《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 70

The Incense Talisman of Dao and De is used in establishing an altar for ritual, submitting petitions, and performing Yellow Register Retreats (Daoist rituals for the salvation of the dead and for prayers to avert calamity). It can also be used in rituals related to the Jade Emperor.

The incantation says: “The wondrous fragrance of Dao and De fills the Dharma Realm and reaches through the Three Realms. Whatever is undertaken with sincere devotion will receive a response. May people attain long life and pass beyond the world. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes.”

The method for the Incense Talisman for Deliverance throughout the Three Realms is the same as before. The incantation says: “The fragrance transcends the Three Realms and fills the empty sky, reaching straight to the imperial presence, where it gathers into an offering. Prayers will surely be heard. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes.”

Both talismans above are written in cinnabar on yellow paper. During the rite, form the hand seal with the middle finger at the center of the palm. Face northwest, gather Qi (vital energy) from the northwest, and blow it into the talisman.

The method for the Incense Talisman for Universal Salvation of the Souls of the Dead is the same as before, and uses the Seal of Universal Salvation. The incantation says: “The Great Dao is compassionate, and at the sound of the call it saves all souls of the dead. Using the fragrance, grant universal aid, so that the souls may reach the Nine Depths (the deepest regions of the underworld) and ascend to the Great Void. This merit is beyond comprehension.” Apply the seal while reciting the incantation above.

The Incense Talisman for Transmitting the Talisman Dispatch uses the Seal of Transmitted Command and draws Qi from the east. The incantation says: “The talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning saves the souls of the dead. The Golden Dragon serves as messenger to carry the command, swiftly transmitting it without delay.”

The incantation for the Incense Talisman for Breaking Through the Nine Depths says: “Golden light and jade-colored vapor swiftly rise before the Emperor. The talismanic command is fully conveyed and passes through the gates of the underworld. Let the capitals of the Nine Depths open at once, so that guilty souls may be delivered to the Southern Heaven.”

The Incense Talisman for Bathing the Souls of the Dead uses the Seal of Bathing and draws Qi from the north. The incantation says: “Fragrant vapor, like jade springs, washes and purifies the souls of the dead, enabling them to ascend. May the spirits be clear and pure, and attain the peace that comes naturally. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes.”

This talisman is written in yellow characters on blue-green paper. Form the “Zi Pattern” hand seal, face due north, gather Qi, and blow it into the talisman; then burn it in the bathing chamber.

The Imperial Man says: “After the dead have received the bathing rite, their dust and impurities have been washed away. They should also be given new immortal garments so they can ascend the altar steps. Without garments, their caps and belts will be incomplete, making it difficult for them to appear before the holy perfected beings. Therefore, the Great Compassionate Dharma of the Most High includes a ‘Method for Transforming Garments’ to deliver the souls of the dead.” This talisman is written in cinnabar on yellow paper. The officiant faces south, takes three steps in the Ding-Gang step pattern, clicks the teeth three times, forms the Heavenly Emperor hand seal with the left hand, and recites the incantation to perform the rite.

The incantation for the Talisman for Transforming into Immortal Garments says: “The Nine Luminaries support the weakened souls, transforming true Qi into garments. The Four Spirits guard them together, while the Five Planets shine upon one another. True Qi transforms into splendid brocade; brightly colored robes gather into view in the sky. The powers of the six directions support and escort them, containing the mystery of the Three Qi.”

The Supreme One, the highest of the divine beings, shines brilliantly, and the immortals gather together. The crimson circle of light is clear and radiant; the Primordial Heavenly Worthy (Yuanshi Tianzun) bestows compassionate protection.

Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes.

Incantation for Changing Garments

Om, hum, hum, hu, wu, fayidi mingdu: transform the body and draw in what has form, so that it may be changed.

Transforming Food for the Netherworld

The August One said: “The souls of the dead linger in the dark netherworld, unable to obtain food. They often suffer from hunger and thirst, and rarely encounter a meal that can satisfy them. Their throats seem to burn with fire; through kalpas upon kalpas, they remain tormented by hunger. When a grand Zhaijiao purification ritual is held, they must rely on ritual practitioners to carry out the transformative rites. Burn the sweet-dew jade talisman in water, form the hand seal of the Five Sacred Peaks, recite the secret verses, and empower the ritual food so that it becomes sweet dew. After the deceased have eaten, they will find cooling relief and joy, ascend to the celestial realms, turn their hearts toward the Dao, be freed from every affliction, and find satisfaction.

