《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 50

The Mysterious Master said: Past ancestral masters have taught that among the lamp-lighting liturgies of the Three Primes (Upper, Middle, and Lower Primes) in the Jian scriptures, the rite of kindling lamps is the most solemn and essential. Once the light reaches a dark place, countless sufferings can be briefly brought to rest. Even the Iron Enclosure Hell, which seems boundless, can be opened up and illuminated by lamplight.

In the Huanglu (Yellow Register) rite for delivering the dead and in the Nine Darknesses (Jiuyou) rite, there are the Revolving Radiance Wheel Lamp, the Nine Goblet Divine Lamps, and the Nine Prisons Divine Lamps. These lamps dispel the dimness of the long night and illuminate the suffering souls in the Three Paths (the realms of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals). Drawing on the wisdom-power bestowed by celestial phenomena, they divide off the majestic light of the Upper Sages, shine into the deep prisons, and open the netherworld to all.

When lighting begins, the officiant first draws the Wisdom-Light Talisman in cinnabar. At midday, he recites the Revolving Radiance Spell, then uses a yangsui (an ancient bronze mirror for gathering fire) to draw the pure yang energy of the sun and kindle a candle before the statue of the Celestial Venerable.

At night, the Grand Master and the lamp-attending Master stand before the statue and perform nine prostrations, click their teeth nine times, and pray to fulfill the purpose of the Huanglu rite. They then perform nine more prostrations. The Grand Master kneels for a long time and prays silently, recites the Spell for Dividing the Wisdom-Light of the Lamp three times, and clicks his teeth three times. Holding the talisman, he receives the numinous essence of the sacred image, breathes onto the talisman, and then requests the lamplight from the Celestial Venerable's statue. He advances three steps. The two lamp-attending Masters then divide the light again before the Grand Master, so that the flame becomes three, and place the three lamps in three locations in turn. When the rite is complete, the remaining flames are merged into one. The Grand Master performs nine prostrations once more before the statue and then withdraws.

Lighting in this way is meant to let the light penetrate the dark netherworld, so that the dead may be delivered and enter a state of peace and clarity. The lamp oil must not be tainted by filth or impurity; it must be clean and sufficient so that the flame burns until the rite ends. Never extinguish it by blowing on it.

The Rite of Dividing the Lamp to Break the Darkness

We humbly pray that the Primordial Qi of Hunyuan (the original qi of the cosmos) transforms and generates all things, and that the Heavenly Emperor opens the gate of the Huanglu teaching for delivering all beings. May the mysterious light unfold in layers, as is the natural law. Among the Three Zhang (the three talismanic registers), one is hidden and one is manifest, and the three are complete. May the power of this teaching spread throughout the human and celestial realms, and its grace flow across the universe.

The rite relies on the illumination of lamplight, whose true source lies in the vast primordial qi. Following the natural course of its circulation, the light spirals upward like a whirlwind and follows the net of the Xuanji (the ancient astral system that symbolizes the motion of the heavens). Shining upward, it lights the Nine Heavens and makes the sun, moon, and stars brighter. Shining downward, it reaches the Nine Earths, brings the torments of the many hells to rest, and extends its grace to the netherworld and to all beings of land and water.

We humbly pray that the Supreme Lord of Origin opens the way and issues his decree. The Master-Emperor carefully distributes the light, reverently praising and reciting the Great Sage, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun).

Before the Yuanshi lamp, recite the following incantation:

Opening the mysterious gate, the divine spirits descended to the Shenxiao (Divine Empyrean) heaven. Yin and Yang united to give birth to life, bringing shen (spirit) and qi into communion. The myriad perfected spirits harmonized and met in unobstructed accord, opening the assembly of the heavens. The decrees of the Nine Heavens were transmitted downward, and across eons of kalpas the spirits were able to ascend and be transcended.

Respectfully, we declare that the Yuanshi Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning) divided his radiance, descended the Great Dao, and became the Di Zun (Sovereign Lord). Within the Yujing (Jade Capital, the celestial palace), brilliant light blazed forth and cast its rays down to receive the Daoist master within the ritual altar. Jing (essence) and qi entered the divine light, and one became two. With reverence, we set forth our sincere wish to open this rite, which transmits teaching and makes the mysterious Dao manifest, and we invoke the Great Sage Lingbao Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure).

Before the lamp of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity, one of the Daoist divine systems), we recite the incantation:

The Emperor True and Primal is clearly revealed. The Bo Shi Yuan Jing (Primal Essence of the Bo Shi) and the solitary Spirit guide the breath, which is kept inward within the body. The qi of the Great Void meets and responds, and the light of Heaven and Earth joins. The merit of the Primordial Beginning brings auspiciousness, and the two luminaries of sun and moon give rise to spirit. The rite we perform today ascends to the Imperial Court.

