《金箓祈寿早午晚朝仪》

Golden Register (Jinlu) Morning Audience Ritual for Praying for Longevity

The ritual proceeds according to the prescribed rite.

The assembly bows to the ritual master, and the ritual master, following the proper method, visualizes Shen (spirit)—that is, contemplates the deities.

Recite the divine incantation:

The azure-essence Qi (vital energy) of the Primordial Heaven above is the numinous and wondrous Qi of the Nine Heavens. Sacred light spreads far and wide, illuminating the azure celestial realm of the East. Its radiance flourishes and pours into my body, settling the palaces and residences within, so that the precious hun and po souls may be nourished into being. It enables me to discern the four directions with penetrating clarity and to ascend in flight to the Jade Court.

The ritual drum is sounded twenty-four times.

The Most High Lord Lao of the Three Qi—Mystery, Origin, and Beginning—of the Unsurpassed Three Heavens summons and commands the Three-and-Five Merit Officers within my body (divine clerks who transmit documents), the emissaries of the offices of the left and right, the dragon-mounted courier officers of the left and right who bear incense, the Golden Lads who attend the incense, the Jade Maidens who convey words and scatter flowers, and the incense officers of the direct talismans of the Five Emperors on duty for the day—thirty-six of each—to step forward. All who step forward must set their attire in order, donning ceremonial robes, caps, and sashes, with ornaments hanging down.

Announce to the earth god of the Mysterious Altar and to the deities of this place: This morning I ascend the altar to practice the Dao (the Way), paying court to the imperial lords and divine perfected ones, and respectfully offer the sincerity of my heart, set out in full in the documents. May the Dao-Qi of the Most High Supreme Truth and the auspicious light of the Numinous Treasure descend and flow into our bodies, so that the sincere heart and prayers I present may be swiftly transmitted, reaching directly before the Limitless Great Dao of Supreme Truth, the Upper Sages of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and the Jade Emperor, Most Venerable Sovereign of the Golden Portal of Vast Heaven.

Declare the ritual office (the presiding officiant states his own Daoist status and titles).

Your servant So-and-so, invested with the ritual office, together with the light that draws near and descends… (what follows repeats the petition that the Dao-Qi and auspicious light descend into the body, so that the sincerity set forth may be swiftly conveyed before the Jade Emperor).

Declare the ritual office.

At the altar, your servant So-and-so, together with the officials who preside over the rite, sincerely submits this memorial: We respectfully invite the Empty and Spontaneous, and the Most True, Limitless Great Dao (Dao, the Way); the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning of the Daluo Heaven in the Holy Realm of Jade Clarity, the Supreme Lord of the Dao, and the Supreme Lord Lao; the Jade Emperor, Most Venerable of Vast Heaven, the Great Thearch of Heaven of the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity, the Great Thearch of the North Pole of the Central Palace of Purple Tenuity, and Empress Earth, Sovereign Goddess of the Soil; the Celestial Worthy of Myriad Longevity of the Mysterious Capital, the Celestial Worthy of Great Peace Who Protects the Nation, and the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Blessings and Life; the Lords and Elders of the Most True Numinous Treasure of the Seven-Jewel Tiered Terrace of the Jade Capital in the Mysterious Metropolis and of the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity; the holy multitudes of the all-pervading assembly throughout the heavens of the Golden Portal; the Upper Minister, the Upper Chancellor, the Upper Guardian, the Upper Tutor, the Junior Guardian, and the Junior Tutor; the Four Masters, the Five Emperors, the Twelve Immortal Ministers, and the Venerable Scriptures of the Thirty-Six Departments, together with the Great Ritual Master of the Mysterious Center and the Great Ritual Master of the Three Heavens.

We also respectfully invite the stellar deities of the palaces of the sun, moon, and stars, of the Bureau of the Northern Dipper, of the stars that circle the heavens, of the constellations, and of the Silver River; the Old Man of the South Pole, the Perfected Lords of the stars of Fortune, Emolument, and Longevity, the Personal Destiny Star-Lord of the emperor, the stellar officials who shine upon the imperial throne, and all perfected spirits within and beyond the Three Realms who respond to invocation.

Your servant has heard that, when the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning first opened heaven and earth, the wondrous transformation of Daoism’s pure and tranquil true influence appeared throughout the six directions and the four quarters; as the Vacuous Sovereign turned the course of Heaven, auspicious signs like the sunlight of wisdom were revealed in the eight directions. Above, this power can harmonize the Way of Heaven; below, it can order the earth. Sagely and luminous spirits established the guiding norms and, at the first opening of primordial chaos, spread the Great Dao; the people were able to dwell in peace and, after heaven and earth had been opened, received the teaching of the Great Dao. The gods preside over the movements of heaven and earth and hold the balance of the myriad things.

We, your servants, have resolved to seek the gate of the mysterious and wondrous, and we devote ourselves to cultivating the methods of the Dao. Living amid the turmoil of the dusty world, we can scarcely glimpse the Yellow Chamber (Huangfang, the inner divine chamber of which Daoism speaks); even if we leave the dust of the world and withdraw into seclusion among mountains and forests, we only gaze in vain upon the Purple Portal (Zihu, the mysterious gateway of which Daoism speaks), and have not truly comprehended the Great Dao. We vow to establish merit and to carry out the teaching, and we also hope to receive the ritual charge of the Daoist tradition, so that through cultivation we may attain perfection. Whenever we have something to entreat, how dare we fail to report it to the gods? Now, reverently accepting the command from above, we carefully perform the rite of praying for blessings and prolonging life.

