth Layer, the Great Wind Marsh (the Earth Emperor deity who governs the corresponding region).

The present emperor has received the mysterious grace of Heaven and the accumulated blessings of his ancestors. He bears the weight of demanding affairs of state and rules over the people of the realm, with a responsibility as heavy as a mountain. He looks to the virtue of Yao and Shun as his model. Since inheriting the great undertaking, he has often reflected on himself and remained vigilant. Yet moral standards and customs are now in decline, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without the Great Dao’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace and prosper? At times droughts and floods strike; at other times the people suffer many afflictions. Seeing these disasters and illnesses, we knock and plead for Heaven’s grace and protection, hoping that the state may flourish and the people enjoy health and peace.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the Truly Perfect One. We respectfully request permission to establish the Three Sovereigns’ Mid-Yuan Great Purification Rite of Prayer (a rite centered on prayer, confession, and the deliverance of souls). Though we are indeed dull-witted and lack the talent to assist the Great Dao, we have received its grace and dare not forget our vows. We therefore solemnly and carefully perform the rites according to the Three Caverns of the Divine Treasure tradition: we establish an altar and divine seats to symbolize the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps in correspondence with the thirty-six earths, dispelling darkness and summoning the spirits. On behalf of [name], we proclaim and present the true writings, raise banners to pray for the gift of life and good fortune, reveal our hearts, offer our confession, and repent so that we may renew ourselves.

We beseech the Earth Emperor to extend his compassionate grace and bestow boundless favor, granting the blessing of deliverance and the mercy of reform. May the Great Dao make the spirit and Qi flow freely; may the spiritual officials be in harmony with one another and protect [name’s] body. May they pardon [name’s] countless past and present offenses, and show understanding and approval of his sincere repentance now. May the merit of this purification rite be transferred to the spirits of [name’s] seven ancestral temples, his nine generations of forebears and seven generations of ancestors, and all deceased relatives, so that they may escape the torments of the underworld, ascend to a blessed realm, transform through cultivation and become perfected beings, and send benefit and good fortune to the living.

May ancestral mausoleums and graves be peaceful, and disasters dispelled; may homes be secure and strange dreams vanish. May Yin and Yang between Heaven and Earth flow in harmony, and the sun, moon, and stars move in accord. May wind and rain arrive in season, and cold and warmth follow the proper times of the year. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and adversaries submit. May [name’s] illness be cured; and if there are lawsuits, thefts, or other such troubles, may all harm be averted. May all people escape calamity and gain long life; may the royal house’s virtue grow ever more flourishing; may disasters across the four seas be dispelled, auspicious clouds gather, and every season be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, together uphold the teachings of the Orthodox Way, and return to the natural Great Dao. Having attained the Dao, may they become one with the imperial Dao in truth.

With reverence, we address the Most High, the True and Perfect One beyond all nothingness, the supreme, Wuwei Great Dao, responsive to prayers and imbued with true essence, as well as Zhou Shangjingyuan, the thirty-second Earth Emperor Lord of the Great Wind Marsh in the eighth layer of the earth. The Earth Emperor Lord is a deity who governs the earthly realm.

The emperor now receives the profound blessings of Heaven. By virtue of the good fortune and merit left by his ancestors, he bears the duties of state and rules over countless people. His responsibility is as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and he admires the virtue of Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great enterprise, he has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Yet customs have declined, and it is difficult to restore a simple and sincere moral teaching. Without Heaven’s vast protection, how can the people live and work in peace? At times droughts and floods afflict the people; at times they suffer many hardships. Seeing these calamities and epidemics, we beseech Heaven’s grace, hoping that the state may be secure and prosperous and the people healthy and well provided for.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor. We entrust our nature and life to the True and Perfect One, and respectfully ask the officiant presiding over this Zhaijiao (purification ritual) to conduct for us the Grand Midyear Prayer Retreat of the Three Sovereigns. This Three Sovereigns retreat is a Daoist Zhaijiao rite honoring the Three Sovereigns and seeking their protection; Midyear refers to the time of worship in the seventh lunar month. Though we are dull and ignorant and cannot assist the Great Dao, we remember that we have already received its blessings and dare not break the vows sworn upon ascending the altar. Therefore, we carefully purify ourselves and, in accordance with the rites of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen), establish a ritual altar and divine seats to symbolize the thirty-six heavens. We burn incense and light lamps to symbolize the thirty-six earths. By these means we dispel darkness and summon the gods, proclaim and present the true writings on behalf of a certain person, and raise banners to pray for long life. With sincere hearts, we confess our faults and reform ourselves.

