《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 61

Great Method of the Lingbao Wuliang Dujing Shangjing (Supreme Scripture on Limitless Salvation), Scroll 61, Jade Nine

Chapter on the Lingbao Refining and Salvation (Lingbao Liandu Pin)

The officiant rises and bows. After standing, he visualizes the divine spirits and keeps silent and still, forming the hands and transforming the spirit according to the ritual… [the original text is corrupted or missing characters here; the sense is roughly that he visualizes and transforms the divine forms in accordance with the liturgy]. He imagines the Supreme One Heavenly Venerable (Taiyi Tianzun) and the assembled spirits standing at his left and right. He then performs the rite between the pool of water and the pool of fire, ascends the ritual seat, straightens his robes beside it, gathers his mind and steadies his will. Bowing, he burns incense and makes the invocation:

"I, Mou, the officiant holding the proper rank, burn incense and respectfully invoke:

The Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and the Supreme Sages, the High Perfected of the Ten Utmost Realms, the Heavenly Venerable Taiyi Who Relieves Suffering, the Lords in Charge of the Three Provinces and Five Bureaus of the Heavenly Pivot, the Great Master of the Grand Method Who Aids the Teaching in the Three Heavens, the Great Lord of Long Life of the Upper Palace of Nanchang, the Lord of the Southern Palace Who Governs Destiny, the Perfected of the Nine Flowers, the Perfected of the Southern Pole, the Perfected Zuoxuan, the August Emperor of the Vermilion Hill, the Divine Venerables of Illumination, the High Perfected of the Fire Mansion, the Immortal Sages of the Water Palace, Lord Han, the Director of Refining and Salvation, the Lords of the Yellow Register Court, the Officials and Clerks of the Yellow Register Court, the Duty Officers, Divine Soldiers, and Earth Gods, the Great Sage Who Flies to Heaven, the Perfected of Wondrous Conduct, the Perfected of Refining and Salvation, the Eight Majestic Dragon-Script Lords, the Divine Generals of the Fire Pool, the Divine Generals of the Water Pool, the Envoys Who Gather Souls, the Officials Who Ferry Souls, the Youthful Attendants and Soldiers of the Fire Mansion, the Youths of the Fire Pool, the Lords of Fate, the Lords of Records, the Venerables Who Extend Life and Add to Years and Who Release from Calamity, the Great Divine Overseer Who Restores Bodies and Raises the Dead for Limitless Salvation, the Great Spirits of the Five Paths, the Great Spirit of the Cold Darkness, the Duty Officers of Refining and Salvation, the Soldiers and Officials of Refining and Salvation, and all the Lords who govern the spirits:

I earnestly beg you to descend for a time. May the flying clouds appear from the vermilion heavens, and may the feathered canopies of splendor come down to the realm of the Dharma. May the auspicious lights of the five colors flourish, and may the light of compassion shine through the dark netherworld. May the spirits of the four quarters bestow their grace and bring moisture to the dim and hidden lands. In this way I can carry out the rite of salvation and rescue the wandering souls. Now I beg you to first bestow your great compassion and descend to bear witness." I bow reverently twice.

Invocation to Request the Ritual Sacred Presence

"I have heard that the Lingbao scriptures and registers can deliver the dead, carrying them through many levels of salvation so that they rise beyond the Nine Dark Realms. The hidden resonances of the netherworld can open instruction and allow the myriad beings to come into being of their own accord. Spirits descend from the void, and divine luminaries arise within the Great Emptiness. The laws of the Dao (Dao) gather and govern the myriad phenomena and return them to the Palace of the Three Primes. The Great Sage dwells above, and the Emperor promotes the most subtle Way. Following the causes and conditions of each being, the examination of merit and fault proceeds, the edict of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable is issued, and the wandering souls held in confinement are summoned. On behalf of living beings, we also deliver their ancestors so that they ascend to the Vermilion Palace. Here I earnestly report to the Three Offices, to the spirits of the mountains, rivers, and waterways, and to the twelve…"

Pardons granted at the River Source (where the Yellow River rises) must not be delayed or held back. The Supreme Minister of Xuandu should be summoned swiftly to gather the myriad spirits.

Among them are the Eastern Ultimate Venerable Who Seeks Out Cries and Answers Every Plea, Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun (Taiyi, the Heavenly Venerable Who Rescues from Suffering), the Lord Who Transforms Souls and Forms, the Great Spirit Who Refines Corpses in the Great Darkness, and the Perfected Great Compassion Wondrous Conduct, together with the venerables Tianshu, Tianji, Haosheng, Wenchang, Yanshou, Yisuan, and Duo'e. Invite the Numinous Officials, that the Boundless Salvation of Xuandu may take effect. Today the registers of names are being examined, and the spirits of all the heavens have come before the hall. We respectfully summon the Great Spirits of the Dragon Majesty, Danling, Haohua, Xuanying, Liandu, Transformation, Zhengjing, Huofu, Fanxing, and Chaosheng from the ten directions. May their light shine and the heavens be wholly illuminated and clear.