The pivot star of the Northern Dipper, Dou Shu, was ringed with lightning-light, foretelling the auspicious birth of the Yellow Emperor, Xuanyuan. At Huazhu, traditionally the birthplace of Shaohao, starlight shone and opened the moment for receiving instruction and cultivating the true Dao (the Way). Whenever anything is sought, one dare not forget to report it to the deities. Now, reverently accepting the command from above, we carefully perform the rite of prayer for blessings.

Dou Shu was ringed with lightning-light, foretelling the joyful birth of the Yellow Emperor, Xuanyuan. Starlight shone on Huazhu and inaugurated the auspicious signs of the Jintian clan, Shaohao. Auspicious signs appear only with prior portents, and all accord with favorable responses. The sovereign receives the Mandate of Heaven and meets a flourishing age. Reverently welcoming His Majesty’s birthday, we carefully hold a grand celebration. May all gather around and together venerate the Stellar Lord of the North Pole, and may His Majesty’s exalted station be as lofty and enduring as the Southern Mountains. By promulgating the calendar and unifying the official beginning of the year, the realm may share one calendar and one culture. May the imperial court be bright and unified, a support for every region, and may all under Heaven be at peace. We reverently pray to Heaven for His Majesty’s long life and return our gratitude to the imperial court.

An altar is established and the Golden Register Zhaijiao (purification ritual), a Daoist rite of prayer for blessings, is performed, while scripture scrolls are unrolled and recited. Colored banners and ceremonial regalia descend through cloud and mist, and feathered canopies hang down in rich abundance. May His Majesty enjoy the Three Blessings of Huafeng—the ancients’ wishes that a sovereign live long, possess wealth, and have many sons—and may immortal music be performed through nine completions, each brought to its end as a sign that the piece is whole.

Now the morning court rite is held, and we ascend the altar to practice the Dao. The ritual assembly is invited together to take up the first stick of incense, wishing that its smoke rise into the air and be offered directly to the supreme and unsurpassed Treasure of the Dao: the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning of the Daluo Heaven, the Jade Emperor, Most Exalted of the Golden Palace, and all the supreme and unsurpassed saints of the Daluo realm. We take refuge, in body, Shen (spirit), and life, in the Dao. The ritual assembly is invited once more to take up the first stick of incense, wishing that its smoke rise and be offered to the venerable deities named above. We take refuge in body, Shen, and life, bow our heads to the ground, and rely upon the Three Venerables of the Most High and the saints of the ten directions.

May the merit of this incense be offered upward in blessing upon His Majesty the Emperor. May His Majesty’s De (Virtue/Power) accord with that of Fuxi and Xuanyuan, and may his achievements surpass those of Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou. May sources of blessing converge as the hundred rivers return to the sea, and may lofty, enduring longevity and good fortune open like the six dragons that bear the heavens. May the myriad states rely on His Majesty’s protection, and may the four seas remain forever clear and calm. Now, as incense is burned, we take refuge in the venerable masters and the great assembly of saints. May we, through utmost true De, after attaining the Dao abide forever in Heaven and unite in truth with the Dao.

The sun rises in the east and the sky grows gradually bright; we, your servants, attend with reverence. Radiant glory, riding the sunlight, shines far and near and welcomes the morning. Now, at the morning court, we ascend the altar to perform the rites of the Dao (the Way), and we respectfully invite the ritual masters and the faithful to burn these two sticks of incense together. May the incense smoke rise straight upward, offered to the supremely true and unsurpassed Treasure of the Jing (scripture/classic), to the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure of the Jade Court, to the Great Celestial Emperor of Purple Tenuity, and to the hosts of perfected immortals and sages of the Palace of Yuyu Heaven.

We, your servants, take refuge with body, Shen (spirit), and life in the Three Worthies of the Most High and the sages of the ten directions. We wish to dedicate the merit of burning this incense to His Majesty the Emperor. We respectfully pray that the four seasons proceed in their proper order and that all nations under heaven be at peace, and that the supreme Dao and De (Virtue/Power) be cultivated to completion.

We, your servants, once again take refuge with body, Shen, and life in the Three Worthies of the Most High and the sages of the ten directions. We wish to dedicate the merit of burning this incense to His Majesty the Emperor. We respectfully pray that the four seasons proceed in their proper order and that all nations under heaven be at peace; that the supreme Dao and De and benevolence be cultivated, so that the bounty of blessings grows ever deeper; and that the Shen, the Jing (essence), and the Qi (vital energy) of Hunyuan (the Primordial) be harmonized, forever preserving the blessing of long life. May all alike cherish hearts of compassion and together rejoice in the vision of Great Peace.

As the incense is now burned, we, your servants, take refuge in the venerable masters and the great assembly of sages. May we, by the De of the supremely true, after attaining the Dao forever preserve long life, and at last become one with the Dao.

Heaven favors no one and assists only those who possess De (Virtue/Power). The Dao (the Way) of Heaven moves according to its own constant order, and the Lord on High cherishes life. Doing good brings auspicious fortune, and this makes plain that the intention of the Lord on High rests only upon those who possess De. Sunlight illuminates the realm of longevity (the immortal realm invoked in prayers for long life), and the morning light shines upon the court assembly (the ranks lined up for the audience rite).

This morning the early-court ceremony is held. Ascending the altar to practice the Dao (performing Keyi (liturgy) upon the Daoist altar), we invite the ritual assembly present to offer incense three times in turn. May the incense smoke rise into the air and be offered directly to the Unsurpassed Teacher Treasure of Supreme Perfection (the highest teacher-lord revered in Daoism), the Celestial Worthy, Mysterious Elder of the Five Numina, the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity and the Northern Pole, Houtu, the August Spirit of Earth, and the countless holy hosts of the Great Scarlet Heavenly Palace.

