《黄箓斋十天尊仪》

The scripture (Jing) opens by saying that the exalted perfected of the Three Realms—the three heavenly realms spoken of in Daoism—ever stand guard above the Jade Capital. The heavens of the ten directions lie remote and deep, leading on toward the distant Golden Portal. There the many sages dwell, and all these places are called lands of the Limitless.

One reveres the compassionate teaching of Yuchen, a venerated deity of Daoism, and is moved as well by that deity’s earnest mercy in saving beings from suffering. Though the sage’s instruction has not yet been heard, the sacred realm has already been made plain. So long as people remain constant in taking refuge in the Dao (the Way) and its methods, they receive impartial regard and protection from above. In this way the beings of heaven are delivered; the living are secretly blessed, and the dead may all be released from karmic entanglements—the bonds of cause and effect formed by their own deeds.

The purification ritual is therefore held, and one dares not forget to take refuge in the Dao and its methods. Now the ritual sponsor, so-and-so, establishes a ritual space in order to aid the deceased. All are respectfully invited, by the power of the Dao and its methods, to join together in praise and prayer.

Celestial Worthy Who Saves from Suffering in the Ten Directions

The Supreme Lord of the Dao says: In the east there is the Azure Numinous Primordial Elder, the Azure Emperor, Heavenly Lord of the Nine Qi (vital energy), a Celestial Worthy who presides over the east. Within his realm of the Flowery Grove there is a place called the “Quiet Realm, Land of the Limitless,” cool, pure, and majestic. Azure luan birds dance in the clear sky, and white cranes call across the blue heavens. There the perfected roam freely, and the Nine Elders wander in their company. A purification ritual is now offered for the departed souls, with the prayer that they may be reborn there, study the wondrous Dao, and hear the scriptures and their methods. All are respectfully invited, by the power of the Dao and its methods, to join together in praise and prayer.

Jade Treasure Supreme Sovereign Celestial Worthy

The sacred realm of the east is mysterious and beyond conception. Auspicious Qi spreads and mantles the green mountains. The Heavenly Lord of the Nine Qi gives rise to thoughts of compassion and goodness, and the Azure Numinous Primordial Elder holds the wondrous pivot of the Dao. The azure dragon rises and descends with the clouds and mist. The Yang Valley, the legendary place where the sun rises, is clear and luminous, reflecting the light of day. The Jade Treasure Celestial Worthy sends down wondrous power, so that the souls of the dead may ascend in deliverance and enter the palace gates of heaven.

All of this is inconceivable merit.

The Most High Lord of the Dao (the Way) says: The Red Emperor of the South, Fanbao Changyang Danling Zhenlao, also known as the Heavenly Lord of the Three Qi (vital energy), dwells in the realm of the Cinnabar Heaven. There a Perfected One named Zhenlao resides in the Kingdom of the Limitless, a land upright and majestic. The Nine Capitals above the clouds keep the registers of longevity, and the Six Bureaus of Nanchang oversee the essential work of cultivating blessings. We now pray for the departed soul, wishing that he may be reborn in the realm of Zhenlao, the Red Emperor, take part in transmitting and practicing the wondrous Dao, and behold and hear the methods of the Dao. May all present devoutly praise the merits of the Heavenly Worthy.

Heavenly Worthy of Mysterious Truth and Myriad Blessings (the Heavenly Worthy of mysterious, true numinous power who bestows myriad blessings)

The sacred realm of the South is called the Cinnabar Heaven, and within it is a Perfected One who has received the Dao of spontaneity. Mists rise and fly toward the lofty realm of the Three Qi; an auspicious breeze brushes gently, and clouds of Qi in the five colors whirl about. The peaches of immortality flourish, said to answer to a lifespan of a thousand years; the fiery jujubes give forth their fragrance, a sign of enduring through the kalpas. The Heavenly Worthy of Myriad Blessings extends compassionate deliverance, so that suffering souls of the dead may now ride the vermilion carriage to the immortal realm. These merits are harmonious and complete, beyond all conception.

The Most High Lord of the Dao says: The White Emperor of the West, Haoling Huanglao of the Golden Gate of the Seven Treasures, also known as the Heavenly Lord of the Seven Qi, dwells in the realm of Golden Light. There a Perfected One named Fabao resides in the Kingdom of the Limitless, a land abundant in benefit, solemn and fair. Golden Lads bear canopies in the distant sky, and Jade Maidens gather fragrant blossoms in the precious gardens. Here the wondrous method of saving all living beings is proclaimed, and the true meaning of delivering the departed is made clear. We now offer prayers recommending the departed soul, wishing that he may be reborn in that realm, take part in transmitting and practicing the wondrous Dao, and behold and hear the methods of the Dao. May all present devoutly join together in praise.

