《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 56

The Celestial Worthy said: The method for rescuing the souls of the dead depends entirely on notifying them in advance and making arrangements for their release and ascent.

When carrying out the ritual for the vermilion edict and officials of the talisman for relieving suffering, select an auspicious site and establish an altar one month, half a month, or seven days before the purification retreat. Braid rushes into a rush dragon and appoint two courier officials. One should hold a sword in the left hand and a banner in the right, with “Celestial Worthy, Jade Emperor Who Pardons Sins” written on it, and carry the True Register of the Azure Mystery for Relieving Suffering—a register of talismans used to rescue the souls of the dead. The Golden Dragon courier official and the Merit Officer talisman official of the Yellow Register Bureau should go together to the prisons of the Three Officials, the Northern Prison of the Five Dippers and Celestial Unity, the heavy prisons of Fengdu, the dark prisons, the Iron Enclosure Hell, the Avici Hell, and other such places. They should rescue the souls there and bring them to the ritual altar.

The rush dragon courier official and the Merit Officer talisman official of the terrestrial pathways should go to the Five Sacred Peaks, the Nine Netherworlds, the Water Bureau, the Thunder Court, the Plague Bureau, the divine temples, and the prisons of the land deities and their officials. They should rescue the souls there and bring them to the ritual site. The relevant talismanic commands should be issued together with the vermilion edict for release and deliverance and the document of pardon. First command the underworld authorities to pardon the souls’ offenses and release them, sending them to wait temporarily at the City God’s office, so they can later be summoned, invited, and guided through deliverance.

If a ritual practitioner does not first pardon and extend mercy to the souls, but only summons them at the last moment to receive deliverance, it will be difficult for the rite to manifest a response. This is because the talismanic commands for relieving suffering differ from the talismans used with the Yellow Registers and White Tablets. This method also has talismans for Azure Mystery relief, which break open Fengdu; they must be used with care.

The prescribed form of the treasured register for Azure Mystery relief

The Celestial Worthy said: The Register of Azure Mystery Relief is the true-form talisman of the Celestial Worthy of Great Unity. Take three sheets of blue paper and write on them in cinnabar. At the top of the first sheet, write “True Register of the Nine Dragons of Azure Mystery in the Eastern Pole for Relieving Suffering.” Below it, write the celestial script talismanic text, then the Celestial Worthy’s true-form talisman. Next, write the true talismans for delivering souls from the netherworld and breaking open the hells, and attach the relevant documents. Then write, in order, the year, month, day, and hour, the titles used, and the honorific titles of the Mysterious Celestial Master. Place the register in a square case, seal it layer by layer, stamp it with a seal, and hand it to the Rush Dragon courier official.

Also take three sheets of yellow paper and write on them in cinnabar. At the top of the first sheet, write “Golden Register for Refining the True in Flowing Gold of Purple Tenuity in Nanchang.” Below it, write the celestial script talismanic text, then the Celestial Worthy’s true-form talisman. Next, write the talismans for refining the body with golden liquid, the Nine Heavens’ thunder script, Lord Han’s true register, and the Golden Register for Transcending to Life, and attach the dispatch document. Then write, in order… The source text breaks off here.

When writing the talisman, include the year, month, day, and hour, along with the ritual master’s title. Just before burning it, add the title of the Celestial Master of the Dark Heaven.

When burning the talisman, visualize yourself taking the form of the Heavenly Worthy Who Saves from Suffering. Make the hand seal with the middle finger, following the Daoist method of pressing the finger joints, and press the upper joint of the middle finger. Step the Ding-Gang, following the prescribed pattern of paced steps, and face east. Click the teeth nine times, recite the incantation, then burn the talisman. The incantation is:

“By command of the Azure Mysterious Heavenly Worthy, let this talisman save and deliver the souls of the dead in the netherworld, rescue them from their sins, and open the gates of the ghost realm. Let them be reborn in the heavenly realm according to their wishes, without hindrance. In accordance with the Lingbao statutes and commands, open the gates of the underworld and allow no delay. Those who defy this command shall be punished.

Om, Chen, Hong, Mao, Zha, Li, Shen, Ling, Zi, Li, Si, Zhong, Da, Xu, Yi, Wen.”

(Flick the fingers to make the hand seal, drawing in nine breaths of Qi from the east.)

The Primordial Beginning’s Mighty Edict for Breaking the Twenty-Four Prisons of Fengdu, also called the “Talisman of the True Form of the Great One Heavenly Worthy,” and the “Register of the Azure Mysterious Heavenly Worthy Who Saves from Suffering and Breaks Through Fengdu.”

