《金箓斋忏方仪(杜光庭集)》

Speaking with reverence: We have heard that when the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning first opened heaven and earth, he opened the five directions and settled and secured them. The True Writs—the sacred talismanic script of Daoism—then evolved and spread, distributed throughout the worlds of the ten directions, gathering light into itself. Every phenomenon of heaven and earth is governed by wondrous principles, and all merits ultimately return to the mysterious being of the Dao (the Way).

May the gods and spirits protect the peace of the state and safeguard the emperor, so that his blessed mandate may endure without end and vast grace may extend throughout the world. Now we respectfully invite the emperor to concentrate his spirit in the realm of the Dao, his heart turned toward the mysterious ford that leads across, and to prepare a grand sacrifice whose grace reaches all the people. We carefully set forth offerings of a golden dragon, jade discs, oil lamps and candles, incense and flowers, and patterned silks presented as tokens of ritual faith, and we request that the mysterious secret treasury be opened and the sacred True Writs proclaimed. We offer our lives in reverence to the Supreme Celestial Worthies of Numinous Treasure of the boundless ten directions, the Celestial Lords of the ten extremes, and all the immortals and numinous officials of the heavens and the earth, of the sun, moon, and stars, and of the famous mountains of the Five Marchmounts.

We earnestly entreat the honored deities of the altars of soil and grain—the spirits who guard the state—and the ancestral spirits of the ancestral temple to roam in spirit through the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) and dwell in peace in the Shangqing, the celestial realm of which Daoism speaks. May they be companions of the Eight Emperors at Danling and meet the Five Sovereigns in the Crimson Prefecture, their fragrant names transmitted for ten thousand generations and their grace extending in all directions.

May the emperor inherit the sagely and enlightened achievements, magnify and carry on the De (Virtue/Power) of former worthies, keep the world long at peace, and bring institutions such as carriage gauges and writing into unity. May the four seasons be harmonious, the sun, moon, and stars proceed in due order, the people be healthy, content, and joyful, and the five grains abundant. May the manner of those who possess the Dao long flourish, and the transformative teaching of rule by Wuwei (non-action) be fully carried out. May the emperor, after attaining the Dao, ascend into the formless realm and become one with the Dao.

It is reverently heard that Goumang, the spring deity of the East, acts in accordance with the statutes of Heaven and distributes gentle vital Qi (vital energy) upon the Jasper Terrace; the Azure Emperor, deity of the East, issues his commands, so that the warm and gentle spring breeze caresses the jade trees. The radiance of the sun, the moon, and the stars warms the myriad things, and a harmonious Qi fills heaven, earth, and the four directions. Birds fold their wings and then beat them in flight, and the fish in the waters leap in great numbers. Light shines upon heaven, earth, and the six directions, and the myriad things revive. Grace spreads through the four quarters, and all living beings obtain peace.

The emperor respectfully bears the ritual tokens (the pledges used in worship of the deities), devoutly establishes the sanctuary, reverently presents the True Writs (Daoist scriptures), and performs the Zhaijiao (purification ritual). He surrenders his life in refuge to the Limitless Supreme Numinous Treasure Celestial Worthy of the East, the Celestial Lords of the Nine Qi, and the immortals and numinous officers of the East. He earnestly entreats the venerable spirits of the altars of soil and grain (the deities who guard the state) and the former sages of the ancestral temple to ascend into the Three Realms, to cast off the mortal body and enter the Nine Clarities (the pure celestial realms of which Daoism speaks); that they may have audience with the assembled sovereigns at the Star Gate and, together with the immortals and perfected ones, travel the paths of Heaven.

May the emperor receive the protection of the Four Sovereigns and the assistance of the Six Emperors; may grace be deep and vast as the Eastern Sea, and life as long as the North Star. Lands within the realm and beyond the seas all receive this mysterious grace; every sentient being possessed of awareness and life long receives the teaching of the Dao (the Way). Warfare ceases, wind and rain come in their proper seasons, the Five Wefts (the five great planets) move in regular course, and the people enjoy peace and well-being. After the Dao is attained, they ascend into the realm of the formless and unite with the Dao to become perfected.

The South.

We have reverently heard: the Fire Emperor of Zhuling (the deity of the Fire De [Virtue/Power] of the South) opens the Moon Palace and sends forth radiance; the Celestial Lord Danhuo (a divine lord of the southern heavens) holds the essence of the sun and scatters brilliance. In the Jiangxiao, the Crimson Empyrean (the red cloud-heavens), they proclaim the teaching, and the sage thereby makes manifest the tally of “attaining the One”; in Chiming (the luminous realm of the heavens) they transmit the Jing (scriptures/classics), and the Son of Heaven thereby opens a calendrical destiny that reaches through the Three Powers. The sacred widely spreads this profound instruction and sets a model for later ages. It is at once the ford and bridge by which the realm is governed, and the boat that links the netherworld with the human world.