We take refuge and dedicate our bodies, our Shen (spirit), and our nature and life, prostrating in reverence and reliance upon the Three Worthies of the Most High and the sages of the ten directions. By the merit of this incense offering, we pray for blessings upon His Majesty the Emperor. We respectfully wish that the morning air be clear and bright and the Emperor’s sacred person peaceful and well; that Heaven and Earth accord in their De, broadly extending the humane influence that teaches and nurtures the myriad beings; and that the Four Seas and the Five Marchmounts manifest their numinous power and together acclaim the supreme goodness of governance in an age of great peace. May the auspicious clouds brought forth by the host of saints shine in splendor, and may sweet dew gather into omens of good fortune.

Today we specially burn incense and take refuge in the Venerable Teacher, the great holy assembly, and the De of supreme perfection. May we, once we have attained the Dao, long preserve the destiny ordained by Heaven and unite with the Dao so as to become perfected.

To salute the directions is to pay respect according to the prescribed orientation. Confession is to state one’s faults and pray that they be removed. Pacing the Void is the ritual segment in which Daoist priests coordinate their steps with chanted recitation. The Three Invitations are the rite of inviting the divinities to descend, performed three times. The Three Salutations are three acts of worship directed toward the divinities. To proclaim ritual rank once more is to declare one’s ritual office again.

I, your servant So-and-so, respectfully presenting this memorial, with the utmost sincerity submit it to the Supreme Venerables of the Three Realms, the Highest Sages of the Ten Blossoms, the Celestial Emperors and Celestial Perfected of the Jade Capital and the Golden Portals, the true deities of the sun, moon, and stars, the revered teachers and holy assemblies of the ten directions, the officials of the Three Worlds, and all true spirits. We humbly beg you to extend great compassion and to descend and look upon us.

I have heard that eight thousand years count as only a single spring and autumn, and that people all admire a longevity like that of the sacred chun tree, a legendary divine tree of long life. Hoping as well that the sovereign may enjoy blessings and a lifespan as enduring as heaven and earth, they once more set forth the auspicious words of blessing in the Hongfan. Looking up to the supreme sovereign of the August Pivot, even words of praise can hardly say all that is due.

We are honored to meet the birthday of His Sacred Majesty. Reverently obeying the imperial command, we perform a pure, quiescent, and mysterious Keyi (liturgy), as if in His Majesty’s very presence; and, praying that fortune and blessing may flourish, we again and again pour out the whole of our loyalty. The hearing of the celestial court is not remote, yet its mysterious divine achievement is hard to fathom. May the deities descend in response and extend their discernment to all.

May the destined course of the imperial dynasty gain added radiance, and may the palace overflow with joy like a day in spring. May the branches and leaves of the imperial house continue without end, blessings unbroken, and the myriad states celebrate with one voice. May every year bring a plentiful harvest, and may the myriad beings be free of disaster and disease. May warfare on the borders cease forever, and may auspicious signs appear all around the capital region. May the four seas be at peace and the Yellow River run clear, and may wind and rain come in their proper season. In this way, above, the compassionate teaching of the Celestial Worthies may be shown forth, and below, the sincere hearts of us servants who take refuge and pray may be answered. We respectfully submit this memorial.

The Twelve Vows

Preserving the Spirits and Burning Incense

Emissaries of the Incense Office, the Dragon Lords and Tiger Lords of the left and right, guardian divine generals, and all the numinous officers who attend the incense: please cause the place where we servants, just now at dawn, ascended the altar to practice the Dao (the Way) to bring forth of itself such immortal auspicious signs as golden liquor, cinnabar-and-azure radiance, and the flowering essence of the numinous mushroom, so that the hundred spirits and the host of the Perfected may gather before this incense burner. May sagely illumination look down in discernment and turn its light upon this place, and may the sincere devotion of us servants receive a response. We ask the immortal lads and jade maidens of the ten directions to come and attend, and by the fragrant vapor of orchid incense to convey the sincerity of the memorial we servants have just presented, so that it may swiftly and directly arrive before the Most Perfect and Limitless Great Dao, the Highest Sages of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and the Jade Emperor, Supreme Sovereign of Vast Heaven, at his Golden Portal.

When the recitation in the hall is finished, the merit is dedicated—that is, the merit of the scripture-recitation liturgy is turned toward the matter being prayed for.

Golden Register Rite for Praying for Longevity, Morning Court Audience

Golden Register Rite for Praying for Longevity, Noon Court Audience

The ritual service is carried out according to the liturgy.

All ritual masters—the Daoist priests who preside over the rites—practice contemplation and visualization in accordance with the method, concentrating the spirit and visualizing as the ritual protocol requires.

Please proclaim the divine incantation:

Cinnabar blossoms turn and cast their light; the precious zhi, the numinous fungus that symbolizes auspiciousness, gives forth radiance. The Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) of the divinities pass through the dark and hidden realms, and numinous Qi spreads in all eight directions. The duty-talisman officers, divine clerks who keep watch over the talismanic mandate, gather primordial Qi and summon the Vermilion Lads, the child attendants beside the divinities. The Three Essences—what Daoism calls the essential Qi of the sun, moon, and stars—spread their splendor and pour it into my Crimson Palace, the palace of the heart within the body. The Red Spirit settles and stands guard; five kinds of fragrance fill the whole body. Bright light shines out beyond the bodily form, so that inside and outside alike gleam. Within the body water and fire generate one another; I walk alone and ascend in flight, joining in harmony with the Great Dao (the Way). This harmonized Qi is then poured once more into the Crimson Palace, so that the Red Spirit settles and stands guard, the five fragrances fill the body, light illuminates inside and outside, water and fire generate one another, one walks alone in flight, and becomes one with the Great Dao.

