《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 68

The Various Talismans for Refining and Deliverance

The Method for Summoning the Supreme One’s True Water and Fire

The Celestial Worthy said: “In the dark and shadowy regions of the underworld, suffering souls and stranded spirits—whose forms are filthy—are confined behind the gates of the Yellow Springs. Without the Qi of Heaven and Earth and the effects of refining and deliverance, how could they transcend their suffering and awaken? Therefore, out of pity and compassion, the Dark Emperor left instructions for the method of refining with flowing fire. Those who practice it unite their bodies with the primordial form of responsive transformation, gather the mysterious original Qi of Yin-Yang, and harmonize the radiance of the Three Dantian, the body’s upper, middle, and lower energy centers. They then draw upon the fire of the Three Qi of the South, setting clear and turbid Qi in motion as they rise and descend. This severs the gates of the dead and washes away defilement, leaving the inside and outside clear and bright, and every bone throughout the body radiant. Only then can they realize the Dao of Wuwei (non-action).

“Thus, when summoning and gathering souls, one first uses talismanic writings of the Northern Dipper to draw the souls together and remove the corpse. One then uses the seal-script of the Southern Ultimate to inspect the registers and restore their vitality. From this we know that the Southern Star and Northern Dipper can refine and forge souls anew, restoring their forms so that they may roam through the Great Void. This is the highest teaching of the Northern Lingbao tradition.”

The Celestial Worthy said: “The ritual master holds a bamboo tablet and, when an occasion arises, bows according to ritual, silently presenting a petition to the Supreme Emperor and asking him to send down the Supreme One’s True Water and True Fire. Before performing the rite, one must first dispel defilement and purify the body. Step the Nine-Phoenix Dipper, proceed to the mouth of the Dipper, pinch incense three times, and bow. Then carry out the rite according to its prescribed method.”

The Nine-Phoenix Pace

The Celestial Worthy said: “Form the mudra of the original teacher with the left hand, and hold the Talisman for Dispelling Defilement in the right. Visualize yourself as you step the Dipper’s pattern, and swallow the talisman as you go. Take single steps with both the left and right foot.”

The Nine-Phoenix Talisman for Dispelling Defilement

Talismanic text:

Heaven turns back, Earth turns around
The primordial phoenix of the Nine Heavens turns back
Repel defilement: Nine Phoenix, gather and deliver you; dispel defilement and deliver you
Nine Phoenix sweeps away defilement and delivers you
Nine Phoenix releases you from defilement and delivers you

The Talisman of Brahma-Qi in the Azure Heavens

The Celestial Worthy said: “When writing the Northern talisman, form the Chen mudra with both hands, one hand facing down and the other up. Move them from the center of the chest to the hairline. Close your eyes and visualize yourself becoming the Primordial Beginning, with a round halo appearing at your neck. Hold a wish-granting scepter; a nine-colored radiance shines from the center of your forehead and transforms into a five-colored lion throne. Purple clouds cover your entire body; inside and out, you are clear and bright. The ten directions come forward to pay homage, and you are then able to communicate with them…”

(The original text continues here with “bring forth the four-two Qi and take the Three Qi,” a phrase whose meaning carries over into the following passage.) “Take the Three Qi and blow it onto the brush. Then pinch the middle section of the middle finger, stand upright, and face east as you write. When you have finished, click your teeth nine times and swallow your saliva nine times. Then visualize the Five…”

Infuse the talisman with the qi of the Five Colors. After performing the ritual bows, submit a memorial to the throne, present a formal petition, and write the talisman.

This talisman is taken with a decoction of bamboo twigs. When written at the ritual altar, it can summon the perfected beings of the ten directions to descend.

Spoken Petition for Water and Fire

I, your servant [name], holder of the ritual rank [rank], am dull in understanding and belong to the defilements of the mortal world. By good fortune, I received my teacher’s transmission and was entrusted with sacred writings. I follow the Orthodox teaching, aiding the living and delivering the dead, thereby fulfilling my vows. Now I humbly present the petition in my heart, sending it up to Heaven’s hearing. In sincere fear and trembling, I bow my head and make obeisance twice. I respectfully submit:

In view of [reason for the purification rite], I, your servant, now conduct a rite of refinement and deliverance for the souls of the deceased [names]. I dare not obstruct the people’s wish to pursue goodness, and respectfully submit this matter for your consideration.

Before the august presence of the founding master, the Great Heavenly Emperor of the Northern Pole and Purple Tenuity, and the founding master, the Great Imperial Lord of the Southern Pole who Bestows Life: I beseech Your Holiness, in your compassion, to issue a special decree commanding the Two Offices of Water and Fire and the Perfected Lord who oversees the Five Sacred Peaks to bestow true water and true fire, transformed from the numinous roots of Yin and Yang. May they descend upon the ritual altar at this hour today and refine and deliver the souls of the deceased, making their spirits clear and upright, their original Qi enduring, and their bodies whole, restoring them to the light and raising them to the Heavenly Court. I rely on Heaven’s awe-inspiring might and gracious protection to illuminate this matter, and bow low as I await your response.

May Heaven’s kindness shine forth in its reply. I gaze up at the sacred virtue of the Heavenly Court, filled with heartfelt gratitude and trepidation as I await judgment.

The Emperor says: The ritual officer, the Daoist presiding over the rite, holds the tablet, clicks the teeth, and visualizes the spirits. In silence, the officer petitions the Northern Emperor and makes three bows. Then, still in silence and facing northeast, the officer recites the Water Liturgy and burns the talismans of True Water and True Fire. When all is complete, the rite of refinement and deliverance begins.

Method for Summoning the Supreme One’s True Fire

Place Yin on Mao and Mao on Yin so that wind and fire intermingle. At the hour of Wu, draw out the tinder. First inhale three breaths of fire qi from the south, then blow them into the charcoal.

Talisman of the Great General Who Commands Fire

[Talisman text] The Three Pure Ones and the Jade Emperor issue the decree of the Northern Pole. The Sun Lord is on the left, and the Moon Lord on the right.

The Perfected Lord of the Heavenly Storehouse delivers; the Perfected Lord of Heavenly Appearance delivers; the Perfected Lord of Heavenly Beam delivers; the Perfected Lord of Heavenly Unity delivers; the Perfected Lord of the Celestial Pivot delivers; the Perfected Lord of the Celestial Mechanism delivers.

[Talisman text] The Great Imperial Lord of Longevity at the Southern Pole delivers the Golden Crow; the Great Imperial Lord who Bestows Life at the Southern Pole delivers the auspicious radiance. Yellow numinous qi; sunlight rises high; Yuyi rests at midday.

[Talisman text] The Yang essence is full and radiant. The Venerable Spirit of the Wood Lord dwells at the center.

[Talisman text] All things blend in harmony. The bright Fire Dragon surges and strikes; the fire that nurtures the young burns fiercely, revealing the image of the Li Palace.

In the ritual arrangement at the altar, first burn one “Talisman of the Great General Who Commands Fire,” facing east.

