《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 54

The August Emperor of the Void—the Daoist deity who rules the heavens—issues golden registers and white slips, commanding the pardon and deliverance of the souls in the depths of the Ninefold Darkness, so that they may escape the Five Sufferings. The punishments of swallowing fire and eating charcoal in hell become sweet dew; boiling cauldrons and furnace coals become clear, gentle waves; golden hammers turn into lotus flowers, and iron rods cease to be instruments of punishment. The underworld officials of the Three Paths—the places of suffering such as hell, the realm of hungry ghosts, and the animal realm—worship, pay their respects, and dance together. The suffering souls rise into the sky and journey to the palace of the Celestial Emperor.

This is the Three Realms’ August Emperor widely extending his grace and proclaiming the Precious Scripture of the Golden Register for Delivering Lives. It dispels the calamities of the Ninefold Darkness, the Three Paths, Fengdu—the Daoist underworld—and the Five Sufferings. He commands all ghost officials to obey his teaching: the mountains of fire are extinguished, the pools of water grow still, the black ledgers that record the souls’ sins are burned, and interrogation and punishment cease forever. The souls are delivered and reborn in the Southern Palace.

Since ancient times, those who have followed this method have received abundant blessings, while those who have slandered it have remained sunk in the underworld for a long time. Those who begin their practice diligently but later grow lax will also receive no small punishment. By taking refuge in and upholding this method, one’s lifespan, blessings, and emoluments can be renewed. As the text circulated in the world, many errors crept in. It has now been carefully examined and is largely free of mistakes. May its meaning be clear, so that all may follow and apply it.

The Mysterious Master said: Within the Three Heavens is the Supreme, Luminous, True Talisman of the Jade Casket and Golden Register for Saving the Suffering (the Jade Record calls it the “True Talisman of the Nine Dragons of the Golden Register for Delivering the Suffering in the Eastern Pole’s Azure Palace”). This is the majestic document of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, and a gracious gift bestowed by the August Emperor. It is a medicinal remedy for healing those who have sunk into suffering, a sacred teaching that awakens the ignorant, a Dharma rain that washes and nourishes body and mind, a Dharma cloud that shelters all beings, a Dharma torch that illuminates darkness, and a Dharma passage that ferries departed souls across.

This method was first presented in a memorial by the Northern Emperor, a Daoist deity, and then proclaimed by the August Emperor of the Void. The Emperor’s grace is profound, delivering all beings without omission. The Celestial Worthies of the Ten Directions are summoned together and join in accord with this method, making it a sacred text for the hells of the Ninefold Darkness. Those who receive it can immediately ascend to the heavens, turn back their bodily fate, and regain life. Those who put it into practice can leave the perilous path of darkness directly and take their place among the perfected. It enables people to pass through the Three Calamities and Nine Afflictions in the human world and to erase a thousand sins and ten thousand transgressions in the Northern Capital, the underworld. Could its benefits be anything but great?

Whenever one writes or carves a true talisman, one must perform the rite in a quiet chamber. Set up an incense table facing east and place the jade slip upon it. Then kneel facing north and make a petition, visualizing the Patriarch—which here should be visualized as the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning: the Patriarch rides a five-colored lion and sits upon a lotus throne on a jeweled golden dais. Golden light shines around the throne, and auspicious Qi flows from the Patriarch’s mouth, descending into the cinnabar and the wood of the slip.

Then stand up and face east. Form the Zhen hand sign with the left hand, one of the Daoist ritual gestures, and recite:

“Jade-born evergreen cypress, in the void transform into the radiance of the immortal elixir, the Wood. Deliver the soul and raise it to Heaven. Qi shines upon the white registers; golden light arises of itself, enduring through endless kalpas, pacifying and guarding the cold springs. Open the way for the secluded souls; preserve them through the years of the kalpas.”

After reciting, draw in nine breaths of life-giving Qi, envisioning it as the color of sunlight, then blow it across the white registers. If many white registers are being made for a universal salvation rite, draw in Qi as before, up to eighty-one breaths, until the Qi spreads across the registers. Then dip a brush in cinnabar and write on them.

The Celestial Master said: “Those who have no name in the registers and have not received the left tally must not wear this numinous seal. Those whose hearts are not single-minded and who have not observed the Nine True Wondrous Precepts must not transmit or use the Blue Palace True Talisman for Deliverance from Suffering. If it is used specifically to recommend and deliver the dead, then those who lack the Seven Virtues and Nine Merits and have not cultivated the True and honored the Dao must not transmit the talisman for longevity and refining the True. This is not a deliberate distortion or violation of the teaching of compassion. Rather, how could the souls of the dead, burdened with grave karmic offenses, casually and presumptuously make use of the Son of Heaven’s grace to be delivered?

