《太上洞渊三昧神咒斋忏谢仪》

In the sequence of the penitential liturgy of the Taishang Dongyuan Sanmei Shenzhou Zhai Chanxie Yi, the participants first style themselves “your subjects” and make this vow: We sincerely take refuge and reverently worship the Lord of the Great Unity (Taiyi Jun) and the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns (Sandong Tianzun) of the boundless East, who are supremely true and supremely exalted. Both “Taiyi Jun” and “Sandong Tianzun” are titles of exalted Daoist deities.

They then face east and perform three bows. Only after the bows are completed does the rite of confession begin.

We ritual masters respectfully perform, on behalf of a certain household, the purification rite of the divine spells, reciting and upholding the Marvelous Scripture of Divine Spells. First, on their behalf, we confess and make amends for transgressions, praying that demonic obstructions and pestilence may be cut off, so that household and realm may be clear and tranquil and the people may be protected. Burning incense and lighting lamps, we fix our thoughts upon the divine perfected and commit body, spirit (Shen), and life to the Unsurpassed Mysterious Elder of the East, to the Most High Celestial Worthy of the Cavern Abyss, the Samādhi Divine Spells, and the Three Caverns (Sandong), and to all divine beings.

Looking upward, we offer ritual thanks to the Most High Lord Lao of Great Clarity and Mysterious Origin, of the Unsurpassed Three Heavens and the Limitless Great Dao, in the Azure Heaven of the Nine Qi (vital energy) of the East, together with the Most High Elder, the Lord Celestial Thearch, the Elder of the Celestial Thearch, the Lord Great Thearch, the Elder of the Supreme Sovereign, the Thirty-Nine Perfected, the Seventy-Two Sage and Lofty-Mystery Perfected Lords, the Lord of the Immortal Metropolis of the Nine Elders, the Elder of the Nine Qi, the Lord Azure Lad—Firstborn Azure Perfected, Jade Treasure of Eastern Florescence, Grand Marshal and Supreme Minister of the Lofty Dawn—the Primordial Elder who presides over immortals and perfected persons, the boundless Qi of the Dao and the one thousand two hundred official lords, the immortals and gods of the Jade Gate of the Nine Qi of the Green Thearch beneath the Jade Majesty of Great Clarity, the Perfected of the Four Offices, and the highest sages and great gods of all the heavens.

Looking downward, we offer ritual thanks to the divine immortals and orthodox perfected of the Five Marchmounts and the Four Waterways in the limitless worlds of the eastern quarter beneath the earth. We earnestly beg these gods to pardon the transgressions of the patron of the rite, of that household, and of the household’s living and deceased parents and kin: the seven emotions and five desires, the ten evils and six sense-roots, and every accumulated fault, truly without bound or measure. Now, through this purification rite, we confess and seek remission, hoping that all these transgressions may be cleared away, so that the family members may enjoy lengthened blessing and longevity and the dwelling may be at peace.

We humbly pray that the Most High send down grace and command the divine generals—the Spell King of Samādhi, the strongmen of the Nine Heavens, the divine troops of the Five Thearchs, the attendant maidens of the ten directions, the great soldiers of the Crimson Bow, and others—to seize, subdue, and destroy evil gods and malign ghosts such as the Red-Heads and Shajuyingzi. May the calamities of pestilential poison, warfare, famine, epidemic disease, and banditry that they spread all be stilled and cleared away. May true Qi nourish cultivation, and may primordial Jing (essence) moisten and enrich the myriad things, so that all under heaven may dwell in peace and joy and share together in Great Peace.

Knocking our heads and taking refuge, we pray that the Most High bestow gracious protection, issue edicts, and manifest divine majesty, so that the divine spells may be carried out.

What follows is the prayer of invocation:

This is the Spell for Dispatching Ghosts (Qiangui zhou). When it is recited, one follows the ritual procedure of the “Spell for Protecting the Numina” (Weiling zhou). With a sincere and reverent heart one proclaims its majesty, so that the myriad beings are at peace and all under Heaven is tranquil. One performs the rites and bows in homage, takes refuge in the deities, and prays that the deities descend with blessings and protection. One then reads out the edict, manifests divine authority, and carries out the divine spell.

One then offers the prayer:

This is the Spell for Dispatching Ghosts. When it is recited, one follows the ritual procedure of the Spell for Protecting the Numina. It should be read aloud with solemnity and dignified bearing, so that living beings of the ten directions together complete their repentance. One rises and recites this spell, which means announcing the edict, displaying divine authority, and commanding spirits and ghosts to act according to the order; it must not be treated lightly.

The scriptures of the Dao (the Way) say that, in the evil age of the Five Turbidities (a world filled with turbidity, disorder, and suffering), if anyone upholds and recites the scriptures of the Three Caverns (Sandong; the scriptural books of the Daoist Three Caverns), I will dispatch celestial troops and celestial generals to follow and guard that person’s body. Harmful evil ghosts are kept far from the gate; the five kinds of deviant Qi (vital energy) are gathered up and removed, and they are not permitted to cause mischief. Lawsuits and litigation are brought to an end, and the sick recover and regain clear consciousness. If anyone dares to defy the command, the Demon King will subdue and annihilate that being.

One then chants in hymn:

It is sung as one intones a hymn of praise, and is chanted together with “Pacing the Void” (Buxu; a Daoist ritual practice that imitates walking through empty space). One circles once, facing the ten directions in succession.

In the eastern world-region of Fuyuti (a world of the eastern quarter), Goumang (the wood deity of the east) is verdant and vivid. Brahma maidens roam the great void, and the eight tones echo through the Jade Capital (Yujing; the palaces of the heavenly realm). The Dao of the Great Vehicle transcends the secular world, and ten Perfected (Zhenren) sport in the Purple Court. A purification rite for seeking blessings (Zhai) is established, so that the long, endless night is made entirely bright. The dharma drum of the orthodox Dao resounds, and every evil specter is crushed. The Demon King comes forward and bows; whoever dares attempt disorder has that form cut down and destroyed. From the distant heaven of Eastern Florescence, nine dragons drive cloud chariots and come to receive them. Benevolent deities guard the gate; strongmen and the myriad spirits keep watch together. Kin within the household thereby dwell in peace, and the hundred ghosts dare not cause mischief again. All together exalt the meritorious work of the Supreme Dao, and together they roam the City of the Purple Phoenix.

With utmost sincerity one takes refuge and entrusts one’s life, reverently worshipping the Limitless Most High of the South, the Supremely Perfected, the Highest Lord of Great Unity (Taiyi), Celestial Worthy of the Three Caverns.

Then, facing south, one performs the three obeisances. Strongmen and the myriad spirits keep watch together; kin within the household dwell in peace, and the hundred ghosts dare not cause mischief. All together exalt the meritorious work of the Supreme Dao, and together they roam the City of the Purple Phoenix.

With utmost sincerity one takes refuge and entrusts one’s life, reverently worshipping the Limitless Most High of the South, the Supremely Perfected, the Highest Lord of Great Unity, Celestial Worthy of the Three Caverns.

Then, facing south, one performs the three obeisances and repents.