Invite the Great General Who Commands Fire from the south to come before the altar, and recite the incantation: “With reverence, I invite the Great General Who Commands Fire to descend and send down true fire, to refine and deliver the souls of the dead.”

Draw in Qi from the south and blow it into the fire pool, causing the fire within to rise. Visualize the Qi there as half green and half red.

Method for Bringing Down the Supreme One’s True Water

Form the “zi” mudra with the left hand and the “hai” mudra with the right hand (Daoist hand seals). First draw in five breaths of Qi from the north and blow them into the pool of water.

Talisman of the Great General Who Commands Water

The talisman text contains the names and edicts of divine beings such as the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), Xuanyuan, and the Lords of the Three Qi. It also lists the star lords Tanlang, Jumen, Lucun, Wenqu, Lianzhen, Wuqu, and Pojun, along with divine beings such as the Northern Pole and Xuanming. The text evokes the netherworld, the souls of the dead in the long night, divine light shining down, and true Qi spreading throughout.

In the ritual arrangement at the altar, first burn one “Talisman of the Great General Who Commands Water,” facing east. Invite the Great General Who Commands Water from the north to come before the altar, and recite the incantation: “With reverence, I invite the Great General Who Commands Water to descend and send down true water, to refine and deliver the souls of the dead.”

Draw in Qi from the north and blow it into the pool of water, then recite the incantation: “With reverence, I invite the Divine Ones of the Seven Ancestral Generations, Taiyi Soaring Through the Void, and the Envoys of the Northern Yin Mysterious Office to swiftly send down true Qi.”

Draw in one more breath of Qi from the north and blow it into the water, visualizing black Qi rising within the pool.

Lingbao Talisman for Purifying Heaven and Earth

The talisman text prays for heaven and earth to be purified and for the realm of the Three Pure Ones to become mysterious, open, and bright. It commands foul Qi to disperse and light to shine in all eight directions. It also prays that the Lingbao talisman’s command be conveyed throughout the four quarters and made known throughout the nine heavens; that demons and wicked spirits be cut down and ghosts subdued; and that mysterious water wash away filth. It calls for the Five Sacred Mountains to be traversed, ghosts driven away, and life prolonged, so that all the eight seas may know of it. The text further prays that demon kings bow their heads and divine beings protect the ritual master, so that all baleful forces and filth are swept away and the Dao’s Qi endures forever.

After burning the talisman, recite the “Jade Emperor Incantation,” saying:

The divine spirits are pure and true; the Jade Clarity Primordial Truth, the High Clarity Flowery Chamber, and the Primordial Lord Lao. They wondrously enter the Great Rosy Clouds, their radiance illuminating the mysterious writings. The Seven Spirits fly down to the spring waters, while the Northern Feng—the underworld in the north—receives offerings of incense smoke.

I dwell in a position of supremacy, my authority joined with the host of ghosts. The Eight Powers exhale fierce might; the reverent guardian deities stand watch. By the thousands, they eliminate impurity, leaving no trace of wicked things; by the tens of thousands, demon kings guard life and cut away distorted forms. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Write the talisman above in cinnabar on yellow paper, form the Jade Emperor’s mudra, and recite it three times. Whenever a ritual altar is established, burn the talisman and cast it into water, then sprinkle the water around the altar three times to purify it. Whenever the ritual officiant leaves or enters, approaches a funeral, visits a household facing a difficult childbirth, or returns to the altar after encountering impure influences, they should immediately write this talisman, burn it to ashes, and cast the ashes into water. Face east, inhale, and direct the breath into the water; then sprinkle the water over the body to purify it.

Primordial Talismanic Command

The Imperial Master said: The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning released a great radiance in the Seven-Treasure Forest. It revealed many sinful souls in heaven and on earth. Unable to see the light, they had sunk into confusion and drifted through a sea of suffering, with no way to escape. Moved by compassion, the Celestial Worthy therefore sent down various talismanic commands to rescue these sinful souls, raise them into the realm of the Dao, and free them forever from the source of their suffering. Those who receive this teaching should cleanse their hearts, cast off distracting thoughts, and devote themselves to contemplating the Great Dao. They should proclaim and carry out the rites in accordance with the prescribed methods, so that beings in the underworld may be delivered.

(The five stars of the Five Phases, listed according to the terminology of the Five Phases: Primordial, Success, Beginning Azure, Departed Souls, Brilliant Radiance, Benefit, Constancy, and Azure Rosy Clouds. The souls of the dead receive refinement and deliverance.)

(The Most High gathers in souls and summons true spirits; following the Primordial Scripture, he restores the body and uses the myriad Qi—the many kinds of primordial energy—to restore the spirit of life.)

(Yellow Qi transforms the souls of the dead into immortal spirits and delivers them according to the ranks of the heavenly realm. Among the lords, they attain human form and share the lifespan of the Southern Palace.)

The Primordial Talismanic Command of the Numinous Treasure of High Clarity proclaims to the Three Offices, the Heavenly Prison, the Earthly Threshold, and the divine bureaus overseeing their respective duties: deliver the soul of the deceased so-and-so and raise it into the Clear Subtlety Heaven. May the hundred deities gather and transform the soul into a perfected being, forever removing it from the gate of death. May its body become jade radiance, receive a jade tally, and take part in attending the Dragon Carriage. Let everything be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

Primordial Writ

Numinous Brightness, Purple Orchid; Great Simplicity, Lofty Emptiness; Supreme Truth, Mysterious Dawn: the Three Qi rise and float toward Jade Clarity. The heavens in the eight directions shine clearly, and the nine celestial roads appear. Wondrous awakening brings transformation; Beginning Azure forms the diagrams and writings, and responsive power arises in its wake. The cycle of rebirth dissolves and demonic obstructions are dispelled. The essence of the sacred mushrooms in the Jade Capital refines the body, allowing one to roam freely in the Emperor’s carriage. The Three Pure Ones grant special pardon, and their light breaks through the dark road of the netherworld. The Five Sacred Peaks, the Nine Netherworlds, and the Fengdu of Endless Intervals, the waves of Paramāṇu and Mārṇa… Below, they deliver beings from the Three Paths, the Five Sufferings, and the Eight Difficulties, dispelling all suffering and distress. The officials of the underworld receive the command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning…

When first writing the “True Talisman,” carry out the procedure swiftly in accordance with the ordinances; anyone who disobeys them is to be punished without exception. This talisman follows the ordinances of the Great Lingbao Rite. It is used to save and deliver the souls of the dead, and takes the form of an official proclamation.

Stone Essence, Water Mother, and Jade Essence Talisman (Stone Essence, Water Mother, and Jade Essence are names of numinous beings in talismanic practice. This is a True Talisman of the Highest One’s ritual bathing. Recite the incantation first, then write the talisman.)

The incantation says:

The yellow splendor of the Eastern Well, the Stone Essence and the Jade Essence; the mysterious, moving Water Mother; the Jade Saliva, sweet as golden nectar. Waters flow in ceaseless torrents, gathering into a deep and spacious pool pavilion. Nine dragons pour and refine; the Three Luminaries (the sun, moon, and stars) send down their essence. Immortals breathe forth a nourishing Qi to refine and deliver the souls, making the inner and outer bright, and cleansing both the surface and the depths.