“Only those who embody utmost loyalty, filial devotion, chastity, integrity, benevolence, and compassion; who have served the state and shown virtue toward the people; and who cultivate the True and serve the Dao meet the conditions for ascending to the Southern Palace. For others, even if they perform rites and transmit talismanic decrees, the Underworld Directorate will merely hold the white registers, receive them for deliverance according to the written documents, and grant them rebirth in accordance with their merit. Students of the Dao should reflect carefully on this; the principle is clear.

“Without the power of the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the master—even this divine text on a Golden Register cannot universally aid and deliver the souls of the dead. If you cultivate and apply it according to the scriptures, you should be able to attain the wondrous fruition.”

Incantation for Dispersing the Form of the True Talisman for Deliverance from Suffering

(The Celestial Worthy of Heavenly Treasure; after the numinous treasure Zhu Ming has manifested and transformed; my spirit, the Celestial Worthy of Divine Treasure, preserves purity and penetrates the True.)

(The gods of the Nine Layers of Earth all assemble in the courtyard.) (The Five Qi blend together; the sun and moon halt their courses.) (The Demon Kings recommend and present; the various Heavens enter the name in their registers.) (The Three Origins and Six Cycles record birth and fortune; the gods of celebrations, merit, and achievement review and determine them together.) (The Southern Dipper, the Northern Pole, the Central Inspector, and the Five Sacred Peaks, with golden carriages and jade chariots, forge the souls; they govern human relations and lead them to pay homage to the Three Pure Ones.) (Within the violet gates of the Nine Heavens, the wondrous Qi of Daluo circulates, bringing forth spirits and nurturing the wondrous; it joins with the clouds.) (The secluded souls of the Nine Provinces are pacified and guarded in the Flowery Capital; their bodies are preserved, made beautiful and whole.)

Receive the command and carry it out.

When delivering scholars or common people, those who died suddenly, those who died in childbirth, or those whose embodied forms are about to disperse, replace the incantation that follows with the appropriate one for each case.

The Qi of the Three Sovereigns—the primordial Qi symbolized by the Three Sovereigns of high antiquity—joins and merges. Its radiance gathers into a wondrous realm; the light of the Nine Suns illuminates the dark night sky, allowing departed souls to ascend.

Sins and punishments are removed, and past entanglements are resolved. The Three Pure and Luminous Spirits appear, and the six transformations return to emptiness and stillness.

The Qi of the Precious Mystery flows forth and brings forth life; its numinous power raises and delivers departed souls. The Five Elders, the Celestial Emperors of the five directions, open the chart for delivering the dead, saving souls in the clear realm at the center.

The Dao’s Qi guards the distant depths and refines the nine souls, returning them to purity. Its blessing extends everywhere, opening the path of deliverance for heroic spirits.

May departed souls come and gather in the Mysterious Capital, the sacred heaven of Daoism. For nine nights, punishments cease; light returns to the dark realm, and generous pardon is granted in Northern Feng, the northern underworld.

Stride high above the clouds and ascend into the heavens.

The above is a spell for delivering scholars and common people.

Vast generative vitality hangs high and shines, bringing awareness back to its origin and penetrating the emptiness. Primordial Qi, the Nine Perfected, and the essence of the Five Cycles spread forth.

The portals of the spirits open to one another, and the Three Officials, deities who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water, take charge of the matter. Six dragons draw the chariot, compassionately rescuing beings from the Three Paths of Suffering, such as hell, the hungry ghosts, and the animal realm.

Hostility and opposition are dispelled, and the compassionate law is upheld. The Qi of the Five Phases returns to its true source, and pure Qi fills the body.

Numinous radiance reaches far and illuminates the road through the underworld. Wisdom is bright and still, enabling the dead to prolong their lives and ascend toward the pivotal place in the southern heavens.

Complete, still, and enduring, the Nine Liquids—the bodily essences or numinous fluids described in Daoism—continue to flow. The Dark Springs, the underworld, open the gate of deliverance, and blessed light shines over Fengdu, the underworld.

Swiftly carry out the command; stride in flight through the Great Void.

The above is a spell for delivering the souls of those who died violently or unexpectedly.

The Emperor’s Perfected Ones, the true divinities of the heavenly realm, unite to refine and nourish the spirits and souls, and to nurture the womb. The spirits on the left and right act at their command; Sima Dongyao, a Daoist divine office or deity, presides over the associated rites.

May the souls sunk in the Nine Nights, along with evil roots and karmic offenses, dissolve. Their names are recorded at the Purple Gate, and they ascend into the clouds in the divine palace.

Open the path of deliverance through the long night, making the signs that lead the yin souls to the world of yang accessible. The Three Zhang, Daoist divine offices or deities, oversee the affairs of the underworld and together bring blessings to completion in its deep recesses.

May the Six Qi all follow clear ordinances and proclaim the summons that draws in departed souls. The Lords of Destiny, Records, Merit, and Execution jointly govern the Three Spirits and make the underworld manifest.

