《北帝伏魔经法建坛仪》

The scriptures (Jing) and methods for subduing demons—the scriptural methods that quell evil spirits—have been transmitted from ancient times and, down to the present, have branched into lineages and continued to spread. This scripture is said to have been proclaimed by the Supreme Thearch, while the methods were imparted by holy masters. It has both an inner foundation and practical efficacy; by cultivating it, one can seize and subdue evil spirits. No higher lineage can encompass it, and those who practice it may advance in the ranks of the immortals. Its merit is as lofty as the sun and moon and accords with Heaven and Earth.

The secretly transmitted talismanic seals and mysterious talismans, when put to use, are like a sick person receiving medicine; the numinous scriptural texts and precious spells, when recited, are as if the valley answers with an echo. Heavenly soldiers and thunder officers, hearing the command, cry out in rebuke; marshals and divine kings carry out their orders, hastening through the Three Realms and shaking the Ten Directions. The wondrous efficacy of these scriptures and methods can hardly be exhausted, and no amount of praise can recount it all.

Now the ritual master, with a quiet mind, reverently contemplates the Celestial Palace of the North Pole, concentrates on visualizing the sacred countenance, follows the procedures of the Keyi (liturgy), and proclaims the scriptures and methods. Boundaries are set according to the positions of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams); the Four Numinous Beasts—Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Dark Warrior—are arrayed according to the positions of the Four Images, guarding the altar ground. Flowing bells are swung and torches cast, their urgent sounds driving away the Qi (vital energy) of demons and evil; divine birds, venomous dragons, and other spirit soldiers stand in stern formation. Golden Lads present memorials and Jade Maidens convey sincere intent, praying that those who recite and uphold the scriptures and methods may, unseen, commune with the divinities. All those present who take part in the rite should be upright and reverent, sincere and single-minded, face the celestial court, and respectfully recite the holy titles:

Celestial Worthy of the North Pole Who Subdues Demons,

Great Sage: Celestial Worthy, Dharma King Who Flies Through Heaven,

Celestial Worthy Who Transmits the Precious Scripture.

Respectfully we welcome and invite the Supreme Thearch. Since distracting thoughts have already been dispelled, mind and Shen (spirit) must be clarified. In beginning to establish the numinous altar, one must first wash away blemishes and impurity and sweep away filth. By means of purification sprinkled from the cold spring, it is hoped that the divine generals and officers will act as commanded. We now respectfully recite the numinous chapter for dispelling impurity.

All should recite: Celestial Worthy of Divine Water That Washes Away Impurity.

Then recite the Spell for Purifying Heaven and Earth.

Standing in attendance before the altar, it is as if one had seen a crimson cloud; mind and spirit fly toward the North Pole, gazing up at the water of purification. It is hoped that the divine generals and officers will act as commanded. We now respectfully recite the numinous chapter for dispelling impurity. Raise your voices and recite.

Those who attend in service stand in reverent stillness, as if they had once seen crimson clouds rising; mind and spirit race toward the Northern Pole, gazing up at the threefold jeweled canopy. To welcome the descent of the Supreme Thearch to the ritual altar, sincerity is first conveyed through true incense. While the incense burns, an incantation must be recited, and all present are asked to proclaim it together.

Celestial Worthy of Incense-Clouds Congealing into Talismanic Script (the Celestial Worthy whose incense smoke condenses into talismanic seal-script) joins the precious pearl and listens as the Most Exalted expounds the methods of the Dao (the Way); earth deities emerge at the Jade Bureau, guarding the Most High as he expounds the scriptures (Jing). Since in former times they faithfully fulfilled their duty of protecting the teaching, they must not today be rashly disturbed. One then recites the incantation that comforts the spirits, and all present are asked to proclaim it together.

Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning Who Settles and Secures (the honorific title by which one prays to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning to pacify the altar). A plain carriage and white horses joyfully bear the tidings.

When the Supreme Thearch descends, a crimson ceremonial escort and banners like rainbows appear, and the myriad spirits must come to stand guard. The worthies and sages of earth, water, the dark underworld, and the sunlit world, together with the mighty spirits of the celestial Thunder Ministry, Fengdu, and the mountains, on hearing this general summons should all come to the ritual assembly. One then proclaims the incantation that convenes the spirits.

Celestial Worthy of the Precious Pearl Who Assembles the Holy (the Celestial Worthy who gathers the holy perfected by means of the precious pearl).

The Supreme Thearch of Primordial Beginning issues the true talisman and commands that it be carried out at once. The Great Perfected of Primordial Beginning is the noble spirit among the Five Numina; the stellar realm of Taiwei shines with brilliant light, illuminating the gates of the eight directions. The Celestial Emperors of the Five Directions transmit the command, and no dark place fails to hear it. Above it reaches the Nine Heavens, in the middle it secures Mount Feng, and below it connects with the twelve river-sources of the streams and seas.

The Divine Incantation of the Eight Majesties is an efficacious ritual register and a talismanic text wrought in jade: it summons dragons to bear the force of the waters and gathers breath and mist; it binds demons and sends off evil ghosts, and none marked for destruction may be pardoned; it crushes the myriads of sprites and monsters, sweeping away deviant and demonic qi (vital energy), straight through to the twelve river-sources of the streams and seas.

The sun and moon, the Five Stars, the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper, and the Celestial Emperor manifest together and, by command, descend to the Great Mystery. Hurled fire can reach ten thousand li, and its awesome power shakes the Nine Heavens. Once the orders are proclaimed, no one may delay. All the heavens, all the lands, all the waters, and all the mountains, together with the spirits governed by the Jade Perfected and the great gods of the watery offices of the dark underworld, must obey; the immortal kings come forward, and the Five Emperors hold the banners. Heavenly troops clear the way in front, and the Golden Tiger gallops behind; fierce beasts that can seize the sky are arrayed at the four gates. Whoever is called comes at once; whoever is summoned arrives immediately. The edict is swiftly transmitted, and wind and fire do not cease; the divine officers who apprehend, summon, and record the gods act on command, and the golden dragon conveys the documents.

I have heard that the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity is the ancestral master who subdues deviant demons; all the holy ones revere him, and the host of stars encircles him. He governs the human world and commands the celestial realm, presides over the transformations of Yin-Yang, and realizes the subtle mystery of “neither form nor emptiness.” He holds the guiding order of the universe and inquires into the secret of the sequence in which the myriad things come into being. His majestic De (Virtue/Power) is lofty and vast, hard to put into words; his realm is broad and profound, not something ordinary principles can explain. He transmits the secret method for subduing deviant demons, reveals the wondrous means of removing calamities, sweeps away every kind of baleful evil, and promotes the transformative nurturing of the myriad things.

