《靈寶領教濟度金書》Vol. 39

The section on ritual liturgy for the redemption of sins in the thirty-ninth volume (combined with the fortieth volume) of the Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu was transmitted by the Perfected Ning Quanzhen, a Dongwei Gaoshi (high-ranking Daoist adept) known as the "Enlightened Savior of Suffering," and compiled by Master Lin Lingzhen of the Lingbao Tongxuan Hongjiao tradition, styled "Shuinan." This content constitutes a complete set of standardized liturgies for universal salvation rituals and the liberation of deceased souls.

At dawn, when the ascension-to-altar ceremony commences, the presiding High Priest (Gaogong Fashi) leads the assembly through the Earth Gate (symbolizing the mortal realm's entrance) to ascend to the Celestial Gate (representing the heavenly realm's threshold). First, incense is offered to the Ten Directions (the eight cardinal points plus above and below), followed by offerings at the Imperial Censer (dedicated to the deities). Then, stepping in the "Pacing the Void" (a specialized Daoist ritual gait), the chanting of scriptures begins.

The assembly recites in unison the "Threefold Refuge" text with reverence:

"Sincerely we take refuge in the Ten Directions' Treasure of the Dao (supreme truth of Daoism), praying that all beings may awaken to virtuous intentions and worship with piety;

Sincerely we take refuge in the Ten Directions' Treasure of Scriptures (Daoist classics), praying that all beings may attain enlightened understanding and embrace these teachings;

Sincerely we take refuge in the Ten Directions' Treasure of Masters (Daoist patriarchs), praying that all beings may cross the Bridge of Dharma (for salvation) unimpeded by obstacles."

The presiding priest then makes a humble declaration (Qibai) to the deities:

"Your servant [the priest's name], trembling with reverence, addresses the Supreme Limitless Great Dao, the Three Pure Supreme Saints (Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun), the Ten Ultimate Perfected Ones, the Thirty-Two Heavens' Celestial Emperors, the Five Numinous Five Ancient Celestial Emperors, the Ten Directions' Lingbao Tianzun, the Solar Palace and Lunar Mansion, the Southern Star and Northern Dipper, and all true sovereigns; the Southern Palace's Immortality-Granting Venerable Deities, the World-Salvation Great Minister Sima, the Great Lord of Longevity of the Southern Pole, the Life-Preserving Elder Han, the Five Emperors who Guard the Hun and Po Souls, the Lord Who Nourishes Qi and Connects Blood, the Ten Directions' Limitless Flying Celestial Kings, the Great Sage of Longevity and Boundless Salvation, the Great Master of Mysterious Centrality, the Great Master of the Three Heavens, the Celestial Sovereign Huangren, the Perfected of Supreme Ultimate and Great Void, the Perfected Lord Chongying Fuyou of the Supreme Ultimate's Left Palace, along with the scripture-attending Jade Maidens and Youths, divine immortals and numinous officials, the flying dragon-mounted officers overseeing immortals and fasting, the incense palace messengers, the left and right Dragon-Tiger Lords, and all inspecting spirits of the void who bear witness..."

The declaration recounts: Since the deities created the Three Realms (of heaven, earth, and water), the Primordial Qi (Zuqi) has circulated and transformed, transmitting the Five True Scriptures (key Daoist texts) to resolve kalpic calamities. These scriptures shine like luminous pearls in the Jade Loft Heaven (a Daoist celestial realm) and contain infinite mysteries as profound as a grain of millet. Their profound meanings manifest in the Middle Vehicle cultivation methods, while their subtle essentials are revealed in the supreme Daoist practices. This great Dharma nourishes celestial and human beings like dew, illuminating both Yin and Yang realms like the sun, moon, and stars. Ten thousand deities come to pay homage, and beings across the Three Realms (heaven, earth, and water) behold its radiance, demonstrating the vast merit of Lingbao's Daoist teachings.

This scripture describes a Daoist zhaijiao ritual (a ceremonial offering) for the salvation of deceased souls, comprising the following key elements:

The text first explains that this zhaijiao is commissioned by a patron to liberate departed spirits. The Daoist priests reverently erect an altar, purify their bodies and minds, and chant in unison the Supreme Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Limitless Salvation Supreme Scripture (an essential Daoist classic), hoping the merit of scripture recitation will help the souls transcend suffering.

