《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 53

“Chapter on Equality and Compassion for All”

The Master said: Those who study and cultivate the Dao must make saving the souls of the dead in the netherworld their first priority when practicing the Great Lingbao Method. To make a ritual for saving others effective, one may cause the deceased to appear before their living relatives and speak with them, or to appear in a dream. These are the wondrous functions described by the principles of the Dao.

The dead may have unresolved grievances in the underworld: they may have fought with enemies or been entangled with them over many lifetimes; died violent deaths as servants; drifted at sea; remained sunk in the netherworld for a long time; or been imprisoned in hell. Some die before completing their Daoist practice. Others include deceased Buddhist monks and nuns, merchants, and those who die when a mother leaves a child behind, when a mother dies in childbirth, or when both mother and child die. There are those who hang themselves, die violent deaths for violating the law, or fall ill and die while away from home. Some lose their lives through curses or sorcery, tiger attacks, snakebites, or other causes; others perish in floods, fires, or battle. Some are separated from their families while wandering in hunger. Others are killed while committing theft. The beings of the six realms and the ten kinds of sentient beings each require different means of salvation.

Although the Golden Register liturgy—a Daoist rite for praying for long life and blessings and saving the souls of the dead—can be used to rescue the deceased, their karmic offenses vary in severity. Therefore, the Most High issued scriptures for saving others from the precious repository, so that the divine offices responsible for these matters could use them to raise and deliver the souls of the dead. The Great Method establishes altars at eight gates, as well as the two prisons of Yin and Yang, the Iron Trace Terrace, the Light-Treasure Register, and other means of discerning the severity of karmic offenses. It also establishes three altars, where the souls of the dead manifest, and from which they ascend through the eight gates according to their karmic retribution. When using ascension talismans and mandates today, one must explain and summon the deceased in accordance with their circumstances, taking care to avoid confusion. Talismans and registers must be used with the utmost care; there must be no mistakes.

Spirit Talisman for Delivering the Spirits of the Nine Ancestors on Behalf of the People (Emperor’s Formula)

The Master said: A ritual master of the Lingzu lineage must first deliver a person’s Nine Ancestors—the collective term for one’s forebears. The ritual master should do the same for their own ancestors. If one cannot yet deliver even the Nine Ancestors, how can one save the souls of the dead in the netherworld? Write this talisman first, then perform the rite of deliverance. Wherever one may be, once the talisman arrives, the souls of the dead can be raised and rescued.

Incantation:

Lingbao issues the talismanic mandate; from the Jade Casket descends the divine scripture. Summon and deliver the souls of the dead from the Palace of Long Night.

This is a set of talismanic methods for delivering the dead and resolving grievances. It mainly explains how to use sacred talismans, incantations, and ritual procedures to pray for the deliverance of ancestors and relatives, departed souls, and those who died while bound by enmity, and to dissolve their sins and grudges.

True Talisman for Delivering the Ancestors and Relatives of Ordinary People

“Raise the souls to the Nine Heavens; by receiving the talisman, let them leave the netherworld and deliver the spirits of nine generations of ancestors.”

This means: May the souls of the dead ascend to the Nine Heavens, receive the talisman’s command and leave the netherworld, and may the spirits of nine generations of ancestors be delivered.

“May it be carried out immediately, in accordance with the command of the Lingbao Emperor.”

This is a common closing formula in talismanic incantations. It means that the rite is being urgently requested in accordance with the decree of the Lingbao Emperor.

The master says: A Lingbao ritual master first delivers the ancestors of nine generations, then the relatives of the six degrees of kinship. The rite may be performed for ordinary people or for oneself. This talisman must be used, together with the corresponding ritual procedures for deliverance. Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper.

Incantation for writing the talisman:

Lingbao Heavenly Emperor, all the true lords of Lingbao, and the celestial lords, spirit kings, and divine rulers of the heavens: make the spirit generals, clerks, and soldiers within this talisman swiftly respond. Deliver the relatives of the six degrees of kinship and the ancestors of nine generations; raise them up and send them flying to the Supreme Clarity, the pure celestial realm of Daoism.

At the end of the incantation, pray that the command be carried out immediately in accordance with the laws of Jade Clarity, one of the celestial levels in Daoism.

Incantation for empowering the talisman:

Jade seal of the Heavenly Emperor, deliver the souls from the darkness of the netherworld. Let the precious talisman deliver all beings and open the gates of hell. May relatives of the six degrees of kinship be freed from misfortune and enmity, their souls delivered and raised to the Southern Palace, a celestial palace in the Daoist divine realm.

