《靈寶領教濟度金書》Vol. 136

This scripture documents the Lamp-Lighting Ceremony of the Lingbao tradition (an important Daoist school), a ritual that dispels darkness and invokes illumination through the lighting of lamps. Before commencing, the ritual master (Daoist priest presiding over the ceremony) must first pay reverent homage to the supreme Daoist deities, the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) - the Jade Pure Primordial Heavenly Worthy, the Upper Pure Numinous Treasure Heavenly Worthy, and the Great Pure Dao-Virtue Heavenly Worthy.

The master proclaims: In this world where Yin and Yang alternate in the cycle of day and night, humanity dwells amidst turbid darkness, requiring the luminous wisdom of the Three Pure Ones to dispel obscurity. The Daoist scripture Golden Register records ceremonial methods for dispelling calamities through lamplight repentance, while internal cultivation (Neidan) texts describe how this radiance penetrates both body and spirit, ascending to the highest heavens and descending to illuminate the mortal realm, possessing the miraculous power to dispel Yin's gloom and sustain Yang's vital energy.

Now devotees (ritual patrons) have properly prepared this ritual space according to liturgical (Keyi) standards, arranging lotus lamps and orchid-oil candles in the four directions to beseech the Heavenly Worthies to descend with divine light and absolve sentient beings' karmic obstructions. May the wisdom-light of the Worthies shine upon heaven and earth like stars and rainbows, scattering darkness to welcome auspicious blessings and deliverance from misfortune. Let these lamps of wisdom guide the lost, enabling practitioners to achieve sublime unity of form and spirit (Shen), cultivating both innate nature and life essence (Xingming Shuangxiu) in harmony with the Dao.

Concluding the ceremony, the master holds aloft the radiant lamp while chanting invocations and praising the Three Treasures - the Dao Treasure, Scripture Treasure, and Master Treasure (the supreme trinity of Daoist veneration). Through this symbolism of universal illumination, the ritual serves both as devout supplication to the celestial powers and as profound instruction on internal cultivation of luminous awareness.

This scripture describes the sacred scene and efficacy of the Daoist "Lamp-Lighting Liturgy" (Fendeng Keyi), a ritual that connects heaven and earth through the lighting of ceremonial lamps. The opening passage depicts the Primordial Heavenly Worthy (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity in Daoism) initiating the cosmic panorama, with the Nine Yang Qi bursting forth as the primordial Qi (Xiantian Yiqi, the fundamental energy of the universe) transforms into radiant light illuminating celestial scriptures. This divine luminescence flows through the void, where the sun and moon resemble exquisite lanterns, while the feathered robes and immortal writings of the Jade Purity Realm (Yuqingjing, the highest layer of the Three Pure Heavens) drift amidst the radiance.

Next, auspicious signs such as golden lamps and jade mushrooms manifest, with profound essences (Jingqi) concealed within their splendor. The sacred lamps illuminate the darkness, dispelling the Nine Yin Qi. This light ascends to the Hall of Blessings (Futang, celestial realms of fortune), descends to the underworld, and brightens human dwellings, capable of erasing sins and increasing merit. When the Eight Sacred Scenes (Bajing, divine manifestations from all directions) appear simultaneously, all wishes are fulfilled—departed souls are liberated, the living are freed from calamities, malevolent forces retreat, and seven generations of ancestors ascend to immortality. With divine protection over households, a single glow from these resplendent lamps purifies and illuminates living spaces.

The second section describes how the Ancestral Qi (Zuqi, primordial energy) condenses brilliance, circulating the dual forces of Yin and Yang to form all phenomena. The numinous light resembles revolving lamps and candles, infusing the eight directions with their essence. Between silver basins and jade trees, radiance sparkles, dispelling shadows and absorbing the essence of the sun and the circular light of the Primordial Heavenly Worthy. One lamp multiplies into ten thousand, their illumination endless, brightening everything from the external to the internal. This constitutes the most solemn and supreme merit.

The final section portrays the ritual master in action: holding a paper wick to light the ceremonial lamps while reciting the "Lamp-Illuminating Incantation" (Mingdeng Zhou). The incantation summons the Youth of Flaming Essence (Yanjing Tongzi, a guardian deity) to emit crimson mist, illuminating dwellings and expelling demonic influences. Under this spiritual light, the night becomes clear and luminous, as Golden Boys and Jade Maidens (Jintong Yunü, celestial attendants) relay messages, aiding in overcoming misfortunes and stabilizing the soul. The lamplight shines upward to the heavens and downward to the Yellow Springs (the underworld), warding off disasters and severing evil at its root, enabling ancestors to ascend joyfully with the morning light. The practitioner, too, becomes inwardly illuminated, with merits benefiting all sentient beings. Each recitation concludes with the phrase "united in harmony with the Dao" (Yu Dao He Zhen), symbolizing oneness with the supreme Way.