The ritual drum is sounded twenty-four times—struck twenty-four times according to the rite.

Most High Lord Lao of the Three Qi of Mystery, Origin, and Beginning, of the Unsurpassed Three Heavens—one of the supreme deities venerated in Daoism—please summon forth from within my body the Three-and-Five Merit Officers, the divine clerks who transmit memorials and communicate with the gods; the official messengers of the left and right; the dragon-mounted courier clerks of the left and right who bear incense; the Golden Lads who attend the incense; the Jade Maidens who convey words and scatter flowers; and the duty-talisman officers of the Five Emperors together with the incense officials of the day on duty—thirty-six of each. When they have come forth, let them set their robes and caps in order, dress with solemn dignity, with caps and sashes neatly arranged and tasseled ribbons hanging down.

Let them announce to the Earth Deity of the Mysterious Altar and to the deities of every quarter of this place: I am now performing the noon court audience, the court liturgy held at midday, ascending the altar to practice the Dao and paying homage to the imperial lords and true divinities. I respectfully offer the sincere prayers of my heart; the particulars have all been written in the documents.

May the Qi of the Dao of the Most High and the Utmost Truth, together with the auspicious light of the Numinous Treasure, descend and flow into our bodies, so that the sincere prayers I have set forth may swiftly reach the presence of the Utmost True and Limitless Great Dao, the Upper Sages of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and the Jade Emperor, Most Venerable Lord on High of the Golden Portal of Vast Heaven.

Please announce the ritual offices of those performing the liturgy—the titles and names of office used in Daoist ritual.

The official in office, So-and-so, together with the officers and the Daoist assembly before the altar, sincerely and reverently memorializes and petitions the honored deities: the empty and spontaneous, supremely exalted Dao (the Way), and the celestial worthies of the Holy Realm of Jade Clarity—the Yuanshi Tianzun of the Daluo Heaven, the Most High Lord of the Dao, the Most High Lord Lao, the Jade Emperor, the Heavenly Sovereign Great Emperor, the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole, the Sovereign Earth Goddess of Empress Earth—and the other celestial worthies. We also petition the Celestial Worthy of Myriad Longevity of the Mysterious Capital, the Celestial Worthy of Great Peace Who Protects the State, and the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Blessing and Life, together with the Perfected Lords of the Numinous Treasure in the Jade Capital of the Mysterious Metropolis and the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity, the holy hosts of the heavens, immortal officials of every rank, the Four Masters and Five Emperors, the Twelve Immortal Ministers, the Venerable Scriptures of the Thirty-Six Departments, and the ritual masters.

We likewise petition the sun, moon, and stars, the stellar bureau of the Northern Dipper, the constellations circling the heavens, and the stars of the Heavenly River, as well as the Old Man of the Southern Pole, the Perfected Lord of the Stars of Fortune, Emolument, and Longevity, the Emperor’s natal star-lord, the stellar officers who shine upon the imperial seat, and every spirit within and beyond the Three Realms that can respond to this matter.

We have heard that the Great Dao opened the world at the beginning of chaos and set Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, the Three Powers, side by side, while the gods dwell in realms vast and profound and emerge by degrees through the stages in which the cosmos comes into being. Above, they answer the high and luminous patterns of heaven; below, they reach throughout the broad and solid earth. The Qi (vital energy) of the Great Brahma sends down its radiance in sacred writing like cloud-seal script, and the Way of ultimate truth reveals numinous texts, empty and mysterious. Precious millet hangs in the mysterious void, and clear jade tones resound across the wide heavens. The transmission of Daoist Keyi (liturgy) has passed through a hundred million kalpas, and the teaching was disclosed before Heaven and Earth took form.

We are fortunate to wear the robes of the Dao and to receive its teaching. Our learning is slight, and we are truly ashamed; we can only rely on the teaching’s breadth and forbearance. Now that the sacred birthday of His Majesty has come, we specially and solemnly hold a prayer rite of the Mysterious Gate. We take refuge in the lofty ranks of the gods with full reverence, and whatever we entreat we dare not fail to present above. Obeying the command from on high, we perform the rite of birthday blessing.

The bright moon shines with a luster like fine jade, and good fortune descends as in the auspicious signs of ancient Zhuanxu’s age; auspicious clouds answer the patterns of heaven, and happy omens appear as in the flourishing age of the Tang. The Southern Pole governs fortune, emolument, and the allotted years, so that blessing and longevity stretch long; the Northern Pole adds to the span of life, so that life endures. The Heavenly Sovereign is said to have lived eighteen thousand years, long-lived because his nature was clear and still; Guangchengzi lived one thousand two hundred years and did not age, because he held to the Way of empty harmony.

Now, on His Majesty’s birthday, we set out the jiao offering and perform the Daoist liturgy. At this noon hour we ascend the altar to practice the Way, and we ask the ritual assembly present to rouse the sincere intention of the first offering of incense. May this incense smoke rise into the void and ascend directly, to make offering to the supremely true and peerless Treasure of the Dao—the Yuanshi Tianzun of the Daluo Heaven, the Jade Emperor Most Venerable of the Golden Portal, and all the saints of ultimate truth in the Daluo Heaven.

