《靈寶領教濟度金書》Vol. 128

This chapter from the Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu documents a grand purification ritual (zhaijiao keyi) called the "Tenfold Salvation Rite." The ceremony begins with Daoist priests assembling in solemn procession at the Hall of Silent Contemplation before being led by ceremonial attendants to the chief altar master.

The ritual follows an exacting sequence: first paying homage at the ceremonial curtain, then circumambulating the altar space while passing through three symbolic gateways representing the Three Realms—the "Capital Gate" (heaven), "Earth Portal" (earth), and "Celestial Gate" (human realm). The incense offering follows, with fragrant smoke presented to the Ten Directional Deities and the Celestial Treasure Platform, accompanied by chanting of the Incense Offering Hymn and Three Refuges verses.

The presiding master reverently burns incense to petition the Daoist pantheon in hierarchical order: from the primordial "Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning" (Yuanshi Tianzun) who embodies the Dao's origin, to the "Jade Emperor" ruling the Three Realms; from the "Five Ancient Celestial Sovereigns" governing the directions, to the "Lords of Southern and Northern Dippers" recording life and death; from the "Five True Monarchs of the Central Realm" overseeing souls, to the "Lord of Boundless Salvation" responsible for deliverance. This divine assembly encompasses all sacred powers within the Daoist cosmos:

• The Creation Pantheon: including the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing)—Yuanshi, Lingbao, and Daode Tianzun
• Astral Deities: Solar and Lunar Lords, Five Planet Sovereigns, Five Dipper Deities
• Life-Death Administrators: the Registrar Han and the Great Lord of Longevity
• Guardian Generals: Flying Celestial Kings and Demon-Subduing Emperors
• Scripture Transmitters: the Great Master of Mysterious Center and Celestial Sovereigns
• Grotto-Heaven Immortals: Perfected Ones governing sacred mountains

Through this comprehensive invocation, a sacred space for divine-human communication is established, laying the foundation for subsequent rites of soul salvation and universal deliverance. The entire liturgy embodies the Lingbao school's core doctrine of "universal salvation for all beings."

This scripture depicts the sacred setting and ritual power of Daoist salvation ceremonies. The "jade youths and maidens of the Thirty-Two Heavens" mentioned in the text are protective deities in Daoist belief who assist priests in performing salvation rituals. "The crimson illumination of cosmic beginnings" refers to the sacred moment when heaven and earth first separated, while "Qingwei" represents an important meditative state in Daoist cultivation.

Through conducting grand salvation ceremonies like the "Tenfold Rites of Human Salvation," priests harness the power of the "Three Registers of Sacred Protocol" (three essential talismanic rituals in Daoism) to eliminate karmic obstacles for the deceased. The ritual requires setting up an "Xuantan" (altar), with both priests and participants maintaining physical and spiritual purity while communicating with deities through scripture recitation and ritual music.

The scripture vividly describes the wondrous visions during the ceremony: the gates of the Purple Tenuity Star Palace (an important Daoist celestial realm) swing open, divine music reverberates through the air, and the sound of jade chimes resonates across the Three Thousand Worlds. Through such salvation rites, the deceased can purify their sins, transcend the "Five Turbidities" (the five defilements of the human realm), and ascend their souls to the "Nine Purities" (the highest heavenly realm), ultimately attaining liberation in the state of "neither coming nor going," "neither born nor extinguished."

These ceremonies not only save departed souls but also bring blessings to the living. As the text states, "households and nations all receive support, both the visible and invisible realms equally benefit," meaning both the living families in the yang world and the deceased in the yin realm gain merit. Through devout scripture recitation and proper ritual observance, disasters may be averted and supreme virtue manifested.

This passage describes the scene of a Daoist "Tenfold Salvation" (Shihuai Duren) purification ritual (Zhaijiao), where priests perform a ceremony to guide the deceased's soul beyond suffering.

At the ceremony's commencement, the presiding priest reverently declares: With utmost sincerity, we gaze upward to beseech celestial grace. The scriptures of the Numinous Treasure Celestial Master (Lingbao Tianzun) contain the profound mantras of all heavens, possessing supreme merit to subdue demons and stabilize heaven and earth. Today we establish this Tenfold Salvation ritual for the deceased, reverently following the teachings as we open the sacred texts. Through reciting the scriptures ten times, we summon deities from the ten directions to help the departed soul transcend the Three Paths (of fire, blood, and blades) and the Three Realms (of desire, form, and formlessness), attaining eternal liberation.