The fundamental principle of Daoism is "The Dao gives birth to the One, the One gives birth to the Two, the Two gives birth to the Three, and the Three gives birth to all things"—this describes the cosmic generative sequence. Now we shall perform the Fenghui (Dispersing Radiance) ritual to honor the Celestial Worthy of the Illuminating Dharma Realm (the deity governing radiant illumination).

The Most High Lord Lao disperses light throughout the ten directions, kindling ornate lamps as expressions of devotion. All celestial beings (the host of heavenly deities) manifest their majestic radiance, while the earth becomes thoroughly illuminated. Practitioners themselves emit brilliance, with their five viscera and six bowels brimming with vitality. This blazing light ascends directly to the Great Void (cosmic origin), allowing consciousness to reach the Jade Capital (Daoism's highest heaven).

After completing circumambulation (a ritual movement in Daoist practice), participants stand in formation to conclude the lamp-lighting ceremony. May the host's heart-lamp remain eternally bright, their innate nature as clear as candlelight. Through this ritual, the nine calamities and three disasters (various misfortunes) shall dissipate like ashes, while a thousand auspicious signs and ten thousand blessings (various merits) blossom like lamp flames. The ritual host shall become steadfast as pine and cypress, graceful as orchids, enjoying heaven's eternal radiance and the immortal realm's perpetual spring.

With sincere devotion, all pray for the boundless grace of the Celestial Emperor—may it illuminate the nine layers beneath the earth and permeate the ten directions, transforming all dark places into realms of light. We reverently take refuge in the Limitless Great Dao (Daoism's supreme truth), sincerely praising the "Celestial Worthy of Universal Lamp Illumination"—truly this merit is inconceivable.

Now follows the Northern Dipper Lamp Ritual (ceremony honoring the Seven Stars of the Dipper). In azure emptiness, precious mist rises from golden qilin (mythical beasts); within purple celestial spheres, swirling smoke dances among jade phoenixes. Devout intentions ascend to heaven's ear, thereby activating myriad blessings. Now we light precious incense, gazing toward the celestial realms to make offerings to:

The Limitless Great Dao of the Most High; the Three Pure Supreme Saints (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, and Celestial Worthy of Dao and Virtue); the Three Supreme Treasures (Dao, Scriptures, and Masters); the Great Emperor of the Purple Tenuity and North Pole at Heaven's Center; the Great Emperor of Gouchen in the Upper Palace; the Jade Sovereign Emperor on High at Heaven's Center; the Jade Emperor of the Great Tenuity; the Mysterious Minister Emperor of the North Pole, and other celestial emperors;

The Seven Star Lords of the Dipper: the Jade Sovereign Lord of the Nine Dawns (Greedy Wolf); the Jade Sovereign Lord of the Northern Dawn (Giant Gate); the Jade Sovereign Lord of Immortal Blossom Dawn (Prosperity Preserver); the Jade Sovereign Lord of Mysterious Flying Canopy Dawn (Civil Artisan); the Jade Sovereign Lord of the Golden Chief of Seven Dawns (Pure and Chaste); the Jade Sovereign Lord of Flying Blossom Dawn at the North Star (Martial Artisan); the Jade Sovereign Lord of Universal Numen and Nine Origins Northern Canopy Dawn (Army Breaker);

Also the External Assistant Jade Sovereign Lord of Nine Dawns; the Internal Supporter Jade Sovereign True Lord of Primordial Dawn; the Nine Dawn Consorts; the Nine Yin Inner Consorts; the Star Lords of the Three Terraces Flowery Canopy, and all stellar deities of the Dipper Division;

Together with the Host's Destiny Star Lord of Original Cycle (the stellar deity governing personal fate); the Star Officials of the Current Year; the Void-Surveying Divine Spirits; the Venerable Deity of Grand Jupiter; the Duty Attendants of the Day; the Righteous Earth Deities; and the Local Rulers. May this precious incense universally nourish all divine beings.

This passage describes a Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual) ceremony where devotees pay homage to the Northern Dipper Star Lord (specifically the Greedy Wolf Star Lord of the Big Dipper) to seek blessings.