The hundred joints and nine apertures throughout the body are all nourished by primordial Qi. Within the five viscera and six bowels, the myriad spirits arise spontaneously. The clotted blockage within the womb is opened as the water flows. The deceased are no longer cut off or sunk into darkness. I now refine the dead body, returning the souls to their original form and transforming their former appearance, so that they become bodies of jade and faces of gold. Through transformation and the removal of defilement, they ascend to the Purple Court. Swiftly obey the command of the Great Emperor of Longevity.

After reciting the incantation, draw in Qi from the north and the Yin Qi of that day (usually understood as the Qi of the moon), breathe onto the brush, hold your breath while writing the talisman, and then empower it with the “Hymn to the Eastern Well.”

The incantation says:

The Celestial River pours into the Eastern Well, bringing the essence of Stone Essence and Water Mother. Mysterious radiance brushes against numinous light; the full moon shines upon the heights. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning parts the layers of long night, and heavenly beings are born with the moonlight. All bathe in the Orchid Pool, while a dragon bears the Vase of the Morning Star, associated with Venus. A golden lad scatters fragrant water; a jade maiden pours forth Jade Saliva. Wearing caps and girdles, they wash with jade liquid and refine the five forms of immortals. The body gives off fragrance, the myriad spirits descend, and, riding the radiant light, they ascend to the heights of brilliance.

The Eastern Well pours forth yellow splendor, bringing the essence of Stone Essence and Water Mother. It cleanses the souls and sweeps away Yin defilement, transforming the body into a jade infant, translucent and pure within and without, clear and radiant on every side. Numinous light does not fade; upright Qi joins with the Qi of the true immortals. A golden lad scatters purple mist; a jade maiden waves forth wondrous essence. The Five Sprouts spread the five Qi, and the Three Purities spread the three clouds. Yuyi and Jie Lin, divine beings associated respectively with the sun and the moon, coil and merge together; after drinking, the body is made whole again. Go beneath my Mysterious Altar, the ritual platform for Daoist rites, to refine and nourish the spirit and soul, and ascend to the Jade Capital.

Jade Clarity True Water Conjunction Talisman (a talisman that joins true water with talismanic practice).

Write in black on yellow paper, using two talismans in all. Draw in Yin Qi, breathe onto the brush, and form the Moon Gesture with the fingers. At the hour of the Rat, take in three or seven breaths of water Qi and blow them toward the talisman.

The text in parentheses is damaged. Its general meaning is that the Highest One commands a divine dragon to carry the benevolent, harmonious Qi of the east. Take wellspring water from the abyss without a mirror and use it to wash the hidden souls, restoring them to the Qi of Great Harmony and Mysterious Harmony. A jade maiden pours her vital fluids into the souls and spirits, making their Dao Qi clear and upright, so that they endure forever without perishing.

The incantation says: (Form the Rat sign with the fingers.)

Primordial Qi condenses into numinous scenes in the eight directions, corresponding to the secret names of the Five Celestial Worthies, causing the sun and moon to shine and move in their courses.

The Jade Pivot turns, and the myriad phenomena in the ten directions connect with the Five Phases and the Qi of the eight directions. They resonate with the spirits and invite the divine perfected beings to descend.

Hearing my summons, descend swiftly with your numinous might. Receive the talismans and carry out the command without the slightest hesitation.

Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Draw in the Qi of the north and blow it into the talisman. Then empower it with the “Complete Incantation of Lingbao.”

True Talisman for Deliverance through Water Refinement

The One Qi returns to Heaven. The Yin and Yang of the Two Qi unite and return to humanity; the Qi of Heaven and Earth meet and merge. The celestial signs are clear and bright. The Qi of the four directions blends according to the numbers three and five, and the heavens become clear. The earth is at peace, True Qi joins together, and Yellow Florescence washes the body clean, leaving the earth pure and refreshed.

Refining and delivering the spirits of the dead. The distant kalpas recorded in the Primordial Cavern Jade Register—the Dragon Han, Yan Kang, and others—stretch without end through the chaos. Tracing back through the ages, there is no earlier origin or ancestor.

The practitioner should gather the spirit and quiet the mind, visualizing purple-black Qi condensing into a palace in the lower Dantian, the part of the body where Jing and Qi are stored and nurtured. Beneath the palace lies a deep spring, where nine dragons dwell; within the palace lives a perfected being. Then visualize nine-colored Qi in the upper Dantian condensing into a golden tower and jade palace, the dwelling of the Primordial Lord.

Visualize the Primordial Lord smiling and sending down a beam of golden light that reaches straight into the lower Dantian. Then visualize the perfected being riding a dragon out from the Muddy Pellet Palace, the Neidan cultivation center in the head, and descending directly. The dragon releases True Water to wash the soul of the deceased. Next, visualize the Primordial Lord holding a wish-granting scepter and riding a dragon as it floats in the air. True light shines from the crown of his head and pours into the deceased spirit, causing its body to glow with a jade-like brilliance, clear and flawless. After a while, visualize the Primordial Lord returning to the upper Dantian and the perfected being returning to the lower Dantian.

The practitioner should copy this talisman in yellow characters on blue paper and recite the incantation:

The waters of Great Florescence are vast and boundless. They can restore withered things to gestation and bring them back to an infant-like state. The Qi of Yellow Florescence pours in and refines, making the hun and po souls shine with light. True Qi descends, allowing the spirit of the deceased to meet together with the perfected being in the Jade Chamber, a symbol in cultivation of a pure and tranquil place.

Jade Perfected Form-Refining Talisman (write it in ink on yellow paper and draw in the Qi of the north)

The Primordial One Qi, the True One of Chaos, gives rise to the myriad phenomena: it is the supreme Profound Origin. Divine Water washes away impurity and disperses foul Qi; a benevolent, gentle wind cleanses all things. The essence of the sun and moon nourishes and dissolves the roots of sin, cultivating the True Origin. By the command of the Lord on High, the souls of the dead in the netherworld are delivered universally.

Incantation:

Vast and mysterious, the Supreme Spirit Spring—the highest source of spiritual water—nourishes what has withered and nurtures all things, flowing of its own accord.

Wondrous radiance gives rise to spirit-fluid, clearing and brightening the hidden and profound realm. It brings forth and nourishes souls; the spirit-fluid flows without end.

Cool spirit-fluid protects life. The pure vapor of the Northern Capital, where the Daoist underworld is located, and the boundless Flower Pool stretch beyond measure; their source is impossible to fathom.

The Stone Radiance Ninefold Refining Water-Mother Jade Talisman, a talisman associated with rites for refining and delivering the souls of the dead.

As you recite over the talisman, say:

Yang-bright Qi refines the essence and soul, its radiance illuminating the Purple Court. Light shines clear in all eight directions; the Soul Mushroom, a spirit herb that nourishes souls, is filled with sunlight.

Five turns and three transformations carry the breath through to the Great Spirit. Fragrant Qi flows in winding courses, nourishing and protecting all living beings in the world.