We beseech the Earth Emperor Lord to bestow compassion generously, send down boundless grace, and grant the blessings of deliverance and the mercy of a renewed chance to reform. May the Qi of the divine spirits flow freely and the spirit officials be in harmony. May they protect a certain person, forgive his countless past and present offenses, and recognize and commend his sincere repentance now. May this merit be dedicated to that person’s ancestors of the seven ancestral temples, the nine generations of ancestors, and all the departed, so that they may leave the suffering realms of darkness, ascend to blessed lands, be reborn to cultivate the Way, and protect those living in this world.

May the ancestral tombs and burial grounds be peaceful, with calamities no longer descending upon them. May palaces and dwellings stand secure, and strange dreams and omens fade away. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony; may the sun, moon, and stars follow their courses in clarity; may wind and rain come at the proper times, and cold and warmth accord with the seasons. May the people live in peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and those who oppose us submit. May a certain person’s particular illness be healed at once. If the matter concerns a lawsuit, theft, or the like, may the misfortune be averted in accordance with what has been prayed for. May all people escape calamity and enjoy longer lives; may the virtue of the imperial house grow ever more flourishing, calamities across the four seas dissipate, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons be peaceful and balanced.

May all living beings receive blessings, uphold the true teaching, and return together to spontaneity. Once they attain the Way, may they unite with the emperor in the True Way.

We, your servants, submit this petition to the Supreme One, the Utmost and Unconditioned True Dao, the Great Dao of supreme Wuwei (non-action), the Responsive True Essence, and to the Earth Emperor, the thirty-third sovereign of the Third Layer, the Cave Abyss, the Colorless Framework Earth, whose taboo name is Ji Wushang Xuan.

The present emperor has received wondrous blessings and inherited the remaining good fortune of his ancestors. He bears the great responsibility of governing all affairs and ruling over countless millions of people. This duty weighs as heavily as lofty mountains, and in governing the realm he looks to the example of Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the great undertaking, the emperor has often examined himself and remained vigilantly cautious. Yet now moral conduct and public customs are in decline, and it is difficult to revive the simple and generous teachings of old. Without Heaven’s protection, how can the people live in peace and prosper? At times there are droughts and floods; at times the people suffer many hardships. Seeing these calamities and epidemics, we knock and beseech Heaven’s grace, hoping that the state may flourish and the people be safe and well.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the True One. We respectfully request permission to preside over the Grand Fast of Petitioning the Three Sovereigns at the Midyear Festival, a purification rite held at that time to pray for blessings. We are indeed foolish and unworthy of assisting the Great Dao, but mindful that we have received its grace and occupy our present positions, we dare not betray the vows we once made. We therefore purify ourselves with care and perform the rite according to the methods of the Cave Spirit tradition: we build an altar and establish its sacred positions to represent the thirty-six heavens, then burn incense and light lamps to represent the thirty-six earths. In this way we dispel darkness and summon the spirits; on behalf of a certain person, we display the luminous True Writ, raise banners and pray for Heaven’s mandate, and lay bare our hearts in sincere confession, correcting our faults and beginning anew.

We beseech the Earth Emperor to show great compassion, spread boundless grace, send down blessings of deliverance, and grant the benevolence that allows one to amend past errors and begin again. May Dao-Qi flow freely, and may the spirit officials be in harmony as they guard the body of a certain person. May all past and present offenses be pardoned, and may this person’s sincere repentance at this moment be understood and commended. May this merit be dedicated to that person’s ancestors of the Seven Temples, the Nine Mysterious and Seven Ancestors—the generations of forebears—and all departed relatives, so that they may escape the suffering of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, attain rebirth and the Dao, and protect those still living.

May ancestral tombs, temples, and burial grounds be quiet and peaceful, with calamities brought to an end. May palaces and dwellings be secure, and strange dreams vanish. May Yin and Yang in Heaven and Earth be in harmony; may the sun, moon, and stars move with clarity; may wind and rain arrive in their proper seasons, and cold and warmth accord with the calendar. May the people be safe, warfare cease, the world be at peace, and hostile forces surrender. May a certain person’s particular illness be cured at once; should there be lawsuits, theft, or other such troubles, may their harm also be averted. May all people escape calamity and live longer; may the royal house’s virtue grow ever more flourishing, calamities in the four directions dissipate, auspicious clouds gather, and the seasons remain harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings, follow the orthodox teaching, and return together to nature. Once they attain the Dao, may they join the emperor in accord with the True Dao.

We respectfully address the Supremely High, the True and Perfect One beyond all nonbeing; the responsive, true essence of the Supreme Wuwei (non-action) Dao (the Way); and Shengxu Yuanhao, the thirty-fourth Earth Emperor in the ninth level of the terrestrial realm, the Cave Abyss, the Colorless Framework Land.