In the celestial realms, nine heavenly spheres unfold, with the seven stars of the Northern Dipper suspended high in the Purple Tenuity Enclosure (the celestial abode of the Heavenly Emperor), resembling an imperial chariot surveying the four directions. The Central Heaven's Purple Tenuity governs cosmic order, while the eastern constellations function like officials holding the scales of justice. The movement of heaven and earth follows the patterns of Yin-Yang, with the twelve earthly branches corresponding to the celestial stem (the Dipper's handle) and the four seasons rotating in perfect rhythm.

The Northern Dipper Star Lords command the flight of souls, harnessing the five directional Qi (vital energies of the Five Phases) to regulate all creation. Golden ponds and jade terraces (celestial landscapes) manifest auspicious signs, with numinous light encircling the Imperial Throne Star (Purple Tenuity). Through sacred virtue, they shelter all beings, while the Bridge of Dharma (a passage for spiritual ascent) leads to the true Dao. The ritual host (who sponsors the ceremony) accumulates merit through sincere devotion, resonating with the celestial realms to receive blessings.

Now the ritual host reverently prepares the altar, lighting incense and lamps as rosy auroras and auspicious Qi swirl about. They pray for blessings from the Great Emperor of Azure Radiance (the Celestial Worthy Who Saves from Suffering), seeking longevity recorded in the cinnabar registers (immortal records) and eternal good fortune. All present worship the supreme Dao, paying special homage to the first star of the Dipper—the Greedy Wolf Star Lord (who governs the pure Qi of Yang brightness).

The Greedy Wolf Star Lord resides in the Numinous Radiance Palace of the heavens, presiding over azure vital essence. Within the palace halls of Lord Lao (the deified Laozi), celestial marshals maintain mysterious charts that govern creation, while nine heavenly gates are demarcated by jade trees. This Star Lord records human merits and faults, commands the immortals of the nine heavens, and oversees the flying transcendents of the Five Sacred Mountains. He protects spiritual practitioners, governs the Qin-Xu region (corresponding to his astrological domain), and determines fortunes and misfortunes.

Now the ritual host prepares the altar with utmost devotion, making these earnest petitions to the Greedy Wolf Star Lord: may the Star Lord perceive their sincerity and bestow blessings while dispelling calamities. This text exemplifies the Daoist religious practice of stellar veneration as a means of celestial-human communication, integrating cosmology, cultivation techniques, and ritual liturgy.

This passage is a liturgical text from the Daoist scripture Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu, detailing the ritual worship of the Big Dipper's Seven Stars. It describes how devotees devoutly venerate the Northern Dipper Deities (the deified stars of the Big Dipper in Daoism) to seek longevity and dispel calamities.

The text mentions the "Purple Tenuity Enclosure" (Ziwei Yuan), one of the Three Enclosures in Daoist cosmology symbolizing the celestial emperor's abode. The "Greedy Wolf Star Lord" (Tanlang Xingjun) and "Giant Gate Star Lord" (Jumen Xingjun) represent the anthropomorphic deities of the Big Dipper's first and second stars. The scripture depicts the sacred vision of the Seven Stars: their radiance illuminates heaven and earth as the seven stellar sovereigns govern mortal lifespans from their Jade Palace of Purple Qiong, maintaining celestial records of human destiny (mingji). They bestow blessings of sensory clarity and spiritual tranquility.

Through rituals of "taking refuge" (guiyi, devotional surrender) and "hymnal praise" (zanyong), devotees petition the Dipper Deities: to dissolve "karmic obstructions" (yezhang, negative karmic imprints), purifying life like moonlit stillness reflecting in clear water; and to obtain the "Mystic Mushroom" (xuanzhi, an immortality herb) that stabilizes destiny, allowing spiritual radiance to manifest. The phrase "Northern Truth decrees death, Southern Pole elevates life" encapsulates the key Daoist concept of the Northern Dipper governing mortality while the Southern Dipper presides over rebirth in the cosmic life cycle.

The liturgy specifically mentions the "fasting master" (zhaizhu, ritual officiant) praying sincerely before the "Jade Altar" (yaotan), hoping the Star Lords will "inscribe names in celestial azure" (shu ming qing jing) - recording blessings and longevity in divine registers to ensure familial prosperity across generations. The text concludes by reaffirming the Dipper Deities' power to "avert calamities" (du'e), harmonizing the five viscera and ensuring peaceful movement, ultimately enabling devotees to attain the cultivation goal of "sharing glory with the divine" (yu shen tong rong).