Therefore, all in the world who look up to him with sincere hearts on this day respectfully invite his immortal carriage to come, riding upon Qi (vital energy). The offering officiant, So-and-so (the Daoist priest who presides over the Zhaijiao [purification ritual]), purifies the ground, establishes an altar, and prays, looking upward in hope that Heaven will bestow the transformative work of the Dao (the Way), and looking downward to seek compassion and mercy. One sees the forms of emerald canopies and luan-bird banners briefly leave the golden gate-towers of the celestial palace, while the music of phoenix mouth-organs and dragon pipes gradually descends into the human world. On the left is Yuyi (the spirit of the sun); on the right is Jielin (the spirit of the moon); in front is the star Zhaoyao; behind is Xuanwu (the stellar deity of the north). Divine light shines dazzlingly, and clouds of incense spread thickly. The deities of heaven and earth, of water and of land, hold in their hands Fulu (talismans and registers) and rolls of names; the commanders of Fengdu and the bureaus of the sacred peaks grasp axes and standards. Auspicious mists drift gently, and heavenly flowers flutter and dance. The assembled gods slowly descend upon the clouds, and come in vast procession from the sky. Before the steps of Heaven, the officiant bows reverently to welcome the sacred carriage.

Ritual Service

I, your servant of the stated rank, So-and-so, in reverent trepidation knock my head and bow twice. Now, respectfully burning true incense, I reverently present this memorial:

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, of the empty void and the spontaneous, the supreme true and wondrous Dao (the Way); the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, Lord of the Dao of Jade Dawn in the pure realm of Upper Clarity; the Celestial Worthy of the Dao and the De (Virtue/Power), the Most High Lord Lao of the immortal realm of Grand Clarity; and the Jade Emperor, supreme honored one of the vast heaven of the unsurpassed Great Canopy, together with all the exalted deities; the ancestral master, the Most High Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity, the Jade Void, and the Supreme Numen; the Great Heavenly Emperor of the Southern Pole and Grand Tenuity in the stellar palace of Gouchen; the Empress Earth, Sovereign of Earth, Holy Mother who receives Heaven, models its law, and protects the state; the Nine Dawn Imperial Lords of Divine Empyrean Thunder; the Celestial Worthies of Numinous Treasure of the ten directions without limit; the Imperial Lords of the Nine Heavens and Nine Qi (vital energy) who give birth to spirits; the Imperial Lords of the Thirty-Two Heavens who save humankind; the Heavenly Lords of the Five Elders and Brahma-Qi of the five directions; the Imperial Lord of Eastern Florescence, the Wood Duke and Azure Lad; the Primordial Lady, Golden-True Ancestral Mother of the Western Numen; the Perfected Lord of Taiyi of the Five Blessings and Ten Spirits; and the Supreme Thearchs of all the heavens of the Great Canopy—

the Perfected Lord Marshal Tianpeng, who presides over the rite, Supreme Thearch of the Azure Heaven; the Perfected Lord Marshal Tianyou, Supreme Thearch of the Cinnabar Heaven; the Perfected Lord Marshal Yisheng, Supreme Thearch of the White Heaven; the Perfected Lord Yousheng, Supreme Thearch of the Dark Heaven; the Great Sage of the Central Heaven and the Stellar Lords of the Upper Dao of the Nine Dawns of the Northern Dipper; the Perfected Lords of the Northern Dipper—King of the Heavenly Gate, King of the Junior Minister, King of Spontaneous Freedom, King of Places Traversed, King of Universal Illumination, King Who Grants Wishes, King Poluo, and King Yinbi; the Imperial Lord of Grand Tenuity, the Most High Numinous Lord, and the Heavenly Lord of Mysterious Nourishment who assists the rite; the Elder of the Three Heavens, the Elder of the Three Realms, and the Heavenly Lords of the Thirty-Six Grottoes; the Great Emperors of the Three Primes and the Three Officials; and all the stellar lords of the imperial seat, the stellar lords of the Eleven Luminaries, the stellar lords of the Three Terraces and the Canopy, the stellar lords of the Twenty-Eight Lodges, the stellar lords of the Twelve Palaces, and the host of perfected beings of the stars and dippers throughout the circling heavens; the stellar lord of the Palace of Upper Clarity who presides over and shines upon the natal destiny of the person concerned, together with the stellar multitude that shines upon that person; the Perfected Lord of the Nine Heavens who stores blessings and fixes destiny; the Perfected Lord of Myriad Blessings, Grand August One of the Heavenly Bureau; the officials and holy hosts of the Heavenly Bureau of the Nine Heavens and Nine Empyreans and of every office who attend court at the Origin; the Stellar Lord, Great Sage of the Fire Bell; the Perfected of the Ten Extremities; the Perfected Lord who fixes destiny in the Grotto-Yin realm beneath Northern Fengdu; the sovereign of the heavenly kingdom of the Grotto-Yin realm; the Imperial Lord of Water of Great Yin; the Perfected of the Seven Stars; the Perfected Lord of the Plain Carriage and White Horse; the Perfected of Wondrous Practice who attends on the left; the Perfected of Dark Obscurity who attends on the right; the Lord of the Eastern Dipper who generates Qi; the Lord of the Southern Dipper who oversees prohibitions; the Lord of the Western Dipper who generates form; the Lord of the Northern Dipper who oversees destiny; the Lord of the Central Dipper who holds the comprehensive registers; the five master Perfected Lords of Numinous Treasure; the Perfected Lords of the Three Departments and Four Ministers; the two Perfected Sun and Min, who subdue demons and open the teaching; the sponsoring master, Celestial Master Xujing (Tianshi); the Perfected Lord who mysteriously penetrates and awakens to the Dao; the lineage masters, the great master-lords Ke, Xie, Li, and Guo; and the ancestral masters of every transmitted ritual lineage, together with the perfected masters of ordination.

We further invite the celestial immortals, earthly immortals, water immortals, and flying immortals; the divine immortals of the scriptures and registers of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen) and the Four Supplements; the four immortal primordial ladies Chen, Wei, Ma, and Huang; and the perfected immortals assembled in the grotto-mansions of the famous mountains; the five great celestial stalwarts Zhang, Bao, Xie, Huang, and Li of the Court for Subduing Demons; the three generals Tang, Ge, and Zhou of the Three Primes; the demon kings of the ten heavens, the great gods of the Eight Effulgences, and the celestial stalwarts and strongmen of the thirty-six grottoes; the Jade Maiden of the Azure Waist of Great Mystery and the Jade Maiden of Night Radiance of Great Mystery; the emissary of the Southern Dipper who bears the fire-torch and slays ghosts, and the emissary of the flaming furnace and liturgical chariot of the Northern Dipper; the mounted officers of flying dragons and flying tigers, the officers of flying thunder and lightning in the yin realm, the fierce officers of giant beasts and venomous dragons, and the officers and troops serving under the masters and perfected.