Respectfully, we declare that the Three give birth to the myriad things, and all the myriad things take the ancestral qi of the Empty Sovereign (Xuhuang) as their root. May the living beings of the ten directions all be made manifest, so that the deluded may be enlightened. The compassionate light of the Master universally saves all beings; wherever there is response, there is communion, and his efficacious power shines forth clearly, leaving no dark place unilluminated. He spreads his pure radiance through the Three Realms and manifests his honored image throughout the myriad regions. With reverent prostration, the heavens rejoice, and we pray to the Great Sage MingHuang Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Radiant Sovereignty).

Before the lamp of the Taiqing (Highest Purity, one of the Daoist divine systems), we recite the incantation:

The Celestial Master arrives lightly, and the honored one of jade stands distant and solemn. The hun and po (spiritual and corporeal souls) and life are lodged within the womb, and the Three Sections and Eight Radiances (the divine system within the human body) are distributed through the central void, thereby granting longevity. With reverent prostration, we bow before the gate of the Xuan Shang. The Taiwei (Supreme Tenuity, the celestial court) turns the yellow banner, and the spirit that Wuying (a divine name) commands unfurls its streamer. It summons the dead from the palace of the long night, causing them to be enlightened and to receive life anew.

The lamplight shines universally upon the Heavenly Honored One.

Respectfully, we declare that by the radiance of the precious lamp we illuminate the netherworld, establish an altar with jade tablets, open a bridge of salvation, and ferry the dead across. Divine light blazes brilliantly, illuminating the dark night. The assembled participants are united in devout sincerity, and they send this radiance down to the human world.

The Huangren (Imperial Human) says: whenever one wishes to deliver the spirits of the dead and light a lamp to dispel darkness, one must employ the Huiguang Fa (Method of Wisdom Light). Only then can the light of ordinary flame be governed by the wisdom light of the Three Lights. In this way there is hope of summoning the spirits of the dead and bringing them to deliverance. Without this method, the lamplight is merely ordinary fire, and it cannot free the dead from their bonds. This rite should be performed at the early noon hour (around 11 a.m.) on the proper day of fasting. Facing southwest, burn incense, inhale, and then blow toward the brush. After bowing twice, kneel at length and write twelve talismans to open the light. All of these talismans are written by the same method.

Talisman of the Divided Wisdom Light (Fenden Huiguang Fu):

The light of the nine suns halts the six yin qi. The Primordial Light shines brilliantly at noon, fully illuminating the furthest reaches, turning back the yang qi and manifesting the wisdom light.

The wisdom light of Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) spreads forth. The upright qi of the Five Stars turns into moonlike radiance, pours into the lunar mansions, and makes them shine brilliantly. The light of the Seven Primes of the Northern Dipper (Beidou Qiyuan) is as bright as the sun.

The qi of the Pivot of Authority (Quanshu) flows into this radiance. The qi of the three heavens of Jade Dawn (Yuchen), Jade Void (Yuxu), and Jade Emperor (Yuhuang) gathers, and the Three Terrace Lords (Santai Xingjun) shine clearly.

All living beings look up to the Venerable Lords of Heaven. In the dim and obscure depths, the spirits of the dead sink into Fengdu (the Dark Capital, the underworld as described in Daoist teaching), falling into two bitter paths of suffering and punishment. The Heavenly Venerable (Tianzun) rescues them with compassion and wisdom.

The light of wisdom breaks through layers of gloom and darkness and illuminates the netherworld. The spirits of the dead, bathed in sun and moon, receive grace and are able to return to the realm of the living heavens.

The talisman above is nine inches long. Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper. Form the Jade Clarity seal (Yuqing jue), face east, and draw in one breath, then blow it onto the talisman. Melt yellow beeswax and coat the back and inside of the talisman, then twist the talisman into the shape of a torch for use.

Talisman of the Three Radiances of Wisdom Light (Sanjing Huiguang Fu)

The Nine-Day Radiant Youth, the Ten-Month Moonlight Youth, the Seven Star Child, the Nine Yang Light Child, the radiance of the moon, and the light of the Supreme One (Taiyi) shine together upon the North Star. The Jade Clarity Heavenly Venerable (Yuqing Tianzun), the Shangqing Heavenly Envoy Atuo Longluo Zun, and the Taiqing Heavenly Venerable all emit the light of wisdom.

The three lights of sun, moon, and stars converge at dawn, and the true wisdom light of the Heaven of Qingwei (Qingwei Tian), the Heaven of Yuyu (Yuyu Tian), and the Heaven of Taichi (Taichi Tian) shines downward into the deepest darkness. The radiance of the three heavens merges into one.

The Dao of the Treasures of Heaven (Tianbao), Numinous Treasure (Lingbao), and Divine Treasure (Shenbao), along with all the Heavenly Venerables and divine lords, personally release their wisdom light. Daoist masters who have studied the scriptures across countless kalpas also use their power to illuminate the cold netherworld broadly, so that the spirits of the dead can see the light and ascend.