Regulate the Five Qi at the center, bringing them into harmony, and command the hundred spirits. Recite and uphold the ritual sounds to extend and deliver departed souls, receiving the command of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the highest deities in Daoism.

The Qi of the Nine Suns governs transformation, covering and nourishing all beings like clouds. Its radiance joins with the sun, granting departed souls the essence of Heaven.

The Jade Emperor’s radiance shines resplendently, and the souls in the Nine Depths of the Underworld ascend together. The dead receive deliverance at the Winding Springs, the underworld, and the hidden souls are pardoned. Swiftly carry out the command…

The Decree of the Azure Mystery, a command in Daoist ritual registers.

The above is a spell for delivering the hidden souls of those who died in childbirth.

May the three souls return to heroic spirit; green talismanic script brings the dead back to life. The nine apertures open and become clear, and the five talismans receive numinous Qi.

Cut off the gate of ghosts and make the Imperial Way shine. The Three Terraces, stellar officials, cast down their radiance, and the Six Ceremonial Forms, patterns of Yin-Yang and the Five Phases, unite.

Yin and Yang work together, and the Imperial Way reaches the primordial spirit. The Five Emperors and the Great Demon attend the departed souls, protecting them and escorting them on their way.

Unite and return to the source; return to the One and ascend in flight to the realm of the Three Pure Ones. May the nine generations of kin be delivered together, and the Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, stars, and other realms of light described in Daoism—become pure and clear.

May this body be transformed and enter my ritual domain. The body returns to nature; in this life it receives deliverance, and it endures through every life.

The Nine Springs cannot be reached, and the deep underworld cannot hold the soul captive. Its image shines in the Imperial River, and it travels freely through Jade Void, the heavenly realm.

The above is a spell for delivering the living.

(Gold bearing the talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning)

(A white petition or talisman used to relieve suffering)

These talismans are addressed to the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus, the 120 departments, and the Five Emperors of the realm of Limitless; to the examining officials of the Ninefold Netherworld; to the celestial strongmen, divine soldiers, registrars of fate, masters of destiny, merit officials, executioners, and other divine functionaries who oversee punishments; as well as to ox-headed prison guards and great demons of the Three Realms. The talismans command them to deliver guilty souls from the underworld, release them from its torments so they may leave that realm forever, show them the light amid the long night, erase every kind of transgression, and resolve enmities. By the authority of this Nine-Dragon talisman edict, the souls of the dead may ascend to the celestial realm. This proclamation is transmitted according to ritual.

Incantation for the Long-Life Spirit Talisman’s Dispersal and Opening

Recite names such as “Primordial Beginning Supreme Lord,” “Mysterious Radiance, Transcendent Rank,” “True Spirit of the Left Yang,” and “Numinous Spirit of the Right Yin.” Silently recite incantations such as “Seven Primordials” and “Nine Stars, Flying and Shining on the Sinful Souls of the Netherworld.” Phrases such as “Celestial Worthy Who Rescues Sins in the Ninefold Netherworld” should also be recited silently three times. The incantation mentions a divine pearl, Heaven and Earth, yellow clouds, numinous light, the union of the sun and moon, the intermingling of Yin-Yang Qi, and the Left and Right Immortal Bureaus and the divine perfected beings within them.

When writing the talismanic characters, coordinate each kind of character with an exhalation and recitation. Before writing the two characters “Eight Prisons,” first exhale with a “ha” sound and say “break,” then write them. Before writing the two characters “Five Sacred Peaks,” first exhale with a “ha” sound and say “still,” then write them. Next, welcome the Four Bureaus’ Imperial Lords. Peach Kang carries out their commands. Pray that Heaven, Earth, humanity, the sun and moon, and the Five Phases come into harmony; that the sun and moon shine together; and that the Star Lord of the Southern Pole bestow life and extend people’s years.

The Purple Register lists revered deities including the Imperial Lord of Nanchang, the Imperial Lord of the Supreme Ultimate Who Bestows Life, the Imperial Lord of the Purple Void and Cinnabar Elder, and the Great Emperor of Long Life. While writing, keep the brush upright and its strokes connected. After silently reciting the incantation, click the teeth together three times. Then visualize the Imperial Lords assembled in the courtyard, draw in a long breath of Qi from the southwest, direct it into the brush, and begin writing.

(The officials of Earth, Water, and Yin, as well as the Nine Ramparts of Northern Feng, are all within it.)

(The number nine repeated nine times, the Nine Yin, the Nine Earths, and the Nine Waters all appear.)

(Within the light: flying dragons soar over lofty hills; the Lord of Great Mount Tai oversees the relay stations.)

Rising to Life Above the Southern Dipper:

First write the two characters “Southern Dipper,” then write “Rising to Life Above.” Use the brush to absorb cinnabar-colored talisman ink and swallow it. Then visualize it entering the area below the navel and turning into a stream of red Qi, which travels straight into the Dantian (energy center). When the departed soul is about to ascend the bridge, breathe out once and visualize the red Qi in the Dantian surging up to the heavens, carrying the soul to a point five zhang away.