Now the emperor reverently upholds the tokens of the teaching (the pledges of devotion to the Dao [the Way]), devoutly establishes the ritual space, reads aloud and sets forth the scriptures, and observes the fasts and the Keyi (liturgy). We respectfully offer our lives in prayer to the Limitless Supreme Numinous Treasure Celestial Worthy of the South, the Celestial Lords of the Three Qi (vital energy), and the immortals and numinous officers of the South. We earnestly beseech the honored gods of the altars of soil and grain and the former sages of the ancestral temple for their protection: may the Five-Blossom Lingzhi Canopy (a floral canopy in the form of five-colored lingzhi) shelter the gods, so that they may dwell at ease in the Court of Flowing Fire; may the cloud carriages of the Three Simplicities (the cloud chariots ridden by immortals) roam the Palace of Bright Mists.

By the De of Wuwei (non-action), the emperor carries out transformative teaching; he sits composed and secure, ruling all under heaven. He opens the gates of the court to receive those who come from the four directions, and he secures the foundation of the state so that the world is at peace. The sun, moon, and stars move in due measure; the four seasons and the years are in harmony; beacon fires on the frontiers raise no alarm, and auspicious omens arrive of themselves. The people enter lives of benevolence and longevity; moral transformation spreads throughout the world, and society is peaceful and joyful. Even the departed souls in the dark springs below, together with birds, beasts, insects, and every living being, receive the protection of sagely brightness, and each finds its proper place. When cultivation of the Dao is accomplished, one ascends into the formless realm and unites with the Great Dao, becoming True.

The West.

We reverently hear that the Immortal Official Yucha, the immortal official charged with the Golden Register of names, and the immortal perfected who verify the Register of Longevity preside over the ritual registers that record the names and ranks of the immortal perfected. In the Precious Abbey of Fuluo, the Jade Emperor has established the Keyi (liturgy) and principles by which beings are delivered and brought forth into transcendence. Daoism broadly opens the true tradition and makes manifest the heritage transmitted by sages and worthies, so that the foundation of the state endures as long and firm as the tortoise and the tripod, and the imperial calendar and exalted station shine with the brilliance of the phoenix calendar.

May all beings be guided into the immortal realm of the Numinous Terrace, riding rainbow carriages as they roam the vast heavens and earth; may living beings be received into the pure realm, ascending in feathered chariots to the immortal realm of Grand Clarity. Now the emperor reverently upholds the ritual pledges, the tokens used in performing Zhaijiao (purification ritual), devoutly establishes the ritual sanctuary, sets forth and recites the true writs, and observes the rites of purification and abstinence. We respectfully take refuge and offer supplication to the Limitless Supreme Numinous Treasure Celestial Worthy of the West, the Celestial Lords of the Seven Qi (vital energy), and all the deities, immortals, and numinous officials of the western immortal realm.

We humbly pray that the honored spirits of the altars of soil and grain, the deities who protect the state, together with the ancestors of the ancestral temple and the sages and worthies of successive ages, may tread golden auroras and ride beams of light, driving jade chariots—the carriages in which immortals ride—to have audience with the true immortals, receive certification of their ranks in the celestial realm, and extend the blessings of the imperial foundation. May the emperor’s longevity equal Kunqiu, the legendary immortal mountain, and may his De (Virtue/Power) be as pure as the Lake of Dui. Holding the Three Mirrors, the bright mirrors that symbolize discernment in governance, may he rule all under heaven and pacify the myriad states of the four quarters. May wind and rain come in due season, revealing auspicious signs of abundant harvest; may this flourishing age be as in the time of Emperors Shun and Yao, manifesting the emperor’s sagely and luminous virtue. May warfare cease, so that Huaxia and the peoples of the distant frontiers all find peace; may heaven and earth remain forever clear and bright, and hundreds of millions of people share together in great peace. After attaining the Dao (the Way), may they ascend into the realm of the formless and become one with the Dao.

The North.

We, your servants, have respectfully heard that the spirits who guard the mountains manifest wondrous signs and, by means of the Yin quarter (the north), secure their station; the Mysterious Mound (Xuanqiu) is deep green and holds the place of honor in the north. Born through the transformation of the One Qi (vital energy), they contain the original source of the myriad things, and they further differentiate the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and humanity, so that all things converge in the Dao (the Way). Looking upward, they receive the movement of Heaven’s Dao; above, they protect the sovereign’s dwelling, and they preside over the gates of transgression and blessing, making plain the distinct orders of the unseen realm and the human world.

