《太上洞淵三昧神咒齋十方懺儀》

"Purgation Ritual of the Ten Directions from the Supreme Cavern Abyss Samādhi Divine Incantation Fast" - Vernacular Interpretation:

This is a Daoist ritual liturgy (Zhaijiao) compiled by Master Guangcheng Du Guangting, primarily involving incantation recitation and ceremonial bows to dispel calamities and seek blessings. The ritual is divided into ten directions (here presenting the eastern and southern sections), where Daoist priests perform repentance and supplication on behalf of the fasting devotees to various deities.

[Eastern Liturgy]

We conduct the Great Fast of the Cavern Abyss Samādhi Divine Incantation for devotees [name] and others, performing ceremonial bows and repentance to eliminate disasters and illnesses. We earnestly beseech the compassion of the Supreme Dao Ancestor and the mercy of all celestial deities, requesting the descent of the Ten Directions Overseers, Mahābrahmā Deva (Buddhist guardian deity), demon-slaying generals, and calamity-dispelling warriors to this ritual assembly. May they expel evil spirits for the devotees, eradicate all misfortunes, heal hundreds of ailments, dissolve thousands of disasters, prolong life, and increase blessings. May nine generations of ancestors ascend to higher realms, seven generations of forebears attain spiritual freedom, with entire households enjoying peace and servants maintaining health.

Eastern Incantation:

The Azure Elder Lord of the East (Qingdi Goumang, deity of Wood Virtue in the East) governs the Three Heavens, leading true immortals and demonic troops. The eight tones (of ritual instruments) resonate through the ten directions as nine dragon cloud chariots come to welcome. The merit of establishing this fast is vast, transforming eternal darkness into light. When the drum of orthodox Dao resounds, all evils scatter in defeat. Demon kings kneel in submission while benevolent deities guard the gates. Dao's Qi spreads widely through the four directions, bringing tranquility to every household. Plagues are completely eradicated, the common people attain longevity. Together we cultivate the supreme Dao, jointly ascending to the Purple Phoenix City.

[Southern Liturgy]

We conduct the Great Fast of the Cavern Abyss Samādhi Divine Incantation for devotees [name] and others, performing ceremonial bows and repentance to cure illnesses and dispel disasters. We earnestly beseech the protection of all true immortals, requesting the descent of celestial warriors and crimson-slaying heavenly troops to expel pestilential evils and eliminate calamities brought by the Nine Jiao Clan Spirits (southern plague demons). May the devotees recover from illnesses, find peace in their hun and po souls, enjoy extended longevity, receive official promotions, with ancestors liberated from the underworld and entire households blessed with auspiciousness.

Southern Incantation:

The Flame Emperor Lord of the South (Chidi, deity of Fire Virtue in the South) governs the eight directions, riding cloud chariots through the Three Realms. Jade maidens sing upon clouds, golden light filling the Cinnabar Mound (immortal realm). Ten Direct (ten-directional) celestial deities journey together, visiting the same immortal realms of the Three Heavens (Sanqing realms). (The incantation appears incomplete here, as the original text likely had continuation)

Notes:

1. Samādhi: Refers to a state of concentrated cultivation

2. Cavern Abyss: Denotes profound and mysterious Daoist methods

3. The recurring term "noble and humble" in the liturgy refers to masters and servants collectively

4. The incantations predominantly use rhymed verse, possessing sacred qualities and exorcistic power

This scripture passage describes a Daoist Zhaijiao ritual (a ceremonial practice for blessings and disaster relief), which consists of three main sections:

The western portion depicts the sacred scene of the ritual: As the ceremony begins, the chanting of scriptures reverberates through heaven and earth, awing all malevolent spirits of the natural world. Celestial deities from all directions slay the rampaging ghosts, ensuring the people's safety. The presiding Daoist priests devoutly pray on behalf of the ritual patron (the primary devotee participating in the ceremony), seeking relief from calamities. They invoke the power of the Nine Heavens' divine armies to expel evil spirits like the "Crimson Crow of Xinling," praying for physical health, official success, and the salvation of ancestral souls.

The incantation section mentions a western deity named Rushou (the Metal God of the West), whose radiance dispels malign energies. By lighting ritual lamps and reciting divine mantras, one can break ghostly disturbances and calm wind and rain. It emphasizes that only wise practitioners devoted to Daoist cultivation can truly receive the Dao's protection.

The northern section similarly portrays a blessing ceremony conducted by priests for the patron, beseeching the Five Qi Sovereigns (deities embodying the Five Phases) and the Northern True Saints to dispatch deities like Wenchang (patron of literary fortune) to eliminate misfortunes and bring blessings. Through scripture recitation, repentance, and other ritual methods, the ceremony harnesses divine power to achieve its purpose of disaster relief and misfortune resolution.