The ritual invokes celestial protection: May heavenly radiance illuminate all realms, and earthly domains remain tranquil. The flying celestials (heavenly guardian deities) stand watch in the Mystic Metropolis (a Daoist paradise), while divine music resonates through the Purple Archives (the immortal repository of scriptures). Through these sacred forces, may the deceased souls be purified, liberated from the frozen pools of hell and crimson infernos, severing all karmic bonds from their earthly existence.

Blessings are then invoked for the patron: May deities safeguard their household, expel malign influences, gather auspicious signs, and avert calamities. May all directions be as peaceful as the Land of Longevity, and the Nine Darknesses (the underworld) become as warm as the Spring Terrace paradise, granting deliverance to all beings.

The text details specific ritual procedures: Participants in the sacred space enter meditative stillness, reciting the Mystery-Embodied Incantation. This mantra evokes the primordial cosmos, when the Celestial Sovereign (a Daoist creator deity) inscribed cloud-seal script (divine calligraphy) within the Great Void (cosmic origin) – these mystic characters possess power to heal ailments and redeem souls.

Finally, the assembly chants scriptures in unison, beseeching the scrutiny of the Limitless Great Dao (the supreme Daoist principle) and the Three Pure Ones (the highest Daoist deities). The ritual references the "Vermilion Texts and Jade Registers" (esoteric scriptures) and "Tenfold Inner Sounds" (a special recitation method), following the "Golden Tablet Rites of the Three Primes" (a major Daoist liturgy) to redeem souls. May the departed attain liberation through the transformative power of these sacred texts.

The Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu (Golden Book of Lingbao Salvation Through Teachings) describes a grand Daoist zhaijiao (purification ritual) ceremony, containing the following key elements:

As the ritual commences, incense smoke coils like soaring dragons and dancing phoenixes, with auspicious clouds and numinous Qi permeating the sacred space. The Daoist master devoutly implores the celestial realm for mercy, praying for the salvation of departed souls: that they may be refined and reborn in the Scarlet Palace (Zhuling Gong, the sacred site for soul refinement), their shen (spirit) liberated from the cyclical suffering of Northern Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) to regain the radiance of life.

The scripture then depicts celestial visions: Seven Perfected Immortals (Daoism's venerated realized beings) extol the profound mysteries of the Supreme Mysterious Void Sect (representing Daoism's ultimate truth). Those who attain the Dao can ride emptiness in flight, shining with the sun and moon, enjoying eternal bliss. Practitioners must abandon worldly distractions, maintaining mental serenity while studying scriptures with the urgency of thirst, their resolve firm as metal and stone. Only thus can they receive protection from the Five Directional Deities and transcend the Three Realms' constraints.

During the zhaijiao, masters play celestial music (using ritual instruments like the dharma drum and cloud gongs) as hosts of immortals gather. The text particularly emphasizes that through pure fasting and breath cultivation (Daoist yangsheng techniques), one may wander freely in the Golden Tower and Jade Capital (Daoism's highest heaven), enjoying blessings symbolized by the Seven Treasures Lotus (sacred objects representing purity). Yet the key to attaining the Dao lies in sincerely embracing the "Way of Wuwei" (non-action, a core Daoist principle).

Finally, the master formally petitions through proper liturgy: "This ordained master, your subject [name], sincerely addresses the Supreme Limitless Great Dao (Daoism's highest truth), the Three Pure Ones (Jade, Upper and Supreme Purity deities), and the Ten Directional High Perfected Ones, beseeching divine oversight of this ritual for universal salvation." The entire passage manifests Daoism's core teachings of soul salvation and immortal cultivation, presenting the solemn grandeur of zhaijiao keyi (ritual liturgy).

This scripture describes a Daoist zhaijiao ritual (a religious ceremony for salvation and blessings) to deliver deceased souls, containing several core elements:

First, it depicts the sacred scene where various Celestial Lords (the highest deities in Daoism) manifest their numinous treasures: jasper revealing auspicious signs, and millet pearls (Daoist ritual objects) emitting profound radiance. These Celestial Lords roam freely in the Jade Capital (a Daoist celestial realm). Through scripture recitation, the deceased souls may have their forms restored and ascend to the Golden Gate (heavenly palace), becoming bridges between the realms of Yin and Yang.

Next, it clarifies the ritual's purpose: to deliver a specific deceased person for the patron (the ceremony's sponsor). The ritual involves chanting the Supreme Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Infinite Salvation Supreme Scripture (an essential Daoist text), beseeching heavenly grace to liberate the soul from the underworld and restore it to the ranks of immortals. The scripture portrays the sacred vision during recitation: the text resonates with golden-jade tones, its green characters and crimson script (distinctive Daoist writing) radiating divine light. Through the mystical power of tenfold cyclical transformation, the soul may return to its original nature.