The Heavenly Thearch (Tianshang Dijun) and the wisdom light of the ten directions shine everywhere until the heavenly court is filled with radiance. The Primal Heavenly Venerable (Yuantian Tianzun) uses the ritual standards to liberate the spirits of the dead. The brightness of the Sun Flower incense lamps is inexhaustible, and the myriad demonic fires and poisons are dissolved. The divine light of the Moon Flower shines without limit, the kings all clasp their hands in respect, and the shadows disperse.

The wandering spirits of hell and the dead beneath the Nine Springs are gathered and saved by the Supreme One and the Central Dipper. They are freed from suffering, and light shines across the nine regions and eight directions.

Hurry, hurry, as the statute commands!

Incantation:

The Heavenly Venerable's sun of wisdom breaks through layers of darkness. The three lights of sun, moon, and stars shine together and illuminate heaven and earth. The spirits who have sunk into suffering all bathe in the light. The light of the two radiances of sun and moon is boundless, and the compassion and wisdom endure forever.

Write the talisman above in cinnabar on yellow paper, and blow into it the true qi of the three lights of sun, moon, and stars.

Secret Formula for Breaking the Nine Dark Realms (Po Jiuyou Mijue)

The Perfected Person Huangren says: The so-called "Nine Dark Realms" (Jiuyou) are the netherworld hells engendered by the Nine Primes of the Northern Dipper, distributed across nine directions. The east is called the Dark Obscurity (Youming), the south is called the Dark Shade (Youyin), the west is called the Dark Night (Youye), the north is called the Dark Gloom (Youfeng), the northeast is called the Dark Capital (Youdu), and the southeast is called the Dark Governance (Youzhi).

The Southwest is called the "Gate of Dimness," the Northwest the "Mansion of Dimness," and the center the "Prison of Dimness." Together they make up the Nine Dimnesses (Jiuyou).

"Dark Obscurity" corresponds to the East and the Zhen trigram, and is generated from the Nine Qi. Since all things sprout and stir only through the startling of wind and thunder, the East is called the "Prison of Wind and Thunder."

"Shadowy Yin" corresponds to the South and the Li trigram, and is generated from the Three Qi. When the fire number reaches the Wu position, yang qi reaches its height and yin qi begins to sprout, so the South is called the "Prison of Fire's Shade."

"Dark Night" corresponds to the West and the Dui trigram, and is generated from the Seven Qi. The light of the day is extinguished at the You hour; the West belongs to Metal and symbolizes austerity and rigidity, so the West is called the "Prison of Adamantine Force."

"Dark Fengdu" corresponds to the North and the Kan trigram, and is generated from the Five Qi. When the water number reaches the Zi position, yin qi reaches its height and yang qi begins to sprout, flourishing at the Zi position; therefore the North is called the "Prison of Cold Waters."

"Dark Capital" corresponds to the Northeast and the Gen trigram, and is generated from the Brahmic Qi (fanqi). As the seasonal cycle reaches the Yin hour, the Gen position symbolizes gentle growth, and plants and trees begin to flourish from it; therefore the Northeast is called the "Prison of the Boiling Cauldron."

"Dark Governance" corresponds to the Southeast and the Xun trigram, and is generated from the Brahmic Qi. Fire qi peaks at the Si hour, strong enough to melt gold and copper; therefore the Southeast is called the "Prison of the Bronze Pillar."

"Dark Gate" corresponds to the Southwest and the Kun trigram, and is generated from the Brahmic Qi. This position corresponds to the austere qi of the West; the ancients held that this direction readily breeds greed and the impulse to kill, so the Southwest is called the "Prison of Butchery."

"Dark Mansion" corresponds to the Northwest and the Qian trigram, and is generated from the Brahmic Qi, symbolizing the turning of the celestial wheel; therefore the Northwest is called the "Prison of the Fiery Chariot."

"Dark Prison" is generated from the One Qi and is governed by the Earth Sovereign of the center, who oversees the laws of the center; therefore the center is called the "Prison of Universal Plunder."

These Nine Dark Prisons are distributed across the Nine Provinces, each overseen by a She-Ling (a spirit official in charge of a locality). The scripture further assigns people to the corresponding prison according to the earthly branch of their birth year: those born in the years of Zi and Chou belong to the northern Prison of Cold Waters; those born in the year of Wu belong to the southern Prison of Fire's Shade; those born in the years of Yin and Mao belong to the eastern Prison of Wind and Thunder; those born in the year of Si belong to the southeastern Prison of the Bronze Pillar; those born in the years of Wei and Shen belong to the southwestern Prison of Butchery; those born in the year of You belong to the western Prison of Adamantine Force; those born in the year of Hai belong to the northwestern Prison of the Fiery Chariot; and those born in the years of Chen and Xu belong to the central Prison of Universal Plunder.

