《高上玉皇滿願寶懺》

The Precious Repentance Ritual for Fulfilling Wishes to the Supreme Jade Emperor describes the sacred setting and venerated deities in a Daoist repentance ceremony (a ritual for contrition and blessing).

The text begins by explaining that this is a purification ritual (zhaijiao) performed in service to the Jade Emperor, seeking divine communion through devout liturgical practice. Nine symbolic incenses are lit during the ceremony: the incense of Dao (the Way), the incense of De (Virtue), the incense of wisdom, and others—each representing different levels of spiritual attainment. Their fragrant smoke permeates the celestial realms as an offering to the divine.

The scripture then enumerates the host of deities attending this sacred assembly: including the highest Daoist divinity Yuanshi Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning), the Jade Emperor (Supreme Sovereign of the Mysterious Heaven) with his divine parents, various celestial sovereigns, Buddhist Tathagatas and bodhisattvas, savior deities like the Dark Heavenly Sovereign (Xuantian Shangdi) and Lü Dongbin (Imperial Lord of Pure Yang), along with lineage patriarchs and guardian generals of Daoism. All descend to receive these incense offerings.

Finally, the presiding ritual master (referred to as "your servant") expresses on behalf of local devotees their sincere contrition and prayers. Auspicious days are selected for arranging offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and fruits, reverently inviting the deities to descend to the ritual altar. The passage vividly portrays the solemn sacredness of Daoist repentance ceremonies—a religious practice of divine communion through offerings and supplication.

(Note: Terms like "Jade Void Sovereign" and "Imperial Lord of Pure Yang" refer to Daoist immortal titles, while "repentance ritual" denotes Daoist ceremonies for confessing transgressions and seeking blessings.)

This scripture describes a Daoist ritual scene where devotees offer sincere repentance and seek blessings from the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi), one of the highest deities in Daoism.

The passage first depicts the Jade Emperor descending to the earthly altar, observing the devotees' piety, receiving their offerings and gratitude, and showing compassion for their humble sincerity. All Daoist practitioners present kneel reverently, performing repentance according to ritual protocols. The presiding Daoist priest (referred to as "an ordained official bearing registers") leads disciples in devoutly petitioning the Three Pure Ones (Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun), the Jade Emperor, and his divine parents.

The text then recounts the Jade Emperor's origin story: In ancient times, King Pure Virtue prayed devoutly for an heir. His queen, Lady Moonlight, dreamed that Daojun (Taishang Laojun) delivered an infant to her. The crown prince displayed exceptional wisdom and compassion from childhood, later renouncing his throne to cultivate the Dao in mountains, ultimately attaining the exalted status of Jade Emperor. Honored as the "Golden Immortal," he possesses supreme compassionate vows.

With utmost devotion, the assembly prays for deceased ancestors, living relatives, and all sentient beings, reverently chanting the sacred titles of the Jade Emperor while visualizing his majestic form. They then recite the Precious Eulogy of the Jade Emperor, praising his abode in the supreme Purple Golden Palace of Miluo Heaven and the Jade Pure Palace of Taiwei, extolling him as the unrivaled sovereign ruling over the ten directions.

Finally, the congregation performs five reverent prostrations, beseeching the Jade Emperor to manifest his divine powers: to radiate great light, manifest throughout the ten heavenly palaces, ascend the luminous throne, expound the Dao of pure liberation, and emit wondrous sounds to universally deliver all beings. Each prostration repeats the devotional phrase "With wholehearted devotion we submit and bow," expressing supreme veneration to "the Great Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor, Mysterious and Lofty Emperor of Heaven."

This scripture is a devotional prayer recited by Daoist devotees when paying homage to the Great Heavenly Venerable Jade Emperor (Yu Huang Da Tian Zun), the supreme deity in Daoism also known as the Most Exalted Jade Emperor of the Golden Palace of Haotian. Each section begins with the honorific title "Great Heavenly Venerable Jade Emperor, the Most High Sovereign of Mysterious Heaven" (Yu Huang Da Tian Zun Xuan Qiong Gao Shang Di), where "Mysterious Heaven" (Xuan Qiong) refers to the profound celestial realm and "Most High Sovereign" (Gao Shang Di) emphasizes his supreme status.

With utmost reverence, devotees prostrate before the Jade Emperor while making twelve grand vows: First, they pray for the Jade Emperor to manifest divine powers to guide celestial beings and steadfastly protect all sentient beings. Second, they wish for the salvation of common people, granting them peace and joy. Third, they seek the widespread application of expedient means (upaya) to safeguard the nation and rescue its citizens.

Subsequent vows include prayers to open the Daoist canon (Daozang) and expound efficacious scriptures; to propagate the true Dao and disseminate divine virtues; and to instruct bodhisattvas in sudden awakening to the Mahayana path. Another vow asks the Jade Emperor to protect all beings as loving parents cherish their children, manifesting as jade maidens when necessary to universally deliver sentient beings, while displaying rare and majestic divine forms that illuminate all heavenly realms.

The final vows express hopes that the Jade Emperor will initiate teachings enabling celestial and human beings to hear the wondrous Dharma; turn the wheel of Dharma (Dharmacakra) with great compassion; demonstrate mighty spiritual powers cultivated through countless kalpas (eons); respond with appropriate manifestations to save beings according to circumstances; universally bestow teachings to enlighten people; and radiate divine light while compassionately remembering all living creatures.

These vows embody the core Daoist ideal of benefiting the world and delivering sentient beings, containing both praise for divine virtues and expressions of the practitioner's dual pursuit of self-cultivation and altruism. The appearance of Buddhist terms like "bodhisattva," "Mahayana," and "wheel of Dharma" reflects the characteristic Daoist-Buddhist syncretism during the Song and Yuan dynasties.

This is the repentance liturgy recited by Daoist devotees when piously worshipping the Jade Emperor (the supreme deity in Daoism, whose full title is "The Most High Jade Emperor, Sovereign of the Mysterious Vault of Heaven"). With utmost sincerity, devotees repeatedly express twelve sacred aspirations to the Jade Emperor:

First, they pray for the Jade Emperor to create heaven and earth, and to enlighten all divine beings. Then they hope he will safeguard the Five Sacred Mountains (China's five great peaks), protecting the nation's stability and the people's well-being. The devotees earnestly beseech this supreme deity to manifest his compassion by expounding beneficial teachings to liberate all beings from the suffering of samsara.

The text further implores the Jade Emperor to open expedient gateways of Dharma, transmitting esoteric Daoist methods ("Jade Treasury Liturgy" refers to precious Daoist scriptures, while "Numinous Treasure Methods" denote essential cultivation practices). They yearn for him to rescue those in peril, bringing benefit to both the living and deceased, and to pray for blessings while dispelling calamities for all under heaven. Special requests are made for mercy toward the scripture reciters and for the widespread propagation of these profound teachings throughout the ten directions.

The final aspirations grow even more magnificent: may the Jade Emperor safeguard the nation's peace and deliver departed souls; having transformed all things since immeasurable kalpas past, may he now expound scriptures for all beings; may he protect celestial and earthly realms from the "Four Signs and Five Decays" (omens of celestial beings' decline); may he destroy hell realms to liberate those burdened with heavy karma; may he subdue demons and guard all nations' territories. Each prayer segment concludes with repeated honorific titles, embodying profound reverence for the Jade Emperor's supreme status.

This passage is the opening section of the Daoist scripture Precious Repentance for Fulfilling Wishes of the Supreme Jade Emperor, primarily consisting of ritual texts where devotees confess their transgressions and seek absolution from the Jade Emperor (one of Daoism's supreme deities who governs the Three Realms).

The text begins with reverent invocations to the "Most Exalted Great Heavenly Worthy, Mysterious Vault High Emperor of Heaven." The assembly recites the Jade Edict (a sacred proclamation) once while performing ritual prostrations. Devotees express their complete physical and spiritual surrender to the Jade Emperor, confessing sins accumulated through countless rebirths due to ignorance and delusion. With sincere contrition, they hope to obtain divine pardon, follow Daoist scriptural teachings to return to the true path, and pray for the elimination of karmic obstacles, deliverance from calamities, blessings, wish fulfillment, and ultimate enlightenment.

The text then describes the sacred visions anticipated during the ritual: a world purified like lapis lazuli, the gathering of nine-colored jade chariots (celestial vehicles), and immortals descending beneath golden-canopied feather parasols. Divine winds play celestial music while treasure flowers spread like canopies, accompanied by the harmonious cries of phoenixes and playful dragon scales—all auspicious signs descending from the heavenly realm to celebrate the unity of heaven and humanity, dissolving sinful karma. Finally, devotees reaffirm their pious aspirations, paying homage to the Three Supreme Treasures (Dao, Scriptures, and Master Teachers) in gratitude.

This scripture exemplifies the core elements of Daoist repentance rituals: through earnest confession and divine communion, practitioners seek relief from suffering and ultimately achieve spiritual purification and union with the Dao.

This passage describes the highest form of Daoist worship ritual—the praise segment within the Jade Emperor's Precious Penitential Liturgy. Daoist priests prepare themselves through purification rituals (zhaijiao) with devout hearts, seeking to communicate with deities through the fragrant smoke of incense.

They offer seven special types of incense: Dao incense (symbolizing the Great Way), De incense (representing virtue), wisdom incense (embodying enlightenment), Wuwei incense (expressing natural non-action), purity incense (symbolizing immaculacy), natural incense (representing heavenly spontaneity), and wondrous Dongzhen incense (connecting to mystical realms). These fragrant clouds rise to the highest celestial realm of Jade Capital Mountain (a Daoist paradise) and permeate the entire Dharma realm (cosmos).

The text enumerates the vast pantheon of Daoist deities: from the supreme Three Pure Ones (Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun) to the Jade Emperor and his parents; from Buddhist Tathagatas to various Daoist perfected lords and imperial lords; including the Dipper Star Lords, the Three Officials (Heavenly Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official), the Four Saints of the North Pole, and other protector deities; as well as perfected beings (those who have attained the Dao) who aid the world, the Officer of Records who documents human virtue and vice, and the celestial generals governing thunder rites.

Finally, it beseeches all deities to perceive this true incense and accept the offerings. The priests select auspicious days (gudan) to display offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and fruits, humbly hoping the honored deities might temporarily descend from their celestial palaces to the earthly ritual platform, witness the devotees' sincerity, and accept these humble offerings. The mention of "duckweed and pondweed" (two aquatic plants) serves as a metaphor—though the offerings may be simple, the devotion is genuine.

(Note: This scripture reveals the core of Daoist "zhaijiao" rituals—establishing divine communication through incense, offerings, and praises. The extensive divine hierarchy mentioned reflects the Daoist theological framework of "Three Pure Ones and Four Sovereigns" and the cosmological view of "three realms and ten directions.")

With hearts as humble as blades of grass, we reverently present our petition to the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi). Now, all participants in this sacred ritual gather with focused minds, kneeling in solemn repentance according to the liturgical rites.

The presiding Daoist priest (designated as "your servant" in ritual context), [Name], leads disciples who cultivate the Great Dao (Da Dao), presenting with utmost devotion this petition to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing: Jade Pure, Upper Pure, and Supreme Pure), the Jade Emperor, the Imperial Father and Mother, and all sacred beings of the Three Realms (Desire Realm, Form Realm, and Formless Realm).

