《靈寶玉鑑》Vol. 20

The twenty-second volume, sixth section of the Lingbao Jade Mirror discusses the conferral of Fulu (talismans and registers) - graphic symbols used in Daoism for divine communication and exorcism. It explains that the essence of Dao manifests through ritual arts, which are concrete applications of the Dao. The Dao permeates all things, though ordinary people often fail to perceive it in daily life. Just as all rivers eventually return to the ocean, all methods originate from the fundamental source - the Primordial Qi (ancestral energy) of the Dao.

In ancient times, the Celestial Sovereign (legendary progenitor of Daoism) created celestial scripts like "phoenix seal characters" and "dragon chapter writings," forms of sacred writing transmitted between heaven and humanity. Talismans (Fu) serve to resonate with profound mysteries, registers (Lu) record spiritual merits, bamboo slips convey divine oracles, and proclamations issue celestial decrees. All these ritual forms stem from the Primordial Ancestral Qi, merging with the wondrous light of Numinous Treasure (Lingbao), manifesting divine power through mediums like bamboo silk, gold-jade, and vermilion ink. They bridge the realms of the visible and invisible, assisting sentient beings in transcendence.

Practitioners must maintain inner purity and concentrated focus, uniting their innate spiritual nature (Fashen Yuanshen) with the Primordial True Body. Only then can each brushstroke of the talisman contain the golden radiance of Dao-Qi, achieving omnipresent efficacy and universal salvation. The relationship between Dao and method is that of essence and function - there exists no other mystery beyond this.

During talismanic rituals, the ritual master reverently burns incense while petitioning the Three Pure Ones (Jade Pure, Upper Pure, and Great Pure - the supreme triad), the Ten Directions' exalted beings, and deities of the Three Realms. With humility, the master acknowledges limited understanding, expressing concern about improper talisman execution, thus beseeching true deities to descend with instructions. Through celestial officials, the essential principles of talismanic methods are transmitted, ensuring successful implementation and immediate ascension for liberated souls. The ceremony concludes with devout prostrations awaiting divine response.

When inscribing talismans, practitioners must maintain focused visualization (Cunxiang), keeping mind and spirit aligned with the Dao. The entire process emphasizes the integration of heart-mind cultivation with spiritual resonance, embodying Daoism's core principle of "Dao models itself after nature" (Dao follows natural law).

When creating talismans (Fulu), one must follow specific ritual protocols: First prepare all necessary items including incense, candles, paper, ink brushes, and inkstones. The ritual master should sit quietly to regulate breathing, calming the heart-mind (Shen), and visualize the lower Dantian (three inches below the navel) as an abyss containing the primordial Lingbao ancestral Qi (primordial vital energy). This energy ascends along the twenty-four spinal vertebrae (corresponding to the twenty-four solar terms) directly to the Niwan Palace (upper Dantian) at the crown of the head, then descends back to the lower Dantian, circulating ten times in this manner.

Next, visualize the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) residing in the upper, middle, and lower Dantian, each riding clouds of azure, white, and purple hues that rise to the Niwan Palace. Simultaneously imagine celestial clouds of corresponding colors descending from heaven to merge with these internal clouds. At this moment, one's original spirit (Dan Yuanjun) may petition the celestial realm regarding the intended purpose of the talisman. Upon receiving divine approval, golden youths and jade maidens will descend bearing jade caskets, granting authorization for the talisman's creation.

Before inscribing the talisman, complete these preparatory steps: First, visualize radiant light emanating from the crown to merge with the primordial Qi of heaven and earth. At this stage, phoenix-seal and dragon-script (sacred characters) will manifest on the talismanic paper. After clicking the teeth twelve times while holding the brush, recite the following key incantations:

1. Brush-Opening Incantation: "When chaos first divided, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) spread the Five Sections of Crimson Texts and Jade Characters (Daoist scriptures), using dragon-script divine mantras to protect heaven and earth."

2. Ink-Preparing Incantation: "Jade tones condense primordial Qi, purple vapors assist the assembly of immortals, all methods accomplish themselves naturally" (recited while forming hand seals corresponding to the twelve earthly branches from Zi to Hai).

3. Jade Purity General Incantation: "The true names and hidden titles of the heavenly emperors from the thirty-two celestial realms contain supreme numinous power."

4. Signature-Sealing Incantation: "Eliminating karmic obstructions and severing evil roots, all wandering souls attain deliverance" (used when imprinting the ritual seal).