The priests invite all sacred beings to descend to the ritual altar as witnesses. They invoke the "Teachings of Primordial Azure" (referring to Yuanshi Tianzun's doctrine) and the "Great Crimson Liturgy" (referring to Lingbao Tianzun's teachings), presenting their green memorials (written petitions to celestial deities) with devotion, drawing upon the ceaseless power of the Dao.

During the ceremony, the priests lead devotees in ascending the altar, offering incense and scattered flowers while chanting the Supreme Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Scripture of Immeasurable Salvation (Taishang Dongxuan Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing). These rites aim to absolve all sins committed by the deceased in the Eastern Limitless World, delivering them from the torments of the Wind-and-Thunder Hell to rebirth in peaceful realms. All participants sincerely beseech the Three Treasures (Dao, scriptures, and masters) to witness this mercy.

The ritual concludes by invoking the sacred title "Immeasurable Salvation Celestial Master," signifying that through the merit of scripture recitation, both the deceased and all their karmic creditors may attain deliverance. The entire ceremony embodies the Daoist compassionate spirit of "universal salvation," employing scripture chanting and repentance to help souls achieve liberation.

This is a Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual) ceremony for the salvation of deceased souls, primarily involving confession of sins and seeking absolution from the deities of the Eastern Limitless Realm. The ritual proceeds as follows:

First, the priests recite the "Supreme Dongxuan Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing" (Scripture of Limitless Salvation), confessing all Yin-Yang transgressions committed in the Eastern Limitless Realm and praying for the elimination of karmic obstacles. They invoke the descent of azure auspicious clouds, the dispersal of negative karma with the wind, the erasure of death records in the underworld, and the inscription of life names in the mortal realm—that all beings may attain rebirth.

This is followed by the ritual movement called "Ju Da Buxu" (Great Pacing of the Void), performed while facing east to make confessions. The Daoist priests read aloud confessional texts and submit memorial petitions, beseeching forgiveness from the Heavenly Worthy of Lingbao's Absolution (a major Daoist deity). Special appeals are made to divine beings of the Eastern Limitless Realm including the Flying Celestial Kings, the Great Sage of Longevity, and the Lord of Limitless Salvation, requesting their compassionate attention.

The ceremony establishes a "Tenfold Salvation Altar," where Fulu (talismans and registers) are issued according to classical liturgical procedures. These notify all levels of deities in the Eastern Limitless Realm, petitioning for the salvation of departed souls—absolving their earthly transgressions and delivering them from suffering. The priests pray that these deities, while attending the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning in the Fuli Heavenly Realm (a Daoist paradise), might remember their fundamental vow to deliver all beings.

Subsequently, the "Feikong Buxu Song" (Hymn of Pacing the Void Through the Air) is chanted, and the second phase of the ritual commences with the priests ascending the altar. They burn incense, scatter flowers, and lead disciples in chanting the Scripture of Salvation while collectively performing ritual circumambulation. Through these elements—incense offering, scripture recitation, and talisman transmission—the ceremony seeks divine assistance to guide souls upward to the Supreme Clarity Heavenly Realm (one of Daoism's highest celestial domains).

Note: This represents a characteristic Lingbao school salvation ritual, employing sacred mantras, Fulu (talismans and registers), and Keyi (liturgy) to harness divine power for soul redemption. "Tenfold Salvation" refers to delivering souls through ten cycles of merit accumulation, while "Fulu" serves as special documents facilitating communication between humans and deities.

This scripture records a Daoist zhaijiao (purification ritual) performed to liberate the souls of the deceased. Through liturgical practices such as scripture recitation and talisman proclamation, the Daoist priests beseech the Flying Celestial Kings of the Southern Limitless Realm to pardon the sins committed by the departed souls during their lifetimes.

The ritual begins with the priests seated in meditation, chanting the Scripture of Salvation (Duren Jing) to petition the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest Daoist deities) regarding their intention to liberate both the deceased and all wronged souls in the underworld. They specifically request the absolution of the souls' yang sins (transgressions in this life) and yin faults (karmic debts from past lives) incurred in the Southern Limitless Realm, hoping the departed may escape the torments of the fiery abyss and ascend to the blissful realms of immortality.