Your servant(s) respectfully perform, on behalf of the household of so-and-so, the Divine Incantation (shenzhou) and chant the Wondrous Scripture of the Divine Incantation (Shenzhou Miaojing). First we confess our transgressions and seek pardon, cutting off demonic malevolence and pestilence; we pray for peace in the nation and safety for the people. We burn incense and light lamps, concentrating our thoughts on the deities and the Perfected Ones (Zhenren).

We entrust our bodies, spirits (Shen), and both nature and life (xingming) to the Supreme Mysterious Elder of the South, to the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen) who preside over the Supreme Samadhi Divine Incantation of the Deep Abyss, and to all the divine powers.

Upward, we offer thanks and supplication to the Taiqing Supreme Venerable Lord of the Southern Pole and August Emperor, the Numinous Jade Emperor of the Caverns, the Lord of Prohibitions of the Upper Origin, the Sages of the Three Origins, the Primordial Elder and Mysterious Perfected, the Venerable of Myriad Blessings, the Chief Minister and Sima of Nanchang who governs life, the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) Perfected One, the Elder of Great Harmony, the Red Emperor of the Heaven of Mysterious Harmony, the High Immortal of Cinnabar Numinosity and the myriad Perfected, together with the most exalted sages and great deities of all the heavens. The Southern realm is the Cinnabar Heaven of the Three Qi (Qi).

Downward, we offer thanks and supplication to the immortals and true, upright spirits of the Five Peaks and Four Rivers in the boundless world of the southern region beneath the earth. We humbly beg pardon for the household of so-and-so for offenses arising from the three karmas of body, speech, and mind (the conduct of body, heart, word, and deed) and the six emotions (six kinds of feeling and desire), as well as for transgressions against the scriptures (Jing) and violations of the precepts. However many kinds and however many items there may be, we ask that all be dissolved together, so that the living and the deceased of this household may be safe and auspicious, and that calamity and pestilence be dispersed forever.

We humbly hope that the Most High will bestow grace and command the Gathered Maidens of the ten directions, the Celestial Soldiers and Powerful Warriors, the Great Armies of the Dark Raven Slayers, the red-clad troops and minor officials, and the Overseers of the ten directions to subdue and drive away the lesser ghosts led by the pestilential demons Weidu Qiao and Wutu Lunna Wuwan. We command them to remove all manner of illness, including fever and chills, malarial pestilence, cholera, vomiting and diarrhea, and to make every ghost and spirit that brings malevolence, calamity, and epidemic disease withdraw and scatter at once. Gather in the poisonous vapors and pestilence, and let each return to its original place.

May the illnesses and sufferings of the people all be healed; may true qi (Qi) steam and nourish them, and may the qi of primordial harmony sustain all things, bringing joy and well-being to everyone. May all receive the grace of the Dao (the Way), and may we proclaim and spread the Divine Incantation.

Next, recite the incantation:

The Dao (the Way) said to all divine spirits, and to the demon sons and demon daughters: “If anyone receives and upholds my scripture (Jing), you must all assist that person. The spirits of the four directions must not let baleful influences draw near, and the hundred ghosts must quickly withdraw. Mengda (the deity who governs and contains plague disasters) gathers in the plague calamities, so that people are freed from illness as if leaving behind the grasses and plants of Lairu. The authorities relieve the affliction, disease is eliminated, and I will promote you. If you insist on doing evil and harming people, righteous Qi (vital energy) will of itself protect those who receive and uphold the scripture.”

One then recites:

The Southern Lord Flame Emperor (the deity of the Fire De (Virtue/Power) of the south) bears a name and title resplendent throughout the eight quarters of heaven and earth; he is also called Yanfu (here referring to the vast world). Divine immortals set forth in flying carriages and cloud chariots, attended by ten perfected immortals. The Mysterious Woman (a goddess) rides the clouded heights and sings, and golden light fills her cinnabar body (the body of an immortal). Today the wheel of the Law turns, and sacred Brahma-sounds resound through the nine directions. The Heavenly King commands the demon troops; the wind stops, and the rain of itself ceases. Brilliant light shines upon the eight directions, and every kind of baleful spirit hides in the dark. If baleful spirits come to invade, the blade-warriors cut off their heads; the Demon King, the princes, and the killer-ghosts also come to destroy the baleful spirits. A purification ritual (Zhaijiao) is held and the great deities are welcomed; wangliang and other evil sprites are subdued in turn. The gods each fulfill their duties and show no indulgence, and the righteous Qi of the great Dao thereupon spreads abroad.

With utmost sincerity one takes refuge and pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen), the Most High Lord of Utmost Truth, the Highest Taiyi Lord of the Limitless West (an honorific title of a revered Daoist deity, meaning the supreme Taiyi deity in the realm of the Western Limitless).

Then, facing west, one performs the three rites of homage and makes repentance.

We, your servants and ministers, respectfully perform the divine incantation for the household of so-and-so, reciting and putting into practice the Wondrous Scripture of Divine Incantations. We first repent and clear away offenses, cut off demonic hauntings and pestilence, make the dwelling pure, quiet, and at peace, and protect the whole household in safety.

We burn incense and light lamps, visualize the deities and intone the true Dao (the Way), and commit body, Shen (spirit), and nature and life entirely to the supremely exalted Mysterious Elder of the West, to the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns (Sandong) of the Most High Cavern-Abyss Samādhi Divine Incantations, and to all the gods and spirits. We reverently give thanks for the protection of the many deities who guard the household gate, those of the White Heaven of the Seven Qi (vital energy) of the West and of the lofty ones of Grand Clarity and Western Florescence.

Once again we burn incense and light lamps, visualize the deities and intone the true Dao, and commit body, Shen, and nature and life to the supremely exalted Mysterious Elder of the West, to the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns of the Most High Cavern-Abyss Samādhi Divine Incantations, and to all the gods and spirits. We reverently give thanks to the White Heaven of the Seven Qi of the West; the High Emperor of Grand Clarity and Western Florescence; the Great Numinous Primordial Lord Lao; the Precious Latter-Sage Thearch-Lord of Grand Simplicity; the Ladies of the Three Primes; the Jade Perfected of the Seven Great Harmonies of the Golden Portal; the Golden Mother of Western Numinosity; the lofty immortals of the White Thearch; the Perfected of the Four Extremes; and the supreme great gods and highest sages among all the heavens.

We also give thanks to the divine immortals of the Five Marchmounts and the Four Waterways, and to the gods of orthodox truth, in the boundless world beneath the earth in the West. We earnestly beg the gods to pardon the household of so-and-so and to remit the many offenses committed in this life by body, mind, mouth, and intention, whether done by oneself or by inciting others to do them. Faults as numerous as dust and sand, we beg that they all be wiped away together.

May the poisonous harm of pestilence besetting the household of so-and-so disperse, and may the whole family obtain peace. We respectfully ask the Most High to bestow grace and to command the great troops of the Nine Heavens, the armored soldiers of the Ten Directions, the stalwarts of Red Slaying, the emissaries of the Red Cavalry merit officers, and the Great Expelling Generals to seize and remove the ghosts of life and death—the Red-Crow wangliang of Xinling—the spirits of the tombs, Dunu Wuliuzi, the red-eyed Jiaozi ghosts, and other such evil hauntings, to sweep them all away together, and to cut off the calamity of pestilence. May every illness vanish at once, all the sick recover, true Qi fill and moisten them, and the hundred bones of the whole body rest in ease and comfort. Looking up to and receiving the grace and De (Virtue/Power) of the Great Dao, we perform and proclaim the divine incantation.