This passage is from the Daoist scripture Taishang Dongyuan Sanmei Shenzhou Zhai Shifang Chan Yi (Great Supreme Cavernous Abyss Threefold Spirit-Chant Purification Ritual of Ten Directions Confession), detailing an exorcism and blessing ceremony that invokes divine protection through the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) practice.

The text first describes how deities of the four directions—the Rain Generals and Four Heavenly Kings—join forces to subdue the Great Demon of Azure Truth, eliminating various malicious spirits (such as Fudan Lianzi, household ghosts haunting doors and wells, Chengbo Alun, etc.). This ensures the participating devotees recover from illnesses and regain health, while also liberating ancestral souls to bring peace and auspiciousness to entire families.

Two exorcism incantations follow:

The first chant, "Northern Realm of Yudan," invokes the Northern Dark Profound Emperor to manifest his might, using the radiant light of Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) to dispel evil. It warns that those who defy will be beheaded by celestial soldiers, with the Big Dipper Lords and King Yama eradicating all demons.

The second chant, "Central Deity of Wuji," summons the Yellow Emperor of the Center to command the eight directions, as the Gouchen Star illuminates heaven and earth. Through the Zhaijiao ritual, all evils retreat, and common ailments are healed.

Finally, the ritual master declares this Dongyuan Sanmei (Cavernous Abyss Threefold) Spirit-Chant Grand Purification is performed for the patron (named "so-and-so"), beseeching protection from deities of the ten directions and thirty-six celestial warriors. The rite aims to annihilate malevolent ghosts (such as the wandering dead Li Zi'ao, livestock-shaped monsters, etc.), absolve transgressions, and bless the patron with official promotions, while ensuring seven generations of ancestors attain the Dao and ascend to heaven.

Notes:

1. Dongyuan Sanmei: A major Daoist purification method emphasizing disaster relief through mantra recitation and repentance.

2. Thirty-six Heavens: The multi-layered celestial cosmology in Daoist thought.

3. Seven Ancestors and Nine Mysteries: Refers to lineage forebears, highlighting Daoism's tradition of ancestral salvation.

4. The Northern Dark Profound Emperor and Central Yellow Emperor mentioned in the chants are key Daoist deities governing water and the central方位 respectively.

This passage is from the Daoist scripture Taishang Dongyuan Sanmei Shenzhou Zhai Shifang Chan Yi, describing the process of exorcising evil and averting disasters through Zhaijiao (purification ritual) ceremonies. Here's a modern vernacular explanation in sections:

Northeast Ritual Section:

We conduct the Great Dongyuan Sanmei Divine Incantation Fast for the ritual sponsor (the person observing the purification), employing scripture recitation and ritual walking to eliminate calamities and illnesses while seeking blessings. May the Five Direction Spirit Youths (divine generals guarding the five directions) subdue the Five Essences (five types of malignant energy) and eradicate the various plagues brought by the demonic brothers Jia Yuan and Huang Nu. We invoke divine troops to expel haunting evil forces, restoring health to the afflicted, prolonging life, and showering blessings upon entire households. May seven generations of ancestors ascend to higher realms and nine generations of forebears attain liberation.

Northeast Incantation:

The deities of the northeast (Gen position, belonging to Yin) uphold the teachings of Lord Laozi (Taishang Laojun), discerning good from evil. Heretical forces shall not disturb the Orthodox Way—transgressors will be executed. The Supreme Sages protect the people; evildoers face severe punishment. The Dongyuan method maintains pure solemnity, its Sanmei (samadhi) divine incantations capable of annihilating demons. Divine troops pervade the world as sacred winds sweep across the land, bringing countless blessings while dispelling the Nine Netherworlds' calamities. Whether in the yang world or yin realm, all beings receive deliverance.

Southeast Ritual Section:

We perform the Dongyuan Sanmei Divine Incantation Fast for the sponsor, petitioning the Red-Clad Divine Officers (scarlet-uniformed generals) and Supreme True Riders (high-ranking divine cavalry) to subdue the plagues brought by the Hundred Dragon King Jian and others. May the sponsor's five viscera and six bowels flow unobstructed, all meridians harmonized, illnesses eradicated, official positions secured, and lifespans extended. We liberate deceased souls while protecting the living.