Now the emperor upholds the ritual pledges (tokens offered in Daoist ceremonial worship), reverently establishes the ritual sanctuary, recites and sets forth the Daoist scriptures (Jing), and performs the rites of purification. We, your servants, entrust our lives to the Boundless Most High Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure of the North, the Heavenly Lords of the Five Qi, and the immortal divinities and numinous officers of the north, and we earnestly beseech the honored gods of the altars of soil and grain and the former sages of the ancestral temple to bestow their blessing: may they draw the numinous spring in the Purple Prefecture (the immortal realm) and ride jade phoenixes upon the Mysterious Isle (Xuanzhou, a legendary island of immortals); may they grant grace that continues without end, so that its radiance spreads across seas and mountains.

The emperor’s merit extends throughout the world, and his sagely virtue accords with the great Dao of Heaven and Earth. His grace is broadly bestowed, boundless as the dark sea, and he governs the multitude as the North Star leads from the center. May the calamities of war brought by golden rays and jade crossbows (objects symbolizing weapons and martial might) disperse forever, and may the signs of Heaven and the rites and music of the human world all correspond to an age of great peace. May the borders be at peace and the five grains abundant; may birds and beasts, together with the living creatures of the waters, all receive this grace and its transforming teaching. When the Dao has been cultivated and attained, may they ascend into the formless realm and become one with the great Dao.

Northeast.

We respectfully have heard that, when heaven and earth first divided, primordial Qi (vital energy) differentiated and the Dao (the Way) of Heaven moved on without end. The sun, moon, and stars began to appear, and from them the myriad things took form, each in its proper order. Auspicious light manifested in the Yin quarter (the northeast), and golden radiance spread across the Gen region (the northeast). This radiance protects the emperor’s mandate from Heaven and causes the blessed fortune of the state to flourish; auspicious patterns unfold and bring peace to all under heaven.

Now the emperor reverently holds the faxin—the tokens of faith offered in the performance of Daoist Zhaijiao (purification rituals)—devoutly establishes the ritual space, respectfully presents the Daoist scriptures (Jing), and conducts the rites of fasting and purification. We take refuge and offer our prayers to the Limitless Supreme Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure of the northeast, the Heavenly Lord of Brahma-Qi, and the host of immortals and numinous officers of the northeast.

We earnestly invite the honored deities of the altars of soil and grain—the gods who guard the state and the land—together with the successive sage ancestors of the ancestral temple, to fly to the realm of the Azure Origin and descend upon the terrace of the azure empyrean, secretly exerting divine power so that the blessed fortune of the state may truly prosper. May the emperor respond to the signs of Heaven and win the allegiance of all the people under heaven; may his sagely brilliance shine like the sun and moon, and his lifespan endure as long as heaven and earth. May he proclaim abroad the civil order and the teaching of virtue, and display in every quarter the awe of martial achievement; may the crops be abundant and the alarms of war be stilled. May the Nine Darknesses and the Six Paths—the depths of the underworld and the various destinations through which beings pass in transmigration—alike receive vast grace, and may distant borderlands and desolate places also be bathed in Heaven’s favor. May all beings, once they have attained the Dao, ascend into the formless realm and become one with the Dao.

The Southeast.

We, your ministers, have respectfully heard: the stone pylons, stone gate-towers of the immortal realm, rise aloft, their hanging ornaments set in proper order, and the solemn figures of the perfected immortals appear in the immortal realm of the Xun quarter, the southeast. Bronze steps lead upward, and within the Brahma palaces, the celestial palaces of the Dao, the countenances of the true immortals take manifest form. Vast waves encircle courtyards that never fall into night, and golden clouds and mists shroud the peaks of long life. The Three Hu, the legendary immortal mountains of the sea, stand side by side, and the Nine Seas are clear and bright. This is the place where the ways of the sovereigns converge, and the hundred streams gather as if coming to audience with their ruler.

Now the emperor reverently holds the tokens of faith, the pledges expressing devotion in the Zhaijiao (purification ritual), respectfully establishes the sacred ritual space, proclaims the true writs, the Daoist scriptures, and carries out the rites of purification and fasting. We, your ministers, entrust our lives to the Limitless Most High Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure of the southeast, the Celestial Lord of Brahma-Qi (vital energy), and the immortal spirit-officials of the southeast. We earnestly beseech the protection of the honored spirits of the altars of soil and grain, the deities who safeguard the state, and of the former sages of the ancestral temple: that they may cross the great rivers as whales swim and journey long and far, with feathered guards and ceremonial escorts attending in orderly ranks; that they may proceed toward the immortal mountains borne on the back of the giant turtle, the roads among the clouds distant and faint.

