《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 62

Hunyuan Yin Refining (Hunyuan yin lian) gathers the Hunyuan qi and condenses it into spiritual qi (lingqi). The three primordial powers of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity move according to the nine numbers and are distributed across twelve positions. In the heavens, these correspond to the twelve palaces (shi'er gong) and the fields of correspondence (fenye). In the human body, they correspond to the twelve meridians (shi'er jingluo) and the five viscera and six bowels (wuzang liufu). Working through the interior-exterior relationships of the six yin and six yang, they transform and give shape to the human body.

The scripture states that when the yin corpse of the deceased undergoes transformation, refinement, and the absorption of spiritual qi, it can gather spirit and refine perfection (juling lianzhen). The luminous radiance (zhujing), which Daoists describe as the spiritual light of clear awareness, then becomes thoroughly visible, and the sunlight does not sink into the dark underworld. In this way, the deceased ascends to the state of attaining the Dao.

In the ritual, one first binds a human figure from jiaocao (wild rice straw) and dresses the straw figure in the clothing the deceased wore in life, according to their appearance. The Danshu Huaxing Fu (Cinnabar Writ Transformation Talisman) is then divided into twelve parts, each placed at the positions of the viscera and bowels of the straw figure. Talismans inscribed with the "Dafan yinyu" (secret words of the Great Brahman, a esoteric divine script used in Daoist ritual) and the tianzhuan (celestial seal script) are affixed to the abdomen. The Danshu Shengtian Daquan (Great Contract of the Cinnabar Writ for Ascending to Heaven) is placed in a red bag and tied to the head of the straw figure. The Lingbao Five Talismans (Lingbao wufu) are arranged at the five viscera so that they combine into the sanbu (three sections), bajing (eight scenes), and ershisi zhen (twenty-four perfected), which Daoists describe as the levels of spirits within the human body.

Next, an altar is established, and rites of fasting and offering (zhai and jiao) are performed. The ritual announces the matter to Xuhuang Shangdi (the Jade Emperor), requesting that the Jiulei Quanqu Hanting (the nether passes of the underworld) be opened, that the obstructions of the netherworld be removed, and that the wandering spirits of the deceased be summoned. Only after these procedures are complete may the rite itself be performed.

At midnight, the faguan (the presiding Daoist master) composes his bearing and places the straw figure outside the main gate, at the northeast position of the Gate of Ghosts (guimen). The faguan visualizes himself transformed into the Jiuhua Zhenren (Perfected of the Nine Florescences) on the Dihu (Gate of Earth). He treads the Gang and paces the Dipper (tagang bu dou), faces the Tianmen (Gate of Heaven), and calls down the true qi. A young attendant holding a zhaoling fan (spirit-summoning banner) stands at the Gate of Heaven. The faguan gathers the true qi and transforms it into a single viscus. At this moment, the assembled Daoists chant "Jinque Huashen Tianzun" (the Honored One Who Transforms into the Golden Palace), and the attendant waves the banner, summoning the true qi to descend and distribute itself among the twelve qi positions within the straw figure.

The faguan then visualizes the straw figure transforming into a true human form at the Renmen (Gate of Humanity). The assembled Daoists follow the faguan in chanting the secret words and circle the straw figure, sprinkling it three times with sanctified water using willow twigs. When the rite concludes, the Daoists chant the "Buxu" (Pacing the Void hymn) and carry the straw figure below the altar. The faguan then performs the twelve Hunyuan rites in sequence to complete the refinement (liandu).

This method is used in the Jiuyou Huanglu Zhai (Yellow Register Retreat for the Nine Dark Netherworlds), a rite for liberating the spirits of the dead from the underworld. It may be applied to the liberation of only three spirits at a time. If more spirits are to be liberated, this method may not be used.

Water Pool Banner Talisman

This method uses a banner made of yellow silk. At the top of the banner, the words "Lord of the Eastern Well of the Celestial River" (Tianhe Dongjing Jun) are written in blue. On both sides of the banner, the following verse is written: "The Jade Maiden pours the Five Fragrances, the Holy Mother celebrates ten thousand years, the Three Realms rejoice together, I bow in worship to the Heavenly Honored One" (Yunü guan wuxiang, shengmu qing wannian, sanjie bing huanle, qishou li tianzun).