At the end of the incantation, pray that the command be carried out immediately in accordance with the laws of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

True Talisman for Resolving the Grudges of Those Who Died from Enmity

The master says: People in the world often incur grudges over money, drink, and sexual desire, then retaliate against one another without end, finding it difficult to break free. In such cases, this talisman should be used to resolve their grievances, so that the departed souls do not sink into the dark realm but see the light, and their hostility is dissolved and turned to friendship. Write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper, six inches long, while forming the Yin hand seal used in Daoist ritual.

Incantation for empowering the talisman:

Command of the Lingbao talisman: dissolve grievances and offenses, abandon evil conduct and turn toward the good path. Let both sides make peace, with no resentment in their hearts. Sever the roots of old grudges and preserve the full span of human life. By the command of this talisman, resolve the enmity here and now, and deliver the souls to the celestial realm.

At the end of the incantation, pray that the command be carried out immediately in accordance with the laws of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

True Talisman for Summoning Divine Officials to Retrieve the Register of a Departed Soul’s Sins and Absolve Them

The master says: A departed soul may remain in the netherworld because, while alive, it committed evils and offenses—for example, failing to honor its family, slandering virtuous people, or doing various other wrongs. These charges are recorded in the registers of the underworld. Even if a large-scale Zhaijiao purification ritual is performed to pray for blessings and deliver the dead, the soul may still not be delivered. The ritual master should therefore summon the divine officials with utmost sincerity and have them retrieve the registers of the soul’s past and accumulated sins. The master should then seek absolution for the soul before the Most High, erase its entries from the registers of sin, and record its name on a golden register, a document listing those enrolled among the Daoist deities. Write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper, seven inches long, while forming the Supreme Emperor’s hand seal.

Incantation for empowering the talisman:

True talisman of Lingbao, send down your command to the Nether Capital. Retrieve the register of sins so the departed soul may be delivered. Erase the record of its accumulated sins from the ledger of karma and enter its name in the register of virtue. Let the divine talisman descend swiftly and command the underworld to open the passage.

At the end of the incantation, pray that the command be carried out immediately in accordance with the laws of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

The master said that some people in the world are cursed and, as a result, fall ill with madness and demonic afflictions. Though they die before reaching the end of their natural lifespan, this is due to being ensnared by grievances and enmity. One should find a way to seek out the departed souls and reconcile both sides. The officials and troops of the Five Sacred Peaks (the divine officials and generals of the sacred mountains) must be summoned to search for the departed souls. Write on yellow paper, seven inches long; draw the talisman in cinnabar and form the Shangdi mudra, the hand gesture of Daoist ritual.

Edict for the Talisman:

By command of the numinous seal of the Jade Ultimate, an edict is issued to Feng Mountain. The divine officials of the Five Sacred Peaks are ordered to search for the departed souls, so that both sides may release their grievances, reconcile, and become good friends from now on. May the curse dissolve, and may they ascend together into the celestial realm. The officials and generals of the Mountain Court shall obey the talisman and go forth to seek them. Carry this out swiftly, in accordance with the law of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

Talisman for Summoning Departed Souls to Resolve Curses, Reconcile, and Ascend to Heaven

The master said that when people die from curses, their souls enter the netherworld without yet receiving salvation. If they then cling to the living and plead for their grievances to be resolved, this talisman should be written to deliver them.

Edict for the Talisman:

The Jade Clarity issues this talismanic command and sends it to the Ninefold Darkness, the depths of the netherworld, to carry out rescue and deliverance, so that stranded souls may be saved. By the command of the talisman, may the departed souls be at peace with one another and become friends; may resentment and words of ancient grievance be erased, and may they ascend through Heaven’s gate. Carry this out swiftly, in accordance with the law of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

Talisman to Rescue the Soul of One Who Died by Hanging

The master said that some people in the world meet violent deaths before reaching the end of their natural lifespan because they are consumed by drink and desire, covet wealth, have an impetuous temperament, or are hounded by enemies. This talisman should be written on yellow paper, five inches long, in cinnabar. After burning it, recite the incantation, and the rope of the hanged person will untie by itself. During the ritual, form the Chou mudra, a Daoist hand gesture.