We further invite the Great General of the Three Qi; the Great General of the Samadhi that dispels evil; the Great General Who Soars over the Five Lakes; the Great General of the Three-and-Five Prohibitions of Qi; Yuyi and Jielüe, who emit…; the Great General, Inspector-General of the divine spells of the Northern Emperor for subduing demons; and all the great generals charged, by command, with the affairs of water, warmth, stone, birds, insects, and beasts, fire, poison, weapons, temples, disease, boats and ships, primal yang, the leveling of heaven, the summoning of souls, the restraint of snakes and insects, games of chance, the breaking of springs, the restraint of ghosts, the restraint of illness, and the subjugation of tigers and wolves; the celestial stalwarts and strongmen, the celestial grooms and armored troops, the slaying-lads of the Nine Origins, Gaodiao the Northern Elder, the one who sternly drives the kui-dragon, the Six Ding and the Eight Envoys, the Divine King of the Awesome Sword, the Four-Eyed Old Man, the Merit Officers of the Fourfold Brightness, the Emissary Who Communicates with the Perfected, the twenty-four gods who swallow demons and devour ghosts, the divine officers of the Five Emperors, the demon kings of the Three Heavens, the divine kings of the Three Killers, the great gods who slay ghosts, guard the numinous, and seize ghosts, the Master of Thunder, the Master of Lightning, and the divine generals of the Grotto Abyss; together with the three great heavenly lords Deng, Xin, and Zhang, who preside over the thunder of the ritual altar, and the celestial immortal officers and generals in their train.

We further invite the Heavenly King Piloulaicha of the East, the Heavenly King Piliulecha of the South, the Heavenly King Titoubocha of the West, and the Heavenly King Pishamen of the North; the Great Brahma Heavenly King above and the Holy King of Turning and Conveyance below; the great gods of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) and the awesome gods of the eight directions; the Jade Maiden of Great Harmony, the Jade Maiden of the Bright Mirror, the Jade Maiden of Yellow Silk, the Jade Maiden Who Protects Life, and the Jade Maidens of the Six Ding; the great gods of the right division of the Qingshao writings; the jade maidens of the various departments of the Northern Dipper who lengthen life, continue one’s allotted span, dispel disasters, and release beings from adversity; the jade maidens within the Dipper who carry illness and preside over medicines; the perfected who support the weak and scatter calamity; the divine kings who bring down demons and seize them; and the lads of the various departments within the Dipper who deliver beings from adversity and increase their count of years, together with the celestial stalwarts, merit officers, heavenly troops, strongmen, emissaries, immortals, Daoist priests, perfected beings, divine soldiers, and officers.

We further invite the yang officials and yin officials of the Twenty-Four Dioceses; the subordinate officers of Fengdu; the presiding officers of the Nine Commands; the demon kings of the Thirty-Six Grottoes; the presiding officers of the Twenty-Four Hells; the ghost hosts of great power who fly through heaven in the north; the great gods of the wilderness; the great gods and holy hosts of the Five Marchmounts, the Four Waterways, the streams, and the ravines; the civil and martial holy hosts of the various offices of the earth prison; the True August Emperor of the Nine Ramparts of the Earth Bureau; the Great Emperor of the Five Yellows of the Heavenly Bureau; the deities of the Pestilence Office who carry out transformation; and the emissaries and celestial generals who investigate, bind heterodox demons, and subdue demonic evils. We further invite the celestial general who appears everywhere and sees all; the celestial generals of examination, illumination, and summons; the Great General of the Eternal Sea of the North; the Great General Who Sinks Heaven and Submerges Earth; the great gods of the black canopy and the fire canopy; the presiding City Gods of prefectures and counties; the deities of nearby palaces and temples; the presiding officers who accompany the cortege; the gods of the various shrines and their ordinances; the orthodox gods of the locality; the deities worshipped in the household; the merit-officer emissaries of the Three Realms on duty through the four watches; the officers, generals, and divine personnel who pursue, seize, and summon; the deities who patrol the void and come and go; and the true gods of the Four Bureaus arrayed within the altar, together with the holy hosts who accompany them as guards.

We respectfully pray that all the holy deities descend to this ritual assembly, that civil gods and martial gods alike come to the scripture altar, and that they grant their protection. This servant, knowing himself to be ordinary, shallow, and crude, nevertheless presumes to memorialize and make this invitation. We reverently envision the gods borne by dragons and phoenixes, closely escorted and guarded by the Four Saints as they come forth from the Gate of Heaven; riding cranes and whales, escorted by the Five Elders as they mount the road of clouds. May an edict command the officers of the celestial immortals, earthly immortals, and water immortals to dispatch the divinely awesome troops and generals of the Scripture Division, the Military Division, and the Ritual Division, so that vast numinous majesty descends, harmony at once arises within the altar, and the breath of spring returns between door and window. May the ritual altar stand solemn, lofty, and manifest; may the countenances of the gods be luminous, grave, and orderly, their radiance shining upon the lamp altar; may the majestic bearing of the Heavenly Kings extend above and below and through the four directions; and may the ritual carriage and its retinue be solemn and well ordered, presiding in awe over Yin-Yang and the three realms. May the host of gods bow in reverence and acclaim them with solemn joy, looking up to receive the clear light of the deities. Now we respectfully set forth the ritual seats, reverently install the precious thrones, and offer this humble rite.

The chief officiant respectfully invites the exalted deities in the hall to manifest their majestic presence and descend into the human world in a chariot drawn by nine dragons, and also asks them to accept the clear tea in the cup. With plain and modest offerings we express our reverence, and we respectfully ask the Most Exalted to perceive this sincere heart. Bowing low once more, we present the clear tea.

Amid red light and purple mist, the chariots of the immortals descend into the dusty world. In the human realm we have prepared only a little wine and food, set out before the seat of the Divine Lord. Since we have received their gracious regard, we hope the deities will partake of these offerings. Calling to mind from afar their pure and solemn countenances, we respectfully offer the first cup of wine.

The immortal altar is established in three tiers, looking far toward the celestial realm of the North Pole. Raising a cup of fine wine, we seem to behold the Queen Mother of the West hosting a banquet at the Jasper Pool. Since the many perfected immortals have assembled, we present a modest gift once more. Facing the deities with reverence, we fill the clear wine anew and offer it up.

