《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 55

The Profound Master said: Above the Nine Heavens is the supreme Great Luo Jade Capital and Golden Palace. There the secret canons of the “Covenant with the Perfected” liturgy are kept in a jade coffer. This is the Lingbao school’s method for universal salvation in the netherworld. Ever since the charts were first opened in the Crimson Brightness era, the Primordial Lord has proclaimed sacred writings that relieve suffering and absolve sins, and made covenants and vows with the Perfected and the myriad saints: throughout countless eons, they would deliver the suffering souls of the dead. For this reason, the scripture is called the “Canon of the Covenant with the Perfected.”

The Canon of the Covenant with the Perfected has three grades: the upper grade is the Golden Register liturgy of the Upper Origin; the middle grade is the Jade Register rite of the Middle Origin; and the lower grade is the Yellow Register method of the Lower Origin. In general, this passage concerns the method of the Lower Origin: the supreme Yellow Register Covenant with the Perfected, an immeasurable Great Retreat for universal salvation in the netherworld, kept in a jade coffer.

When performing the retreat ritual, one first presents a petition: the memorial written by the disciple conducting the Great Retreat. The filial devotion, loyalty, and earnestness expressed in it must truly be free of self-interest before the method of delivering the dead may be carried out. The ritual rules are now set out for those studying the Daoist methods. They must be observed with care and not passed on casually to unsuitable people. Confusing the methods of the Three Origins will bring unforgivable guilt. When a suitable person is found, the teachings must be transmitted; one must not hoard the Daoist teachings and sever their transmission, or Heaven’s punishment will follow. Students of the methods should carefully determine whether a person possesses the bearing of an immortal before imparting this method.

I respectfully follow the master’s instructions: some people in the world relieve the poor and save people and spirits, observe the precepts, practice retreats, and make offerings to the Three Treasures. Others have served as Three Masters and cultivated themselves to nourish the Shen (spirit), but their deeds were not yet complete when their allotted lifespans ended and they passed through the Great Yin—the shadow realm of the netherworld. Only such people may submit a memorial to the Vacuous Emperor and send documents to the Green Palace, requesting special deliverance. The True Talisman for Relieving Suffering must also be issued. In addition, a long-life numinous talisman is made from cypress tablets and proclaimed to the Crimson Heaven realm, so that the souls of the dead may ascend along the route indicated by the tablets to the imperial court, where their spirits are refined in the Bureau of Fire.

If a soul performed not a single good deed in life and earned no merit in the human or heavenly realms, this special talismanic method for relieving suffering must not be used arbitrarily, nor may the soul be granted a Golden Register for refining the Perfected without due cause. One need only follow the Supreme One’s method of the Precious Register for Ascending to Heaven, enabling the soul to behold the radiance of the spirits and regain life in the world of the living. This is already a great blessing.

Thus, the essential principle in the Profound Proclamation is this: unless a Great Offering is truly being performed, the two kinds of tablets are not bestowed. At the opening of the ritual altar, before the Register of Long Life is read aloud, the True Talisman for Relieving Suffering must first be issued and proclaimed, delivering the souls of the dead so that they may come to pay homage to the Three Realms. Only when the merit is complete is the Register of Long Life bestowed, so that…

If talismans written to deliver the souls of the dead are carelessly scrawled or contain errors, or if the memorial presented to the authorities is flawed, the officials of the underworld will hold the practitioner in contempt. If the prescribed commands are not carried out at once, merit will surely be lost and blessings diminished, and the dead may sink into even greater suffering. One must therefore observe and carry out the rites with care and reverence, so that the realm of the unseen may be at peace and all beings may receive the blessings of the mysterious Dao.

Preparing and Using the Precious Register

The Precious Register conveys an amnesty, informing the underworld authorities that those burdened by karmic offenses are to be released. This is the profound method of the Jade Sovereign Daoist Lord, a revered deity in Daoism. To prepare to write the register, first set out the cinnabar and face east. Visualize the Azure Dark Emperor, a revered deity who oversees the deliverance of the dead and the relief of suffering, and present your petition according to the ritual procedures. Then recite the sacred title of the Azure Dark Emperor. As you grind the cinnabar, turn it eighty-one times to the left and eighty-one times to the right, and pray that the Azure Dark Emperor’s Qi infuse it. Next, place the cinnabar in sunlight for one day and moonlight for one night, allowing it to receive the Yin-Yang refinement of the sun and moon’s vital energies.

Before writing the Precious Register, recite the Scripture for Delivering Humanity once or ten times, and conduct the practice according to its text. Then enter a quiet chamber, gather the mind, and cultivate yourself. Kneel upright and report your request to the Jade Sovereign, making clear what you seek. Perform nine bows and visualize the Gate of Heaven opening. The Gate of Heaven is formed by three golden doors, radiant with light. Within them stands a precious golden palace, where the Jade Sovereign’s countenance appears, with attendant immortals ranged before the throne.

Then silently present your request and ask that the Supreme Precious Register for Ascending to Heaven be bestowed. Perform another nine bows. After a while, visualize the Jade Sovereign smiling kindly as he commands a jade boy and jade maiden to carry a precious casket. Riding on a radiance of countless treasures, they descend before the practitioner’s altar table. Open the casket and unfold the Precious Register within, joining it to the register already prepared on the table. Visualize light hovering above, boundless and without end.

Next, face south and silently present your request. After a while, perform nine bows and visualize the six stars of the Southern Dipper, the Daoist star deities who govern lifespan and its prolongation. Each star is like the newly risen sun, appearing on the Precious Register and joining with the six stars depicted within it. Visualize writing inside each star, clear to the sight and radiant with light. Then offer incense, click the teeth ten times, and recite the spell:

The Greatly Pervading Brahma Qi, the pure primordial energy, extends throughout the ten directions. Within it is the deity who delivers humanity from death; within it is the Lord of Longevity of the Southern Pole; within it is the Great Spirit Sima, who delivers beings from the world; within it is Lord Elder Han, who cherishes life; within it are the revered deities who govern fate, record destiny, prolong life, increase one’s years, and avert calamity. May all these deities cause the dead to regain their bodies and return to life, and deliver beings in boundless numbers. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the laws of the Supreme Sovereign: by decree, let this be carried out.

After finishing the incantation, face the Gate of Heaven—the celestial portal visualized in the ritual—and write the Fulu (talismans and registers). Following the prescribed method, visualize the spirit officials and their attendants surrounding you on either side. Form the Dujian hand seal with your left hand, hold the brush in your right, kneel upright, and recite the “Incantation of the Most High’s Pardon and Release” fifty times:

“The Most High, the Mysterious Origin, the Lord of the Dao, taught me to wield the talisman and shine through the prisons of hell, freeing the souls of the dead. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Lord of the Dao!”

Next, draw in Qi from the northwest, visualize the three Qi, and blow onto the brush. Then write the talisman with the brush, reciting the four syllables “Om, Hong, Zha, Li.” While writing them, stop reciting the incantation and instead recite the Jade Sacred Name—the secret name of the deity—an unrestricted number of times. Then lift the brush tip upward, seal the talisman’s form, and recite:

“By the talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning, may ascension come at once. May the soul of the dead undergo refinement and immediately ascend to Heaven. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Supreme Emperor of the Primordial Beginning!”

Then draw in Qi from the Gate of Heaven, raise the brush, and form the hand seal; the procedure is the same as before. The four characters written here are the secret name of Yuchen. The Primordial Beginning is Yuchen’s teacher, so the command used here is that of the Primordial Beginning. This talisman is said to enable the dead to ascend to Heaven, and is therefore called the “Precious Register for Ascending to Heaven.”

