《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 63

The Master says: when the Three Luminaries (the sun, moon, and stars, the celestial lights the Daoist tradition describes) appear, the Nine Yang (Jiuyang) turn and transform, and the primordial qi of Hunyuan (Hunyuan zhi qi) gathers and takes form. The numerical patterns of the Numinous Treasure (Lingbao) unfold completely and divide into twelve: in the heavens they become the Twelve Officials, on earth the Twelve Fenye (the regional correspondences of the sky to the land), and in the human body they correspond to the Twelve Channels and Twelve Viscera, responding to the Six Yin and Six Yang.

If the spirit of the deceased passes through the Nine Refinements (jiulian), its interior and exterior can transform and give rise to new life, and its human form is restored. If it does not pass through the Nine Refinements, a complete corpse cannot form, and the stains of sin cling to it. For this reason, the secret methods of the Great Lingbao Retreat (Lingbao dazhai) first use the Nine Refinements to turn the spirit of the dead into a living corpse (shengshi) and restore its consciousness. Second, among the immortals, the cultivators who practice the Way and preserve the body can keep their own forms whole and their breath steady, and transform and refine their bodies. When one practices according to the method, one can circulate Yin and Yang, accord with the transformations of nature, and bring spirit and qi into union with the Dao. All of this comes from the transformation of Yin and Yang: when Yin qi is exhausted and pure Yang appears, one may ascend to the true realm.

If ordinary people do not respect their own original qi, nourish their bodies, or cherish their spirit, and instead indulge in sensual pleasures and desires, they will wear down their spirit and deplete their qi. Their vital yang will scatter, and they will eventually walk toward death and decay on their own, departing from their original nature. As a result, their souls and spirits sink for nine nights and fall into the Three Paths (santu), the realms of suffering in the netherworld described in Daoist belief, while they remain entirely unaware and find it difficult to be released into rebirth. Therefore:

The Most High, in his compassion, and the Primordial Sovereign (Yuanhuang), in his pity for all beings, revealed the principles of the Three Caverns (sandong) for delivering the dead, and clarified the liturgy of the Nine Refinements of the living corpse (shengshi jiulian keyi), so that the living and the dead, and both the visible and the netherworld, may all be universally delivered. This depends on the Daoist adepts who recite the Golden Writings and swallow these talismans, practicing in an unending cycle. In this way, the qi of the Supreme Harmony of the Nine Heavens (jiutian taihe zhenqi) will flow into the Three Palaces (sangong), the three important qi-stores within the human body, and practitioners may ride the light and ascend to heaven, a goal that is within reach. Through refinement and deliverance, the spirits of the dead can be freed from karmic obstructions and relieved of their guilt, and so attain rebirth.

Respectfully following the Master's instruction, I examine the matter as follows. In the Longhan Wood Kalpa (Longhan Mujie), there arose the Heavens of Yinyu Danwuliang (Yinyu Danwuliang Tian), Shangshang Chanshan Wuliangshou (Shangshang Chanshan Wuliangshou Tian), and Fanjian Xuyan (Fanjian Xuyan Tian). Among them, Yuqing (Jade Clarity), Shiqing (Primordial Azure), Shiyuan (Primordial Origin), and Shidan (Primordial Cinnabar) condensed, and above them transformed Taixiao (Supreme Empyrean), Qingxiao (Azure Empyrean), and Bixiao (Jade Empyrean). These heavens together are called the Yuqing lineage. In the Chiming Fire Kalpa (Chiming Huojie), there arose the Heavens of Yinji Ranran Doushu (Yinji Ranran Doushu Tian), Boluonimi (Boluonimi Tian), and Dongxuan Huaying Sheng (Dongxuan Huaying Sheng Tian). Among them, Shangqing (Highest Clarity), Taixuan (Supreme Mystery), Taidan (Supreme Cinnabar), and Shixuan (Primordial Mystery) condensed, and above them transformed Zixiao (Purple Empyrean), Jiangxiao (Crimson Empyrean), and Shenxiao (Divine Empyrean). These heavens together are called the Shangqing lineage. In the Shanghuang Earth Kalpa (Shanghuang Tujie), there arose the Heavens of Linghua Fanfu (Linghua Fanfu Tian), Gaoxu Qingming (Gaoxu Qingming Tian), and Wuxiang Wujie Wuai (Wuxiang Wujie Wuai Tian). Among them, Taiqing (Supreme Clarity), Taichu (Supreme Beginning), Taisu (Supreme Simplicity)……