That all affairs be harmonious and a thousand sorrows dissolved is a saying often heard among the people; to accord with the natural and to penetrate the Great Dao (Dao, the Way) is what the immortals declare. Now, before the scripture altar, we seem to gaze at close range upon the pure radiance of the deities. Again and again we offer meager wine and food; with utmost sincerity we take refuge, and in three presentations of wine we set forth what is in our hearts.

Your servant has heard that the immortal altars of the Cavern of Mystery (Dongxuan) and the Cavern of Vacuity (Dongxu), and others like them, are ranked in successive levels, and that from this the soundless, formless Golden Portal of the Nine Heavens was also opened and established. Now, as we are about to proclaim the wondrous scripture (Jing) of divine incantations, we first look up to the realm of the Mysterious Void and petition the deities, hoping that the treasured scriptural scrolls will be opened and the precious text expounded. Respectfully we state the sense of these words and pray the deities to listen and to look upon them. We now read the vow text of the purification rite (Zhai).

The vow text just read has already been conveyed to the cloud-encircled Golden Portal. Now, as we are about to proclaim the wondrous scripture of divine incantations, we first look up to the realm of the Mysterious Void and petition the deities, hoping that the treasured scriptural scrolls will be opened and the precious text expounded. Respectfully we state the sense of these words and pray the deities to listen and to look upon them. We now read the vow text of the purification rite.

The prayers set out above have now been read aloud in full. We trust that, graced by Heaven’s favor, we shall surely be heard by the Celestial Emperor.

The Marvelous Scripture of the Divine Spells of the Supreme Northern Emperor for Subduing Demons comes from the wondrous true scriptures of Shangqing (the Heaven of Pure Subtlety revered in Daoism). It is a classic formed by condensing the Qi (vital energy) of the Dao (the Way) and gathering cloud-Qi, and it runs through Heaven and Earth. Its upper portion is secretly stored in the Jade Capital and the Golden Palaces (the palaces of the celestial realm), and its lower portion is kept among the grotto-heavens and famous mountains. This scripture circulated during the Longhan kalpa (the remote ancient kalpa spoken of in Daoism) and was proclaimed in the world of Jambudvīpa (the human world).

Within the scripture are eight-character numinous seal-scripts that radiate light in the eight directions, and ten classes of mysterious texts able to subdue the demon-sprites of the ten heavens. The scripture expounds subtle principles and sets forth subtle methods: the secret formulas of the Seven Primordials can protect the state and bring peace to the people, and the power of the Yin palaces of the Six Caverns can slay demons and eliminate monsters. Chanting and expounding the marvelous scripture can ward off disaster and misfortune, and by means of divine spells and divine seals ritual diagrams can be drawn. The Golden Registers—documents used in the Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual) for presenting memorials and for elevation and deliverance—can help people ascend to the perfected, and jade talismans can save and deliver nature and life. They can sweep away a thousand kinds of calamity and usher in a hundred kinds of blessing, rescuing the beings of the six paths and delivering the four modes of birth (life born from the womb, from eggs, from moisture, and by transformation).

The scripture also tells of the Nine Dragons, saying that they can summon every treasure. The Great Register for Dispelling Corpses, a name among the Daoist Fulu (talismans and registers), can, when worn, increase one’s affinity with the Dao. By cultivating the secret seal-scripts and hidden writings, one may realize entry into the ranks of the immortals. Divine troops can protect the nation, and the marvelous method can deliver people. Unless one is endowed with immortal bones in due accord and possesses the capacity to cultivate the Dao, it is hard indeed to witness this true text appear in the world.

Now, looking up to the lofty ritual seat, we expound the textual treasures of the Empty Cavern (the subtle scriptures revered in Daoism). As the spells are read aloud, one gradually hears a faint and wondrous sound like the tone of jade; as the numinous writings are recited, it is as though gold and jade appear. Looking up to the clear and bright realm of Heaven and looking down upon the earth of humankind, we earnestly beg the Celestial Emperor to issue a special decree, opening and displaying this precious scripture.

We ask the Jade Lads who keep the scriptures (the divine generals in charge of the classics) to open the golden locks of three layers and of eight layers. The youths who bear the incense unroll and read aloud the purple jade text, a full zhang in length. Hundreds and thousands of layers of the Qi of the Dao protect and uphold it in the unseen dark, and the perfected beings who have passed through forty thousand kalpas joyfully encounter this scripture. Generals and officers within and without stand in strict and orderly vigilance, and deviant demons and monstrous sprites, far and near, are all driven out and dismissed.

May harmonious and auspicious Qi grow rich and abundant, and may auspicious light scatter in every direction. May a single red cloud appear, so that we may draw near and behold the countenance of the Celestial Emperor. May the myriad perfected (the many immortal perfected beings) gather their numinous light, and may the ceremonial retinue of the immortals stand solemn and majestic. We respectfully set forth this brief memorial and earnestly request that a response be granted. When the recitation has been brought to completion, we together dedicate the merit.

Having presumed upon the awesome majesty of Heaven, we are filled with the utmost dread, and we earnestly await Heaven’s decree. Thus we respectfully state. Perform the three bows.

The ritual master visualizes the Yuanming Shen (spirit), the deity bound up with the root of a person’s lifespan. With both hands he forms the mudra of opening, closing, retaining, and blocking, working the seal as though turning the Dipper asterism (the Northern Dipper). Then, with the left hand, he forms the Si pattern (the hand seal corresponding to the earthly branch Si) and covers his head. With a hair fan he stirs the air and scatters the ashes on the altar. His mind concentrated and urgent, he respectfully awaits the descent of the Shen’s command. He states his purpose with care and performs the three salutations.

The ritual master visualizes the Yuanming Shen. With both hands he forms the mudra of opening, closing, retaining, and blocking and manipulates the Dipper; with the left hand he forms the Si pattern and covers his head. He fans with a hair fan, scatters the ashes, and then forms the Mao pattern (the hand seal corresponding to the earthly branch Mao). Mao belongs to the east, and the Qi (vital energy) of the east allows the Yuanming to come into being.

Next, the ritual master fans with his left hand, driving out the stale Qi and purifying the altar ground. In his right hand he holds a sword and draws a three-tiered altar; with his left hand he forms the Dipper seal, treads three paces of the Ding-Gang steps, and then ascends the three-tiered altar to perform the rite, summoning the Five Marshals and the various commanders. He then reports the matter and charges the spirit-generals, just as one would in treating an illness. He further enacts the Hengtian Black Register, a Fulu (talismans and registers) used to seize and subdue malign spirits, and directs the Heart General to guard the patient. Forming the seizing mudra, he draws a prison, captures the malign spirits and confines them within it, and carries out the methods of the Zhen and Gen directions.