May the emperor’s honored titles be widely proclaimed and his imperial grace spread afar; may his achievements surpass those of Shennong and Suiren, his renown shine ever more brightly, and his virtue excel that of Xuanyuan and Zhurong, in sagely brilliance without peer. May the sun, moon, and stars move in harmony, and the Five Wei, the five planets, each follow their constant courses; may feathered guards and ceremonial escorts attend in orderly ranks as he roams long toward the immortal mountains borne on the back of the giant turtle, the roads among the clouds distant and faint. May the emperor’s honored titles be widely proclaimed and his imperial grace spread afar; may his achievements surpass those of Shennong and Suiren, his renown shine ever more brightly, and his virtue excel that of Xuanyuan and Zhurong, in sagely brilliance without peer. May the sun, moon, and stars move in harmony, and the Five Wei each follow their constant courses.

May the people dwell in peace and concord, each prosperous and long-lived; may all the living beings of the unseen realm and the human world receive the profound grace of the Dao (the Way). May all beings, once they have attained the Dao, ascend into the formless realm and unite with the Dao to become perfected.

Southwest

We, your servants, have respectfully heard that the Golden Perfected (Jinzhen, a Daoist title for exalted divine perfected beings) nurture the fortunes of the age and cast the reflection of the golden mirror over the Shen suburbs (the western countryside), and that the Jade Sage governs the times and shines the jade candle (a symbol of brightness and harmony) across the four quarters of the earth. Wondrous merit protects within the dark and unseen, preserving the enduring great enterprise of ten thousand ages; supreme De (Virtue) secretly accords with the Dao (the Way) of Heaven, so that the destiny of the state continues unbroken for seven hundred years. The blessings of the gods are thus able to descend, and the imperial Mandate of Heaven is made radiant and new.

Now the emperor upholds the Faxin (the tokens of faith offered when a Zhaijiao, the purification ritual, is performed), devoutly establishes the altar ground, reverently opens and reads the true scriptures, and carries out the purification rites. We, your servants, commit our lives in refuge and offer our prayers to the Limitless Most High Celestial Worthy of Lingbao of the Southwest (Wuji Taishang Lingbao Tianzun), the Heavenly Lord of Brahma-Qi (Fanqi Tianjun; Qi, vital energy), and all the immortals and numinous officers of the southwest.

We earnestly beseech the honored deities of the altars of soil and grain and the ancestral spirits of the ancestral temple to leave the dark and silent realm and ascend into the bright realm of the immortals. May favor extend to sons and grandsons, and may profound and mysterious blessings descend upon the imperial house. May the emperor’s longevity equal that of Mount Song and Mount Heng, and his radiance shine as bright as the sun and moon; may he govern the world with the vigorous De of Qian, bringing peace to the earth. May the Divine Continent and the imperial ancestral tombs flourish generation after generation and year after year; may arms be laid down and warfare cease, and the highest good of governance be long attained. May all living beings each find their proper place, and all nations enjoy peace and well-being. After the Dao is attained, may they ascend into the formless realm and become one with the Dao.

In the original, the prayer above is repeated beginning from the words “Zhaomu,” after which a section heading for the Northwest follows.

We, your ministers, have respectfully heard that a golden city stretches for a thousand li, encircling and guarding the palaces where the sovereign dwells; resplendent halls rise tier upon tier, set in the outlying wilds of the Qian quarter of the heavenly realm and standing guard over that region. Looking up toward the three heavens of the immortal mountain Kunlun, one sees them holding in order the guiding principles of the six directions, the four seasons, and the movements of heaven and earth. This is the capital where true spirits assemble, and the model by which emperors, following the Dao (the Way) of Heaven, govern the world.

Now the emperor reverently prepares colored silks and other ritual tokens—pledges offered when the purification rite is performed—together with dragon-shaped jade discs and fragrant flowers; he respectfully presents the sacred documents and carries out the rite of fasting and purification. We, your ministers, entrust our lives to the Limitless Supreme Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure (Lingbao) of the Northwest, the Celestial Lord of Brahma-Qi (vital energy), and the immortals and numinous officials of the Northwest. We pray that the honored deities of the altars of soil and grain, and the holy spirits of the ancestral temple, may drive dragon carriages along the roads of heaven, set their ceremonial escort in order and patrol among the clouds, joyfully receive the offerings of the Nine Heavens, bestow a fair name upon later generations, and cause the imperial line to continue from age to age.