The initial heaven was called the Heaven of Great Beginning (Taishi Tian). From it the heavens came into being, forming realms such as Jingxiao, Yuxiao, and Langxiao. After six thousand six hundred and sixty-six myriad years, in the kalpa called Yankang Suhua Jin (Yankang Plain Flower Gold), thirty-two heavens were established in the four directions, with the Heavenly Emperor and the twenty-eight lunar mansions each governing the heavens of the four quadrants and four poles. After a further fifty-five thousand five hundred hundred-million myriad years, came the kalpa of Kaihuang Yuanyang (Kaihuang Primal Yang), a water kalpa that gave rise to the Five Directional Elders, the Five Emperors, the Five Sacred Peaks, and the human people. These five kalpas each opened their transformations from the corners of the four quarters.

The Nine Quarters, Nine Heavens, Nine Empyreans, Nine Sages, Nine Perfected, Nine Immortals, Nine Subtleties, Nine Paths, Nine Luminaries, Nine Stars, Nine Palaces, Nine Bastions, Nine Shadows, and similar designations all arise from the transformation of the nine kinds of original qi (yuanqi): azure, yellow, white, cinnabar, purple, crimson, jade-green, bright, and lang-blue. These qi emanate from the Three Origins of Mystery, Origin, and Beginning, and from the upper, middle, and lower tiers. The scripture therefore states that although these titles differ, they all designate the ultimate realms of Heaven and Earth.

The Qingwei Miaofan (Subtle Model of Pure Subtlety) says: the pure, light, and rising qi gathers upward to form the heavens; the turbid, heavy, and stagnant qi settles downward to form the earth. When the yin and yang qi interact and unite, the harmonious qi condenses and balances, and so humankind is born. All the transformations of life and the forms of the human body share one source with the creative processes of Heaven and Earth, and they manifest correspondingly. This has never changed.

In the earliest beginning, the fundamental mysterious qi had no form, and the essential yang (yangjing) first showed signs of life. The Divine Valley (shengu), the subtle source that nurtures spirits and life, is vast and profound, without form or substance, without image or sound, without light or color. This is the first Dao-spirit of the human body and the root of the Heavenly Treasure Ancestral Qi. Later, fire stirred within the Hidden Palace (qiangong), an inner and deeply recessed palace of the body, and transformation spread through the Cavern of Yang. Yin and yang qi fused and entwined, and after refinement, shen and qi came together, and jing and blood united, forming the root of the Numinous Treasure Ancestral Qi.

The physical forms of yin and yang were thereby established. In the kalpa of Chiming (Vermilion Brightness), the embryo congealed in the Central Yellow (Zhonghuang), the central region where the Spleen Earth resides. The original qi circulated for twenty-seven cycles and gave rise to the initial embryo. Then myriads of spirits manifested and transformed, arranged according to the positions of the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, and formed bodies through the harmonious qi. Thus the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji) came into being. The original qi circulated for thirty-six cycles, and the metal qi nourished the corporeal soul (po). It circulated for forty-five cycles, and the Celestial One and the Great One nourished the ethereal soul (hun). When the Five Phases were complete, the five viscera generated their essences. These essences rose and formed the Nine Palaces of the Mud Pellet (Niwan Jiugong), the spirit-mansions in the head. Within the body they transformed into the Three Primes, the six bowels displayed their luster, and the nine radiances became complete, and only then was the human form whole.

Over a pregnancy of nine months, passing through eighty-one cycles corresponding to the number of Heaven and thirty-six cycles corresponding to the number of Earth, the functions of the nine qi within the womb were fully accomplished. Corresponding to the nine qi and nine heavens above, celestial offices were established to govern birth and lifespan. The Grand Monarch of the Primal Unity holds the talisman that bestows life. The Lord of Eternal Life determines the rank of each destiny. The Recording Official keeps the registers of years, the Director of Destiny fixes the span of life, and the Five Emperors oversee the birth and growth of human beings.

The Nine Heavens Holy Mother guards the chamber, and the Nine Heavens Sima (celestial commander) issues decrees and documents, summoning the Taiwei qi (primal qi of the Supreme Subtlety). One qi transforms and gives birth to the myriad spirits. The Hundred Gates (baihu), spirit-officers who guard the doorways, keep watch throughout the Three Realms, and the myriad spirits reverently allow a person to be born as a human being. How, then, does the human body differ from heaven and earth? Thus the scripture says: "If the Nine Heavens Sima does not issue his decrees and documents, the myriad spirits will not answer in assent, and a person ultimately cannot be born."