Taking refuge with body, Shen (spirit), and life, we prostrate ourselves and rely upon the Three Venerables of the Most High and the saints of the ten directions. By the merit of burning incense, we pray for His Majesty the Emperor: may his Dao and De (Virtue/Power) be comparable to those of the Three Sovereigns, and his renown surpass that of the Five Emperors; lofty as Riguan Peak on the summit of Mount Tai, may his blessing and longevity stand towering and long; may the source of his good fortune run far, like the Heavenly River joined to the springs of Kunlun, vast without limit. May the world be at peace and the four quarters come to assemble; may his achievements be fulfilled and his fame carried far. May the regions present precious gifts and honor the court; may the institutions and writing of the world be brought into one, and may all people be as stars surrounding the Northern Pole.

Now, with burning incense, we reverently take refuge in the Master and the holy assembly. May we realize the De of ultimate truth and, having attained the Dao, abide forever in heaven, becoming one with the Great Dao.

The call announcing the hours of daylight sounds forth, as if the Son of Heaven himself rejoices at it. In the court ceremony the assembly seems to behold a rainbow streaming and mirrored at the water’s edge and, like white egrets drawn up in ranks, enters court in due order. It is now high noon. The ritual master and all who take part in the rite are invited to ascend the altar and practice the Dao (the Way), together pinching incense and presenting offerings. May the incense smoke rise into the air and directly honor the supreme, unsurpassed treasure of the Jing (scripture), Yuchen Lingbao Tianzun, the Heavenly Worthy of the Numinous Treasure of the Jade Palace, Ziwei Tianhuang Dadi, the Great Celestial Emperor of Purple Tenuity, and the host of perfected immortals and sages in the palaces of Yuyu Heaven.

Body, Shen (spirit), and life all take refuge in the tradition of the Dao. We prostrate ourselves and knock our heads upon the ground, relying on the Three Worthies of the Most High and the sacred host of the ten directions. By the merit of burning incense we pray blessings for His Majesty the Emperor: may good fortune and celebration continue without end as he presides over all under heaven; may envoys of every land come to audience bearing jade and silk, and may the world be as harmonious and joyful as a day in spring; may the emperor rule with hands folded in his sleeves, pacifying the four quarters, so that the court is pure and clear and the realm is at peace. May his lifespan be as long and steadfast as Mount Hua and Mount Song, and his favor as vast and deep as the sea; may divine spirits protect him, blessings flourish, and Heaven bestow abundant good fortune.

For this we burn incense and take refuge in the revered masters and the great assembly of sages. May we, by the De (Virtue/Power) of the Supremely Perfected, after attaining the Dao, abide forever in heaven, unite with the Great Dao, and become perfected.

At noon the sunlight shines upon all, and every being receives its radiance. Now once again we reverently observe the True Regulations, the norms of Daoist ritual, and express our sincerity. May we, by the De of the Supremely Perfected, after attaining the Dao, abide forever in heaven, unite with the Great Dao, and become perfected.

The sun has risen to high noon, and all things bathe in the sunlight that shines upon everything. Once again we reverently perform the rites of Daoism and, with earnest hearts, pray to come into sympathetic communion with the divinities. It is now midday; the assembly ascends the altar to practice the Dao (the Way). Those of the ritual company present are asked to offer incense three times. May the incense smoke rise into the air and ascend directly, presented to the supremely true and unsurpassed Treasure of the Masters, the Celestial Worthy of the Five Numina, the Mysterious Elder; to the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity and the Northern Pole; to the August Earth God of Sovereign Earth; and to the boundless host of sages in the Palace of Great Scarlet Heaven.

We take refuge in the Dao with body, heart and spirit, and life, bowing in full prostration and looking up in reliance upon the Three Venerables of the Most High and the holy assembly of the ten directions. By the merit of burning incense, we pray blessings for His Majesty the Emperor: may the allotted course of the throne prosper, and the branches and leaves of the imperial house flourish; may the realm long remain peaceful and secure, and the four quarters widely open a destiny of Great Peace; may the emperor’s years be long, and celebration be general throughout the world and the four seas; may good fortune gather and blessings arrive together. Now, as we burn incense, we take refuge in the Venerable Master and the great host of sages, praying to follow the De (Virtue/Power) of supreme truth; and, once the Dao is attained, may we long endure in heaven and become one with the Dao.

Homage to the Directions (the liturgical procedure of worship). Confession (stating one’s faults before the divinities and praying for forgiveness). Commanding the Demons (the Keyi, or liturgy, in the rite for summoning or subduing demonic obstructions). The Three Invitations (three acts of petition). The Three Salutations (three acts of worship). Renewed Declaration of Ritual Office (again proclaiming the ritual master’s name and ritual rank).

I, your servant, surnamed So-and-so, with utmost sincerity respectfully address the Supreme Worthies of the Three Realms—the highest honored deities of the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water—the Superior Saints of the Ten Blossoms, the Celestial Emperors and the Celestial Perfected within the Jade Capital and the Golden Towers, the gods of the sun, moon, and stars, the revered masters and holy assemblies of the ten directions, the official subordinates of the Three Realms, and the sacred images venerated upon the Jiao altar together with all majestic spirits:

I have heard that the sovereign who rules all between Heaven and Earth enjoys a lifespan coextensive with Heaven and never declines into old age; the way of ordering the state flourishes, brilliant as the sun at high noon. Every kind of auspicious celebration gathers, and the Five Blessings—long life, wealth and honor, health and peace, love of virtue, and a good end—are profound and far-reaching. The sovereign does not impose vexatious severity, yet the world is brought to great order; he further cultivates and clarifies rites and music and instructs the people. Seated facing south to receive court homage, the ministers surround him as the stars guard the Pole Star dwelling at the center. Thus the four seas are settled and blessings extend to the myriad states; assisting the bright spirits as they put forth their wondrous efficacy, he secures the state and the ancestral temples for a long time to come.