Next, the priests perform the "Great Pacing the Void" liturgy (Keyi, a ritual involving sacred star-stepping movements), facing south to recite a confession text. With solemn reverence, they address the Flying Celestial Kings and the Great Sage of Longevity in the Southern Limitless Realm, explaining that they are conducting a tenfold salvation ritual (shihui duren daochang) on behalf of the patron sponsoring the ceremony. Following the prescribed liturgical procedures, they issue fulu (talismans and registers) to formally request the remission of the souls' transgressions.

The text mentions the "white missives and golden-horse courier route," referencing the Daoist belief in a celestial postal system responsible for transmitting documents between heavenly realms. The ritual concludes with the "Soaring Void Pacing" hymn, once again invoking the "Boundless Salvation Heavenly Worthy" (Duren Wuliang Tianzun), praying that the souls may forever escape the tortures of hell and ascend directly to the Great Elixir Heaven (Dadan xianjie, a higher celestial realm). The entire ceremony exemplifies the Daoist religious practice of using liturgy (Keyi) to commune with the celestial realms and liberate the souls of the departed.

I’ve heard that one can universally proclaim to the Three Realms (heaven, earth, and the underworld) to erase the records of sins and help departed souls transcend the many barriers. We beseech the celestial deities to sever the roots of hell, recommend the ascent of the departed, and rely on the vast grace of the Mysterious Origin (referring to the supreme Daoist deities, the Three Pure Ones) and the profound compassion of the Lingbao Heavenly Worthy.

Currently, a patron of the purification ritual (a devout follower hosting the ceremony) is conducting a tenfold salvation rite, specifically offering equal liberation for the deceased so-and-so and all karmic creditors in the underworld. Leading the assembly of pure Daoist practitioners, we ascend the altar to perform the rites. Through incense offerings, flower scattering, and reciting the Supreme Dongxuan Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing (Scripture of Limitless Salvation), each participant completes a full recitation, earnestly praying for the eradication of all yin-yang transgressions committed by these souls in the Western Limitless World (one of the Five Directions in Daoist cosmology), freeing them from the torments of the Vajra Hell and elevating them to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

After the scripture recitation, we devoutly implore the Three Treasures (Dao, Scriptures, and Masters) and the Ten Directions’ Sacred Truths to bestow their mercy and validate the merits of this ritual. Through chanting the Duren Jing (Scripture of Salvation), all yin-yang karmic offenses committed by the deceased in the Western Limitless World have been purified. May the departed souls ascend to the Jade Pool Paradise, eternally rejoicing within the Golden Gate, attaining enlightenment through the True Dao, stabilizing the waters of wisdom in the Spiritual Terrace (the abode of the heart-mind), dissolving all delusions, and shattering the mountain of karmic obstacles. May all departed souls find joyful liberation.

Next, we perform the third verse of Buxu (the ritual of pacing the void, where the priest steps in celestial patterns), facing west to offer prayers. We reverently petition the Flying Celestial Kings, the Great Sages of Longevity, and the Lords of Limitless Salvation of the Western Limitless World, beseeching their compassionate witness to this tenfold salvation rite. In accordance with the classical liturgy, we issue talismanic decrees (Daoist ritual documents) to proclaim to all underworld offices of the Western Limitless World, pardoning the past transgressions of the deceased so-and-so and their karmic creditors, aiding their deliverance from suffering.

[Note] This passage fully illustrates the core process of a Daoist salvation ritual: invoking deities → reciting scriptures to absolve sins → pacing the void in praise → announcing decrees of pardon. It embodies the Daoist spirit of "limitless salvation" for the world. The recurring theme of "equal compassion for karmic creditors and kin" demonstrates that Daoist salvation extends beyond family members, impartially liberating all beings with karmic connections.

This scripture describes the ritual procedures of the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) school of Daoism for guiding departed souls to salvation. The priests perform specific ceremonial steps with devout hearts, praying for divine beings to deliver the souls from suffering.

The ritual begins with the priests visualizing themselves receiving teachings at the feet of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun), the supreme deity in Daoism. They summon celestial messengers to deliver petitions, hoping all underworld spirits will respectfully receive them, cease tormenting the departed souls, and allow their ascension to the Tai Su Heaven, a Daoist paradise.

The ceremony unfolds in three phases. First, the priests burn incense and chant hymns of wisdom before entering the ritual platform. The chief priest speaks of harmonizing the Qi of the five viscera (Wuqi) through cultivation to attain perfection. They establish a "Tenfold Salvation Altar" for the ritual patron (Zhaizhu), seeking deliverance for both the deceased and all karmic creditors in the underworld.