I am by origin a child of the Taishang (an honorific for the exalted deities of Daoism), sent by the Laojun (Taishang Laojun). I wear the sun and moon upon my head and bear the Northern Dipper upon my person. I command the troops of the Qian spirit, a million strong, who attend and guard me on either side. Before me is a great cauldron of boiling liquid; behind me are golden axes. I pay homage to the Taishang and suddenly meet the spirit-generals. The spirit-generals teach me the method of killing ghosts and transmit to me the art of beheading ghosts. I carry the Taisu talisman on my body, able to seize all that is inauspicious. I report upward to the Celestial Emperor and summon the officers and soldiers. On my head I wear a splendid canopy, and beneath my feet I tread the Kuigang (the pacing method corresponding to the stars of the Northern Dipper). What Shen, on seeing this, would not retreat? What ghost would dare to resist? You will surely be bound and punished for the sudden calamity you have caused. The patient was blameless to begin with—how dare you presume to harm a worthy person? I contain the orthodox Qi of Heaven and Earth; the incantation can break the disasters brought by evil ghosts. When the spell reaches a Shen, the Shen fades away of itself; when the spell reaches a ghost, the ghost perishes of itself. Swiftly, swiftly—carry it out in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

He gives the order and dispatches the spirit-generals.

Heavenly thunder rumbles faintly in the sky, its thunder position belonging to Si; earthly thunder shakes with a roar, its thunder position belonging to Mao; dragon thunder rolls up the waters, its thunder position belonging to Chen; water thunder raises waves and billows, its thunder position belonging to Zi; the fire thunder of the Earth Altar command, its thunder position belonging to Mao; crashing thunderbolts interlace and shake, their thunder position belonging to Yin. The moment the ritual master sets the secret pivot in motion, evil spirits and prodigies are seized and taken. This refers to the Gen direction (the northeast). Swiftly, swiftly—carry out the command as ordered!

Next, visualize the first tier of the altar, where red light shines upon itself in mutual brilliance and purple Qi (vital energy) lies thick and abundant. The Imperial Lord descends, ruling the Three Realms, and the myriad spirits all come to pay homage. Then visualize the middle tier: the Northern Dipper, the Five Stars, the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, the sun, the moon, and the host of stars, together with the exalted perfected ones who preside over the rite, the deities honored in the Jing (scripture), and the assisting divine ministers, are all gathered here.

On the tier below, the deities of Fengdu and the Water Kingdom, the Five Sacred Peaks, the Ten Lands, the grotto-heavens and blessed lands, and the famous mountains assemble as one. One then looks up to the throne of the Northern Emperor and visualizes the primordial Shen (spirit)—the practitioner’s original spirit—presenting a memorial and petition to the Northern Emperor, praying that the Northern Emperor bestow the light of Heaven for protection, so that one may manifest numinous efficacy and at once attain resonant communion (connection and mutual response with the deities).

Raise the Primordial Destiny mudra, one of the Daoist ritual hand seals, and visualize guards and attendants accompanying on left and right. Visualize the Ancestral Master, the Northern Emperor—the Northern Emperor of the Purple Tenuity celestial palace—whose light illumines the ten directions. The Four Saints, in accordance with the talismanic mandate, guard the four quarters and establish their camps and arrays: the celestial generals of this altar are ranged on the left, and the deities of the scripture on the right; the celestial immortals of the heavenly realm stand in the northeast, the deities of the earthly realm in the southeast, the deities of the Water Bureau in the southwest, and the gods of the Yang realm in the northwest; the demon kings of the various heavens and the celestial stalwarts and mighty warriors take their places on either side. Above are the Four Heavenly Kings; below are the great gods of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams). Visualize two divine generals in each direction, each commanding a million celestial soldiers, troops arrayed and formations set, their majesty fully displayed, guarding and defending the ten directions. Once the visualization and its transformations have been completed according to the ritual method, issue commands and direct the generals and officers to carry out their duties.

By edict, the orthodox deities of the local neighborhood shrines (gods who protect the villages), the Gate Minister and Household Commandant of this residence (divine generals who guard the doorway), the Controller of Fate, the Earth God, the Dragon Kings of wells and springs, and the deities who preside over the latrine, together with others of their kind, are all to follow the intent of the scripture (Jing) and stand on the left side outside the altar.

By edict, the presiding deities of the two offices of the Peak Gods and the City Gods, together with the deities who guard the land and preside over sacrifice, are to lead their soldiers and horses, all following the intent of the scripture, and stand on the right side outside the altar.

By edict, the divine generals Fengdu Guimo Langling (the Bright Spirit who beheads the demons of Fengdu), Guan Yu the Ghost-Slayer, Sang Tong, and others are to lead their soldiers and horses, follow the intent of the scripture, mobilize the divine troops, and bestow Qi (vital energy). They stand in the Gen palace of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams), in the northeast, and devote themselves wholly to sealing the paths of ghosts and exterminating evil spirits.

By edict, Deng Bowen, Great God of the Ordinances and Chief of Thunder, Xin Hanchen, Fierce Official of the Silver Tusks, and Zhang Yuanbo, Emissary of Fire and Thunder, are to lead the emissaries of the wild thunders of the five directions and stand in the Zhen palace (the east), invite the descent of the Wood Qi of the east, and by ritual power subdue and destroy the Jing (essence) of dung and soil.

By edict, Gou Yichong, Left Demon-Smiting Envoy of the Thunder Gate, and Bi Ze, Right Demon-Smiting Envoy, are to lead their troops and commanders and stand in the Xun palace (the southeast), devoting themselves wholly to sweeping away demonic and deviant Qi and removing demonic obstructions.

By edict, Zhu Yan of the Fire-Rhinoceros Thunder Bureau and Wu Yuanda, Emissary of Dark Yang at the Southern Pole, are to lead their officers and troops and stand in the Li palace (the south), devoting themselves wholly to inviting the descent of the Fire Qi of the south, so as by ritual power to subdue the Jing of dead metal.

By edict, Zhao Gongming, Commander-in-Chief of the Celestial Physicians who captures dragons amid clouds of fire, is to devote himself wholly to mobilizing the divine troops and bestowing Qi, stand in the Kun palace (the southwest), open the peaceful Gate of Humanity, and protect the safety of the household’s kin.

By edict, Wen Qiong, Supreme General of the Earth Spirits, and Yin Jiao, Taisui of the Earth Office, are together to lead their troops and commanders and stand in the Dui palace (the west), invite the descent of the Metal Qi of the west, and by ritual power subdue and destroy the Jing of decayed wood.

By edict, Xu Xianding, Director-General of the Academy of Celestial Medicine, is to lead his soldiers and horses, devote himself wholly to guarding the Gate of Heaven, reverently welcome the ceremonial retinue of the celestial realm, convey and proclaim the incantations and edicts, and transmit the commands.