Wear the cap and sash of the Golden Gate; the splendid root shines forth. Take in Stone Radiance, and let the essence of the Water Mother infuse you.

Follow the breath as life turns, flourishing with the sunlight. Let the nine apertures receive true Qi, and escape the bonds of your former body.

Yellow spirit-energy mingles with Yin radiance and Yang essence, clear and bright. Bathe the nine souls, place golden caps upon them, and welcome the Golden Dawn.

The Perfectly Radiant Spirit submits its petition. Refined through transformation, the Jade Embryo becomes an immortal. Splendid radiance interweaves; fragrant Qi washes the spirit-fluid clean.

The Qi of the nine Yangs gives rise to life as one. Mysterious clouds and vapor disperse. The Primordial Radiance turns back to the soul, its light winding around to illuminate my body.

Ascend to the Upper Palace and behold the realm of the Jade Immortals. Yellow spirit-energy spreads its essence; the three Qi unite and gather into radiance.

Mysterious radiance restores the soul to its proper place and places an eight-directional cap upon it. At the Eastern Well, the soul is refined and receives light; flying stars hold radiance within and scatter spirit.

The five divine lords spread their fragrance. The Lady sends down sweet dew, moistening and showering the ten directions.

Great Mushroom descends in a stream, replenishing the six viscera. Golden essence transforms the nine immortals, restoring their appearance and youth.

Rise by mounting the void, with clouds and rosy mists following you; roam freely and feast in the Great Void. Ascend to the Lunar Court and take your place beside the Perfected Ones.

Transform and move through all eight directions, entering and leaving between being and nonbeing. Shine with the sun and moon, preserved forever and never exhausted.

The passage above describes visualizing five-colored spirit-fluid descending from the moon into a pool, while also envisioning sunlight radiating from the dead person and filling the ten directions. The jade light is crystalline and pure, and the face is dignified. The ritual master silently visualizes Yellow Radiance Washing Away the Form, in which spiritual light washes over the body and purifies the soul of the dead, and prays to the Celestial Worthy of Vermilion Mound, the deity who presides over the deliverance of the dead and the saving of lives.

The Great Spirit of Stone Radiance and the Water Mother bestows a talisman and recites:

At the Eastern Well, the Flower Pool; upon the Jade Field, spirit-light appears. Stone Radiance and the Water Mother: a jade womb and golden essence.

Gather the upright Qi of the five directions and the essence of the sun and moon. The jade eyes are now refined; Yellow Radiance washes away the form.

Carry out the command of the Lingbao talisman; after undergoing refinement, receive life anew.

Lunar Soul Talisman (on white paper, written in cinnabar).

Jade Clarity Body-Refining Talisman.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Celestial Worthy of Lingbao, the Celestial Worthy of the Way and its Virtue, the Celestial Worthy of the Divine Empyrean, and the True King Celestial Worthy.

By command: The Vermilion Radiance of the Sun Soul shines forth, its brilliance glimmering into view. The Lunar Soul, gentle and moist, turns in its course; rosy clouds glow red. The Red Youth and the Qi of Dark Flame surge like a swift wind, fragrant and radiant.

Yiliao, Wanxu, Linglan, Yuhua, Jie, Qiaochun, Jinjing, Yingjiong, Rongtai, and Biao are all sacred images or names in the scripture. The features of the departed soul’s head disperse and appear.

The incantation says: The departed soul’s head is made whole again, and its body is restored complete. Whether male or female, its bones can be transformed and made to commune with the divine. The Ten Heavenly Stems incantation says: “Flowing fire in the Cinnabar Palace.”

Zhu Ling, the place where Daoist rites transform and refine the dead, refines the body. True Water of the Jade Eyes and Yellow Blossoms cleanse and purify the form; I report upward. The divine troops of the Ten Heavenly Stems ascend to the Jade Court and enter the Imperial Court. They respectfully present the Jade Edict of the Divine Empyrean and urgently summon the deity’s decree to descend. Original Qi gathers and takes form.

The blessing-talisman incantation says: The One True One of the Upper Origin keeps the Niwan, the head’s cultivation center, secure; the One True One of the Middle Origin stabilizes the Crimson Palace, the heart’s cultivation center; the One True One of the Lower Origin guards the Gate of Life, the vital aperture between the waist and kidneys. The Qi of the Three Origins harmonizes and sustains life, enabling it to endure. Summon the True Spirit to descend, and the deceased will naturally be revived and transformed. Refine the marrow until the bones become an immortal body; feathers grow, and the spirit soars aloft to the Imperial Court. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding drive away impurity and revive the divine spirit; Wu, Ji, Geng, and Xin gather and give form to upright Qi; Ren and Gui bring forth essence and Qi, restoring your true form. By the talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, you are ordered to ascend to Zhu Ling. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

The ritual master gathers the spirit, applies the talisman, and chants: At the beginning of the Dragon-Han era, all was vast and boundless, without form or name. Through countless kalpas, the Yellow Path—the symbolic course of Heaven’s movement—opened into light. The divine lamp shines brightly; the Nine Dragons release sacred fluid. Jade Void is clear and radiant; Great Rosy Clouds stretch high and bright. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning transforms all things, and all the heavens share in their enduring life. The Way of the Three Origins nurtures all things; the two Qi of Yin and Yang protect and sustain life.

Those who have not yet been delivered shall be delivered; those who have not yet taken form shall take form; the dead shall be transformed; the withered shall flourish anew. All living beings that stir and breathe, and all spirits of the netherworld, including those gestating and carrying life, shall receive new life. When the deceased’s allotted years come to an end, the soul returns to the Three Pure Ones—the Daoist heavens of Qingwei, Yuyu, and Dachitian—while the Po is refined and proceeds to the Southern Palace to transform its form.

May all spirits receive illumination at today’s grand ritual. May the Five Emperors observe and shine upon them, and let this be proclaimed everywhere to the myriad spirits: the celestial gods, the terrestrial deities, the sources of every river, the Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Great Rivers, and the famous mountains in every region; the realms of Dongxuan, Dongxu, Dongkong, and Dongxian; and the perfectly true and revered spirits of the boundless Great Dao—all are invited to look down and bear witness. The countless spirits, without end, are under their watch. The roots of evil are cut off, and the name of the deceased is entered in Xuandu. All the Perfected together preside over this deliverance, and all must obey.

Golden Liquid Body-Refinement Talisman, also called the “Soul-Summoning Text and Body-Refinement Talisman”:

The Three Treasures refine and deliver the deceased so-and-so, commanding their three Hun souls and seven Po souls. Their numinous light spreads everywhere, raising the souls upward and bringing light to the dark realm, as the souls reunite in their former bodily shape.

The incantation says: The Lingbao talismanic command refines the body with Golden Liquid, uniting it with the Dao in truth and opening the light of the sun, moon, and stars—the Three Luminaries.

This is what is called the “Root of Heaven”: it is infinitely deep and mysterious, without beginning or end. It is the Primordial Emperor of the Nine Evils, a Daoist divine name or title.