We request the Supreme Minister of the Shenxiao, Tao Xianbo, and the Great Spirit Han, Director of Records and Supervisor of Life of the Nanchang Upper Palace, who hold the talismans and registers, to come together before the Lord Emperor and universally deliver the living and the ancestral dead. Let the Ghost Emperor come and receive the command. The Attendant Ministers of the Yin Realm of Fengdu shall each hold their black ledgers, erase the roots of the spirits' sins, and neither detain them nor drive them into the throngs of ghosts.

All earth deities bound and governed by the Celestial Decree of Yuanshi Tianzun shall, in accordance with the documents, notify the heavens and inform the Three Realms, requesting the removal of the Three Evils and the severing of the roots that lead to the evil paths, so that the spirits may ascend, pass beyond the Five Gates, and be enrolled in the Supreme Mystery. The Demon King shall oversee and recommend them without restraint. Within the Heavenly Gate, I sincerely pray.

Recite the sacred name of Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun.

Summon the Flying Divine Kings and burn the talismans.

The Dark Radiance turns and guides the spirits onward to deliverance. The wondrous flowers of the myriad forms turn their chariots and lower their radiance, and the song of the empty void is sung. Crossing the Mysterious Gate, they reach transformation; the numinous demons lead the ghost soldiers and tour the heavens with the Taie sword. They receive the Celestial Decree of Yuanshi Tianzun and circle within the Great Vapor.

Recite the sacred name of Baochuang Jieyin Tianzun, the Heavenly Venerable Who Receives Souls with a Jeweled Banner.

We humbly pray that the Great Sage of Long Life, the Flying Divine Kings, the Flying Messengers, and all the attendant officers and soldiers, as in former times at the Fuli Assembly in the Shiqing Heaven, not forget the admonitions of Yuanshi Tianzun. Now the officiant, [name], petitions, and especially asks for grace to deliver the deceased [name]. We humbly pray that the spirit of the deceased, having been refined through salvation, may be transformed into an immortal, and that the living may receive deliverance and endure forever, generation after generation. Afterward, may blessings extend to descendants, joy reach the entire household, and all sentient beings ascend to the other shore of the Dao.

Proclaim the Celestial Decree of Yuanshi Tianzun and recite the Great Spirit's memorial.

Respectfully summon the Earth Altar Deity of the Refining Office Director of the Nanchang Upper Palace, and swiftly act on my behalf...

Summon the two Great Generals of Master Refinement, five hundred divine soldiers of the Fire Palace, and the Yellow Register Office (the agency that oversees rites for the dead). Please also arrange yourselves in formal order and display the ceremonial insignia. Come immediately below the altar and report on my behalf to the Nanchang Office of Refining (the divine office that oversees the refining of the dead) and the Lingtong (Spirit Youth).

The Four Directional Envoys and the Gongcao (divine clerks responsible for transmitting orders and carrying out duties) of each division of the Yellow Register Office must hasten to the altar and await their assignments.

Reading the Edict, Admonishing the Earthly Deities (the divine powers of the earthly realm):

You hold rank among the immortal hosts and are charged with transmitting and reporting. Whenever a summons is issued, you must respond at once with a report. The altar has now received the decree of the Dao, which permits the refining and universal salvation of souls, in accordance with the Keyi (liturgical) procedures, between the hours of Zi and Chou (11 p.m. to 3 a.m.) on a certain day of this month. The altar is now arranged, and the Fa Ji (ritual scripture case) has been opened. We hereby summon all the holy assemblies, the Spirit Officers, and the Jade Maidens under the Lingbao Dafa Si (Office of the Great Method of Numinous Treasure), together with the immortal youths, generals and officials, Gongcao, judges, the Left Guard Great General of the Vermilion Heaven, the duty Gongcao, the talisman clerks, the Earth Path Gongcao, the Gongcao of the Yellow Register Office, the Vermilion Heaven youths, the Chief Officials of Pursuit, the Youths of Pursuit, the Generals of Soul Capture, the youths who deliver and guide the souls, and the Envoys of Guidance. Come quickly and together receive these instructions and admonitions.

Reading the Declaration of the Golden Liquor Talisman for Refining the Form:

We follow the teachings of the Dao and hold the power of transformation and nurturing. We stand among the immortal ranks of the Vermilion Fire Palace (the divine palace that oversees the refining of souls) and serve in the Nanchang Office of Refining. Now, respectfully following the secret transmitted rules and reverently performing the orthodox Keyi, we shall conduct the refining for the wandering souls. We must first inform and invite the divine officials in charge of this matter. You are to transmit this order on my behalf and carry it out faithfully.

Reading the Declaration of the Command to Ascend to Perfection:

This office, respecting the decree of the Dao, conducts the refining of the soul of the deceased. You, the Majestic Numinous Officials in charge of these affairs, should arrange for the principal deities of Mount Tai, the Five Paths, the City Gods, and the other realms, together with the yin deities of the netherworld and the officials who guide the souls. Swiftly and reverently, in accordance with the original pardon, summon the deceased [name], so that the body and soul may come before the altar to receive refining.

Reading the Yuqing Thunder Script Declaration:

Recite the name of the Celestial Venerable, Incarnation of the Golden Gate.