Star-Erasing Method

The following symbols and inscriptions are used when writing the talisman: “Chi” (the moving place, the Li Palace); “▲” (whose name is the same as the radiance of the sun); “Hun” (ruler of the Fire Emperor); “Hui” (endowed in form by Yin-Yang); “▲” (the honored seat of the South Pole); “▲” (shaping the soul and forging the spirit, with might surpassing all realms).

For each of these figures, turn the brush six times while reciting, “The palace officials and ministers share the pivot and hinge.” Draw in Qi from the Southern Dipper and blow onto the talisman. Then recite:

“The six perfected ones of the Southern Dipper enter and leave the hidden realm. I act under the Emperor’s command: swiftly examine the living, and enter them on the upper register of Nanchang. Then their souls may return. Swiftly, swiftly, by the command of the Supreme Emperor!”

Then make this invocation:

“By the Most High’s command, the Precious Register for Pardon, Release, and Ascension to Heaven is announced to the underworld officials in charge. Save and deliver the souls of the dead, allowing each to be reborn according to its rank, taking form among humankind or in the celestial realm. As prescribed in this decree, let it be conveyed by the wind-and-fire courier.”

When the writing is complete, hold the talisman over the incense and make this invocation:

“By the command of the Lord of the Dao, deliver this divine talisman to Kunlun. May this talisman descend and rescue the souls of the dead. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command!”

The incantation should be recited as many times as possible. Draw in the golden-light Qi of the Gate of Heaven, form the Yuqing hand seal, and make upward strokes over the talisman. As you raise the hand seal, visualize golden-light Dao Qi bursting forth from it.

The Scattered Form of the Most High’s Precious Register for Pardon and Release

(The compassionate savior of the Azure Mystery, acting through manifested bodies under command, proclaims this decree throughout the Nine Depths, widely putting it into effect and spreading the divine image.)

(Attending to the invocation / Responding to the sound) (The Three Lights’ True Essence and Mysterious Origin / Divine Lord Who Universally Saves Sinful Souls)

(Responding to cries and relieving suffering / Abolishing sin and granting rebirth) (Mysterious Origin / Ancestral Qi)

(Nourishing and irrigating / The bodily form) (Cinnabar Heaven / Three Qi) (The Northern Office’s two signs / Erasing the name and reversing the downward course)

(Purple Qi / Enveloping the body) (The deceased soul receives its register: take the Qi of ascent and transference at the Heavenly Gate, then blow it into the talisman.)

Next, write the four characters Om, Hong, Zha, Li. With each character, circle the brush nine times.

Incantation:

“By the talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning, may the deceased ascend to immortality at the appointed time. Having received this talisman, the deceased may immediately rise to Heaven. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes, receive the command.”

Next, take the Qi of the Heavenly Gate and write over the characters, circling the brush seven times as you recite:

“Behold the light and swiftly ascend into the heavens. Swiftly, receive the command of the Celestial Worthy.”

Then form the “Ten Directions mudra” with the fingers, turn it ten times, and flick the brush ten times as you recite:

“Celestial Worthy Who Saves from Suffering in the Ten Directions.”

Turn the brush three more times, flick it once, and say:

“By command of the Great Emperor of Jade Purity: with one illumination of wisdom’s light upon the dark prisons of the underworld, cease interrogating the deceased soul and let it swiftly ascend into the heavens.”

After completing the talisman, visualize light shining everywhere across Heaven and Earth, and recite:

“By command of the Great Emperor of Upper Purity: with one illumination of wisdom’s light upon the dark prisons of the underworld, cease interrogating the deceased soul and let it swiftly ascend into the heavens.”

“By command of the Great Emperor of Great Purity: with one illumination of wisdom’s light upon the dark prisons of the underworld, cease interrogating the deceased soul and let it swiftly ascend into the heavens.”

Next, write the treasured register’s true text in seal script. Then take the Qi of golden light, blow it into the text, and visualize golden light shining from the treasured register, brighter than the sun.

If the deceased soul’s merit is complete and all the arrangements at the Yellow Register Zhaijiao altar—the site where Daoist rites for delivering the dead are held—are orderly and solemn, the first proclamation may be used. If the soul’s merit is not yet complete, or the altar seems in some way deficient, use the second proclamation. To deliver all the solitary souls and stranded spirits throughout the Nine Provinces without distinguishing among them, use the third proclamation. The three proclamations must not be mixed.

The Supreme Mysterious Origin, Most High Treasure Register for Ascending to Heaven

By command, let this be ascertained: A petition has been submitted by a certain person from a certain county in a certain prefecture of the Great Ming realm. With reverence, the petitioner reports the deceased person, born at a certain year, month, day, and hour, and deceased at a certain year, month, day, and hour. A certain Zhaijiao rite is now specially established to commend the deceased. In addition to having already recorded and reported the matter to the Heavenly Court and requested its decree, a talismanic register shall now be issued to convey the relevant instructions.

Treasure Register

Deity Who Delivers People from Death; Lord of Long Life at the Southern Pole.

Great Divine Sima, who oversees the deliverance of souls, and Lord Elder Han, who cherishes life, respectfully present this sacred document:

We now convey the command of the Most High (a Daoist honorific for the supreme deity), issuing the precious registers that pardon sins and grant rebirth in heaven. Let this be announced to the inner and outer palaces of the Northern Court of Fengdu (the underworld in Daoist belief); the Three Officials’ Caverns, the nine offices, and the 120 bureaus; the examiners of the Five Emperors; the Administrators of Destiny, Records, Merit, and Death; the Perfected Lords of the Four Luminaries and their guests, colleagues, and assistants; the Ninefold Darkness and its twenty-four prisons; the thirty-six prisons of the four directions; the eighty-one prisons; the Northern Prison of Tianyi; and the forty-nine prisons of Nüqing. Let it be announced to the great and small Iron Enclosures, the Hell of No Escape, the Sword Forest, the Volcano, the Crooked Springs, the Cold Pool, and all the great prisons of the four directions; to the clerks of the six palaces, the prefectures of the five paths, the Great Spirit of the Dark and Cold, the punishment spirits with golden heads and iron faces, the giant heavenly strongmen, the heavenly cavalry and armored troops, the ox-headed prison guards, and the mighty Sword Spirit Kings; to the great demons of the six caverns, the overseers of the Three Paths and Five Sufferings, and the underworld officials who examine souls; to the Water Courts of the Three Origins, the Nine Rivers, Five Lakes, Four Waterways, Four Seas, twelve river sources, three rivers and nine marshes, and twelve streams and valleys, as well as the River Earl, the River Lords, and the officials who investigate affairs of the underworld; to the Five Sacred Peaks, ten mountains, seventy-two offices, clerks of the Five Sacred Peaks, all the great prisons, the twenty-eight jurisdictions, and all officials who conduct examinations in the underworld courts; to the local deities of the nine provinces, the lords of the city gods, underworld officials, and the authorities over the six paths, four modes of birth, and ten realms. All are to obey and carry out this command.

By command of the Most High, pardon the souls and suffering spirits who have endured imprisonment for countless kalpas, suffering since ancient times under the consequences of rebirth and retribution. Pardon also all sentient beings with spirit and awareness among the five paths and four modes of birth, and the deceased people named here. From kalpas past until this day, they have committed every kind of sin and accumulated grievances, including slandering the Great Dao, abandoning the true Way to pursue illusion; harming their brothers and plotting against their teachers and elders; engaging in sexual relations with close kin and violating their own blood relatives; becoming bandits and taking human lives; slaughtering living beings merely to satisfy themselves; using strength to oppress the weak and status to bully the lowly; appearing to cherish the Three Treasures (the Dao, the scriptures, and the teachers) while inwardly remaining divided; slighting ritual masters and defaming and belittling sacred writings; harboring secret malice and indulging jealousy without restraint; speaking cruelly, spreading rumors, and sowing discord among the good; killing living beings and making improper sacrifices, thereby offending the sun, moon, and stars; conceiving evil thoughts and speaking evil words; and committing evil themselves or urging others to do so.