The incantation is then recited:

The Lord of the Dao commands all ferocious and baleful spirits of the lower realm: when the year stands at renwu and the year-designation falls on jiaxu, immediately extinguish every illness, so that the sick may all recover, true Qi may fill and moisten them, and the hundred bones of the whole body may rest in ease and comfort. Looking up to and receiving the grace and De of the Great Dao, we perform and proclaim the divine incantation.

The incantation is then recited:

The Lord of the Dao issues a command to all fierce and evil spirits of the lower realm: this year stands in the renwu position of the cycle, falling within the jiaxu decade. Chiqi will bring disaster upon cattle and horses, and Wuhuan will cause the people to die before their time. All who receive the Jing (scripture/classic) and wear the Fulu (talismans and registers) will be protected by the celestial troops. After death, the gods will drive off the ghosts that harass them, and the guardian strongmen will instruct and transform their families. Those who do not follow my teaching shall carry stones on their backs and heap them on the shores of night.

One then recites:

In the west there is a deity who presides over gathering-in, named Gouni. The three luminaries—sun, moon, and stars—hang high in the deep and vast Great Void, shining brightly on every side. The sounds of thirty-two kinds of celestial music arise, and demonic, evil Qi (vital energy) naturally withdraws. Today the Jianfu Zhai is held, a Zhaijiao (purification ritual) for invoking blessings; lamps are lit to illuminate the sky. May the wind cease and the rain stop, demons and evil be cut down, and the treacherous be restrained. Ghosts that corrupt the orthodox Dao (the Way) and come to cause disturbance shall all be bound and delivered to the celestial court for judgment. In performing the Daoist rite and removing every kind of sin, the merit is exceedingly vast. The Dao and De (Virtue/Power) are profound, and sacred power can restore the dead to life; every sort of deviant Qi returns to the orthodox Way. Upon whom shall this blessed reward fall? Upon those who practice the Great Dao and keep to the orthodox Way, accumulating good deeds—the gods and spirits will naturally come to them. The foolish cannot grasp the cultivation; the wise constantly follow it. If one does not grudge the expenditure of wealth and of one’s own person, it is in order to ascend in honor, riding the void.

With utmost sincerity we take refuge and pay reverence to the Limitless Most High of the North, the Supremely True and Highest Lord of Taiyi, Celestial Worthy of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen).

Then, facing north, one performs three salutations and makes repentance.

We, your servants So-and-so, respectfully carry out this divine liturgical rite on behalf of the family of So-and-so. We do not grudge wealth or our own persons; what we treasure is ascending by riding the void.

With utmost sincerity we take refuge and pay reverence to the Limitless Most High of the North, the Supremely True and Highest Lord of Taiyi, Celestial Worthy of the Three Caverns.

Then, facing north, one performs three salutations and makes repentance.

We, these servants, respectfully perform on behalf of a certain household the purification ritual (Zhaijiao) of divine incantations and recite the Wonderful Scripture of Divine Incantations (Jing). We first confess our transgressions and offer thanks, praying that demonic obstructions and pestilence be cut off, that the dwelling be pure, still, and at peace, and that the household be protected. Burning incense and lighting lamps, we visualize the divinities and reverently call the Perfected to mind, wishing to take refuge in the Great Dao (Dao, the Way) with body, spirit (Shen), and nature and life.

Toward the north we respectfully offer thanks to the Unsurpassed Mysterious Elder, the Most High Cavern-Abyss Samādhi Divine-Incantation Heavenly Worthies of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen), and all divinities. Looking upward, we thank the Five Qi (vital energy) of the Mysterious Heaven of the north, the Most Supreme High August Jade Emperor of Grand Clarity, the Vacuous Sovereign Lord of the Dao, the Most High Lord Lao, the Most High Elder, the Jade Dawn Lord of the Most High Great Dao, the Perfected Duke of the Northern Pole, Master Wenshi, the August Elder of the Black Emperor, the Perfected of Lofty Mystery, the Lad of Spontaneity, the great gods of the Nine Perfected within the Dipper of the northern spirits, the celestial beings of the Five Numina, and the host of supreme sages and gods of Grand Hua and the Nine Dawns, of the Lofty Supreme, and of the ten-thousand-layered heavens reaching to the utmost. Looking downward, we thank the immortals of the Five Marchmounts and the Four Waterways, and the gods of orthodox perfection, in the boundless worlds of the northern quarter beneath the earth.

We earnestly beg pardon for this household, and for the transgressions of the ancestors of seven generations, both deceased and living, and of the six kinds of kin and their affines: disloyalty and unfilial conduct, want of love and compassion, as well as the taking of life, theft, sexual misconduct, evil speech, sowing discord, artful and specious words, lying, anger, greed and stinginess, and the like. These transgressions are piled high as mountains and can hardly be recorded one by one. We pray that, by the merit cultivated today, they may all be pardoned. We wish that epidemic illness leave this household and that the whole family be safe and all go well.

We respectfully ask the Most High to bestow grace and to command the divine generals—Song Jiu, General of Wenchang, Wind, and Water; the Four Great Heavenly Kings; Huang Ying, strongman of the crimson-blazing Heavenly Capital; and others—jointly to seize and restrain the Great Demon of Azure Perfection, Fudan Lianzi, the ghost Huangnu Duluna, the ghosts of the gates, the well, and the stove, and the specters Chengbo, Apian, Ranxuan Zidu, and their kind. We wish that pestilential poisons, epidemic diseases, and every ghost and monster disperse, that the dwelling be pure and at peace, and that all be in good health. We wish that everyone receive the grace of the Dao and uphold and proclaim the divine incantations.

The incantation is then recited:

The Most High (Taishang, the supreme deity venerated in Daoism) possesses true words with which to command every kind of demon, sprite, and ghost. Those that raise the wind and stir up disorder are called “white heads”; those that bring illnesses of cold and heat, together with pestilence, are called “plague tails.” Ordinarily they attach themselves to trees and stones, and some also cling to mountains, rivers, and marshes. Ritual masters who bear ritual implements and are thoroughly versed in the methods of the Dao, as well as men and women who have received Daoist registers and offices, may all recite scriptures (Jing) to save people and dispel calamity; holding a purification rite (Zhaijiao) can likewise help in curing illness. How dare evil spirits refuse to obey? If they do not submit, they will be eradicated, and no mercy will be shown.

What follows is then recited:

In the north lies Yudanyue (the legendary pure land of the north). The four seasons turn in their course, yet there is no great earth. That place is called the Mysterious Heaven; it moves aloft through the void and records the subtle laws. Today a grand purification rite is held, forbidding every evil ghost. Should any demon dare to offend, it may only wander for a moment before losing its life.

This is a command issued from the golden mouth of the Most High, and it is also the decree of the Jade Emperor, Lord of the Dao. A thousand demons submit of their own accord, and the myriad kinds of evil spirits are still less worth mentioning. Now a spell is to be laid upon the demon kings, and every little ghost grows anxious and afraid. If they still refuse to depart, the celestial soldiers of heaven will come down to seize them and deliver them to the Three Celestial Bureaus (Santiancao, the Daoist offices that administer the affairs of heaven), so that no evil spirit remains in the human world. This command is proclaimed to each in turn, causing them to die upon the wind; the wind then ceases, and the rain stops of itself. If you do not obey the statutes and laws of heaven, the official in charge will cut off your head.