We reverently acknowledge: The Jade Emperor resides in the mystical celestial abodes of Purple Gold Tower and White Jade Capital, dwelling loftily above the Heaven of Mysterious Truth. His merit is complete and his Dao perfected; his majestic form transcends all heavens while his compassionate radiance illuminates the Three Realms. He proclaims the supreme Dharma, showing all beings the path to liberation. His supreme status is unparalleled—he is the master revered by heaven, earth, humanity, and all divinities, embodying immeasurable sacred virtue, compassion, and profound vows. Such magnificent realization is unprecedented and inspires boundless reverence.

With utmost devotion, we offer prayers for deceased ancestors, living relatives, all sentient beings, and souls wandering in the long night. All present reverently take refuge, chanting the sacred name of the Jade Emperor, visualizing his majestic form, and sincerely making vows according to scriptural teachings.

The assembly recites the "Jade Emperor's Edict" once in unison, with each participant performing one full prostration.

With perfect sincerity we take refuge and bow, praising the great divine radiance of the Most High Jade Emperor, Mysterious Vault Sovereign of Heaven.

With perfect sincerity we take refuge and bow, praising the great compassionate radiance of the Most High Jade Emperor, Mysterious Vault Sovereign of Heaven.

With perfect sincerity we take refuge and bow, praising the great joyful generosity of the Most High Jade Emperor, Mysterious Vault Sovereign of Heaven.

With perfect sincerity we take refuge and bow, praising the great forbearance of the Most High Jade Emperor, Mysterious Vault Sovereign of Heaven.

With perfect sincerity we take refuge and bow, praising the great equanimity of the Most High Jade Emperor, Mysterious Vault Sovereign of Heaven.

With perfect sincerity we take refuge and bow, praising the great gentleness of the Most High Jade Emperor, Mysterious Vault Sovereign of Heaven.

With perfect sincerity we take refuge and bow, praising the great perfect freedom of the Most High Jade Emperor, Mysterious Vault Sovereign of Heaven.

We devoutly bow in reverence to the Supreme Jade Emperor (Yu Huang Shangdi, the highest deity in Daoism also known as "Mysterious Vast High Emperor"), extolling his boundless radiance and majestic virtue. Each verse of praise expresses a distinct divine attribute:

First, we praise the "Great Beneficial Light" that brings vast blessings, followed by the "Great Wish-Fulfilling Light" that satisfies all beings' aspirations, and the "Great Wisdom Light" that dispels ignorance. Next comes the "Great Auspicious Light" that bestows fortune and averts calamity, the "Great Liberation Light" that transcends samsara, and the "Great Refuge Light" that guides souls home.

We then extol the "Great Merit Light" that accumulates virtue, the "Great Perfection Light" that achieves consummation, the "Great Unobstructed Light" that penetrates all barriers, and the supreme "Unconquerable Light." These praises reveal the Jade Emperor's eternal nature as the "True Ancient of the Vaulted Heavens" (cosmic sovereign), embodying the perfect state of "mysterious, complete purity."

Finally, we honor his "Wisdom and Eloquence" (transcendent understanding and expository power), venerating him as the "Ultimate Sovereign of the Dao" (highest manifestation of the Way), "Teacher of the Three Realms" (celestial, terrestrial, and human domains), and "Primordial Ancestor of Undifferentiated Chaos" (progenitor of primordial unity). These titles illuminate the Jade Emperor's sacred supremacy in Daoist belief as the sovereign ruler of all realms.

This scripture is a penitential text used by Daoist devotees to reverently worship the Jade Emperor (Yu Huang Shangdi), the supreme deity in Daoism also known as the "Most High Sovereign of Mysterious Heaven." With utmost devotion, practitioners repeatedly bow and extol the various sacred virtues of the Jade Emperor.

The ritual begins with eleven consecutive prostrations, each commencing with the sacred title "Most High Sovereign Jade Emperor, Supreme Lord of Mysterious Heaven," praising different divine attributes: He is the compassionate father of all beings, the supreme sage of the celestial realms, the benevolent one of great mercy, the ruler of the Golden Palace (heavenly court), and the sovereign of all heavens. His majestic form surpasses all celestial realms, his merciful radiance illuminates the Three Realms (Desire Realm, Form Realm, and Formless Realm), and he is the true guide of the sacred Dao, the master whom both celestial beings and humans rely upon. He expounds the Great Vehicle teachings to guide lost souls, with merits as boundless as the void, worthy of eternal veneration.

The congregation then collectively recites the Precious Eulogy of the Jade Emperor once, with each participant performing a single bow. The presiding priest, representing all disciples, offers complete devotion of body, mind, and life essence to the Most High Sovereign Jade Emperor, reaffirming their sincere commitment to spiritual refuge.

This scripture demonstrates the supreme veneration of the Jade Emperor in Daoism. Through repeated invocations of sacred names and divine virtues, it expresses devotees' profound faith and complete surrender. The phrase "zhixin guiming li" (devoutly surrendering with wholehearted reverence) represents the most respectful liturgical language in Daoism, signifying total submission to the divine with one's entire being.

This passage is a repentance text from The Precious Liturgy for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Supreme Jade Emperor, expressing devout reverence toward the Jade Emperor (one of the highest deities in Daoism) and aspirations for spiritual cultivation.

With utmost sincerity, practitioners reverently recite the seventeen sacred epithets of the Jade Emperor (specific honorific titles in Daoism denoting divine virtues), each phrase accompanied by deep veneration for this supreme deity. Though devotees may use different words to express their reverence, none can truly behold the divine countenance. The scripture teaches that the Dao is supreme and boundless like the vast heavens, and practitioners should cultivate in accordance with the guidance of the sacred texts.

The text states that by devoutly praising the ten great epithets of the Jade Emperor, one may dissolve accumulated karmic transgressions over lifetimes. Speaking virtuous words naturally gives rise to wholesome thoughts in the heart. Today, all practitioners rely on the wondrous blessings of the Dao’s profound teachings, receiving its shelter within this sacred assembly. They pray to attain virtues such as benevolence, humility, wisdom, and eloquence, allowing these qualities to flourish effortlessly until their spiritual aspirations are fully realized.

Finally, the text expresses the grand vow to universally deliver all beings: benefiting the Ten Directions (the entire cosmic space in Daoism) and sentient beings of the Three Realms (Desire Realm, Form Realm, and Formless Realm), rescuing those suffering in the Six Paths (heavenly beings, humans, asuras, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell-dwellers) and the Four Modes of Birth (womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born), and aiding all conscious beings in attaining the supreme Dao.

Closing with the humble self-reference "we, your subjects," the text bows in deep prostration, giving thanks for the boundless grace of the Three Supreme Treasures (Dao, scriptures, and masters—the highest objects of devotion in Daoism).

This passage describes the highest standard of Daoist ceremonial worship. Practitioners must first observe fasting and purification rituals, preparing their hearts with devout sincerity to commune with the divine. They light various symbolically significant incenses: Dao incense represents the supreme truth of the Way (Dao), De incense symbolizes cultivation merits, Wisdom incense embodies enlightened awareness, Wuwei incense expresses the state of natural non-action, and Purity incense manifests inner clarity—these fragrant clouds spiral upward, reaching directly to the celestial courts.

The ceremony proceeds with reverent homage to the highest deities: Yuanshi Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning), the ancestral master who initiated the Daoist scriptures; Daojun Tianzun, who manifested to escort the Jade Emperor's descent to earth; and Daode Tianzun (also known as Taishang Laojun), who widely propagated the sacred teachings. Special veneration is given to the Jade Emperor, the supreme deity of Daoism, along with his parents—the King of Miaole Kingdom and Queen Baoyueguang. The ritual also honors Buddhist figures like the Tathagata of Pure Natural Enlightenment (reflecting Daoism's syncretic embrace of Buddhism), as well as celestial lords such as Gaoxu Qingming Tianzhu.

The pantheon invoked at the scripture altar is remarkably comprehensive: it includes the Five Directional Thearchs like Yuxu Shangdi, salvific deities such as the Suffering-Relieving Zhenren who responds to cries, female immortals like the Jade Maiden of Night Radiance, the Three Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials) who assess human virtue, protector deities like the Four Saints of the Northern Dipper, astral deities of the Southern and Northern Dippers, along with thunder generals, mountain gods of the Five Peaks, and local deities like City Gods and Earth Gods.

The ceremony specifically acknowledges founding masters of various Daoist schools: the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Celestial Masters (Tianshi), Lü Dongbin of the Pure Yang lineage, and patriarchs of the Qingwei tradition. Finally, all responsive deities are respectfully invited to descend upon the ritual space, to accept the incense offerings, heed the devotees' petitions, and compassionately fulfill their wishes. The entire passage vividly illustrates the Daoist cosmological vision encompassing the "Three Pure Ones and Four Sovereigns" pantheon, along with the grand belief system honoring "all celestial bodies throughout the cosmos and the myriad perfected beings of the starry river."

This passage is a liturgical text from the Daoist scripture Gaoshang Yuhuang Manyuan Baochan (Precious Repentance for Fulfilling Wishes of the Supreme Jade Emperor), depicting devotees' solemn repentance and supplication before the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Shangdi), one of Daoism's highest deities.

First, the devotees prepare abundant offerings of lamps, candles, flowers, and fruits, reverently inviting the Jade Emperor to temporarily descend from his celestial palace to the earthly ritual space. With utmost sincerity—like the ancient practice of offering simple water and herbs to express devotion—they hope the Jade Emperor will recognize their humble yet earnest prayers.

The presiding Daoist priest (referred to as the "officiant holding the ritual register") leads the disciples in paying homage to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing: Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun), the Jade Emperor and his parents, as well as all divine beings of the Three Realms. The scripture mentions that in the Great Mysterious Jade Capital of Qingwei Heaven (one of Daoism's highest celestial realms), the deities manifest their divine powers, projecting countless manifestations throughout the ten directions. Like a mirror reflecting all things, they use wondrous dharma voices to admonish sentient beings.

With profound reverence, the devotees chant the sacred titles of the Jade Emperor, visualize his majestic form, and perform ritual prostrations in accordance with scriptural teachings. They offer prayers for deceased ancestors, living relatives, and all beings, hoping they may attain liberation.

The passage then describes six rounds of devout prostrations, each beginning with the phrase "With utmost sincerity, we take refuge and bow in homage," expressing different aspirations:

• For the deceased to be reborn in celestial realms
• For all beings to gather in the assembly of the Heavenly Venerable
• To behold the manifested form of the Jade Emperor
• To witness the sublime ritual space
• To cultivate joy in the heart
• To properly follow Daoist liturgy, such as hanging scripture banners

Each prostration fully invokes the sacred title "Supreme Great Heavenly Venerable Jade Emperor, Mysterious Exalted Sovereign of the Vault of Heaven."

This scripture exemplifies the core Daoist repentance ritual, where devotees communicate with the divine through prostration, chanting sacred names, and making vows. The ceremony expresses their sincere repentance for transgressions and their heartfelt prayers for divine blessings.

This is a repentance text used by Daoist practitioners to devoutly worship the Jade Emperor (the supreme deity in Daoism, also known as the Most High Sovereign of Mysterious Heaven). The text repeatedly expresses twelve pious vows, demonstrating the worshippers' supreme reverence for the Jade Emperor.

First, devotees pay homage to the Great Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor with utmost sincerity, praying to maintain purity and dignity in body and mind while preparing abundant offerings for the divine. They vow to practice diligently during the six traditional time periods (ancient Chinese timekeeping, with each period equivalent to two hours) each day, offering prayers to all true saints.