The Venerable Emperor says: This is the register of the Jade Clarity Treasure Light Brahma-Truth Primordial Beginning’s Mighty Edict. It comes from the scroll of Ninefold Radiance and Purple Yang. It is a document of Lingbao for delivering the souls of the dead, and a credential recognized by the offices of the underworld. When the underworld officials see it, it is as though they were seeing a talismanic warrant and command issued by the Supreme Emperor.

To use it, write it in cinnabar on yellow paper. Face northwest, kneel upright, and make the Supreme Emperor’s hand seal. The writing on the talisman conveys the following: Great Radiance rises in the east and illuminates Fuluo; purple Qi, the auspicious energy of purple, grows thick and bright; the Nine Yang transform, and the true Qi of the Yellow Elder appears. Dragon-shaped talismanic script forms the text, revealing the inner inscriptions of the Three Treasures and the true Qi of the Nine Dragons of Taiyi and Azure Mysteriousness, breaking the prison barriers and erasing sins and punishments. The Heavenly Worthies of the Ten Directions join together as one form, dividing above into the Thirty-Six Heavens and below into the Thirty-Six Springs, appearing in transformations without end. Wherever the Jade Lord points, the nine circles of light within the iron city destroy karma and dispel calamity, their radiance shining throughout the Ten Directions. The souls of the dead receive deliverance, and the Azure Mysterious Heavenly Worthy is commanded to descend.

“Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Azure Mysterious Heavenly Worthy!”

If this talisman is used to break open a prison, write it in advance. Use cinnabar on yang days and ink on yin days; there is no limit to the number made. During the prison-breaking rite, the ritual master holds the talisman in front of the chest. After the penitential invocation and the universal sweeping of the lamps, make the Lingbao hand seal and silently recite the transformation incantation once. Then carry the talisman into the Universal Sweeping Prison and burn it. Next, pray silently and issue the command, reciting, “Hong, Chi, Li.” When light appears, close the eyes and visualize the lamp’s radiance transforming into auspicious light of a hundred treasures, rising to the Ninth Heaven and descending to the Ninth Earth. Then visualize the talisman transforming into immeasurable Heavenly Worthies, appearing throughout every part of the prison…

Spell for the Universal Forgiveness and Transformation of Sinful Souls:

My revered master is the honored deity in the heavens who saves those in distress. He is ever active throughout the worlds of the ten directions, delivering beings from suffering and transforming his forms. Through this divine and awesome power, he gives full expression to great compassion and relieves all beings of immeasurable suffering. May the darkness of the ninefold night and the shadowy courts of the underworld everywhere grow bright and radiant. May even the ox-headed jailers ascend to immortality, and may every sinful soul be released. May prisoners in the Three Paths and the Five Sufferings, along with departed souls under judgment and punishment, be freed from confinement and penalties and ascend to the realm of Purple Clarity. May all beings who hear, see, or respond to this attain the supreme Dao.

Proclamation (a document announcing a divine command):

The Dao Lord of the Supreme Oneness, Jade Clarity, Precious Radiance, Brahma Truth, and Primordial Beginning, who wields authority to deliver the dead and bears the precious register, has issued a command: this document is to be delivered to Kunlun. It orders the destruction of the Iron Enclosure, Luofeng, and other underworld regions, reaching throughout the ten directions and three realms, the winding springs and spirit lands, the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus, and the sources of the twelve rivers. The spirits of the dead are to be released from the sins accumulated over countless ages. Their records of sin are to be erased at once, the roots of their wrongdoing destroyed, and their detention ended. In an instant, the departed souls are to be elevated, escorted by the myriad spirits, and conveyed directly to the human world or the heavens. There, according to their respective ranks, they are to receive new forms and be reborn in blessed lands. All the above is to be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

On this year, month, and day, a duly ranked person of the surname [name omitted], acting under command, destroys the prisons. Let the ordinance be obeyed.

True Talisman for Saving Those in Distress in the Ten Directions (a talisman invoking the saving power of the deities of the ten directions):

This talisman lists the names of the honored deities of the heavens, the Five Directions and Five Elders, and the youths and perfected beings. It also proclaims a divine command: the gods are to obey the order and deliver departed souls into the worlds of the ten directions. The Heavenly Worthy Who Responds to Voices and Saves Those in Distress, together with other divine beings, is to respond to every invocation, go to the underworld, send down clouds and rain, and break open the dark prisons. The wisdom and radiance of the perfected ones are to illumine the Avici Hell, reconcile old enmities, and raise the departed souls to higher realms. The myriad spirits are to obey the command and carry out all its provisions; bearing their numinous staffs, they are to demolish the Iron City.