[Talisman of Dispersing the Form] The Qi (vital energy) of the "Three True Ones of the Most High" flows like the water of the Celestial River, converging and irrigating so that the bodily form is refined. The essence of the moon, together with the Yellow Flower (the yellow essential Qi), gathers the Three Spirits, the shen-souls and the true po-souls, and sets them moving like drifting clouds among the Jade Capital (a celestial realm in Daoist legend). The Nine Dragons draw the dead souls across, lifting them out of the mundane world and up into Shangqing (the Highest Clarity, a Daoist celestial realm). Afterward, the form is gathered together again.

[Talisman of the Vermilion Fire Pool Banner] Following the pattern shown on the right, make a banner from red silk, and write "Lord of the Vermilion Peak Fire Palace" in yellow on the top of the banner. On the two faces of the banner, write respectively "Qi refines the primordial viscera, the Purple Gate brings forth the numbers of immortality," and "The multitude of perfected assemble and open, and the Yang responds and stirs the multitudes."

[Water Refining Talisman] The text speaks of the Venerable Spirits of the Three Qi (the venerable spirits who govern the three primordial Qi), who nurture the embryonic Qi and condense the body, purifying the form through the power of Taiyin (the Great Yin). The Kui-Bi revolving wheel (a Daoist term referring to the spirits or numinous powers associated with liberation and refinement, whose operation turns the body back to its original truth) runs, so that the form is refined and restored to its authentic state. The Nine Qi converge, and the heroic spirits and withered phantoms of the Longhan era are revived and liberated.

[Joining Extension] The Huang Hua, Shi Jing, and Jade Essence of the Jing lunar mansion in the eastern quarter, along with the Feixuan Water Mother (a Daoist water deity), the Golden Sweet Dew, and the Jade Ford, flow without ceasing into the pool. The Nine Dragons pour down refining power, and the three lights of sun, moon, and stars drop their essence. Immortals exhale nourishing Qi, refining and liberating the spirits, so that the inside and outside become bright and the interior and exterior become clear.

The hundred joints and nine orifices of the whole body are nourished by the Primordial Qi, and the myriad spirits within the five viscera and six bowels spontaneously arise. The knots that stagnate in the womb are loosened by the water, the deathly Qi is cut off and dispersed, and the evil karma sinks away and is dissolved. I now refine the dead bones and departed spirits, restoring them to their original form and transforming them into a jade body and golden countenance. Then, through further transformation and the refining away of defilement, they ascend to the Purple Court (a celestial realm). Swiftly, as commanded by the Great Emperor of Eternal Life.

[Fire Refining Talisman] The text speaks of the Three Luminaries (the sun, moon, and stars, the three kinds of light in Daoist cosmology) spreading their radiance so that the Taizhen (Daoist perfected beings) are penetrated and made pure and clear. The Nine Qi are arranged according to the sequence of Yin and Yang, the void condenses, and their colors interweave. The mysterious scene shines in all four directions, heaven and earth turn in their revolutions, and the myriad Qi gather to form immortals.

[Fire Refining Incantation] The Flaming Essence spirits and the Three Terraces (names of constellations) spread their light, refining the embryonic body and transforming its form. They refine the corporeal souls and transmute the spirit-souls, causing the polluted Qi to perish. The departed spirits rise on the smoke, the Yin Qi disperses, the Yang Qi harmonizes and brings peace; the spirit grows more vigorous, enters the Fire Realm (the sacred domain in which fire refining is performed), unites with the Nine Qi, and is gathered together in the Void Sovereign (a Daoist supreme deity).

The August Heaven (Haotian) has sent down its edict, and golden light spreads outward to illuminate the Nine Dark Realms (Jiuyou), so that all beings return to rectitude, stability, and auspiciousness. Its grace is without end.

Swiftly, swiftly, as the statute commands! (Jiji ru lüling)

Decreed by the Great Emperor of Longevity (Changsheng Dadi), the venerable deity who governs long life and salvation.

Talisman of the Great General Who Governs Fire.

Form the Noon Mudra (Wu jue), and while writing the talisman recite:

"The mysterious celestial phenomena shine forth in brilliance, gathering yang qi and the spirits. The talisman descends the Primordial Qi, so that the deceased souls may receive refinement."