We respectfully affirm that the wondrous Dao, which returns the hun and po souls and gathers them together again, is present everywhere. Even humble things such as broken tiles and chaff contain the perfect Dao. The wandering soul has long been pursued by the many burdens of the world, has gradually lost its original nature, and has drifted through the dust of the mortal realm, fallen into defilement. Now we perform the refining on behalf of this soul, so that water and fire may harmonize and complement each other, cleanse away the impurities, and irrigate the Three Fields (santian, the regions of the body where jing, qi, and shen are cultivated) with the Dharma water, so that the whole body may once again be connected and brought into harmony.

Recite the name of the Celestial Venerable Who Shakes the Form in the Yellow Flower.

Respectfully summon the envoy who governs the water pool, along with the official lords and functionaries of the refining rite (lian du), and lead the souls of the departed into the pool to undergo refinement.

Recite the "Great Brahma Hidden Words" (da fan yin yu) three times, and burn the talismans used in the water refinement.

We humbly affirm that the growth of all things and the formation of bodies depend on the mutual harmonization of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). When Yin Qi recedes and Yang Qi grows, one must rely on the One Qi (the primordial vital energy of Daoist teaching) moving within the Void. We pray that the souls of the departed may ascend to the Palace of Huanghua Jielin (the sacred place where the refinement rite is performed), receive refinement, and be reborn. Now, on behalf of the souls, we recite the Water Refinement Spell:

What has withered flourishes again, and what has perished grows anew. They are born in heaven and once more receive the nourishment of the Supreme Numinous. Passing through the turning of the Nine Heavens' kalpa cycle, they are as if a fetus has formed anew. Accumulated defilement is entirely washed away, and the souls are revived.

Swiftly, swiftly, as ordered by the Great Lord of Eternal Life.

Recite the sacred title of the "Heavenly Worthy Who Ferries Souls with Clear Water" (qing shui du hun tian zun).

Huanghua from the Eastern Well, the Shijing Yujing essence, the Feixuan Water Mother, and the Jinli Jade Ford flow ceaselessly into the pool. The Nine Dragons pour down and refine, and the Three Luminaries (the sun, moon, and stars) send down their essence. Immortals exhale moistening breath to refine the departed souls, making them bright within and without and pure in both outer and inner form. The hundred joints and nine orifices of the whole body are nourished by primordial Qi, and the five viscera, six bowels, and the Shen spirits within the body are renewed and regenerated. The congestions in the womb-sac open with the flowing water, the breath of death is cut off, and the roots of evil sink away.

Now I refine the corpse-remains, returning the living soul to its origin and altering its old form, transforming it into a jade body and golden countenance. I refine away defilement and let it ascend to the Purple Court (the palace of the immortal realm).

Swiftly, swiftly, as ordered by the Great Emperor of Eternal Life.

Recite the sacred title of the "Heavenly Worthy of Huanghua Shaking Away Form" (huang hua dang xing tian zun), sprinkle water toward the ten directions, pinch the Zi-Wen mudra (zi wen jue), and recite the incantation:

Heaven is clear and the Qi is bright, and the radiance of the five colors shines high. The sun and moon release their light, washing and refining the body. The wondrous fluid moistens from within, and fragrant broth nourishes essence and Qi. Light flows and illuminates the Upper Clarity. Primordial Qi is not disturbed by evil influences, and the five viscera receive numinous breath. Karmic offenses are extinguished, and the calamities of the Three Paths (the three destinies where beings suffer) dissipate, while the distress of the Nine Obscurities (the depths of the underworld) recedes far away. Evil roots are severed, and blessings arise naturally. All the great vows made today are reported to the Enlightened, and we pray that the souls may be universally ferried and ascend to the palace of the Celestial Emperor.

Recite the sacred title of the "Heavenly Worthy Who Ferries Life from Zhuling" (zhu ling du ming tian zun), pinch the middle-finger mudra, draw in the Qi of the North, and blow it into the water.

Burn the Danyang talisman (dan yang fu).

Since the kalpa cycle of Longhan (long han jie yun), heaven and earth have been vast, without form or name. After countless kalpas, the Yellow Path (symbolizing the right course of the Great Dao's movement) has once again been opened to light. The numinous Qi is clear and bright, and the Nine Souls breathe in and out the essence. Radiance as clear as jade shines brilliantly, and the Taixia (Supreme Rosy Clouds) rises high. The Jade Emperor enacts transformation and universally ferries gods and humans. The Three Primes (heaven, earth, and water in Daoist teaching) guide and nourish, and Yin-Yang Qi regulates life. Withered trees and old roots, though decayed, can flourish again, and all living creatures may attain long life and transform their forms.

All beings in the womb and in gestation receive their generation from this. When the dead reach the end of their lives, their hun and po souls return to the Sanqing (Three Pure Ones), the three layers of pure immortal realms.

The po of the deceased is refined and may ascend to the Southern Palace. Today is auspicious, and the deceased all receive light. The Five Emperors survey and illuminate all, informing the myriad spirits, the celestial deities, the earth deities, the sources of the rivers, the Five Sacred Peaks and Four Great Rivers (five famous mountains and four important rivers), and the grottoes and abodes of famous mountains throughout the land. The Great Sage of Ultimate Nothingness and the Perfected Venerable Spirits all survey comprehensively and deliver all beings. The roots of evil karma are cut off, and the names of the deceased are entered into the Xuandu (Mysterious Capital). All the assembled perfected and all spirits gather to receive the decrees.