The spirit demon enters the Crimson Palace, the inner palace within the body described in Daoism, while purple clouds soar through the heavens. The practitioner rides upon six dragons, setting Fire above and Water below. The Qi of Fire and Water flows into the Three Palaces—the body’s three Dantians or divine courts. All the gods return to Yangming, and the Dao naturally runs through. Carry this out at once, in accordance with the Shangqing decree for refining the body with Golden Liquid.

Talisman of the True Fire in Union (Write two talismans on yellow paper with cinnabar. First draw in the Qi of the sun, performing the Sun Mudra while blowing on the brush, from the hour of Yin to the hour of Si; then draw in Fire Qi and write the talismans.)

The Most High’s Nanyan Dongfu Yumu Shenshen, a Daoist divine name, mercifully commands the flowing Fire’s essence to descend into the Court of Floating Flames. True Qi descends to refine and deliver the sunken souls.

Incantation:

The gods in Heaven are connected to the radiance of the sun and moon. Qi of Jia and Yi, obey the command; the generation, flourishing, and restraint of the Five Phases each follow their proper order. The jade tones of the Eight Luminaries, true talismans that guard the body, summon the true spirits and call forth the gods, drawing in the souls. Let the talisman-bearers hear my summons and descend swiftly, reaching the gods. Having received the talisman’s command, do not hesitate. Hasten to obey the Heavenly Emperor’s decree!

Talisman for Immortalization through Fire Refining

The vermilion light of the upper realm shines alongside the sun, moon, and essences within stone; the Water Mother, a Daoist term here referring to Qi or a spirit associated with water, is pure and clear. The jade womb holds Golden Essence within it. There are the Red Emperor and the Old Man of Jade Eyes at the Southern Pole, named Dongfu Shenshen.

The Fire of Dongyang carries out the refining. Qi of Jia and Yi disperses the Yin soul and reveals the essence. Qi of Bing and Ding, Wu and Ji, and Geng and Xin refines the body, turning the Embryonic Light—the person’s Yang spirit or life essence—into a jade infant. It causes the remains to live again and the dead to rise, granting long life. Qi of Ren and Gui receives the refinement. The Great Lord, the Heavenly Worthy of the Cinnabar Realm, and the gods of Zhuling who deliver lives renew the life of the one being refined. Hasten to obey the decree of the Perfected Ones of the Three Terraces. In accordance with the Lingbao rite for delivering people, let the departed soul and vital spirit return to numinous clarity.

Talisman for Refining the Jade Embryo into an Immortal

Yellow Qi and Yin radiance bathe the nine souls through nine refinements. Yang essence congeals, making the person immortal. The living soul is nourished; the corpse is crowned and robed, manifesting an auspicious light like gold at dawn.

When the light is complete, open the altar and make the invocation; the jade embryo is refined into an immortal. Radiant splendor shines in reciprocal brilliance, and the Qi of the Nine Yangs brings forth transformation. Fragrance spreads, nurturing and moistening; mysterious clouds part like smoke. The light of the Primordial Beginning makes the gods return, shining in winding paths as they ascend to the upper palace. My body is limpid and luminous, and I behold the jade halls.

Incantation:

The radiance of the sun and moon moves back and forth. The flowing Fire of Dongyang enters the ritual vessel and refines the Yin souls. The corpse’s impurities are removed, and the myriad Qi are harmonized and brought to rest. Escape directly from the five kinds of suffering and be reborn in the heavenly realm.

Yang essence has now coursed through; flying radiance shines forth anew. The light of the Imperial Way overflows, protecting and pouring into the body.

Face upward and inhale the wondrous sweet dew, bringing down the fragrant, beautiful spiritual Qi. Open the palace dwelling—the place where body and mind reside during cultivation—and wash away the turbid Qi of agitation and impurity.

The body reflects a jade-colored radiance, and the face shines with a golden glow. Perform the flowing-cloud Yu steps, a form of Daoist astral pacing, and ascend to the Gate of the Sun.

The Sun Soul, the sun’s essence, pours forth its radiance, and five-colored light surges abundantly. Refine the soul at the Golden Gate, and a perfect wheel of light rises into view.

The numinous light releases a dazzling brilliance, receiving the radiance of the Celestial River. Jade fungus flourishes in abundance, and the fragrance of orchid Qi moistens and perfumes.

Drink my imperial water and eat my flying blossoms. Gather the roots and stems, swallow the fruit, and your life will endure as long as the numinous trees.

The form clings to the Great Radiance, and the body rises among the flying rosy clouds. Though it passes through a thousand years and ten thousand calamities, it will never fall or die.

When burning the talisman, recite:

Yangming Qi refines Jing and Qi; the light of fire illuminates the Purple Court, the dwelling of immortals. Radiance shines brightly in all eight directions, and the souls grow full and whole.

Turn five times and circulate three times, allowing Qi to flow through the Great Numen. Fragrant Qi winds its way through, nourishing and protecting all beings.

Put on the cap and sash of the Golden Gate; the splendid numinous root appears in clear brilliance. Take the Stone Radiance, a Daoist numinous medicine or substance of the immortal realm, and irrigate the bodily fluids with the Qi of the Water Mother.

Follow the movements of the Dao of Heaven as you circulate your breath; flourish in step with the sunlight. Let the nine apertures receive true Qi, and cast off the constraints of your former body.

Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the laws of the numinous treasure, refine and transform the person. So be it.

The Emperor says: The talisman above is condensed from the mysterious primordial Qi of the Three Radiances. Whenever refining and delivering a departed soul, use nine pieces of incense and write on them the deceased person’s name and the year, month, day, and hour of birth and death. Face east while writing the talisman, then burn it together with the incense in a fire basin. In this way, the deceased will preserve their form and ascend to the realm of the yang.

Sun Soul Talisman (red background, black characters)

Talisman for Receiving and Refining, and Summoning the Soul

(The Primordial Lords of the Three Sovereigns, the golden-jade radiance of the Celestial Cavern, and the Celestial Perfected shine through all ten directions. Summon and draw in the soul, bringing it to the place of mysterious darkness to examine its allotted lifespan. The records office of the netherworld registers its name and opens the passage. Once the talismanic command of the Five Palaces has been summoned, the deceased’s original mind will become clear, and they will come in response to the incantation.)

Then recite nine times:

By command of the Lord of the Jade Clarity, by command of the Lord of the Highest Clarity, by command of the Lord of the Great Clarity: exalted spirits of the five planets—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—summon the deceased, [name], and bring them to the Mysterious Altar. I carry out the command of the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Rescues from Suffering.

When burning the talisman, recite:

By the talismanic command of the Numinous Treasure, rescue and deliver the soul of [name], freeing it from hell, the Five Sufferings, and the Three Paths—places of suffering such as hell described in Buddhist and Daoist texts. Let it neither be detained nor forced to join the ranks of ghosts; release it from the registers of the dead. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the laws. So be it.

The Emperor says: The Soul-Summoning Talisman is also called the “Secret Chapter of the Five Phases.” Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper, nine inches long and four inches wide; write the character “Command” in ink. Face southeast and welcome the Qi of the Divine Firmament. These are the corresponding instructions.