This passage is a ritual prayer text from the Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu (Numinous Treasure Scripture for Salvation and Deliverance), a Daoist liturgical compendium, expressing devotees' sincere supplications to the Northern Dipper (Beidou) star deities.

It first invokes the "Great Sage of the Central Heaven, Northern Dipper Star Lord of Prosperity and Rank, the Jade Emperor Sovereign" (the third star of the Beidou constellation), to whom devotees pledge their devotion as the deity governing human fortunes and official positions. The text describes this star lord residing in the celestial realm of Mysterious Imperial Heaven, holding a blue celestial register (Fulu, Daoist talismanic script), commanding nine sacred beings, and overseeing the spirits of the Five Sacred Peaks. Through celestial omens, he determines blessings and misfortunes in the mortal world. Devotees seek his protection by offering star lamps and following the esoteric arts of Dunjia (a Daoist divination system).

The prayer then details specific petitions: that the deity inscribes their virtuous deeds in the celestial records, bestows the protective power of 1,200 precepts, and enables them to transcend worldly afflictions through cultivating Qi (vital energy, the foundational force in Daoist practice). They seek the deity's radiant blessings to preserve youthful vitality and maintain auspicious purple Qi (a sign of divine favor). Further requests include scholarly success for their families, peace and prosperity in their communities, and the well-being of all people.

The text then shifts to another Northern Dipper deity, the "Star Lord of Literature and the Profound Darkness, the Jade Emperor Sovereign" (the fourth star of Beidou), who governs the registers of life and death, commands celestial and infernal spirits, and oversees souls in the underworld. This deity presides over the regions of Jing, Chu, Wu, and Yue, determining fortune through the celestial direction of Mao (east).

Repeated phrases like "May our lives be preserved, naturally ascending to the Jade Capital" (Yujing, the highest Daoist heavenly realm) and "May we attain longevity" reflect the core Daoist pursuit of immortality and ascension. The liturgy emphasizes that through precept observance and the star lords' blessings, calamities may be averted, ultimately leading to union with the Dao (zhen, ultimate truth).

This scripture describes the contents of prayers offered to the Wenchang (Literary Eminence) and Lianzhen (Integrity and Chastity) Star Lords of the Big Dipper during a Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual). In Daoist belief, each of the seven stars of the Big Dipper governs specific domains—Wenchang presides over official rank and emolument, while Lianzhen oversees bureaucratic fortune.

The ritual host devoutly petitions the Great Sage of the Central Heaven, the Jade Emperor of Wenchang, Dark Profundity of the Big Dipper: May their name be recorded in the celestial registers, may they obtain the elixir of immortality, may their three Hun and seven Po souls remain complete, may they receive blessings as vast as the ocean, may the Qi of their five viscera gather in the Dantian, and may their lifespan rival that of turtles and cranes. They pray for the dissolution of countless calamities, to drink the jade nectar that harmonizes body and mind, to maintain eternal youth, and to comprehend the true essence of the Dao. Finally, they pay homage to the Wenchang Star Lord who resides in the Purple Tenuity Enclosure.

The supplication then turns to the Lianzhen Star Lord: May their lifespan be extended, may radiant light illuminate them, and may their true Qi endure eternally. Through the transformative power of the Big Dipper's Seven Primes, may their name be inscribed in the violet celestial registers. Through self-cultivation, may their life be prolonged with constant joy. May they ascend as immortals, feasting in the Mystic Metropolis (Xuan Du), perceiving the nature of all things, and dwelling among divine beings. May their longevity increase naturally, may they soar to the Jade Void paradise, and attain eternal life.

Participants sincerely take refuge in the Great Sage of the Central Heaven, the Jade Emperor of Lianzhen, Cinnabar Origin of the Big Dipper, and all divine officials within the Dipper. They acknowledge that the Celestial Venerable of Primal Majesty observes the mortal realm from the heavens, while the Dipper Lord in his divine palace oversees the azure registers, governing the transformations of all beings. Through the Seven Gates of the Dipper (symbolizing its stars), he manages the life-registers of all creatures, commands the records of celestial and earthly spirits, weighs good and evil, governs beings of the underworld, and leads the perfected immortals of the middle realm.