Before performing the Sheshao rite (the ritual for summoning and gathering the souls of the dead), one must first understand the Nine Gloomy Prisons (Jiuyou zhi yu, the underworld hells of Daoist cosmology) and dispel the darkness within them, only then can the deceased be delivered. If one does not know the condition of each prison, how could one summon the dead?

The formula for dispelling the darkness is as follows: keep the left hand pinching the middle joint of the middle finger, and visualize oneself transforming into the sacred lord corresponding to each direction, exhaling the qi of that direction. In the east, visualize oneself becoming the Jade Imperial Heavenly Worthy (Yubao Huangshang Tianzun); in the south, become the Xuanzhen Wanfu Heavenly Worthy; the other directions likewise follow their corresponding sacred positions in visualization. Tread the Dinggang steps (the Dinggang stepping pattern): in the east, nine steps; in the south, three; in the west, seven; in the north, five. The four intermediate directions (southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest) together tread five steps, and the center treads twelve.

Throughout the practice, one should draw on the three-colored light transformed from the Primordial Numinous Treasury Ancestral Qi (the original qi of the Yuanshi and Lingbao origins in Daoist teaching) to illuminate and break through the darkness. At the same time, visualize the Five Emperors' staffs transforming into the staff of the Supreme Emperor, with twelve Golden Youths and twelve Jade Maidens on either side, holding jeweled banners. The banners bear the inscription "Jade Emperor, Heavenly Worthy Who Pardons Sins" (Yuhuang Sherzui Tianzun).

Next, visualize the prison according to its corresponding direction: iron walls tower ten thousand feet high, nets crisscross in layers, black mist lies heavy, and foul vapors fill the air. Bronze serpents spew fire, iron dogs exhale smoke, and demon guards and yaksha each keep watch over the gates and locks. Then visualize oneself within a radiance of a hundred treasures, receiving the Three Qi of the Yuanshi and charging straight toward the iron walls. The walls collapse, the mountains of knives break apart, the swords turn into forests, the volcanoes are extinguished, and the ice pools lie calm. The torments of swallowing fire and eating coals turn into sweet dew, the boiling cauldrons cease their churning, and the golden hammers and iron staves become flowers.

The prisoners within, following where the banners point and where the light shines, find their shackles fall away of their own accord. Their sufferings are all pardoned, and everyone awakens to their origin. Grudges are reconciled, the jailers press their palms together in praise, and all look up to and admire the Heavenly Worthy. The consciousness of the deceased is thereby liberated and departs from the realm of the underworld along with the light.

Diagram of the Lamps of the Nine Prisons

The Daoist master says: the altar should follow the form of Heaven and Earth, taking the square and the circle as its standard. The Nine Gloomy Yin Bureaus (Jiuyou Yinzao) govern the punishment of sins and are located to the southeast of Mount Luofeng. According to the regulations of the Taiyi Shengzhen Ke (Liturgy of the Taiyi Holy Perfected), nine altars are arranged using earth and nine stones. Each altar measures two chi across its front, and the nine altars together occupy an area six chi square, symbolizing the Yin extreme of the earth and the number "two-six." The four sides of each altar are shaped into three winding curves, resembling the form of a prison. Each altar holds three lamps, making twenty-seven lamps in total for the nine altars. Directly east of the altars, a Qianshen Baofan (a banner for guiding the transfer of spirits) is set up.

At the center of the nine altars, they also set up a placard. On its front is written "Yuqing Talisman for Breaking the Hells" (Yuqing Po Diyu Zhenfu), and on its back are written the names of the hells. Beside it stand nine green bamboo poles, each nine chi tall, and from each hangs a small banner. The banner faces bear the sacred title "Lingbao Heavenly Venerable of the Ten Directions" (Shifang Lingbao Tianzun), and the banner heads bear the Fengdu talisman.

When breaking the prisons, the attending Daoist master reads the liturgical text for breaking the prisons, and the masters responsible for each direction perform their rites in turn. Holding the Lingbao staff, the master chants the incantation for breaking the prisons, and the assembly responds in unison with "Heavenly Venerable of the Ten Directions Who Rescues from Suffering" (Shifang Jiuku Tianzun). Then, by lamplight, the talismans and banners are burned. The master strikes the hells from above with the staff. After the eight directions are complete, the master proceeds to the center and burns the two talismans and two banners together. The remaining rites follow the same procedure as the breaking of the prisons in each direction.

The master forms the Yuqing seal (Yuqing jue), a Daoist hand gesture, and visualizes a yellow cloud covering that direction, while visualizing himself transformed into the image of a Heavenly Venerable. At each hell, the master knocks the teeth nine times, performing this both before and after reciting the incantation. If this is carried out correctly, the hells will open, and the spirits of the deceased will be able to ascend to the realm of the immortal perfected.