At birth, the human body was not originally coarse or base. However, people fail to nourish the primal harmonious qi (yuanhe zhi qi) within them and fail to refine the infant (chizi), the inner primal spirit (yuanshen). Instead, they accumulate greed and anger, and in secret they draw down transgressions. In the end, the myriad spirits leave the body, the true nature is lost, and the hun and po souls are confined in the netherworld, while the filth of sin defiles the three cinnabar fields (santian), the upper, middle, and lower dantian. Without the Nine-Refinement Rite for the Living Corpse (jiulian shengshi), a Daoist ritual in which the deceased body is refined and the spirit is delivered, how could suffering be dispelled or conditions improved? Therefore one should compassionately think of the dead in the netherworld, follow the prescribed rules and perform the rite to seek efficacy, and must not carry it out carelessly by omitting or simplifying steps, lest one offend the celestial law.

Respectfully following the instructions of the master: whenever the Nine-Refinement Rite for the Living Corpse is performed, first prepare incense, flowers, lamps, and candles, arrange them solemnly, and make offerings facing east. The High Officiant (gaogong), who presides over the rite, first lights incense and performs three bows, then lights incense again and makes obeisance. He kneels upright and reports the purpose of the zhaijiao (purification ritual), and then submits the memorial:

"Nine-Refinement Heavenly Venerable, Numinous Treasure Natural Spirit Perfected, Nine Heavens Sovereign, and Sovereigns of the Five Directions and Five Heavens: I earnestly beg that you permit the matter I now submit, and specially send down a decree to the Nine-Refinement Returning-to-Life Perfected Officials, the Immortal Spirit Talisman Officers and Generals, and the Five-Directional Five-Spirit Youths, ordering them to oversee and descend to receive refinement for the corpse. I am deeply aware that I am only a mortal body, and I fear that my petition, however I make it, may not reach the heavenly court. I now open the furnace according to the liturgy (keyi) and respectfully request that the five-directional five-colored spirit-qi be bestowed and poured into my body, to purge the five turbidities and purify the three palaces, so that my organs are unobstructed and the orifices of my whole body circulate freely. In this way, my memorial may ascend. I humbly hope that the Venerable in his compassion will grant my plea. I am overwhelmed with awe, and I kowtow and bow again, twice."

Next, the officiant presses the middle joint of the middle finger of the left hand and forms the ding-shaped hand seal (dingzi shouJue), visualizing nine-colored divine light rising in the east. After a moment, the light transforms until it rises several thousand zhang high, shining brilliantly. The officiant draws in the eastern spirit-qi through the left nostril and inhales it into the three cinnabar fields. Afterward, following the same method as before, he faces south, west, north, and the center, visualizing and gathering the spirit-qi of each direction. When the qi of the five directions has been fully received, the officiant goes before the gate of heaven, performs three bows and lights incense, and kneels to make the report:

"Having received the command to perform the refinement for the corpse of [name], I have already respectfully requested that the five-directional five-colored spirit-qi be poured into the three fields, and now respectfully request..."

The original text breaks off here.

Heavenly Venerable, in your compassion, bestow upon me spirit-qi (shenqi), let it enter my body, wash away the dust and defilement, and make the spirit-qi firm. I pray that the Mysterious Heaven (Above) swiftly grant responsive communion, summon the spirit-officials, and cause the responses to appear at once. Let the departed souls pass through nine refinings and be elevated, and let the merit of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) be fulfilled without arising of demonic obstacles. Your servant has offended the majesty of Heaven, and my heart is fearful and fervent. I respectfully bow repeatedly and make this report.

After the Daoist master ascends the altar, he rectifies his thoughts and, with his left hand forming the Universal Salvation mudra, recites the liturgical documents (keyi). He visualizes that the refining site naturally manifests five-colored spirit-qi, enveloping the altar. The master contemplates the Heavenly Venerables: Taiyi the Savior from Suffering, the Savior from Suffering of the Ten Directions, the Broadly Liberating Venerable of the Sunken, the Venerable Who Rescues Life from the Vermilion Hall, the Great Liberating Venerable of the Dharma Bridge, the Venerable of the Fire-Refining Elixir Realm, the Venerable of the Wheel-Turning Sage King, the Venerable of the Golden Gate Incarnation, the Venerable of Carefree Joy, and the Venerable of Perfect Flower Fullness, together with the deities of the Ninth Heaven Divine Talisman Sovereign, the Ninth Refining Returner-to-Life True Official Lord, and the General Venerable. All wear feather robes like nine-colored clouds and mists, crowned with the crowns of the Supreme Emperor of the Nine Heavens, and hold jade tablets. The refining generals, like the marquises and earls of the human world, each ride clouds and tread the void to descend to the altar. Yellow clouds, purple mists, and five-colored spirit-qi envelop the altar.