The faithful aspire to unanimously praise the Jade Emperor's supreme majesty and yearn to personally serve before his celestial throne. They pledge to strictly observe precepts and concentrate wholeheartedly on cultivating the Great Dao (the Way), promising eternal devotion to the Jade Emperor even through countless kalpas of tribulation.

The text particularly emphasizes reverential study of scriptures with the same solemnity as standing before the Jade Emperor in person. Devotees wish to generate incomparable reverence, clearly visualizing the sacred countenance of the Jade Emperor in their hearts; through chanting his holy name, they hope to behold his compassionate visage; upon hearing his sacred title, they aspire to feel spontaneous joy, praising this unprecedented supreme blessing.

The final vows describe specific devotional practices: arranging solemn ritual spaces with hanging scripture banners and floral offerings; reciting the Jade Emperor's sacred name with great compassion; creating long banners inscribed with his holy title; engraving his name on resonant ritual instruments. Each time they behold the Jade Emperor's compassionate countenance, they are filled with joyful enthusiasm, prostrating reverently in praise.

Through the rhythmic repetition of the sacred title "Great Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor, Most High Sovereign of Mysterious Heaven," this repentance text creates powerful religious cadence, manifesting Daoist practitioners' devout faith and complete surrender to the supreme divinity.

This passage is the worship section from the Taoist scripture Precious Repentance for Fulfilling Vows to the Supreme Jade Emperor, expressing devotees' sincere reverence for the Jade Emperor (one of Taoism's supreme deities, also known as "Exalted Sovereign of Mysterious Heaven") and their spiritual aspirations.

With utmost devotion, followers prostrate themselves before the Jade Emperor enthroned upon his sacred seat, collectively making vows: May all practitioners respectfully worship and hear the holy name of the Jade Emperor; may all beings encounter this precious scripture and practice it by relinquishing deluded attachments; may those destined for immortality have the opportunity to study this sacred text.

The practice instructions emphasize several key points: practitioners should wear clean garments and select pure spaces to establish altars for scripture recitation; one may enshrine an image of the Jade Emperor for daily veneration; morning and evening devotions should include reverent prostrations, chanting of his holy name, and sincere offerings. Concluding the ritual, the assembly praises in unison the supreme virtues of the Jade Emperor—the supreme Dao transcends all sectarian divisions, and as the highest perfected sage, the Jade Emperor liberates celestial immortals while delivering souls from the underworld. He embodies the Dao itself, dwelling resplendently in the Purple Tenuity Palace (the alchemical Purple Mansion) and the supreme celestial abode of Jade Capital Mountain (the Golden Tower and Jade Metropolis).

Through repetitive chanting of holy names and vow-making, this scripture demonstrates Taoists' profound reverence for the Jade Emperor and their spiritual pursuit of accumulating merit through scripture recitation and worship to transcend cyclic existence.

This scripture passage is from the Precious Repentance Ritual for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Jade Emperor (Gaoshang Yuhuang Manyuan Baochan), a liturgical text used by Daoist devotees to confess transgressions and seek blessings from the Jade Emperor (one of the highest deities in Daoism, who governs the Three Realms and Ten Directions).

The essence of the scripture conveys that this profound method bestows abundant blessings, purifies the soul, eradicates our sins, and prolongs life. All celestial beings will come to pay homage, even demon kings will offer protection and welcome, virtues will flourish, and names will be recorded in the Yellow Register (a Daoist immortal ledger that records names for longevity). Through countless kalpas (eons), one can still maintain eternal life.

Devotees, with utmost sincerity, dedicate their Shen (spirit), body, and life to the Great Heavenly Worthy, the Jade Emperor (an honorific title for the Jade Emperor). Prostrating fully and bowing repeatedly, they both praise the boundless blessings of the Jade Emperor and express their heartfelt repentance for transgressions. Deeply aware of the gravity of their sins, they rely solely on taking refuge in this supreme sacred emperor. The Jade Emperor’s virtues are vast, capable of delivering all beings. We should follow the teachings of the scriptures to propagate these truths, selecting passages to offer prayers. Each act of worship is performed with the same sincerity, repeatedly beseeching the Jade Emperor’s compassion. With single-minded devotion, we offer incense and prayers, expressing our utmost sincerity, and implore the Jade Emperor to pity all living beings.

May we close our eyes in quiet contemplation, recite the scriptures, and abandon delusions; silently chanting the name of the Jade Emperor, we may behold his compassionate countenance. Paying homage to the Jade Emperor extends life and fills us with joy as we gather together. May all prayers be answered, with no wish left unfulfilled. Let our earnest supplications reach the celestial court, securing perpetual protection. May the nation prosper for generations, its majesty awe-inspiring to foreign lands. May our cultivation reach completion, and virtuous roots grow ever deeper. Devotees bow sincerely in gratitude to the Supreme Void Emperor (referring to the highest heavenly realm) and the Three Treasures of Ultimate Truth (Dao, scriptures, and masters).

This passage exemplifies the devout faith of Daoist practitioners, who seek to dispel calamities, prolong life, and pray for national peace through repentance, worship, and recitation. Terms such as the "Yellow Register" and "Three Treasures" are key Daoist concepts, reflecting the tradition’s emphasis on repentance, cultivation, and the pursuit of immortality.

This passage forms the opening section of the "Eliminating Karmic Obstacles" chapter from the fourth volume of the Precious Repentance Ritual for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Supreme Jade Emperor. It describes the devotional practices of Daoist adherents during zhaijiao (purification rituals), expressing sincere offerings and repentance before the celestial deities.

The text first explains how devotees purify body and mind through fasting to serve the Jade Emperor (supreme deity in Daoism), hoping their fragrant offerings will reach the celestial realms. Seven symbolic incenses are prepared: Dao incense (representing the Great Way), De incense (representing Virtue), Wisdom incense, Wuwei (non-action) incense, Purity incense, Spontaneous Harmony incense, and Mysterious Truth incense. These transcend the Three Realms (Desire, Form, and Formlessness Realms) to permeate the entire celestial sphere.

The passage then enumerates the numerous deities receiving offerings: the Three Pure Ones (Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun), the Jade Emperor and his parents, Buddhist Tathagatas, celestial lords of various heavens, the Five Thearchs of the cardinal directions, perfected beings like the Perfected Who Hears Cries and Saves from Suffering or the Perfected Who Aids Life and Guides the Dead, jade maidens, the Three Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials), the Four Saints of the Northern Dipper, the Southern and Northern Star Lords, sacred mountain deities of the Five Peaks, and all numinous beings across the Three Realms including city gods and earth deities. Special mention is made of patriarchs from various Daoist schools: Zhang Daoling of Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity), Lü Dongbin (Sovereign Lord Fu You) of Quanzhen (Complete Perfection), and Bai Yuchan among others.

The concluding prayers beseech celestial compassion, asking the heavens to witness these floral and incense offerings while receiving devotees' sincere repentance and petitions. Conducted at auspicious dates and hours, the ritual presents these offerings with utmost devotion. The entire passage embodies key Daoist liturgical concepts of "universal offering" and the cultivation practice of "repentance for karmic purification."

This passage is part of the liturgical worship in the Daoist scripture Precious Penance for Fulfilling Vows to the Supreme Jade Emperor, depicting devotees' sincere repentance and plea for forgiveness before the Jade Emperor (one of Daoism's supreme deities).

The faithful light lamps and candles, arrange offerings, and reverently invite the Jade Emperor to temporarily descend from his celestial palace to the earthly ritual space. With utmost devotion, they present humble offerings, hoping the Jade Emperor will witness human suffering and heed mortal prayers.

The presiding priest (referred to as "your servant") leads disciples in prostrations before the Three Pure Ones (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, and Celestial Worthy of Dao and its Virtue), the Jade Emperor, the Sacred Father and Mother, and all divine beings. The text extols the Jade Emperor's sublime virtues: though sovereign of heaven, he dwells without desire; having cultivated through countless kalpas, he possesses ten perfect titles and ten thousand virtues—simultaneously embodying Daoist supremacy and Buddhist enlightenment.

The assembly chants the Jade Emperor's precious eulogy (baogao), describing his purple-gold celestial palace in the Jade Clarity sacred realm, praising his governance over the ten directions and vast spiritual powers. Four successive prostrations follow, each accompanied by vows: to comprehend karmic cause and effect, eternally eradicate evil thoughts, receive sacred grace for salvation, and eliminate all negative karma.

This passage reveals the essence of Daoist penitential rites: purifying the heart through reverent worship, confession of transgressions, and chanting of holy names to seek divine protection. The repeated phrase "with wholehearted devotion we surrender our lives in worship" (zhixin guiming li) demonstrates the devotees' complete spiritual surrender to divine guidance.

This scripture is a liturgical text used by Daoist devotees to confess their transgressions before the Jade Emperor (the supreme deity in Daoism, formally titled "His Most Exalted Celestial Majesty, the August Jade Emperor of the Mysterious Canopy"). With utmost reverence, practitioners prostrate themselves before the Jade Emperor, seeking absolution for various karmic offenses.

The text enumerates fifteen categories of transgressions requiring repentance: committing the Five Heinous Crimes (patricide, matricide, etc.) and Ten Evils; all wicked deeds; sins as numerous as grains of sand; accumulated misdeeds from countless past lives; errors born of ignorance and delusion; engaging in the Ten Evil Karmas (killing, stealing, etc.); defilement by the Six Dusts (sights, sounds, scents, flavors, touch, and mental objects); entanglement through the Three Karmic Gates (body, speech, and mind); indulging in reckless thoughts; prolonged spiritual blindness; daily accumulation of offenses; deviation from the true Dao; faults arising from fleeting thoughts; following heterodox paths while abandoning true teachings; unfilial conduct toward parents; and disrespect toward the Three Treasures (the Dao, scriptures, and masters).

For each category of transgression, devotees repeatedly recite the sacred name of the August Jade Emperor, demonstrating both their pious reverence and their resolve to reform. This repentance ritual embodies the Daoist practice of purifying the heart and dissolving karmic obstacles through sincere contrition and wholehearted surrender to the Celestial Venerables.

This scripture outlines the liturgical practice for Daoist devotees to confess their transgressions before the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dazun), one of the highest deities in Daoism also known as the "Supreme Sovereign of Mysterious Heaven" (Xuanqiong Gaoshangdi).

Each section begins by invoking "The Great Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor, Supreme Sovereign of Mysterious Heaven," paying homage to this supreme divinity. The phrase "We your subjects reverently devote our hearts and submit with ritual propriety" follows, indicating the devotees' sincere surrender and worship in their capacity as humble subjects. The text then enumerates specific transgressions to be cleansed:

These include killing living beings, theft, sexual misconduct, false speech, violent and cruel behavior, disrespect toward divine beings, slandering others, viewing people with impure thoughts, lacking reverence toward deities, touching scriptures with unclean hands, reciting texts after consuming meat, using unclean bedding, engaging in worldly gossip, and indulging in frivolous play—common faults encountered in daily life.

The liturgy further seeks to eliminate karmic obstacles that might lead to rebirth in hell realms, animal incarnations, birth in barbarous borderlands, or straying into heterodox paths (non-orthodox spiritual practices). This scripture exemplifies the Daoist cultivation method of purifying body and mind through sincere repentance, maintaining that heartfelt contrition can dissolve karmic hindrances.