Lamps of the Thirty-Two Heavenly Emperors

Titles of the Heavenly Venerables Worshipped on the Nine Prison Banners

Jade Treasure August Heavenly Venerable (Yubao Huangshang Tianzun), Mysterious Perfected Ten-Thousand Blessings Heavenly Venerable (Xuanzhen Wanfu Tianzun), Supremely Subtle Ultimate Heavenly Venerable (Taimiao Zhiji Tianzun), Mysterious Supreme Jade Dawn Heavenly Venerable (Xuanshang Yuchen Tianzun), Supreme Sage Heavenly Venerable of Cessation and Transcendence (Duzhi Shangsheng Tianzun), Heavenly Venerable Who Nurtures Life and Saves Destinies (Haosheng Dumingtianzun), Great Spiritual Void August Heavenly Venerable (Tai Lingxu Huangtianzun), Immeasurable Great Brilliance Heavenly Venerable (Wuliang Taihua Tianzun), and True August Cavern Spirit Heavenly Venerable (Zhen Huang Dongshen Tianzun).

Yuqing Talisman for Breaking the Nine Prisons (Yuqing Po Jiuyu Fu)

Write the talisman in cinnabar on the green banner head, and write the name of the Heavenly Venerable of that direction on the banner body. On each hand, write the proclamation text of the nine prison talismans, and on each foot, write the True Talisman of the Shangqing Precious Register. The proclamation must state the name of the particular hell of that direction.

When writing the talisman, the master forms the Supreme Emperor seal (Shangdi jue) with the left hand, recites the consecration incantation seven times, and blows the breath toward the tip of the brush. Then the master recites the main incantation once, holds the breath, and writes the talisman strokes in sequence. After the writing is complete, the master recites the incantation of that direction to issue the command.

The consecration incantation reads: "The three stars shine brilliantly. The Primordial Heavenly Venerable consecrates this talisman. Whether guilty or innocent, all are pardoned. Let each direction act swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command. Ascend and be reborn in the Heavenly Hall."

Jade Talisman of the Eastern Wind-Thunder Hell (Dongfang Fenglei Diyu Yuzhen Fu)

Two lines of explanation are attached to the talisman: "The subtle breath of the Three Yangs winds about and gathers in radiance," and "Crush the nine-layered wind-thunder hell with the mandate, and carry it out."

Proclamation (Gaowen)

"Nine Qi, Azure Blossom, light shines on wind and thunder. The Jade Treasure Compassionate Venerable shatters weapons of war, supports the morning light, and penetrates to illuminate all. Let the hun and po souls ascend to the Great Subtlety, let the consciousness be refined and cleansed, and let them enjoy blessings forever. Let everything follow this decree, and let the wind-fire couriers transmit it swiftly."

Incantation:

Green Yang Azure Thearch (Dongfang Tiandi), the Qi-essence of the Zhen palace (one of the directions of the Bagua, or Eight Trigrams) shines forth its light, illuminating the nether realms below, shattering the hells, and stilling wind and thunder alike. By decree, carry this out at once.

Talisman of the Mysterious Perfected for the Fire-Shadow Hell of the South

The Six Yang light illuminates the prisons of the underworld. The Fire-Shadow Hell, by decree, halts its flames and carries out the order.

Proclamation

The radiance of the Three Qi and Flowering Splendor shines through the Fire-Shadow Hell. The Venerable of Ten Thousand Blessings, the Compassionate Honored One, dispels the fire pools and turns them into pure gardens, cool and refreshing. The suffering souls receive this grace and are granted freedom and ease, just as they wished.

Dispatched by the wind-and-fire courier relay.

Incantation:

The red essence-qi of Yanfu in the South shines out from the Li palace, descending through the layered darkness of the nether realms and reaching even the deepest gloom. The Fire-Shadow Hell stops its flames, and even the deepest heat turns cool. By decree, carry this out at once.

Talisman of the Supreme Perfected for the Diamond Hell of the West

The Four Qi unite in Yang and divide the Yin. The power of the Vajra destroys the hells and causes the officials of the nether realms to act according to command.

Proclamation

The radiance of the Seven Qi and Pure Flowering shines on the Diamond Hell. The Supreme Wondrous Compassionate Honored One breaks the blades and extinguishes their edges, turning swords into groves and sword-weapons into cypress and mulberry wood. The souls are delivered and their light equals that of the sun, just as they wished.

Dispatched by the wind-and-fire courier relay.

Incantation:

The White Thearch (Baidi), of the West, drives a fierce steed, pursuing and striking down demons and specters, and by riding the Qi he expels evil spirits. Flying halberds race forth, and the divine officials act on his command. He breaks the fierce yin winds below and protects all living beings. By decree, carry this out at once.

Talisman of the Superior Perfected for the Minglin Hell of the North

The Five Qi move in accordance with the Way of Heaven. A mysterious spiritual light shines on the Minglin Hell, causing the officials of the nether realms to carry out the command, turning cold into warmth and returning the souls to the right path.

Proclamation

The radiance of the Five Qi and Azure Flowering shines on the Minglin Hell. The Jade Dawn Compassionate Honored One melts the ice and snow and warms the frozen city, dispelling the cold qi and noxious harms and clarifying the foul fluids. The souls attain a wondrous fruit and ascend to the Fragrant Forest, just as they wished.