Together, the assembly recites the Supreme Lingbao Scripture of Infinite Salvation (Taishang Dongxuan Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing), praying for the absolution of all sins the deceased committed in the Northern Wuji World, a Daoist conception of the underworld. Through the scripture's spiritual power, they hope to lift souls from the icy suffering of the underworld rivers to the blissful realms.

After chanting, the priests again invoke the compassion of the Three Treasures (Sanbao Tianzun, the three supreme deities) and the Ten Directions' holy beings to witness this ritual's merit. They believe such ceremonies can erase karmic obstacles, remove names from the underworld's Black Register, and enroll souls in the celestial records for ascension on wind-borne chariots. The ritual concludes with prayers that its benefits may reach all beings in the Five Paths (heavenly, human, animal, hungry ghost, and hell realms), bringing nourishment to all life.

This scripture describes a Daoist zhaijiao (purification ritual) for the salvation of departed souls. The priests face north—a direction symbolizing the virtue of water (De) and the underworld in Daoism—as they petition the Flying Celestial King of the Northern Wuji (a high-ranking deity governing the northern realm in Daoist cosmology).

The ritual unfolds through several sacred stages: First, the priests perform buxu (a ritual dance-step technique used in Daoist liturgy), followed by recitations of repentance texts and memorial documents (formal petitions to deities). They then supplicate the Heavenly Worthy Who Absolves Sins Through Numinous Talismans, beseeching divine compassion and oversight. The patron sponsoring the ceremony establishes a ten-cycle salvation altar (a ritual space for liberating souls through ten reincarnations), issuing fulu (talismanic commands imbued with spiritual power) according to classical keyi (liturgical protocols). These commands are transmitted to all underworld offices in the Northern Wuji realm, petitioning salvation for specific departed souls along with all karmic creditors trapped in the darkness.

The phrase "proclaiming to all mystical offices of the Northern Wuji realm" signifies entreating the underworld bureaucracy to pardon the deceased's earthly transgressions, freeing them from hell's torments. References to "Fuli" (the Jade Capital where the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning preaches) and "the Primordial Teachings on Soul Salvation" emphasize adherence to the highest divine instructions.

Through chanting the Supreme Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Wondrous Scripture of Infinite Salvation (a pivotal Daoist jing), burning incense and flowers, and reciting sacred texts, the priests eradicate the yin-yang karmic obstructions accumulated by souls in the Northeastern Wuji realm (one of Daoism's cosmological underworld domains). The ultimate aim is liberation from infernal suffering and rebirth in the Land of Eternal Bliss—a Daoist pure land.

The ritual concludes by invoking the sacred name "Heavenly Worthy of Boundless Salvation," expressing gratitude to the Three Treasures (Dao, scriptures, and master-teachers) and exalted deities while seeking their witness to the ceremony's merit. This liturgy embodies core Daoist soteriology—using ritual protocols, scripture recitation, and incense offerings to ferry souls across suffering into liberation.

We practitioners have continuously recited the Supreme Cavernous Numinous Treasure Limitless Salvation Supreme Scripture (Taishang Dongxuan Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing) for the deceased [name] and their karmic creditors in the underworld, hoping to eliminate all accumulated sins within the northeastern Wuji World (a sacred directional realm in Daoist cosmology) and its various underworld bureaus. Whether these transgressions were committed during their earthly life (yang-world sins) or formed after death (yin-world faults), we pray for their complete purification. Each individual has undergone a full cycle of repentance.

We humbly beseech celestial auspicious radiance to descend, allowing Heaven's grace to illuminate the deepest darkness of the underworld, just as the sacred luan bird (a Daoist divine avian) records virtuous deeds. May it be as when immortal cranes deliver pardons, enabling departed souls to ascend to the radiant celestial realms. May this benevolence extend throughout the Three Realms (Heaven, Earth, and Humanity) and reach all souls suffering in the Ninefold Netherworld (the deepest hell realms in Daoism). For this profound karmic connection, we reverently invite the Celestial Worthies to bear witness.