This passage is the penitential text from the Daoist scripture Precious Liturgy for Fulfilling Vows to the Supreme Jade Emperor (Gaoshang Yuhuang Manyuan Baochan), where devotees sincerely confess their transgressions to the Jade Emperor (one of Daoism's supreme deities who governs the Three Realms and Ten Directions).

With wholehearted devotion, we submit our spirit, body, and life essence to the Supreme Jade Emperor. Reflecting upon how we disciples have strayed from the true Dao and lost our original nature, entangled in the cycle of birth and death since coming into this world, accumulating boundless transgressions. These karmic obstructions arose from actions contrary to cosmic principles—so numerous they defy calculation, as manifold as a thousand branches and ten thousand leaves, even beyond our capacity to recall. How dare we not profoundly repent the sins accumulated over countless lifetimes?

Therefore, we must restrain our wayward impulses and, with contrite hearts, gaze reverently toward the Sacred Majesty, beseeching divine compassion. We openly declare all transgressions without concealment, earnestly seeking forgiveness and mercy. May our Three Karmas (of body, speech, and mind) and Seven Emotions (joy, anger, sorrow, contemplation, grief, fear, and shock) be purified through chanting the holy name; may the Ten Evils (killing, stealing, etc.) and Five Heinous Crimes (patricide, matricide, etc.) dissolve through prostrate repentance.

We pray to become those who create no further evil, now and forevermore. May we transcend worldly dust to behold the Sacred Truth, merging completely with the Great Dao. Let this blessing extend throughout the Six Realms (heavens, humans, asuras, hells, hungry ghosts, animals) and Three Miserable Paths (of fire, blades, and blood), with grace bestowed upon our Nine Generations of Ancestors and Seven Forebears. All is accomplished through the Jade Emperor's radiant power—eradicating worldly transgressions, reducing faults, and attaining perfect virtue.

With utmost sincerity we bow in reverence, grateful for the boundless compassion of the Unborn Celestial Sovereign (referring to the Primordial Heavenly Worthy) and the Three True Treasures (Dao Treasure, Scripture Treasure, and Master Treasure). This concludes the fourth scroll of the Precious Liturgy for Fulfilling Vows to the Supreme Jade Emperor.

This passage records the "Obstacle-Clearing" ritual from the Taoist scripture Precious Penance for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Supreme Jade Emperor, depicting the sacred communion between devotees and deities through purification rites.

The text first explains that the fasting ritual (zhaijiao) is performed to devoutly serve the Celestial Emperor (Jade Emperor), seeking to establish resonance with the divine through fragrant offerings. Seven sacred incenses are employed in the ceremony: the Incense of Dao, Incense of De (Virtue), Incense of Wisdom, Incense of Wuwei (Non-Action), Incense of Purity, Incense of Spontaneity, and the Mysterious Incense of the Cavern of Truth. These transcendent fragrances surpass the Three Realms (Desire Realm, Form Realm, and Formless Realm), permeating the celestial palaces of jade and gold.

The scripture then enumerates the pantheon of deities attending this sacred assembly: the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing - Primordial Heavenly Worthy, Numinous Treasure Heavenly Worthy, and Dao Virtue Heavenly Worthy), the Jade Emperor with his parents (King of Majestic Light and Queen of Moonlight Treasure), Buddhist Tathagatas, various Perfected Beings (such as the Perfected Who Hears Cries and Saves from Suffering, and the Perfected Who Delivers the Living and Transforms the Dead), celestial maidens (including Jade Maidens and Primordial Ladies), bodhisattvas, stellar deities (like the Southern Star and Northern Dipper), and earth gods (such as the True Lords of Five Sacred Mountains and City Gods) - representing all spiritual beings across the Three Realms. These deities are all invoked through the devotional offering of incense.

The passage concludes with sincere supplications, beseeching heavenly compassion to grace the ritual assembly and heed the devotees' petitions. This text exemplifies the Taoist religious practice of eliminating karmic obstacles and fulfilling wishes through incense offerings and ceremonial invocation of deities. The extensive pantheon mentioned reflects the characteristic Taoist syncretism, harmonizing the sacred systems of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism into a unified whole.

In this ritual scripture from the Daoist Precious Repentance for Fulfilling Wishes of the Supreme Jade Emperor, devotees select an auspicious day and hour to arrange offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and fruits with reverent hearts, humbly inviting the Jade Emperor to temporarily descend from his celestial palace to the mortal realm. They hope this supreme deity will witness human suffering and accept their sincere repentance and petitions.

The presiding Daoist priest (an ordained ritual master) leads disciples in paying homage to the highest sacred beings of Daoism—the Three Pure Ones (the Jade Pure, Upper Pure, and Grand Pure Heavenly Venerables), the Jade Emperor and his parents, as well as all true spirits of the Three Realms. The scripture extols the Jade Emperor, who resides in the highest heavenly palace yet manifests throughout the ten directions to universally deliver sentient beings, possessing boundless and unfathomable divine powers. He opens expedient methods, using the wondrous Dao of purity to save beings lost in the sea of suffering—a compassion and vow-power beyond ordinary comprehension.

With utmost devotion, participants not only pray for blessings for their living relatives but also seek salvation for deceased ancestors and souls in the underworld. During the ritual prostration, they visualize the majestic form of the Jade Emperor ("contemplating his sacred countenance") and recite his holy titles, such as "Supreme and Boundless Heaven of the Grand Veil." This hymn describes the mystical celestial realms where the Jade Emperor dwells—the Purple-Gold Palace, the Jade Pure Palace, and other divine abodes—praising his supreme authority over the ten directions and his vast divine majesty.

The core repentance segment consists of three repetitions of the "Wholehearted Homage and Submission," where devotees vow to eradicate six root afflictions: doubt, greed and anger, lust, envy, killing, and worldly attachments. Each prostration includes the repeated recitation of the Jade Emperor’s sacred title, "Supreme Great Heavenly Worthy, Mysterious and Lofty Sovereign of Heaven," purifying the mind through ritual repentance and seeking divine protection. The entire ceremony embodies the Daoist religious practice of communicating with the divine through worship, praise, and repentance to attain liberation and salvation.

This scripture outlines the ritual liturgy for Daoist devotees to confess their transgressions and make vows before the Jade Emperor, the Great Heavenly Worthy (one of Daoism's supreme deities, also known as the Exalted Emperor of Mysterious Heaven). With utmost sincerity, practitioners pay homage to the celestial beings while sequentially making twelve cultivation vows:

First, they pray to eliminate worldly distractions, abstaining from greed and envy. Next, they seek to distance themselves from sensual temptations and avoid involvement in disputes and conflicts. Progressing further, they aspire to transcend dualistic attachments of love and hatred, relinquishing arrogance and stubbornness. On the cultivation level, they vow to concentrate their Shen (spirit) and calm their Qi (vital energy), harmonizing the various deities residing within the body (according to Daoist belief, numerous divine beings inhabit the human form). This leads to a mind as pure and expansive as the void, capable of embracing all existence.

A special petition seeks protection from external pathogenic influences during practice, preserving the innate spiritual root (the "linggen" representing humanity's original Dao-nature) from corruption, thus avoiding entanglement in mundane desire. They further pray to ward off demonic obstructions, hoping to receive profound Daoist teachings and eternally safeguard their inner authentic nature.

The final vows express determination to purify body and mind through this method, transcending various kalpic calamities; to cherish the rare opportunity of encountering sacred scriptures; to sever accumulated habitual tendencies and karmic afflictions across lifetimes; and to strictly follow liturgical requirements by gathering scattered consciousness and practicing according to the Dharma.

This confessional text reveals the complete cultivation sequence of Daoist practitioners pursuing spiritual purity and transcendence—progressing from abandoning harmful habits to protecting their true nature, ultimately achieving liberation through spiritual practice.

This is a scripture used by Daoist devotees to offer sincere repentance and prayers to the Jade Emperor (one of the highest deities in Daoism, ruler of all beings in the Three Realms). With utmost devotion, practitioners pay homage to the Great Celestial Worthy Jade Emperor, expressing a series of cultivation aspirations:

First, they pray for the Jade Emperor's divine protection and the opportunity to hear profound Daoist teachings. They aspire to eternally venerate the Jade Emperor and transcend the cycle of rebirth. They seek to sever all roots of negative karma, hoping their names may be recorded in the Mystic Capital (Xuan Du, the sacred realm where Daoist immortals dwell).

Next, they vow to cultivate according to the true Dao, maintaining pure thoughts free from heresy and silencing all distracting mental chatter. They resolve to practice wondrous methods throughout endless cycles of rebirth, attaining liberation through the Dharma-gates while maintaining pure faith with fellow Daoist practitioners.

Further, they pray to cultivate shared purity of vision, thought, action, body, and mind with their fellow cultivators. They aspire to achieve states of perfect purity and reap the fruits of this purity. They dedicate themselves to nurturing great compassion while strictly observing precepts and deepening their Daoist practice.

Finally, they offer prayers for all sentient beings: May all people under heaven honor their parents, revere the Three Treasures (Dao, scriptures, and teachers), and serve their rulers with loyalty. These aspirations embody the dual ideals of Daoist practitioners—personal liberation and universal salvation for all beings.

With utmost sincerity, we bow in reverence to the Supreme Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi, one of the highest deities in Daoism, also known as Mysterious Exalted Sovereign of Heaven), making these sacred vows: to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, and envy.

Once more, we devoutly pay homage to the Jade Emperor, pledging to refrain from anger, resentment, arrogance, and deceit.

All recite in unison the Precious Eulogy of the Jade Emperor (a form of Daoist scripture recitation).

With wholehearted devotion, we dedicate our spirit, body, and life to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing—the Most High deities: Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, and Celestial Worthy of the Dao and Its Virtue), as well as the Supreme Jade Emperor. We also venerate the parents of the Heavenly Sovereign (referring to the Jade Emperor’s parents in Daoist mythology), these most sacred and true Three Treasures (Dao, scriptures, and teachers), and all divine beings of the Three Realms (the realms of desire, form, and formlessness).

We deeply reflect: burdened by unresolved karmic obstacles and unbroken demonic hindrances, how can we, ignorant and deluded mortals, cultivate according to the profound Dao? External perverse energies have harmed our spiritual foundation, stolen our precious Dao-nature, disturbed the mystic Dao, and ensnared us in worldly attachments, leading to the cycle of rebirth. How can we purify distracting thoughts and focus the spirit? Yet we remain bound by worldly emotions, chasing external illusions, causing the loss of our innate Dao-nature and inviting endless demonic disturbances.

Only by relying on the compassionate grace of the Jade Emperor can we proclaim the wondrous method for severing karmic obstacles. With devout supplication, we repent according to the scriptures. We pray to sweep away the dust of the mind, making our inner nature as clear and bright as a luminous pearl; to dispel delusion, restoring the radiance of our wisdom-eye. Grant us the sword of wisdom to cut through transgressions, eliminate afflictions and obstructions, and record our virtuous deeds. May our mundane bodies be purified, our cultivation perfected in harmony, and blessings spread throughout the realms of Yin and Yang. Let the light of wisdom illuminate our originally perfect and luminous true nature, dispelling darkness like a clear sky, parting the clouds to reveal the sun—forever free and unbound, no longer trapped in the cycle of rebirth.

With sincere prostration, we bow in gratitude to the Supreme Void Emperor (the Dao) and the Most True Three Treasures.

(This is an excerpt from the fifth volume of the Precious Repentance of the Supreme Jade Emperor for Fulfilling Vows.)

