《太上黃籙齋儀》Vol. 58

This passage records the ritual of repentance and disease prevention from the Supreme Yellow Register Purification Liturgy compiled by Du Guangting of the Tang Dynasty. It consists of two main sections:

The first part describes a repentance ritual facing the eastern direction. Taoist priests devoutly pay homage and confess their transgressions to deities including the Supreme Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure (one of Taoism's highest divinities) of the Eastern Limitless Realm and the Nine Qi (Nine Energies) Heavenly Lords. The penitent (designated as "so-and-so") acknowledges having offended the eastern pantheon across past and present lives—including the palace of the Green Emperor (Qingdi), the Wood Virtue Star Lord, and the Azure Dragon constellation—resulting in persistent misfortunes. Through incense offerings and repentance, they seek absolution while praying for national stability, ancestral salvation, and personal deliverance from calamities.

The second part shifts to a southeast-facing repentance ritual with parallel structure. The penitent confesses offenses against the southeastern pantheon (including the Wind Officials, Yellow Emperor, and Tian'gang Star), acknowledging violations involving deities of late spring and the Xun (巽) trigram position. Similar prayers are offered to dispel misfortunes through repentance.

The mentioned "Yellow Register Purification" (Huanglu Zhaijiao) is a major Taoist ritual for salvation and blessings. Technical terms include: "Nine Qi" (Jiǔqì, the nine primordial energies of heaven and earth), "Green Emperor" (Qingdi, the sovereign deity of the east among the Five Directional Emperors), "Gou Mang" (句芒, the spring deity), and "Tian'gang" (天罡, a principal star in the Big Dipper). These specialized terms reflect Taoism's unique cosmology and divine hierarchy. The entire ritual achieves disaster prevention through orientation-specific repentance.

This scripture is part of the Yellow Register Purification Ritual (Huanglu Zhaijiao) in Daoist practice, containing repentance and blessing texts focused on two cardinal directions: the South and Southwest.

In the southern section, devotees establish purification rites for a certain official (referred to as "so-and-so") and confess their transgressions before the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, Supreme and Limitless (Wuji Taishang Lingbao Tianzun) and other deities of the South. They acknowledge offenses committed across past and present lives—even spanning multiple reincarnations—against the Fire Officials of the Three Qi (Sanqi) celestial realm, the palaces of the Red Emperor (Chidi), and the divine constellations of the Vermilion Bird (Zhuque). They also admit violations against deities associated with fire virtue, such as Zhu Rong (God of Fire) and the ancient Xia kings. Through incense offerings and repentance, they seek to dissolve the misfortunes caused by these transgressions, praying for the emperor’s longevity, the nation’s prosperity, the ascension of ancestors to the celestial realms, and blessings for the living. The ultimate goal is to achieve spiritual cultivation and union with the Dao (Daohe Zhen).

The southwestern section similarly involves purification rites for an official’s repentance. Devotees confess offenses against the Earth Officials of the Brahma Qi (Fanqi) celestial realm, deities like the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) and Houtu (Queen of Earth), as well as earth-virtue spirits governing the Kun (Earth) trigram and the Wei direction. Through these rituals, they seek to dispel accumulated calamities from such violations, echoing the same aspirations as the southern rites: national peace, ancestral salvation, and ultimate realization of the Dao.

The text references key Daoist concepts: the "Yellow Register Purification" (Huanglu Zhai) is a major ritual for salvation and blessings; the "Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, Supreme and Limitless" is among the highest Daoist deities; "Three Qi" denotes the three primordial energies of the cosmos; the "Red Emperor" governs the fire virtue of the South; the "Vermilion Bird" represents the seven southern constellations; and "Houtu" is the earth-sovereign deity. These terms reflect Daoism’s unique cosmology and pantheon.

This passage describes the ritual contents of the Huanglu Zhai (Yellow Register Purification Ceremony) in Daoist practice, where devotees confess transgressions to deities of the western and northwestern directions while seeking disaster relief and blessings.

In the western direction ceremony, devotees conduct a zhaijiao (purification ritual) for a certain official (designated as "Yi"), repenting before the Supreme Lingbao Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure) and other deities of the Wuji (Infinite) realm of the west. They acknowledge sins committed throughout past and present lives: offenses against the White Emperor's palace governing the west, the planet Venus (Taibai Jinxing), and the seven western lunar mansions (Kui, Lou, Wei, Mao, Bi, Zi, and Shen). They also confess transgressions against Rùshōu, the autumn deity of punishments and executions, as well as deities presiding over the Geng, Xin, Shen, and You directional positions. Through incense offerings and repentance, they seek to dissolve karmic obstacles, praying for national stability, ancestral salvation, longevity for the living, and ultimate ascension to immortality through union with the Dao.