Now we begin chanting the fifth Pacing the Void Hymn (Buxu Ci), a liturgical praise used in Daoist purification rituals (Zhaijiao), while facing the northeastern direction. All practitioners present sincerely repent and recite the memorial petitions (Biaowen, documents submitted to deities) and official dispatches (Guanwen, celestial communications). After invoking the sacred title of the Lingfu Shezui Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Talismanic Pardon), we solemnly petition once more:

"O Flying Celestial Kings, Sages of Longevity, and Limitless Salvation Celestial Worthies of the northeastern Wuji World, we implore your compassionate attention. Today, the patron [name] has established the Tenfold Salvation Assembly (a ten-cycle ritual to liberate souls), issuing talismanic decrees (Fuming, empowered documents) according to canonical liturgy (Keyi), notifying all underworld bureaus of the northeastern Wuji World to liberate the deceased [name] and all their karmic creditors. We beseech the absolution of their past transgressions, freeing them from suffering. May you, as when attending the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) in the Fuli Heaven (one of Daoism’s highest celestial realms), remain steadfast in your original vow to deliver all beings.

Now we command the Flying Celestial Messengers (divine couriers) to bear the White Jade Tablets (celestial documents), swiftly transmitted by the Golden Horse Couriers (heavenly envoys), to execute this salvation according to divine ordinance. May all underworld officials reverently heed, and spectral attendants diligently comply, that the departed may forever escape the torments of hell and ascend directly to the Azure Primordial Heaven (the eastern celestial realm in Daoism). With utmost devotion, we await the Celestial Worthy’s grace and now solemnly declare the True Talismans (Zhenfu, empowered sigils)."

After reciting the talismanic decrees and dispatches, we chant the Pacing the Void in Flight Hymn (Feikong Buxu Song) and withdraw from the ritual altar. Invoking the sacred title Duren Wuliang Tianzun (Limitless Salvation Celestial Worthy), we proceed to the fourth phase of the ritual. The altar-ascending ceremony follows the same protocol as before, with the Incense-Burning Hymn (Shaoxiang Song) and the third Wisdom Hymn (Zhihui Song) chanted before returning to position.

We deeply understand: To help the departed escape the Earthly Gate (the underworld’s entrance) and Ghost Pass (hell’s checkpoints) for rebirth, we must open the Celestial Gate (heaven’s portal) for their ascension. Relying on the profound grace of the Mysterious Primordial Dao (Daoism’s fundamental truth) and the boundless compassion of the Numinous Treasure Celestial Worthy (Lingbao Tianzun), how dare we neglect our scriptural recitation and cultivation? Today, the patron [name] has established the Tenfold Salvation Assembly to liberate the deceased [name] and all their karmic creditors.

With utmost reverence, we respectfully guide the assembly of pure Daoist practitioners to ascend the ritual altar. Following the liturgical procedures, we shall now perform scripture recitation, incense offering, and flower scattering rituals. We commence the recitation of the Supreme Dongxuan Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing (The Supreme Scripture of Infinite Salvation and Sublime Grace), with each participant completing a full recitation dedicated specifically to the salvation of departed souls. We pray for the elimination of all transgressions committed by the deceased in the Wuji realms of the southeast (a sacred cosmological direction in Daoism) across both Yin and Yang realms, that they may be liberated from the torment of the bronze pillar in hell and ascend to the blissful paradise of Bixia.

We humbly beseech the boundless compassion of the Celestial Worthy, that He may witness our sincere devotion. The assembly shall now sit upright in solemnity and recite the scripture with utmost reverence. Upon completion, all shall chant in unison the sacred name of "Duren Wuliang Tianzun" (The Celestial Worthy of Infinite Salvation).

With devout hearts, we invoke the presence of the Three Pure Ones (the highest Daoist deities: Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing) and the Ten Directions' Sacred Truths to bear witness to this salvation ritual. Having now completed the recitation of the Duren Jing (Scripture of Salvation) for the deceased and all their karmic creditors in the netherworld, we pray for the absolution of all their Yin-Yang transgressions committed in the southeastern Wuji realms. May the Star Lord of Ziwei (deity governing life and death) bestow auspicious grace, freeing the departed souls from infernal shackles. May they pass through the trials of the Land of Wind and Marsh, guided by the Jade Document (a Daoist salvific text), and ultimately ascend to the celestial realms.

We now commence the sixth segment of the "Pacing the Void" ritual (a liturgical dance mimicking immortal movements), facing the southeast to repent transgressions. With solemnity, we announce to the Flying Celestial Kings and Great Sages of Longevity (deities overseeing salvation) of the southeastern Wuji realms: On this day, we establish a tenfold ritual arena (comprising ten salvation rites) for the benefactor, issuing talismanic decrees in accordance with canonical liturgy to proclaim to all underworld offices of the southeastern Wuji realms. We beseech forgiveness for the deceased's earthly transgressions and their deliverance from suffering. May the deities extend the same compassion shown when they received the salvific teachings of the Primordial Celestial Worthy at the Floating Li Heavenly Palace. May they dispatch celestial messengers bearing golden edicts (salvation documents) via the Golden Horse Courier Route (a pathway connecting Yin and Yang realms) to swiftly transmit pardons, that the underworld officials may obey and execute these decrees, enabling the departed souls to eternally escape the fiery abyss and reach the elixir paradise of the immortals.