May the emperor gather his Shen (spirit) and realize the Great Dao, turning toward the immortal precinct of Xuanpu and long enjoying his honored station; with the screen at his back, may he govern the world in accord with the Dao of Heaven, forever upright as the Jade Armillary. May teaching and transformation return to clarity and stillness, and may each year bring an abundant harvest; may weapons no longer take flight, and may auspicious omens arrive in their season. May all living beings possessed of feeling and awareness accord with the ranks of the True Dao; and, once they have attained the Dao, may they ascend into the formless realm and unite with the Great Dao as the Real.

Above (wording in the rite that marks a direction or the object of worship).

We say with reverence: the supreme and unsurpassed Dao (the Way) gathers Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy); of Heaven and Earth, Heaven is the most vast. It covers the three thousand worlds without presuming to rule them, embraces five hundred million living beings, and from on high protects and blesses the myriad things. Heaven displays every kind of sign, yet without partiality; the turning of Heaven and Earth never ceases. May this great teaching flourish in clarity and bless the foundation of the imperial house.

Now we respectfully invite the emperor to uphold the tokens of faith (the offerings presented when Zhaijiao, the purification ritual, is performed), to arrange the altar, to chant and present the Daoist scriptures and documents, and to observe the fast with reverence. We entrust our lives to the Limitless Supreme Lingbao Tianzun above, and to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) in the Jade Capital, the Mysterious Metropolis, and the Golden Towers of Purple Tenuity, together with the sacred hosts and exalted perfected ones of the Three Realms and the immortals and numinous officials of the upper realm. We earnestly beg them to protect the spirits of the altars of soil and grain and the ancestors of the ancestral temple: may they raise high their rainbow banners and roam freely through the Three Realms (the realms of the Three Pure Ones in Daoist teaching); may they mount cranes and ascend to Heaven, wandering at ease beyond the Six Voids (Heaven and Earth, above and below, and the four directions).

May the emperor discern the great Dao and establish orthodox rule, receiving the Mandate of Heaven through the Dao. May his example and achievements surpass the tradition of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, and may his blessings continue from generation to generation; may he share the radiance of the sun and moon and remain long at peace with Heaven and Earth. May all under Heaven be tranquil and the myriad people healthy and content; may weapons of war not need to be used, and may civil virtue win wide trust and allegiance. All living beings in the unseen realm and in the human world may together ascend into the realm of the Dao. Having attained the Dao, they rise into the formless realm and unite with the Dao to become the True.

The words “below” at the end of the original text appear to be the opening of the next passage.

The merit with which the great earth bears the myriad things truly embodies Kun De (the Virtue of Earth: yielding and compliant, bearing and nurturing all beings). Measureless in its vastness, it covers the four directions and the eight extremities, and impartially brings forth and nourishes every kind of creature. Places such as Aopu and Pengchi are watched over by divine spirits, and the majestic numina of the Ten Mountains and the Five Marchmounts reach even to distant lands. In the Central Plain it spreads the precious methods of the Great Dao (the Way), so that the realm gathers blessings and auspicious signs of every kind.

At present the emperor reverently upholds the ritual tokens of faith, devoutly establishes the ritual arena, opens, reads, and sets forth the sacred scriptures (Jing), and performs the Zhai rites (purification ritual). We entrust our lives to the Limitless Supreme Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure of the lower direction, to the Twelve Immortal Lords, to the Zhenren (Perfected Ones) of the Nine Palaces, and, throughout the limitless worlds, to the deities who govern mountains, peaks, rivers, and streams, together with all the Lingguan (spirit officials of the Daoist pantheon).

We earnestly beseech the honored gods of the altars of soil and grain and the former sages of the ancestral temple to protect and aid us. May the immortals and Zhenren of the Three Mountains and Eight Grottoes receive from afar the emperor’s gracious summons, and may the immortals and Zhenren of Danhuo and Qingqiu continue to ascend the ranks of immortality. May the emperor manifest sagely virtue and long preside over all under heaven; turning the Jade Dipper—emblem of the motion of the celestial patterns and of imperial rule—may he govern the realm in stability and solemn dignity. May the sun, moon, and stars shine clear and bright, forever circling the imperial star of the North Pole; may the earth be broad and at peace, so that the emperor enjoys a lifespan as enduring as the Southern Mountains.

May warfare not arise, and may the harvests be abundant. Whether birds and beasts, plants and trees, insects and fish, or the host of spirits in the unseen realm, may all constantly receive the transforming nurture of the Great Dao. Once the Dao has been attained, may they ascend into the formless realm and become one with the Dao.