Heaven above has opened a blessed realm of longevity, and today we begin the mysterious and subtle Keyi (liturgy). The ritual arena has been cleansed, and the ceremonial array is solemn and strict. We, your servants, turn our hearts as one toward the ten directions and look upward, awaiting the immortal retinues to arrive together at the altar. We pray that the Nine Categories—the guiding principles of governance and of the bestowal of blessing—send down good fortune, and we wish the state lasting stability. We earnestly beg the honored deities to look down upon this Jiao rite, to admonish and inspect each office in the performance of its duty, to record the numbers of longevity in the cyan registers, and to perceive clearly the sovereign’s sincere and loyal heart. May the Five Phases (Wuxing: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) move in accord with their constant norms, and may the Seven Luminaries—the sun, the moon, and the five stars of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—each follow its proper course. May the Six Qi (vital energies) be brought into harmony, sweet dew fall from Heaven as an auspicious sign, the host of the Perfected rejoice in celebration, and numinous springs well up from the earth. May the harvests be plentiful, Heaven and Earth be harmonious, grace reach every quarter, and the transforming influence of De (Virtue/Power) cover the whole world. In this way, above, the vast compassionate teaching of the Celestial Worthies (Tianzun) may be made manifest, and below, the sincerity with which we, your servants, devote our hearts and fulfill our charge may be answered. Respectfully we submit this address, and humbly beg that it be examined and accepted.

The Twelve Vows

Preserving the Spirits and Burning Incense

Envoys of the Incense Officers, Lords of Dragon and Tiger on the left and the right, and all the numinous officers who attend the incense: please cause the place where your servant earlier, at the noon audience, ascended the altar and practiced the Dao (the Way) spontaneously to produce a quintessence like golden liquor and like cinnabar and azure. May the hundred spirits and the host of the Perfected gather together before this incense burner and receive the offering of incense fire. May the essence…

Incense Official Messengers, Dragon-Tiger Lords of the Left and Right (divine generals who guard the incense fire), and all the Numinous Officers who attend the incense: let the place where I, your servant, just now ascended the altar at the noon audience to practice the Dao (the Way) spontaneously bring forth an essence like golden liquor and cinnabar-azure radiance. The hundred numinous beings and the host of Perfected (the many deities and realized persons who have attained the Dao) assemble before this incense burner. May my utmost sincerity move and reach the divinities, so that sacred longevity may be prolonged. May the immortal lads and jade maidens of the ten directions come to attend, so that the incense smoke may convey the sincere heart I have just presented, swiftly and directly into the presence of the Supreme Perfected and Limitless Great Dao, the Upper Sages of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and the Jade Emperor, Most Venerable Sovereign of the Golden Portal of Vast Heaven.

Hymn on Leaving the Hall

The Foregoing (taking up the preceding rite)

Noon Audience Rite of the Golden Register Prayer for Longevity (the noon court-audience ritual of the Golden Register prayer for longevity)

Evening Audience Rite of the Golden Register Prayer for Longevity (the evening court-audience ritual of the Golden Register prayer for longevity)

The ritual service is performed according to the liturgical order.

All ritual masters taking part in the worship, in accordance with the prescriptions of the rite, visualize the spirits and recite in silence.

Please proclaim the divine incantation:

In the void above the north, within the Qi (vital energy) of Great Mystery, the five kinds of primordial Qi circulate back and forth. Five tiers of precious blossoms open, their streaming light brilliant. Numinous and wondrous scenes flourish in elegant beauty, illuminating the deep and secluded celestial realms. Looking upward, the numinous Qi of heaven pours into my body, rendering the inner viscera clear and unobstructed. I settle and guard the numinous abode, so that all the spirits return to their proper places. Feathered robes arise upon my person, and my whole bodily form ascends in flight to become an immortal. Thereby I join in harmony with the Great Dao and return to the true Dao.

Sound the ritual drum twenty-four times (strike the ritual drum twenty-four times, so as to reach the divinities and open the rite).

The Most High Lord Lao of the Three Qi of Mystery, Origin, and Beginning of the Unsurpassed Three Heavens summons forth from within my body, his servant’s, the Merit Officers of the Three and Five (divine clerks who transmit documents and convey commands), the messengers of the offices of the left and right, the dragon-mounted relay clerks of the left and right who bear incense, the golden lads who attend the incense, the jade maidens who transmit words and scatter flowers, and the incense officials of the direct talismans of the Five Emperors on duty for the day—thirty-six of each kind. He further summons forth the office messengers, the dragon-mounted relay clerks of the left and right who bear incense, the golden lads who attend the incense, the jade maidens who transmit words and scatter flowers, and the incense officials of the direct talismans of the Five Emperors on duty for the day—thirty-six of each kind. The divine clerks and messengers who come forth must all compose their bearing, dress in proper order, set cap and sash correctly, with tassels hanging down.

Please announce to the Earth God of the Mysterious Altar and the divinities of this place: this evening I, your servant, will ascend the altar to practice the Dao, pay court to the Sovereign Lords and Perfected Ones, and reverently offer the sincere intentions I hold; the relevant matters have all been entered in the documents. May the Dao-Qi of the Most High Supreme Perfected and the auspicious light of the Numinous Treasure descend and flow into the bodies of me and those with me, so that the sincerity I set forth may swiftly and directly reach the presence of the Supreme Perfected and Limitless Great Dao, the Upper Sages of the Three Pure Ones, and the Jade Emperor, Most Venerable Sovereign of the Golden Portal of Vast Heaven.

Please Announce the Ritual Office (please declare the ritual title and rank of the one performing the rite).