With utmost sincerity we entrust our lives and reverently pay homage, toward the northeast, to the Limitless Most High, the Utmost Perfected, the Supreme Lord of the Great One (Taiyi), Celestial Worthy of the Three Caverns (Sandong).

One then turns toward the northeast and makes three bows. When the homage is complete, one proceeds to repentance.

We, the faithful, respectfully perform the Ritual of the Divine Incantation (Shenzhou) for the household of a certain family, reciting in sequence the Wondrous Scripture of the Divine Incantation (Jing, scripture). First we confess our transgressions before the divine powers and pray that demonic malice and pestilence be cut off, that the household be made pure and peaceful, and that the whole family be protected. During the ritual we burn incense and light lamps, and we fix our minds single-heartedly on the Shen-Zhen (the deities and perfected beings revered in Daoism).

We take refuge, with body, spirit, and life, in the northeast, in the Supreme Mysterious Elder, the Most High, and the Samadhi Divine Incantation of the Abyss, in the Celestial Venerables of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen), and in all the spirits. To the northeast, in the Heaven of Primal Azure, we offer thanks to the Great Purity (Taiqing) of Limitless Void and Spontaneous Nature, the Great Dao (the Way) of Utmost Truth, the Supreme Sage Lingbao Primal Azure Lord Lao; to the Nine Heavens' True King; to the Emperor Lord of Eastern Radiance and Void Sovereignty; to the Master of the Nine Spirits; to the Perfected Person of Jade Splendor; to the Perfected Emperor Jigao; and to all the supreme sages and venerable deities of the highest heavens.

We also give thanks to the spirits of the northeast beneath the earth, and again to the Great Purity of Limitless Void and Spontaneous Nature, the Great Dao of Utmost Truth, the Supreme Sage Lingbao Primal Azure Lord Lao, the Nine Heavens' True King, the Emperor Lord of Eastern Radiance and Void Sovereignty, the Master of the Nine Spirits, the Perfected Person of Jade Splendor, the Perfected Emperor Jigao, and all the supreme sages and venerable deities of the highest heavens. We thank as well the immortals and the upright and true ones of the Five Peaks and Four Rivers in the boundless realm of the underground northeast.

We humbly beg the deities to forgive this household, its teachers, its parents, and the transgressions committed in former lives and in this one: failing to be fully loyal and filial, and treating lightly the kindness of others; not completing the Six Perfections (six good practices that ferry beings across to liberation) that ought to have been cultivated, and not putting into practice the Four Immeasurables (four equal and compassionate states of mind) that ought to have been observed; and accumulating many faults, both hidden and open. Now that we perform this confession and plead for pardon, we beg that all be forgiven and wiped away together.

May all the pestilence and poison afflicting this household be wholly dispersed, and may the home be peaceful and smooth. We humbly pray that the Most High will bestow grace and command the divine generals: the Supreme True Cavalry, the Jade Maidens of the Husband and Wife, the Great Demon Lihong, the Spirit Youths and Officers of the Five Directions and Ten Directions, the Great Slaying General, and the armored soldiers and mighty warriors. May they seize and arrest the malign spirits, the Five Essences and Seven Blasts, and Jia Yuanshen with his Sorrows, as well as the plagues embodied by the brothers Wuwan and Huang Nu. May they rebuke, subdue, and drive out all evil spirits and epidemic poisons, so that they are completely destroyed.

We beg that this household be protected in purity and peace, and that everyone within it be safe and healthy. Relying on the boundless grace and virtue of the Most High, we carry out and proclaim this plague-expelling Divine Incantation, which displays divine might.

Next, we recite the incantation:

Taishang Laojun (the Supreme Lord Lao) widely propagates the teachings of the great Dao in order to dispel calamities from the Central Plains. The day Wuyin is called "Aconite," and the day Gengyin is called "Great Thunder." Anxious entanglements invite quarrels and slander, and the Hao Jing star causes the loss of wealth. Once the divine mantra is recited, demons and bandits will be utterly destroyed. In front, weapons of metal and iron strike and slay them; behind, fire bells urge on and support the assault. They are commanded to flee a thousand li at once, and they are not permitted to linger even briefly.

The text then continues with a hymn:

The spirit of the northeast, in the Gen position (one of the Bagua, or Eight Trigrams, directions), is named Wenling. Its mysterious radiance illuminates all things, and the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) is established to deliver living beings. The merit of the ritual extends for a thousand years, and those who cultivate such merit may roam in the Phoenix City (a realm of immortals). Deliver the dead and rescue those caught in disaster; keep the heart still and silent, with the intent of preserving the body. Light the lamps so that the three lights of sun, moon, and stars shine brightly, and do not let the wind stir them. Taishang Laojun commands the demon kings to bring all wind and rain to a halt.

With utmost sincerity I take refuge in, and respectfully bow before, the Celestial Venerable of the Three Caverns (a revered Daoist deity), the Limitless Supreme, Most True, Highest of the High, Lord of the Great One, in the southeast.

Then, facing the southeast, perform three prostrations and offer a confession of repentance.

Your servant, together with the other officiants, reverently performs the Divine Incantation rite (Shenzhou) for this household. Following the Keyi (liturgy), we practice the Way, chanting the divine incantations and the wondrous scriptures (Jing). First, we confess and repent the household's transgressions, praying that demonic obstructions and pestilence be cut off, so that the residence may be clear and tranquil and the home protected. We burn incense and light lamps, visualize the divine beings, and reverently call to mind the Perfected.

We entrust our bodies, spirits (Shen), and nature and life (xingming) to the southeast: to the Supreme Mysterious Elder, the Most High Abyssal Samadhi Divine Incantation, the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen), who preside over the methods of divine incantation, and to all the gods and spirits.

We respectfully invoke, in the southeast, the Primordial Lord of the Red Yang, Beginning of the Cinnabar Heaven, Great Purity, Cavern-Summit of Emptiness and Naturalness, Utmost Perfect and Supreme Sage of Lingbao; the Laozi of the Boundless South; Master Taihe; the Venerable Elder of Ten Thousand Blessings of the Three Numinous Ones; the August Emperor Meng of Cinnabar Numen; the Perfected of Great Yang; and the Marshal of Cherishing Life and Delivering Destiny. We also invoke the Three Primordial Ladies of Mysterious Perfection, the Daoist Sovereign of the Purple Numen and Void August, the Red Essence of the Vermilion Palace, the Director of Destiny of Nanchang, the Perfected of the Four Extremities, and the supreme sages and venerable deities of all the heavens.

Below, we make our petition to the earth spirits of the boundless southeastern realm, the Perfected of the Five Peaks and Four Rivers, and the supreme immortals and the upright Perfected. We humbly beg them to pardon this household's offenses: disobeying rulers, elders, and parents, and failing to follow Heaven and Earth; killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct; false speech and pleasing but untrue words; stinginess and greed, anger and resentment, and envy of the worthy and capable. They have done evil in secret, their faults are many, and their karmic burden is heavy. Now this household performs the rite of repentance and earnestly begs for their sins to be dissolved. May the household's calamities and misfortunes recede far away, and may the whole family receive blessings and grace.