Command is given to Feitian Dulei Jiucha Tao Gongji, a divine general of the Thunder Department, to lead the soldiers and generals under his command and garrison the Kan Palace, the northern position of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams). He is charged specifically with inviting down the water Qi (vital energy) of the north, gathering in and destroying the Jing (essence) of blazing fire, transmitting spells and edicts, and flying forth to deliver orders.

Command is given once more to Feitian Dulei Jiucha Tao Gongji to lead the soldiers and generals under his command and garrison the Kan Palace, charged specifically with inviting down the water Qi of the north and gathering in and destroying the Jing of blazing fire.

Command is given to the Supervising Grand General of the Divine Spells of the Northern Emperor for Subduing Demons to proclaim and carry out the spells and edicts, and to exercise overall charge of the Dipper’s Mouth, the direction indicated by the Northern Dipper. He is charged specifically with inviting down the earth Qi of the center and gathering in and destroying the Jing of Yin water.

Command is given to the Thunderclap Commander-in-Chief, the Celestial Lord of the Azure Emperor, Xin Hanchen; to the three Suxiao spirits of the Purple Court; and to the deities who assemble with the thunder generals at the North Pole and take part in the rites of subduing demons: the eight great Divine Kings of wind, thunder, water, and fire; the principal officers and deputy generals; the thirty-six great generals of Tianpeng; the great spirits of flying eagles and running hounds; the celestial immortal officers and generals within and beyond the Purple Court; the Iron Seal of Zhuge, Marquis Wu, traditionally said to be an iron seal used in ritual; the great deities of the Bagua and the Nine Palaces within the ritual method; the seventeen Divine Kings; the principal generals of the diqi, the earth gods; and the Ten Great Taibao of Wang Qi. They are to command the Three Hero and Seven Swift generals, together with their troops, horses, and dispatch officers. Each shall keep strictly to his own charge, maintain rigorous inspection and vigilance, and encircle and guard the altar of the Jing (scripture/classic).

The Seven Divine Kings, the principal generals of the earth gods, and the Ten Great Taibao of Wang Qi shall command the Three Hero and Seven Swift generals, together with their troops, horses, and dispatch officers. Each shall keep strictly to his own charge, maintain rigorous inspection and vigilance, and encircle and guard the scripture altar. A celestial prison is also to be set on the left side of the altar gate, and an earthly prison on the right side of the altar gate.

All mayfly-like vagrant ghosts; spirits of depletion and waste, and of dullness and stagnation; afflictions of the red mouth and the white tongue; male and female noxious injections; hidden corpses and stale Qi; souls of the dead both far and near; on-duty talisman spirits that break and strike; illness-spreading spirits of cold, deserted temples; ghosts of epidemic pestilence; the wangliang and xiaomei born of grievance, enmity, curses, and imprecations; and every ghost or monster that contravenes the Dao (the Way) of Heaven, rebels against the order of Earth, and behaves in ways deviant, deluded, and improper—all are to be seized and brought beneath my Kuigang, the stars of the Northern Dipper and their deities, there to await disposition. They must not move recklessly, must not cause hauntings, and must not offend against my spells. Should any ghost or monster violate the divine spells, let its head burst and its brain split, shattered like fine dust. Let this be carried out at once, in strict accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

Further, the Black Register Spanning Heaven, a black Fulu (talismans and registers) used to establish prohibitions, is issued, and the method of sealing the altar is put into effect.

Prohibitions are set in the east, prohibitions in the west, prohibitions in the south, and prohibitions in the north. The boundary of prohibition above joins the edge of heaven; the boundary of prohibition below meets the ground; and the boundary of prohibition at the center restrains the hundred ghosts and perverse Jing.

At this point one forms the “Quanbing mudra” (the hand mudra of the method for wielding military authority), pinches the “Zimu Duguan mudra,” and then, in the Kun position, again forms the Quanbing mudra, joins the seal, and recites the statutes.

One next lays out crosswise and downward the “Tianhei lu” (Heaven-Darkening Register), a Fulu (talismans and registers) used to place prohibitions on the ritual altar, and performs the method of sealing the altar. The east is sealed fast, the west is sealed fast, the south is sealed fast, and the north is sealed fast; above is sealed fast, joining the heavenly realm; below is sealed fast, joining the earthly realm; the center seals fast every ghost, specter, and deviant Jing (essence).

At this point one forms the Quanbing mudra, pinches the Zimu Duguan mudra, and then, in the Kun position, again forms the Quanbing mudra, joins the seal, and recites the altar incantation. The Vermilion Bird Lingguang, one of the gods of the four directions and ruler of the south, manifests divine might within. Mountains, rivers, sources, and wilds are garrisoned on every side, and the ghost soldiers scatter and flee. The divine serpent exhales its breath, and deviant Jing lie hidden and do not come forth. The soul terrace is bright on all four sides, and the jade gate sounds clear and resonant. The Jade Perfected stands lofty and tall, seated in command of the Bright Hall. The hands wave purple auroras, and divine light crowns the head. One recites and upholds the Dongjing (Cavern Scripture) in thirty-nine chapters; within it are methods for expelling deviance, and dragon and tiger display their awe.

Fierce beasts and charging oxen hold blades in their mouths and swallow spears. Mountains and peaks quake, bells sound, and divine birds descend together with venomous dragons. The six-jawed divine beast spews fire; it is the king that devours ghosts and specters. Thunder-fire flashes like a lightning-boar charging forth, and starlight slashes across. Swaying, striking, mottled, and blazing, they move crosswise against the wind; the birds of heaven deploy in a netlike array, all at my side. Fire is spewed across ten thousand li, sweeping away every inauspicious thing. The host of gods and spirits open the roads and seal off mountains, wilds, villages, and hamlets.

A thousand dragons… The six-jawed divine beast spews fire; it is the king that devours ghosts and specters. Thunder-fire flashes like a lightning-boar charging forth, and starlight slashes across. Swaying, striking, mottled, and blazing, they move crosswise against the wind; the birds of heaven deploy in a netlike array, all at my side. Fire is spewed across ten thousand li, sweeping away every inauspicious thing. The host of gods and spirits open the roads and seal off mountains, wilds, villages, and hamlets. A thousand gods and ten thousand spirits stand ranked together, bowing their heads in obeisance. The Marsh Constable holds the incense burner and burns incense on my behalf. Wherever one may be, and through whatever place one passes, the myriad gods come forward to receive and attend. Heavenly beasts come to guard; a thousand kinds of sprites and anomalies are awed into submission and may not encroach upon my field of Qi (vital energy). Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

One performs the method of locking the altar. The heavenly sha shines forth in manifest brilliance; the earthly sha stands upright and holds the quarters. Deviant Jing and the hundred ghosts—how dare they hide? Pacing the Gang and stepping the Dipper, in a single inhalation the myriad ghosts perish. On the left is the Kui star, on the right the Gang spirit; the divine and holy seize them and lock them fast, not allowing them to escape.