Recite "Heavenly Venerable Who Universally Moistens with the Dharma Rain."

The officials presiding over the refining lead the souls being refined out of the water pool.

Recite "Heavenly Venerable of the Fire-Refining Realm of Cinnabar."

Respectfully summon the envoys who govern the fire pool, together with the Nine Light Youths, the Fire Bell Spirit Children, the Refining Envoys, and the officials and attendants of the Fire Palace, and lead the souls being delivered into the fire pool to undergo refining.

Recite the great Brahmic hidden words, and burn the fire-refining Fulu talismans, together with the Twelve Meridian Talismans.

The scripture says: Yang qi forms the hun soul, and yin qi forms the po soul. When yin and yang harmonize, the body and spirit are born and transformed. Looking up, the souls of the dead ascend to the palace of the Taiyang Yuyi, receive refining, and are regenerated. In the Fire Palace, the body is washed and the foulness of qi and blood is removed. Having been transformed in the Li Palace, the deceased will certainly attain the marvelous state of form and spirit. Recite the great fire-refining incantation for the deceased:

Lord of the South, essence of the Red Emperor, Envoy Yinghuo, General Bingding, Vermilion Bird Flame Spirit, brilliant and dazzling yang essence, who governs the transformations of the Five Phases and causes the myriad things to grow. The Heavenly Emperor has issued a command, and the envoys shall obey. Summon the souls of the dead and refine their true forms. Swiftly, as the statute commands.

Decree of the Great Emperor of Eternal Life.

Recite "Heavenly Venerable of the Orthodox Unity of Pure Yu (Yuqing Zhengyi)."

Qi transforms into a person, and the corpse is changed and enters the mysterious realm. Having passed through the three transformations and five refinements, one ascends to the Nine Heavens. Even after passing through the calamities of the Nine Heavens, the spirit must continue to be delivered, so that it receives transformation, regains life, and at last becomes a true person. Swiftly, as the statute commands.

Decree of the Great Emperor of Eternal Life.

Recite "Heavenly Venerable of the Orthodox Unity of Pure Yu."

Burn the True-Form Talisman of Mount Fengdu.

On behalf of the many dark-realm souls, this is offered to uproot the source of their sins. Write and display the true form with cinnabar and ink, the image of the Northern Palace of Fengdu, so that the Seven Ancestors may forever depart from the netherworld. Dispel the karmic obstructions at the gate of the womb, and secretly sever evil ghosts and demonic spirits with the Six Heavens' Register of Strategy, clearing away the roots of the netherworld. You must remember for a long time that the gate of deliverance for the dead is opened, and receive the Banner of Rebirth (the banner that guides souls toward rebirth). In the Xianchi Palace of the Northern Capital, there are countless ghosts who have suffered injustice.

This is the method of refining through water and fire: request the Three Officials to pardon transgressions, subdue demonic obstacles, and jointly recommend the deceased.

Reverently paying homage to the Supreme Venerable, we carry this out swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and decrees.

Recite the name of the Celestial Venerable of the Golden Gate Transformation Body (Jinque Huashen Tianzun).

In the liberation rite (lianduyi), the Master and the accompanying officials lead the departed soul away from the pool of fire.

Recite the name of the Celestial Venerable Who Illumines Universally by Sun and Moon (Riyue Puming Tianzun), perform the Talisman of Returning to Life (fu), and chant the Hymn of Returning to Life aloud:

"Birth and death alternate as the four seasons turn, yet the trunk of the toon tree keeps its ancient form. With a pure heart, hold fast to the Ultimate Dao and follow the flow of transformation, leaving behind the binding snares. Often recite the jade registers (the Daoist scriptures), and let the mysterious sound rise straight to the clouds. Thus one dwells forever in endless years, and who would ever know how many kalpas there are?"

Reverently we invoke the Great General Six Yuan Who Moves Yang and Transforms Yin, Generated from the Sixth Primordial Qi (Hunyuan liu qi) of the Kidney, together with his attendant officials, talisman clerks, and the rest. They fly and transform, aiding my true spirit (zhenling) to gather and summon vital breath (shengqi). For the deceased [name], they generate the kidneys, so that both kidneys regenerate Jing (essence) and Qi.

Reverently we invoke the Great General Seven Changes, Wind and Mist Mingling (Qibian Huifeng Hunjing), Generated from the Second Primordial Qi of the Heart, together with his attendant officials, talisman clerks, and the rest. They fly and transform, aiding my true spirit to gather and summon vital breath. For the deceased [name], they generate the heart, causing it to produce Shen (spirit), nourishing Qi, and volition.

Reverently we invoke the Great General Eight Returns, Gathering the Origin (Huihe Yuan), Generated from the Third Primordial Qi of the Liver, together with his attendant officials, talisman clerks, and the rest. They fly and transform, aiding my true spirit to gather and summon vital breath. For the deceased [name], they generate the liver, causing it to produce the hun (ethereal soul), the sinews, and the blood.

Reverently we invoke the Great General Nine Lights Gathering the Numinous (Guang Hui Ling), Generated from the Fourth Primordial Qi of the Lungs, together with his attendant officials, talisman clerks, and the rest. They fly and transform, aiding my true spirit to gather and summon vital breath. For the deceased [name], they generate the lungs, causing them to produce the po (corporeal soul), the defensive qi (weiqi), and the skin and hair.