The master must concentrate his mind and not allow his spirit to scatter. The Nine Refining Spirit-Officials employ the fire of the Dongyang Cavern to refine the departed souls. While reciting the nine sections, the master visualizes nine-colored divine light issuing from the Niwan Palace (the spirit-qi residence within the head), filling the void. Within it stands the Lord of the Way Yuchen Yuanhuang, with two perfected beings attending on either side. The Lord releases boundless divine light toward the refining site and transforms the departed souls that are being refined.

When burning the talisman, the master forms the Nine Refining mudra and silently recites the Spell of Elevation:

"By the talisman method of the Jade Clarity, I refine your soul, that you may return once more to the human path and then ascend to Supreme Clarity. Swiftly, as the statute commands!"

After reciting the spell, he takes the qi of the east and blows it upon the talisman, then sends the talisman into the fire pit to burn. Next he silently recites the sacred names of Taiyi the Savior from Suffering, the Venerable of the Fire-Refining Elixir Realm, and the Venerable Who Rescues Life from the Vermilion Hall, three times each. He then recites the Spell for Opening the Born Corpse:

"In the Yan-Fu Cavern Heaven of the South, the Courtyard of Flowing Fire, with the light of the jade pupil, refine the departed souls, so that their bodies are cleansed, their spirits and souls are liberated, and they ascend into the Vermilion Hall. Swiftly, as the statute commands!"

Then he recites the Nine Refining Return-to-Life and Opening and Elevation Spell:

True Light is able to refine and deliver every soul burdened by sin, clarifying and rectifying the spirit-soul (hunshen) and enabling the lingering corporeal soul (poling) to ascend.

The golden Dharma body (jinse fashen) transforms accordingly, and after nine refinements it ascends. Swiftly, swiftly, as the statute commands!

When performing the rite, each of the nine refinements must be carried out with a tranquil, solemn mind free of distracting thoughts, as though one has forgotten one's own bodily form. Only then can one concentrate and achieve communion. If even a trace of worldly concern lingers in the mind, the practice cannot be completed. The officiant should follow the ritual regulations exactly.

Nine Heavens Nine Qi Natural Talisman (a talisman formed from the natural qi of the nine heavens).

Wushang Mengzhen Yuhui Huanglu Great Retreat Altar (the altar where the Huanglu retreat rite is held). On this day of this month, the altar petitions the Heavenly Court on behalf of a certain person and for a certain matter, requesting the descent of a decree.

The true talisman formed from the true placental essence (zhenbao) of Yudan Wuliang Heavenly Emperor (one of the Nine Heavens' sovereigns) and the qi of Yuanyi Huangyan, can cause the corpse of the deceased to receive the nine refinements, rectifying its nature and gathering its spirit and qi. This talismanic command should be enacted upon receipt of the decree. (For the remaining text, see the section "Gates of the Talismanic Command.")

The above decree is issued in accordance with the true talisman of Yudan Wuliang Heavenly Emperor, formed from his true placental essence and the qi of Yuanyi Huangyan, and is proclaimed to refine the deceased, a certain person, along with the wandering and lingering souls of the Nine Provinces, the Five Paths, and the Four Births. It petitions for the delivery of souls from the netherworld, the harmonizing of Yin and Yang, the subduing of evil demons, and the protection and commendation of the dead, so that they may be liberated. May the dead soul enter the Southern Palace to receive refinement and be transformed into an immortal; may those still living in the human realm also be delivered and kept eternally alive generation after generation. However many kalpas pass, may they turn with the wheel of the kalpas, share the lifespan of Heaven, forever escape the Three Evil Paths, Five Sufferings, and Eight Difficulties, transcend the Three Realms, and attain free and unbound ease.

The above decree is promulgated according to the Shangqing rite, dated the day of a certain month of a certain year under the Grand Duke (Taisui).

The officiant bearing the rank, a minister named so-and-so, has received the decree and will carry it out as commanded.

Inner seal text:

The true talisman formed from the placental essence and the qi of Yuanyi Huangyan of the Heavenly Emperor is respectfully sealed by the officiant bearing the rank, a minister named so-and-so.