Southeast Incantation:

The deities of the southeast (Xun position representing the Earth Gate) deploy celestial nets to block the passage of hundred demons. The Five Sacred Mountains stand tranquil as the Four Seas grow calm—no evil dares act recklessly. Should demons defy this order, they shall be beheaded and delivered to Yama (hell deity) for complete annihilation. This method saves the populace as disasters naturally recede, aligning with the Three Officials' (Heaven-Earth-Water) authority and the precepts of the Nüqing Code (Daoist commandments).

Southwest Ritual Opening: Similarly conducted for the sponsor's Dongyuan Sanmei Divine Incantation ceremony...

Note: This represents Daoist Zhaijiao Keyi (liturgy) for exorcism and healing, summoning divine generals and chanting incantations to "heavenly calamities above while saving all creatures below." Here "Sanmei" refers to proper mental concentration, while "Dongyuan" denotes profound esoteric methods. The ceremony progresses through each cardinal direction, with corresponding divine generals and incantations for each orientation.

This scripture documents a major Daoist ritual called the "Dongyuan Threefold Divine Incantation Purification Ceremony (Zhaijiao)." Through specific ceremonial procedures, the Daoist priests invoke divine powers to help participants (known as the "ritual patrons") dispel calamities, cure illnesses, prolong life, and increase blessings.

The ritual is conducted across three sacred directions for exorcism and supplication:

1. Southwest Ceremony:

• Invokes the Nine Heaven Sovereigns (celestial deities) and the Three Origin Warriors (three guardian generals) to subdue malevolent spirits causing disturbances
• Seeks to expel evil ghosts haunting mountains, forests, waters, and fire, banishing them a thousand miles away
• Conducts repentance for the patrons' past transgressions while praying for disease eradication and bodily purification
• The incantation emphasizes how the Earth Mother Goddess (Kunmu) of the southwest suppresses demonic entities, wielding golden blades to execute disobedient spirits
• Through ritual illumination, the Nine Dark Realms (hell dimensions) are exposed, leaving no hiding place for specters

2. Northwest Ceremony:

• Summons the Vigorous Warrior Generals to expel misfortunes brought by malignant deities like Wang Feng and Bai Qi
• Prays for mental tranquility, complete healing, and longevity for participants
• The chant describes how the Heaven Father God (Qianfu) of the northwest deploses celestial nets
• All plague-bringing demons shall be captured and cast into boiling cauldrons for destruction
• Seeks domestic purification, family well-being, and perpetual celestial protection

3. Celestial (Upper Realm) Ceremony:

• Calls upon the assistance of the Yellow Hero Warriors
• Continues the work of eliminating misfortunes and accumulating merit for patrons

The complete ceremony employs scripture recitation, incantations, and repentance rituals to harness divine powers from multiple sacred directions for exorcism and healing. The recurring phrase "urgently, urgently, according to statute and ordinance" (jiji rulüling) represents the standard Daoist incantation conclusion, commanding immediate enforcement of divine decrees. The ultimate purpose is to bestow blessings upon both living participants and their ancestors, fulfilling all virtuous aspirations.

This scripture describes the exorcistic and blessing content from the Daoist "Dongyuan Sanmei Divine Incantation Purification" ritual. It consists of two main sections:

The first part describes the exorcistic powers from the celestial realm:

Celestial envoys receive divine commands to capture demonic entities and evil spirits, enabling the ritual participants (the purification hosts) to dissolve calamities. Specific manifestations include: eliminating ominous disasters, pacifying the six viscera (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys and other internal organs), unblocking meridians, prolonging lifespan, ensuring official success, and delivering ancestors from suffering. The incantation portion depicts celestial emperors descending from the Great Canopy Heaven (the highest Daoist heaven) to protect people from plagues and disasters, employing celestial soldiers to subdue disease-spreading demons and imprison them in heavenly dungeons.

The second part details the exorcistic powers from the terrestrial realm:

The presiding Daoist priest (referred to as "we ministers") conducts rituals for the purification hosts, beseeching terrestrial deities to dispatch "Supervising Evil and Returning Malign Forces Envoys" (divine generals specialized in capturing evil entities) riding iron steeds to hunt down malicious spirits. The incantation describes terrestrial deities (Diqi) governing the nine provinces and four seas, guarding the Five Sacred Mountains, and subduing demons and monsters. Evil entities violating prohibitions would have their eyes hooked by iron claws and limbs severed by golden blades, ultimately annihilated by divine incantations. The people thus express gratitude to the Great Dao, no longer suffering disasters and afflictions.

The entire ritual achieves exorcism, healing, longevity, and blessings through chanting divine incantations and venerating various deities. Frequently mentioned symbolic objects like "iron steeds," "iron hooks," and "golden blades" represent common implements in Daoist exorcistic practice.