Edict for the Talisman:

O stranded soul, your numinous awareness reaches upward and responds to the celestial court. Wronged, you took your own life; after death, you remain trapped in the netherworld. Now, by the command of this talisman, may your grievances be resolved and may you ascend. Carry this out swiftly, in accordance with the law of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

Proclamation

By the command of this talisman, we now deliver the isolated souls and others among the beings of the Six Paths and Four Births, resolving the karmic grievances of those who died by hanging. Some were forced into servitude or reduced to commoner status, then driven to hang themselves; some were tormented by ghosts and spirits and made to serve as substitutes for the dead; some were hanged and bound by others until they died; and some took their own lives in a moment of rage. As they hanged themselves, these people harbored resentment, and their grievances endured across generations. Now, receiving this talismanic command, we resolve their enmities and enable them to be promptly elevated and delivered. Let this be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

Talisman to Deliver the Souls of Those Who Died from Violent Injury

(Shangdi mudra)

When people die unjustly, murdered and detained in the underworld (the realm of the dead in Daoist belief), they remain resentful and entangled with their killers, unable to find release. How can they be delivered beyond this state? Write this talisman on yellow paper with cinnabar. It should be five inches long. Give it to the deceased so they may undo their knot of resentment and leave the underworld.

Talisman Invocation:

The Jade Clarity Emperor commands: Release the sins and enmities of the past. Let all who are bound together in resentment reconcile and go their separate ways. The karmic debts accumulated by the deceased in this life and previous lives are now to be resolved through this talisman’s command, with deliverance carried out according to the rites of the celestial realm. Act at once in accordance with the decree of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

Proclamation:

By the command of this talisman, deliver the solitary, lingering souls among the Six Destinies (the six realms of rebirth) and the Four Modes of Birth (womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born), and release the enmities formed through killing and injury. These enmities may have arisen among neighbors, relatives, or in-laws; through drinking and disputes over the division of wealth, rivalry for fame and profit, secret wrongdoing or theft; or through a moment of anger and a fight that caused injury and ended in someone’s death. Now, in response to this talisman’s command, release these enmities and let the deceased ascend at once. Carry this out according to the proclamation.

True Talisman for Delivering Souls Who Died by Drowning

When people in the human world are swept away by water, their souls are detained in the Northern Office (an institution of the underworld), while their bodily spirits enter the land of the dead. Write this talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper five inches long.

Talisman Invocation:

Spirits of the rivers and seas, deities of the streams and waters, assist the souls of those who drowned to ascend and be delivered. Free the souls and bodily spirits sunk in the dark underworld. Carry out this talisman’s command immediately. Act at once in accordance with the decree of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

Proclamation:

By the command of this talisman, deliver the solitary, lingering souls among the Six Destinies and the Four Modes of Birth, and release the enmities formed through drowning. Some, in anger, threw themselves into wells; some fell into rivers while traveling by boat; some, confused by the mischief of ghosts, did not know what was happening; and some were pushed into the water by living people and drowned without knowing why. Their souls now linger in the Water Office. In response to this talisman’s command, release these enmities and let the deceased ascend at once. Carry this out according to the proclamation.

True Talisman for Delivering Souls Who Died from Hereditary and Parasitic Illnesses

Some people in the human world die from lao-zhu, an illness said in former times to be passed down through generations. Others suffer calamities attributed to their ancestral graves, so that three or five people—or even an entire family—die one after another, their souls lingering in the underworld. To seek the deliverance of these souls, write this talisman to help them ascend: use yellow paper five inches long, write on it with cinnabar, and then burn it.

Talisman Invocation:

Spirits of the Three Corpse Worms and the nine zhu afflictions, you disorder the deceased’s soul and bodily spirit, spread disease, and damage the original essence. By the command of the Jade Clarity talisman, summon the souls confined in the underworld. Let them abandon harmful karma, turn toward the good path, and ascend to the Purple Court (the celestial realm in Daoist belief). Act at once in accordance with the decree of the Jade Clarity.

The talismanic mandate on the right is used to deliver solitary spirits and other souls among the six realms of rebirth and the four kinds of birth—womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born. It releases the grievances of those who died through “recurrent contagion.” Some caught an illness from a sick relative; some were infected by the deadening qi that had gathered in a house; and some died as husband and wife after an epidemic spread. Others were said to have died from “flying corpses,” a condition that caused relatives and in-laws to die one after another. All these cases were called “recurrent contagion”: people entangled with one another and passing the illness between them. Once they receive this talismanic mandate, their enmity is released, and they ascend at the appointed time stated in the proclamation.

True Talismanic Proclamation for Delivering Spirits Who Died in Grave Litigation

The talismanic mandate on the right is used to deliver solitary souls and lingering spirits among the six realms of rebirth and the four kinds of birth, and to release the grievances of those who died through “grave litigation.” Some suffered calamity because of their ancestors’ graves; some died after their descendants inadvertently violated a taboo; some were entered into the judicial registers of the Three Officials—the Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water—and some were listed in lawsuits involving the Five Tombs. After death, they were still said to be caught in “grave litigation,” enduring prolonged disputes and trials in the netherworld. Once they receive this talismanic mandate, their enmity is released, and they ascend at the appointed time stated in the proclamation.