Reverently we invoke the Great General Ten Uniting Yin and Yang (Heyin Yang), Generated from the Fifth Primordial Qi of the Spleen, together with his attendant officials, talisman clerks, and the rest. They fly and transform, aiding my true spirit to gather and summon vital breath. For the deceased [name], they generate the spleen, causing it to produce the muscles, the limbs, and intention, and so the Five Viscera are brought into being.

Reverently we invoke the Great General Eleven Transforming Spirit, Generated from the Sixth Primordial Qi of the Bladder, together with his attendant officials, talisman clerks, and the rest. They fly and transform, aiding my true spirit to gather and summon vital breath. For the deceased [name], they generate the bladder, causing it to form the sac that holds the fluids.

Reverently we invoke the Great General Twelve Transporting and Transforming, Generated from the Seventh Primordial Qi of the Small Intestine, together with his attendant officials, talisman clerks, and the rest. They fly and transform, aiding my true spirit to gather and summon vital breath. For the deceased [name], they generate the small intestine, causing it to form the channels through which fluids circulate.

Reverently we invoke the Great General Thirteen Yang Radiance, Generated from the Eighth Primordial Qi of the Gallbladder, together with his attendant officials, talisman clerks, and the rest.

Those Fu officials are to fly and transform, assisting me in employing the true spirits, gathering and summoning vital Qi, so that the deceased, so-and-so, generates the gallbladder, and within it the essence Qi and sweat arise.

I respectfully summon the Fourteenth Great General of Fortune's Movement, who governs the Nine Qi of Hunyuan and causes the large intestine to take form, together with his attendant officials, Fu officials, and the rest. Please fly and transform, assisting me in employing the true spirits, gathering and summoning vital Qi, so that the deceased, so-and-so, generates the large intestine and the valley passage (the channel of excretion).

I respectfully summon the Fifteenth Great General of Transforming Yin into Yang, who governs the Ten Qi of Hunyuan and causes the stomach to take form, together with his attendant officials, Fu officials, and the rest. Please fly and transform, assisting me in employing the true spirits, gathering and summoning vital Qi, so that the deceased, so-and-so, generates the stomach and the water passage (the channel for expelling fluids).

I respectfully summon the Sixteenth Great General of the Three Realms Blended into One, who governs the Eleven Qi of Hunyuan and causes the Triple Burner (sanjiao) to take form, together with his attendant officials, Fu officials, and the rest. Please fly and transform, assisting me in employing the true spirits, gathering and summoning vital Qi, so that the deceased, so-and-so, generates the Triple Burner.

I respectfully summon the Seventeenth Great General of the Union of Yin and Yang Spirits, who governs the Twelve Qi of Hunyuan and causes the pericardial network to take form, together with his attendant officials, Fu officials, and the rest. Please fly and transform, assisting me in employing the true spirits, gathering and summoning vital Qi, so that the deceased, so-and-so, generates the pericardial network and, in addition, the channels and the blood vessels.

The invocation reads:

By the Numinous Treasure Fu-Mandate, refine the deceased soul, so that the Five Viscera, the Six Bowels, the pericardial network, and the root of life are born anew. Let the essential radiance spread throughout the body and descend to the Dantian (the vital center where essence and Qi are refined within the human body). Let the jade sound issue forth and gather vital Qi; let numinous winds converge with clouds and mist. When the brilliance of the three luminaries, sun, moon, and stars, shines clear and transparent, the myriad spirits together attain immortality. When the nine rays of light illuminate, life arises of its own accord. Through a thousand harmonies, ascend at last to the Jade Heaven. Quickly, quickly, in accordance with the command of the Great Emperor of Eternal Life.

Recite the name "Venerable Lord of Taiqing Numinous Transformation."

Now let the deceased bathe the body in the Bright Pool, then refine the form with flowing fire, so that all defilement is washed away. Let the body of the five turbidities be made wholly pure, let demonic influences be unable to intrude, and let the body manifest light. Next, perform for the deceased the "Nine Refinings of the Revived Corpse" (a Daoist rite of purification in which the deceased's form is restored to life and refined through nine successive stages).

Your servant bows reverently and respectfully memorializes upward:

To the Venerable Mugong, Great Emperor of Fusang; to the Dao Lord and Lady Taizhen; and to the Venerable Golden Mother, the Primordial Lady: Your servant has heard that when the dark and yellow Qi descend, the myriad things receive their essence and are born. The Heavenly and Earthly Venerables govern the myriad spirits and preside over the affairs of the divine. You move within the primordial pure Qi, bring the myriad things into being, secretly drive the pivot of heaven and earth, and nurture the Three Powers of heaven, earth, and humanity. Such profound and vast transformation cannot be fully described in words. Now there is a sacrificer, so-and-so, who, on behalf of the deceased, so-and-so, has established the supreme great retreat, performs the great rite of refinement, and draws back the departed soul so that it may be restored to life in the human world…

Hymn of Gold and Wood

Your servants respectfully petition on behalf of the deceased, [name]. This person once lived amid the myriad phenomena of the world, and their nature was stained by the Six Dusts (liuchen), a term shared by Buddhism and Daoism for external objects: form, sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharmas. Their nature was also influenced by the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). Now they have drifted into the Great Void (taiwu), a state without form or substance, where the primordial qi has no place to return. The Three Primes (sanyuan), the primordial qi or divinities of Heaven, Earth, and Water, have therefore sent down punishment without any end in sight. Without the grace of the Sages, it is truly difficult for them to be released.