After writing the talisman, recite it three times.

True Talisman of the Tenfold Celestial Transformation for Breaking Open the Prisons:

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Saves Those in Distress and the Celestial Worthy Who Responds to Voices and Saves Those in Distress transform themselves and go wherever they are moved to respond. When beings call upon them, they compassionately come to their aid.

This section belongs to the “Refining and Deliverance” rite in the Lingbao liturgy for delivering the dead. Through talismanic decrees, proclamations, and jade tablets, it seeks to free departed souls from the netherworld and send them to the heavenly realms.

Sacred titles of the Celestial Worthies and divine proclamation: First, invocations are made to the Celestial Worthy Who Rescues from Sin in the Ninefold Darkness, the divine being in charge of removing the suffering and sins of the Ninefold Darkness, and the Celestial Worthy Who Grants Life in the Vermilion Mound, who presides over bringing the dead back to life, registering the living, and prolonging their lives. Next, praise is offered in turn to the Celestial Worthy Who Widely Delivers Those Sunk in Perdition and the Celestial Worthy, Sage King of the Revolving Wheel, extolling their boundless sacred power. The Celestial Worthy of the Great Crossing on the Dharma Bridge and the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Aid are then invoked, with the hope that they will deliver and transform beings according to their wishes. The Celestial Worthy of Ease and Joy is next invoked to guide departed souls to rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, followed by the Greatly Compassionate and Greatly Merciful Perfected One Who Saves from Suffering and the Greatly Compassionate and Greatly Merciful Greatly Wise Perfected One. The divine proclamation is then read aloud and the talismanic decree received. It commands the officials of the Three Offices, the Five Constants, the Nine Bureaus, the Four Departments, the Five Sacred Peaks, the Ninefold Darkness, the Six Grottoes, the Ten Palaces, and Fengdu—the netherworld in Daoist lore—to carry out the rite of Refining and Deliverance everywhere. In this way, all departed souls are to leave the hells and ascend to heaven, in accordance with the laws and commands of the Great Lingbao Rite.

The Supreme Jade Emperor’s talisman for entrusting souls to rebirth: Paired with phrases such as “Rescue from Suffering through the Azure Mystery” and “Wherever wisdom’s light reaches,” this talisman is intended to deliver departed souls, shining light upon them through layer upon layer of darkness, guiding them across the cold passes of the Three Realms, and raising them into the formless realm. A golden dragon is also summoned to bear the document, which is passed along by the kings of the Four Heavenly Gates. With wind and fire unceasing, it guides the souls upward to rebirth.

Proclamation: Using the Great Unity Jade Emperor’s talisman for entrusting souls to rebirth, a certain person is to be delivered. Their departed soul has long been detained in the shadowy netherworld and has been unable to transform and be reborn. Now, through the power of this talisman, they are to be reborn according to their karmic conditions, whether in the human world or in heaven. Everything is to proceed as stated in the proclamation.

The Great Unity talisman for universal deliverance and rebirth, the true talisman of the Vermilion Mound: This talisman is given to the deceased, a certain person, so that they may ascend to the Vermilion Mound Palace, the celestial palace where Daoists refine and deliver departed souls. Everything is to proceed as stated in the proclamation, with the document dispatched swiftly by the wind-and-fire relay.

Ritual procedure: After burning incense, face east and bow. Visualize the heart of the Great Unity, bow nine times, and submit a petition stating whom you wish to deliver. First recite the sacred titles eighty-one times, then write the talisman with a brush. When it is complete, recite the spell nine times and blow once toward the east onto the talisman, thereby drawing upon the east’s life-generating Qi.

The Ninefold Darkness Jade Tablet: Its text states that the light and primordial Qi of the sun, moon, and stars can refine the Po soul and deliver the Hun soul. All departed souls in the dark ravines of the netherworld can see the light; the jailers in the Iron City hell must destroy their instruments of torture and halt the punishments. The sunlight shines brilliantly, making dark places bright once more. Yin and Yang converge, and the jade decree of the Three Pure Ones’ empty cavernous Primordial Unity descends, granting special pardon to suffering prisoner souls and swiftly freeing them from beneath the Nine Springs. May all be carried out urgently, in accordance with the laws and commands of the Great Lingbao Rite for delivering departed souls.