The sins they have committed over countless kalpas are without limit. If, after enduring severe punishment for a long time, any of them can bring forth a good thought and sincerely intends to reform, without…

Even those who committed minor offenses during life through a passing indulgence in wrongdoing, without committing grave sins, or who became entangled in feuds and disputes, were detained and held for a long time without being reconciled and released, shall henceforth be pardoned together for all their offenses, even those too numerous to enumerate in the records, and forgiven for each one in turn.

Some departed souls have remained in the Underworld Bureau (the netherworld’s courts) for a long time, passing through lengthy ages without rest and without receiving rites to secure their posthumous salvation or atone for their sins. Others have held Daoist teachings and methods in their hearts and prayed for deliverance. By today’s edict, all these souls are pardoned, released from hell, and brought into the light. May all karmic offenses be erased, resentments resolved, spiritual awareness opened and clarified, and hearts and minds made at ease. May body and spirit be at peace and illnesses removed; may the registers of sin be annulled, evil roots extinguished, and detention ended. May each be promoted in due course according to their rank and reborn in the human realm or the heavenly realm.

If there are others whom ritual regulations (the laws of Heaven) forbid to deliver, those for whom Heaven has issued a special edict of perpetual non-pardon, those who have remained unpardoned through many kalpas, those condemned to the punishment of the “Three Seizures” without pardon, or those who are never pardoned in life, they too shall receive a single pardon under the scriptures and rites, with their offenses reduced as appropriate, so that they may enter the cycle of rebirth.

All Daoist rites and merits performed for the deceased during life or after death, together with every good deed and merit, shall be recorded and put to use. Let the souls named above gather the Seven Qi and become perfected, let the Six Ritual Measures move through the void, and let the Five Spirits renew what has been severed. Let the sun and moon, the Two Luminaries, support what has grown weak. Let them trace the Dipper’s course and tread through the air, striding swiftly into the Cloud Palace. Their forms shall begin to take shape like embryos and endure through the kalpas of the world without end. Their bodies shall be nurtured within the Golden City, their spiritual awareness gathered in the Jade Cavern, and their inner being nourished by true Qi, the primal breath, until they become perfected beings.

They shall ascend into the Sixfold Void, the four directions above and below and the space beyond, and descend to reach the deepest regions of the netherworld. Within the Cloud Palace’s jeweled halls, their true souls shall enter and leave blessed lands and travel through the Gate of Life. They shall taste numinous mushrooms and rinse their mouths with golden spring water. Sweet dew shall pour down like a river and nourish the Dantian (energy center). Purple clouds shall shine upon them; the Three Qi shall gather into clouds of vapor, and the Jade Chamber shall become an immortal realm. Seated at ease upon golden lotuses, their true forms shall shine so brightly as to veil the sun, measuring their years by the kalpas of the mortal world. All the foregoing shall be carried out as stated in the command, conveyed by the wind-and-fire courier. The date and time of this proclamation are as follows:

Holding the six offices and ranks of ritual authority, family name.

The high-ranking ritual master, subject of the court, family name, respectfully issues and enacts this proclamation.

Heavenly Lord of the Great Mystery, Administrator of the Province

Right Chancellor of the Celestial Pivot

Left Chancellor of the Celestial Pivot

Minister of the Celestial Pivot

High Chancellor of the Inner Ministry of the Celestial Mechanism

High Chancellor of the Ministry of the Celestial Mechanism

Spirit Duke of Jade Purity, Supreme Chancellor of Limitlessness, sealed and promulgated within the heavenly realm.

The “Most High Edict of Pardon and Heavenly Ascent: Precious Register.” I, the ritual official, family name, respectfully seal it.

Square document case.

The “Most High Edict of Pardon and Heavenly Ascent: Precious Register” is proclaimed to the Five Sacred Peaks, Fengdu, the Water Ministry, the local land officials, and the officials who govern the Underworld. I, the ritual official, family name, respectfully seal it once more.

Kneel for a long time before the Lord of the Precious Registers, the revered deity who governs the Precious Registers. After reading the document aloud, burn it in a fierce blaze.

Second Proclamation

The format and ritual are the same as those described above.

We respectfully carry out the command of the Most High, pardoning the offenses committed by the deceased, so-and-so, from past kalpas up to the present day. … (The specific details are omitted here.)

May every charge against the deceased be released, allowing them to escape the Three Paths of suffering—the hells, the realm of hungry ghosts, and the realm of animals—and transcend the Five Sufferings of birth and death. May the entries in the register of sins be promptly erased and evil roots destroyed, and may former enemies be reconciled. From this moment on, may the deceased ascend in rank, their spirit-soul rise to the Jade Palace in heaven, and endure through refinement. Even as kalpas turn and change, may they live as long as Heaven.

The command above is to be delivered by the Wind-and-Fire relay, carried by the powers of wind and fire.

The rest of the format is the same as described above.

Third Proclamation

The format and ritual are the same as those described above.

We respectfully carry out the command of the Most High, granting the Precious Register of Birth in Heaven and pardoning the dark souls and lingering spirits throughout the Nine Regions, the Five Paths of rebirth, and the Four Modes of Birth—womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born. This includes the souls of the dead who, from past kalpas up to the present day, have still been unable to take birth.

Those who conjure demons and cause disturbances, abuse the righteous path, pursue only their own gain, or spend their lives acting against their conscience—crooked, selfish, and unrestrained in wrongdoing—are excluded. Nor are those pardoned who were disloyal or unfilial, took lives or property unjustly, or committed grave evil and are not entitled to deliverance under the laws of punishment. All other souls of the dead are pardoned.

Some have long detested the darkness of the netherworld and begun to form good intentions. Some, confused and deluded, wait for substitutes to take their place and cling to their corpses and graves. Some were killed by poison or weapons; some died in fires, by drowning, in falls, or when crushed or trapped. Some starved to death or died in epidemics; some were bitten by tigers or injured by snakes; some hanged themselves or died in childbirth. Some contracted contagious corpse-fever, a wasting disease or ghostly illness believed in ancient times to spread from person to person. Some endured harsh punishments for a long time yet still formed good intentions and sincerely sought to change, without being set on doing evil. Some committed only minor faults and no serious wrongs. Others remain entangled in unresolved enmities from past lives. From this moment on, all such souls, whose circumstances cannot be fully expressed in words, should be delivered. Their entries in the register of sins must be promptly erased, their evil roots destroyed, and they must no longer be detained. From this moment on, may they ascend in rank, escorted by the gods straight to the human realm or the heavens, where each may be transformed and born according to their kind, and reborn in a blessed land.

The command above is to be delivered by the Wind-and-Fire relay.

Seal the Precious Register in an envelope and write on it: “For delivery only to the Office of Mount Tai in the Eastern Peak”—that is, it is to be sent specifically to the Office of Mount Tai in the Eastern Peak.