This is a record of a Daoist ritual for the salvation of departed souls, documenting the complete procedure led by a Daoist priest in conducting the liberation ceremony.

The priest reverently declares: With utmost devotion, I prepare to proclaim these sacred talismanic scriptures (fulu, Daoist ritual texts for divine communication). As the ceremony begins, the assembly chants the "Feikong Buxu Song" (Flight Through Emptiness Pacing the Void Hymn) while exiting the hall, praising the "Boundless Salvation Heavenly Worthy" (a Daoist deity specializing in universal deliverance), followed by the recitation of the fourth Wisdom Hymn upon returning to position.

The priest explains: I have learned that through the activation of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and the tenfold cyclical cultivation practice, all beings may share in the primordial Qi with the immortals. Today, the ritual patron (zhai zhu) has established this tenfold salvation altar to liberate the deceased and all karmic creditors in the netherworld.

Leading the purified Daoist assembly, the priest ascends the altar to perform rituals including incense offering and flower scattering, while reciting the Supreme Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Boundless Salvation Supreme Scripture (an essential Daoist text specifically for soul liberation). Each participant recites the scripture once, particularly to absolve the deceased of all Yin-Yang transgressions committed in the Southwest Wuji World (a directional cosmological concept in Daoism), enabling their release from hellish suffering and ascension to the luminous celestial realm.

After scripture recitation, the assembly again praises the "Boundless Salvation Heavenly Worthy," beseeching the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest Daoist deities) and sages of the ten directions to bear witness. The priest confirms completion of the recitations for both the deceased and netherworld beings, having eradicated their karmic obstructions from the Southwest Wuji World. He prays for the souls' transcendence to celestial realms, peaceful abode in the Lunar Palace, with auspicious clouds erasing death registers and blessed clouds augmenting life records—that all beings may escape samsara and attain supreme Dao-realization.

The ceremony concludes with the procession moving southwestward while chanting seven Pacing the Void hymns. The priest reads aloud the confession text and memorial documents (petitions to deities), praising the "Talismanic Absolution Heavenly Worthy," and makes final supplications to the Southwest Wuji World's celestial kings and immortal sages. The tenfold salvation altar receives its divine mandate (fulu ming), thereby completing the entire liberation ritual.

This passage documents a Daoist ritual for the salvation of deceased souls, conducted in the Southwest Wuji Realm (a directional concept in Daoism for guiding departed spirits).

The priests performed ceremonies to redeem both the deceased and their relatives in the underworld, beseeching the compassion of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, one of the highest Daoist deities) for deliverance. The ritual employed the symbolic White Slips and Golden Horse (representing sacred documents and talismanic charms), transmitted through the Flying Celestial Messengers (divine envoys who convey ritual decrees). Their purpose was to petition the underworld officials to cease punishments, liberating the souls from the realm of hungry ghosts and elevating them to a higher existence.

The ceremony unfolded over five time-periods (an ancient unit of measurement, approximately two hours each). Each ascent to the ritual altar followed a fixed sequence: incense offering, scripture recitation, and chanting of the Supreme Dongxuan Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing (The Supreme Scripture of Infinite Salvation from the Numinous Treasure Cavern Mystery). This text is among the most important Daoist scriptures for soul salvation, believed to absolve sins and redeem the departed.

A key focus of the ritual was the purification of the deceased’s Yin-Yang transgressions (accumulated karmic burdens from both life and death) committed in the Northwest Wuji Realm, freeing them from the torments of the Wheel of Fire Hell and guiding them to the Blissful Land of the Wondrous Dao. Through chanting, flower-scattering, and other rites, the priests invoked the Three Treasures’ Celestial Worthies (Daoist revered deities) to bear witness, affirming the souls’ purification from sin.

The entire ceremony embodies the Daoist philosophy of "infinite salvation" (wuliang duren), employing specific liturgical methods to liberate souls. It also reflects Daoism’s unique perspective on life and death, sin and merit.