True Talisman for Delivering Spirits Who Died from Poisonous Medicine

The master said: While alive, a person may be harmed with poison over disputes involving property, resentment, sexual relations, or pride. Some are poisoned through food or drink. After death they enter the netherworld, where grievances answer grievances without end. This talisman may be written to deliver them: use yellow paper five inches long, write the talisman in cinnabar, and then burn it. Use the text prescribed for the hour of the Tiger.

Incantation for Commanding the Talisman:

The talismanic mandate of Jade Purity—the pure realm where the honored Daoist deities dwell—announces its authority at the gate of the netherworld and commands the wronged spirits who suffer there to leave the cold underworld. On receiving the mandate, they shall be released from their grievances and ascend to Vermilion Mound, the place where Daoist tradition says departed souls are delivered. Immediately obey the commands of the Jade Purity Emperor.

Proclamation

The talismanic mandate on the right is used to deliver solitary souls and lingering spirits among the six realms of rebirth and the four kinds of birth, and to release the grievances of those who died after taking medicine or being poisoned. Some died from food poisoning; some trusted sorcerers and failed to seek medical care; and some took medicines containing the Five Metals and Eight Minerals, only to grow worse and die. They remained trapped in the netherworld, bearing resentment for many years. Once they receive this talismanic mandate, their enmity is released, and they ascend at the appointed time stated in the proclamation.

Talisman for Summoning Spirits Whose Grievances Remain Unresolved

The master said: For departed souls whose grievances remain unresolved, command the Earth-Road Meritorious Officer, a divine official dispatched to the netherworld, to summon them to the ritual altar. There, release the souls from their wrongful grievances so that they may leave their suffering. Use yellow paper seven inches long, write the talisman in cinnabar, and form the Emperor’s hand seal used in ritual practice.

Incantation for Commanding the Talisman:

May the Five Pure Realms—the tranquil immortal realms described in Daoist tradition—bestow compassion, summon and deliver the spirits, release their grievances, and erase their offenses, so that they may leave the Northern Underworld. By this true talisman, dissolve their grievances and raise them to Vermilion Mound. Immediately obey.

Edicts of the Jade Purity Supreme Emperor

A Talisman to Release Entangled Grievances and Save Wandering Souls

The master said: When people die in this world after harming one another out of hatred, their grievances may bind them together life after life, with their conflicts never ending. This talisman should be written and given to the dead, to dissolve their entanglements so they no longer linger in the underworld and may be reborn. Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper, eight inches long and two inches wide.

Recite the talisman’s command spell:

Spirits of the underworld, spirits of the underworld! In the cold darkness, you cling to old hatreds and bear your grievances. Through many kalpas, you have been unable to resolve them, and even your appeals have found no proof. May this true talisman deliver and save you, reconcile your entanglements, and enable you to be reborn in a higher realm. Hasten, in accordance with the edict of the Jade Purity Supreme Emperor.

A Talisman to Deliver Wandering Souls Entangled Across Past Lives

The master said: Beings in this world pass through the cycles of rebirth, and the karmic debts they owe one another never cease. Those who harbor resentment and owe debts remain entangled life after life, taking turns seeking revenge. How can this be resolved? This true talisman is now used to deliver them. Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper, seven inches long, and form the Supreme Emperor’s hand seal while performing the rite.

Recite the talisman’s command spell:

By the command of the Jade Purity Supreme Emperor, issue an order to the underworld: release those bound by grievances and erase the records in the darkness. Wherever this true talisman reaches, the prison wardens must obey. Hasten, in accordance with the edict of the Jade Purity Supreme Emperor.

A Talisman to Deliver Enslaved Servants Who Died Violently or Tragically

The master said: Some enslaved servants in this world may be driven and beaten by their masters, left to plead without recourse day after day, and ultimately die with their grievances unresolved. In the underworld they cling to their resentment, bringing charges before its authorities and demanding that the other party be held to account. How can this be resolved? Give this true talisman to the dead so that both sides may reconcile; also recite scriptures and accumulate merit to deliver the departed. Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper, five inches long and two inches wide.

Recite the talisman’s command spell:

By the talismanic script in the treasured register of the Jade Purity Supreme Emperor, deliver those who died violently and lead them from the abode of the long night. Deliver and save the dead who have sunk into the Ninefold Darkness. May this true talisman dissolve their grievances, bring them into harmony and reconciliation, and free them from the underworld. Hasten, in accordance with the edict of the Jade Purity Supreme Emperor.