The emperor reigning today has received the grace of the mysterious Dao and inherited the blessings of his forebears. He bears the weighty responsibility of governing the realm and rules over countless millions of people. His responsibility is as great as Mount Song and Mount Heng, and his aspirations look to Yao and Shun. Since inheriting the throne, he has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Yet the ways of the age have declined, and it is difficult to restore the teachings of simplicity and sincerity. Without Heaven’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at other times, the people face many hardships. Seeing disasters spread, we knock and plead for Heaven’s grace, hoping the state may flourish and the people live in peace and prosperity.

Now we sincerely turn to the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the spirit who is True and Perfect. We ask that he preside over the Grand Purification Retreat for Prayers to the Three Sovereigns during the Middle Origin festival, a Daoist purification rite held at that time to pray for blessings. We know ourselves to be ignorant and incapable of assisting the Dao in its transforming work. Yet, having accepted this charge, we dare not betray the promises made when we entered the covenant and swore our vows. Therefore, we carefully follow the methods of the Cavern of Spirits (Dongshen), respectfully establish an altar and set out the divine tablets, symbolizing the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to bring the thirty-six lands into resonance. In this way, we dispel darkness and summon the spirits. We present a truthful petition on behalf of a certain person and raise banners to pray for protection. We bare our hearts and loosen our hair, repenting of past faults and beginning anew.

We beseech the Earth Emperor to show great compassion and mercy, to spread boundless grace, and to grant the blessing of salvation and the benevolence that enables one to reform. May Dao Qi flow freely and spirit Qi be in harmony; may the spiritual officials protect a certain person. Forgive his countless past and recent offenses, and recognize and commend the sincerity of his repentance today.

May this merit be dedicated to the seven temple ancestors, the nine generations of ancestors and seven forebears, and all deceased relatives of a certain person, so that they may escape the sufferings of the netherworld, ascend to a blessed realm, be reborn to cultivate the Dao and attain perfection, and protect their living relatives. May ancestral shrines and tombs be peaceful; may the bonds of calamity be severed, household and residence be secure, and strange dreams cease.

May Yin-Yang between Heaven and Earth be harmonious, and the courses of the sun, moon, and stars be in accord. May wind and rain arrive in season, and cold and warmth follow the proper times of year. May the people live in peace, wars cease, all under Heaven be at peace, and adversaries submit. May the illness afflicting a certain person be cured; should he face litigation or theft, may he escape harm according to the circumstances. May every kind of calamity disperse and life be prolonged. May the royal house’s virtue grow ever more flourishing, calamities in the four directions be dispelled, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons remain peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, follow the teachings of the Orthodox Way, and return together to their natural state. After attaining the Dao, may they unite in perfection with the Imperial Dao.

We, your ministers, respectfully submit this petition to the Most High, the Utmost True One beyond all being, the supremely Wuwei Great Dao whose true essence answers to invocation, and to Zhao Shangbo Xuan, the thirty-fifth Earth Emperor of the Third Layer, the Cavernous Abyss, the Colorless Framework Land.

The emperor today has received the mysterious grace of Heaven and inherited the blessings left by his forebears. He bears the weight of countless affairs of state and governs hundreds of millions of people; his responsibility is as great as Mount Song and Mount Heng. He looks to the governing ways of Yao and Shun, and since taking up the great legacy, has often examined himself and remained vigilant. Yet moral standards and customs in the world have steadily declined, and it is difficult to revive the teaching of honest simplicity. Without the Great Dao’s protection, how can the people live in peace? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer many hardships. Seeing epidemics and calamities arise, we therefore bow and plead for Heaven’s grace, hoping the state may flourish and the people enjoy peace and abundance.

We now sincerely turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the Utmost True Way. We respectfully ask to preside over the Great Purification Rite of Supplication for the Middle Origin of the Three Sovereigns, a Daoist rite seeking blessings. Our talents are modest and our understanding limited; we cannot assist the Great Dao in spreading its teaching. But having undertaken this duty, we dare not betray our sworn pledge. With care and reverence, we therefore conduct the purification offering according to the rites of the Cavern of Divinity. We set up an altar and divine seats to represent the Thirty-Six Heavens, and burn incense and light lamps corresponding to the Thirty-Six Earths, dispelling darkness and inviting the deities to descend. On behalf of a certain person, we proclaim the efficacious scriptures, raise banners and supplicate for divine command, lay bare our hearts and loosen our hair, thereby confessing our faults and resolving to reform.

We beseech the Earth Emperor to bestow vast compassion and pour down boundless grace, granting the blessing of deliverance and the benevolence that allows one to reform and begin anew. May the divine way be open and the spirit officials in harmony. Protect a certain person, pardon all their past and present offenses, and look kindly upon and approve their sincere repentance today.