“To perform the rite, form the Yuqing hand seal with both hands and visualize yourself as the Primordial Heavenly Worthy. From the Gate of Heaven, send down the Three Qi, drawing them into yourself. Then blow Qi onto the talisman and burn it in water. Sprinkle the water with a willow branch while reciting the secret incantation, thereby saving souls throughout the netherworld. The merit of this method is beyond measure.”

Food-Transformation Talisman

Incantation:

Om, weng, luo, li, changcan, tuotani, tuoyeduojia, Mituo.

Incantation for Transforming Food

The shadowy depths of Fengdu, the legendary realm of the dead, are suddenly lit by radiance; wandering souls come to partake of fragrant, delicious food. The power of the Lingbao refines the talismans, restoring the bodies of the dead. When they behold the wondrous gathering of immortals, they learn where to turn. This meritorious affinity, rarely encountered in ten thousand kalpas, is truly precious. Opening a path through the netherworld depends entirely on the true force of the Dao; the ritual serves as a bridge, conveying beings to the other shore and offering boundless deliverance. Good causes gathered thought by thought, they ride the radiance and ascend through the sky.

Sweet-Dew Throat-Opening Talisman

Incantation:

Vast and boundless, the Supreme One’s numinous spring moistens what is parched and nourishes all things, flowing forth of its own accord. Its wondrous essence gives rise to saliva, clear and pure as the Great Mystery. It sustains souls, while clouds of Qi extend without end. Cool Qi protects life and extinguishes fierce flames; the Flower Pool is broad and deep, its source beyond measure.

Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes.

Write each of the talismans below in cinnabar on yellow paper, making three copies, and burn them in water. They may also be blown toward the spirit tablet of the deceased. Write them in the Zi script, drawing on the Qi of the north.

Incense Talisman for Refining and Delivering Souls to Heaven

(Use together with the Five Sacred Peaks hand seal; draw on the Qi of the east.)

Incantation:

With penetrating compassion and light, refine and transform the nine corpses—the nine forms of corpse release or bodily obstruction—so they may pass through to the Mysterious Heaven and roam freely.

Incense Talisman for the Universal Salvation Bridge of the Rite

Incantation:

The bridge of the rite is vast; the bridge of the rite delivers all. Summon swiftly, raise and deliver swiftly, and step into the wondrous, mysterious realm in the empty expanse.

Incense Talisman for Offering Food at Night (use the Five Peaks Seal; face east and draw in Qi; burn it in the incense burner)

Incantation:

Food offerings reach throughout the ten directions, and every passage is clear. The food is inexhaustible and is offered to all beings to enjoy.

Incense Talisman for Summoning the Souls of the Dead to the Altar (use the Soul-Summoning Seal; face east and draw in Qi)

Incantation:

By the true script of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, summon the souls of the dead swiftly to my ritual altar, where they may receive the supreme Daoist teachings.

Incense Talisman for Receiving the Robe of Salvation (form the Jade Clarity mudra; face east and draw in Qi)

Incantation:

Wearing this robe of a hundred colors, radiant with flowing light and flying clouds, one may ascend, enter the mysterious void, and roam through Taiji (the Supreme Ultimate).

Incense Talisman for Guiding the Souls of the Dead to Receive the Scriptures (draw in Qi from the central direction)

Incantation:

The scriptures proclaimed by the Golden Mouth are governed by Jade Script. Their sound resounds through the Three Realms and the Ninefold Darkness. The souls of the dead are freed from the suffering of the prisons below, ascend to heaven, and are reborn.

Incense Talisman for Delivering Beings Without Measure (use the Seal for Delivering Beings Without Measure; face northeast and draw in Qi)

Incantation:

True spirits in the heavens, divine beings in the heavens: nine and ten unite, transform, and ascend into Highest Clarity.

Incense Talisman for Saving the Suffering upon Hearing Their Cries (use the Taiyi Seal for Saving the Suffering; face east and draw in Qi)

When making the dot and stroke on the right side of this talisman, chant the name “Taiyi.”

The Four Treasures Talisman (transform one precious treasure into treasures carried by a thousand carts)

Transform one portion of gold into gold carried by a thousand carts, and distribute it throughout the boundless worlds. Scatter its grace widely, benefiting the spirits and gods without limit.