A Talisman to Seek the Souls of the Dead Lost in Rivers and Seas

The master said: If someone comes to the ritual altar to report that a person died in an accident in a river, lake, or sea—perhaps while doing business or for some other reason—and that the body drifted to another place and cannot be found, with the precise time of death also unknown, making it impossible to seek out and deliver the deceased, issue this command with the talisman. Also dispatch the divine tiger troops—the divine generals and their forces—and the Swift Search Envoys, divine officials charged with making rapid inquiries, to find the soul and bring it to the ritual altar. There it will reveal its traces and explain the circumstances of its death, so it can be delivered. Write this talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper, seven inches long, and form the Supreme Emperor’s hand seal.

Through talismans and incantations, by the command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the power of the Great Dao relieves those who have fallen into misery. It frees the souls of the dead from the long night of the netherworld, restores their vitality, and helps them ascend as swiftly as possible. Its efficacy is as rapid as the edicts of the Jade Pure Supreme Lord, a revered deity in Daoism.

A talisman for summoning and rescuing souls imprisoned in the hells and not yet liberated

The master said: To summon the souls of the dead, first attend to those imprisoned in the hells. In life, they committed many kinds of offenses. After death, they entered the underworld and were confined in various hells, where they continue to endure retribution through age after age, with little hope of release. Use this true talisman and proclaim the Supreme Lord’s secret formula to help them ascend.

By the decree of Jade Purity, rescue the imprisoned souls from the hells of the netherworld. Let each be freed from grievances frozen like ice, and let them be dealt with according to the goodness of their intentions and the weight of their karmic retribution. The Compassionate Venerable, a revered deity who mercifully saves those in distress, rescues them from suffering, removes their offenses, and opens the doors of confinement. This must be carried out as swiftly as the edicts of the Jade Pure Supreme Lord.

A talisman for summoning and rescuing those who died before deeply studying the Dao or completing their cultivation

The master said: Some people cultivated body and mind and refined cinnabar in pursuit of long life, but had not yet understood the method of the “seven returns,” a term in alchemical cultivation, when illness carried their souls to the netherworld. There they linger alone in the dark, silent underworld and its endless night—a truly pitiable fate. This talisman can be used to summon and rescue them. Use yellow paper, five inches long and two inches one tenth wide, and write the Supreme Lord’s secret formula in cinnabar.

By the precious register of Jade Purity, transmit the command to the passes of the netherworld, destroy the iron walls of the hells, and open a passage. Rescue those who died before completing their cultivation, restoring their spirits intact. In accordance with this talismanic command, let them return to the human world, cultivate their minds without faltering, and ultimately complete their Daoist practice and ascend to heaven. This must be carried out as swiftly as the edicts of the Compassionate Venerable of Jade Purity.

A talisman for summoning and rescuing the souls of monks, Daoist priests, and nuns

The master said: If a monk, Daoist priest, or nun enters the underworld without having met a wise teacher or received the essentials for cultivating the body, they too may bear grievances and karmic retribution. Those who cultivate the mind and wish to escape the cycle of rebirth rely on the Compassionate Venerable to guide them, so that they may ascend beyond the Three Realms. Fortune and misfortune are shaped by thoughts and also arise from one’s own actions; even after entering the underworld, the dead may still carry karmic debts. Therefore, an altar with eight gates is established, opening a path of salvation and performing a rite to rescue the dead, thereby advancing their Daoist practice. This true talisman can be used to carry out their ascent. Use yellow paper, seven inches long and two inches two tenths wide, and write on it in cinnabar.

The precious register sends down its command to transfer and rescue the compassionate souls. Open the gates of the netherworld so that their spirits may ascend; release them from offenses, drive back the demons, and let the compassionate souls rise. At Zhuling, the place where Daoism says the souls of the dead are refined, transform their physical forms.

Spirit returns to the sun, and Dao and De arise naturally. Hasten to obey the command of the Celestial Worthy of Jade Clarity.

Talisman for Summoning and Delivering Those Who Died in Childbirth

The master said: Of all who come into this world, women face the greatest dangers. This is due to causes and conditions accumulated over many lifetimes. When a woman marries into her husband’s family, Yin and Yang unite, and she conceives. Thus, childbirth can bring many calamities: sometimes the mother dies and the child survives; sometimes the child dies and the mother survives; sometimes both mother and child die. There are also cases in which the mother dies with the child still in her womb, before giving birth. All this results from resentments and enmities from past lives, entanglements in which people take revenge on one another.