May this merit be dedicated to the ancestral spirits of a certain person’s seven temples, their nine generations of ancestors, and all deceased forebears. May they all escape the sufferings of the underworld, ascend to blessed realms, be transformed into perfected beings, and use their blessings to benefit the living. May the ancestral shrines and burial grounds be at peace, with calamities no longer descending; may the home be secure and strange dreams and omens fade away. May Heaven and Earth be in harmony, and the sun, moon, and five planets move in orderly brightness. May wind and rain come in due season, and cold and warmth accord with the seasons. May the people be at peace, warfare cease, all under Heaven enjoy peace, and foreign enemies submit. May a certain person’s illness be cured; should there be worries over lawsuits or thieves, may harm be averted, with the specific circumstances stated as each matter requires. May every calamity be dispelled and life prolonged; may the imperial house’s virtue grow ever more illustrious, disasters in the four directions vanish, auspicious clouds gather, and the four seasons and eight seasonal markers be peaceful and harmonious. May all living beings receive blessings and good fortune, uphold the orthodox teaching, and together return to the natural order. Upon attaining the Dao, may they unite in truth with the Imperial Way.

We, your subjects, jointly submit this memorial and respectfully address the Supreme One, the Utmost True One of Nonbeing, the responsive and wondrous True Essence of the supreme, nonacting Great Dao; and the thirty-sixth Earth Emperor, Yanfú Jiàng, who governs the ninth terrestrial realm, the colorless expanse of the Abyssal Cavern.

Today, the emperor has received mysterious grace and inherited the blessings of his ancestors. He bears the heavy responsibility of governing all affairs and ruling over all the people, a burden as weighty as Mount Song and Mount Heng. He looks up to the virtue of Yao and Shun, and since succeeding to the great undertaking, he has often examined himself, mindful and apprehensive. Now moral conduct and social customs are steadily declining, and it is difficult to revive the teachings of sincerity and simplicity. Without the Great Dao’s vast protection, how could the people live in peace and contentment? At times droughts and floods strike; at times the people suffer greatly. Seeing these many disasters and epidemics, we appeal to Heaven for grace, hoping the state may be peaceful and prosperous, and the people healthy and well provided for.

Now, with utmost sincerity, we turn toward the Great Dao and take refuge in the Earth Emperor, entrusting our nature and life to the Utmost True Dao. We respectfully invite him to preside over the great Zhongyuan prayer fast of the Three Sovereigns. We are ignorant and of limited understanding, and are not people capable of assisting the grand work of the Dao. Yet, bearing our duties, we dare not betray our sworn pledge. We therefore observe the fast with care and follow the methods of the Cavern of Spirits. We establish an altar and divine seats to represent the thirty-six heavens; we burn incense and light lamps to correspond to the thirty-six earths, dispelling darkness and summoning the spirits. We proclaim a prayer for a certain person, raise banners to request blessings, reveal our hearts and loosen our hair, confess our faults before the spirits, and resolve to reform ourselves.

We respectfully invite the Earth Emperor to bestow compassionate grace and extend boundless blessings, granting the blessing of deliverance and the grace to reform. May the Great Dao be made accessible, the spirits and Qi brought into harmony, and the numinous officials united in guarding a certain person. May they pardon his immeasurable past and present offenses, and recognize and commend the sincerity of his repentance now.

May the merit of this purification ritual be dedicated to the ancestral spirits of a certain person’s seven ancestral temples, his nine generations of ancestors and seven forebears, and all the departed, so that they may be freed from the suffering of the netherworld, ascend to blessed realms, be transformed into perfected beings, and extend benefit and blessing to their living kin. May ancestral shrines and tombs be peaceful, calamities cease, homes and residences be safe, and ominous dreams and strange portents dissipate.

May Yin-Yang in Heaven and Earth be in balance; may the sun, moon, and five planets move steadily and shine clearly; may wind and rain arrive in their proper seasons, and cold and warmth accord with the calendar. May all the people find peace, warfare cease, the world be at peace, and those who oppose us submit. May a certain person’s particular illness be cured at once. If there are legal disputes or thefts, may calamity be averted according to the circumstances. May all people escape disaster and live longer; may the royal house’s virtue flourish ever more; may calamities in all directions be dispelled, auspicious clouds gather, and the seasons remain mild and harmonious.

May all sentient beings receive blessings and good fortune, follow the correct teachings together, and return to the natural Great Dao. Upon attaining the Dao, may they unite in perfection with the sovereigns.

Dongxuan Lingbao Scripture on the Zhaijiao Ritual of Reverence and Thanksgiving to the Thirty-Six Earth Emperors of the Hetu, Volume Four

1. “Seven” was originally written as “scholar”; it has been changed to “seven” to fit the context.