The Talisman of the Great One Primordial Lord for Refining the Body and Restoring Its Form

In heaven there are three wondrous forces: the sun, the moon, and the stars. One can gather the essences of the sun and moon. On earth there is primordial Qi; one can form the hand seal corresponding to one’s birth, in keeping with one’s personal birth date and time, and receive the Qi of the sun, moon, and stars. Human beings also have the Three Treasures of Jing, Qi, and Shen, and can gather the three kinds of Qi from within themselves.

Taiguang, Youjing, and Shuangling are the three hun souls of a person. Visualize the three souls entering the talisman, and silently recite the deceased person’s name. Then visualize the Azure Emperor, the deity of the east who governs growth, together with the Qi of Jia and Yi, protecting and sustaining the deceased’s souls. Next, visualize in sequence the Lords of the Five Directions, refining and nourishing the deceased’s body through the Qi of the Five Phases. Visualize the Red Emperor, deity of the south, with the Qi of Bing and Ding, nurturing the heart Qi. Visualize the Yellow Emperor, deity of the center, who commands the spirits, harmonizing the spleen Qi with the Qi of the center. Visualize the White Emperor, deity of the west, protecting the po soul and lung Qi. Then visualize the Black Emperor, deity of the north, bringing the blood and Qi into communication and harmonizing the kidney Qi. Perform the rite with the corresponding hand seals, drawing in Qi, and blowing Qi.

Call the deceased by name, touch each eye in turn, and draw in Qi from the twelve directions. Then visualize in sequence: first the womb, at the Kan position; second the fetus, at the Li position; third the hun soul, at the Zhen position; fourth the po soul, at the Dui position; fifth the Five Organs, at the Shen position; sixth the Six Bowels, at the Qian position; seventh the seven apertures, at the Xun position; eighth the eight inner scenes, at the Kun position; and ninth the spirit, at the Gen position.

Talisman-Consecrating Incantation

The Qi of the Six Jia and Six Yi refines and nourishes my liver channel, increasing my power. The Qi of the Six Bing and Six Ding nourishes my heart channel, refines my Shen Qi, and protects my nature and life, granting long life. The Qi of the Six Geng and Six Xin refines and nourishes my lung channel, bringing the large and small intestines and all Qi into stillness. The Qi of the Six Ren and Six Gui refines and nourishes my kidney channel, filling me with essence and calming my bone marrow. The Qi of the Six Wu and Six Ji refines and nourishes my spleen and stomach, making my bones strong and clear and my body light and at ease, so that I may live long and see far.

Another Incantation

The Qi of Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding removes filth and summons the living spirits. The Qi of Wu, Ji, Geng, and Xin gathers true Qi and gives it form. The Qi of Ren and Gui brings forth essence and Qi, restoring your true bodily form. By command of the talisman of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, may the deceased ascend to Zhulíng, the Daoist realm of immortals.

Inscription on the back of the talisman: Chen script, Si Qi

Incantation

Concentrate and form the void, allowing the Brahma Qi to arise naturally. The true Qi contained in red-script jade characters and the Eight Mighty Dragon Texts reaches wherever it is sent, enabling detained souls to ascend beyond. By urgent command of the Shangdi, may the deceased recover their true form on Mount Fengdu.

After this talisman has been bestowed upon the recipient, may the departed soul be protected forever. We respectfully request that, after receiving the talisman, the suffering soul be entered in the register of the dead at the Palace of Vermilion Mound (Zhulings Palace), the Daoist place where souls are refined and delivered beyond death, and that the document be conveyed by the Wind-and-Fire relay stations in accordance with its written command.

The True Form of Mount Fengdu is engraved at Fengdu to subdue the Six Heavens. To subdue demons and spirits, write the True Form in cinnabar on white silk and hang it on the north side of the ritual chamber. Then all demons will conceal their forms and shadows, and all ghosts will vanish. If the deceased’s record of destiny is kept in the Great Yin (the underworld), carve the True Form of Mount Fengdu in stone and place it on the roof of the main hall to guard the underworld and pacify the Earth Deities (the gods of the land). Then the departed soul need not pass through the Six Heavens, but may go directly to the Southern Palace.

Alternatively, write the True Form in blue pigment on yellow silk, and write the deceased’s name beside it in cinnabar. Burn this talisman and scatter its ashes into the blue smoke. This will enable the Three Officials (the Celestial Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official) to release the deceased from bondage, the Northern Emperor to pardon their offenses, and their soul and spirit to ascend directly to Heaven. Wear the True Form over the heart, or later on the crown of the head. Wherever one goes, the Earth Deities will welcome one and the gods will show respect. The deceased can escape the death register of the Six Heavens and have their name entered in the register of the living in the Southern Palace; all demons will be restrained and all ghosts destroyed.

Without this True Form, the deceased will find it difficult to escape the trials of the demons of the Six Heavens. Those who study the Dao will also find it difficult to attain the immortal path by means of this method. Anyone who transmits this method must observe ritual abstinence for seven days and swear an oath over blood: if they transmit it to an unsuitable person, they will be obstructed by the demonic souls of the Six Heavens and will never attain immortality.

Incantation of the Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate:

“By command, deliver all the souls in the hidden realms and uproot the sources of their sins. Write the true text in ink mixed with cinnabar, revealing the form of the Northern Court of Fengdu, so that the ancestors of seven generations may long be freed from suffering, obstacles removed, and the gate of rebirth opened. The documents of the Six Heavens shall be struck from the record; soul, spirit, and vital energy shall be released, and the netherworld cleansed forever. Remember this for all time: raise the banners for delivering the dead and granting rebirth. In the Pool of Hatred, where the ten thousand ghosts gather in the Xianchi Court of the Northern Capital, use the method of refining through water and fire. May the Three Officials pardon their offenses and subdue the demons; together may they intercede for the departed souls, allowing them to roam freely to pay audience to the Supreme One. With urgency, in accordance with the statutes!”

Eulogy:

“The True Form document of Mount Fengdu belongs to the Shangqing tradition. Those who cultivate the immortal path wear it to subdue demons. The Three Officials bestow blessings, and the ancestors of seven generations are granted rebirth. Their offenses are struck from the dark register, and they are refined in Zhulings Palace. Ghosts fall silent, and even withered bones revive like all things in spring. Through communion with the spirits, they receive hidden protection and ultimately attain the Great Dao together. The documents of the Six Heavens shall be subdued forever, and blessings shall flow freely. With urgency, in accordance with the statutes!”

Scripture on the Six Heavens’ Control of Demons by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, “Edict for the Control of Earth Deities”

The Bureau of the Great Lingbao Rite, reverently following the Dao’s decree, hereby establishes a ritual on a certain day of this month to perform a rite of deliverance, rescuing and liberating the soul of the deceased, [name]…

And all beings among the six realms (heavenly beings, humans, asuras, animals, hungry ghosts, and beings in hell) and the four modes of birth (womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born), including unclaimed lonely souls and the souls of the dead who remain stranded and have not been delivered through ritual, are to be reborn in the heavenly realm.