Form the Midnight Mudra (Zi jue), and while writing the talisman recite:

"Yang essence and yin radiance illuminate and penetrate the Five Phases. The talisman descends the Primordial Qi, so that the wandering souls may receive refinement."

These are the Hidden Words of the Great Brahma, the Five Talismans of the Heavenly Seal Numinous Treasure (Tianzhuan Lingbao), and the True Talismans of the Twelve Qi of Primordial Chaos and the Three Luminaries of the Mixed Spirit (Hunshen).

The Heavenly Perfected Huangren (Tianzhen Huangren) says: when refining the yin souls, one must understand that in the mortal world they may have been no more than three chi tall. Those who in life were crooked of conduct, lame, disabled, or whose bodies were mutilated by weapons of war remain in this state in the netherworld as well. For this reason, the Nine Yang Refinement (Jiuyang lianduo) must be performed, drawing in and delivering their meridian talismans, twelve in all, which are cast into the fire pit and burned. Then the true-form talismans of the Twelve Great Generals are applied, so that the souls may be transformed and grow new Five Viscera and Six Bowels (Wuzang Liufu).

Formulae for the Twelve Meridians: When writing the Kidney talisman, use the Midnight formula (Zi jue). For the Heart talisman, use the Noon formula (Wu jue). For the Lung talisman, use the Goat-hour formula (Wei jue). For the Spleen talisman, use the Ox-hour formula (Chou jue). For the Bladder talisman, use the Dragon-hour formula (Chen jue). For the Small Intestine talisman, use the Dog-hour formula (Xu jue). For the Gallbladder talisman, use the Tiger-hour formula (Yin jue). For the Large Intestine talisman, use the Rooster-hour formula (You jue). For the Stomach talisman, use the Rabbit-hour formula (Mao jue). For the Triple Burner (Sanjiao) talisman, use the Monkey-hour formula (Shen jue). For the Pericardium (Xinbao luo) talisman, use the Pig-hour formula (Hai jue). For the Liver talisman, use the Snake-hour formula (Si jue).

The Nine Yang Talismans: After writing, lift up the talisman and recite the general incantation:

"The Nine Heavens' pure qi condenses into form, and within it the Great Emperor bestows compassion, so that the deceased soul may be reborn. This talisman is exceedingly subtle; it can revive the hun and po souls and carry them through countless transformations, from the realm of form back into the formless. Let the body and mind become clear and still, and set down the mysterious pearl, which symbolizes the profound Dao. This is an opportunity encountered once in ten thousand kalpas, and it opens the path through the dark netherworld. After receiving this yin refinement, the souls may ascend to the Great Void (Taixu)."

The above twelve yang talismans derive from the Shenxiao Xuanyi Liuyang Shenxian Lu (Register of the Six Yang Immortals of the Mysterious Unity of the Divine Empyrean). They must be printed according to the prescribed method, with the names of the deities, such as the Three Terraces and the Sun and Moon, written upon the talisman along with the decree. They are applied in conjunction with the corresponding seals, while the incantations are recited and the talismans are written.

The Twelve Great General Talismans: The Heavenly Perfected Huangren says that the talisman includes one hundred and twenty great generals, each category led by a single commander. When performing the refinement rite, one must summon them. When burning the talismans, each is applied in turn to aid the deceased souls in forming new Five Viscera and Six Bowels. To write the twelve true talismans, one must enter the quiet chamber (jingshi), the still room set aside for practice and altar work, summon the great generals and the Numinous Officials (Lingguan) to descend, burn incense, and report to the Supreme Lord (Taishang), explaining the reason for refining the deceased souls. Facing southeast, use realgar (xionghuang)…

Nine Yin Talismans (Jiuyin Fu)

On yellow silk, write the talisman script in cinnabar seal characters. Once the brush touches the silk, do not speak. Concentrate the mind, settle the spirit, and visualize the Qi of the Three Realms merging into one body. Then draw the central yellow Qi into the talisman, and cast it together with the Hundun Chiwen (Chaos Red Writings) into the fire pool to burn.