We respectfully request that the Most High bestow his favor and command the Great Soldiers of the Three Heavens, the Jade Maidens of the Nine Heavens, the Great Soldiers of Heavenly Slaughter, the Great Officers of Heavenly Prohibition, the Guardian Warriors of Tianpeng, the Overseers of the Mysterious Center, and the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) merit... (The original breaks off here.)

We, under orders, are charged with registering, restraining, and binding every kind of dragon, and with cutting down Wuhuan Li Ziao, the Shegong of the waters, the twelve kinds of malarial illness, and the ghosts and demons that harm the six kinds of livestock and male and female servants, driving them out and destroying them completely. Let such-and-such a household be harmonious and at peace, joyful and flourishing, so that everyone may enjoy great peace in security. Let all living beings receive the grace by which Heaven and Earth give life and nurture. The edict is now proclaimed, divine majesty is made manifest, and the sacred spell is carried out.

The spell is then recited:

Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun) has issued a clear mandate and announced it throughout the Central Plains. Great ghosts and small ghosts, demon kings and evil kings alike, must all obey the command. Since the jiaxu year, human Qi (vital energy) has grown weak, while ghosts and demons have grown strong in their mischief. In the ninth month, baleful influences such as “Tulunna” and “Santian Goupo Qiang” appeared. Even those who recite the scriptures and uphold the registers—keeping the Daoist Fulu (talismans and registers)—may be startled when wangliang, the sprites of mountains and streams, show their forms. The Most High has sent down the orthodox law, and every kind of calamity is to be eliminated.

The verse is then chanted:

The divinities of the southeast, in the Xun position (one of the directions of the Bagua, the Eight Trigrams), patrol the rivers of the world. The nine rivers shake the four seas, and the Five Sacred Peaks drive out the illnesses you have brought. The Zhenren (perfected persons, those who have attained the Dao, the Way) address the spirits of the ten directions, establish the purification rites, and bring the hidden and mysterious realm to stillness. The hundred kinds of baleful influence dare not arise; all demons and monsters are restrained and placed under edict. If any strange spirits or ghosts appear, they are beheaded and delivered to “Xutuoluo.” The Three Officials—the Celestial Official, the Earthly Official, and the Water Official of Daoism—are subdued and no longer work mischief. All is carried out according to the Nüqing Code (Daoist precepts and ritual norms).

With utmost sincerity we take refuge and reverently worship the Limitless Most High Supreme Perfected, the Highest Taiyi Lord, the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns (Sandong), of the southwest.

Three bows are then made toward the southwest. The Three Officials are subdued and no longer work mischief; all is carried out according to the Nüqing Code.

With utmost sincerity we take refuge and reverently worship the Limitless Most High Supreme Perfected, the Highest Taiyi Lord, the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns, of the southwest.

Three bows are then made toward the southwest, and when the bows are completed, repentance is performed.

We, the ritual masters, respectfully carry out the divine incantations on behalf of so-and-so’s household, practicing the Dao (the Way) according to the rite and reciting the Wondrous Scripture (Jing) of Divine Incantations. First we confess the household’s faults on its behalf, praying that demonic evils and pestilence be cut off, that the dwelling be pure, quiet, and at peace, and that the household be guarded and blessed.

We burn incense and light lamps, visualize the deities, and devoutly hold the true Dao in mind. We entrust our bodies, our spirit-consciousness, and our lives to the Unsurpassed Mysterious Elder in the southwest, the Most High Heavenly Worthy of the Cavern Abyss Samādhi Divine Incantation of the Three Caverns. We raise our heads in thanks to all the deities. Above, we thank the powers of the Heaven of Primal Simplicity in the southwest: the Dao Lord of Great Clarity, the Mysterious Ultimate, emptiness, nothingness, and spontaneity—the Brilliant Numen, Supreme Sovereign, and Upper Primordial Elemental Numinous Lord of the Dao; the Elder Lord of Golden Efflorescence, Utmost Perfection, Numinous Treasure, and Primal Simplicity; the Jade Emperor of the Three Heavens; the Perfected Duke of Purple Yang; the Four Perfected within the Dipper; the Thearch Lord of Primordial Yang; Master Purple Essence; the Lord of Myriad Blessings, Myriad Qi (vital energy), Myriad Deliverances, and Myriad Lives; the Dao Lord of Western Radiance, Great Numen, and the Void Sovereign; the Lord of the Golden Portal, Pure Numen, the Seven Perfected, and Jade Efflorescence; and the supreme holy worthies and deities of all the heavens. Below, we thank the immortals and gods and the orthodox perfected of the Five Marchmounts and the Four Waterways in the boundless worlds of the underground southwest.

We pray that the gods forgive so-and-so’s household. The household has violated the Dao of Heaven, Earth, and Yin-Yang; defiled and slighted the Three Luminaries of sun, moon, and stars; failed to observe the order of the four seasons; and made light of the De (Virtue/Power) of the Five Constants. It has divulged sacred scriptures and gone against the immortals and sages. On the auspicious days of fasting and abstinence—the Three Primordials, the Eight Nodes, the Ten Upright Days, and the like—it has also indulged the six passions and committed many offenses. We now declare this repentance and earnestly beg that these offenses all be washed away. May the household’s blessings and De grow ever fuller, its good deeds stand in dignity, and may it always meet with auspicious joy.

We humbly pray that the Most High bestow grace and issue a command to the commanders of the Great Demons of the Nine Heavens, the two hundred and forty thousand officers of Great Yin, the Perfected Lord who guides and instructs, the officers Nihe and Wanhe, the hundred-tongued clerks, the presiding lords of the Nine Heavens, and the rest, that they together do their utmost to seize and subdue the poisons of pestilence; and that the demon king Gaolinzi, Qianghu Shiliao, Chiwu and Chilian, the ruined armies and dead generals, the dark ghosts, and their like swiftly scatter and be destroyed. May true Qi circulate, so that everyone may be safe, healthy, and at ease. We respectfully proclaim the mandate and the divine authority, and we carry out the divine incantations.

The incantation is then recited:

The Most High Lord Lao commands the host of demons that every one of them must submit beneath the Great Dao (the Way). If they see anyone reciting the scriptures (Jing), they are to guard those persons, so that the work of recitation may proceed smoothly and be brought to completion. Ghostly kinds such as the Dingling, the Qianglu, the Musuo, and the Diliao are all to be brought under restraint; the big-headed ghosts grow cold and damp, while the Yi ghosts grow dry. The Mingzhen—the deity or ritual master who presides over this method—holds a red ritual staff, and the living obtain peace as though clinging to green grass. On hearing the divine incantation they must depart at once; if they still linger, their heads are to be smashed.

The hymn then continues:

The southwest pertains to the trigram Kun and is the mother of the great earth. Evil spirits are subdued, and the matter is reported to the court of heaven. A Zhaijiao (purification ritual), the Daoist rite for seeking blessing and confessing fault, is established, so as to deliver the ancestors of seven generations. The Mingzhen holds a red ritual staff, and the living obtain peace as though clinging to green grass. On hearing the divine incantation they must depart at once; if they still linger, their heads are to be smashed.