This passage forms the opening section of the sixth volume of the Daoist scripture Precious Penance for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Jade Emperor. It describes the process of seeking disaster relief through purification rituals (Zhaijiao).

The text first explains that these purification rituals serve as communication with the divine, where sincere offerings and the fragrance of incense ascend to the celestial realm. Seven special incenses are employed in the ceremony: the incense of Dao (Dao Xiang), the incense of Virtue (De Xiang), the incense of Wisdom (Hui Xiang), the incense of Non-Action (Wuwei Xiang), the incense of Purity (Qingjing Xiang), the incense of Spontaneity (Ziran Xiang), and the sublime incense of the Cavern of Truth (Miaodongzhen Xiang). These sacred fragrances transcend the Three Realms (desire realm, form realm, and formless realm), permeating the entire celestial domain and Dharma realm.

It then enumerates the sacred titles of numerous Daoist deities, including:

• The Three Pure Ones (Sanqing): Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the Teaching Lord of Scripture), Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure (Lingbao Tianzun, who presented the Jade Emperor), and Celestial Worthy of Dao and Virtue (Daode Tianzun, the Reincarnation Worthy)
• The Great Jade Emperor of Mysterious Canopy (Yuhuang Da Tianzun Xuangqiong Gaoshangdi) and his parents (King of Guangyan Miaoyue and Queen Baoyueguang)
• The Tathagata of Pure Spontaneous Enlightenment from Buddhism
• Various Celestial Lords including the Sovereign Lord of High Void and Clear Heaven
• Various Perfected Persons (Zhenren) such as the Perfected of Compassionate Deliverance from Calamity and the Perfected Who Hears Cries to Save from Suffering
• Female deities including Jade Maidens, Primordial Ladies, Golden Immortals, and Bodhisattvas
• The Three Primes and Three Officials (Heavenly Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official), the Four Saints of the North Pole
• Stellar Lords including the Southern Star and Northern Dipper
• Historical Daoist patriarchs like the Great Master Zhang Tianshi (Celestial Master Zhang) who Supports the Teaching and Assists the Primordial, and Lü Dongbin (Sovereign Lord of Chunyang Fuyou)
• Various guardian deities and celestial soldiers
• Local deities of mountains and rivers including the Perfected Lords of the Five Sacred Peaks and City Gods

The passage concludes with devout prayers: on this auspicious day, with floral offerings and incense arranged, all celestial deities are reverently invited to descend and bear witness. May this sincerity resonate with the divine to fulfill the supplications. The entire text embodies the Daoist ritual characteristic of "universal offering," where the recitation of divine titles serves to seek disaster relief and the resolution of difficulties.

This passage is a liturgical text from the Daoist scripture Precious Penance for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Jade Emperor, depicting devotees confessing transgressions and making supplications to the Supreme Jade Emperor.

Devotees light lamps and candles, prepare ritual offerings, and reverently invite the Jade Emperor to temporarily descend from his celestial palace to the earthly altar. Kneeling in devout prostration, they hope their sincerity will reach the heavenly realms. The presiding Daoist priest (holding formal ritual authority) leads the congregation in presenting memorials to the Three Pure Ones (the supreme triad of Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing), the Jade Emperor, and his divine parents.

The text extols the Jade Emperor's spiritual achievements: during his previous incarnation as a prince, he cultivated profound Daoist practices, saving countless beings through enduring over three thousand kalpas of spiritual trials. Though manifesting in Dharmakaya (the formless reality of deities in Daoism), his Dao-nature displays infinite transformations, representing the most profound mystical truth. The Jade Emperor's virtue (De) transcends all boundaries of existence and non-existence, embodying supreme compassion and vows - a state beyond description and without precedent in human understanding.

Through reverent bows, devotees seek blessings for deceased ancestors, living relatives, and all beings in the netherworld. Following scriptural instructions, they visualize the Jade Emperor's majestic form while chanting his sacred titles: "Supreme Vast Heaven of Wondrous Existence and Mysterious Truth" (describing his celestial abode) and "Great Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor of the Profound Firmament" (his complete honorific name).

The liturgy concludes with specific petitions: devotees sequentially kneel to request deliverance from suffering, protection from mountain spirits and wild beasts, calming of storms for safe voyages, and dispersal of malevolent influences. Each petition concludes with the chanting of the Jade Emperor's sacred name, expressing ultimate surrender to divine will.

With reverent hearts we bow before the Great Heavenly Venerable Jade Emperor (the supreme deity in Daoism, also known as the Exalted Emperor of Mysterious Heaven), praying that injustices may be rectified and all fetters binding our bodies be released.

We worship with utmost sincerity, praying that all evil influences stay far away, that illnesses and sufferings may be healed. May demons and malevolent spirits be vanquished, and all specters and wicked entities retreat into hiding. May calamities be kept at bay, and those afflicted with severe ailments swiftly recover. May all fierce ghosts and baleful deities disperse, aiding us to safely pass through tribulations unharmed by misfortune.

We beseech the Jade Emperor to protect our lives, dispelling all ominous signs so that disasters and demonic hindrances naturally dissolve. May curses and venomous poisons be neutralized, and the scourge of war and armed conflict be pacified. May plagues, floods, droughts, and insect calamities be eradicated, delivering us from famine in years of scarcity. May the misfortune of poverty and destitution be lifted, and all malignant diseases and chronic afflictions be cured.

(Note: This is a common prayer text in Daoist repentance rituals, where devotees, through devout worship of the Jade Emperor, seek deliverance from various natural and human-made disasters. Each section concludes with the sacred invocation "Great Heavenly Venerable Jade Emperor, Exalted Emperor of Mysterious Heaven," a Daoist liturgical method to strengthen divine resonance. "We, your subjects" refers to the Daoist priests participating in the ritual, who petition the Celestial Emperor in the role of humble ministers.)

This is an excerpt from the Daoist scripture Precious Liturgy for Fulfilling Wishes of the Supreme Jade Emperor (Gaoshang Yuhuang Manyuan Baochan), a ritual text for averting disasters and seeking blessings. Devotees piously petition the Great Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dazun, one of Daoism's supreme deities who governs all beings across the Three Realms) to eliminate various calamities.

Each segment follows the same liturgical pattern: first invoking the sacred title "Great Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor, Supreme Sovereign of the Mysterious Vault" (Yuhuang Dazun Xuanqiong Gaoshangdi), then declaring the devotees' sincere devotion with the phrase "we reverently submit and bow in worship," and finally making specific petitions to dispel particular misfortunes. This repetitive chanting style is common in Daoist ritual practice (Keyi), where the repeated invocation of sacred names amplifies the efficacy of prayers.

The text enumerates sixteen types of calamities commonly feared in ancient society: skin diseases and bodily pains, sorrows and afflictions, day-and-night suffering, sudden misfortunes, imprisonment, self-harm, accidental poisoning, attacks by wild beasts or venomous snakes, enemies and adversaries, encounters with wicked people, murderous assaults, falls from cliffs, hauntings by malevolent spirits (Xie ling), floods and fires, warfare and violence, and untimely death. These encompass both natural and human-made disasters that plagued premodern life.

Notably, the listed misfortunes address physical ailments (illnesses, injuries) as well as mental distress (grief, anxiety); they include threats from nature (floods, wild animals) and human cruelty (imprisonment, warfare); they confront external dangers (sudden misfortunes) and internal crises (self-inflicted harm). This comprehensive approach to disaster aversion reflects Daoism's profound concern for the tangible sufferings of its adherents.

This passage is a penitential text from the Daoist scripture Precious Repentance Ritual for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Supreme Jade Emperor, wherein devotees beseech the Jade Emperor (one of Daoism's supreme deities who governs all beings across the Three Realms) to dissolve calamities and resolve karmic obstacles.

With utmost sincerity, devotees surrender their Shen (spirit), physical form, and very life to the Great Celestial Worthy of Jade Purity (an honorific title for the Jade Emperor). They acknowledge that as mortals bound by flesh, they inevitably fall under the influence of fate and astral configurations, unable to escape kalpic disasters and misfortunes. Even Heaven, Earth, the sun and moon experience disharmony and eclipses—how much more vulnerable are ordinary humans?

The text enumerates worldly sufferings: the Three Calamities (flood, fire, and wind disasters), Eight Hindrances (obstacles to spiritual practice), Nine Misfortunes (karmic tribulations), and Ten Entanglements (afflictive bonds). These disasters affect not only individuals but also lead to inauspicious years and poor harvests.

Following scriptural teachings, devotees offer heartfelt repentance, praying for the Jade Emperor to eradicate all misfortunes—to make baleful stars recede and destiny smooth. They seek divine protection to alter predetermined fate, resolve karmic ties from past lives, and ensure great disasters dissipate, personal misfortunes vanish, lingering calamities cease, and kalpic trials be overcome.

Ultimately, they aspire to reach the shore of supreme Dao, untouched by disasters; to encounter constant auspiciousness in the mundane world; to enjoy peace and health with family and friends; and to witness daily increasing prosperity. With reverent bows, they give thanks to the Limitless Void Sovereign (representing Daoist supreme truth) and the Three Supreme Treasures (Dao, scriptures, and masters).

This repentance text reflects the Daoist practice of resolving misfortunes through penitence and supplication, embodying profound devotion to the Jade Emperor and the yearning for peace and auspiciousness.

This passage is from the "Jade Emperor's Fulfillment of Vows Precious Repentance" (Gaoshang Yuhuang Manyuan Baocan) in Daoist liturgy, specifically the section on gathering blessings. It depicts the sacred scene of inviting celestial deities to descend during a Zhaijiao (purification ritual).

In a state of purified fasting, we serve the Jade Emperor, hoping through sincere incense offerings to commune with the divine. We reverently prepare various supreme incenses: the incense of Dao, the incense of De (Virtue), the incense of wisdom, Wuwei (non-action) incense, pure incense, natural incense, marvelous Dongzhen (Cavern of Perfection) incense, incense transcending the Three Realms, and the true incense of the Three Realms. May these fragrances fill the jade palaces of the highest celestial realms and permeate the entire Dharma realm.

We then respectfully invite the descent of numerous celestial venerables: the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, one of the Three Pure Ones) who teaches the scriptures, the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure who escorts the Jade Emperor, the Celestial Worthy of Dao and De who expounds virtue, and the Great Jade Emperor, Supreme Sovereign of the Mysterious Vault. Also invited are the imperial divine lineage including the Emperor's Father, King of Luminous Majesty and Wonderful Joy, and the Emperor's Mother, Queen of Precious Moonlight. This includes Buddhist-Daoist syncretic figures like the Thus-Come One King of Pure Natural Enlightenment, and deities such as the Heavenly Lord Emperor of High Emptiness and Clear Brightness.

The scripture enumerates numerous immortals: the Jade Void Heavenly Sovereign, the Vast Heaven Heavenly Sovereign, and the Five Ancient Heavenly Sovereigns who initiate scriptural inquiries; specialized Zhenren (Perfected Ones) like the Zhenren of Compassionate Salvation from Calamity and the Zhenren of Responding to Cries to Relieve Suffering; blessing-protection Zhenren such as the Zhenren of Myriad Blessings and the Zhenren of Wonderful Practice; female immortals like Jade Maidens and Primordial Ladies; Buddhist sages including Golden Immortals of Three Periods and Mahayana Bodhisattvas; as well as supreme sages of the Ten Directions and innumerable emperors.