Specific prayers follow: may the celestial White Slips (Daoist documents) issue decrees of pardon, and the Crimson Scripts (vermilion-inscribed texts) convey divine edicts, granting the soul the joy of heavenly ascent. Simultaneously, prayers seek to sever underworld litigation and calamities, dissolve the bonds of reincarnation (samsaric entanglements), and bring peace to descendants and households, with sacred grace extending to all beings.

The ritual sequence includes:

1. Participants sitting upright for scripture recitation

2. Chanting the Mystical Essence Incantation to open the scripture

3. Collective recitation until completion

4. Final supplications to the Limitless Great Dao (the supreme truth in Daoism) and the Three Pure Ones (Jade Clarity, Upper Clarity, and Supreme Clarity) as divine witnesses

The text emphasizes that reciting this profoundly mysterious scripture purifies body and mind (cleansing the Three Passes: key stages in spiritual cultivation). When ten recitations are perfected, celestial blossoms descend, and the Nine Heavens bestow grace. Ultimately, it prays that upon hearing the scripture, the deceased soul may relinquish worldly karma and reveal its true nature in the golden light of dawn, like a jade mirror reflecting radiance. Through the power of incantations, the ritual mobilizes supernatural forces—such as dragon-tally couriers (celestial messengers) and crane-delivered underworld pardons—to accomplish the soul's deliverance.

Through cultivation, the practitioner's hun and po souls may ascend to the Southern Palace (the Daoist abode of southern immortals), while the physical body transcends the Northern Mansion (referring to the underworld). Thus one can permanently escape the suffering of samsara, freely traverse the void, and truly attain the joy of unfettered liberation.

When cultivation bears fruit, rainbow-hued garments will illuminate the body, while imbibing celestial dew (cloud liquor) nourishes the spirit (shen). This severs ancestral misfortunes and brings auspicious blessings to descendants. The devoted practitioner accumulates virtuous merit (de), naturally dispelling calamities as their body radiates light, enjoying eternal days akin to the immortal realms, where demons dare not intrude and household disturbances are pacified.

Through cultivation, one's family reputation spreads far and wide with flourishing descendants. May the Celestial Winds (heavenly grace) shine upon all beings, allowing the myriad things to grow according to natural law. The Qi of the Great Dao (daode) fills the cosmos, enabling all life to develop spontaneously. Thus one transcends the Three Tormenting Paths of hell (fire, blood, and blade sufferings) and the Five Rebirth Destinies (heavenly, human, animal, hungry ghost, and hell realms), breaking free from heaven-earth constraints and the suffering of birth-death cycles, ultimately realizing the state of non-action (wuwei).

The "Hymn of Wisdom" states: True wisdom originates from emptiness, its radiance illuminating the ten directions. Within the void is established the mysterious realm, praised by all celestial deities. This profundity cannot be fathomed by thought - the true essence of the Numinous Treasure (Lingbao, referring to Daoism's supreme scriptures) is infinitely subtle. Clinging to "existence" ultimately returns to "non-existence," while true "emptiness" embraces all things.

The subsequent four "Hymns of Seven Perfected" proclaim: Cultivation begins with sincere devotion, serving one's master as family. Follow illumination and pure radiance, progressing daily without slack. By never betraying the original heart of practice, great vows will surely be rewarded. Accumulating hidden virtue (secret good deeds) is paramount, lest karmic offenses bring rebirth's suffering.

Cultivation is indeed arduous, requiring day-night merit accumulation like farming requires planting trees, as piled earth forms mountains. Those who immerse in the mysterious Dao shall ultimately ascend to pure heavens. Practicing the Great Dao of non-action requires forging widespread virtuous connections. The hidden scriptures left by Lord Lao (Laojun) include precisely this "Chapter of Wisdom." Transcending suffering requires worthy talent; surpassing worldly dust attains true Dao. Rare are true numinous beings in this world, like lotuses in deep pools.

Each person's destiny has its roots in accumulated merit from past lives. Therefore practice timely virtue, never slackening in cultivation vows. Good and evil inevitably bear fruit - profound and unfathomable is karmic law. The wise follow Dharma-words (Daoist scriptural teachings), while cultivation requires understanding "simultaneous transcendence" (the state beyond dualistic concepts). Comprehending this principle constitutes great wisdom, qualifying one to become an immortal within the Grand Void.