The chief ritual master of the altar, together with the officials of the same altar, with sincere hearts jointly submit a memorial and respectfully invite the Great Dao (the Way) of empty spontaneity, supreme truth, and the limitless, as well as the Great Luo Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning in the holy realm of Jade Clarity, the Supreme Lord of the Dao, the Supreme Lord Lao, the Jade Emperor Most Venerable of August Heaven, the Celestial Sovereign Great Emperor of the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity, the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole in the Central Palace of Purple Tenuity, the Sovereign Earth Goddess of Empress Earth, the Celestial Worthy of Myriad Longevity of the Mystic Capital, the Jade Emperor Who Protects the Venerable in Great Peace, the Celestial Worthy Who Protects the State in Great Peace, the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Blessings and Life, and all the divine perfected. They also respectfully invite the perfected lords and elders of Numinous Treasure in the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity, upon the seven-treasure tiered terrace of the Jade Capital in the Mystic Metropolis; the host of sages of the golden pylons throughout the heavens; the senior chancellors and senior stewards, the senior guardians and senior tutors, the junior guardians and junior tutors; the Four Masters and Five Emperors; the Twelve Immortal Ministers; the venerable scriptures of the Thirty-Six Departments; the Great Ritual Master of the Mystic Center and the Great Ritual Masters of the Three Heavens; together with the sun, moon, and stars, the stellar mansions of the Dipper Bureau, the Old Man of the Southern Pole, the Perfected Lords of the stars of fortune, emolument, and longevity, the Star Lord of the emperor’s personal destiny, the divinities who shine upon the imperial seat, and every responsive perfected spirit within and beyond the Three Realms.

We have heard that the Great Dao has neither name nor form, and quietly gathers within primordial Qi (vital energy); that each of the myriad things has its allotted measure and comes into being of itself, while the Dao moves in silence amid the profusion of appearances. A hidden radiance illuminates the vault of heaven, and the true qi of the Dao spreads through the world. The Dao is profound and hard to put into words; it transforms and nurtures the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and humankind. Its merit is vast, yet it does not claim that merit as its own; reaching in every direction, it brings the growth of all things to completion.

We are of ordinary capacity and shallow understanding. Though we wish to live close to what is natural, in clarity, stillness, and self-possession, and to hold firmly to a plain resolve, and though we often contemplate the Great Dao, inquire into its mysterious principles, and reverently keep a heart of pure sincerity, we now, on this holy birthday, presume to preside over a purification rite of prayer for longevity, raising our gaze and bowing before the steps of the divinities, and to proclaim and perform the ritual according to the secretly transmitted ceremonial canon.

Here “zhaike” refers to the Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual), and “shengdan” refers to a divinity’s birthday. A passage in the original is repeated, and after the character shu the sense does not continue coherently; the foregoing follows the meaning that can be discerned.

This passage of the liturgy in the Golden Register Ritual for Praying for Longevity, with Its Morning, Noon, and Evening Audiences, first praises the emperor’s virtue (De) and his blessings and long life. It then explains that the evening audience is held tonight: the ritual assembly ascends the altar to practice the Dao (the Way), burns incense, and offers worship, praying that the incense smoke will rise into the air as an offering to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning of the Daluo Heaven (Daluo Yuanshi Tianzun), the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Shangdi), and the many holy perfected beings.

The liturgy says that the assembly, with body, spirit (Shen), and nature and life, takes refuge in the Three Venerables of the Most High and the holy multitudes of the ten directions, and dedicates the merit of the incense offering to the emperor. It prays that his virtue will surpass that of the emperors of every age, that his grace will reach throughout the world, that his lifespan will endure as long as the azure heaven, and that the state will flourish and its destiny continue without end. “Age of the chun” (chunling) borrows the long-lived Chinese toon tree as a wish for longevity; “fortune of the state” (guozuo) refers to the destiny of the nation.

Finally, the assembly once more burns incense and takes refuge in the masters and the holy multitudes, praying that after attaining the Dao they may abide forever and unite in perfection with the Great Dao. Colored clouds and mist float in the air, and clouds of incense gather like green jade, symbolizing the reverent, devout, and unremitting devotion of those who pay court.

Multicolored clouds of Qi (vital energy) float in the air, and incense smoke gathers into blue-green clouds and roseate mists. The mind that comes to pay court in the morning remains sincere and reverent without wavering, and at night one constantly holds a heart of awe and careful caution. Tonight the evening court rite is held; we ascend the altar to carry out the rites of the Dao (the Way), and we invite the ritual assembly present to offer incense in turn. May this incense smoke rise into the void and ascend directly, to present offerings to the supreme and unsurpassed treasure of the Jing (scripture/classic), the Celestial Worthy of Jade Aurora and Numinous Treasure, the Great Thearch of Purple Tenuity, and the perfected immortals and holy hosts of the Palace of Yuyu Heaven.

We take refuge with body, Shen (spirit), nature, and life, bowing low in prostration, and we rely upon the Three Venerables of the Most High and the holy hosts of the ten directions. May the merit of burning incense bring blessings upon His Majesty the Emperor: may the radiance of sun and moon remain as usual, and may Heaven and Earth join in harmony and possess De (Virtue/Power); may the Qi of Heaven and Earth be harmonized, so that the Seven Governors in the heavens—the sun, the moon, and the five great planets—move in coordinated order; may the sovereign hold the authority of governing the realm, so that the four seasons proceed smoothly and in accord. May the state be peaceful and auspicious, and may the people and the myriad things all receive favor; may there be abundant harvests year after year, peaceful customs in the world, rejoicing among the people, and long life and well-being for the Emperor.