Command of the Nine Dragons of the Azure Mystery of the Eastern Pole

In accordance with the transmitted teachings and instructions of the master: Daoists who live in seclusion in the mountains and forests and cultivate purity should widely save the souls of the dead from poor families in the lower realm. By performing the Brief Urgent Zhai Ritual, they may deliver souls from the painful realms of the netherworld and offer rites of rescue and elevation for the dead who have accumulated good merit, as well as for all dark souls among the Four Modes of Birth and the Five Paths. When carrying out the ritual, they should wear and hold the Command of the Nine Dragons, a talismanic mandate used to issue orders, summon, and protect, and inwardly envision the Southern Longevity…

Those who, while alive, refine the Golden Register of the Perfected and observe the wondrous precepts of wisdom known as the Nine Truths of the Primordial Sovereign, thereby dispelling the many sins and offenses they have committed, may receive a place in the registers of the Southern Palace—the Daoist celestial court—and be ranked among the immortals, their names removed from the records of ghosts. They should then carry out Zhaijiao rites of purification and sacrifice. These are secret words from the immortal court, and a compassionate admonition from the Mysterious Master. If one carelessly dismisses them as false and absurd, one may oneself become a sinful ghost; how, then, could one rescue the suffering souls imprisoned in the netherworld? Those who study the Dao and follow this method may be selected for the imperial court and, before long, attain perfection.

Unseal the talismanic decree of the Nine Rivers of the Dragon. The envoy shall carry the talisman and deliver its proclamation. Let the countless, inexhaustible souls of the dead—nine hundred million myriad of them—all be reborn and ascend to the immortal palaces. If the method of urgently issuing proclamations is to be carried out, the ritual assembly may use only the talisman of the Nine Rivers of the Dragon. Through this talisman, one communicates with the Mysterious Dao and its efficacy is boundless. It should be carefully kept in secret.

(Heavenly Worthy, by command of the Great Emperor of the Eastern Florescence, the Eastern Pole, the Nine Elders of the Immortals, and the Great Emperor of the Azure Palace of the Nine Qi of Taiyi)

(Envoys of the Nine Rivers of the Dragon who Rescue from Suffering) (The Five Elders of the Five Directions)

(The talismanic decree rides upon the Nine Rivers of the Dragon) (Nurturing and refining the souls of the dead)

(The Venerable Lord of the Three Treasures of the Nine Heavens and Nine Qi) (The Supreme Emperor of Attached Talisman-Born Qi and Wisdom-Light: unseal and deliver the suffering souls, so that their spiritual awareness may return to the Divine Court of Curved Depths)

(If the lords of the Deep Springs resist or disobey, bind them and send them to heavenly punishment. Those who carry out the work of rescue and deliverance with merit and aid shall have their names reported to the Jade Clarity.)

The Primordial Sovereign issues this command: let the myriad spirits respectfully heed it. The sins of the dead souls delivered through meritorious deeds are dispelled by the Northern Direction’s amnesty. By virtue of this talismanic decree, deliver them to the Southern Palace. Hasten to carry this out, in accordance with the laws of the Supreme Emperor.

Proclamation (When the ritual master wears the talismans and registers, the proclamation need not be recited. Write the Nine Precepts on the back of the proclamation.)

The talismanic decree of the Eastern Pole, Azure Mystery, and the Nine Rivers of the Dragon that Rescues from Suffering is proclaimed to the Three Offices and Nine Courts, the Five Sacred Peaks and Nine Regions, the Six Caverns and Ten Palaces of Fengdu, the River Source and Spring Bend of the Nine Depths, the Five Roads’ offices, the local earth deities of the Nine Regions, the gates and barred portals of the netherworld, and all divine officials in charge: all are to receive this talismanic decree and deliver the deceased person named [So-and-so], together with the hidden souls, lingering spirits, and imprisoned, suffering, sinful souls throughout the Nine Regions and among the beings of the Five Roads and Four Births. Let them leave the dark regions directly and be forever free of the netherworld. Remove the torments of the hells and open the gates of the netherworld springs; extinguish the flames and shatter the blades and poisons. Issue the command that darkness disperse and that they ascend to be reborn in Vermilion Mound, the Daoist immortal realm. Deliver them beyond the Three Paths of Suffering—hell beings, hungry ghosts, and animals—dissolve the enmities of past lives, and end the cycle of rebirth. All of the above shall be swiftly conveyed by the wind-and-fire couriers in accordance with this proclamation.

Issued on the year, month, day, and hour.

I, [So-and-so], of the rank [rank], having received the command, issue this proclamation. Within the Palace of Everlasting Joy in the celestial realm of the Eastern Pole, there is the Greatly Compassionate One, who comes at the sound of a call and responds to deliver and rescue the suffering souls—.

The Heavenly Worthy Who Rescues from Suffering

Inner cover:

“Edict of the Nine Dragons for Rescue from Suffering in the Azure Mystery of the Eastern Pole. Respectfully sealed by the appointed official, So-and-so.”

The outer document case bears the inscription:

“Edict of the Nine Dragons for Rescue from Suffering in the Azure Mystery of the Eastern Pole, to be proclaimed to the officials of the underworld and the masters of the dark offices across the ten directions, the three realms, and the nine wildernesses.” Respectfully resealed by the appointed official, So-and-so.

Write the edict above in cinnabar on yellow silk, as a formal proclamation. The document case holding it should have a round seal at its opening, also written in cinnabar.

Face east, burn incense, and kneel for a long time in a quiet chamber. Silently present your petition and prayers. Visualize the Heavenly Worthy seated in the Hall of Auspicious Light, adorned with countless treasures, in the Azure Palace at the Eastern Pole. The Heavenly Worthy wears a crimson feathered robe and a mantle decorated with Azure Blossoms, flying clouds, and dragon patterns, and a precious crown of Jade Purity. Nine lions of five colors together bear a nine-colored lotus throne. Flames issue from the lions’ mouths and surround the Heavenly Worthy. Within the firelight is another nine-colored halo, like a rainbow; behind the Heavenly Worthy’s neck is a halo like the sun. From the crown of the head shines the white-tufted mark of light, its rays sharp as the edges of knives, spears, swords, and halberds. Beneath the lotus throne are two smaller lotus flowers supporting the Heavenly Worthy’s feet.

In the left hand, the Heavenly Worthy holds a vessel of blue-green jade crystal, shaped like a bell and a tripod cauldron; in the right hand, a branch of Kongqing jade. The Heavenly Worthy’s golden face and jade-like features bear a compassionate, perceptive gaze. The Perfected One of Great Beneficence attends on the left, and the Perfected One Who Rescues from Suffering on the right. Vajra guardians, prayer kings, strongmen, Celestial Attendants, Jade Maidens, numinous officials, the eighty-one divine lords of Taiyi, and the officials and soldiers of Taiyi of the Five Directions also stand in attendance among clouds of five colors. The practitioner should visualize all these scenes clearly.

When the silent petition is complete, recite the Heavenly Worthy’s sacred name eighty-one times. Visualize the Heavenly Worthy commanding the attendant on the right, the Perfected One Who Rescues from Suffering, to open the Purple Yang Treasure Repository of Nine Lights and hand it to the practitioner. Then, according to the number of edicts requested, the practitioner receives the edict with nine prostrations and visualizes the Heavenly Worthy sprinkling sweet dew across the ten directions. After remaining still for a short while, the heavens and earth appear in a radiance like countless treasures. Suddenly, everything returns to silence, and the practitioner does not know why.

Take up the cinnabar brush and once again invoke the Heavenly Worthy’s sacred name nine times. Draw in the Qi of the east, blow it onto the brush, and write the edict. When finished, invoke the Heavenly Worthy’s sacred name nine times again, draw in the breath and blow it onto the brush, then form the Jade Purity hand seal. In accordance with this method, one may write the talisman for breaking Fengdu beneath the Heavenly Worthy’s sacred image, or leave it out.