The realized adept wears a jeweled canopy crown and jade ornaments, riding a chariot drawn by nine dragons. Holding golden blossoms (Daoist scriptures) and incense burners, accompanied by immortal youths. Their songs resound through celestial realms, jade chimes echo in jade palaces. Soaring directly to the Grand Pure Realm (Daoism's highest heaven), they transcend clouds and roam freely. By upholding the essence of Dharma-words, one wanders the supremely mysterious state, attaining eternal liberation. To the realized eye, ten thousand kalpas are like last night, a thousand years as this very morn.

This scripture passage records the salvation ritual from the Taoist Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu, describing how the ritual master delivers departed souls through incense offerings, scripture recitation, and petitions to the Celestial Worthy.

The opening depicts an immortal realm: Amidst the towering Cloud Hua Mountain (a sacred Taoist peak), incense smoke naturally curls upward, divine steps ascend without support, spirit banners unfurl at the proper moment, and distracting thoughts dissolve away. Through transcending worldly wisdom, one achieves unity with the Dao (the Way), chanting with the purity of wuwei (non-action).

This is followed by three repetitions of the "Hearing the Scripture" vow texts, expressing blessings for all beings: May all beings deeply penetrate the true meaning of the Dao and sincerely take refuge; may all beings eliminate all karmic obstacles and nurture virtuous roots; may all beings permanently sever attachments and delusions, forever returning to the true path.

During the ritual, the master exits the altar platform to chant the "Ode to Learning Immortality," then performs the talisman announcement ceremony within the altar. After invoking the "Celestial Worthy of Pardoning Sins Through Numinous Talismans," the master kneels reverently, using self-effacing language to petition the various Celestial Worthies: including the Primordial Celestial Worthy (highest Taoist deity), the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao, the Great Emperor of Long Life of the South Pole, the Celestial Worthy of Salvation from Suffering, and other sacred beings from the ten directions.

The master declares having heard that jade tablets and golden talismans (Taoist ritual implements) can deliver souls trapped in suffering—this being possible through the profound benevolence of the Celestial Worthies. Now conducting a zhaijiao (salvation ritual) for a specific deceased person, the master worries the soul may be trapped in the dark realms of Fengdu (the Taoist underworld). The ritual seeks to employ the Celestial Worthies' radiant power to dispel underworld darkness, enabling the deceased to transcend suffering and reach blissful realms.

Finally, following liturgical procedure (keyi), the master issues numinous talismans, praying for the Celestial Worthies' light to shine universally and pardon the soul's transgressions throughout the underworld. May all underworld departments—the Three Officials and Nine Bureaus (underworld administrative offices), river sources and winding springs—obey the sacred decree, releasing the soul from detention to smoothly pass through earth's gates and heaven's portals, escorted by guardian generals to solemnly receive deliverance at the ritual platform. The master expresses these heartfelt aspirations with utmost sincerity.

The ritual now proceeds to the "Reporting Below" phase (a ceremonial procedure for petitioning deities). The Daoist priest begins exercising spiritual power, holding fulu (talismanic scriptures used for divine communication) while facing the direction of the Earth Portal (considered in Daoism as the entrance to the underworld). The priest recites "Yuanshi's talismanic decree reaches the carefree Shangqing" three times.

Next, all participants collectively chant hymns for the salvation of departed souls:

"In the era of Red Brilliance (a cosmological creation period in Daoist thought), heaven and earth were established, when primordial qi flowed harmoniously to the celestial realms. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme Daoist deity) transmitted efficacious scriptures; the ten celestial registers opened the path to deliver ancestors from the Nine Nether Hells (the Daoist conception of the underworld). Reciting these scriptures ten thousand times naturally leads to attaining the Dao and achieving perfection. The jade mountains bear lush forests of qiong trees; the blessings of life and death are like dwellings—yet without the Yellow Register Parchment (a Daoist document for soul salvation), how could the roots of suffering be eradicated? Circling while chanting these potent scriptures summons the assistance of the Five Directional Deities (guardian spirits of east, south, west, north, and center)."

The ceremony then declares the fulu activated, after which all participating priests return to their positions. This passage originates from Volume 39 of the Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu (The Golden Book of Lingbao Salvation), documenting essential procedures in Daoist rituals for the salvation of the deceased.

(Note: The translation maintains specialized Daoist terminology with pinyin provided for key concepts while ensuring readability. The structure preserves the original's ceremonial cadence and theological references.)