Brief Incantation for Deliverance from Suffering:

The red-script jade text of the Most High who Opens and Illuminates, the Primordial Beginning who Illuminates the True, and the Five Elders, the Supreme Emperors, removes sins, grievances from past lives, and evil roots, freeing all departed souls and ending interrogations and tortures. It raises the hun-soul to the Nine Heavens and sends the po-soul to Zhu Ling. Today we report this to the Ten Thousand Spirits; may they all hear and obey. Let everything proceed according to this command, transmitted by the wind-and-fire relay.

Brief Incantation for Long Life:

The red-script jade text of the Primordial Beginning Emperor dissolves the bonds of Yin, allowing the departed soul to pass through the refining fire and ascend to the True. Dao Li, South Pole, Fu Yan, and Divine Court circulate and refine the substance of fire. Chan You protects life; the True Child Po Ni cleanses impurities, making the inner and outer realms clear and luminous, and revealing the form of the Jade Infant. With flying steps, Chan Li proceeds to the Court of Dongyang. Let everything proceed according to this command, transmitted by the wind-and-fire relay.

Brief Incantation for Sending Forth and Deliverance from Suffering:

(When proclaiming the talismanic command, recite it over incense; only then hand the talisman to the departed soul.)

The jade text of the Primordial Beginning’s Supreme Sage and the Jade Emperor’s exalted spirit issues this command to rescue the dead and deliver the living. With the wondrous precepts of the Golden Register, it rescues and protects the netherworld; with the treasured white-slip talisman and the Dark Scripture of the Nine Truths, it dispels sins and reconciles debts of vengeance. The Perfected One Who Delivers from Suffering erases penal sentences; the Boy Who Inspects Destinies records the names of those destined to rise to life. The Majestic Spirit Who Protects the Precepts leads the departed soul to the Court of Blessings, enabling it to transcend the Five Sufferings, ride a cloud chariot, turn the wheel and attain the Dao, and ascend to Highest Clarity.

Brief Incantation for Sending Forth and Long Life:

The Offices receive the soul for refinement, using fire to forge the energy of the celestial star. Liang serves as the Celestial Minister, and Donggan manifests the flaming radiance. The pivot and its assisting ministers support the work; stars array themselves in the Dark Patterns. Jing (essence) and Qi are nourished, and a great radiance shines forth. The red chariot surmounts the starlight. The divine offices are refined, bringing prosperity to both the inner and outer realms.

Both brief incantations are used together with the Emperor’s hand-seal: draw in Qi from the east and guide the three Qi of Mystery, Origin, and Beginning into the talisman. The Long-Life Talisman is used to deliver departed souls. Write the proclamation for the departed soul on the same side; then, according to the number of spirits being recommended, provide a corresponding talisman for each.

On the Aim of the Long-Life Talisman:

The Sovereign Man says: “The sinful souls held in confinement all fall under the jurisdiction of the Seven Primordial Stars of the Northern Dipper…”

The officiant first writes the name “Supreme Seven Origins, Souls Guilty in the Ninefold Darkness,” then illuminates the Ten Directions with the vital energy of the three lights: the sun, moon, and stars. The Three Platforms—the star spirits of Daoist belief—shine forth. The officiant then writes the radiance of the wondrous celestial signs to illuminate the Eight Prisons and the Five Sacred Peaks. The Five Emperors oversee all living beings, while the Six Spirits set numinous energy in motion. Next, the officiant writes a brilliance that accords with the light of the sun. Wherever the three lights shine, the Purple Palace, the celestial bureau, records the names of the dead. The Emperor Lord holds a talisman and register to extend the lives of the deceased. The Heavenly Origin energy of the Flowery Court and Mount Tai flows into the Southern Dipper. The Three Officials carry out their commands, and even beneath the Nine Earths, within the Nine Waters, and in the realm of the Ninefold Yin, the light is seen.

Meaning of the Talisman for Clearly Saving Those in Suffering

The Venerable Sovereign said: After death, people sink into suffering because they are controlled by the Three Corpses and Nine Worms—impure, baleful beings believed in Daoism to dwell within the human body and obstruct spiritual cultivation. All this is governed by the workings of the Five Phases, so people enter the gates of the cycle of the Five Sufferings. Therefore, Taiyi first uses the radiance of the three primordial energies to shatter the prisons of the Ninefold Darkness. Then the energy of the Nine Stars is written to cleanse the defilement of the corpses. When the five organs shine brightly like the sun, Yin-Yang can return to balance and the hun and po souls can be brought to rest. The officiant then writes the energy of Dangshi Yanyou, and next arrays the stars of the Eight Trigrams, so that the wondrous celestial signs take form. The two energies of Yin and Yang mingle and flow freely, while the three primordial energies circulate to guard the Three Fields—the body’s three Dantian. The mind-spirit governs Kan and Li, Water and Fire, and ascends to pay homage to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). Then the officiant spreads abundant true Qi, causing the myriad spirits to listen in reverence. The prisons of the Ninefold Darkness are destroyed, and all things blend and return to a single Qi, enabling the corpse to stir and the dead to return to life. For this reason, the words “Pardon and Release” must also be written.