This passage describes a Daoist ritual for the salvation of departed souls. The ritual master first invokes the Great Sage Flying Celestial Deity of the Northwest (a Daoist guardian deity), beseeching divine compassion to preside over this ten-cycle salvation ritual (a ceremony to guide souls through ten reincarnations).

Following classical liturgical procedures, the master announces the talismanic decree (a spiritually empowered document) to the Netherworld offices of the Wuji Realm (a pure land in Daoist cosmology) located in the northwest. This petition seeks absolution for the deceased's karmic transgressions, liberating them from suffering. Special emphasis is placed on impartially delivering all karmic creditors (beings connected through past grievances) from the torments of hell's wheel of blades, elevating them directly to the Primordial Mystical Realm (an advanced spiritual plane).

During the ceremony, the master leads the purified Daoist assembly in ascending the altar to perform the rites. Through incense offerings, flower scattering, and recitation of the Supreme Dongxuan Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing (The Supreme Scripture of Infinite Salvation from the Numinous Treasure Cavern Mystery), they guide the departed souls. The ritual seeks to eradicate all Yin-Yang transgressions committed by the deceased in the Wuji Realm, freeing them from infernal torment and elevating them to the Violet Heaven Paradise (a Daoist celestial realm). The assembly concludes by maintaining serene concentration, completing the ceremony through proper meditative stillness.

Note: The ten-cycle salvation is a key Daoist ritual believed to require ten reincarnations for complete liberation of souls; talismanic decrees are spiritually empowered documents created through specific rites; karmic creditors refer to beings bound to the deceased through unresolved karmic ties.

This passage describes the complete ritual process of Daoist salvation rites for the deceased. After reciting the Scripture on Salvation (Duren Jing) for the departed, the priest performs the full ceremony to beseech celestial deities for absolution of the soul's transgressions.

The ritual begins with the priest seated in meditation, offering hymns to invite the descent of the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun, the supreme Daoist divinity). Following scripture recitation, special praise is given to the "Boundless Salvation Celestial Worthy," while reporting to the deities of the Wuji Realm (the highest Daoist heaven) that the Supreme Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Boundless Salvation Supreme Scripture is being chanted for a specific deceased individual and their karmic connections in the underworld, seeking to eradicate all sins committed during their lifetime.

The priest then performs the Pacing the Void (Buxu, a ritual Daoist footwork sequence), declaring penitential texts and memorial petitions. Through spiritual talismans (Fulu), supplications are made to deities like the "Wuji Flying Celestial Kings of the Highest Heaven," requesting their compassionate witness of this Tenfold Salvation Ritual (Shihui Daochang). The ceremony follows canonical procedures to issue divine decrees (Fuming), enabling both the deceased and their karmic ties to receive absolution and liberation from suffering. Special emphasis is placed on emulating the salvific teachings of the Primordial Celestial Worthy (Yuanshi Tianzun), dispatching flying celestial messengers to deliver pardons.

The ritual concludes with incense offerings and hymns, highlighting how this ceremony embodies the profound benevolence of the Numinous Treasure Celestial Worthy (Lingbao Tianzun). The patron (Zhaizhu) conducting this tenfold salvation rite prays for the departed soul's permanent release from underworld punishments and ascension to the Realm of Void-Nothingness (an ideal Daoist state). The complete ritual—incorporating Pacing the Void, talismanic declarations, and petition-burning—demonstrates Daoism's religious function of "delivering beings from darkness."

Note: The recurring term "Tenfold" (Shihui) refers to the complete Daoist salvation procedure involving ten meritorious dedications for the deceased. "Divine decrees" (Fuming) are Daoist empowered documents regarded as celestial certificates of pardon.

This is a record of a Daoist ritual for the salvation of deceased souls, describing the process where priests conduct a Dharma assembly to deliver both the departed and their relatives in the underworld (the realm of Yin).

The ritual masters, leading a purified assembly of Daoist practitioners, ascend the altar platform. Following liturgical procedures, they offer incense, scatter flowers, and recite the Supreme Dongxuan Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing (The Supreme Scripture of Infinite Salvation from the Cavern of Mystery). Each participant completes a full recitation of this sacred text, specifically dedicated to redeeming the deceased—praying to absolve all their accumulated sins from the mortal realm (Yangjian) and transgressions in the boundless underworld (Wuji Shijie, the Daoist conception of the Yin realm). Through this, they seek to liberate the departed from the torments of the Avici Hell and guide them to rebirth in the Lotus Pure Land, where they may dwell in peace and bliss.