Your servants reverently follow the mysterious Daoist Dharma (Daofa) and the pattern by which Heaven and Earth transform and nurture the myriad things. In accordance with the mysterious liturgical code (xuanke), and guided by the principle of the harmonious union of Yin-Yang, we perform the rites with sincerity and pray in accord. We beseech the descent of essential qi (jingqi), flowing like water, to be refined into the embryonic sac. Through the brightness of Fire we refine the fetus, invoking the Heavenly Venerable of Fire Refining the Cinnabar Realm. Riding the true qi of Wood, we refine the hun soul, invoking the Heavenly Venerable Who Pulls Sins from the Nine Darknesses. With the gentle substance of Metal, we refine the po soul, invoking the Heavenly Venerable Who Saves from Suffering in the Ten Directions. Gathering the essence of Earth, we refine the five viscera, invoking the Heavenly Venerable of Vermilion Pearl Who Delivers Life. Drawing the spirit of the Kan Water, we refine the six bowels, invoking the Heavenly Venerable of the Great Bridge of Deliverance. Manifesting the essence of Li Fire, we refine the bodily orifices, invoking the Heavenly Venerable of the Wheel-Turning Sage King. Stirring the sound of Zhen Thunder, we refine the bodily form, invoking the Heavenly Venerable of Taiyi Who Saves from Suffering. Employing the form of Dui Marsh, we refine the spirit, invoking the Heavenly Venerable of Complete Perfection and Baohua.

Your servants have heard that when the Yin and Yang of Heaven and Earth unite, and after nine refinings, the numinous nature turns and returns. We therefore petition once again that the Primordial Mysterious Qi (yuanshi miaoqi) wrap around the form of the deceased, linking inner and outer through the pure Yang Dao-qi. As the Three Primes' qi nourishes and shapes the body, the spirit pearl gathers within, transforming into the inner spirit. The Three Primordial Lords (sansu yuanjun) unite with the deceased's true soul, enabling them to receive a single qi and become a spirit, and to be perfected through nine stages of qi refinement. Your servants face the Numinous Perfected and proclaim the precious verses (baoji), the hymns that praise the divinities.

Hymn of Gold and Wood

The divine tree Fusang (the eastern mulberry tree) opens its numinous vitality,

Thickly sprouting tender green branches.

The mysterious function flows through the Golden Mother (a female divinity like the Queen Mother of the West),

Yin and Yang unite, and blossoms form naturally.

The spirit qi condenses in the Yuan Palace,

And numinous things appear in crimson-cloud radiance.

Thus one may enter the Way of life as a human being,

And one's name may continue within the Immortal families.

Your servants respectfully bathe, burn incense, and memorialize the Heavenly Sovereigns with petitions: the Heavenly Sovereign of Uttarakuru Immeasurable, the Heavenly Sovereign of Immeasurable Longevity in the Highest Good Dhyana Heaven, the Heavenly Sovereign Brahma-Superintendent Sunyata, the Heavenly Sovereign Silent Trayastrimsa, the Heavenly Sovereign Paramita Unboastful Joy, the Heavenly Sovereign Responsive Transformation of the Mysterious Cavern, the Heavenly Sovereign Spiritual Transformation Brahma-Assistant, the Heavenly Sovereign of Lofty Void and Clarity, and the Heavenly Sovereign of No Thought, No Bond, No Desire.

We have heard that the Three Treasures (sanbao: the Dao, the scriptures, and the teachers) reveal their light, and that the nine divinities respond to the mysterious call. They have no body and no shadow, yet they have form and sound, and they appear in the great void of space.

The Yin-Yang (yinyang) were set in their respective places, and the Five Phases (wuxing) and the Five Planets (gold, wood, water, fire, and earth) were regulated in their rising and setting, so that the myriad things could be transformed and born. The Nine Primordial Qi then gathered, and the Three Primes (the three fundamental powers of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity) were brought into harmony. Now I, following the prescribed rite, perform the Liberation Ritual (liandu) for the departed soul, and first reverently present the memorial and petition the gods.

I respectfully invite the Venerable Lord of Wood and the Venerable Mother of Supreme Perfection, the two honored deities, to descend the essence of sun and moon and to gather the refined qi of the Five Phases. May the departed soul establish the root of life and receive the origin of its ancestors. May it generate essence (jing) within the deep chaos, respond to the primordial qi, and contain spirit (shen), so that its form gradually appears amid obscurity. I invite the Nine Heavenly Sovereigns to bestow upright qi, so that it may penetrate the Nine Gates and the Ten Directions. I invite the Ten Supreme Perfected to grant the embryonic origin, so that it may be nurtured and circulate through ten months and take shape within chaos.