When the writing is complete, invoke the sacred names of the Heavenly Worthies of the ten directions ninety times, draw in the Qi of the ten directions, and blow it onto the edict. Then invoke the sacred name of the Heavenly Worthy Who Rescues from Suffering nine times, draw in the Qi of the east and blow it onto the edict, and form the Jade Purity hand seal. Finally, proclaim the edict before the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the teachers. After reading it, cast it into a blazing fire to be burned.

The Celestial One said, “You have already donned the Nine-Dragon True Talisman, a Daoist talisman shaped with nine dragons. You should observe the Nine Precepts and settle your mind in contemplation.

This talisman is called the ‘Register of Nanchang Ziwei, Flowing Gold, and Refining the True.’ It is also known as the ‘Long-Life Spirit Talisman,’ the Exalted Spirit Plan, and the Ziwei Treasure Chapter. It is refined with the Qi of cinnabar heavens and bright rosy clouds, gathering divine light. It summons the radiant splendor of the celestial realm, guards and tempers the Cinnabar Heart, and nurtures the Red Child, the inner original spirit.

The recipient should choose an odd-numbered day in one of the six yang months—that is, a Jia day. Prepare a piece of clean blue silk, nine inches long and two and a half inches wide, and write the talisman in cinnabar. Fold it into eight layers, place it in a crimson pouch one inch square, and wear it at the center of the chest.

After burning incense each day, step outside the doorway and face east. If the weather is dark and rainy, you may perform the practice in a quiet bedroom. Focus the spirit, calm the mind, relax the body, and face the Round Celestial Net, the Daoist image of the heavens as a circular net. Inhale red cloud Qi through the nose and let it permeate the whole body, reaching up and down through the Three Palaces—the upper, middle, and lower Dantians within the body. Let no distracting thought remain. Continue this quiet contemplation for a long while, then click the teeth three times and swallow saliva three times. Speak this invocation softly:

‘The offices receive refinement; the companion fire blazes bright. The Dipper’s beams serve as Heaven’s ministers, their penetrating response illumined by fiery radiance. The pivot and its assistants support the work; stars array themselves in mysterious patterns. The great brightness nurtures essence; the red carriage soars through rays of light. The spirit palaces are refined and transformed; both inner and outer realms flourish.’

Then click the teeth three more times and swallow saliva three times. The rite is complete. After practicing in this way for three years, you may begin performing the various Shangqing methods. You may then attempt contemplation without setting out ritual implements, command storms, and ascend above the sunlight amid the reflected images of heaven. You will ride the purple, empty-flowing carriage, gaze up at the lofty Jade Capital of Clear Heaven—the celestial abode of the immortals—and travel through it.

The Commentary explains: ‘Yang months’ means the six months of yang, and ‘odd-numbered days’ means yang days such as Jia. The instruction to ‘perform the methods after three years’ means that you begin practicing the various Shangqing methods only after practicing this talisman method for three years. It does not mean that you must complete three years of practice before wearing the talisman, performing the rite, or contemplating the sunlight.

To burn incense and then go outside means to step through the courtyard gate; it does not mean leaving through the Xun gate in accordance with the ritual procedure for paying homage to the Perfected. ‘Clean blue silk’ means bright, pure blue fabric; it does not mean that only white fabric can be called ‘plain.’ Daoists also commonly call purple, blue, and crimson the ‘Three Plain Clouds.’

The Commentary also says: Write the Nine Mysterious Precepts on the back of the Nine-Dragon Talisman, make a pouch of blue brocade, and wear it. Make the pouch for the Long-Life Talisman from cinnabar-colored brocade; once worn, it will correspond with the spirit palace. At the same time, burn the Talisman for Saving from Suffering to rescue the guilty people of the lower realm, so that their living souls may dwell forever in good fortune and long life.

One who can do this may be said to have established a great Ninefold Netherworld fast in a former life, rescuing the souls of the dead, and to have received and upheld the Nine Mysterious Precepts. Thus their name appears on the Golden Register and their character is listed in the Golden Record. In Jade Clarity they have accumulated deep virtue and merit, and their reputation has reached the celestial realm. The Heavenly Worthies of the Ten Directions will use their divine power to protect and aid them whenever they call to mind their names, rescuing those who uphold the precepts. Their merit can dispel calamities and deliver those in distress; their divine power is beyond reckoning.”

These precepts eliminate grave karmic offenses in the Ninefold Abyss (the nine layers of the shadowy underworld) and inscribe one’s name in the Nine Palaces. Guardians of destiny in the Nine Palaces watch over the disciple; awesome spirits who uphold the precepts, direct talismans of the Five Emperors, and clerks of the Six Palaces escort and protect, submit the relevant documents for review, and safeguard disciples who receive and hold the scriptural precepts. Through the turning of karmic affinity, such disciples may become perfected ones of the Nine Palaces.

These wondrous precepts belong to the awesome strict precepts within the Golden Register (the Daoist register of transmitted talismans and ordination). Their weight is immense. If one cultivates according to the ritual norms, the merit gained is beyond measure. Those who wear and receive these precepts may obtain nine kinds of blessed retribution:

First, if warfare never ceases within the realm, by contemplative visualization and recitation according to the ritual norms, weapons and conflict will cease and the state will know peace and stability.

Second, if pestilence spreads and people die in great numbers, by contemplative visualization and recitation according to the ritual norms, baleful evil qi will disperse and heaven and humanity will rejoice.

Third, if one enters the mountains and fierce beasts or wolves are about to attack, by contemplative visualization and recitation according to the ritual norms, the beasts will withdraw on their own and will not harm one in the end.

Fourth, if one crosses the sea and meets violent storms, by contemplative visualization and recitation according to the ritual norms, wind and waves will subside and one will reach the shore in safety.

Fifth, if one is amid battle formations and blades, by contemplative visualization and recitation according to the ritual norms, weapons will fall still and one will not be harmed.

Sixth, if one is bound in shackles and confined in prison, by contemplative visualization and recitation according to the ritual norms, wrongs will be cleared and one will ultimately gain release.

Seventh, if one is plagued by evil spirits, ghosts, bandits, and the like, by contemplative visualization and recitation according to the ritual norms, ghosts and evil will be destroyed and one will recover.

Eighth, if one’s name is already recorded on the black register (the roster of karmic offenses), so that after death one would fall into the Ninefold Abyss, one may establish a grand purification ritual (a large-scale zhaijiao ceremony), inscribe one’s name on a jade tablet, and wear and receive the Nine Precepts. Thus offenses on the black register may be cleared, release may come in good time, and the soul may ascend to the heavenly realm.

Ninth, if in a former life one established a grand Ninefold Abyss purification ritual, received and held the Yellow Register and white jade slips, the wondrous Nine True Precepts, and the longevity spirit talisman, then the Salvation from Suffering Celestial Venerables of the Three Realms and ten directions will come to rescue at the mere thought, cutting off every evil root.

These nine kinds of blessed retribution are beyond ordinary reckoning. If one slanders them in heart or refuses to believe, one falls into the Ninefold Abyss and long endures every kind of suffering, unable to gain release through the endless night. If one first believed and received them but later gives rise to arrogant pride, one loses inscription on the golden jade slip and one’s name is entered on the register of death; in this life one suffers grave illness and sinks long in evil paths. Once the true Dao is lost, regret without end remains.

At the outset of a purification ritual, one should measure one’s own intention. If worldly affairs prevent one from receiving and holding the precepts in full, when the ritual ends one should return the precepts to Jade Clarity, place the talismans back in the treasure casket, and give thanks to the Three Treasures (Dao, Scripture, Master)—and one may still gain merit in the future. If one wears and receives them for life, one is sure to secure “breaking the bond and ascending in flight…” [text incomplete in source].