Special mention goes to the Three Officials' Great Emperors (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials), the Four Saints of the North Pole, stellar deities of the Southern and Northern Dippers, the Five Sacred Peaks' True Lords, earthly and aquatic saints, city gods, plague and fire deities, along with messenger functionaries like the Merit Officers and Talisman Messengers, and local spiritual officials. Finally, all immortals corresponding with this ritual assembly throughout the Three Realms and Ten Directions are invited to descend through the power of true incense offerings.

With utmost sincerity, we beseech the heavens to mercifully observe and witness. We solemnly declare the purpose of conducting this ritual assembly, hoping to achieve mystical communion with all celestial venerables.

This scripture records the invocation text used by Daoist devotees during the "Treasure Repentance for Fulfilling Vows" ritual. Choosing an auspicious date and time, the faithful arrange offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and fruits, reverently inviting the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi, one of Daoism's supreme deities) to temporarily descend from the celestial realm to the earthly ritual space to receive their devotions.

The presiding Daoist priest (referred to as "the ordained ritual officer") leads the congregation in addressing the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing - the supreme triad of Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing), the Jade Emperor, and his divine parents: "We humbly acknowledge your abode in the pure and distant celestial realm of the North Pole. Having endured arduous spiritual cultivation, you deliver sentient beings, generously bestowing material wealth and even your own flesh and blood. You expound the Daoist scriptures (Jing) and transmit the wondrous methods of immortality. You embody boundless compassion, your virtuous deeds (De) immeasurable."

The devotees then kneel and chant the sacred epithets of the Jade Emperor, beginning with "The Supreme Vast Heaven of Boundless Radiance." These verses describe the majestic Purple-Gold Celestial Palace where the Jade Emperor resides and his limitless divine powers. After each stanza of praise, they perform a full prostration, making specific petitions: for the peace and liberation of all beings, for safe childbirth, for wise and noble descendants, and other blessings.

Through incense offerings, reverent prostrations, and chanting of sacred names, the entire ritual expresses veneration for the Jade Emperor while seeking divine protection for both living family members and deceased ancestors. The phrase "With wholehearted devotion we surrender ourselves" (Zhixin Guiming Li) represents the standard Daoist liturgical formula for complete spiritual submission, while "The Exalted Emperor of Mysterious Heaven" (Xuanqiong Gaoshangdi) serves as an honorific title for the Jade Emperor.

This scripture is a votive prayer by Daoist devotees addressed to the Jade Emperor (the supreme deity in Daoism, also known as the Exalted Sovereign of Mysterious Heaven). The worshippers humbly refer to themselves as "your subjects," expressing reverence toward the divine.

Each section begins with the same formula: "With sincere hearts we bow in worship, praying that..." followed by specific petitions, all directed to the Jade Emperor. These aspirations encompass both worldly life and spiritual liberation:

First come blessings for this life: hopes for official success and promotions; abundant wealth with no lack of food or clothing; flourishing descendants ensuring family continuity; bountiful harvests bringing peace to the people. These represent the most common secular wishes in traditional society.

Next come petitions for averting misfortune: praying that malevolent stars would retreat and calamities be dissolved, ensuring smooth and safe living; that virtuous deeds and accumulated merit face no obstruction; that one's words carry weight and command universal respect; that the family lineage remains illustrious and noble.

Then follow cultivation-oriented aspirations: may auspiciousness constantly accompany while disasters never approach; may the Daoist resolve deepen with all favorable conditions present; may one widely plant fields of merit to accumulate virtue; may one obtain the elixirs and wondrous medicines that aid spiritual practice; may heavenly-bestowed blessings be effortlessly received.

Finally come ultimate liberation wishes: may one after death be reborn in the Pure Land (the Daoist ideal realm of purity), emerging sacred like a lotus blossom; may celestial treasures adorn one's divine form.

These prayers reflect Daoism's characteristic "transcendence within worldly existence," pursuing both present-world happiness and extraordinary spiritual cultivation. Through devout worship of the Jade Emperor, devotees hope to simultaneously attain worldly blessings and achievements on the path of cultivation.

This is a prayer text from the Taoist scripture Precious Repentance for Fulfilling Wishes of the Supreme Jade Emperor. Devotees piously beseech the Jade Emperor (the supreme deity in Taoism who governs all beings in the Three Realms) for various blessings. Each passage begins with "Supreme Celestial Worthy Jade Emperor, Exalted God of the Mysterious Heavens," showing reverence for this highest divinity.

The faithful sequentially pray: May the Virtuous Speech Youth (divine messengers who convey human wishes) present their petitions to the Three Officials (the celestial, earthly, and water officials who assess human virtue and vice); may their karmic transgressions be erased, and their good deeds recorded in the immortal registers; may deceased loved ones be liberated and ascend to the heavens; may past-life calamities be resolved, clearing the path of their present existence.

Next, they pray for peace and prosperity in daily life: May they be spared from thieves and robbers, with all their wishes fulfilled; may they avoid disasters of fire and water, with unexpected misfortunes naturally dissolved; may they sleep soundly at night without nightmares, free from illness; may their wisdom grow, making them intelligent and beloved; may they have abundant food and clothing without worry, with descendants attaining honor and glory; may family and relatives live in harmony, with the "six relations" (parents, siblings, spouse, and other close kin) in perfect accord.

Deeper spiritual aspirations include: Eradicating karmic obstacles leading to the Three Wretched Realms (hell, hungry ghosts, and animal rebirth); being reborn in the next life as a man (traditionally considered more conducive to spiritual practice); possessing dignified and upright features, becoming a pillar of the nation; encountering the profound truth of the Dao in this lifetime, earning reverence even from spirits; attaining the supernatural ability to know past-life causes and effects (sùmìngtōng), with divine protection from all deities; receiving blessings that extend to the entire family, ensuring longevity and well-being in this life.

These prayers encompass blessings ranging from worldly prosperity to spiritual attainments, embodying the Taoist ideal of "saving the world and delivering humanity." They reflect both material aspirations and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.

This passage is a confessional prayer from the Daoist scripture Precious Repentance for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Supreme Jade Emperor. Devotees pay homage to the Jade Emperor (one of Daoism's highest deities, ruler of the Three Realms and Ten Directions) to seek absolution from misfortune and blessings of longevity.

First, devotees reverently bow to the Great Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor, praising his sacred title "Supreme Emperor of the Mysterious Heavens" (meaning the unparalleled Celestial Sovereign). They then express repentance: We mortals drift through the cycle of reincarnation in this dusty world, lacking blessings due to our failure to cultivate virtue—only true seekers of immortality attain sublime spiritual power. Now we understand that without accumulating virtuous deeds, how could we ever reach the immortal realms? Thus, following the methods recorded in the scriptures, we recite the sacred texts and burn incense in earnest supplication, hoping the Jade Emperor will extend his boundless compassion.

The prayer includes these key aspirations: May the Emperor’s grace spread like spring winds through our households, bringing auspicious signs to all nations; may a hundred blessings descend, uniting the Five Fortunes (longevity, wealth, health, virtue, and peaceful death); may our sins be pardoned and the blessing of eternal life bestowed, guiding all to the Land of Benevolent Longevity (an idealized paradise). The ritual concludes with another bow of gratitude to the "Three Supreme Treasures of the Uncreated True Void" (Dao, scriptures, and masters).

This passage embodies the Daoist practice of communicating with deities through repentance, recitation, and veneration, reflecting the pursuit of dispelling calamities and attaining immortality.

The "Attainment of Truth" section in the eighth volume of the Precious Repentance for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Jade Emperor documents a solemn Daoist zhaijiao (purification ritual). Practitioners purify both body and mind through fasting, preparing to commune with the divine in devout sincerity. They light various symbolically significant incenses—Dao incense representing the teachings of the Dao (the Way), De (Virtue) incense symbolizing moral cultivation, Wisdom incense embodying enlightenment—allowing the fragrant smoke to permeate the celestial realms as offerings to the honored deities.

The ritual involves inviting the highest pantheon of Daoist divinities: the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) (Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun), the Jade Emperor along with his parents (the King of Guangyan Miaole and Queen Baoyueguang), the Tathagata from Buddhism, various celestial sovereigns, the Salvation from Suffering Zhenren (Perfected Ones), and guardian deities. Special mention is made of patriarchs from different Daoist schools (such as those from the Quanzhen [Complete Perfection] and Zhengyi [Orthodox Unity] traditions), as well as the Thunder Department gods and terrestrial deities (including the Five Sacred Mountains' spirits and City Gods), encompassing nearly the entire sacred hierarchy of Daoism.

With reverence, the practitioners arrange floral offerings and select auspicious days (gudan) to conduct the ceremony, aspiring through utmost sincerity to resonate with the divine and have their petitions reach the heavenly court. Humbly, they beseech the deities for compassion and discernment, hoping their prayers will be fulfilled. The entire passage embodies the Daoist cultivation principle of "sincerity moving heaven," establishing a connection with the divine through standardized, solemn liturgical procedures.

(Note: In the text, "臣" (chen) refers to the self-designation of practitioners during Daoist rituals; "氤氲" (yinyun) describes the curling of incense smoke; "琼楼玉京" (qionglou yujing) denotes the celestial palaces where immortals dwell; and "三界" (sanjie)—the realms of desire, form, and formlessness—represents the entire cosmic space.)

This passage is part of the liturgical text from the Daoist scripture Precious Penance for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Supreme Jade Emperor (Gaoshang Yuhuang Manyuan Baochan), depicting devotees performing repentance rituals and seeking blessings from the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi), one of Daoism's supreme deities.

At the ceremony's commencement, devotees light lamps and candles while arranging offerings, reverently inviting the Jade Emperor to temporarily descend from his celestial palace to receive their veneration. Prostrating with utmost devotion, they engage in penitential rites. The presiding Daoist priest (referred to as "this ordained official" in the text, indicating one who has received Daoist initiatory registers) leads the congregation in presenting petitions to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing - the supreme triad of Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing), the Jade Emperor, his divine parents, and all celestial beings.

The text extols the Jade Emperor's supreme wisdom and his employment of miraculous powers to deliver all sentient beings, honoring him as "Compassionate Father of the Four Births" (referring to his mercy toward creatures born from womb, egg, moisture, and transformation). The Jade Emperor embodies the Dao itself—the primordial existence from chaos' dawn, possessing boundless compassion and vow-power.

Devotees kneel devoutly, offering prayers for deceased ancestors and living relatives while delivering lost souls wandering in darkness. Following scriptural instructions, they visualize the Jade Emperor's majestic form and recite his sacred titles: "Supreme Mysterious Truth Realm of the Unsurpassable Vaipulya Heaven" (indicating his supreme celestial abode) and "Great Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor, Lofty Sovereign of Mysterious Heaven" (his complete honorific name).

The passage concludes with four sections of "Wholehearted Devotional Homage" prayers, wherein devotees vow: to preserve youthful countenance; for children's health and beauty; for heavenly rebirth after death; and to hear sacred teachings in divine realms. Each vow concludes with a prostration to the Jade Emperor.

This scripture is a devotional prayer recited by Daoist devotees when paying homage to the Jade Emperor (Yu Huang Shangdi, the supreme deity in Daoism, fully titled "The Most High Sovereign Jade Emperor of the Mysterious Heaven"). With utmost sincerity, practitioners express twelve cultivation aspirations:

First, they pray to practice according to the Dao's teachings and ultimately attain realization of the Dao (Dao). Next, they aspire to advance in cultivation to reach the realm of immortals (Xian); they yearn for celestial maidens bearing jeweled banners to guide them; they seek supernatural insight (Shen) to comprehend past and present lives while adhering to the true principles of the Great Dao.