Nine Yin Talismans

The following sets out the Qi, bodily origin, general's title, and paper and ink colors of the twelve Yin Talismans. The first Qi arises from the kidneys, under the title "Great General Yang [name missing] of the Six Origins that Transform Yang into Yin," written in white on black paper. The second Qi arises from the heart, under the title "Great General Ding [name missing] of the Seven Transformations and Mixed Scenes," written in black on red paper. The third Qi arises from the liver, under the title "Great General Ding [name missing] of the Eight Returns to the Origin," written in vermilion on green paper. The fourth Qi arises from the lungs, under the title "Great General Chen Zhiyuan of the Nine Lights Gathering the Numinous," written in vermilion on white paper. The fifth Qi arises from the spleen, under the title "Great General Wang Xianzhi of the Ten Unions of Yin and Yang," written in white on yellow paper. The sixth Qi arises from the bladder, under the title "Great General Zhang Tong of the Eleven Numinous Transformations," written in black on white paper. The seventh Qi arises from the small intestine, under the title "Great General Li Yuan of the Twelve Transformations," written in white on red paper. The eighth Qi arises from the gallbladder, under the title "Great General Shen Fu of the Thirteen Yang Radiances," written in white on green paper. The ninth Qi arises from the large intestine, under the title "Great General Zhou Ziran of the Fourteen Transformations," written in white on black paper. The tenth Qi arises from the stomach, under the title "Great General Zhang Xiu of the Fifteen Completions of Yin and Transformations of Yang," written in yellow on white paper. The eleventh Qi arises from the Triple Burner, under the title "Great General Wang Zhuoli of the Sixteen Triple Radiances," written in white on yellow paper. The twelfth Qi arises from the pericardium, under the title "Great General Zheng Ming of the Seventeen Unions of Yin and Yang Numinosity," written in white on red paper.

The above twelve Yin Talismans derive from the Tianshu Fadong Yangyu Lianfa (Method of Refining with the Jade of the Tianshu Cavern of Yang). Following its rules, stamp the official seals, and inscribe on the talisman the Three Terraces, the Sun and Moon, and the imperial command, then write the surname and title of the general. When performing refinement for a deceased soul, first call the names of each Great General in turn, form the mudras, and recite the Sanskrit incantations. Then, with brush in hand, chant the spell and write the talisman. Next, pour the southeast Qi into the face of the talisman, and finally burn it facing southeast.

Taiyin Lianhua Shengtian Dajuan (Great Certificate of Refinement and Ascent through the Great Yin)

The Sun and Moon Heavenly Emperor opens transformation with the true Yang Qi;

Uniting the bright Yang of the Sanskrit, he refines with yin Qi, so that the soul and spirit grow firm.

The Lord's Son assists Huang Ning, governing the record of both form and spirit;

He wears a crown of nine rays and dwells in the station of the Perfected Sovereign;

Adorned with pearl tassels, his destiny unites with the Bright Way.

Revolving Wheel (Huilun)

Document of the Great Contract for Recommending Ascent to Heaven (a Certificate for Recommending the Ascent of Deceased Souls)

The Perfected Emperor (Huangren) says: when the rites to deliver the deceased souls have been completed and their merit is full, they must go to the Three Heavens (Santian), the upper realms described in Daoism. If the great demons of the Three Realms refuse to recommend them, and this contract (the talismanic tallies and written documents that serve as proof) is absent, the souls cannot be lifted up. Therefore Yuanhuang (the Primordial Emperor, a revered Daoist deity), out of compassion, left this great contract to save both the living and the dead.

(Three Qi / Lu Wu) (The Three Treasures and the Yang Day are joined; the Mysterious Capital (Xuandu) knots the qi and forms the heavens.)

(The Southern Palace (Nangong) smelts and forges; the Northern Bureau (Beifu) eliminates offenses; the Three Sections (Sanbu) summon and regulate the envoys and the ethereal souls (hunshuang).)

(Attain deliverance in the true origin (zhenyuan), wear the Dao-script on the body, ascend into the void, enter the mysterious, and realize the state of non-action (wuwei) of the Dao.)