Heavenly Worthy of Supreme Wonder and Utmost Exaltation (the Heavenly Worthy who is supremely wondrous and exalted to the utmost)

The sacred lord of the West is called the Numinous Lord, and within the Heaven of the Seven Qi there lies another scene of spring. Trees like fine jade stand high and low in varied ranks, beaded with clear, moist dew; jade light drifts down like flakes of jade, scattering into a fine mist of dust. The Holy Mother of Tortoise Terrace roams in every direction, and the immortal land amid the phoenix towers and pavilions sets a banquet to welcome her.

The Celestial Worthy of Supreme Subtlety comes to receive and guide the dead. From this moment the souls of the departed have a way home: they may go on to the heavenly realm and pay homage to the assembled immortals, where another scene of spring awaits.

Trees like fine jade stand high and low in uneven ranks, clear dew gathered upon them; the radiance of the jasper terraces scatters in points of light and turns into a soft haze.

The Holy Mother of the Tortoise Terrace (a female immortal of Daoist legend) roams the four quarters, and the immortal land of the Phoenix Palace sets a banquet to welcome them.

The Celestial Worthy of Supreme Subtlety comes to receive and guide them. The souls of the departed have a path to follow and are able to pay homage to the assembled immortals.

Together they praise this inconceivable merit.

The Supreme Lord of the Dao (the Way) says: In the north are the Black Emperor, the Mysterious Elder of the Five Numina of Cavernous Yin, the Far North, and Absolute Seclusion, together with the Celestial Lords of the Five Qi (vital energy)—exalted deities who govern the north and the Qi of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). This is a true realm of the immortals. Within it there is a Perfected Person, and it is called the “Boundless Realm of Salvation from Suffering,” solemnly majestic and surpassingly splendid, devoted wholly to delivering beings from suffering. These exalted deities guide the Qi of the five directions in teaching and transforming living beings, spreading their transforming power through the nine heavens until it reaches all the myriad lands. Great or small, hidden or manifest, all lie within their penetrating insight, and not one is overlooked. Now memorial prayers are offered for the departed spirits, with the wish that they may be reborn in this realm, study and transmit the wondrous Dao, and hear the sound of the teaching. The ritual assembly, devout and of one mind, together extols this merit.

The Celestial Worthy of the Jade Court in the Mysterious Heights

The true realm of the north is called the homeland of the immortals. Its joy is long and enduring, as though sun and moon would never end.

The host of stars encircles the Purple Tenuity Enclosure (the stellar region where the Celestial Emperor dwells), and the constellations stand arrayed; the Dipper shines with brilliant light and sends its numinous radiance downward.

Youths with paired hair-buns hold golden tablets, and the Five Elder Perfected recite the jade chapters.

The Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Heights comes to save and deliver them, so that every departed spirit may obtain a place of rebirth.

Together they praise this inconceivable merit.

The Supreme Lord of the Dao says: In the northeast there is the realm of Lasting Joy. Within it there is a Perfected Person, and it is called the “Boundless Realm of Wondrous Sound,” majestic and surpassingly splendid all around. The celestial court rises high above the earth, while the veins of the earth lie deep and gather in the Purple Residence; radiance illuminates the Yang Valley (the legendary place where the sun rises), and emerald color emerges from the Fusang (the legendary divine tree). Now memorial prayers are offered for the departed spirits, with the wish that they may be reborn in this realm, study and transmit the wondrous Dao, and hear the sound of the teaching. The assembly, devout, together extols this merit.

The Celestial Worthy, Supreme Sage Who Delivers Immortals

This holy realm is beautiful beyond compare, surpassing every place in the world; the Compassionate Worthy of Lasting Joy recites the nine-chapter scripture (Jing).

The ninefold Langyuan (immortal palace) is veiled in the colors of morning light, and a thousand trees of jade-flowers (immortal blossoms like fine jade) give forth the fragrance of spring.

The land where the Fusang stands—that is, the Fusang, the legendary divine tree—is lovely in its scenery, its mist warm; the waves that bathe the sun are clear, reflecting a pale emerald radiance.

The Supreme Sage (the highest of the holy perfected) bestows protection through vast grace and virtue, so that the souls of the departed may go forward in peace and ascend into the immortal realm.

All those assembled praise in unison: This merit is inconceivable.

The Supreme Lord of the Dao (the Way) says: The southeast is a stretch of emerald immortal scenery, where a thousand trees of qihua (immortal flowers like fine jade) give off the fragrance of spring. The scenery of Fusang (the legendary place of sunrise in the east) is beautiful, and the drifting mist is warm; waters bathed in sunlight are limpid, glowing with a faint emerald light. The Supreme Sage bestows protection through vast grace and virtue, so that the souls of the departed may go forward in peace and ascend into the immortal realm.