True Instructions for Practice and Application

I have carefully examined the True Scripture for Deliverance from Guilt in the Ninefold Darkness. It records that in ancient times the Northern Emperor made extensive prayers to deliver all kinds of suffering beings. The Sovereign Emperor of Emptiness spoke in person, addressing the Four Assemblies: “I now proclaim to you the wondrous Nine True Precepts, the Gold Registers and White Tablets, the True Talismans for Saving Those in Suffering, and the Numinous Talismans of Long Life. Receive and uphold these teachings: their merit can dispel calamities and relieve suffering, and their divine power is beyond measure.” The assembled spirits knocked their heads to the ground and respectfully accepted the command. This, too, expresses the profound grace and forgiveness of the Heavenly Worthy of Emptiness.

Today, when performing a Yellow Register Great Retreat—a Daoist purification ritual to pray for the dead and deliver their souls—one must first submit a Blue Memorial and a Yellow Petition and send them before the Sovereign Emperor of Emptiness. Only then may word be carried to the boundless worlds of the Ten Directions to deliver those who suffer. If the memorials and petitions are not delivered, the ritual will be in vain and its efficacy difficult to manifest. In addition, a memorial bearing the Plain Chariot and White Horse and the True Talisman of the Supreme Clarity and Great Mystery must be used to carry the command of the Great Mystery. It is sent to the Ten Directions to announce the rite, open the way, and deliver the souls of the dead. This is a ritual regulation in which Heaven and humanity accord with one another, and the Way of Heaven responds to human affairs. How could the Yellow Register Great Retreat for the Ninefold Darkness be conducted carelessly? Moreover, the presiding officiant…

If the High Merit priest (the Daoist who presides over the ritual) has accumulated little merit and many faults in daily life, has shallow virtue, and already has his own offenses recorded in the registers, he is detained in the Northern Office, with his soul bound by instruments of punishment. How, then, could he save the dead from the dark prisons? If he merely sets out offerings of fruit and lays the altar, yet thereby exposes and profanes the High Perfected Ones, this too is a transgression.

Before performing a Great Retreat, at the outset, when the petition is submitted and the altar prepared, the Daoists officiating at the altar and the six ritual masters should first observe the wondrous Nine Perfected Precepts and receive and wear the numinous talisman of Nanchang for refining the substance and attaining long life. By refining Yin with Yang Qi, they can also dispel transgressions. When the ritual is complete, they should return their precept certificates and talismans. If they wear the talisman without observing the precepts, the retreat will be futile and will certainly fail to reach the spirits.

The two talismans of the Jiaolong courier official should be sent to the Mysterious Capital together with the petition memorial. The memorial should state the number of the deceased and request that perfected officials be dispatched to descend and convey the documents by means of the talismans. To write the seal script of these two talismans, use pale yellow or pale green paper as the ground and write with cinnabar. After burning incense, address a petition upward to the Void Sovereign and Dao Ancestor. Face north, with the mouth aligned toward the Northern Dipper, and form the hand seal of the Supreme Venerable’s Treasure Star and the Heavenly Emperor’s Treasure Star. Once the writing is complete, draw in Qi and blow it onto the talismans. They can then be transmitted to the Yin Office, releasing the dead from their offenses; every soul will respond and be reached. The Numinous Talisman for Saving from Suffering and Attaining Long Life should be made on a slip of cypress wood.

Cypress is esteemed as though it had received numinous Qi bestowed by Heaven. It can live for ten thousand years and is a human symbol of longevity. It is governed by the Three Officials of the Three Origins—the Daoist deities of Heaven, Earth, and Water—and is the most honored tree among the Nine Earths. Its form and substance are comparable to gold and jade, and it is protected by the myriad numinous beings. Among trees, the toon is called the king of wood. If wood Qi gathers around a dwelling and draws in baleful influences, making beams and pillars of toon wood will dispel the apparitions. Cypress, by contrast, receives the beautiful, upright Qi of Heaven and Earth. The numinous officials say it has the substance of Metal and Wood; the underworld, too, esteems its power to nourish and grow all things. This is why it is used to make ritual slips.

The ancients made coffins and outer coffins from cypress, said to protect the dead from falling into the Three Paths of evil rebirth: hell, the realm of hungry ghosts, and the animal realm. The Precious Register of the Void Sovereign says that cypress slips can take the place of gold and jade. People commonly use catalpa wood, but it carries baleful Qi and lacks the upright Qi that nourishes all things. Its use also violates the prescriptions of the Precious Scripture, and it must never be used.