During the ceremony, the assembly sits in reverent silence as this precious scripture is respectfully invoked. After the recitation, all chant the sacred name "Duren Wuliang Tianzun" (Heavenly Worthy of Infinite Salvation). The masters then supplicate the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest Daoist deities) and the holy beings of the Ten Directions, beseeching their compassionate response to bear witness to this ritual. They report to the deities: the wondrous scripture of salvation has been fully recited for the deceased and their underworld kin, praying for the eradication of all karmic obstructions.

Next follows the Buxu ritual (a sacred Daoist pacing technique), during which repentance texts are proclaimed toward the underworld, and memorial petitions (formal documents to the deities) are issued. The assembly chants "Lingfu Shezui Tianzun" (Heavenly Worthy of Talismanic Absolution), once more entreating the celestial kings and immortal sages of the boundless underworld—such as the Flying Heaven Divine Kings and the Sages of Longevity—to compassionately witness this tenfold salvation assembly. Following canonical procedures, the masters promulgate Fuming (divinely empowered edicts) to notify all underworld offices of the Wuji realm, ensuring the redemption of the deceased and their Yin-world relatives, the remission of their sins, and their liberation from the sea of suffering.

Finally, they pray that the deities might extend the same compassion shown when listening to the salvific teachings of Yuanshi Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning) in the Fuli Heaven (a Daoist celestial realm). May they dispatch flying celestial emissaries bearing the White Slips and Golden Talismans (Daoist salvation documents) to swiftly transmit the decree of absolution, commanding the courts of the underworld to reverently execute it and widely deliver the departed souls.

This scripture fully demonstrates the sequence of a Daoist salvation ritual—including deity invocation, scripture recitation, repentance, and talismanic dispatch—embodying the Daoist spirit of "universal deliverance of all beings" through compassionate action.

This scripture describes a grand Daoist ritual for the salvation of departed souls. The ritual master, clad in ceremonial robes, prepares to recite sacred incantations with a heart full of devotion, beseeching celestial grace. As the ceremony commences, the assembly chants the "Ode to Soaring Through Emptiness," extolling the virtuous power of the "Heavenly Worthy of Infinite Salvation."

The master addresses his petition to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest Daoist deities: Jade Pure, Upper Pure, and Supreme Pure) and various celestial immortals, imploring their merciful compassion. The text explains how this ritual enables the rebirth of departed souls—like vajra (diamond) receiving nourishing dew—bringing transcendence to the deceased and blessings to the living. The turning of jade chimes and chanting of scriptures create resonance between heaven and earth, harmonizing Yin-Yang.

The ritual space is arranged with ten salvation altars, where the master leads pure-hearted Daoist practitioners in ceremonial observance. They burn incense, scatter flowers, and recite the Supreme Dongxuan Lingbao Infinite Salvation Supreme Scripture, purifying body and mind while harmonizing Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit) through devout recitation. The complete scripture is chanted ten times in strict accordance with liturgical (Keyi) protocols.

The master prays that all departed souls may hear celestial harmonies, bathe in divine radiance, cross the sea of suffering, and transcend the cycle of rebirth. May the deceased ride the light of Lingbao to the Western Paradise, while the living receive blessings. Finally, blessings are invoked for the ritual patron's household—may peace prevail, calamities disperse, auspiciousness arrive, and the blessings of great tranquility be enjoyed. The entire ceremony radiates solemn sacredness, embodying the Daoist compassion for universal salvation.

This scripture passage depicts a ritual scene from the Lingbao tradition (an important Daoist school emphasizing Zhaijiao purification rituals and Keyi liturgies). The Daoist priests (ritual officiants) begin by making reverent bows (kowtowing in devotion), demonstrating their veneration for the Daoist scriptures.

"The fragrance of virtue accompanies the joy of zither and texts" portrays the ceremonial music and scripture recitation characteristic of Daoist Zhaijiao rituals. "With crimson sincerity in prayer" refers to the priests' wholehearted devotion during supplication, while "receiving the profound grace" signifies their earnest hope for divine approval.

"Chanting praises upon hearing the scriptures" and "threefold scripture recitation" describe the ritual practice of repeatedly reciting Daoist texts, a method designed to deepen participants' understanding of the sacred teachings. The passage as a whole captures the solemn atmosphere of Daoist rituals, where music, scripture recitation, and prayer intertwine to facilitate communion with the divine and beseech salvation for all beings.