Further vows describe progressing through continuous practice to reach the Dao's shore; comprehending the true meaning of life and death through cultivation; attaining the carefree sagehood of complete liberation; maintaining unwavering virtue (De) and wisdom to stand equal with perfected beings (Zhenren). They especially aspire to become true immortals dwelling in the Nine Heavens, feasting in the Great Perfection (Taizhen) realm attended by jade consorts.

The final wishes depict sacred visions: they entreat myriad deities to assemble and celestial realms to descend upon the ritual altar; they pray for protection from the Three Realms' spirits (heaven, earth, and water) and ceremonial welcome from the Five Directional Emperors (Wufang Shangdi). They envision themselves amid five-colored auspicious clouds, radiating brilliant light; ultimately when ascending to the celestial palace, they hope for immortal escorts, swift realization of supreme wondrous Dao, and guardianship from the Five Emperors to command divine beings at will.

Through these progressively elevated aspirations, the scripture reveals the highest ideals pursued by Daoist practitioners. Each section concludes with repeated homage to the sacred title of the Jade Emperor, demonstrating absolute reverence for this supreme divinity.

This scripture is a devotional prayer recited by Daoist practitioners when paying homage to the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi, the supreme deity in Daoism, fully titled "The Most High Sovereign Jade Emperor of the Mysterious Vault and Lofty Heaven"). With utmost sincerity, devotees offer reverence and express twelvefold aspirations:

First, they beseech the Jade Emperor to dispatch celestial officials to harmonize yin-yang, ensuring the orderly movement of heaven and earth; may all divine beings revere the Jade Emperor, with myriad spirits submitting to his majesty; may all malevolent forces be banished and demonic entities subdued.

Next come petitions for the Jade Emperor's protection: may they cultivate a body of merit (De), sheltering all living beings; attain a body of divine power, gathering all auspicious blessings; achieve a purified form, untainted by negative karma; develop a body of awe-inspiring virtue (Weide), undistracted by celestial demons or heterodox paths; realize a supreme form worthy of the Jade Emperor's praise and divine guardianship; forge an indestructible body, unharmed amidst calamities.

Finally, they pray to: cultivate a body embodying the Dao's teachings, speaking words revered by spirits; manifest a compassionate form to aid beings across the six realms (heavenly, human, asura, animal, hungry ghost, and hell realms); attain a body of the Great Dao (Dadao), fearless in all circumstances; develop the form of a divine physician, employing wondrous methods to heal and liberate humanity.

These petitions reflect Daoist cultivators' aspirations to attain various spiritual accomplishments and divine protection through devoted worship of the Jade Emperor.

This passage is from Volume 8 of the Precious Repentance for Fulfilling Wishes of the Supreme Jade Emperor (Gaoshang Yuhuang Manyuan Baochan), a Daoist scripture expressing devotees' reverent worship of the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi, formally titled "Supreme Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious and Lofty Heavens") and their cultivation aspirations.

With utmost sincerity, devotees submit themselves in worship to the Jade Emperor, praying to attain a body illuminated by wisdom and to forever receive the protective radiance of his divine glory. They also seek to cultivate a body of perfect freedom, enabling them to wander freely through celestial palaces and immortal realms.

After repeated prostrations before the Jade Emperor, devotees reflect on their own shortcomings—insufficient diligence in pursuing the Dao (the Way) and lapses in spiritual refinement. The scripture reveals that those who diligently study and uphold this classic may attain the honorable title of "Perfected Being" (Zhenren). By deeply comprehending its profound teachings, one can achieve complete realization of the immortal path.

Through reverent worship, devotees seek to eliminate karmic obstacles and cleanse their transgressions, thereby entering the wondrous state of cultivation. They pray for the Dao's vital energy (Qi) to fill their being—liberating departed souls while securing blessings for the living—so they may roam sacred realms and hear celestial teachings. Their ultimate goal is transcendence from worldly dust, attaining the fruit of Dao-realization where their spirit roams freely between heaven and earth, dwelling upon auspicious clouds.

The scripture concludes with this aspiration: "May our departed ancestors and living teachers alike enter the wondrous Dharma gate, reaching the far shore of cultivation." With utmost devotion, devotees bow in gratitude to the Supreme Void Emperor (the highest celestial realm) and the Three Treasures of Daoism (Dao, scriptures, and masters).

With reverent hearts we observe this purification ritual (Zhaijiao, the Daoist practice of purifying body and mind), hoping that through the fragrance of incense we may commune with the divine. The sacred incense we offer today comprises seven holy varieties: the Incense of Dao (symbolizing the origin of the Great Way), the Incense of De (representing profound Virtue), the Incense of Wisdom (manifesting enlightenment), the Incense of Wuwei (embodying natural action), the Incense of Purity (dispelling distractions), the Incense of Spontaneity (harmonizing with innate nature), and the Mysterious Cavern-Truth Incense (penetrating the Three Realms). May these fragrant offerings ascend to the jade towers of the highest celestial realm (the Daoist supreme heaven), permeating the entire dharma realm.

We reverently honor the celestial deities: the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning who transmitted the scriptures, the Daoist Lord Celestial Worthy who escorted the Jade Emperor, the Celestial Worthy of Dao and De who expounded the Daoist teachings, along with the Great Jade Emperor—Supreme Sovereign of the Mysterious Vault—and his parents, the King of Glorious Adornment Kingdom and Queen Precious Moonlight. We also venerate the Thus-Come One of Pure Natural Enlightenment from the Buddhist tradition, the Sovereign Lord of Clear Radiance from the High Void, and other Buddhist-Daoist saints, along with the Jade Void Emperor, the Vast Heaven Emperor, the Five Ancient Emperors, and numerous celestial rulers.

We particularly invoke enlightened beings with salvific powers: the Compassionate Savior from Calamities who alleviates disasters, the Suffering-Relieving Savior who responds to cries for help, the Life-Saving Soul-Guide who liberates the deceased, and the Myriad-Blessings Guardian who ensures safety. We honor female immortals like the Jade Maiden of Night Radiance and the Numinous Consort Jade Maiden, accomplished practitioners including the Golden Immortals of Three Ages and Mahayana Bodhisattvas, the Sages of Ten Directions, the Three Primes and Three Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials) who oversee cosmic justice, the Four Saints of the Northern Dipper (including Marshal Tianpeng and other protector deities), and the stellar deities of the Southern and Northern Dippers.

We pay homage to patriarchs of all Daoist lineages: the August One who recorded the classics, the Celestial Master (Tianshi) True Lord who assisted the teaching, the Broad Benevolence Emperor who governed instruction, the Pure Yang Trustworthy Protector Emperor, along with immortals like Master White Jade Toad and the Numinous Treasure Preserving Immortal Primordial Lord. We venerate the transmission masters of the Lingbao, Daode, Zhengyi, and Quanzhen traditions, the celestial generals of the Thunder Ministry, the divine officials overseeing talismans (Fulu) and seals, and the guardian kings and celestial troops from all directions.

We extend our reverence to the mountain gods of the Five Peaks, dragon kings of rivers, city gods and earth deities, plague and fire gods (from folk beliefs governing epidemics and conflagrations), the merit-officer messengers (divine scribes), and local guardian spirits (Lingguan), praying that all beings across the Three Realms may partake in this sacred feast. May all saints and perfected ones receive our sincere offerings through this auspicious incense connection.

Finally, we humbly beseech the heavens to compassionately witness and heed the petitions conveyed through this officiating priest (where "your servant" denotes a Daoist's self-reference), that our sincere intentions may ascend to the celestial court and receive divine response.

Today, with reverent hearts on this auspicious day, we arrange fragrant flowers as offerings, light bright lamps, and present fruits in solemn veneration, humbly inviting the Jade Emperor to temporarily descend from his celestial palace to our mortal realm. We bow our heads in prostration, hoping Your Majesty will perceive our sincere prayers and accept our humble offerings.

We, practitioners of the Dao, kneel in reverence to petition the supremely exalted Three Pure Ones (the highest Daoist deities: Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun), the Supreme Jade Emperor, and all celestial saints. We deeply understand that the mysterious palace of Miaoluo where the Jade Emperor resides is unfathomable in its profundity, and His supreme status transcends all description. You govern the Three Realms, transcend life and death, embody boundless compassion, and possess immeasurable merit and virtue.

With utmost devotion, we offer prayers for both deceased ancestors and living relatives, while also performing salvation rituals for souls in the underworld. Following scriptural teachings, we reverently recite the sacred titles of the Jade Emperor and visualize His majestic divine form.

(Here follows the liturgical homage):

With sincere hearts we pay homage to the Supreme Venerable Sovereign—the Jade Emperor, Mysterious and Exalted Great Heavenly Lord residing in the Purple-Gold Heavenly Palace and the Jade Pure Abode. You govern the Ten Directions of the universe, radiating universal illumination of unfathomable mystery.

We devoutly pray:

May peace prevail throughout the land, with people living in contentment;

May the underworld's souls receive swift salvation and liberation;

May all beings in hell realms attain rebirth in celestial realms.

(Note: This scripture demonstrates the complete ritual sequence of Daoist Zhaijiao liturgy when petitioning the Jade Emperor, including altar preparation, invitation of deities, recitation of sacred titles, and vow-making for blessings. The phrase "zhixin guiming li" represents the standard liturgical format for Daoist homage, signifying complete devotion and surrender to the venerated deity.)

With utmost reverence, we prostrate ourselves before the Jade Emperor, the Supreme Celestial Worthy (the highest deity in Daoism, also known as the Exalted Emperor of Mysterious Heaven), praying that You may expound wondrous teachings for all sentient beings throughout the ten directions.

With sincere devotion we bow in worship: May Your majestic and sublime countenance manifest supreme dignity; may Your pure and melodious Dharma voice bring joy to all who hear it; may all beings who perceive its fragrance attain liberation and transcendence. We beseech You to bestow upon us an unwavering Dao-heart that never retreats from cultivation.

May all beings who hear Your teachings awaken to wisdom and attain supernatural powers of transformation; may all beings be reborn in celestial realms to enjoy peace and bliss. We pray that You radiate boundless divine light illuminating the entire Dharma realm (cosmos), completely erasing the records of sins in the hells, enabling all departed souls to be reborn in the Pure Land.

May nations enjoy peace and stability, with people living and working in contentment; may spiritual practitioners purify body and mind, attaining celestial rebirth at life's end. May all who hear Your sacred name have their karmic obstructions dissolved, forever freed from the bitter sea of passions. May withered trees regain vitality with spring's return, may the smallest creatures obtain longevity and transform into perfected beings. May the souls of the departed return to the sacred realms of the Three Pure Ones (the highest Daoist paradises: Jade Pure, Supreme Pure, and Grand Pure).

This scripture is a penitential prayer by Daoist devotees to the Great Heavenly Venerable Jade Emperor (one of the supreme deities in Daoism who governs the Three Realms and Ten Directions). Addressing themselves as "your subject," the devotees express humble reverence toward the divine. Each section begins by invoking "The Great Heavenly Venerable Jade Emperor, Supreme Sovereign of the Mysterious Firmament," demonstrating pious devotion through repeated recitation of the sacred title.