The Most High (Taishang), the supreme deity revered in Daoism, issues a talismanic command on a jade slip, informing the officials of the underworld in Fengdu (the legendary realm of the dead) and the Five Sacred Peaks, the clerks of the underworld offices, the ox-headed jailers, and the great gods who govern the prisons: deliver the soul of the deceased, so-and-so, so that he may forever leave behind the long darkness, depart the Nine Netherworlds, and behold compassionate light; clear his heart and spirit, admit him among the ranks of the immortals, dissolve his grudges and offenses, and raise him to life in the vast heavenly realm. Let everything be carried out in accordance with this command.

White Talismanic Slip for the Nine Netherworlds

(Symbols, divine names, and command phrases inscribed on the white slip: Primordial Qi of Lingbao; Heaven of Cave Mystery and Brahma Yang; Heaven of the Nine True Red Suns; Primordial Azure and Emerald Firmament; the Emperor’s Union with Nature; True King of the Six Yang, Primordial Maiden; pure transformation, established and descended command; the Nine Realms obey and uphold the numinous talisman, with the wondrous response of the Nine True Ones; Heavenly Worthy who examines the decree, fixes the registers, delivers souls, and receives the mandate.)

The divine officials who receive this command must carry it out on schedule and may not delay.

The Lingbao talismanic command issues a white slip for the Nine Netherworlds, informing Luofeng (the seat of the underworld), the Northern Office, the spirits of the Five Sacred Peaks and rivers and seas, and the underworld officials in the eternal night of the Nine Netherworlds, the Nine Realms of Earthly Sovereigns, the clerks of the Ten Kings’ courts, prison officers and examiners, the Yin demons of the Six Grottoes, the lords of the Nine Palaces, and the great gods of the deep and dark waters: deliver the soul of the deceased, so-and-so; dissolve his grudges and cleanse his grave offenses; let him leave the Three Paths (the realms of suffering, such as hell, hungry ghosts, and animals), forever bid farewell to the Five Sufferings, ascend beyond the Cinnabar Palace (the palace of the immortals), see the sunlight, awaken to the Dao and hear the scriptures, and roam freely in the realm of the perfected. Through the merit of deliverance conferred by this white slip, may he ascend to heaven. Let everything be carried out in accordance with this command.

Jade Slip of the Celestial Offices (written in vermilion on a yellow slip)

(Symbols, divine names, and command phrases: Nine Heavens of the Jade Void; Primordial Qi of the Nine Empyreans; the Nine Suns guide the Qian trigram; the myriad Brahma realms open and spread; bright Qi rises in all directions; the Green Net of the Great Thousand World; the wondrous Cave holds the talisman and grasps the registers; the True One oversees all beneath Heaven.)

May all receive deliverance, and may the souls of the dead be reborn.

The Most High issues a jade slip to the Celestial Offices, informing the immortal officials who administer matters of guilt in the offices of the Three Realms, the examiners of the heavenly prisons and hells, and the gods who enforce the law: deliver the deceased, so-and-so, so that he may leave the heavenly prison, be pardoned and freed from grave offenses, and ascend to the Heaven of Brahma Qi, never again to fall into the deep darkness below. Let those in charge respectfully obey. Let everything be carried out in accordance with this command.

Jade Slip of the Earthly Offices (written in ink on a white slip)

(Symbols and command phrases: Wind and Marsh, Cavern of the Void; Heaven of the Diamond Vehicle; vast and shadowy statutes; the dark and boundless communicate with the netherworld.)

The Most High commands that the roots binding the earth-bound soul be severed, that grudges and offenses be released, and that the road to brightness and the pure realm of the Primordial Beginning be opened.

(Loosen what is bound and blocked; open the heart to spaciousness.) (Blessings continue for seven generations; the root of calamity is blocked.)

The Lingbao talisman mandate, a document of the Lingbao tradition, is issued by the Jade Register of the Earth Official, the jade document used by the Earth Official. It informs the Three Palaces of Clear Spirit beneath the Central Origin, the Dongyang Left Ancestral Heavenly Palace, the Fengdu Right Yin Heavenly Palace, and the underworld offices of the Ninefold Darkness, the Winding Springs, the Mountain Prisons, and others. To the numinous officials who oversee the registers of life, death, and offenses; the officials of the Forty-Two Departments of Inquiry; and the revered spirits who serve as clerks: please deliver the soul of the deceased, so-and-so, freeing it from the gates of the underworld and forever removing it from dark confinement. May the deceased receive the light of the sun and proceed directly to rebirth in the realm of wondrous bliss. By virtue of the deliverance accomplished through this Lingbao talisman mandate, may they ascend to the Hall of Blessings. Let all be carried out in accordance with this mandate.