Dispatched by the wind-and-fire courier relay.

Incantation:

Within the layered darkness of the nether realms, the Black Dragon holds the talisman and goes straight to the depths of the Yellow Springs. The guilty souls are no longer held in confinement for long. The Northern Thearch has already issued the decree, and those who disobey will surely be punished. By decree, carry this out at once.

Talisman of the Immortal Perfected for the Huotang Hell of the Northeast

The Brahma Qi settles the uttermost bounds of heaven and earth, and the Big Dipper turns on its pivot, the Xuanji. The cauldron-waters cease to boil, and the Nine Offices remove the souls' names from the registers of guilt.

Proclamation

The radiance of the Brahma Qi and Morning Flowering shines on the Huotang Hell. The Immortal Transcendent of the Supreme Sages, with boundless power, calms the seething waters and turns them into sweet, fragrant springs. The restless spirits regain their vitality and reveal their divine nature, rising far off to the heavenly realm, just as they wished.

Dispatched by the wind-and-fire courier relay.

Incantation:

[The supplied text ends here, so the final spell cannot be translated.]

Within the dark netherworld, where sins and transgressions gather, the sinful souls endure being boiled in scalding cauldrons and suffer beatings and interrogation.

Once this talismanic command is issued, good and evil will be clearly distinguished. Act swiftly, in strict accordance with the statutes!

Talisman for Redeeming Souls from the Bronze Pillar Hell of the Southeast

(Douhan Zhenqi: the true Qi (vital energy) of the Douhan stars. With the bronze pillar broken, the deceased souls are returned to peace, and the transgressions recorded in the netherworld offices are dissolved.)

Proclamation

The radiant light of generative Qi shines downward upon the southeast, and the bronze pillar collapses at once, its flames extinguished. May the deceased souls be granted return to life and rebirth, and may the sufferers in the Avici Hell be universally relieved, freed from their torment, and delivered upward to the Jade Altar (the ritual platform for rites of universal salvation). All shall be carried out accordingly.

This proclamation is to be swiftly transmitted by the wind-and-fire couriers.

Incantation

The command carried by nine dragons reaches the deep Yellow Springs. Souls that have accumulated over many kalpas, stagnant and unable to dissipate, have had no place to lodge their appeals; now the suffering of the bronze pillar is pardoned in full. Act swiftly, in strict accordance with the statutes!

Talisman for Redeeming Souls from the Butchering Hell of the Southwest

(Six Perfections in Distribution: the six kinds of true Qi deployed in sequence. The souls are released from the punishment of butchering, interrogation ceases, they are revived in the netherworld offices, and all their guilt is pardoned.)

Proclamation

The light of the yellow moon, bright as flowers, shines through the southwest. The iron city crumbles, and the threat of the butchering punishment ceases. The August Emperor of the Void (Xuhuang, a Daoist supreme deity) protects and delivers the sinful souls of the floating world, restoring them to life so that they no longer suffer calamity or the pain of blades. All shall be carried out accordingly.

This proclamation is to be swiftly transmitted by the wind-and-fire couriers.

Incantation

The light of the sun, moon, and stars shines everywhere, and the netherworld is thereby opened. Though the accumulated sins are difficult to pardon, the sufferings endured over ten thousand kalpas are truly pitiable. May the deceased souls be released from the punishment of butchering and ascend to the Celestial Terrace. Act swiftly, in strict accordance with the statutes!

Talisman for Redeeming Souls from the Fiery Cart Hell of the Northwest

(Nine Qi Stir into Motion: the nine kinds of true Qi begin to circulate. All beings behold the sunlight, the fiery carts halt, and countless spirits are settled.)

Proclamation

Auspicious light of heaven spreads everywhere in its radiance. The boundless compassionate ones remove the edges of the weapons of war, destroy the fiery carts, and dispel the suffering of being smeared with ash and charcoal; scorched bones and burnt flesh are once again cooled and refreshed. All shall be carried out accordingly.

This proclamation is to be swiftly transmitted by the wind-and-fire couriers.

Incantation

Raging flames blaze, and sins pile upon sins. The deceased souls ride the turning fiery carts and endure this ordeal. Once the command reaches the nine dark depths, the suffering of interrogation comes to an end. Act swiftly, in strict accordance with the statutes!

Talisman of the True Yang for Redeeming Souls from the Central Hell of Universal Plunder

(Four Upright and Four Perfected, the Yin Corpse Refined by Nine Cycles of Myriad Qi, and the Four Qi Returning to the Primordial Simplicity and True Suchness Irrigated: the techniques and qi-transformation vocabulary listed in the original text are meant to convey that the souls are refined and infused with true Qi, returning them to their original authentic nature.)