I respectfully invite the First Perfected Sovereign of the Shengshen Zhang (Chapter on the Generation of Spirits) of the Heaven of Uttarakuru (one of the heavens of the Desire Realm): the Origin of Life for the Womb Sac. Let the qi of Yuanyi Huangyan encircle the departed soul's womb sac, so that its root is unobstructed and rises to the heavenly realm, thereby acquiring the power of generation.

I respectfully invite the Second Perfected Sovereign of the Shengshen Zhang of the Heaven of Supreme Peace and Bliss, the Heaven of Unlimited Life: the Origin of Life for the Embryo. Let the qi of Dongming Zihu encircle the departed soul's embryo, so that its root is firmly bound and corresponds downward to the earth, thereby stabilizing its spirituality.

I respectfully invite the Third Perfected Sovereign of the Shengshen Zhang of the Heaven of Fanjian Xuyan: the Origin of Life for the Hun-soul. Let the qi of Changling Mingxian encircle the departed soul's hun-soul, so that its gate opens to the spirit and it penetrates the essence (jing).

I respectfully invite the Fourth Perfected Sovereign of the Shengshen Zhang of the Heaven of Quiescent Tushita: the Origin of Life for the Po-soul. Let the qi of Tangshi Mingyan You encircle the departed soul's seven po-souls (the seven spirit-souls that sustain the activities of human life), so that the gate of the po is closed, and the Heavenly King descends to bestow an immortal realm.

I respectfully invite the Fifth Perfected Sovereign of the Shengshen Zhang of the Heaven of Paramita Without Pride or Joy: the Origin of Life for the Viscera. Let the qi of the Spirit Within the Five Immortals encircle the departed soul's five viscera, so that they become cool and clear, the Five Directional Sovereigns pay homage to the true realm, and the spirit is protected and preserved.

I respectfully invite the Sixth Perfected Sovereign of the Shengshen Zhang of the Heaven of Dongxuan Huaying Sheng: the Origin of Life for the Spiritual Palace. Let the qi of the Supreme Perfected Chongrong encircle the departed soul's six bowels, so that saliva is produced in the stomach and receives the harmonizing qi.

I respectfully invite the Seventh Perfected Sovereign of the Shengshen Zhang of the Heaven of Linghua Fanfu: the Origin of Life for the Yuanfu Palace. Let the qi of the High Immortal Dongji encircle the departed soul's orifices, so that the ears, eyes, and other openings become open and keen, shining like the constellations, and thereby the qi moving within and without the body flows freely.

I respectfully invite the Eighth Perfected Sovereign of the Shengshen Zhang of the Heaven of Gaoxu Qingming: the Origin of Life for the Huafu Palace. Let the qi of the True Spirit Huaning encircle the departed soul's eight luminaries, so that the three divisions and eight luminaries (the locations within the body where spirit-qi circulates and is distributed) are complete and sufficient, and the form and the spirit appear bright within the darkness, thereby guarding and protecting the self.

Respectfully petitioning the Emperor of Life-Generating Spirits (Shengshen Zhangdi, the celestial sovereign who governs the generation of the spirits within the human body) of the Heaven of "No Thought, No Bond, No Love," we make this petition.

We pray that the Mysterious Illuminating Qi (vital energy) of Natural Origin, the primordial Qi of the Life-Source of the Yue Palace of the sacred mountains, which bestows life, may wrap around the body, so that the Three Passes, Five Viscera, Six Bowels, Nine Palaces, Golden Chambers and Jade Rooms, Twelve Gates, Purple Doors and Jade Pavilions, and the three thousand six hundred joints may all bring forth the spirits together from their original root. May the spirits be dispersed, the breath be full, the voice be clear, the spirits be complete, and the hair grow. Only after the celestial spirits descend is the body able to be born. Your servants kowtow and bow twice.

Having completed the petition, we recite the Scripture of the Celestial Honored One of the Transformation and Refinement of Form.

When the nine sections have been recited, the whole body is able to come into being. Having received the profound grace of the great Dao (the Way), one should now accept the compassionate teaching of the Highest Perfected (the exalted immortals who have attained the Way), purify the mind, turn wholeheartedly toward it, and listen earnestly and practice faithfully.

The Qi of the Nine Heavens generates the spirits, and the Jing (essence) of the Three Primordials nourishes the physical form. When Yin and Yang Qi unite, the body takes shape out of chaos. The six cycles of the Jiazi calendar (a set of names in the Daoist calendrical and spirit systems) turn in succession, and the Qi of the Five Phases respond to one another. The body follows the pattern of Heaven and Earth, storing Yin Qi and exhaling Yang Qi. Just as the earth undergoes changes of firmness and softness, the body should also accord with the measures of the heavens. Thus the many true spirits are all present, the myriad images are densely arranged, and one unites with the Dao, penetrates the true realm, and is both noble and complete.

The parts of the human body also correspond to Heaven and Earth. The head is Kunlun, the hair is the stars, the brows are the Canopy, the eyes are the sun and moon, the nose is the Heavenly Pillar, the ears are the Heavenly Windows, the mouth is the Heavenly Gate, and the face is the Heavenly Mirror. The Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Rivers, the Nine Rivers, and the Eight Streams, as well as the One Origin, the Two Forms, the Three Lights, the Four Images, the Five Phases, the Six Pitch-Pipes, the Seven Governing Lights, the Eight Scenes, the Nine Palaces, and the Ten Directions, and even the thirty-six Heavens and thirty-six Earths, are all contained within the body. These are manifestations of the subtle principle of the great Dao, and they are nourished and formed by the spirits.