All those assembled praise in unison: This merit is inconceivable.

The Supreme Lord of the Dao says: The southeast is the Realm of Emerald Aurora. Within it there is a Perfected One (zhenren), of the land called the Country of True Stability Without Limit. That place is pure and subtle, secluded and still, solemn and majestic. Jade chimes and golden bells often sound the melodies of long life; emerald immortal chambers and cinnabar palaces stand open all year long, as if night never falls. Memorial offerings are now presented for the souls of the departed. May they be reborn in that country, and there take part in studying and receiving the transmission of the wondrous Dao, beholding and hearing the sounds of the sacred teaching. May all who are present, with devout hearts, praise this merit.

The Heavenly Worthy Who Cherishes Life and Delivers Destiny (the Heavenly Worthy who presides over protecting life and saving fate).

Vermilion palace gates and emerald roof tiles extend beneath the clear sky, and jade tablets inscribed in gold mark the immortal palaces of the Xun quarter (the southeast). Drifting mist spreads beyond the immortals’ pendants; when the immortal carriage passes, the ornaments give forth a harmonious sound. The luan bird calls and the phoenix cries long, their voices far-reaching; pearl-like stamens and jade-like immortal flowers seem as if finely carved. The souls of the departed, as if in a daze, seem to rise with bodies grown light, putting on six-zhu immortal sleeves (celestial robes of the utmost lightness), the sleeves stirring of themselves in the wind.

All those assembled praise in unison: This merit is inconceivable.

The Supreme Lord of the Dao says: The southwest is the Realm of Radiant Perfection. Within it there is a Perfected One, of the land called the Country of Jasper Radiance Without Limit. There, kindness saves and delivers, and all is solemn, pure, and clear. The primal earth rests secure, standing guard at the Kun quarter (the southwest), and true Qi (vital energy) quietly gathers along the veins of the earth. The Golden Pivot (the hinge of the immortal realm, like a golden gateway) shines with splendor, and the Jade Well holds radiance within. Memorial offerings are now presented for the spirits of the departed. May they be reborn in that country, and there take part in studying and receiving the transmission of the wondrous Dao, beholding and hearing the sounds of the sacred teaching. May all who are present, with devout hearts, praise this merit.

The Heavenly Worthy of Great Numen, Vacuous Sovereign.

The immortal realm in the southwest of the great earth is guarded by the mighty strongholds of immortals and Perfected Ones. It can set the myriad things at rest so that they grow, and keep the four seasons ever new. Paired roof tiles and rainbow eaves form halls like the moon palace; dragon towers and phoenix pavilions look down upon the Silver River. Of the medicines of cultivation that seek the root: if the work of practice is not yet complete, there remains hope of turning back old age and restoring one’s years. The most wondrous immortal medicines are, for the most part, obtained by those who have passed through great calamities.

This place is fit to receive the souls of the departed on their way. Deep amid the five-colored auspicious clouds, one may dwell as a neighbor to the perfected immortals.

(All praise together:) The merit is vast, beyond all conception.

The Supreme Lord of the Dao (the Way) said: In the northwest there is a mysterious realm of the Dao. Within it is a Perfected One, and a land named the “Boundless Realm of Salvation from Suffering,” a solemn and surpassingly wondrous country where true immortals dwell. The sovereigns’ palaces rise lofty and majestic, reaching the heights of Kunqiu; celestial flowers fall in profusion, illuminating the jade halls from afar. We now offer ritual for the departed, wishing that they may be reborn there, receive and practice the mysterious great Dao, and behold and hear the teaching-sounds expounded by the perfected immortals. May all here present devoutly praise this merit.

Wuliang Taihua Tianzun, Celestial Worthy of Boundless Great Hua

A great road through the clouds leads straight to the palace gate of the Celestial Emperor; tier upon tier of towers rise, layered amid the green.

The fragrance of cassia drifts with jade dew; moonlight turns and shines upon the vermilion palaces.

Jasper terraces and crimson palace towers stand clear and bright, as if hung high in a cloudless sky; rosy clouds, faint and far, lightly brush the heavens.

The Perfected One of Universal Salvation attends court in the realm of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) and offers memorial rites for the departed, so that their souls may receive aid without end.

(All praise together:) The merit is vast, beyond all conception.

The Supreme Lord of the Dao said: Above are the Jade Capital of the Mysterious Metropolis, the Golden Portals and the Mysterious Terrace of the Seven Treasures, and the Yuluo realm where the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) dwell. There abide the sovereign lords of the Thirty-two Heavens, Perfected Ones of subtle practice, and immortal jade maidens, in a realm of clarity, stillness, and freedom from desire. Within it is a land named the “Realm of Spontaneous Boundlessness,” whose palaces of the Purple Empyrean are solemn and grand. On the jade steps and in the crimson courtyards stand ranks of exalted perfected immortals; the pure heavens and the Purple Prefecture are where the supreme sages roam. We now offer ritual for the departed, wishing that they may be reborn there, receive and practice the mysterious great Dao, and behold and hear the teaching-sounds expounded by the perfected immortals. May all here present devoutly praise this merit.