Therefore we burn incense, take refuge in the revered Master and the holy hosts, and honor their supreme and true De; may those who cultivate the Dao, after attaining the Dao, long abide in Heaven and unite with the Great Dao to become perfected.

Heaven above manifests its grace, and the divinities seem present before our very eyes. A fragrant breeze drifts between the altar ground and the steps, and favor shines like the bright moon suspended over the path of heaven. Tonight the evening court liturgy is held. The ritual master and the faithful perform the Dao (the Way) before the altar; all are asked to take incense between the fingers and offer it three times. May the smoke of the incense rise into the void and be presented directly to the Most True and Unsurpassed Master-Treasure, the Heavenly Worthy of the Five Numina and the Mysterious Prime—a revered Daoist deity—the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity and the Northern Pole, the Sovereign Earth Goddess of Empress Earth, who governs the earth, and the countless holy hosts of the Palace of Great Scarlet Heaven.

With body, Shen (spirit), and nature and life, we take refuge, bowing low in prostration and relying upon the Three Supreme Worthies—the three deities venerated in Daoism—and the host of sages of the ten directions. Through the merit of burning incense, we pray for blessings upon His Majesty the Emperor: may his civil virtue be widely put into practice and the wind of benevolence reach the four quarters; may his virtue be praised as in the age of Emperor Shun, the foundation of ten thousand generations long flourish, and fortune and celebration extend like the Zhuangchun, the legendary long-lived divine tree, rising high in the image of eight thousand years of longevity. May the divinities and the human realm together protect and bless, and may the state be at peace.

Now we specially burn incense and from this moment take refuge in the Venerable Master and the great holy host. May we follow the De (Virtue/Power) of the Most True; after attaining the Dao, may we long abide in heaven and become one with the Dao.

Lifang: the ceremony of performing ritual salutations.

Chanhui (repentance): stating one’s faults and praying that they be dispelled.

Buxu (Pacing the Void): a chant sung in the Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual), generally accompanied by walking or ritual steps.

Sanqi (Three Invitations): the liturgical section in which the deities are invited in three stages.

Sanli (Three Salutations): performing three salutations to the deities.

Chongcheng fawei (re-proclaiming the ritual office): once more declaring the ritual master’s Daoist identity and rank.

Your servant of such-and-such surname and office, with the utmost sincerity, respectfully submits this memorial to the Supreme Worthies of the Three Realms, the Exalted Sages of the Ten Blossoms, the Celestial Emperors and Celestial Perfected of the Golden Portal and the Jade Capital, the host of True Immortals among the sun, moon, and stars, the Venerable Masters and sacred assemblies of the ten directions, and the officers of the Three Realms together with all true numina.

Your servant has heard that the Dao (the Way) is supreme and without superior, and that De (Virtue/Power) is noble beyond compare. Hidden, subtle, and profound, it accords with the realm beyond words. The Dao is vast and able to transform and nurture the myriad things; the sages, divinely subtle and numinously responsive, answer to resonance and communicate unseen. Though Heaven rises in nine tiers, it is near and may be approached. Three times each day your servant devoutly pays court and offers prayer. With reverence in the heart, your servant knows well that the divinities dwell on high in Heaven and yet are present everywhere. Reverently receiving the charge from above, your servant carefully performs the rite of praying for blessings.

Your servant prostrates before azure Heaven, wishing that all under Heaven be brought into unity and restored to an age of sagely illumination, and with a sincere heart looks up to the celestial court of Purple Tenuity, wishing that the stars shed their light on every auspicious stellar station. We pray that the immortal carriages descend to observe and examine, and that the immortal honor guard stand in solemn protection. Immortal music sounds in the void, and pure numinous Qi (vital energy) circulates and gives forth light. Precious seal-characters are burned and smoke rises; banners and ceremonial regalia gather above the dark and mysterious heavens. Silver lamps shine in brilliant color, and robes and caps like cloud-brocade appear in splendor. The rites of audience are solemn and grave, and every matter carefully follows the secretly transmitted ritual order.

We, your servants, receive the shelter of the celestial court’s gracious light and rely upon the protection of azure Heaven. Now, in setting forth these words and presenting this memorial, we fear there may be offense to the divinities; in establishing the purification rite and practicing the Dao, faults and omissions are likewise hard to avoid. We earnestly beg the divinities, in their magnanimity, to extend forgiveness and pardon to all, so that the prayer for blessings may be brought to completion, merit and blessing achieved, and vast auspiciousness fulfilled together. Thus, above, the transformative teaching of the Heavenly Worthies’ great kindness and great compassion may be made manifest, and below, it may answer the sincere hearts with which we, your servants, entrust our lives and take refuge. Respectfully this memorial is submitted.

The Twelve Vows

Retaining Shen (spirit) and Burning Incense

Envoys of the Incense Officers, Dragon Lord of the left and Tiger Lord of the right, and all numinous officers who attend the incense: we pray you cause the place where your servant, at the evening audience just performed, ascended the altar and practiced the Dao spontaneously to bring forth the efflorescence of golden liquor and cinnabar-azure. May the hundred numina and the host of the Perfected meet before this incense burner. Your servant wishes that sagely and brilliant divine scrutiny shine upon all and perceive this wholehearted sincerity. May the immortal lads and jade maidens of the ten directions come to attend, and by the smoke of orchid incense convey the words your servant has just presented, so that they swiftly reach the presence of the Most True and Limitless Great Dao, the Upper Sages of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and the Supreme Worthy of Vast Heaven, the Jade Emperor, Highest Lord of the Golden Portal.

Hymn for Leaving the Hall

Dedication of Merit

Evening Audience Ritual of the Golden Register for Praying for Longevity