You should be pure, still, and free of desire, keep your mind upright, and harbor no evil thoughts. In this way, Qi nourishes the spirit, spirit and Qi unite, and Qi and Jing gather. You will return to embryonic breathing, be reborn, and gradually ascend to the "Land of Non-Being" (the state, described in Daoist thought, that transcends worldly distinctions and is empty, still, and non-acting). Is this not a joyful thing? But if the mind and spirit are agitated, the heart is confused and turbid, and lewd and evil thoughts remain, then the spirit and Qi will be harmed. When Qi is exhausted, the spirit scatters: the Hun soul sinks into the Five Paths, and the Po soul is enslaved by the Three Evil Paths, without end. Is this not lamentable?

In such a case, even if the Three Officials (the deities who govern Heaven, Earth, and water) record the offenses with their brushes, the Nine Ancestors will suffer calamity, and one will be unable to escape across countless kalpas. If you can preserve simplicity and purity, cultivate the true Dao, be reborn through wisdom-nature, and go to a land of peace and joy, you must understand that the causes and conditions of good and evil cannot be taken lightly. Kowtow and take refuge in the Ultimate Great Dao.

Recite the Celestial Honored One Who Restores the Spirit and Nourishes Simplicity.

Your servants respectfully hear that the Great Sage of Long Life, the Flying Divine King, at the time of the Ancestor of Chiming Brightness……

At the Kalpa Convergence (the time when the cycles of calamity meet), above the first Azure Heaven, mountains swallow mists and clouds and receive the hidden resonance of the Numinous Treasure (Lingbao, the scriptures and efficacious power revered in Daoism). Demonic essences are extinguished, spirits are awakened, and the Wondrous Head Memorial (Miaoshou benzhang, a chapter of Daoist scripture) is set in motion. The merit of causing remains to rise again and the dead to be revived is entered into the ranks of the Realm of Inspection and Truth, which delivers living beings. Responding to the sound, the spirits come to answer, and they go forth to rebirth according to their wishes.

We respectfully invite the Great Sage of Eternal Life, the Flying Celestial Sovereign, who upholds the sacred mandate of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable (Yuanshi Tianzun), to pardon the sins of the spirit-souls of the Northern Capital (the realm of the netherworld), so that the deceased, named so-and-so, may receive aid in subduing obstacles and demons and in being recommended for salvation, and may be promoted in due time. Let the divine guardians escort and receive them, draw them out through the Earth Gate (the gate of the underworld), pass beyond the Three Realms (the Desire Realm, the Form Realm, and the Formless Realm), and arrive at the Upper Southern Palace, freed from the Five Sufferings and Eight Calamities, to dwell in peace and free ease. May they deliver and rescue the Seven Ancestors and Nine Mysterious Generations (ancestors of past generations and remote forebears), so that these ancestors also obtain joy. We earnestly pray that the restraints and controls be lifted, that the deceased may be reborn as they wish, in accordance with the liturgical forms set down in the scriptures. Your servant sincerely prays and respectfully invites the Heavenly Venerable of Wish-Fulfilling Rebirth to proclaim the sacred mandate of Jade Clarity (Yuqing, the highest heaven in Daoist cosmology), and to issue the great tablet of ascent that unites with the talisman.

The merit of the earlier refining and deliverance (liandu, the ritual refining of the spirit-souls to aid their salvation) has now been completed. We should now formally summon all the relevant divine generals, officials, lords, record-keepers, and soldiers to come before the altar together and await orders.

Read aloud and issue the dispatch document for escorting the deceased:

We respectfully declare: if the deceased, named so-and-so, has no path to rebirth, then he must rely upon the gate of salvation. Now this office, mindful that the deceased is wandering the road of the netherworld and hopes to reach the far shore, exhausts our compassion and respectfully performs the liturgy of refining and deliverance. In accordance with the mysterious scriptures, we recount all manner of good deeds, repent of faults, and atone for transgressions, refining the physical form and elevating the spirit-soul. Once grievances are washed away, the mind and spirit will naturally become clear. Thereafter, the name is struck from the black registers of the underworld and recorded in the Cinnabar Register (the register of immortals). Supported by the power of the Dao, the deceased shall forever accord with the realm of emptiness; by cultivating the precious proclamations (baogao, scriptures praising the divine), they shall at last arrive at the vast and boundless immortal land.

Within the cavern-realm, the spring air is warm and harmonious. Riding the chariot, they arrive at the realm of the Great Heaven of Vast Nothingness (Daluo Tian). The celestial scriptures shine eternally without night, and flowers are scattered in the vast and profound halls. The deceased enters the Jade Capital, faces the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, and gazes upon the ceremonial forms of the golden gates and jade chambers and the solemn splendor of the jade wheels and jeweled canopies. May the deceased swiftly attain free ease and never again suffer transmigration.

Furthermore, one should cleanse the mind and thoughts, so that the soul and bodily appearance are made orderly and dignified. Then, bow in farewell to the Void Sovereign (Xuhuang, a revered Daoist deity), and withdraw from the altar.

Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangjing Dafa, Scroll Sixty-One