Jade Register of the Water Official (blue is preferred, with writing in vermilion)

(Primordial One of Yang Radiance, wondrous grace of Great Harmony.) (Pure and wondrous light opens; the deep, mysterious springs close.)

(Bright light illuminates the dark capital; purple clouds cover and conceal it.) (Guide and raise the deceased, so that their soul flies into the heavens.)

The Lingbao talisman mandate, the Jade Register of the Water Palace, is issued to inform the underworld offices below: the Three Palaces of the Clear and Cool Left Court of the Yanggu Dongyuan, the Southern Water Palace, Fengdu, Jieliang, the Winding Springs, the River Earl, the Water Prisons, and others. To the numinous officials who oversee the registers of life, death, and offenses; the officials of the Forty-Two Departments of Inquiry; and the revered spirits who serve as clerks: please deliver the deceased, so-and-so, and bid them farewell forever to the Northern Capital, the Cold Pool, the Winding Springs, the Sea of Suffering, and the dark waves. May they receive the light of grace and proceed directly to rebirth in the world of sunlight. By virtue of the merit of this Lingbao talisman mandate, may they ascend to the Mysterious Heaven. Let all be carried out in accordance with this mandate.

The August One, a revered deity in Daoist scriptures, says: “The Three Realms should be informed throughout. Talisman mandates must all be used according to the provisions of the Precious Scripture of Ziying’s Response and Transformation. The talismans are formed from the gathered primordial Brahma Qi and fashioned in cloud script. Whenever the deities of the Three Realms are informed, they all see the talisman mandate, listen reverently, and descend along with its radiance.”

Mountain Register Talisman

(The Most High, the Three Heavens.) (The Heavenly Emperor and the sun, moon, and stars observe and illuminate; the Jade Perfected subdues the mountain spirits with authority.)

(The Five Emperors turn in their courses.) (The immortal Way endures and flourishes.) (True Qi courses through the mountains, gathering and storing mist and rosy clouds.)

Now there is a disciple named so-and-so, residing in such-and-such province, county, and village, born in such-and-such year, whose destiny belongs to such-and-such Emperor and whose name is registered at such-and-such mountain. Now, for the deceased, so-and-so, a grand Lingbao purification ritual has been conducted at such-and-such place, with the Way practiced day and night. The rites are now complete, and we respectfully send this register to the numinous mountain. May the deities protect them, grant them the Way and immortality, long life, and deliverance from the world, and raise them to the Highest Clarity. We respectfully beseech the most numinous and divine sovereigns to erase their register of offenses and enter their name among the Nine Heavens. We now proceed to the renowned mountain and transmit this register by means of a golden dragon.

On a certain year, month, and day, enter the name and submit it at a sacred mountain grotto dwelling.

Dispatch Warrant for Submitting the Petition

The Lingbao Great Law Office issues this warrant to the Gongcao (divine officials responsible for conveying the commands of the gods) currently on duty and charged with its delivery:

One petition document is hereby issued, with its seal intact, to be submitted at a certain mountain (or, alternatively, at the Water Palace or the Earth Palace of the Grand Year). It must be delivered in person by an envoy dispatched by the Supreme One.

You are required to follow the intent of the liturgical procedure, carry this document swiftly to its destination, and ensure that it is properly submitted without delay. You must carry out these orders in accordance with the laws and decrees. This warrant is hereby issued.

Issued in a certain year, month, day, and hour.

Water Petition Talisman

By command of the Most High, or of the Three Primordials (revered Daoist deities and celestial powers), may the Nine Rivers, the Four Great Waterways, and the River Lords who govern the sources of water bestow blessings. May the Celestial River turn and transform, sins be erased, and grace extend to the Nine Generations of ancestors.

I now respectfully submit a Water Petition on behalf of the ritual officiant, a certain person. The officiant was born in a certain year, is a certain age, and belongs to the destiny of a certain Emperor. May they attain the Dao and become an immortal, enduring alongside the three lights of the sun, moon, and stars. I pray that the Water Emperors of the Nine Rivers, the twelve river sources, and the great deities of the Yangtze, Yellow, Huai, and Ji Rivers erase their record of sins and register their name for elevation to the Nine Heavens. I respectfully send this petition to the Water Palace, to be conveyed by the Golden Dragon Courier (the divine method for transmitting documents).