The supplications encompass all aspects of worldly life: personal wishes for abundant food and clothing, prosperous descendants, and household safety; societal prayers for national peace, eradication of banditry, and flourishing of righteous paths; as well as compassionate concern for all creation, entreating withered trees to regain vitality and all beings to thrive.

Regarding spiritual cultivation, devotees pray to attain enlightenment in the Southern Palace (the Daoist abode of immortals), ascend to the Shangqing Heaven (one of the Three Pure Realms in Daoism), liberate departed souls, eradicate karmic obstacles, and prolong their lifespan. They aspire to perfect their virtuous deeds (De) so their names may be inscribed on the Yellow Register (the Daoist ledger recording merits), enduring through countless kalpas of time.

The prayer ultimately expands into universal benevolence: may celestial beings preserve eternal youth, may rulers and subjects enjoy longevity and harmony, may all demonic obstructions cease contention, and may every living being escape the sufferings of hell. These aspirations embody the Daoist cultivation principle of "delivering the world and saving humanity" (jishi duren).

With utmost sincerity, we prostrate ourselves before the Great Heavenly Lord Jade Emperor of Mysterious Firmament (one of the highest deities in Daoism), praying that all hungry ghosts may be liberated from the torment of starvation and thirst.

Once more, we reverently bow, wishing that all beings in the animal realm may attain wisdom and peace.

Disciples recite in unison the Sacred Title of the Jade Emperor (the holy name of the Jade Emperor) once.

With our whole hearts, we devote our spirit, body, and even our lives to the Great Heavenly Lord Jade Emperor. Disciples such as [name] and others cleanse their sins, repent their transgressions, and earnestly pray during the morning cultivation (a Daoist practice at dawn). We humbly beseech the Jade Emperor to shield us with his compassionate heart, granting us special forgiveness for our wrongdoings, that we may clearly discern the causes and effects of good and evil.

May we all hear the profound teachings of the Dao, severing the obstacles that cloud our minds. Through practices that dispel calamities and accumulate blessings, may we ultimately attain the true Dao. We praise the merits of devotion, fulfilling all aspirations—this is indeed the greatest fortune. May we awaken naturally within the realm of the true Dao, so that worldly afflictions cease to arise and all wishes may be fulfilled.

We pray that rivers, seas, mountains, and forests may all receive the blessings of the Jade Emperor’s sacred name, and that the winds and rains of heaven and earth may be graced by the power of scriptures and teachings. May the people live in peace, free from worry, and may the nation be tranquil and prosperous. Let us find harmony with the Great Dao, our desires fulfilled; may wealth come naturally, and descendants flourish in honor. May we liberate seven generations of ancestors and nine lineages of departed souls (a Daoist salvation ritual), and protect living relatives and friends with harmony and prosperity.

All living beings long for the Jade Emperor’s forgiveness. With sincere reverence, we bow in gratitude to the Supreme Three Treasures of the Unborn Vast Emptiness (the Three Treasures: Dao, Scriptures, and Master). This concludes the ninth volume of the Precious Repentance for Fulfilling Wishes of the Exalted Jade Emperor.

This passage serves as the opening section of the tenth volume of the Precious Repentance Ritual for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Supreme Jade Emperor. It describes the devout offerings made by Daoist devotees to celestial deities during Zhaijiao (purification rituals).

The text first explains that the fasting ritual serves as a means to commune with the divine, where the fragrance of incense ascends to reach the celestial realms. Devotees reverently prepare various symbolic incenses: the incense of Dao (the Way), De (Virtue), wisdom, Wuwei (non-action), purity, and natural harmony. These sacred aromas permeate all celestial realms as offerings to the host of heavenly deities.

Next, it enumerates the vast pantheon of receiving deities: the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) - Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun; the Jade Emperor with his royal parents (King of Guangyan Miaole and Queen Baoyueguang); Buddhist Tathagatas; Daoist patriarchs from various schools (such as Lü Dongbin and Bai Yuchan); the Thunder Department deities; astral lords; and terrestrial spirits. This comprehensive list incorporates major deities from Daoism, Buddhism, and folk beliefs, embodying the Daoist characteristic of "myriad deities paying homage."

The conclusion expresses anticipation for the deities' descent to the ritual assembly, hoping they will heed the devotees' petitions. Choosing auspicious dates and hours, the faithful establish altars with floral offerings and incense, praying for divine response to fulfill their supplications.

This text manifests the core Daoist ritual concept of "communion between humanity and divinity," where specific ceremonies and offerings create a bridge between mortal and celestial realms. The term "fulfilling wishes" (满愿) refers to achieving all petitions through sincere repentance and prayer that gain divine approval and realization.

This passage is from the Daoist scripture Precious Repentance Ritual for Fulfilling Wishes Before the Jade Emperor, expressing devotees' sincere reverence and prayers to the Jade Emperor. Here's a modern interpretation:

With lit lamps and prepared offerings, we make our devout oblation. We humbly beseech the Jade Emperor to temporarily descend from his celestial palace to this earthly ritual assembly, witnessing our genuine repentance. Though our offerings are as meager as wild grasses, we pray they may resonate with the Celestial Worthy's compassion, allowing us to perform this repentance ritual.

All participating Daoist priests and devotees kneel reverently according to ritual protocol. The presiding priest leads the congregation in solemnly presenting memorials to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the supreme triad of Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing), the Jade Emperor, his Celestial Parents, and all sacred beings throughout the Three Realms:

We have heard how the Jade Emperor resides in his towering golden palace, governing all heavenly realms. Overflowing with compassion, he once manifested seventeen great lights and demonstrated thirty forms of virtuous power (De). As cosmic sovereign, he has delivered beings across kalpas, widely disseminating teachings—this boundless compassionate vow surpasses all praise.

With utmost devotion, we represent deceased ancestors, living relatives, and beings in the netherworld in taking refuge and paying homage to the Great Celestial Worthy (an honorific title of the Jade Emperor). We chant his sacred names, visualize his majestic form, and sincerely pray according to scriptural teachings.

Then follows praise of the Jade Emperor's sacred realm: the supreme Miro Heaven, the mystical Purple-Golden Palace, the pure and majestic Jade Purity Hall. The Great Celestial Worthy (honorific title Xuanqiong Gaoshangdi) governs the ten directions with vast spiritual power (Shen), abiding in eternal serenity.

The congregation makes successive prostrations with these prayers:

May all cultivators attain the Dao and ascend;

May all people under heaven hear the true path;

May the aged and infirm receive deliverance;

May suffering beings be liberated from illness.

This scripture demonstrates how Daoist devotees express faith in the Jade Emperor through repentance, prostration, and praise while praying for universal salvation. The ritual emphasizes "wholehearted devotion and surrender" (zhixin guiming), embodying Daoism's religious ideal of "delivering beings and benefiting the world."

This scripture is a Daoist penitential prayer addressed to the Jade Emperor (Yu Huang Dadi), the supreme deity in Daoism whose full title is "Supreme August Jade Emperor, Exalted Sovereign of the Mysterious Heavens." Practitioners offer their most sincere prostrations while presenting twelve grand petitions.

First, they pray for the restoration of complete corporeal forms to all lost souls. Next comes the wish that beings trapped in the Three Wretched Realms (hells, hungry ghosts, and animals) may immediately escape suffering. May all sentient beings across the Six Realms (celestial, human, asura, hell, hungry ghost, and animal) receive deliverance. May all creatures encounter no obstacles in their rebirth to favorable realms. May the treasury's jewels be distributed to those in need. May both the yin and yang worlds, ordinary people and saints alike, bathe in divine grace.

Further petitions include: may all beings gather upon witnessing sacred radiance; may every life comprehend the Great Dao; may hell realms receive divine light's empowerment; may suffering souls ascend to heaven; may all present experience profound merit during this auspicious hour; may they behold the Jade Emperor's compassionate countenance and receive protection. The final wishes implore that both the Six Ordinary Realms and Four Holy States receive the Dao's sheltering shade; that future generations attain longevity; that fellow sufferers among the guilty obtain salvation; and that through these merits, all may ascend to the celestial realms.

This scripture manifests Daoism's universal compassion for delivering all beings. Through devout worship of the Jade Emperor, it seeks to relieve all suffering, enabling deliverance and transcendence for beings across both yin-yang dimensions and all Six Realms.

We devoutly bow in reverence to the Supreme Jade Emperor, the Highest Celestial Worthy (the paramount deity in Daoism who governs the Three Realms), praying that all living beings may receive blessings and divine grace.

With sincere hearts, we pay homage to the Jade Emperor, beseeching that all karmic misdeeds and evil actions may be dissolved and transformed. May all heretical paths (referring to practitioners who deviate from the true Dharma) be subdued and awed, while harmful sorcery and venomous arts vanish without a trace. May every heartfelt wish be fulfilled according to desire.

We pray that the Jade Emperor widely spreads his teachings to deliver all sentient beings across celestial and earthly realms. May expectant mothers experience safe childbirth, and may this boundless compassion protect all life. Let today be an auspicious day of radiant light—when these prayers are spoken aloud, may all attain awakened wisdom.

May the pure-hearted devotees participating in this ritual assembly (Daoist religious ceremony) revere and uphold the true words of the Great Dao. May this profound and mysterious scripture liberate beings across the Three Realms, bringing joyous praise among the people and flourishing prosperity to the world. For those with shortened lifespans, we pray for longevity; may every sincere petition receive the Jade Emperor's compassionate response and fulfillment.

With utmost sincerity, we prostrate ourselves before the Supreme Jade Emperor (the highest deity in Daoism, also known as the "Exalted Sovereign of Mysterious Heaven"), praying that this profound dharma may bestow blessings upon all sentient beings.

Devotees devoutly chant the sacred name of the Jade Emperor, surrendering their entire being to the Supreme Sovereign. We disciples of cultivation each harbor different aspirations: some vow to benefit the world and aid the people, others seek to attain the Dao and achieve perfection; some long to escape suffering, while others hope for prosperity and well-being. Only by fulfilling these wishes can our hearts find true peace.

We deeply trust in the compassion of the Great Dao, which can fulfill the desires of all beings. Thus, we earnestly pray: may the Jade Emperor perceive the sufferings of the mortal realm and respond to the supplications of all according to their circumstances. Our foremost prayer is for national stability and the well-being of the people, followed by the wish to benefit both others and ourselves. Whether living relatives or departed ancestors, may all receive deliverance; may the souls in the Nine Dark Hells (the Daoist concept of the underworld) obtain illumination and join all beings in taking refuge in the virtuous path.

Once again, we bow in gratitude to the Supreme Void Sovereign (referring to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning) and the Three Pure Treasures (Dao, Scriptures, and Masters). This ten-volume Precious Repentance of the Exalted Jade Emperor for Fulfilling Wishes is specifically designed for Daoist disciples to confess transgressions, dispel calamities, and prolong life. May our sincere devotion reach the celestial ears, our karmic obstacles dissolve, our wishes be fulfilled, and our cultivation of both blessings and wisdom lead us to the ultimate realization of the Supreme Dao.

Finally, we dedicate the merit (turning spiritual achievements toward specific purposes) to the Nine Pure Sacred Realms (the highest heavenly realms in Daoism). With sincere hearts, we recite the sacred names: the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, and the Celestial Worthy of Dao and Virtue (the Three Pure Ones of Daoism), along with the sacred name of the Jade Emperor, the Celestial Worthy Who Forgives Transgressions. May this merit be boundless and infinite.