The Most High—a title Daoism uses to honor the Supreme Deity—issues this talismanic command, ordering and restraining the terrestrial deities. It informs the authorities over mountains, rivers, Fengdu—the legendary underworld—and the passes of the netherworld, as well as the divine offices and guards in every place: escort the soul of the deceased, so-and-so, free it from the Gate of Earth, the entrance to the netherworld, and release it from the five sufferings and eight afflictions. Let the ancestors of seven generations ascend, and depart forever from the jurisdiction of the ghost officials. The soul will proceed to Zhuling, a place in Daoist legend where souls are refined and delivered, to undergo refinement and receive new life. This command is to be transmitted in accordance with the order, by courier through wind and fire.

The above proclamation to the terrestrial deities commands all spirits to carry it out in accordance with the rites. It must be executed without delay—swiftly, in accordance with the laws of the Great Lingbao Rite.

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

Dispatch Form

The Office of the Great Lingbao Rite issues this dispatch to the Earth-Realm Merit Officer, the divine official responsible for transmitting documents to the underworld:

On a certain day and at a certain hour this month, one sealed command was issued. Deliver it for presentation to the authorities over the mountains, rivers, and Fengdu, and to the various divine offices. A designated courier must carry it.

The above dispatch is entrusted to the Earth-Realm Merit Officer, who is ordered to carry it there, present it clearly, and respectfully carry out the command.

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

The undersigned, of the rank of [rank and surname of the ritual master].

Proclamation Passing Through the Heavens

The Office of the Great Lingbao Rite respectfully follows the Dao’s command. On a certain day this month, a certain purification ritual is being performed to deliver the soul of the deceased, so-and-so, along with beings among the six realms and four modes of birth who are unclaimed lonely souls or remain stranded without having been delivered through ritual, so that they may be reborn in the heavenly realm.

The Most High’s Jade Edict proclaims to the heavens, commanding the Thirty-Two Heavens, the Thirty-Two Emperors, the holy sages of the heavens, the celestial emperors and perfected beings, the demon kings of the Three Realms, and the divine offices that govern the gates of heaven: Today, rejoice and celebrate the deliverance of the deceased, so-and-so. Even the darkest places will see the light of wisdom. Please remove the Three Evils—the sufferings caused by evil paths or evil deeds—and sever the roots of the netherworld, so that the soul may fly beyond the Five Gates of the Netherworld and its name be entered among those of the Great Mystery in heaven. The demon kings shall oversee its ascent and delivery and must not bar the gates of heaven. This command is to be transmitted in accordance with the order, by courier through wind and fire.

The above document, passing through the heavens, is to carry out the deliverance in accordance with the Jade Edict of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. It must be executed without delay—swiftly, in accordance with the laws of the Great Lingbao Rite.

Dispatch Form

The Office of the Great Lingbao Rite issues this dispatch to the Heaven-Realm Merit Officer, the divine official responsible for transmitting documents to the heavenly realm:

On a certain day and at a certain hour this month, one sealed document for passage through the heavenly gates was issued. Deliver it for presentation before the true sovereigns and holy ones of the heavens. A designated courier must carry it.

The above dispatch is entrusted to the Heaven-Realm Merit Officer, who is ordered to carry it directly there, present it clearly, and respectfully carry out the Dao’s command without delay. This dispatch is hereby issued.

Proclamation to All Three Realms

The Office of the Great Lingbao Rite—[the original ends here; the following text is not included].

Acting in accordance with the Dao’s command, on a certain day of this month we establish the altar and perform the rites to deliver the soul of the deceased, along with the lonely souls and stranded spirits among the beings of the six paths and four modes of birth, so that they may be reborn in the heavenly realm.

The Most High issues a jade decree, proclaiming it throughout the Three Realms and Ten Directions to their rulers, and to the places known as the Boundless Divine Realm, the Office of the Winding Springs, the Northern Capital of Luofeng (the legendary seat of governance in the underworld), the Three Offices and Nine Departments, and the Twelve River Sources. It orders that the deceased person’s karmic ties from myriad eons, entanglements with relatives, and countless roots of sin be dissolved, so that they may swiftly escape the registers of guilt and darkness. Let the roots of their sins disperse; let them no longer be confined or tormented, nor be counted among the ghosts. All of this shall be carried out in accordance with this decree, which must be conveyed with the speed of wind and fire relays.

This proclamation is issued throughout the Three Realms. Let its orders be carried out.

By the jade decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, carry out the deliverance at once, without delay. Let it be done in strict accordance with the statutes and commands of the Great Lingbao Method.

Document format (the format of documents issued by Daoist ritual offices to divine functionaries):

The Office of the Great Lingbao Method issues this document to the Divine Registrar of Meritorious Deeds, a divine functionary responsible for conveying the commands of the gods:

On a certain day of this month, a proclamation was issued. Its seals are complete. It is to be delivered before the rulers of the Boundless Divine Realm in the Three Realms, and must be duly reported and presented. A special envoy is assigned to carry out this task.

This document is entrusted to the Divine Registrar of Meritorious Deeds, who is ordered to carry it with them, make the proclamation clear, present it properly, and respectfully carry out the decree. There must be no failure or obstruction. So ordered.

Earth Deity Talisman Made by Imperial Command (a talisman made under imperial command for addressing the earth deities):

The ancestral Qi of Lingbao sends the soul and spirit away from the ninefold underworld beneath Mount Bei. The nine levels of the earth are opened and divided. By command of the Three Heavens, the Nine Sovereigns reveal the wondrous secret words in red script. The subtle principle of the Dao is as clear as jade; may the souls of the dead forever leave the realm of ghosts. Through the boundless Great Dao of delivering people, let the utmost wondrous achievement be accomplished.

Talisman for Passing Through the Gates of the Heavens (a talisman for gaining passage through the gates of the various heavens):

The Emperor of Primordial Beginning’s mysterious wonder commands the numinous spirits of the heavens. The Nine Qi of the Three Heavens converge; righteous Qi manifests in divided forms, and true Qi flows through all. By this, one passes through the barriers and ascends to the gates of heaven. United with the assembled perfected beings, one brings all the heavens down together.

Talisman for Proclaiming Throughout the Three Realms (a talisman for proclaiming a command throughout the Three Realms):

With red script, convey the command and summon the numinous spirits; pardon the sins of the Three Heavens and free the souls of the dead from the netherworld. Deliver suffering souls and spirits, freeing them from the delusions of birth and death; sever the roots of death and close the gate of the dead. The light of the Three Stars shines, the Qi of the Eastern Well refines the body, and the Six Qi gather. The darkness of the Ninefold Abyss vanishes completely, and light appears everywhere. The command is proclaimed throughout the Three Realms, carried without pause by wind and fire relays. May the souls of the dead ascend to the heavenly Dao and attain realization as immortal perfected beings.

Numinous Talisman for Leaving the Cycle of Birth and Death (a numinous talisman enabling the souls of the dead to leave the cycle of reincarnation).

The red writ, written in vermilion, commands the spirits to save the dead and free them from the darkness of the netherworld. The Three Heavens (the three celestial realms in Daoism) pardon their sins, allowing all suffering souls to be delivered and return to the cycle of birth and death.