Earth Petition Talisman

By command of the Most High, or of the Three Mysteries (revered Daoist deities and celestial powers), may the Earth Palace of the Nine Lands in the Great Luo realm stand at the center, with the gods bearing auspicious blessings. May the myriad immortals gather in court, and may good fortune flourish without end.

I now respectfully submit an Earth Petition on behalf of the ritual officiant, a certain person. The officiant was born in a certain year, is a certain age, and belongs to the destiny of a certain Emperor. May they attain the Dao and become an immortal. I pray that the Nine Central Lands, the Yellow Deities of Wu and Ji, and the Five Emperors of the Earth Palace erase their charges of wrongdoing. I respectfully send this petition to the Central Palace, bound with a Golden Knot of Supreme Mystery, and conveyed by the Golden Dragon Courier.

Making and Submitting the Three Kinds of Jade Bi and Petitions

The Mountain Petition is accompanied by a round blue-green jade bi; the Water Petition by an octagonal green jade bi; and the Earth Petition by a square white jade bi.

All three kinds of petition are made from catalpa wood. Each tablet is one chi and two cun long, three cun and six fen wide, and three fen thick. The face of the tablet is coated with white powder, and its edges are marked with orpiment. The talismanic writing is written in cinnabar, and the proclamation in ink. The covers of the Mountain and Water Petitions are made of blue-green paper and inscribed in cinnabar; the Earth Petition uses yellow paper and cinnabar. Also prepare one golden dragon, twelve golden knots, and one jade bi. During the altar-dispersal rite, perform offerings at each designated place, then dispatch the petitions.

Talismanic Seal of the Precious Proclamation of the Jade Emperor of the Golden Gate

Lingbao Great Law Office:

On a certain day of this month, in accordance with the Jade Emperor’s clear decree, a profound celestial proclamation is hereby issued to liberate sinful souls and raise them to the Jade Capital, the celestial realm of immortals.

In respectful accordance with the immortal registers of the Golden Gate, I reverently request that the Jade Emperor issue this clear proclamation.

The Most High Sages of the Ten Directions of Lingbao, an important Daoist scripture and method:

The Lingbao scriptures for rescuing people wield the power to restore bodies and raise the dead. Their commands are issued to the Ninefold Darkness, the depths of the underworld, bringing peace and renewed life to suffering souls. These proclamations are carried everywhere, so that even the departed lingering in the underworld may receive their grace. Those responsible for carrying them out must follow and reverently observe the proclamations.

Year, month, day

The Great Celestial Worthy, Jade Emperor, Supreme Lord of the Mysterious Firmament:

In accordance with the Jade Writ and talismanic command of the Most High concerning Fengdu, the Lingbao Great Court of the Law respectfully carries out this command.

Mysterious proclamation: Rescue and redeem departed souls guilty of offenses, enabling them to be reborn in the Southern Palace, the underworld palace that governs the rebirth of the dead.

In accordance with the Jade Writ and talismanic command of the Most High concerning Fengdu, remove all offenses and redeem the lives of departed souls. All the gods of the Dark Capital, the underworld, must reverently obey this command: forever release the souls from captivity, bestow upon them the Celestial Worthy’s wisdom-life, free them from the prisons of hell, and provide them a home in the Immortal Capital, where they may abide forever in peace and joy. Carry this out accordingly.

Year, month, day. The duly appointed official, whose office or status is specified, issues this command.

Yellow Register of the Southern Nanchang Upper Palace, Jade Coffer of the Supreme Covenant of Truth, used in rites for rescuing the dead:

The Celestial Worthy of the Clear Tenuity Heaven of Jade Purity, the Heavenly Treasure Lord of the Yu Yu Heaven of Highest Purity, and the Lingbao Lord of the Great Red Heaven of Great Purity each issue commands to rescue the dead. The Divine Treasure Lord also issues a command to rescue the dead. Primordial Qi fills the vastness, covering the Supreme Realm; from it, the myriad forms unfold, while the Great Luo Jade Purity Realm stretches into profound mystery. The cycles of the kalpas are beyond reckoning, seeming both to exist and not to exist. In the heaven within heaven appear the celestial symbols of jade dragons and phoenix seals. The Jade Coffer in the mountain’s capital reveals the true writings: red script in jade characters and the dragon script of the Eight Powers. In the Southern Palace, life is bestowed upon the departed. The Gate of Light is opened, enabling them to be reborn as immortals, their lives extended to endure as long as Heaven.