Write the name in the Purple Tenuity Palace, the residence of the Celestial Emperor, and receive deliverance from the Southern Palace.

Incantation for the Eastern Flower Green Palace Nine-Dragon Talisman Edict

Set the true Qi in motion and bring together the numinous Qi; present the precious edict and command the gods. The officials of the prisons in the six layers of the dark underworld and the nine depths of Fengdu, the caverns of the netherworld, the Three Officials, and all the gods, officials, clerks, soldiers, generals, and prison wardens who govern the nine courts must deliver the souls of those who have performed good deeds and accumulated virtue, freeing them from the Three Paths of suffering: hell, hungry ghosts, and animals. The light of the Eastern Palace’s Nine-Dragon Talisman shines through every hell: green lotuses spring up amid the furnaces of burning coals; swords and blades turn into towering groves; fiery pools become warm springs; and cauldrons of boiling water become pools of spring water. Let the souls in the long night be delivered and reborn in the Land of Bliss.

The method of practice follows the preceding ritual in every respect.

Jade Clarity True Talisman for Breaking Open the Hells

The light breaks through the dark, cold nights and deep valleys of the Nine Springs. The souls of the dead, who have undergone countless kalpas of rebirth in realms of suffering, suddenly behold the light. How could the nine levels of hell refuse to obey? At the command of the Imperial Lord, wind and thunder vanish, and the Vajra destroys the barriers of hell. The flames go out; the fiery pools grow gentle; cruel punishments cease. The fire chariots are extinguished, the bronze pillars shattered, the boiling cauldrons stilled, and the punishments of cutting and dismemberment brought to an end. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning has already issued the decree: the souls of the dead leave Fengdu and Mount Dai. Those who are guilty are immediately seized upon seeing the talisman, and their souls depart the Iron Enclosure. Those without guilt are swiftly pardoned. No one may defy this command.

All the gods who guard and attend the Three Realms must reverently carry it out.

(Once the Jade Clarity precious register is opened, it breaks apart the tiers of the Northern Fengdu hells in the Nine Depths and subdues the fiery prisons…)

Kneel facing north, burn incense, and pray in accordance with the ritual. Recite this incantation:

The most exalted and sacred Perfected One has attained celestial perfection. You are a descendant of the Primordial Sovereign and a scion of the Most High. May the suffering souls and hidden spirits of our ancestors across countless generations, by the great Dharma of the Celestial Worthy, set the numinous mechanism in motion. The red-script talisman has been written and its command proclaimed to the netherworld. At the appearance of the jade writing, the iron city is shattered. The talisman’s light shines through the underworld; swords and blades become jade trees, and sharp swords turn into towering groves. Lotuses bloom amid the blazing fire, and ice and snow melt away. May the souls of the dead transcend the Three Paths, the Five Sufferings, and the Eight Difficulties. The demon kings and underworld officials must bow their heads and escort them on their way, carrying out the command of the Celestial Worthy of Jade Clarity.

After reciting the incantation once, take Qi from the northwest and breathe onto the brush, then write the talisman. When it is complete, recite the incantation again and place a breath of living Qi from the east upon the talisman. Recite it a third time and place a breath of living Qi from the south upon it. Visualize the talisman emitting a golden light ten thousand feet high, brighter than the sun. Read it aloud before the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters revered in Daoism—then cast it into a blazing fire and burn it.

Office of the Great Mystery Metropolis

Carry out the will of the Dao, the supreme law revered by Daoism.

Jade Clarity Treasure Register Talisman for Breaking Open the Hells is used to deliver the soul of a deceased person, as well as wandering souls and stranded spirits among the six paths of reincarnation and the four forms of birth—womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born—so that, through the power of the Daoist method, all souls may escape the hells.

The Supreme and Lofty True King’s Jade Clarity Treasure Register Talisman for Breaking Open the Hells hereby proclaims to every place within and beyond Fengdu, the Northern Yin realm of the dead in Daoist legend: the palaces of the Six Grotto-Heavens; the thirty-six prisons; the Avici Hell; the twelve river sources and springs of the Quell-Water Hell; the Five Sacred Peaks’ hells; the great and small Iron Enclosures; the Hells with Interval and without Interval; the courts of the ten directions; the places of torment and interrogation in the Long Night; and the gates of the underworld and offices of the netherworld. The spirits in every place must obey this command and act according to this proclamation.

Proclaimed on the year, month, day, and hour indicated.

[Insert the officiant’s title.]

Great Dharma Master of the Three Heavens; Great Dharma Master of the Mysterious Center; Inner Minister of the Celestial Pivot; Chief Minister of the Celestial Pivot; Right Minister of the Celestial Pivot; Left Minister of the Celestial Pivot; Chief Minister of Supreme Mystery; Chief Minister of the Jade Pivot.

Proclamation of the Talismanic Command

The luminous true script of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning’s talismanic command shines forth, illuminating the dark netherworld. Let the interrogation and beating of suffering souls cease; let blazing fires be extinguished and bitter cold melt away. Let mountains of knives and trees of swords become groves in an immortal realm. Immediately erase the registers of sin and destroy the roots of evil karma. Do not detain any longer the deceased person’s soul or the spirits enduring suffering and punishment. May they, by means of this true talisman and its merit in relieving suffering, swiftly escape their misery, behold the light, ascend to the Southern Palace to undergo refinement and deliverance, and be granted life anew. Carry out this command.

Cover

Jade Clarity Treasure Register for Delivering Souls from the Hells and Rescuing Suffering Spirits. Respectfully sealed by [officiant’s title].

Prepare one additional talisman of this kind. Write its characters in cinnabar and the proclamation in ink; once completed, seal and inscribe it. During the rite for breaking open the prisons, the officiant proclaims the text to each hell, opens it to grant pardon, and delivers the guilty, suffering spirits.

Jade Clarity Talisman for Delivering Souls from the Hidden Realm

(The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning’s command proclaims throughout the Three Realms. The combined Qi of wind and marsh rises to the Mysterious Realm, passes through the gates, and carries the proclamation to the grotto-palaces of the various heavens.)

(The myriad kinds of Qi return together to the immortal Dao. The Jade Register of the Primordial Grotto records the hidden souls of the Nine Springs, enabling the spirits of the dead to become immortals and severing the roots of the hells.)

(Let the remains rise again and the dead return to life, ascending in due season. Let the Three Officials and Nine Offices deliver the departed souls, free them from the gates of the underworld, and destroy the roots of evil karma, so that seven generations of ancestors may ascend to immortality.)

(Hasten to carry out this command, in accordance with the decree of the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, who delivers beings without measure.)

When writing the talisman, face northwest, kneel upright, burn incense, and recite the prayer according to the ritual.

This talisman belongs to the Taiyi True Script in the numinous writings of Primordial Beginning, the Supreme and Lofty Jade Clarity of the Great Luo of the Three Heavens.

By command of the Mysterious Origin and Great Dao: the true lord of the Jade Radiance Celestial Grotto governs the spirits of the souls.

The ruler of the Ninefold Darkness and the true spirits of the Six Grottoes receive the sacred talisman and deliver the souls of the dead from the underworld. The Heavenly King issues the order in accordance with the law; the underworld authorities are to carry it out at once.

Recite the incantation once. Take Qi (vital energy) from the northwest and blow it onto the brush. Visualize golden light passing through the brush, then write the Fulu (talisman). When the talisman is complete, recite the invocation once more and blow a breath of generative Qi from the east onto it. Visualize the talisman releasing ten thousand feet of golden light, shining more brightly than the sun. Then read the talisman text aloud before the Three Treasures (the Dao, the scriptures, and the master), and cast it into a fierce fire to be burned.