The hymn then continues:

The southwest pertains to the trigram Kun and is the mother of the great earth. Evil spirits are subdued, and the matter is reported to the court of heaven. The purification is established and the rite performed, so that the ancestors of seven generations are delivered and all the hidden souls of the long night come to behold the light. Merit is accumulated, and they ascend into Xuandu, the abode of immortals and realized beings spoken of in Daoism; the wind ceases and the rain subsides, and disorder is made no more. Evil beings are bound and every calamity and baleful influence is swept away; the deities of heaven and the living beings of the human world descend together to protect and bless. As the four seasons turn and the cycles of the kalpas succeed one another, the blessed fortune of heaven and earth changes with them, and the Dao is thereby made manifest.

With utmost sincerity we entrust our lives and reverently worship the Limitless Most High Supreme Perfected, the Highest Lord of the Great Unity (Taiyi) of the northwest, and the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen).

Facing the northwest, three salutations are then performed; when the worship is finished, confession and thanksgiving follow.

We, your servants So-and-so, respectfully carry out the divine incantation on behalf of the household of So-and-so and recite the wondrous scripture of the divine incantation. First we confess our transgressions, cut off demonic hindrances and pestilence, render the dwelling pure, still, and at peace, and protect the household. We burn incense and light lamps, visualize the deities in meditation, and hold the true Dao in mind. Together we turn body, spirit (Shen), and nature and life toward the Unsurpassed Mysterious Elder of the northwest, the Most High Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns of the Cavern-Abyss Samadhi Divine Incantation, and all the deities.

We lift our heads and bow in thanks to the Exalted Primordial August Lord of the Dao of the Heaven of Initial Mystery in the northwest; the Most High Perfected Elder of the Primordial Numen and Cavern Treasure of the Nine Heavens; the Limitless Elder Lord of Great Florescence and Numinous Treasure of Initial Mystery; the August Sovereign Celestial Beings; the Lord of Floriate Dawn of the Nine Canopies of Northern Mystery; the Feathered Gentlemen of Heaven’s Gate who ferry the world and fly through heaven; the Chief Perfected of the Jade Immortals; the Marshal Who Supervises the Numina; the Three Masters of High Antiquity; the Great Sages and the host of the Supreme Perfected; the various Lords and Elders; and the highest sages and multitudes of deities of all the heavens at their furthest reach.

At the end of this passage the titles of realized beings—“the Feathered Gentlemen of Heaven, the Chief Perfected of the Jade Immortals, the Marshal Who Supervises the Numina, the Three Masters of High Antiquity,” and others—are listed once more, and the text breaks off unfinished at the words “the various Lords.”

Zhangren (a title for Daoist deities), together with the most exalted holy host of spirits among all the heavens: we confess our offenses to the orthodox and true immortals of the Five Marchmounts and the Four Waterways (the Five Marchmounts and the great rivers of the four quarters) in the boundless world of the northwest beneath the earth, and we pray for pardon of the sins committed by a certain household—the taking of life, theft, and sexual misconduct, as well as every kind of offense such as strangeness, greed, jealousy, arrogance, and wrath. The original wording is corrupt at this point and cannot be interpreted with certainty. We earnestly beg that these measureless transgressions be removed and washed clean altogether, and we wish that both generations, the living and the dead, may obtain peace and good fortune.

We reverently pray that the Most High bestow grace and command the Demon Kings of the Nine Heavens, the presiding lords of the Ten Directions, the stalwarts of the Three Heavens, the celestial troops and armored soldiers, and all true deities to seize evil Jing (essence), together with the five pestilential poisons and the malign spirits that harm the human world—those of mountains and forests, water and fire, and the ghosts of wind, earth, wood, ropes, combat, and the cangue. Names listed in the original, such as “Youlian Wenqingzi,” appear to be corrupt and cannot be explained with certainty. May these malign spirits be driven a thousand li away and entirely swept clear, so that true Qi (vital energy) may circulate and primordial Jing may nourish the myriad things, the people may live in harmony, joy, and security, and households may be pure, quiet, and at peace. Relying on the grace of the Great Dao (the Way), which covers, protects, and nurtures us, we proclaim the decreed command, manifest divine majesty, and carry out the divine incantation.

The incantation is then recited:

The Most High widely promulgates the mysterious and wondrous scriptures, healing the illnesses of ten thousand people. In the years Chen, Si, Wu, and Wei, the ghost-officials of calamity and poison are at the height of their power. Those who uphold the scriptures and receive the talismanic warrants may escape untimely disaster. The red plague-ghosts perish with the incantation, and the black evil Qi withdraws upon hearing the sound. They must not disturb the human world, nor arbitrarily inflict disease. In the years Chen, Si, Wu, and Wei, the ghost-officials of calamity and poison are at the height of their power; those who uphold the scriptures and receive the talismanic warrants may escape untimely disaster. The red plague-ghosts perish with the incantation, and the black evil Qi withdraws upon hearing the sound. They must not disturb the human world, nor recklessly harm our orthodox Dao; if they dare to transgress, sharp blades shall cut their forms and sever them inch by inch.

The hymn is then chanted:

The Qian position of the northwest (the direction of the Qian trigram in the Bagua, the Eight Trigrams) is the Heavenly Father, called the Jing of Heaven and Earth. The nine Qi unite as one, and the five directions gather all living beings. Today we establish a purification rite and chant the hymn, kindling lamps to illuminate the mysterious stars. The three lights of the sun, the moon, and the stars shine upon Tuoluo (so the original reads; the meaning is unknown), making the long night bright. Mysterious and wondrous radiance illuminates all; we pray for blessings to be granted and for living beings to be saved. Merit is accumulated in the hope of ascending to immortality; kalpic calamities are cut off, and the hosts of deviant demons are subdued. Every disturbance of the dusty world is brought to rest, and the ghosts and evils that offend the orthodox Dao are bound.

With utmost sincerity we take refuge and reverently worship, above, the Boundless Most High, the Supremely Perfected, the Highest Lord of Great Unity, the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen).

Three prostrations are then made toward the Heavenly Gate above, together with confession.

We, your servants so-and-so, respectfully, on behalf of a certain household, carry out the divine incantation and establish the ritual space, performing the rites of the Dao before the Boundless Most High, the Supremely Perfected, the Highest Lord of Great Unity, the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns.

Three prostrations are then made toward the Heavenly Gate above, together with confession.

We, the Fashi (ritual masters), respectfully perform the Divine Mantra on behalf of this household, reciting the Wondrous Scripture of the Divine Mantra (Shenzhou Miao Jing). First we repent and offer thanks for the removal of all transgressions, cutting off demonic obstructions and plague, so that the household may be pure and tranquil and the family protected. We burn incense and light lamps, visualize the spirits, and hold the Perfected Ones in mind. We entrust our bodies, Shen (spirit), and nature and life together to the Three Caverns Celestial Venerables of the Supreme Mysterious Elder and the Most High Divine Mantra of the Grotto Abyss and Triple Obscurity, dwelling in the Thirty-Two Heavens above, and to all the spirits.