The souls of the dead return to the underworld, where they grieve and cry for help, with no one to turn to. Their limbs lie scattered, their hearts and bellies ache, ▲▲ they wail through the long night and weep in desolate places beyond the city. Why does this happen? Because ritual practitioners do not understand the underlying principles. They perform deliverance by following the scriptures in a general way, but cannot reach the spirits or provide the proper means of salvation.

Therefore, talismans must be used to open a passage to the Blood Lake Prison, summon the souls from there, and bring them to the ritual altar. There their bodies can be cleansed, their remains made whole, their forms restored, and their spirit and vital energy made complete. They can then ascend to the heavens and attain freedom and peace. The various talismans are listed below:

• Talisman for summoning the mother who died while her child survived
• Talisman for summoning the child who died while the mother survived
• Talisman for summoning a mother and child who both died
• Talisman for summoning a mother and child who both died before the child was born

Incantation for Commanding These Talismans

Jade Clarity bestows the precious register, raising and delivering the souls of those who died in childbirth. Draw them out from the palace of the long night and lift them to the gate of transformation and rebirth. Release the sins accumulated over many lifetimes and erase the transgressions gathered over time. Let them travel by talisman to the Vermilion Palace to receive refinement and deliverance, and be transformed into human beings. Hasten to obey the command of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

The master said: All who die in childbirth are harmed by enemies from past lives, who come to claim their debts one by one in this life. They are trapped in the lonely darkness of the underworld, ▲▲ beneath the netherworld, suffering miserably and unable to find release. Their bodies are soaked in filthy blood, reeking and foul, as if their stench rises straight to the heavens. How can we free them from these torments?

In the underworld there is a prison at the bottom of the northern sea of the realm of Yin, called the Blood Lake Prison. The souls of those who die in these ways are confined there. The deity who governs this prison is called the Great Deity of the Blood Lake. This deity dwells in the depths of the waters of Limitless Water, with currents covering the prison and the stench of filth rising to the heavens.

Yet ritual masters today perform rites without knowing where these souls belong. They simply send the divine generals of the Divine Tiger Bureau to summon them. How could those generals reach the prison? Even if they saw the souls, the filth would contaminate them and prevent them from approaching. However, as long as a passage to the Blood…

Great Spirit of the Lake, dispatch the divine officers and divine tigers to escort the departed souls to the altar. You must also petition the Heavenly Physician Lord beneath the Dipper so that the souls may regain their complete forms and appearances. The Daoist presiding over the ritual at the altar should follow these steps carefully.

Talisman for Pursuing and Seizing the Souls of Those Who Died After Violating the King’s Law

The master said: People in the world are foolish and do not know that the king’s law exists. They let their desires run wild, killing people and harming things, or fighting and brawling. In this way, they both create enmities from past lives and invite resentments that bind them together. Even a moment of anger may cost them their lives: their souls are detained at the execution ground, while their spirits become targets of vengeance. This may happen in this life, and in lives to come they will remain entangled with one another without end.

How can such a situation be resolved? Even if one writes a white petition for the deceased and helps them ascend to deliverance, the roots of their karmic offenses remain difficult to escape. This numinous talisman should therefore be used to resolve them. Draw it on yellow paper in cinnabar, five inches long and two inches wide.

Jade Clarity Formula

The characters in parentheses are components of the talismanic formula. They belong to the text of Fulu (talismans and registers) and cannot be read character by character as ordinary sentences.

May the departed souls call to one another through age after age and kalpa after kalpa. In accordance with the commands of this talisman, may they be delivered across to the Southern Capital, with their bodies and bones made whole, and find peace without regret. Quickly, quickly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!

By the decree of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor!

Talisman for Pursuing and Seizing Wandering Spirits Worshipped in Temples, or Those Who Died in Mourning or Violently

The master said: While alive, some people in the world are seized by temple gods; others die young. None live out their allotted lifespans: they die suddenly and leave no proper arrangements behind. After death, where do their souls return? They can only wander…

On the gloomy, shadowed road of the underworld, departed souls have no end to their suffering. This spirit talisman can help deliver and rescue them.

Take a sheet of yellow paper, two inches wide and five inches long. Write “Jade Clarity Formula” in cinnabar.