Outer wrapper text:

The decree of the Yudan Wuliang Heavenly Talisman is issued to refine the deceased soul of a certain person and the wandering and lingering souls of the Five Paths and Four Births. The officiant bearing the rank, a minister named so-and-so, respectfully seals it once more.

The true talismans corresponding to the other Heavenly Emperors are listed below in sequence:

The true talisman of the Supreme Virtuous Immeasurable Life Heavenly Emperor, formed from the true embryonic essence (zhentai) and the qi of Dongming Zihu.

The true talisman of the Brahma Supervisor Yanyan Heavenly Emperor, formed from the true soul essence and the qi of Changling Mingxian.

The true talisman of the Silent Tushita Heavenly Emperor, formed from the true corporeal soul essence and the qi of Dangshi Mingyanyou.

The true talisman of the Paramita Non-Arrogant Joyful Heavenly Emperor, formed from the true viscera essence and the qi of Wuxian Zhongling.

The true talisman of the Dongxuan Huaying Sheng Heavenly Emperor, formed from the true spiritual palace essence and the qi of Gaozhen Chongrong.

Within the True Primordial Palace (Zhenyuan Fu) of the Heavenly Emperor Linghua Fanfu, Lord of the Heavenly Realm, the Qi of Life-Origin from the Lofty Immortal Grotto Satchel (dongji) is established.

Talisman (zhenfu).

Within the True Florescence Palace (Zhenhua Fu) of the Lofty Void Clear Brightness Heavenly Emperor, the True Spirit Qi transformed and congealed by Life-Origin is established.

Talisman.

Within the True Mountain Palace (Zhenyue Fu) of the Heavenly Emperor of No Thought, No Bond, No Desire, the Natural Mysterious Illuminating Qi of Life-Origin is established.

Talisman.

The talismans and proclamation texts for these nine Heavens and nine Qi are all written in the format described above. Ten days in advance, prepare nine sheets of yellow paper, each one foot two inches long. Write the talismans in cinnabar and the proclamation texts in ink. Use white paper for the covers and make them into square boxes. After writing each talisman, recite the Nine Heavens Chapter on Generating Spirit (Jiutian Shengshen Zhang) once. Face east and blow the green Qi of the east onto the talismans, visualizing them as brilliant and radiant, their light surpassing that of the sun. From then on, recite the Chapter on Generating Spirit every day and chant the incantations.

Burn incense and face east to report to the Heavens. Observe a fast, quiet the mind, and harmonize spirit and Qi. Recite the Nine Heavens Precious Chapter on Generating Spirit once to draw in the True Qi of the Nine Heavens and pour it into oneself to refine and nourish the body. Knock the teeth thirty-two times, visualizing three colors of true Qi emerging from the three dantian (Dantian) and connecting upward to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and the Heavenly Emperors.

Visualize the Nine Heavenly Emperors appearing from one's three dantian. Yuanyang Cifu Danlin Dadi and the venerable Mugong emerge from the Nine Palaces of Niwan, the internal cultivation locations of the head. They wear five-colored robes and caps, with Wang Qiao to their left and Chisong Zi to their right. They emerge from the liver through the left eye. Xigui Furen and Jinmu Yuanjun, their hair dressed in five-colored cloud coils, emerge from the lungs through the right eye. Yuanguang Yunü stands to the left of Jinmu, and Taiyin Yunü to the right. These two divinities are the ancestors of the myriad spirits and the source of the myriad Qi, and they stand in the air.

Next, visualize five-colored clouds of Qi rising from the five viscera. The Five Directional Heavenly Emperors and the Thirty-Two Heavenly Emperors appear from Niwan, arrive through the void, and stand within the five-colored clouds. Then visualize the Ten-Directional Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerables, the Ten-Directional Heavenly Venerables of Universal Salvation, and the Ten-Directional Perfected of Universal Salvation. They pace the void (bu xu), burn incense, and scatter flowers. Together with the Heavenly Emperors, they release a radiance of a hundred treasures that shines on the realms below: the Wuji world, the Nine Dark Luofeng, the Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Rivers, the local deities of the Nine Provinces, and the suffering souls in the various infernal prisons. May all of them see the auspicious light and be freed from their distress.

Then visualize the ground around the altar turning into green jasper, with no other colors. The Numinous Officials and attendant officers of the Nine Refinings Perfect Office of Returning to Life each ride their own true Qi and take their places at the left, right, front, and rear of the altar. Next, visualize the Great Divine Lord Danling Zhu Ling——

The divine lords each ride a fire dragon, setting out from the heart of the deceased soul, passing through the Chonglou (the passage in the region of the throat), and emerging between the eyebrows to arrive within the ritual altar. The fire dragons leap and race across the ground, spreading everywhere and transforming into boundless five-colored true fire.