Looking upward, we respectfully report and give thanks to the Celestial Venerable of Limitless Numinous Treasure, and to the Most High Formless and Nameless, Boundless and Infinite One in the countless heavens: the August Emperor of the Perfect Dao, the Primordial Father of the Nine Heavens, the Heavenly King of the Primordial Beginning, the Elder of the Primordial Beginning, the Most High Elder Lord of the Primordial Numen of Supreme Numinous Treasure and Dongxuan, the Great Sages of Limitless Realms, the Lords and Elders of Perfect Truth, and all the supreme and holy venerables of the heavens. Looking downward, we respectfully report and give thanks to the upright and true immortals of the Five Peaks and Four Rivers, both beneath the earth and in the limitless realms above (the Five Peaks are five great mountains, and the Four Rivers are four great rivers).

We humbly beg that the members of this household be pardoned their offenses: whether committed in body or conceived in mind, in daily conduct or in speech and discussion, whatever has violated the precepts and norms, we ask that it be forgiven. Should plague or illness arise, or quarrels between officials and commoners, we fear they may be harmed and unable to receive deliverance. Therefore we turn our hearts to the Dao and establish this Zhai (purification) rite to seek blessings and protection.

We respectfully repent and offer thanks for the myriad sins and faults of the living and the dead, lest they defile the sun, moon, and stars (the Three Radiances). We humbly invite the Dao to descend with numinous response, and the heavens to protect and support us. May the merit of this rite be dedicated to this household, so that both the living and the dead receive blessings. We establish this Zhai to seek fortune, repenting and giving thanks for the ten thousand sins and thousand errors of the living and the dead, lest they defile the Three Radiances. We humbly invite the Dao to send down its numen and the heavens to surround us with protection. May this merit be dedicated…

The merit accumulated through this purification and repentance ritual is dedicated to a certain household, so that both the living and the deceased of two generations, together with the ancestors and kin of seven generations, may leave the dark realm of suffering and go to a place of light. Those of the highest grade are transformed and ascend as immortals; those of the middle grade let their spirits roam the realms of the immortals; and those of the lowest grade are still able to be reborn once more in the human world.

May they be born into the households of princes and marquises, encounter the Three Treasures—the Dao (the Way), the Jing (scripture/classic), and the masters venerated in Daoism—and form wholesome affinities. May blessings and virtue accumulate without cease until they at last become immortals, and may this grace extend throughout the household. May every illness suffered by elders and juniors alike—old ailments, epidemics, wind-borne evils, pestilences, and other seasonal diseases—be healed; may the medicines they take prove effective, the inner and outer body rest in health, the five viscera be harmonized, and the six bowels flow freely.

May calamities be dispelled and disasters escaped, years of life increased and longevity extended. May they win renown in the world and see office and emolument rise step by step, serving as chief ministers when they enter court and governing a whole region when they go forth. May they hold reverence and awe in their hearts when serving superiors and dealing with subordinates, long preserve ease and peace, and find that all they undertake is fitting.

With reverence we pray that the Taishang—the honorific for the supreme deity in Daoism—widely bestow grace. We entreat the Jiehuangying strongmen, the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) merit-officer envoys—divine clerks in Daoism who transmit documents and carry out ritual affairs—the great troops of the Nine Heavens, the jade maidens of heaven and humanity, and other spirits, and we call upon them to seize such specters as Yingnü Penzi, the red-headed devils, the Chiding fire ghosts, Chisuo Baixia, and the Chidu ghosts, and to slay and sweep them all away. May upright Qi (vital energy) be settled and harmonized, the people clear, harmonious, and well, and the dwelling peaceful, so that all may look up and receive the sage’s grace. The might of the divinities is now proclaimed, and the divine spell is recited.

The spell is then recited:

The Celestial Worthy issues a clear command, and ghosts and spirits must all obey. Luoweng and Daye, Huayuan and Xiaoling—Jiaozi shall from this moment cease, and Dunu must raise no further turmoil. The Dongyuan purification rite has been established, and the qi of demonic deviance and rebellion must be made clear. The fierce, the obstinate, and the overbearing who will not submit are bound with a red cord. They are cleft from the head and cut into myriads of pieces, until their fat and blood are drained and their blood congeals.

The hymn is then intoned:

In the Infinite Heaven Above (the supreme, boundless celestial realm), the Three Luminaries (the sun, the moon, and the stars) shine with lofty brilliance. Today a Field of Blessing (meritorious deeds that accumulate virtue) is established, and lamps are kindled to illuminate the profound depths of the celestial realm. In the distant ninefold heavens, Magu (the female immortal of Daoist legend) appears with airy grace. She travels through the void, driving six dragons. Beings of the celestial realm bind the Imperial Consort. The Demon King halts the wind and rain, and the words of Taishang (the Supreme Dao [the Way]) are never false. Those who reverently uphold the wondrous Jing (scripture/classic) of Azun may naturally partake of the fare of the Celestial Kitchen. Even when great waters spread abroad and the kalpa descends, the Daoist priest can still roam the celestial roads. Those who cultivate the Dao are naturally unlike ordinary people; they move upon the water as freely as dragons and fish. At ease they enter the Purple Chamber (the pure immortal realm spoken of in Daoism), and after lingering they return to Taiwu (the formless, imageless realm of the original source).

With utmost sincerity we entrust our lives and reverently worship the Infinite Taishang Most True Supreme Lord of Taiyi, the Celestial Worthy of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) of the lower realm (a venerated deity of Daoism).

We then perform three salutations toward the Earth Door of the lower direction (the portal of the earthly realm), and afterward make repentance.

We, your servants so-and-so, respectfully on behalf of such-and-such a household, carry out the divine spells and recite and revolve the Wondrous Jing of Divine Spells. First we repent of our transgressions, cut off demonic obstructions and pestilence, bring peace and purity to the residence, and protect the household. Burning incense and lighting lamps, we visualize the divinities and hold the Zhenren (Perfected) in mind. We return body, Shen (spirit), and nature and life entirely to the divine spells of the Seventy-Two Marshes of the lower realm, and we practice, recite, and revolve the Wondrous Jing of Divine Spells. First we repent of our transgressions, cut off demonic obstructions and pestilence, bring peace and purity to the residence, and protect the household. Burning incense and lighting lamps, we visualize the divinities and hold the Zhenren in mind. We return body, Shen, and nature and life entirely to the Supreme Mysterious Elder of the Seventy-Two Marshes of the lower realm, the Taishang Dongyuan Samadhi Divine Spell Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns, and all divinities.

We reverently bow in thanks to the supreme and limitless, formless, immeasurable, and innumerable Great Dao of Taishang within the Mysterious Yellow Heaven of the lower realm—the nine hundred, nine thousand, ninety thousand, and hundred million Heavenly Elders of Dao-Qi (vital energy)—together with the Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens, Taihuang Yuanjun, the True Elder of the Nine Heavens, the August Venerable Elder of Jade Vacuity, the Zhenren of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate), Huanglao and the Yellow Emperor, the celestial persons of Huanglao, the Central Emperor of Primordial Yellow, and the Five Elders above...

O supreme holy worthies and deities above the realm of the immortals and the many heavens! I entreat the orthodox true immortals and deities of the Five Sacred Mountains and the Four Waterways in the worlds beneath the earth and in the boundless realms below, begging that they graciously pardon and absolve the entire household of So-and-so, high and low, the departed spirits of seven generations of ancestors, parents and teachers, the six classes of kin and relatives by marriage, and all living beings.