The slip should be nine inches long, taking its measure from the Nine Heavens and the nine Yangs. It symbolizes the deceased ascending from the deep springs of the Nine Yins to Heaven, borne by the Qi of the nine Yangs. It should be two inches and four tenths wide, symbolizing the Three Departments and Eight Radiances and embodying the numinous Qi of the twenty-four spirits. It should be two tenths of an inch thick, symbolizing the harmonious union of Yin and Yang and the completeness of Heaven and Earth’s transformations.

In making a talisman, it should be sealed in a blue cloth pouch. The Three Officials—the Celestial Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official revered in Daoism—value the color blue because it is the color of beginnings. When burning a talisman, let it burn amid blue smoke, without mixing in other smoke, so as not to confuse the pure, primordial Qi. Observe a fast, burn incense, and write the talisman facing east, using cinnabar refined through nine processes. Then, in accordance with the liturgy, report to the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the teachers—and perform the ritual. Only then does the procedure conform to the prescribed rules for talismanic practice.

In recent times, I have examined those in the world who study the teaching and found that they are unfamiliar with ancient liturgies. They often use yellow paper to copy and print talismans, then paste them onto wooden boards. Heaven takes pity on these departed souls sunk in the darkness below and is deeply concerned that talismanic documents may depart from the original standards and so impede the dead from being delivered. It therefore specially dispatched a divine official to warn them: “The Yellow Register rites for deliverance and the merit gained in the Ninefold Darkness are no different; the Northern Yin, which governs the underworld, depends entirely on the Two True Talismans. If you claim that copying, printing, or transcribing a talisman on paper is enough to make it effective, you will instead bring Heaven’s punishment upon yourselves. Moreover, if the writing or talisman is flawed, or if it is written carelessly, the ritual order will be completely undermined. Those who administer the underworld will not use it. You must treat this matter with care.”

The Jade Register says: All beings inherit from their ancestors the numinous source of the Great Origin. Their nature is pure: they receive primordial Qi from emptiness, which gathers to form their bodies and gives them consciousness. Though fortunate enough to behold the light of the heavenly realm, beings fail to cherish themselves. Primordial Qi becomes dependent on external things, and delusive thoughts arise from this, accumulating like dust and grime. Spirits and ghosts seize the opportunity to scheme, causing people to grow ever more worn down and dull. Their primordial Qi withers and their consciousness disperses, making it difficult to recover their original state. Five entanglements—the karmic burdens that sink people into suffering—bind them without end, and beings suffer in the underworld. Some dwell among the Five Sacred Peaks, great rivers, the offices of the Ninefold Darkness, or the gods of city walls and local altars. Some are trapped in the springs and river sources of the underworld; some attach themselves to lonely ghosts and dark spirits, or rely on evil beings. Others wander the wilderness, attach themselves to shamans, and bring forth uncanny phenomena, clinging to deluded thoughts and unaware of their past lives. Because circumstances and conditions differ, bodies take different forms and consciousness moves from one state to another. Mind and body follow each other through the ceaseless cycles of birth and death. Even the vast human realm cannot bring this process to an end on its own. The Most High is compassionate and benevolent, constantly rescuing beings. He issues talismanic commands to underworld offices everywhere, so that all beings in the darkness below may receive his grace. He stills their blazing sufferings, releases burdens from past lives, and sends heavenly grace deep into the underworld, allowing departed souls to undergo refinement and deliverance and return to human life.

It also says: If one wishes to deliver all the lonely souls of the Ninefold Darkness, along with the ancestors of one’s clan who have passed through countless kalpas, and to perform a grand Zhaijiao ritual to report to Heaven and Earth and submit oneself to the Mysterious Perfected, the ritual master should first present a memorial to the Three Realms, then report to the Mysterious Master and notify the terrestrial offices that govern the underworld. Next, conduct a grand Yellow Register fast, set out the offerings for the ritual, and pay homage to the deities in gratitude. Whenever talismans are written, one should enter a quiet ritual chamber, burn incense, and present a memorial to the Three Realms. Facing northeast, write the red talisman on a cypress slip and make the True Talisman for Rescuing from Suffering; on its reverse, write the talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning, then seal it in a blue paper pouch. After this, a ritual master of high rank should command the courier officials of the Jiaolong station to swiftly carry the talismanic command to the boundless worlds of the ten directions. The written dispatch conveying the command is generally prepared according to the old five-line format of the Five Phases. Some old versions also have six lines; this is the format for dispatches from the era of the Upper Sovereign, during the Jia Shen cycle, similar to today’s…

The year designation referred to here is a Jiazi year. When copying an old text today, the year, month, and day must be written in six lines in Celestial Seal script, the sacred seal script used in Daoism. The cyclical signs and other details must not be interspersed in ordinary writing. If it is truly necessary to write the date, it may temporarily be placed on the back of the bamboo slip and sealed in blue paper. Then announce the Primordial Lord’s talismanic mandate and the True Talisman for Saving the Suffering to the boundless worlds in the ten directions, writing them in two lines above the recipient’s designation in the talisman. Afterward, summon the Jiao Dragon courier officials, and cast them into a blazing fire to be burned along with gold money and painted dragons.