The Tai Xuan Capital Administration respectfully carries out the Dao’s command.

By decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the true talisman for delivering departed souls is issued to raise the deceased [name] beyond suffering, along with the solitary souls and stranded spirits among the beings of the six paths and four forms of birth, so that they may ascend to the Vermilion Palace, the dwelling of the immortals.

By decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the true talisman for delivering departed souls is issued. Let the Three Offices and Nine Departments, the one hundred and twenty bureaus, and the deities who oversee the inner and outer palaces of Fengdu, the grotto-heavens, the Five Sacred Peaks, the underworld springs, the Nine Layers, the sources of the Twelve Rivers, the local gods of the Nine Provinces, and the spirits of the earth and waters be informed: deliver the souls of the dead, the guilty souls, and the suffering spirits in every part of the Nine Provinces. Let them swiftly be released from their registers of guilt and have their records of transgressions erased. The gods shall escort these departed souls, so that they may forever leave the underworld behind, roam freely in spirit, and ascend to the Vermilion Palace. All are to carry out this command.

Issued on [year], [month], [day], at [hour].

The office and rank of [name] (enter the ritual master’s name, ritual title, and so forth).

The eight positions are as stated above (enter the eight positions in the same format as above).

On the cover write: “Jade Purity Treasure Register for Delivering Departed Souls.” The office and rank of [name] respectfully seals it.

The two talismans above are kept for the use of Chongjing. Make a tablet from cypress wood, nine inches long, two inches and six tenths wide, and two tenths of an inch thick. Write the talisman text on the front; on the back, write the tablet text, the date, and the ritual rank, in six lines, following the format of the “Tablet of Long Life and Deliverance from Suffering.” The Lingbao method prescribes writing the talisman text in cinnabar on yellow silk, the tablet text in ink on white silk, and wrapping it in blue silk to seal it. Add the prescribed title in cinnabar.

Preface to the Talisman for Delivering Souls from the Underworld and Breaking Open Hell

The Yi says, “When essence and Qi gather, they form tangible things; when wandering souls roam, they bring about transformation.” Essence is the root of life that remains within the traces of form. The soul, too, belongs to sentient life, and its source lies in the blood and Qi. The power that enables life to transform is called the divine mechanism. It arises together with the Primordial Source from a single Qi and does not perish as Heaven and Earth change. Those who understand this principle can master the transformations of all things in the cosmos and bring their body and mind into accord with the Dao of Heaven and Earth. As soon as a thought arises, transformation follows; thus they can endure the great cycles of calamity alongside Heaven and Earth and remain forever. Those who lose this principle find that when the spirit departs, the functions of life cease. This state is called a “wandering soul,” left at the mercy of the transformations of Yin and Yang.

All beings are molded and governed by the creative power of the cosmos—the force by which Heaven and Earth bring forth and transform the myriad things. Thus they can pass from death to life, and nothing is beyond transformation. Every life endowed with blood and vital energy, Jing (essence), and Hun and Po souls receives its nature from Heaven and has awareness; it can therefore create karma, both good and evil. Once this karma has entered the hidden workings of the underworld’s transformations, life changes according to it: those with more good karma belong to Yang and rise to auspicious realms; those with more evil karma belong to Yin and descend to perilous states.

When good karma predominates and Yang energy is strong, one becomes a spirit; when evil karma predominates and Yin energy is strong, one becomes a ghost. With no evil karma and pure Yang energy, one becomes an immortal; when Yin and Yang are balanced and harmonious, one becomes human. If evil karma is wholly dominant and Yang energy is entirely absent, one sinks into the deepest darkness. If a trace of good karma remains, it is like Yang fire moving toward dryness, and one may transform into a bird. If Yin energy is heavy and evil karma remains, one is drawn toward low, damp places and transforms into a beast. When evil karma is complete and mixed with the energy of malign beings, the soul’s vital energy disperses and wanders among the kinds of life born in dampness. The descent of retribution and destruction of the body are also forms of this transformation.

It follows that rising and falling through the Six Paths—the six destinations of life—and entering and leaving the cycle of rebirth are caused by the karma each being creates. Plants alone, though they possess the nature of life, have neither awareness nor karmic consciousness. They follow the changes of Heaven and Earth through the four seasons, receiving the vital essences of Yin and Yang. Since they have no wandering souls that rise or fall, they change only as the two energies of Yin and Yang wax and wane.

For this reason, the Supreme Sage, moved by compassion, divides off a portion of his own primordial Qi, the original energy that constitutes all things. Taking pity on wandering souls trapped in lower states, he enables them to cease passing from one realm to another. The Supreme Sage gathers pure Yang and good energy into Fulu (talismans and registers), raising souls burdened by Yin and evil into auspicious realms. In this way, designs depicting stars and constellations, dragons and phoenixes, along with patterns of clouds, rosy mists, fire, and vapor, form the signs of Heaven. Talismanic papers depicting insects, fish, and plants, as well as seal-script forms of earthworms and people, give shape to Earth. Their inner meaning conceals profound principles and accords with miraculous transformations; these are called “talisms.” When wondrous Qi is gathered and secretly aligned with the pivot of the sage’s Dao, these are called “registers.” All these are models handed down by the Supreme Sages and Perfected Ones, laws followed in common by the underworld and the human world. Passed on to later generations, they universally deliver boundless numbers of beings.

Jade Clarity Treasure Register for Raising Isolated Souls: True Talisman (also called the “Soul-Summoning Talisman”)

The Mysterious Master said: “The Jade Clarity Treasure Register is the majestic document of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. It comes from the Jade Book of Ninefold Radiance and Purple Yang. It is a sacred text for the universal deliverance of the Lingbao tradition, and a token that accords with the courts of the underworld, enabling the underworld officials to assemble.”

To write the sacred text, kneel facing north and recite the “Incantation for Consecrating the Brush”:

“Great Luo of the Three Heavens” (as above).

Form the Jade Clarity mudra with the left hand and recite the incantation once. Draw in the Qi of Heaven’s Gate and blow it onto the brush, then write.

(The original text here includes terms such as “Five Directions” and “Five Waters,” along with references to summoning Qi, the Fire Office, Great Yin, the Four Garrisons, and Controlling Yang. These appear to be ritual instructions accompanying the writing of the talisman.)

(The Jade Register Summoning Officials Talisman: a talisman for summoning officials of the underworld. It flies swiftly, summoning them at once; the Jade Talisman of the four directions protects and grants well-being.)

Write the “celestial script” with the left hand, draw in Qi from the southeast, and blow it into the talisman. To summon the souls of the dead, first write beneath the talisman: “The ten classes of ownerless, solitary souls and lingering souls.” To summon a particular deceased person, first write the person’s name, then write “By decree” after it.

(The Supreme Emperor of Jade Clarity, the Great Emperor of Highest Clarity, the Great Emperor of Great Clarity, and the revered gods of the five stars—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth: I act by the decree of the Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering.)

(Lingbao Talisman Decree: Deliver the soul of the deceased [name], freeing it from hell, the Five Sufferings, and the Three Paths. Let it no longer be detained or forced to return to the ranks of ghosts. Remove its name from the register of the dead. Carry this out with utmost urgency, exactly as decreed by the Supreme Emperor.)