The northwestern direction ceremony follows a similar structure, with repentance directed toward deities of the northwestern Wuji realm. Devotees confess offenses against the Yellow Emperor deity guarding the northwestern heavenly gate, divinities associated with the Qian (Heaven) trigram position, and guardians of the Beginning of Winter solar term. Through these penitential rites, they seek to eradicate accumulated karmic obstructions, praying for the eternal foundation of imperial rule, national peace, and divine grace for both the living and deceased.

The entire ritual embodies the Daoist religious practice of dispelling calamities and praying for national prosperity through zhaijiao repentance ceremonies. It incorporates the distinctive Daoist pantheon of directional deities, astral divinities, and seasonal guardians, reflecting the tradition's intricate cosmological system.

This is a confessional text from the Daoist Yellow Register Zhaijiao (purification ritual for salvation of the deceased), divided into two directional sections of repentance: the north and northeast.

Northern Section:

We practitioners conduct this Zhaijiao ritual on behalf of a devotee (referred to as "so-and-so") to confess before the Infinite Supreme Numinous Treasure Celestial Lord (one of the highest deities in Daoism) and the host of divine immortals in the north. This disciple, in past and present lives, has repeatedly offended the sacred pantheon of the northern direction: including the Palace of the Five Qi (vital energies), the abode of the Black Emperor, the seven northern constellations (Dipper, Ox, Maiden, Emptiness, Rooftop, Wall, and Encampment), and the Dark Warrior Spirit Lord. They have also transgressed against the Mysterious Darkness Water Deity associated with winter, the celestial spirits governing the winter solstice, and the divine forces of the Kan trigram (one of the Eight Trigrams). Through sincere repentance, we now beseech the removal of calamities brought by these offenses. May the emperor’s reign endure in stability, the deceased ascend to liberation, the living gain blessings, and the disciple’s ancestors across seven generations be freed from hell and rise to the heavenly realms—ultimately merging with the Dao (the Way) in perfect unity.

Northeastern Section:

Similarly, we confess before the Infinite Supreme Numinous Treasure Celestial Lord of the northeast. This disciple has offended the deities governing late winter under the Yellow Emperor’s dominion, the mountain, river, and earth spirits corresponding to the earthly branch Chou (second of the twelve branches), the celestial guardians of the Beginning of Spring solar term, and the divine forces of the Gen trigram (another of the Eight Trigrams). With earnest repentance, we pray for the dissolution of accumulated misfortunes across generations. May the nation remain peaceful, ancestors transcend the sufferings of hell, disasters disperse, and all ultimately realize the true realm of the Dao.

Note: The recurring phrase "ascend to Wuwei (non-action)" refers to attaining the highest state of Daoist cultivation—spontaneous natural harmony. "Merge with the Dao in truth" signifies complete unity with the ultimate Way. The directional structure of repentance reflects the Daoist cosmological framework of the "Five Directions."

This scripture is a penitential text from the Daoist Yellow Register Liturgy (Huanglu Zhaiyi), a ritual for redeeming deceased souls and seeking blessings while dispelling misfortunes. Divided into two sections, it features Daoist priests confessing sins on behalf of the ritual patron (a certain individual) to celestial deities above and earthly spirits below, praying for the removal of calamities and bestowal of blessings.

The upper section addresses celestial deities: We practitioners have established this ritual space for the patron to observe the purification rites, sincerely prostrating ourselves before—the supremely exalted Lingbao Tianzun (Numinous Treasure Celestial Worthy), the Thirty-Six Celestial Emperor Lords, the Sanqing (Three Pure Ones) deities residing in the celestial capitals (Jade Capital, Mystic Metropolis, and Purple Tenuity Golden Palace), the celestial lords of Brahma Qi in the Three Realms, and all immortal officials of the boundless worlds. Now we offer incense and pray, confessing the accumulated transgressions of this disciple across countless lifetimes: From previous existences through this present life, spanning immeasurable kalpas, we have offended the highest celestial realms (the palaces of heavenly origin), the domains of solar radiance (the lands of great brilliance), the five hundred million celestial palaces, and the sacred realms of nine origins and seven rectitudes—including the Thirty-Six Celestial Emperor Lords, the flying celestial kings, and deities of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning. These accumulated sins reside in the upper celestial realm and the palaces of the Three Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials), perpetuating endless misfortunes. With utmost sincerity, we repent and pray for their complete dissolution.

We pray: May imperial sovereignty endure as long as heaven; may rulers reign through generations; may the world know peace and common people prosper; may heaven and earth remain luminous while the nation receives grace; may nine generations of ancestors (the nine mysterious and seven ancestral lines) ascend to celestial paradises; may this disciple's misfortunes disperse and blessings abound; may future enlightenment lead to ascension into the sacred realm of Wuwei (non-action), merging completely with the great Dao.