The Jade Register says that the Record of the Perfected contains this account: when the Lady of the Purple Tenuity replied to Yang Siming’s question about the origins of writing, she said, “Allow me to explain the origins of writing. The writings of the Three Origins and Eight Assemblies are used by the sovereigns and the high perfected, pure immortals of the Supreme Ultimate. The luminous chapters of cloud seal script are the characters now seen in the talismanic writings of the spirits.

“In the age of Huaji, when the world had fallen into decline, people together devised ornate, complicated characters for the sake of convenience. These were all debased forms of writing, containing distorted and improper shapes. They were imitations and fabrications, traces of a noisy, impure world moving toward its end. How could true immortals abandon writing’s origins and write vulgar, licentious characters with their own hands?

“The forty-seven characters in the Longevity Talisman, as well as the proclamations on the two talismans, were originally luminous chapters of cloud seal script. Later generations did not understand the distinction between true and ordinary writing, and replaced them directly with ordinary characters. This defiles the writing of the true immortals above and damages the laws governing those bound by injunctions below.”

The Jade Register also says, “The instruction to command the Jiao Dragon courier envoys to deliver the talismanic mandate means that no written credential is used; the talisman alone is used to transmit the mandate.” Today, if practitioners still cannot move the dark spirits, they may append to the end of the document a courier official’s talisman in seal script requesting an official dispatch, in the hope of conveying the command to the Office of the Cold Realm, which governs the underworld. They may also weave fresh reeds into the shape of a dragon and place the talisman inside it, so that it carries the inscribed bamboo slips. At the same time, they must write a separate petition announcing the Zhaijiao purification ritual and make a formal report to Fengdu, the Daoist realm of the underworld. They must report to the Highest Heaven and summon the courier officials; they must not issue a proclamation rashly on their own initiative. This talismanic mandate is like an imperial amnesty in the human realm: a subject cannot decide to issue one at will. Therefore, it may be carried out only after a grand Great Offering to Heaven and Earth.

The Mysterious Master said, “In the thirty-two heavens there are flying dragon mounted officials, and in the Mysterious Capital there are dragon courier officials. Thus the scripture says that golden dragon couriers present and receive talismanic commands: some ride heavenly horses, some ride celestial dragons, and some drive golden dragons. They proclaim the commands throughout the Three Realms and the ten directions, reaching everywhere in an instant.”

Talisman of the Jiaolong Courier

The Dark Master said: In the Great Dark Capital (the Dark Capital spoken of in Daoist teaching) there are 120,000 Jiaolong couriers. They are responsible for conveying orders, opening the light of the Springs of Darkness, and pardoning sins. Whenever one wishes to report a matter or pray for a True Talisman to rescue those in suffering, one should first report to the Dark Venerable Jade Emperor and summon a courier. When writing the talisman, follow the Jade Emperor’s instructions to draw in breath through the nose.

The Master said: The various kinds of qi-rays differ in clarity and turbidity, so they should be gathered separately. When drawing in the radiance of the Five Stars, inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. For the qi of flourishing clouds and smoke, inhale through the mouth and then blow it out. While drawing in, blowing, or inhaling qi, do not let your ears hear any sound; if you hear one, the qi-rays will not descend. Do not draw in qi for too long, either, lest your breathing become disordered. Focus your mind and concentrate the spirit; hold the thought of guiding the breath. In deep, still darkness, unite mind, spirit, and qi. Then inhalation and attraction will follow your intention, and a response will naturally descend.

Draw in the starlight of the Northern Pole Star—here, the Northern Pole Star is not Wuqu, the sixth star of the Northern Dipper, but the Northern Pole Celestial Pivot Star to the right of the Celestial Emperor—and make its light circle around the brush. Dye yellow paper a pale yellow with sophora blossoms. After visualizing, burn the talisman and summon a courier to appear before you; then place the talisman inside the Jiaolong.

Talisman text:

By command of the Most High Dark Capital
Penetrating wisdom-light shines throughout the Springs of Darkness
Light in the hidden night; forever freed from the Five Sufferings
The Nine-Dragon Talisman proclaims: sever the roots of the earth—who would dare disobey?
Fly through the Five Gates; the Three Officials pardon and absolve
The Jiaolong conveys the message; the departed soul enters peace
When the talisman arrives, pursue swiftly; the nature awakens and the spirit flies
By the statutes of wind and fire, swiftly obey the command of Luofeng

This summons one Jiaolong courier from the Dark Capital, instructing him to carry the talisman-command of Yuanshi and the True Talisman of Rescue from Suffering, to open the light for the departed soul, and to pardon its sins. All is to be carried out in accordance with the proclamation. If a talisman has already been issued, use the text above. If the talisman is merely attached to the dispatch document, this text is unnecessary.