The earth spirits (diqi) are ordered to escort, receive, and draw out the souls, freeing them from the earth gate and forever leaving the five sufferings and eight calamities. The souls leave the ghost officials and proceed to be refined at Zhuling (the Vermilion Spirit Realm), are regenerated, and pass through the Heavenly Gate (Tianmen). An order is issued to send them to the Southern Palace.

The Master of Mystery says: the Inner Writings of the Three Sovereigns (Sanhuang neiwen) contain a version of the ascent contract. On the day the Dao is attained and one ascends, the Heavenly Venerable (Tianzun) will dispatch perfected attendants to bestow the contract document, so that the bones, flesh, and kin of the practitioner may also ascend together and pass through the Heavenly Gate. Later generations must not presume to carry out this text on their own.

This text is the Jade Clarity Treasure Contract (Yuqing baoquan) jointly recognized by the Three Heavens. It is the vital decree of the Supreme Deity and the true script of the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang), bestowed upon Daoist masters still studying in the human world, for use in worshipping Yuanshi Tianzun, in audiences with perfected beings, and in delivering the deceased and refining their souls. The envoys of the Southern Heaven must not detain it, and the envoys of the Heavenly Gate should let it pass.

Fold a sheet of blue paper into four sides and write the contract text in cinnabar (danshi). On the reverse, write the command in three lines: one line gives the year, month, day, and hour; one line gives the title and rank of the Daoist master; making five lines in total. Place the paper in a bag of crimson gauze and tie it with blue silk. The practitioner should hang it upon the chest. When it is used for the deceased, it is handed over and burned, then delivered to the officials of the Heavenly Gate. If the soul is one that has been delivered by a roundabout route (qudu zhe), it is temporarily placed in a straw body.

Contract Text (Quanwen)

Today we rejoice. The person to be delivered, so-and-so, has passed through the barriers of all the heavens, and we petition that the three evils be extinguished and the roots in the earth realm be severed, so that the soul may fly beyond the five gates and be listed in the Mysterious Supreme (Taixuan). The Demon King is responsible for overseeing and recommending, and the Heavenly Gate must not detain it. Everything shall be carried out according to the command.

Contract and Proclamation for the Living Body (Shengshen hetong quan gaowen)

So-and-so today joyfully receives deliverance, having passed through the barriers of the heavens... must not be detained at the Heavenly Gate. By the talismanic command of Jade Clarity, ascend and be delivered to the realm of the Dao. Everything shall be carried out according to the command.

The first qi of the blended spirit qi (hunhe shenqi) gives birth to the kidney (corresponding to kan qi and kan wen, the Water trigram).

The second qi of the blended spirit qi gives birth to the heart (corresponding to li qi and li wen, the Fire trigram).

The third qi of the blended spirit qi gives birth to the liver (corresponding to zhen qi and zhen wen, the Thunder trigram).

The Mixed Spirit (hunshen) combines with the four qi and five qi to generate the lungs, spleen, bladder, small intestine, gallbladder, large intestine, stomach, the Sanjiao (Triple Burner), and the baoluo (network vessels). Each organ is also paired with its corresponding qi and written sign. For example, the lungs correspond to "Dui qi, Dui wen" (Dui qi and Dui sign), and the spleen to "Kun qi, Kun wen" (Kun qi and Kun sign). Here "qi" is the Daoist term for vital breath. These correspondences belong to the body and cosmic qi-transformation ideas found in the scripture.

The phrase "yu shi shi er" is probably a copying or typesetting fragment, and its meaning is unclear.

Left Tally for Ascension to Heaven (Shengtian Zuo Quan)

Text on the reverse of the left tally:

The Yuanshi Lingshu, Middle Section of Yuqing (Numinous Writ of the Primordial Beginning, Jade Clarity), was compiled by Taishang (the Most High Lord) and bestowed on the human world. The front bears the sixty-four lines of the "Great Brahma Hidden Words" (Dafan Yinyu), and the reverse bears the sixty-eight characters of the "Inner Writings of the Three Sovereigns" (Sanhuang Neiwen).

Proclamation on the left tally:

This is the Lingbao Left Tally for Ascension to Heaven, informing the gods who guard the heavenly gates of the Three Realms (Sanjie):

Minister So-and-so, who holds a ritual rank (fawei), acts under orders. On a stated day, month, year of the Grand Year (Taisui), at a stated hour, this proclamation is respectfully delivered.