The True Diagram of the Primordial Beginning, which opens and transforms the Red Luminosity era, is formed from the mingling of natural Qi. It transforms into cloud seals, jade writings, and bird tracks, which gather and take shape. It can deliver the living from the calamities of body and life, preserving them through generation after generation. It can also rescue souls in the underworld, granting suffering spirits the Mysterious Grace forever. Now, a certain person, with utmost care and repeated prostrations, makes a sorrowful plea and goes to the Mysterious Altar, where rites are performed and the gods invited, to request a register of ritual authorization.

May one Yellow Register of the Southern Nanchang Upper Palace, Jade Coffer of the Supreme Covenant of Truth, be bestowed and entrusted to a certain person to carry and uphold forever as a token of deliverance, and to treasure as a protection for the body. Reverently invited are the Lords of the Southern Nanchang Palace: the Lords who Refine Souls, Refine Po, Refine Forms, Refine Embryos, Refine Spirits, Deliver Souls, Transform Life, Establish Roots, Protect Life, and Bestow Life; the Lords who Refine by Fire and Refine by Water; as well as the Perfected One Who Sends Flowing Fire, the Perfected One Who Judges Life, the Perfected One Who Bestows Blessings, the Perfected One Who Bestows Longevity, the Perfected One Who Refines and Transforms, the Perfected One Who Saves the Karmic Deeds on the Left, the Perfected One Who Pities the Karmic Deeds on the Right, and the Perfected One of Harmonious Formation…

The perfected beings move Qi (vital energy), transcend the mortal realm, and ascend to immortality. Together they bestow vast blessings, guiding the departed person through salvation so that they may be reborn in the Southern Palace. Beings in both the human and heavenly realms pray for the true immortals to descend together and protect those who carry out this rite.

The Supreme Lord issues a proclamation on the Yellow Register, the document used in Daoist Zhaijiao (purification rituals) to register and deliver departed souls. It is announced throughout Heaven and Earth: open the Eight Gates and the Thirty-Six Prisons, and command the officials who govern the prisons of the underworld, the wardens on the left and right, the clerks of the River Earl, the Three Origins and Nine Offices, the one hundred and twenty bureaus, the Five Offices and Four Departments, and the divine generals who administer punishments, including those of Dongyin and Shuodan, to deliver the departed persons named here. Erase their grave offenses, seal off the sources of evil, and reconcile their grudges. Remove their names from the underworld’s registers of the dead; let their souls become clear and upright, their spiritual nature whole and radiant, and send them directly to the Southern Palace. May blessings and wisdom arise naturally within them. May they ride dragon chariots in attendance on the immortals, forever accord with Wuwei (non-action), and keep the Dao Qi ever present. In accordance with this proclamation, let it be carried by the wind-and-fire post riders.

On a certain day in a certain month of a certain year, the ritual site issues this proclamation. The appointed minister, So-and-so, carries it out by command.

The official in charge of the registers is Lord Han, the Elder, of the Upper Palace at Nanchang. The perfected beings who confer and transmit the registers are the Perfected Being of Refinement and Transformation of the Upper Palace at Nanchang, and the Great Emperor of Eternal Life of the South Pole.

Supreme One’s True Talisman for Delivering Souls from Sin and Releasing Grudges

This talisman invites the Heavenly Perfected Jade Emperor, the Heavenly Perfected August One, the Emperor of Harmonious Brightness, and other divine beings to descend and deliver souls from the underworld. It proclaims that wherever the teachings of the righteous Way extend, suffering from sin must cease. The sun, moon, and stars shine through the ten directions; divine power manifests, opening the gates of the underworld so that the sins and grudges of the departed may be dissolved. The Three Origins, Three Terraces, Three Assistants, Three Luminaries, and other divine beings deliver the souls. Divine and human beings pardon their offenses, open the hells, and save the ghosts. The Lords of the Nine Heavens, the Seven Regulators and Eight Spirits, and the lords of the Purple Court of the Shangqing Cavern-Mystery descend with pardons, enabling the departed to ascend to the realm of the immortals.

The pardon and decree of Heaven are issued with solemn authority. The prisons of Fengdu, the Northern Capital, and the Gate of the Underworld of Taiyi must cease their confinement. Once the ghosts receive the proclamation and are pardoned, they may ascend to the realm where the Emperor Lords reside. The Primordial Goddess of the Purple Pole pardons their offenses, removes their karmic obstacles, and resolves their grievances. The Supreme Lord’s talismanic decree accords with the Great Dao; the vermilion writings of the Jade Clarity proclaim throughout the underworld that grudges and the resentment of ghosts must be released, and their offenses forgiven. At Zhuling, the divine realm where the departed are refined and delivered, let all souls undergo refinement. May they receive the talismanic decree, ascend to the Southern Palace and be reborn, recover clear awareness of spirit, and at last rise to Heaven.