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman:

By the command of the Lingbao talisman, swiftly descend to the temple precincts and search out those who died sudden deaths; summon them to the home. If the temple spirits conceal the departed souls, bind them and escort them to Fengcheng, where they shall be dealt with according to the laws and decrees, and their forms dissolved. Release the souls from the underworld and send them to Zhu Ling for refinement and deliverance, where their souls and spirits may undergo transformation and renewal. With all haste, by the decree of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

Talisman for Delivering Souls Killed by Tigers, Wolves, Snakes, or Venomous Creatures

The ritual master says: When people die sudden deaths—whether killed by poison, tigers, wolves, birds, or beasts—the cause may be entanglements from debts accumulated in past lives, whose retribution comes only in this life. After such a death, their souls linger in deep mountain forests or desolate outskirts, with no way to be rescued and raised beyond this world. This talismanic command can be used to deliver them.

Take a sheet of yellow paper, five inches long and two inches wide. Write “Jade Emperor Formula” in cinnabar.

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman:

By command of Jade Clarity, open the gates of the underworld and deliver the souls dwelling below. Let those who lost their lives to tigers and wolves come to the home. May enmities from past lives cease their entanglement from this day onward, and accumulated debts and karma gradually be dispelled. By this talismanic command, raise them to Zhu Ling. With all haste, by the decree of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

Talisman for Delivering Souls Who Died by Water or Fire

The ritual master says: Some people die in great floods, swallowed by the waves; others are caught in fires and consumed by the flames. Their souls return to the Nine Nights, the realm of the underworld, with no one to rescue them. How can their souls endure the pain of water filling their bellies and fire burning their bodies? Their cries and groans inspire pity. This talisman can be used to raise and deliver them.

Take a sheet of yellow paper, five inches long. Write “Jade Clarity Formula” in cinnabar.

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman:

May the true Lingbao talisman descend and rescue souls in the underworld. Let the souls drowned or burned return to awareness and awaken; let body and spirit suffer no more, and let their pure souls return to their proper place. By this talismanic command, swiftly leave the road of the underworld and proceed to the Zhu Residence for refinement and deliverance, then ascend to rebirth in Nandu. With all haste, by the decree of the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor.

Talisman for Delivering Souls Who Died While Serving as Officials Away from Home or While Traveling

The ritual master says: Some people, under Heaven’s mandate, travel far from home in pursuit of a salary, only to fall ill and die in a distant land. Far from their hometowns, their pure souls have nowhere to turn; their careers in office were unfinished in life, and they had little chance to fulfill their ambitions. This true talisman can be used to raise and deliver them.

Take a sheet of yellow paper, seven inches long and two inches one-tenth wide. Write on it in cinnabar.

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman:

The Jade-Clear Precious Register—the talismans and registers of the Celestial Venerable of Jade Clarity—uses jade-script to write spirit registers. It is used to deliver the dead beyond suffering and pull them out of hell. The prison gates halt their interrogations, their chains fall open, and after their souls undergo refinement and deliverance, they ascend to the realm of the sun.

Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Jade-Clear Supreme Emperor!

Talisman for delivering those who died in battle

The Master says: Some go beyond the frontier to serve their country, meet the enemy in battle, and hope to win great merit. Others are stationed along the borders, hoping to fulfill their duties to the sovereign. The two sides clash; war drums shake the heavens, spirits and gods tremble with fear, and corpses cover the fields. Where can the souls of the dead find refuge? Where should their lingering souls go? Use this true talisman to deliver them upward.

Jade-Clear formula

The command for the talisman says:

The star Taibai moves; the spirit Taiyi dispatches troops. Descend upon this place and shine forth, breaking the shadowy confinement of those who died fighting enemy forces. As the true talisman descends, end their interrogations and dispel the power of hostility, so that both sides may become good friends. Let the bodies of the dead ascend to the realm of Taiwei. Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Jade-Clear Supreme Emperor!

Talisman for delivering those who died from cold, hunger, displacement, or the ruin of their families

The Master says: Sometimes a year of famine comes, and people endure cold and hunger in the streets and lanes. They are driven from their homes, separated from their families, and after death enter the underworld. Their sorrow and suffering find no relief; the fields resound with their cries, while all is silent in the deep springs below. They long for descendants, but no one offers them sacrifices. After their families have been scattered, where can they go? The Most High, moved by compassion for the suffering, uses a spirit talisman to deliver the souls of the dead. On yellow paper five inches long and two inches wide, write the Jade-Clear formula in cinnabar.

The command for the talisman says:

Let the Jade-Clear true talisman be issued to the Three Paths of Suffering—the hells, hungry ghosts, and other such realms—so that the souls of the dead, frozen and starving, unable to find rest, may escape their wandering. Grant them spirit registers, enable them to leave the underworld road and find warmth and food, and make their families clearly live again. Refine their forms and substance, and let them ascend to the Vermilion Office and the Southern Capital. Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Jade-Clear Supreme Emperor!