Lianzhen corresponds geographically to the Zhao and Yan regions, presides over Earth Virtue (De), and symbolizes official fortune. The ritual host petitions the Great Sage of the Central Heaven, the Jade Emperor of Lianzhen, Cinnabar Origin: May their name endure at the Kunlun Immortal Terrace, may they obtain the Golden Elixir (Jindan) that fixes destiny, may their longevity rival Mount Tai, and their blessings flow like the Milky Way. They pray for orchids to flourish on their steps, laurels to shine in their courtyard, auspicious clouds to bring blessings, colored mists to envelop their household, and for all people to rejoice together in divine grace. The ritual concludes with reverent homage to the Lianzhen Star Lord of the Purple Tenuity Enclosure.

This scripture exemplifies Daoist religious practices of stellar veneration to seek blessings, longevity, and disaster relief, embodying the cosmology of heaven-human resonance and the cultivation method of communicating with deities through ritual.

This scripture describes a Daoist ritual for dispelling misfortunes and seeking blessings through worship of the Big Dipper stars (known as the Seven Luminaries in Daoism), extolling the divine power and merits of the Dipper Lords. Here's the modern interpretation:

The Dipper Lords possess the power to eliminate calamities, their mystical radiance shining like the morning sun across the ten directions of the universe. These seven stellar deities (called the "Seven Primordials" in Daoism) reside in the Purple Tenuity Enclosure (the celestial palace) where they oversee the mortal world's registers of fate. They bestow protection that prolongs life and extends blessings. Descending with their true spiritual essence, they cleanse worldly disasters, merging the pure primordial Qi ("sublime essence-energy") with the human spirit to naturally resolve misfortunes and assist ascension to immortality.

Devotees reverently worship the Great Sage of the Central Heaven, the Martial Star Lord of the Dipper (the sixth star in the Big Dipper constellation), along with other celestial officials. The scripture mentions how deities in the Purple Tenuity Palace hold jade registers recording all cosmic transformations, operating the celestial order through the eight mystical stellar gates ("Eight Portals"). They govern the immortals of the Nine Heavens and evaluate the merits of cultivators at the Five Sacred Mountains (Daoism's holy peaks). Through astrological calculations, when the Water virtue dominates the cosmic cycle ("Water's appointed reign"), fate can be divined using star lantern rituals ("stellar lamps") and Dunjia divination techniques.

The ritual master petitions the Martial Star Lord: may the deity inscribe virtuous deeds in golden registers, use luminous pearls to determine blessings and longevity, and envelop the household in auspicious starlight. The supplications seek clarity of mind like moonlight, eternal spiritual fortitude, family prosperity, deliverance from the Three Calamities and Nine Disasters (Daoist classifications of tribulations), and protection from countless immortals.

The text concludes by praising the Army-Shattering Star Lord (the seventh Dipper star) who commands the celestial pass, his crimson immortal light filling the heavens. The Heavenly Emperor proclaims divine edicts from his jade tower, revealing creation's mysteries through the cosmic tree ("Flourishing Tree" symbolizing universal order). The entire passage exemplifies Daoist religious practice that connects heaven and humanity through stellar veneration for disaster relief and life extension.

This scripture describes a Daoist purification ritual (Zhaijiao) primarily invoking the Northern Dipper Star Lords (key celestial deities in Daoism) to bestow blessings and dispel calamities. The presiding ritual master (zhai host) devoutly prays to the Seventh Star Lord of the Dipper, "Pojun Xingjun" (the Military Breaker Star Lord), and the "Outer Guardian Jade Emperor of the Cavernous Origin."

The text reveals how the Northern Dipper Star Lords govern the fundamental patterns of Yin-Yang cosmic divisions ("holding authority over Yin-Yang domains"), regulating the seasonal rhythms ("determining the measurements of the four seasons' lengths and brevities"). At the jade altar (Yaotan), the ritual master seeks these divine favors: having one's name inscribed in the immortal registers ("recorded in the jade registers"), attaining longevity comparable to tortoises and cranes ("a thousand years matching the lifespan of turtles and cranes"), and enjoying abundant prosperity ("the joy of nourishing both household and body").

Special praise is given to Pojun Xingjun's divine power: "The Northern Dipper disperses calamities with mysterious brilliance" refers to its disaster-averting capacity, while "the Seven Primes annotate the registers" signifies how the seven stars record human virtue. Through "immortal officials' protective escort," practitioners may "tread upon clouds" (achieving ascension) and ultimately "ascend to the jade palaces" (entering celestial realms).

The latter section shifts focus to the "Outer Guardian Jade Emperor of the Cavernous Origin," seeking Daoist accomplishments including "having one's name recorded in Shangqing registers" and "the Golden Elixir (Jindan) halting temporal decay." The phrase "three hundred and sixty seasonal nodes" denotes the annual cycle, while "violet Qi (Ziqi) flourishing luxuriantly" symbolizes auspicious energy, and "resplendent radiance burgeoning magnificently" describes divine luminosity.