Format of the Dispatch Document

Altar title:

Now, in accordance with the talisman-command of Yuanshi, the True Talisman of Rescue from Suffering is used to deliver the soul of [name], freeing it from the hidden night:

The above dispatches one Jiaolong courier, ordering him to carry the talisman-command swiftly to Luofeng, deliver the departed soul, and proclaim the grace and command of the Celestial Emperor.

Dispatched at [year, month, day, and hour]

[Position and title], [surname] respectfully seals

Talisman of the Golden Dragon Courier

The Dark Master said: The Great Dark Capital also has 250,000 Golden Dragon couriers. They are responsible for overseeing talisman-commands and conveying messages along the demonic-heaven path. Whenever one wishes to report a True Talisman of Long Life, one should first…

A frontier official holds a cinnabar writ. On blue paper, he makes the Jade Emperor’s hand sign and faces the Star of Supreme Venerable Power, drawing down its radiance.

(Seen from north and south, the Star of Supreme Venerable Power lies near the middle of the Dipper’s handle, between the star fields of the Lower Terrace, slightly to the north. Four stars to its north form a shape like a military well; to its south is the Lesser Subtle Star, positioned like the Kang mansion. The Star of Supreme Venerable Power is yellow and bright. It lies south of the two stars of the Dipper known as Xuan and Ji.) Write in a circle around the brush, using the method described earlier, then burn it to summon the star. (To draw down the radiance of the North Pole Star and the Star of Supreme Venerable Power, wait until after nightfall, when the stars are clear; only then can their essence be obtained.)

(By command of the Most High, Lord of the Mysterious Capital) (The golden light that penetrates the hidden realms shines through the official document and illuminates all things) (Even the depths of the underworld are lit and made clear) (With the Jade Eye, refine the body’s substance; with Yellow Splendor, cleanse the body, so that the departed soul may undergo refinement and transcendence, ascending beyond the Three Heavens) (The true wind blows everywhere; the compassionate clouds guide the departed soul) (Once the command is issued, wind and fire follow, while a golden dragon bears the courier back and forth at speed.)

In all matters, follow the statutes and carry them out with utmost urgency.

The above summons one Golden Dragon Courier of the Mysterious Capital, directing him to carry the talismanic command of Primordial Beginning and the numinous talisman of long life to the Southern Palace, where he is to carry out the transcendence of the departed in accordance with the command.

Format of the Official Document

Heading of the altar:

Now, in accordance with the talismanic command of Primordial Beginning, I hold the numinous talisman of long life and guide the soul of [name] upward to the Vermilion Palace.

This document is entrusted to one Golden Dragon Courier, who is to carry the talismanic command straight to the Southern Heaven, transcend the departed soul, and make known the heavenly court’s gracious decree.

Document dated [year, month, day, and hour].

Signed and sealed by [surname and ritual rank].

These two couriers belong to the division under Tianyou. To summon them, first state the reason and submit a report to the Palace of Primordial Radiance in the Cinnabar Heaven. A report may also be made to the Four Sages together, since Tianpeng is in charge of taking up souls and protecting the sacred and perfected, and often rescues departed souls sunk in the netherworld.

The Jiaolong Carrying the Talisman

The dispatching incantation says:

The true talisman of the underworld Jiaolong, which relieves suffering, is to pursue and retrieve the departed soul, so that it may leave Fengdu soon and come before the Most High, then ascend to the heavenly palace. Carry this out with utmost urgency, in accordance with the law of the Jade Pure Emperor.

The Golden Dragon Carrying the Talisman

The dispatching incantation says:

The numinous talisman of long life, borne by the Golden Dragon of the Fire Palace, is to transcend the suffering departed soul, so that it may leave Youdu directly, behold the light, and be reborn in the Southern Palace. Carry this out with utmost urgency, in accordance with the law of the Jade Pure Emperor.

Understand clearly: “carrying the petition” does not mean that the bearer is a dragon youth. Dragon couriers look like strongmen. Some people today mistakenly describe them as boys, but examining the scriptures makes the matter clear.

If the deceased can uphold the “Wondrous Precepts of the Nine Perfected, Inscribed in Gold Registers and White Tablets”—a form of Daoist precepts and discipline—then the Long-Life Spirit Talisman, the True Talisman for Deliverance from Suffering, the Lad of the Destiny Office, the Divine Powers Who Protect the Precepts, the Direct Talisman of the Five Emperors, and the clerks of the Six Palaces will accompany and protect them in accordance with the documents inscribed on the precept tablets.

Disciples who have received the precepts should therefore understand that the lad must carry the precept tablets. To suppose otherwise is to misrepresent the transmission of the scriptures and teachings.