One commands aloud: “Divine generals, swiftly lock the ritual altar! I act under the edict of Beidi, the Northern Emperor. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.”

When performing the method of locking the altar, one pinches the “Xipao mudra” and directs the generals and officers to lock the altar; one visualizes the image of the Northern Emperor, presents a memorial to Yuanshi Shangdi, the Supreme Thearch of Primordial Beginning, paces the Gang and steps the Dipper, visualizes the divinities, and changes seats.

Swiftly seal off the altar ground. By the edict of the Northern Emperor (Beidi, the divine emperor of the north): quickly, quickly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

When performing the method of sealing the altar, form the “Xipao” hand-seal, direct the generals and officers to seal the altar ground, and at the same time visualize the deity of the Northern Emperor descending. Present a memorial to the Lord of Primordial Beginning, pace the steps of the stars and the Dipper, visualize the spirits, and change the seating of the altar.

The minister presiding over the rite declares: The Great Void is vast and empty; the eyes cannot see it, and the ears cannot hear it. The ultimate Dao (the Way) is profound and hard to fathom, yet if one but knocks and petitions, communication is surely attained; if there is a prayer, there is surely a response. Now, in this altar ground, the scriptural method is solemnly established so that it reaches above and below and the four directions. The altar is as the world of Southern Cinnabar, stretching a hundred li all around; it is also as the celestial palace of the Northern Pole, clear and bright on every side. The myriad spirits are roused and submit in reverence; the demon kings all come to encircle and guard it; and no territory fails to be peaceful and settled.

At this moment, visualize the Lord of Primordial Beginning within the precious pearl, or visualize the Most High Lord Lao ascending the Jade Bureau seat, proclaiming the wondrous sounds of the Dao and revealing the true words of the golden mouth. Expound the ten chapters of scripture, so that blessings are deep as the sea and life span firm as the mountains; secure the five directions, close the gates of deviance, and open the orthodox Dao. Then sit upright and, with utmost sincerity, recite the scripture according to the liturgy.

Chant: “Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Case and Expounds the Mysteries.”

Attune the voice and begin reciting the scripture.

Recite the Chapter of Narrative Discussion.

When the recitation reaches the Tianpeng Incantation, visualize the great divine immortals, spirit kings, and deities of the five directions named in the incantation coming to secure the altar, closing the gates of deviance and opening the orthodox Dao. Then sit upright and, with utmost sincerity, recite the scripture according to the liturgy.

Chant: “Celestial Worthy Who Opens the Case and Expounds the Mysteries.”

Attune the voice and begin reciting the scripture.

Recite the Chapter of Narrative Discussion.

When the Tianpeng Incantation is recited again, visualize the great divine immortals, spirit kings, generals, and officers named in the incantation deploying their battle array and standing guard to the left and right, before and behind. Each time one chapter has been recited, visualize the deity of the Northern Emperor appearing; then visualize yourself becoming the Perfected Being of Original Destiny, kneeling to report the circumstances of the matter and bowing in thanks. Afterward, visualize the deity of the Northern Emperor once more, and continue reciting the next chapter of scripture.

Recite the Chapter of the Seven Primordials.

When the recitation reaches the “Spell of Dividing the Body” (Fenshen Zhou), the voice must not be too loud. Following the ritual procedure, visualize the Northern Emperor (Beidi, the chief deity of the north and the god who commands troops and generals) appearing, sending out soldiers to seize the malevolent spirits that are causing harm, and ordering the generals to capture them and lock them in prison.

Visualize yourself transforming into Tianpeng, a divine general of Daoism, and pacing the guideline and treading the Dipper (Tagang Budou, stepping through the positions of the stars and the Dipper according to a prescribed footwork), taking your stand at the □ star. With the left hand, first form the “Five Generals” hand-seal (Wujiang Jue), then the “Holding the Household” hand-seal (Chijia Jue): pinch the base of the thumb with the four fingers. Next form the “Commanding the Troops” hand-seal (Quanbing Jue) and the “Zi Chief Administrator” hand-seal (Zi Zongguan Jue): press the thumb into the middle of the joints of the four fingers.

Summon the generals to lead out their troops and seize the malevolent spirits that have brought misfortune upon the sick household; then draw a well-prison and confine the spirits within it. Visualize the soldiers and generals drawing the malevolent spirits into the well-prison, and command them to return the patient’s hun and po souls to the body. Next visualize a shaft of golden light issuing from the altar space and shining straight into the sickroom. The ritual master follows the light into the sickroom and, in accordance with the scripture (Jing), sprays water into the room, thereby driving the malevolent spirits away. One may also have someone carry a talisman into the room and burn vinegar and heat charcoal to fumigate and cleanse it, while visualizing in the mind the divine generals guarding the patient so that the patient remains calm and secure as usual. One must also visualize everyone who comes and goes transforming into officers of evil ghosts and spirits. Then return to the four altars, sit down once more, and recite the scripture, causing the light to shine straight into the sickroom. The ritual master follows the light inside and sprays water according to the scripture to drive the malevolent spirits away, or has someone carry a talisman into the room and fumigate and cleanse it with vinegar and charcoal, while visualizing the divine generals guarding the patient so that the patient remains calm and secure as usual. Visualize everyone who comes and goes transforming into officers of evil ghosts and spirits. Finally return to the four altars, sit down, and recite the scripture.

Section on Slaying Ghosts (Lugui Pin)

Visualize the Northern Emperor commanding the demon kings of all the heavens, together with the divine officers of the six palaces above and below, proclaiming the laws and ordinances in Fengdu (the underworld as understood in Daoism) and subduing evil ghosts. If the rite is performed to treat someone’s illness, the patient should also be given talisman-water to drink.

Section on Warding Off Calamity (Han’e Pin)

Visualize the primordial spirit of one’s natal destiny (Benming Yuanshen, the deity that governs an individual’s lifespan and allotted fate) submitting a memorial to the Northern Emperor. The Northern Dipper (Beidou, the divine office represented by the seven stars of the Northern Dipper) issues a sacred edict, which is transmitted to the stellar palaces and the Dipper bureau, so as to dispel disaster and relieve adversity for the person concerned. Visualize the patient’s baleful stars withdrawing and auspicious stars shining upon them, so that calamity disperses; celestial immortals save and deliver the people of the world, demon kings receive the precepts, and ghosts and specters hide and flee.