Concluding with hymns to the Northern Dipper Star Lords, the text emphasizes their natural calamity-dispelling power ("spontaneously dissolving misfortunes") and expresses the universal aspiration to "attain enduring life." The entire passage exemplifies core Daoist beliefs in stellar veneration for dispelling disasters, prolonging longevity, and achieving immortal transcendence.

This scripture describes the Lingbao School's ritual worship of the Northern Dipper deities in Daoism. It details how devotees pay reverent homage to the two assisting stars (Outer Attendant and Inner Aide) among the seven stars of the Northern Dipper, praying for disaster relief and longevity.

The text first extols the divine power of the Northern Dipper deities: Their radiant starlight can regulate the body's primordial Qi (vital energy) and gather profound cosmic forces. Those registered in the celestial records will have calamities dissolved, blessings increased, and evil influences repelled. Practitioners may attain purified bones, unobstructed energy flow, and celestial journeys with deities, ultimately ascending to the Jade Void paradise.

The ritual procedure is then meticulously recorded: Devotees sincerely take refuge in the Inner Aide Star Lord, the Hidden Primordial Jade Emperor (an assisting star among the Dipper's seven). The text explains how these stellar deities hold important celestial offices—examining human virtue, governing the fates of nine continents and myriad nations. Through astrological divination and Dunjia calculations (Daoist prognostication methods), they reveal fortunes and misfortunes.

The ritual master (zhai host) conducts ceremonies at the jade altar, petitioning the Dipper deities. Prayers request celestial scribes in the Nine Heavens to record devotees' names for illuminated destinies. The ritual seeks auspicious energies filling households, fortunate stars shining brightly, disasters eliminated, and blessings prolonged—like dustless calm waters and virtue mountains growing ever more splendid.

The liturgy includes specific homage verses and incantations. Devotees praise how the Inner Aide Star Lord's light shines from concealment near the Purple Tenuity Enclosure (the polar star region), embodying true Qi (primordial energy). Enrollment in celestial registers promises extended lifespan, continuous auspiciousness, sensory clarity, bodily ease, evil purged, and divine communion leading to heavenly ascension.

The ceremony concludes by chanting the sacred names "Boundless Blessings Celestial Worthy" and "Compassionate Longevity Celestial Worthy," followed by circumambulating the Northern Dipper lamps (symbolizing the seven stars) to signify meritorious completion. This ritual embodies Daoist practice of stellar veneration for health, longevity, and disaster prevention.

This scripture describes an elaborate Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual), a ceremonial practice for seeking blessings and averting calamities. The fasting master (zhai zhu), the devotee hosting the ritual, earnestly prays for divine protection from the celestial realms.

During the ceremony, the fasting master lights the Jade Stamen Lanterns symbolizing illumination while chanting golden-hued mystical scriptures. Participants traverse rainbow bridges as if treading upon purple clouds, with crane-drawn chariots arriving near the Northern Dipper (Xuanji refers to the Big Dipper constellation). These sacred visions align perfectly with the celestial standards of the Heavenly Emperor's inspection, as the fasting master reverently receives heavenly grace.

The supplications include: May the Celestial Worthy descend radiant light to dispel demons from all directions; may we absorb the pure Zhengqi (authentic vital energy) of the Primordial Celestial Worthy to eternally preserve the three luminaries of sun, moon, and stars. We aspire to merge completely with the Dao, for virtuous deeds bring the greatest joy. May our household enjoy official success (zanfu refers to official robes), libraries filled with classics, vast farmlands (longmu), brimming granaries, homes resonating with laughter, and blessings extending to future generations.

The final petitions seek fulfillment of all virtuous wishes, the descent of countless auspicious signs, ancestral elevation, family safety, and universal enlightenment for all beings. To realize these aspirations, devotees devoutly invoke the names of the Three Celestial Worthies: "Boundless Blessings Celestial Worthy" (bestowing infinite blessings), "Longevity-Preserving Celestial Worthy" (protecting long life), and "Life-Extending Celestial Worthy" (prolonging lifespan). The assembly collectively marvels at the inconceivable merits of this ritual.

Originating from Volume 136 of the Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu (Golden Book of Lingbao Salvation Through Teachings and Rituals), this passage exemplifies the Daoist religious practice of seeking blessings, averting disasters, and pursuing longevity through Zhaijiao ceremonies.