The soul spirit (hunshen) of the deceased, Mou Yi, has entered the realm of the Dao, received deliverance, and been able to be reborn and return to nature. This proclamation is carried by the Wind-and-Fire Relay (fenghuo yi).

The deceased, Mou Yi, ascends to the Three Heavens (Santian).

Right Tally for Ascension to Heaven (Shengtian You Quan)

Text on the reverse of the right tally:

The Yuanshi Lingshu, Middle Section of Yuqing, was compiled by Taishang and bestowed on the human world. The front bears the sixty-four lines of the "Great Brahma Hidden Words," and the reverse bears the sixty-eight characters of the "Inner Writings of the Three Sovereigns."

Proclamation on the right tally:

This is the Lingbao Right Tally for Ascension to Heaven, informing the gods who guard the heavenly gates of the Three Realms:

Minister So-and-so, who holds a ritual rank, acts under orders. On a stated day, month, year of the Grand Year, at a stated hour, this proclamation is respectfully delivered.

The deceased, Mou Yi, followed the Dao, and the soul spirit returned to nature. This proclamation is carried by the Wind-and-Fire Relay. The deceased, Mou Yi, receives this merit and is able to ascend.

The scripture then praises the Way of Shangqing (Highest Clarity) as boundless and profound, too vast to explain fully. The divine perfected (shenzhen) spread throughout the heavenly realms and universally deliver living beings. It also mentions the numinous power within the Damo Heaven (Great Demon Heaven) and transformations such as the "Nine Harmonies and Ten Unions" (jiuhe shihe). The passage closes by praising the subtle, harmonious sounds of the heavens, the empty and natural numinous writings, and the honored state found in the heavens.

Within the Formless Realm, the Heavenly Emperor Yuzhen Fanxing (Jade Perfected Pure Conduct), his sacred personal name and the celestial designations of the Three Realms are all kept hidden.

The names of the thirty-two Heavenly Emperors are inscribed on the front, and the inner text of the Three Sovereigns (Sanhuang) on the back.

Within the Formless Realm, the Heavenly Emperor Yuzhen Fanxing (Jade Perfected Pure Conduct), his sacred personal name and the celestial designations of the Three Realms are all kept hidden. The sound of hidden resonance is transmitted throughout the heavens. The spirit-seal of empty, spontaneous nature is the most honored in heaven and is also a divinity within the Great Demon Heaven. Nine joined with ten yields endless transformations.

The Shangqing (Highest Clarity) methods, boundless and profound, cannot be fully spoken of. They spread the divine perfected and universally deliver gods and humans. The deceased, Mou Yi, receives this merit and is able to ascend to the realm of the Dao. This matter is carried out according to the decree and transmitted by the Wind-and-Fire Relay Post.

Tai Sui, year, month, day, hour: Decreed.

The officiant of ritual rank, subject surnamed Mou, carries this out by command.

Jade Characters, seventeen.

Right Tally for Ascent to Heaven in the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) Tradition, decreed to the guardian deities of the Heavenly Gates of the Three Realms:

This tally is split into two halves. One half is sealed in a case and handed to the officials of the Heavenly Gate to await matching. The other half is given to the deceased to keep, tied to the foot of the banner.

When issuing the formal tally, nothing may be omitted. (Use yellow paper three inches wide, sealed and bound at the waist.)

The officiant of rank, Mou, seals it with care.

Square case.

(The true joint tally for Lingbao ascent, decreed to the guardian deities of the Heavenly Gates of the Three Realms.) The officiant surnamed Mou seals it with care.

Text recorded on the Left Tally of Universal Salvation:

The Jade Characters from the Middle Section of the Primordial Numinous Writings, the Hidden Words of Great Brahma, and the Middle Section of the Boundless Sound are used to universally deliver all deceased souls across the Nine Regions, the netherworld realms of the ten directions, the Nine Shadows of the Three Realms, the Northern Emperor's springs and bends, the Five Marchmounts and Five Roads, the heavenly prisons and hells, the Six Caverns and Ten Palaces, the River-Source mountain-residences, and the prison of Avici, so that they ascend to the realm of the Dao.