At this time, one visualizes the Nine Refining Officials escorting countless souls, wandering spirits, and lingering po (corporeal souls) to receive refinement. Talismans are then burned in the fire pool, and the talisman clerks and immortal spirits ride on the true qi within the Fulu (talismans and registers), pouring it into the deceased so that they are refined and regain a living form.

The Nine Heavens Supreme Emperor and the celestial immortals of the various heavens, dwelling in a realm profound and remote, together recite the Scripture Chapter on the Birth of Divine Treasures of the Nine Heavens (Jiutian Shengshen Baozhang). The assembled participants visualize themselves becoming Supervising Perfected Ones, while the others in the assembly visualize themselves as Supervising Generals.

Next, one visualizes the heavenly emperors in turn, each protecting and refining the souls with a different primal qi. The Emperor of Unlimited Yudan wraps the qi of the Primal Yellow of the Womb-Life around the womb-body, rising upward to heaven so that the soul attains generation and longevity. The Emperor of Unlimited Longevity of the Highest Chanshan wraps the qi of the Primal Purple Gate of the Dark Depths of the Embryo-Life around the embryo-body, descending to earth so that its foundation becomes firm. The Emperor Fanjian Xuyan wraps the qi of the Primal Long Spiritual Brightness Immortal of the Soul-Life around the three hun (ethereal souls), so that the shen spirit becomes numinous and the jing essence and qi settle. The Emperor Doushu wraps the qi of the Dark Depths Transformation Yan You of the Corpse-Life around the seven po, so that the gates of the po close and are at peace.

Next, the Heavenly King descends the immortals to bring peace to the soul. The Emperor of Unarrogant Joy wraps the qi of the Five Immortal Spirits around the five zang organs, cooling and refreshing them. The Emperor of the Dongxuan Transformation Response wraps the qi of the Lofty Perfected Flowing Harmony around the six fu organs, so that saliva is generated in the stomach and harmonic qi is received and absorbed. The Emperor of Lingzhi Fanfu wraps the qi of the Lofty Immortal Cavern Satchel around the seven orifices, so that they open to clarity and keenness and shine like the stars. The Emperor of Lofty Void and Clear Brightness wraps the qi of the True Spirit Transformation Condensation around the eight scenes, so that the three sections and eight scenes each take their proper place, the form and spirit become complete, and light is opened in the dark night to guard the body.

The Emperor of No Thought, No Bond, and No Love wraps the qi of Natural Mysterious Illumination around the whole body, so that the three passes, the five zang, the six fu, the nine palaces, the golden chambers and jade rooms, the twelve layers of gates, the purple gates and jade pavilions, and the three thousand six hundred joints are all restored to generation in a single moment. In this way, the shen qi fills the entire body, the voice returns, the spirits are all present, the hair regrows, and the body is made whole again.

Finally, the Five Spirits Mixed Talisman is burned, so that the five shen return to dwell in the five zang organs. Then the Mixed Hundred Spirits Talisman is burned, so that the hundred spirits gather once more.

Visualize your four limbs and hundred bodily joints as clear and pure as lapis lazuli, with a precious moon dwelling within the body, free of any dust or stain. Next, visualize the officials who govern affairs in the netherworld: the Three Officials (Sanguan) and Nine Offices (Jiufu), the one hundred and ten bureaus, the examining officers of the Five Emperors, the clerks of the Nine Palaces, the Water Office of Fengdu, and the Five Offices' local altar directors. Each carries a black register and comes before the Heavenly Emperor.

The Patriarch Supreme Emperor releases the Nine-Colored True Light, and true fire bursts forth from within it, reducing the registers of the deceased's sins to ash. The departed souls leap with joy and bow to the Heavenly Emperors. Each Heavenly Emperor rides a cloud-vapor and enters through the practitioner's Mud Pellet Palace (Niwan Gong), the Upper Dantian within the head, then returns to his own palace and office. The souls of the dead wander freely, their bearing dignified and solemn. Three times each day they come to the ritual altar to pay homage to the Compassionate Venerable One (Ci Zun), the compassionate and revered deity.

If the Nanchang Liandu (the Daoist ritual for refining and delivering the dead) is not performed, then as soon as the sin registers are burned, the departed souls will ascend across the Scripture Bridge and arrive at the realm of the Dao.