From remote kalpas long past down to this present life, the entire household of So-and-so, high and low, the departed spirits of seven generations of ancestors, parents and teachers, the six classes of kin and relatives by marriage, and all living beings have, through the three karmas of body, speech, and mind and through the six faculties of eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind, broadly committed every kind of offense. They have also defiled mountains and waters and offended the spirits, and have thereby incurred guilt in the dark netherworld and brought calamity upon themselves. Now, by means of this repentance and acknowledgment of fault, we beg that these offenses be washed away altogether. May both the living and the dead of this household obtain blessing and henceforth suffer no further disaster; may the chronic illnesses of young and old, high and low within the household all be removed, every part of the body brought into harmony and health, and lifespan extended; may fortune and emolument shine forth, peace prevail within the household and beyond it, the dwelling be pure and tranquil, and every quarter proceed in smooth and harmonious ease.

We reverently pray that the Taishang (the Daoist designation for the supreme divine worthy) bestow grace, and that the true numina descend in protection. We earnestly entreat the Jiele lords who govern the ten directions, the Great Brahma Heavenly Kings, the restraining officers of the Eight Divisions, the inspecting spirits of Great Brilliance, the envoys who turn back baleful killings, and the celestial warriors and stalwarts, together with the ghosts and spirits who seize and arrest Wuhuan, Huangnu, Lianzi, Chisuo, the great ghost Touran, Baigong, Xuanzi Du, and others of their kind, to subdue the disease-ghosts of virulent illness, miscellaneous maladies, jaundice, and the like, and to cut off all disaster, adversity, and baleful misfortune together, so that the ghosts of deviant essences and pestilence are utterly destroyed and no residual affliction remains. Relying on the boundless and vast grace of deliverance, we proclaim and make manifest the divine majesty and carry out the divine incantation.

The incantation is then recited:

The pure ritual power of the Celestial Worthy can expel and treat ghosts and demons and protect living beings. On the day of Jiazi, the ten thousand illnesses descend; at the time of Renchen, the host of ghosts goes forth. The ghosts of yellow pestilence, Zhong the Baleful, and their like are all to be slain together. The ghosts of deviant essences and pestilence are utterly destroyed, and no residual affliction remains. Relying on the boundless and vast grace of deliverance, we proclaim and make manifest the divine majesty and carry out the divine incantation.

The incantation is then recited:

The pure ritual power of the Celestial Worthy can expel and treat ghosts and demons and protect living beings. On the day of Jiazi, the ten thousand illnesses descend; at the time of Renchen, the host of ghosts goes forth. Yellow Pestilence Zhong Shiji and Red Toxin Xiahou Ying, withdraw at once from beside the walls and from the roads; you are not permitted to approach the gates, doors, or courtyards. I have ten generals whose eyes shine like meteors; morning and evening they keep special watch over ghosts and demons, chew them to pieces, and leave no bodily form remaining.

One then recites the “fan,” saying: (The text reads thus; this is suspected to be a technical term of the Keyi (liturgy), or a variant introduced in the course of transmission.)

The lower realm, dark and boundless, has passed through a long kalpa of calamity. Looking up above the Three Heavens, the three lights—the sun, the moon, and the stars—shine in brilliance. Today the lamps are to be kindled. Ten perfected immortals restrain the Demon King, stilling the wind and keeping the rain from falling, so that Daoist priests may wander freely through the Imperial Realm. The Jade Maidens open the three lights and, six times, gaze upon the Supreme Sovereign. Today the ritual masters assemble, and the majestic power of the gods and immortals shakes the ten directions.

With utmost sincerity we take refuge and reverently bow in worship to the Central Limitless Most High, the Most Perfect and Highest Lord of Taiyi (the Great Unity), Celestial Worthy of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen), a venerated deity of Daoism.

Then, facing the Gate of Humanity in the southwest, perform three salutations and make confession.

We, your servants So-and-so, respectfully establish a purification ritual (zhai) and practice the Dao (the Way) on behalf of the household of So-and-so, in order to heal illness. Each day the ritual masters are assembled, and the majestic power of the gods and immortals shakes the ten directions.

With utmost sincerity we take refuge and reverently bow in worship to the Central Limitless Most High, the Most Perfect and Highest Lord of Taiyi, Celestial Worthy of the Three Caverns.

Then, facing the Gate of Humanity in the southwest, perform three salutations and make confession.

We, your servants So-and-so, respectfully establish a purification ritual and practice the Dao on behalf of the household of So-and-so, to heal illness, drive out demons and pestilence, remove calamities, and ward off harm. By these merits we pray that the thousand faults and ten thousand transgressions of the living and the dead of this household be excused, and we ask that they all be pardoned together. We respectfully request that a command be issued to the celestial troops of the ten directions and the mighty warriors of the Thirty-Six Heavens, to protect the six classes of kin of this household, whether old or young, male or female, high or low, noble or humble. Wherever rescue is needed, every plague demon is to be restrained and forbidden to intrude.

Gather up and remove the great disasters brought by those who died away from home, by Li Zi’ao of the Clouds, and by others of their kind, together with the perils of violent death, the baleful hauntings of the six domestic animals that take human form, the hundred sprites of the five woods, and every kind of ghost and monster. Whether they come from among the Man and the Yi, the Xiaqiang, the Hu and the Cang, the Lu, and other such peoples, or lurk above the mountains or below them, in water or in fire, at gates and doors, wells and stoves, or among houses, walls, and hedges, all the myriad ghosts and sprites are to be cut off without exception, scoured away and destroyed, cast a thousand zhang beneath the earth, to sink at any moment and leave no trace behind. Thus all may dwell in peace, relying entirely upon sacred grace. Proclaim the command, manifest divine majesty, and carry out the divine incantation.

Next, recite the incantation:

The Most High personally issued an edict with his golden mouth, commanding every demon and evil to swear an oath. In the Wu and Wei years to come, epidemics may be many. Ding Qin takes men and women; Shi Wu must not harm chickens or geese. Where the ritual master recites the scriptures (Jing), evil essences dare not cross. Those who receive and uphold the scriptural methods of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen) may be spared disasters like waves ten thousand zhang high. If the slayers of ghosts arrive, the ghosts are all destroyed; when illness is treated, the sick suffer no more.

What follows is then chanted:

The spirits of central Wu and Ji, the deities who govern the central quarter, are led by the Yellow Emperor, who commands the four directions. Today the Great Zhai, the Daoist purification rite, is held, and no evil affair dares to stir without cause. The wind falls still and the branches do not sway; the rain clouds scatter, and the sun, moon, and stars show forth their light. The Dao (the Way) and De (Virtue/Power) are thereby spread abroad, and the supremely true Dao abides secure and lasting.

Heavenly maidens hold authority over commanding demons, and the Ten Severances, powers that cut off demonic evil, put the wicked to death. Accumulate merit, and one may ascend to Xuandu, the immortal realm spoken of in Daoism; blessings stand lofty and illustrious. Treasures are apportioned among the five households; do good and cultivate blessing, and the spirits naturally come of themselves. Prodigies, anomalies, calamities, and omens all lie hidden—and to whom, then, can good and evil be reported?

Mysterious brightness scatters through the void, and the sounding drum need not be struck by one’s own hand. An edict is given to all demons and monsters: if you dare come to test us, you will surely fall into decline. The Most High issues a kalpic command with his golden mouth; if you do not obey, after death whom will you have to blame?