Yuxu Minghuang Tianzun, Celestial Worthy of the Jade Void, the Illustrious Sovereign

The sacred realm above is Daluo Heaven. One Qi (vital energy) divides into three; its root issues from spontaneity.

Perfected immortals wearing jade pendants and golden cap-ornaments pay homage to the Most High, while perfected immortals bearing rainbow banners and vermilion tallies gather closely about them.

May the secret-transmitted scriptures never be lost, and may the wondrous teachings endure forever. May the departed souls follow the Realm of Lasting Joy (Changle Tian, one of the immortal realms in Daoism) and, passing through vast kalpas, attain immortality.

May the deliverance of the departed dissolve their accumulated sins, and may they ascend on clouds and rosy mists, riding chariots of five-colored auspicious clouds.

This merit is vast and beyond conception.

The Supreme Dao Lord (Taishang Daojun) said: In the lower realms there are the Nine Lands of the High Sovereign, the Four Offices and Five Emperors, the True Rulers of the Nine Palaces, the Twelve Immortal Domains, as well as immortals, jade maidens, and the realm of the Water-Moving Elixir. Among them is a place where perfected ones dwell, called the "Land of Wondrous Practice Without Limit." There the pure land is solemn and majestic. Upon its immortal isles and divine continents, the ranked true immortals come and go, roaming at leisure, and there are lodges and halls besides. In the grotto-heavens and blessed lands, traces remain of visiting immortals. Now we dedicate merit on behalf of the departed, wishing that they be reborn in the immortal realm, where they may study the wondrous Dao (the Way) and behold and hear the sound of the Dharma. All present sincerely praise this merit.

Celestial Worthy of the Cavern of Divine Spirit, the True Sovereign (Zhenhuang Dongshen Tianzun)

The immortal grottoes of the Three Mountains lie hidden in mist and rosy clouds, and the scenery of Langyuan and Penghu (legendary immortal realms) is lovely.

Through a thousand years, one need not rely on elixirs refined in a golden cauldron; through all four seasons, one may always admire the jade magnolia blossoms.

Fish and dragons roam the boundless blue sea, while phoenixes and swans soar freely, a scene of marvelous splendor.

From now on the spirit, in its dignified bearing, journeys far, and every place it reaches is a scene of beauty and a site of immortal banquets.

Through a thousand years, one need not rely on elixirs refined in a golden cauldron; through all four seasons, one may always admire the jade magnolia blossoms.

Fish and dragons roam the boundless blue sea, while phoenixes and swans soar freely, a scene of marvelous splendor.

From now on the spirit, in its dignified bearing, journeys far, and every place it reaches is a scene of beauty and a site of immortal banquets.

This merit is vast and beyond conception.

I have heard that the grand scriptures of the wondrous Dao are widely spread through the Azure Void (the heavens), and that the sacred realms of the ten directions are scattered across the Cinnabar Empyrean. By reading the scriptures that accord with this, one can grasp the purpose of taking refuge, guide living beings out of the paths of delusion, and move the compassion and pity of the supreme sages. Now we dedicate merit on behalf of the departed and praise these precious verses.

Celestial Worthy Who Heeds Cries and Saves from Suffering (Xunsheng Jiuku Tianzun)

The Celestial Worthy's compassionate grace is vast and boundless; the sacred realm is solemn, a hall of profound blessing and virtue.

Following circumstances, the Celestial Worthy manifests in countless forms, pervading the entire Dharma realm; illuminating the dark underworld, the Celestial Worthy sends forth the light of the heavens.

May the departed set out upon the distant road of clouds, hoping to ascend; and with voices praising the Celestial Worthy, the assembly prays for blessings and offers them deliverance.

Today, having been fortunate to meet this auspicious cause and condition, the departed may spread their wings and rise, and be reborn in a realm of goodness.

This merit is vast and beyond conception.

The merit extolled above has now been brought to completion. May this merit be offered to deliver the departed souls, so that they may be reborn in the realm of the immortals. With reverence we pray that the departed souls may behold the majestic and wondrous form of the Celestial Worthies (the venerated deities of Daoism), receive the gracious radiance of the Great Dao (the Way), ascend into the immortal realm, and roam there freely and at ease. May this blessing further extend to both the netherworld and the human world, benefiting the living and the dead alike, so that all sentient beings may reach the other shore of the Great Dao.