Section on the Divine Seal (Shenyin Pin)

Visualize a radiance of ten thousand zhang pouring forth from the divine seal (a Daoist ritual seal), cutting away all that is inauspicious.

Section on the Golden Register (Jinlu Pin)

Visualize the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) sending down the True Talisman for Relieving Suffering and dispatching dragon lads (Longtong, messenger youths of the divine realm) bearing proclamations to the Three Realms and the Ten Directions, the bureaus of Mount Luofeng, and other places, to summon back the hun and po souls of the ancestors. Ghosts and specters hide and flee.

Section on the Divine Seal (Shenyin Pin)

Visualize a radiance of ten thousand zhang pouring forth from the divine seal, cutting away all that is inauspicious.

Section on the Golden Register (Jinlu Pin)

One visualizes the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning sending down the True Talisman That Saves from Suffering, and dispatching dragon youths—messengers of the celestial realm—bearing the talisman to proclaim it throughout the Three Realms and the Ten Directions, at Mount Luofeng, the offices of the sacred peaks, and other such places, summoning the souls of the ancestors. One then visualizes oneself transformed into the Celestial Worthy Who Saves from Suffering, forming the golden-tablet mudra, a ritual hand seal, so that golden light illuminates the prisons of the dark netherworld and calls the souls forward to the altar. The Daoist assembly, in the family shrine, recites incantations, offers food, and chants scripture, arranging seats for the ancestors and respectfully inviting them to hear the scriptural teaching. When the recitation is finished, the longevity slips are read aloud and the dispatches of the Fulu (talismans and registers) are proclaimed and issued; dragon youths, together with generals and officers, are then sent to the Southern Office—the divine bureau in charge of birth and lifespan—to register the names of the living. The offerings and the documents of merit are afterward burned, and the ritual masters need not leave their seats.

Section of the Nine Dragons

One visualizes oneself transformed into the deity of the Northern Emperor, forming the golden-tablet mudra, and summons the Nine Dragon Kings to take their places in the ritual space, while the Six Spirits also come forward to receive commands. If anyone has offended taboos through the building of houses, whether new or old, all are pardoned without exception. By the merit of this scripture, the deceased are peacefully installed and their transgressions are dissolved.

Section on Warding Off the Corpse

When the recitation reaches the “Bright Mirror Register,” one visualizes white primordial Qi (vital energy) and auspicious light appearing at the center of the precious register, so as to eliminate heavenly calamities and disperse earthly disasters.

Section of the Eight Characters

When the recitation reaches the taboo names of the Northern Dipper, one visualizes the Northern Emperor issuing a decree and descending upon the Dipper. The star lords of the Northern Dipper appear in person to dispel calamity and relieve hardship, to set the movements of the stars in smooth order, to strike names from the registers of guilt, and to enter names upon the registers of life. One visualizes each star lord in turn; the left hand forms the Dipper mudra and moves it from the forehead to before the eyes—this is called linmu, “bringing before the eyes.” It is said that in this way knots of resentment may be undone, life preserved, and mind and nature cultivated. One should also visualize immortals, generals, and officers protecting the living, reducing guilt and increasing blessing, and bestowing numinous talismanic script—script endowed with ritual power—for people to wear.

Section of the Divine Troops

At this point the offerings of the jiao are set out once more—the offerings presented in the Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual)—and one visualizes the deities within and without, above and below, receiving the offerings and sending down blessings upon people.

Dedication Text

Invested with ritual office, your servant So-and-so once more burns true incense and respectfully offers a memorial of thanks to the holy gods.

Your servant has heard that, when the scrolls of jade writ—the sacred scriptures (Jing)—have been read through, the unseen realm and the Three Realms can all hear them; and that after the precious chime, the qing used in the rite, has fallen silent, it is as if the heavens still intone this scripture from afar. This is a profound design of Heaven above, not ordinary speech of the world. Heaven and Earth endure because of it, and the sun and moon course because of it. When the people uphold it, peace and security come; when ghosts and spirits revere it, they gain free passage through transformation. The sick who hear this scripture may obtain long life; the dead who hear it may have their spirit-souls transferred to the Northern Bureau. When demons and deviant beings hear it, their heads split and their brains crack. The original text at this point appears to be corrupt or incomplete. What follows says that this scripture causes Heaven and Earth to endure and the sun and moon to move, brings peace to the people and free transformation to ghosts and spirits, lengthens the lives of the sick and transfers the dead to the Northern Bureau, and subdues demons and deviant beings.

This scripture is the root upon which the birth and transformation of the myriad things depend, and neither the human world nor the celestial realm fails to rely upon it. It is the bright lamp of wisdom that illumines the dark, and the dharma bridge that leads beings across the sea of suffering. Its merit is inconceivable, and its blessings and virtue are without measure.

The ten chapters of scripture have now been recited, and their sound has reached through the Nine Heavens. We respectfully pray that the scripture return to the stellar altar and that grace be bestowed from the Golden Portal. First we pray that the dynasty’s foundation be vast and that our Dao (the Way) flourish; that wind and rain come in their proper seasons, and that the people of the four seas live and work in peace. May beings of the three paths have their sufferings brought to rest and never again fall into the cycle of rebirth; may compassion arise in the ten stages, so that beings suffer less interrogation and punishment. May birds in flight, fish in the waters, and grasses and trees—all that moves and grows—receive the grace of life-giving nurture and the virtue of transformative cultivation; and may all sentient beings at last realize the undefiled fruit, release from affliction and from birth and death.

Next we pray that a certain person’s offenses accumulated over successive lives be removed and that blessings descend upon the present; that the talisman water prove efficacious and life recover its former peace; and that the body be sound, no longer troubled by itching, illness, or pain. The original phrase “malu wangjue” is suspected to be corrupt. What follows prays that stellar fortune run smoothly and the whole household be at peace; that the elderly be in good health and children secure; that the nine generations of ancestors be promoted; that the living be settled in spirit and the dead be delivered. May calamities be entirely dispelled, and may all that is sought be fulfilled as wished.

May we, your servants, together receive the overflow of this grace, and may the human world be peaceful and without mishap; may every person obtain a special blessing. May the scriptural teaching be transmitted through the ages, and may ghosts and demons vanish from every quarter. For the prayers set forth above, we respectfully entreat Heaven’s protection. This is a most excellent concurrence of causes and conditions; your servants bow their heads and take refuge.

With sincere hearts we call upon the Three Venerables of the Most High, the host of sages of the ten directions, the Great Ritual Master of the Mysterious Center, and all the exalted perfected and holy assembly upon the scripture altar for the subjugation of demons. The supreme and unsurpassed True Dao possesses inconceivable merit.