Proclamation

The mysterious radiance of the sun, moon, and stars shines through the Central Hell of Universal Plunder. The True Emperor, the compassionate one, removes the torture and punishment. The golden hammers and iron staves dissolve at once, all forms of pain and anguish cease, and the deceased souls obtain peace and joy. All shall be carried out accordingly.

The incantation for this section is not recorded in the original text.

By the union of Heaven and Earth's Qi (qi), the decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Origin (Yuanshi Tianzun) descends, and all the myriad sacred beings come to obey.

Let all the hells forever stir the gentle breeze of compassion. Swiftly, as the statute commands! Decree!

Nine Prisons Lamp Talisman

East, south, west,

north, northeast, southeast,

southwest, northwest, and center.

Requesting the Staff to Break the Prisons

We respectfully declare: your sacred virtue towers high, ranking you among the immortal registers of the Nine Clarities; your numinous power blazes forth, subduing the demons of the Six Caverns. You universally deliver the sinking and deluded multitudes, and you assist the transforming work of Heaven and Earth. We reverently look up to the Lord of the Profound Center, the Celestial Lord Jinglao (Jinglao Tianjun), whose compassion is unfathomable and whose Great Dao (Dao) cannot be spoken. You pity the beings in darkness and point out the path to liberation.

We humbly request that the Celestial Worthy bestow the staff of power, to open and sweep clear the gate of suffering, and to unfurl the light of Taishang's wisdom, illuminating the depths of the underworld. In accordance with the Great Rite, and relying on efficacious talismans (fulu), we wish to draw upon the majestic might of the Celestial Worthy to descend and break open the hells of the Fengdu netherworld. Your servant, having presumed upon sacred majesty, prays sincerely beyond words, and bows twice in reverence.

Five Elders Staff-Bearing Celestial Worthy (the venerable one transformed from the Five Elders of the five directions): may you, through wisdom talismans and the Golden Tablets and Mysterious Registers, open communication with the netherworld and clear the path into the dark realm. Your great compassion grieves for the sinful and suffering beings, and you cause all their sins and sufferings to vanish. Your Numinous Treasure is boundless, and you rescue the deluded. At the stroke of the talisman, the spirits of all beings are revived.

Jade Clarity Light Talisman (for breaking the prisons)

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Origin emits radiant light, and the yang Jing (jing) essence and Qi of the Numinous Treasure gather together. The Lord of Yuyi (the sun deity) of the heavens turns his brilliance, shining across the nine lands and breaking open the darkness of the eight directions. The fiery heat of the shadowed realm of the Great Mystery calls forth the Lord of Jielin (the moon deity); the luminous light spreads wide, restoring brightness to what was dark. The essences of sun, moon, and stars converge and illuminate the six directions, and the spirit-Qi, moving from within outward, makes all things bright again.

Secret Mantra for Breaking the Prisons

Om, Jūqí Zhīcháng, Ālè Sàtán, Bōjiālóu Fáyè Pózhā hōng hè.

Mantra for Breaking the Eastern Wind-and-Thunder Hell

Nine Qi raise rising smoke and clouds, and the Jade Treasure Compassionate Venerable (a Daoist deity) descends. The upright Qi of the sovereign spreads and enters the dark void. Thunder and lightning withdraw their might, and the wild winds subside and disperse. Halberds and weapons are broken, and evil collapses and disintegrates. The Primordial Celestial Worthy issues the decree, delivering and saving the souls of the dead.

Mantra for Breaking the Southern Fire-Shadow Hell

Three Qi condense into a radiant blossom of dan, and the Mysterious Perfected of Myriad Blessings descends. The sunlight is blown away, and the suffering souls of the dead are drawn out and delivered. The fire-shadow is extinguished at once, and numinous winds rise in its wake. Along the paths of punishments such as roasting on bronze pillars, scorching, and charcoal fires, the compassionate Dharma rain and cloud-mist descend. The light of wisdom transforms all beings, and the penalties for their sins are removed. Since everything follows this command, all spirits should respectfully obey.

Mantra for Breaking the Western Vajra Hell

Verse for Breaking the Hell of the Northern Quarter, Mingling (Ming Ling) Hell: Five Qi of mysterious essence, Xuan Shang Yu Chen (Jade Dawn of the Mysterious Heights). Nine harmonies of yang light, universally saving the spirit-souls. Pure fragrance spreads through the four directions, dispelling the vapors of evil and defilement. Icy halberds and frost blades melt away, and their very roots are swept clean.

Verse for Breaking the Cauldron-Boiling Hell of the Northeast: The divine guardians who protect against calamity, the compassionate venerables, and the supreme sages of the immortal realms who transform themselves to rescue from suffering bestow grace and dew, extinguishing the fires of the cauldron-boiling hell. Souls that have been boiled and scorched regain their original forms, their faces restored to dignity. The scalding waters turn into sweet, cool streams, and lotus flowers sprout with green stalks.