After completing the talisman, visualize the dark Qi of the primordial origin in its original state, and blow it into the written characters. Then recite the preceding decree and the brush incantation once. Draw in blue-green Qi from the east and blow it onto the talisman, then recite the incantation once more. Next, draw in a breath of purple Qi from the south and blow it onto the talisman. Visualize myriad rays of golden light appearing on the talisman and illuminating the four directions.

After reading it aloud before the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters—cast the talisman into a blazing fire to burn.

The talismanic text above informs the Three Realms of the Ten Directions, the Boundless Divine Realm, the Office of the Winding Springs, the Northern Capital of Fengdu, the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus, and the sources of the Twelve Rivers: Release the soul of the deceased [name], the solitary souls, lingering spirits, and souls burdened by sins accumulated over kalpas among the six paths and four forms of birth from their punishments. Immediately remove their names from the registers of sin and destroy the roots of evil; detain them no longer. Let them ascend at once, escorted by the myriad gods, and travel directly to the human world or the heavens. Let each receive deliverance according to their rank and be reborn in a blessed place. Let all be carried out in accordance with this command, as swiftly as documents sent through the wind-and-fire courier stations.

Jade Clarity Precious Register: True Talisman for Breaking Open Hell

(The light of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean pierces the dark barriers. The suffering dead in the Cold Courts are all freed from the deep prisons of the Springs.)

Write while holding your breath.

(When the talisman reaches Fengdu and the Feng Court, let everything obey its command and cease. Visualize the Lord of the Celestial Prison and the prison officials proclaiming and carrying out Heaven’s mandate, as numinous light descends.)

(The true scriptures and the Dao’s transforming power shatter the barriers of hell. The Numinous Origin proclaims that wandering spirits shall change their forms.)

(As numinous light shines, the Divine Empyrean summons the souls of the dead. With golden tablets, pardon them and bestow registers of the Dao; deliver all the spirits of the netherworld.)

(The Celestial Worthy of Jade Clarity issues a command to summon and break open hell without delay. The General Who Opens the Passes descends swiftly upon receiving the command; the Great Sovereign brings illumination, and the myriad ghosts are revealed.)

(The true light of the Northern Emperor shines throughout the netherworld, bringing illumination to each of its ghosts.)

By the authority of the talismanic proclamation from the Jade Clarity Heaven, the highest celestial realm where the Daoist honored deities dwell, orders are issued to the officials who govern the netherworld: the Three Officials, Four Offices, Five Sacred Peaks, Nine Abysses, Six Grottoes, Ten Palaces, Springs and Bends, Fengdu, and the other departments. They are to act in accordance with this talismanic command.

Universally Delivering the Souls of the Dead, Freeing Them from Hell and Sending Them to Heaven

Proclamation

The High and Lofty True King’s Jade Clarity treasure register, a sacred Daoist talisman, issues the true talisman for breaking open hell and proclaims to Fengdu, the Daoist underworld:

All palaces and grottoes within and beyond Fengdu; the Thirty-Six Prisons; the Nine Abyssal Hells; the Springs-and-Bends water prisons; the Great Iron-Enclosing Mountain; the Hell of No Interval; and the places of endless night, interrogation, and torment—all passes of the netherworld, officials of the underworld courts, and the myriad spirits must obey this talismanic command. The true text of the register shines forth, illuminating the dark realms. Let the suffering of the dead cease; let interrogations and beatings stop. Quench the blazing fires and melt the ice and snow. Turn knives and swords into jade trees, and sharp blades into forests.

Immediately release the deceased, [name], and the wandering souls and lingering spirits throughout the Nine Provinces and among the Five Paths and Four Births—that is, all kinds of living beings—from the roots of their misfortune. Do not detain or imprison them any longer, or make them suffer. Let these souls rely on this true talisman and on the merit of deliverance from suffering to leave the netherworld swiftly, behold the light, ascend to the Southern Palace to receive transformation and deliverance, and regain life. Let all proceed in accordance with this proclamation, swiftly conveyed by the wind-and-fire courier.

Golden Register for Removing the Sins of the Nine Abysses and Delivering Souls to Rebirth

By command of the Supreme Void Emperor: deliver the souls who, through ages of kalpas, have sunk into hardship and suffering. Send the treasure register to the passes of the netherworld so that they may proceed directly to the Residence of Vermilion Mound, the sacred Daoist heaven where the souls of the dead are delivered.

The Highest One spreads compassion and shines from either side like the sun and moon. Through the Dharma Wheel that aids the living and delivers the dead, he descends to the Gate of Opening Light. The Celestial Emperor pardons sinful souls and bestows a Golden Register to deliver the suffering dead, enabling them all to cease suffering and leave the ferry crossing of the netherworld’s sea of torment.

Office of the Great Lingbao Rite

By command of the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole of Shangqing, this talismanic register is issued:

This register, issued by command, is given to the soul of the deceased, [name]. Bearing this talisman, the soul may be reborn wherever it wishes. Let the command of the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole of Shangqing, the patriarch, be faithfully obeyed.

True Register for Delivering Souls from the Jade Treasury of Allied Sages, Han Jun

Om, zha, li, hong.

Han Jun, Sima, and the Elder of the Southern Palace are charged with delivering lives and bringing souls to rebirth. They swiftly cleanse the stains of sin and take charge of all celestial affairs, renewing life, nourishing the body, and delivering souls to ascend to the Three Heavens.

Office of the Great Lingbao Rite

This talismanic register is issued:

This talisman is given to the soul of the deceased, [name]. Bearing this talismanic command, the soul takes water as its body and treasure as its destination; the appointed place shall serve forever as its proof.

The Emperor said: The method for delivering souls was transmitted by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning and written in the canonical text of the Jade Treasury of Allied Sages. It was then passed on to the Dao Lord, who summoned and dispatched the perfected beings of the Southern Palace.

To deliver departed souls beyond the Northern Court (the underworld) and raise them to the Court of Flowing Fire, cleanse away impurity, bring them to a clear realization of their original nature, and make their mind and nature complete and radiant: this ritual text, called the “Yellow Register,” is for the dead. Whoever receives it is as though holding an edict from the Three Pure Ones, the highest deities revered in Daoism. Light then arises from the body, and the person wanders freely in a blessed realm, no longer impeded.

This rite is indispensable for aiding the living and delivering the dead. When writing the talismanic script, the ritual master should face south, bow once more, form the Supreme Emperor’s hand seal, draw in the Qi of Great Elixir, and write “Yellow” in cinnabar and “Register” in ink. Once it is complete, read it aloud before the holy perfected beings, then give it to the deceased to carry, wear, and receive.

The Most High’s Precious Register for Breaking Through the Darkness of the Five Sacred Peaks and Guiding Souls: This register is used to break through darkness and guide departed souls.

The Most High Three Pure Ones swiftly send down their radiance, its brilliance illuminating Fengdu, the underworld. Their edict reaches the Court of the Underworld, delivers the secluded souls, and opens the gates of the netherworld. Light shines in all ten directions, causing corpses to rise again. The Three Yangs bring auspicious fortune; the Giant Spirit Deity wields a great axe, restoring life to withered bones and cleaving open mountains. The envoy commissioned by the Celestial Court guides the departed souls. The myriad spirits respectfully answer and carry out the command.

Proclamation

The Most High Three Pure Ones send down their edict to the Court of the Underworld at Fengdu. The wisdom-light of the Three Pure Ones delivers the secluded souls and opens the gates of the netherworld. Light shines in all ten directions, causing corpses to rise again. The Three Yangs bring auspicious fortune, and withered bones are restored to life. The Giant Spirit Deity wields a great axe and cleaves open mountains. The envoy commissioned by the Celestial Court guides the departed souls. The myriad spirits respectfully answer and carry out the command.