Writing the merit as it flies to heaven, myriad spirits attend at his side, and the Demon King recommends his elevation to Upper Immortal. Through this great merit, the deceased may roam the Three Realms and enter the Golden Gate. This matter is carried out according to the decree and transmitted by the Wind-and-Fire Relay Post.

Text recorded on the Right Tally of Universal Salvation:

The hidden taboos and concealed names of the heavens spread the divine perfected and universally deliver gods and humans. The deceased, Mou Yi, ascends to the realm of the Dao, and today we joyfully celebrate his deliverance. The document will pass through the heavens one by one, requesting the removal of the Three Evils and the severing of the roots in the earth, so that he may fly beyond the Five Households and be inscribed in the Great Mystery. The Demon King is charged with overseeing and recommending, so that the deceased passes through the Heavenly Gates unobstructed. This matter is carried out according to the decree and transmitted by the Wind-and-Fire Relay Post.

Issuing the tally document:

The Wushang Huanglu (Supreme Yellow Register) Great Retreat Altar, where Daoists hold large-scale salvation rites, issues this document to the guardian deities of the Heavenly Gates of the Three Realms.

This altar, on a certain day this month, established a zhaijiao (purification ritual) for a man named Mou from a certain village, performing the Wushang Huanglu Great Zhai (Great Retreat of the Supreme Yellow Register), a Daoist rite used for seeking blessings, making offerings for the deceased, and delivering the dead. It is scheduled for the night of a certain day, when the late Mou and others will be ferried across, so that they may ascend to the realm of the Dan.

In accordance with the Lingbao Dafa (Great Method of the Numinous Treasure), the left and right tallies (a matched pair of certificates that the deceased and the gatekeepers of Heaven's Gate use for verification) are prepared to open the Gate of Ascension. One is given to the late Mou Yi to keep. The other is sealed in a square box and preserved, and is submitted together with this memorial. We request that the spirits guarding the Heavenly Gates of the Three Realms examine the tallies and act according to the memorial. The tallies described in the memorial accompany this document. Please check and safeguard them. When Mou Yi and others arrive holding their tally, please verify that the two halves match, perform the deliverance at the proper time, and have the Demon Lord oversee the process so that they pass through the Gate without hindrance. Carry out these instructions in accordance with the Lingbao Dafa liturgy. This memorial is issued herewith. It is dated by the Year, Month, Day, and Hour of the Grand Duke (Taisui).

Dispatch Document for the Tallies

The altar of the Wushang Huanglu Great Zhai has opened a ritual for the sponsor, Mou, in order to present offerings for his late relative, Mou and others. Apart from the opening ceremony already performed according to the liturgy, we now give further notice that the Great Tally of Numinous Ascension will be used to deliver the late Mou Yi and others, so that their souls may rise to the realm of the Dao. A matched set of tally texts is enclosed with this letter. Please hand them over to the responsible gatekeepers of Heaven's Gate.

We hereby instruct the Gongcao envoy (the spirit official responsible for conveying documents and carrying out assignments) on duty this day to carry the tally texts swiftly to the Heavenly Gates of the Three Realms and inform the guarding spirits: when the late Mou Yi arrives holding the tally, they are to allow him to pass through the Gate according to the liturgy, so that he may enter, receive rebirth, and be transformed. This document is dated by the Year, Month, Day, and Hour of the Grand Duke.

The Master says: both tallies are made of blue-green silk and written in cinnabar. Each tally is nine cun high. The front and back both bear proclamation texts, and the back additionally carries the Inner Text of the Three Sovereigns (a secret script associated with the Three Sovereigns faith), consisting of sixty-eight characters arranged evenly over eight lines. A man receives the left tally and a woman receives the right. If a deliverance is performed for men and women together, both tallies are issued, and only the name of the first person among those to be delivered is written.

When splitting the tally, cut it through the center. The right half is stored in a cypress box. If no cypress box is available, yellow paper may be used in its place, and it is handed to the gatekeeping official of Heaven's Gate. The other half is given to the deceased to keep. If a single deceased person is delivered alone, the tally is placed in a blue satchel and tied to the straw figure representing the deceased, on its left and right sides. It is then read aloud before the Three Treasures (Dao, scripture, and master) and burned.