General incantation for all talismans

The talisman’s command summons the divine tiger, which carries it out as ordered. Let the two sides bound by enmity come forward and face one another, resolve their knots of resentment, and make peace. They must understand and obey Heaven’s mandate and may not linger. Turn the long night into peace and safety, so that all living beings may see the light. Wherever the talisman’s command arrives, let the form appear at once. Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the True King of the Supreme Ultimate! By command, manifest your form!

True talisman for releasing those held by evil spirits and demons and resolving knots of resentment

By this talisman’s command, deliver the lonely souls and lingering spirits of the Six Paths—the six destinations of rebirth—and the Four Kinds of Birth—womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born. Release them from the imprisonment and entanglement of enmity imposed by evil spirits and demons. Some are tormented by evil gods in temples; some are troubled by old grudges among their families; some have been seized by spirits and gods because of curses; some are still young...

Some malevolent spirits seize living people and force them to become their husbands, wives, or concubines. Others compel them to serve as attendants or officials. If these people have not yet reached the end of their allotted lifespans and are not recorded in the registers of the dead, this talismanic command should be used to release them from their grievances, so that they may ascend and be delivered at the time specified in the proclamation.

True Talisman for Releasing Grievous Debts from Three Lives

In accordance with the ritual command, this talisman is used to deliver the solitary souls, lingering spirits, and other beings among the six paths and four kinds of birth, releasing them from grievances and debts incurred over many lifetimes. Such debts may arise from money or romantic attachments, or from differences in wealth and status. They may also stem from jealousy and anger within a family, or from deception and harm in social dealings. Even now, these adversaries remain entangled in conflict, leaving the departed spirits stranded in the Nine Springs. By means of this talismanic command, their grievances can be resolved, allowing them to ascend and be delivered at the time specified in the proclamation. This method comes from the Purple Book and the Jingming tradition.

Section on the Phoenix Qi and Dragon Script

What follows is a catalog of the talismanic script known as “Flowing Gold, Floating Jade, Phoenix Qi, and Dragon Script.” The talisman contains written or symbolic forms for numbers, the sun and moon, dates and times, and the Five Phases—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. The original presents these as graphic symbols, some of which are now difficult to identify.

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman:

“The true talismans of the Numinous Treasure are bestowed upon the netherworld. The souls who have broken the law linger in the underworld, suffering retribution, bearing grievances and debts in the cold realm of the dead, with no way to escape. Now this talismanic command is carried out to release them from their grievances and allow them to be reborn. May they become good friends with you and have their forms refined at Zhuling. Hasten to obey, in accordance with the laws of the Jade Pure Supreme Emperor.”

True Talisman for Releasing Those Who Died in Prison

In accordance with the ritual command, this talisman is used to deliver the solitary souls, lingering spirits, and other beings among the six paths and four kinds of birth, releasing them from grievances incurred through death in prison. Some of these departed spirits had committed offenses but no serious wrongdoing; some were merely witnesses in minor cases; some contracted epidemic diseases and died in prison; and others were framed and killed through the corruption of prison officials. Their grievances against others remain unresolved to this day. By means of this talismanic command, their grievances can be resolved, allowing them to ascend and be delivered at the time specified in the proclamation.

Talisman for Pursuing the Spirits of Those Robbed and Killed by Bandits

The ritual master says: Bandits often turn to crime because of poverty. Some die from blade wounds while breaking into homes; others are killed after carrying out a robbery. Still others lose their lives through greed for small gains. Once their spirits enter the underworld, they are sorrowful and helpless. Even if this is connected to causes from a previous life, it remains a circumstance arising in this life. This true talisman should be used to make a declaration on behalf of the departed spirits and release their entanglement in grievances, together with the performance of the “Jade Pure mudra,” a hand gesture from the Jade Pure ritual tradition.

The text says “The incantation for empowering the talisman reads,” but the incantation itself is not provided.

The spirit talismans (Fulu, used to convey divine commands and summon or notify) are issued and proclaimed throughout the netherworld, informing the departed souls who suffered harm through theft, sudden death at night, and other causes.

Grievance answers grievance, binding them together for generations. Now let the feuds of former lives cease, and let accumulated wrongs gradually diminish.

May these souls, through refinement and deliverance—a Daoist rite that relieves the suffering of the dead and aids their ascent—rise to Zhuling, the place where Daoism says departed souls are refined and delivered. This is the urgent command of the Jade Pure Emperor.

Great Method of the Supreme Scripture of Limitless Salvation through the Numinous Treasure, volume 53.