Verse for Breaking the Bronze-Pillar Hell of the Southeast: The Fanyang One Qi, which generates and transforms all things, takes cherishing life and saving lives as its foundation. The Great Sage universally delivers souls who are beset by distress. Charred and rotting bodies grow anew, the torment of heat dissipates, and the burning bronze pillars are extinguished forever, no longer bringing calamity.

Suffering and penalties are removed, and the souls ascend to the palaces of the immortals.

Verse for Breaking the Butchering Hell of the Southwest: Kunli Xuhuang (a supreme deity of Daoism), in the lofty brightness of the Great Void, shines downward on the palaces of the netherworld with the radiant splendor of the Primal Luminance. The punishments of wind-blades that slice and knives that hack come to an end. Fallen sinful souls regrow their bodies, and their vital spirit returns to vigor.

Poison and bitterness are destroyed forever, and each soul enters the Way of the immortals according to the realm it has attained.

Verse for Breaking the Fire-Cart Hell of the Northwest: Qianling Yuzhen (Jade True of Spiritual Heaven) and Wuliang Taihua (Boundless Great Splendor), with the upright qi of the Primal Origin, illuminate the boundless realms. The wheels of the fire-cart are shattered, and the tracks of the fire-cart vanish. Decayed soul-bodies turn into jade blossoms, their vital spirit gathers anew, and their hun and po are made whole again as they ascend to the abodes of the immortals.

Verse for Breaking the Universal Plunder Hell of the Center: The honored Shangyuan Yuxu Minghuang Zichen (the Sovereign of the Jade Void and Purple Palace of the Upper Primordial), looks down to survey the deep abysses of the nine netherworlds and illuminates the spirit realms of the True Sovereigns. With the radiant grace of compassion, he universally delivers the souls of the dead. Mountains of knives and trees of swords become tall, lush forests. The bitter torment of torture is removed at once, and all the anguish and suffering dissolve. The agony of being sawn while hanging upside down will never occur again.

The iron city is broken, and the officials of the netherworld are reassigned. Sinful souls accumulated over countless kalpas are universally sent to Zhuling (the Vermilion Numinous Realm, the Daoist realm of deliverance for the dead). The celestial realms of the ten directions proclaim that all spirits should obey this command; how would they dare not comply? This matter should be memorialized to Yuchen (the divine lord of the celestial realm).

Prayer for Withdrawing the Staff: Respectfully we declare: Supreme benevolence is vast and broad, and it bends to practice the Dharma of compassion. In the long night of the netherworld, all ...

Closing Lamp Liturgy

When the two forms of heaven and earth first separated into bodies and the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) began to divide, the Yang qi turned and condensed into the flame of the numinous fire. Its light spreads, so it can illuminate the darkness and reach into the netherworld. Its flame shines forth, so it can dispel ignorance and dissolve obscurity. The Perfected Sage of the Primordial Border (Yuanbian Shangsheng Zhenren) has a clear and luminous nature, untroubled by delusion. Ordinary and turbid beings, however, are veiled by the toil of the mortal world, and so the darkness of sin arises. For this reason, the Supreme Great Dao (Taishang Dadao) opened the gate of compassionate expedient means, so that drowning souls might see the path of light and joy. The Register of the Three Primes (Sanyuan Baolu), a scripture of registers and liturgies including the rites of the Three Officials, places the merit of kindling lamps first. It dispels darkness along the road of the nine-night gloom, and its merit is supremely excellent, its grace boundless, benefiting all sentient beings.

Here, the presiding master (zhaizhu) of this ritual, whose purification rite now reaches completion, respectfully declares that its good fruit has spread widely and moistened all. This is due to the spirit light of lamps and candles, which broadly relieves the bitter suffering of the netherworld. The departed souls have followed the light and seen the Dao, and the prisoners behind the dark gates have seen the torch-like lamps and are no longer bound. From one lamp to nine hundred million lamps, the light continues without end. From this realm, it crosses beyond the great chiliocosm, and its blessings flow without limit. In accordance with the liturgy of the jade tablet, we respectfully request that the lotus-flame of the golden lamps be gathered back. May the departed, ___, find that a thousand lives' worth of defilement is consumed together with the lamp-ash, and that the calamities of ten thousand kalpas are extinguished as the lamplight is exhausted. May they pass into the realm of light and forever leave the land of darkness.

Closing Lamp Incantation says: Where the Yin is utmost, light is opened; the long night is able to continue its brightness. The sun is already clear, and the Eight Majesties (bawei, the awesome spirits of the eight directions) open their clarity. The lamplight returns to the Great Yin, and light arises by attaching itself to form and shadow. The two True Ones of sun and moon unite with me, and the years turn around.

Dedication of Merit (Huixiang)

May evil hearts be extinguished and never rekindle like dead ash. May the original nature become complete and luminous, and shine forever together with the sun.

Volume fifty of the Great Method of the Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangjing (Scripture of Universal Salvation without Measure). This concludes the closing text of this volume.