From then on, they are forever freed from the path of delusion, and the roots leading to death are severed. The Eastern Well Mansion (a named stellar lodge) refines their forms, while the Three Terraces (a named star group) shine forth. The Jade Emperor, in great compassion, issues an edict pardoning the spirits of the netherworld and making their light shine brightly.

The six forms of primordial Qi gather, and the darkness of the Nine Depths (the deepest regions of the netherworld) disperses. The dead are able to be reborn among the five paths and at last behold the light. The rites of refinement through wind and fire continue without pause, enabling the dead to ascend to Heaven and attain the state of the Immortals.

The Jade Clarity Heaven (a supreme Daoist deity and his celestial realm) sends the red writ up to the Purple Court. By the compassion of Heaven, the spirits of the netherworld in the Three Realms are pardoned. The sinful souls in the worlds of the ten directions and the Nine Depths, along with ancestors of every generation, suffering spirits, and wandering souls, will have their names removed from the registers of guilt and the roots of their evil karma destroyed, so that they may quickly reach a place where they can be reborn. Their Qi and spiritual awareness will settle into calm; they will then ascend to Heaven, purify their bodies, cultivate their spirits, and become sincere and clear within. After sweeping away darkness and obstruction, they will enter the Great Dao and rise to the state of the Immortals. All this shall be carried out in accordance with the writ.

Write with a vermilion brush on yellow paper. First, face northwest and kneel upright. Visualize, above the Central Dipper, White Jade Capital Mountain appearing with its many treasures and auspicious lights. Recite the Invocation of the Jade Calendar, draw in the Qi from the northwest, and write the talisman.

Invocation of the Jade Calendar:

Primordial Cavern Jade Calendar, Dragon Han, Yan Kang … [the original text is abridged here] … May I myself be granted rebirth. Swiftly, in accordance with the boundless edict of the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning to deliver all beings.

After writing it, recite the invocation once more and draw in the breath, infusing it into the talisman.

Jade Talisman of Pardon from the Jade Clarity Heaven:

The Three Qi shine brightly, and the smoke of countless ancestors rises and disperses. Wandering souls and suffering spirits, according to their allotted fate, are meant to be delivered through refinement in the Great Yin (the realm of the netherworld). By undergoing refinement on the date recorded in the registers of sin and merit, they can become immortals and faithfully uphold the precepts. The karmic bonds of their past lives are all released, and they receive universal deliverance and rebirth in the body. Though their souls and spirits may temporarily disperse, their forms can be restored.

The divine writ of the Divine Empyrean is conveyed by the Jade Talisman of the Jade Clarity Heaven, informing the venerable jailers, clerks, and other divine officials on either side: deliver a certain person, that they may forever leave the long night behind, have their grave sins erased, their body and spirit settled, their suffering ended, and ascend to the upper realm to pay court to the Heavenly Emperor. Their blessings, virtue, and wisdom will naturally increase. They will ride a dragon carriage and attend upon the celestial court, while the True Dao endures forever. All this shall be carried out in accordance with the writ.

Golden Book on Jade Tablets of the Three Heavens:

The Golden Book on Jade Tablets (a document of investiture used by Daoist deities) protects the souls, bringing rest to the suffering dead who remain stranded, and granting them new life at once. The gates in the eight directions are thrown open, and the souls are no longer confined by their bodies. Their souls ascend to the Golden Palace (a celestial palace), where they naturally bathe in the radiance of the sun, moon, and stars, feast and wander in Jade Capital (the celestial capital), and reveal their true immortal forms. The gates of the netherworld and its places of judgment are all bathed in light.

The Jade Document of the Divine Empyrean (a jade text used by the Divine Empyrean school in the performance of rites) bears the command of the Three Heavens. It opens the Eight Gates and the Thirty-Six Prisons. The officials charged with enforcing the law should promptly proceed to the Imperial Hall, pardon so-and-so’s past offenses, and deliver them beyond death, so that they may forever leave the Long Night behind and ascend to the Jade Tower in the heavens of the Divine Empyrean. They shall then return to their former duties. May their Original Qi return to the mysterious realm. Let all be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

True Talisman of the Jade Document for Transcendence and Refinement in the Divine Empyrean

(Bright Brahma, Mysterious Radiance: The forms of Yin-Yang unite. The Great Thearch opens the realm of deliverance from darkness, refining by fire so that the souls of the dead become yang bodies.)

(The Eight Spirits are named lords: The soul is restored to life and gathers the Qi of Heaven; the Qi of Heaven returns to the self. Through nine turns of cultivation, one attains the Way of the immortals and joins with the hundred spirits.)

(The Nine Openings of the Path of Merit: The Great Dao is made manifest and Wuwei (non-action) is realized. The body reborn in a future life rides the purple clouds upward.)

The Jade Document of the Divine Empyrean proclaims to the jailers, officials of the underworld, prison enforcers, record keepers, and officers of the penal courts: Open the gate of deliverance, so that so-and-so may forever leave the Long Night behind. Refine and purify the soul, clarify the spirit, and raise it into the Mysterious Pass, erasing its offenses. When merit is complete, let it ascend to the lofty heavens of the Divine Empyrean, and let its Original Qi enter the realm of Wuwei. Let all be carried out in accordance with this proclamation and conveyed by the Wind-and-Fire Relay.

In solemn obedience to the talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning: At the appointed time, let the dead be elevated. The divisions of the Northern Capital’s Cold Pool shall guard the forms and souls of the dead, subdue demons, and commend the departed, enabling them to ascend in deliverance and proceed to the Southern Palace. The souls of the dead, once refined, become immortals; the living receive deliverance and endure through generation after generation, turning with the cycles of the kalpas and sharing the longevity of Heaven.

Those not yet delivered shall escape the Three Paths, the Five Sufferings, and the Eight Difficulties, pass beyond the Three Realms, and roam freely in the realm of Highest Clarity. Let all be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

On this year, month, day, and hour, let the proclamation be issued.

Recite the general incantation:

The supreme, utterly true, great sage and high venerable one bestows teachings and transforms beings, setting Original Qi in motion and permeating the Thirty-Two Heavens. The talismanic writings arise naturally from the Eight Assemblies and Nine Radiances; they stabilize Heaven and Earth and protect the cycles of the kalpas. The talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning is proclaimed throughout the Three Origins, issued to the Nine Earths, sent upward to the heavens, and conveyed to seas and peaks, famed mountains, great rivers, and streams. Today it is proclaimed above; all the spirits must hear it.

Through purification rites and the practice of the Dao, deliver the souls of the dead. May the Three Officials and Nine Courts erase the roots of their offenses, so that they forever escape the source of the Three Paths and Five Sufferings. May they enjoy blessings in every generation and have their names entered in the Cinnabar Register. May their souls be born in Heaven and be naturally refined. Whether living or dead, may all receive deliverance and endure through kalpas without end.

A proclamation of the Nine Heavens, conveyed by the Wind-and-Fire Relay.

The Great Method of the Lingbao Supreme Scripture for Delivering Humanity, Scroll Sixty-Eight