Invocation for the Talisman:

Heavenly One’s vermilion script, receive and undergo deliverance; above, accord with the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), ascending to the immortal courts of the Jade Palace; below, extend through the underworld.

This Purple Origin Talisman of Command is used to release the suffering spirits of the dead from the Avīci Hell, where they have endured torment across countless lifetimes. It erases their karmic offenses so they may be reborn sooner. Let the Venerable Heavenly One Who Relieves Suffering issue this command with utmost urgency.

The talisman on the right is writing formed from the Qi of salvation, the true primordial essence of the Nine Heavens and the Numinous Treasure. It is used to guide departed souls to salvation and keep them from falling again. Before writing it, first assess the severity of the offenses committed by the soul to be saved. If the person died of illness and did not meet a violent death, no formal report or ritual invocation is needed. If the person died by hanging, self-harm, consumption, or plague, the invocation and ritual may be performed. This talisman is specifically for saving the souls of those who died unnaturally.

Write the talisman according to ritual rules. First face north and present a petition; after completing the petition to the Eastern Limit—the realm of the eastern deities—transform into the likeness of the Perfected One Who Relieves Suffering: wearing a clear ceremonial crown and a blue-green ritual robe like clouds and rosy mists, holding a tablet, and resembling a Heavenly Venerable. Then inhale the Qi of the east three times. Turn to face north, inhale white Qi three times, and blow it onto the paper and brush. Visualize a blue-robed attendant on either side, each holding a scroll of true writing in red script and jade characters; another attendant appears before you holding the true talisman for relieving suffering. Then form the hand seal for the Azure Mystery of Relieving Suffering and write the talisman according to ritual rules. When the spirits see this true writing, they can all atone for their offenses and resolve their grievances; when the hells hear of this talisman, they will naturally cease their torments.

Petition

The Altar for the Yellow Register Rite of the Numinous Treasure to Remove Offenses

On a certain day of this month, this altar submits a petition to the Celestial Secretariat and presents a memorial to the Golden Palace of the Three Heavens. On behalf of a certain person, it prays for the deliverance of another certain person and requests that a talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning be sent down.

The Supreme Talisman for Removing Offenses and Resolving Grievances is used to deliver the deceased person named above, together with beings of the five paths and four forms of birth, so that they may leave the road through the underworld and ascend to the Vermilion Offices, the administrative offices of the divine realm. This talisman should therefore be formally proclaimed.

Talismanic Text

By command of the Jade Emperor and the Venerable Heavenly One Who Relieves Suffering: pardon and open the hells, and redeem and deliver the soul of a certain person, who died of an unnatural illness and bears karmic offenses. Let the prisons of Heaven and the hells, the boundless divine realms, the stellar realm of the Upper Origin, the hell of Poluo, Fengdu, the Spring-Bend Water Offices, the land deities of the Five Peaks, the underworld offices of the ten directions, and the dark gates of the netherworld be notified: all suffering spirits who have endured injustice and punishment and accumulated offenses are to be struck from the registers of guilt, and the roots of evil are to be destroyed. The dark gates of the underworld must not detain them or enter them again among the ranks of ghosts. They must proceed at once toward the realm of life, refine their form and substance, purify their spirit, wash away obscurity and delusion, and enter the Dao to become perfected. All are to carry out these commands.

Year, month, day, and hour: this notice is issued to the disciples.

Inner seal

I, your servant in my appointed office, respectfully seal the Supreme One’s True Talisman for Deliverance from Sin and Resolution of Grievances.

Seal on the outer envelope

The Supreme One’s True Talisman for Deliverance from Sin and Resolution of Grievances is hereby issued and dispatched to the celestial prisons, the hells, and the boundless spirit realms of the Three Realms. I, your servant in my appointed office, respectfully seal it again.

Great Method of the Supreme Scripture of the Numinous Treasure for Delivering People Without Limit, Volume 56

Here, “True Talisman for Deliverance from Sin and Resolution of Grievances” is the name of a Fulu (talisman and register) used in Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual) and rites for prayer and averting calamity. “Your servant in my appointed office” is the officiant’s self-designation in memorial documents addressed to the divine. “The celestial prisons, the hells, and the boundless spirit realms of the Three Realms” refers to the places inhabited by the spirits to whom the talisman’s command is addressed.