The lower section addresses terrestrial spirits: With equal sincerity, we prostrate before the supreme Lingbao Tianzun of the earth realm, the Nine-Layered Earthly Sovereigns, the Five Directional Earth Emperors, the Twelve Immortal Lords, the Nine Palaces Perfected Ones, and other subterranean immortal officials. We confess this disciple's accumulated transgressions: violations against the nine underworld courts (the offices of nine earths), the realms of extreme yin (the lands of heavy darkness), and the water and earth deities of four seas and nine layers—including the Great Emperor of Earthly Offices, the Five Underground Emperors, the courts of cavernous darkness, mountain and river spirits, and the Thirty-Six Earthly Sovereigns. These sins accumulate in the Central Yellow Earth Palace (the palace of central earth's wuji), entangling one in continuous calamities. With heartfelt contrition, we repent and pray for their complete resolution.

We pray: May the nation's territory stand firm as mountains and rivers; may blessings extend to both yin and yang realms; may households and states receive grace; may this disciple avoid hell's descent as the nine underworlds' darkness disperses; may radiant light prevail, liberating seven generations of ancestors.

Note: "Nine mysterious and seven ancestral lines" refers to nine generations of direct ancestors and seven collateral lineages; the "Three Officials" are Daoist deities governing heaven, earth, and water realms; "nine layers" denotes the earth's ninefold structure. Through comprehensive confession to celestial and terrestrial powers, this ritual achieves disaster relief, ancestral salvation, and national protection.

This passage records the repentance ritual within the Taoist Yellow Register Purification Ceremony (Zhaijiao). The general meaning describes how devotees confess their transgressions to the deities of sun, moon, stars, the Five Sacred Mountains, rivers, and water palaces through ritual purification, seeking to dissolve calamities and resolve misfortunes.

In the celestial section, devotees repent before the Three Luminaries (sun, moon, stars), acknowledging sins committed across lifetimes—including disrespect toward celestial bodies and irreverence toward heavenly phenomena. These transgressions are recorded in the Three Primordial Realms and the celestial bureaus of the Heavenly Origin, resulting in persistent misfortunes. Through sincere repentance, they seek to dissolve karmic obstructions, receive luminous blessings, and ultimately attain union with the Dao (the Way).

The sacred mountains section involves repentance before the True Lords of the Five Sacred Mountains and immortals dwelling in mountain grottoes. Offenses confessed include defiling sacred peaks, river deities, mountain palaces, and blessed grotto-heavens. Through incense offerings and contrition, devotees pray for enduring imperial virtue, stable cosmic order, universal harmony, and final liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The water palaces section addresses repentance to deities like the Fusang Great Emperor and Yang Valley Divine Kings. This purification ritual embodies the Taoist belief that ceremonial repentance can eliminate disasters and accumulate merit (De). Sincere contrition is thought to dissolve karmic debts, secure divine protection, and ultimately achieve the cultivation goal of "uniting with the Dao in truth" (Yu Dao He Zhen).

This scripture is a penitential text from the Daoist Yellow Register Purification Ritual (Zhaijiao), expressing devotees' repentance of sins before the deities through ceremonial practice.

The practitioner offers incense and prayers, confessing transgressions accumulated over past and present lives—even across multiple rebirths—to the water palace deities and various divine beings. These karmic offenses have offended the celestial realms above and accumulated in the underworld's water palaces (referring to the bureaucratic systems of the netherworld), including the records kept by spirits of sacred springs, abyssal seas, and river sources, resulting in unending calamities. Through repentance, the devotee now seeks their eradication.

The text then shifts to heavenly supplications: May the emperor's reign flourish, his sagely virtue (De) endure eternally, the world know peace, and the four seas remain calm. The disciple (named "so-and-so") prays for daily dissolution of sins, the sweeping away of misfortunes, blessings for both the living and deceased, and the state's receipt of divine grace—ultimately aspiring to attain the Dao, ascend to the realm of non-action (Wuwei), and merge with the Dao's true essence.

The second section focuses on scriptural repentance. The devotee conducts purification rituals and cultivates the Daoist path on behalf of an official ("so-and-so"), sincerely taking refuge in the Thirty-Six Sacred Scriptures (a collective term for core Daoist texts), celestial secret treasures like authentic scriptures and precious talismans (Fulu), and the orthodox teachings of the ten directions. They confess violations of Daoist precepts across lifetimes, disrespect toward sacred texts, and habitual transgressions in speech and conduct—all recorded on the Black Registers (the underworld's ledgers of sin), bringing misfortunes upon themselves. Now, through the merit (De) of the Mysterious Gate (Daoism), they seek absolution.

The closing supplications echo: May the holy dynasty prosper in fortune, the emperor's grace spread far, the world be purified, and the four seas tranquil. The disciple prays for misfortunes to dissolve, peace for living and deceased alike, all beings bathed in the Dao's profound grace—culminating in attaining the Dao, ascending to non-action, and merging with its true essence.

This scripture exemplifies Daoist cultivation through ritual repentance and disaster-averting prayers, emphasizing reverence for sacred texts and blessings for both state and society.