These incantations must be accompanied by specific mudras (hand seals) and breathing techniques (such as drawing Qi from the Xun position in the southeast). The entire process culminates in imbuing the talisman with divine potency. Throughout the ritual, the master must maintain a state of inner-outer luminosity and the unity of heaven and humanity.

This passage describes a Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) school Daoist ritual for the salvation of departed souls, comprising three core elements: visualization (cunxiang), talisman inscription (shufu), and incantation recitation (nianzhou).

First, the ritual master visualizes the descent of the Celestial Venerable of Great Unity (Taiyi Tianzun, one of Daoism's supreme deities) accompanied by the Thirty-Two Celestial Emperors and the Three Luminaries (sun, moon, and stars). In this meditative state, golden radiance and primordial Dao-Qi (the fundamental energy of the Dao) are imagined pouring down continuously. The practitioner then gathers solar essence, combining it with the vital energy (shengqi) of the eastern direction. Through nine rhythmic breaths, this energy is condensed into the ritual brush and inkstone. Holding the brush with cinnabar in the right hand, the master forms the "Thunder Trigram" mudra (a specific hand gesture from the Bagua system) with the left hand.

The accompanying incantation conveys: "By the luminous power of the immortal elixir illuminating the Yellow Springs, may departed souls ride the golden light of the White Memorial (a salvation document) to ascend heavenward, eternally pacifying the Frozen Spring Hell, granting deliverance to all wandering spirits." The practitioner visualizes their spiritual essence (shen) merging with the Celestial Venerable, achieving this unified state before inscribing the Salvation Talisman.

During talisman inscription, another incantation invokes: "All celestial officials unite their divine power; underworld deities (including Directors of Fate and Records) heed this command; the Jade Emperor decrees the opening of the dark realms." The chant emphasizes harmonizing the Five Qi energies and mobilizing a hundred deities, specifically mentioning the shaking of the Fengdu Hell (Daoism's underworld) to compel ox-headed jailers to release souls, ceasing suffering across ten thousand miles.

The final decree and benediction proclaim: "By the mandate of the Primordial Celestial Venerable (Yuanshi Tianzun), transmitted via divine dragons, all underworld bureaus shall grant amnesty." Through spiritual refinement, departed souls permanently escape the ghost realm, ultimately ascending to the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) paradise. References to the "White Jade Memorial" and "Nine Perfected Mystic Scripture" denote key liturgical documents in Daoist salvation rites.

This tripartite ritual—combining celestial visualization, talismanic writing, and sacred incantations—mobilizes cosmic energies and divine power to redeem souls, embodying Daoism's dual religious function of "aiding the living and saving the dead." The text's references to the Three Officials, Five Emperors, Nine Darknesses, and Northern Fengdu represent fundamental concepts in Daoist cosmology of the underworld.

This passage from the Daoist scripture Lingbao Yujian documents the ritual applications of two types of fulu (talismanic registers), primarily used for redeeming deceased souls and preemptively accumulating merit during one's lifetime.

The first is the "Salvation from Suffering Talismanic Register," employed for liberating departed spirits. The text states: By presenting the Golden Register and White Slip of Salvation from Suffering—sanctioned by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme Daoist deity)—a proclamation is made to all divine bureaus throughout the Ten Directions' boundless realms (the Daoist cosmological conception of the vast universe). This includes the Three Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials), Nine Bureaus, 120 Departments of the underworld judiciary, along with the Five Thearchs' examining officers and various functionaries of the Nine Nether Hells. They are commanded to release the deceased souls from infernal torment, absolve all karmic transgressions, and resolve lingering grievances. Through the merit generated by the Nine Authentic Precepts (nine essential cultivation disciplines), the souls are elevated to celestial paradises.

The second type, the "Preemptive Cultivation Memorial," serves living practitioners who seek to accumulate merit in advance. While similar in content to the salvation talisman, its focus shifts to contemporary cultivators, petitioning divine protection to ensure their future liberation from cyclic rebirth and attainment of celestial blessings.

The crafting of these registers follows strict specifications: they must be fashioned from cypress or catalpa wood, measuring nine inches in length, 2.4 inches in width, and 0.2 inches in thickness. When inscribing the talismans, the practitioner kneels facing east, draws nine breaths of vital qi (the essence of heaven and earth), and visualizes sunlight permeating the space. The inscriptions employ the "Zhenwen" script (a specific calligraphic style), accompanied by prescribed incantations and hand mudras (the Jade Emperor's seal gesture).

The text further specifies that completed registers must be enshrined in specially consecrated pouches bearing inscriptions such as "Genuine Talismanic Proclamation Issued to the Ten Directions' Boundless Realms," stamped with official seals. For preemptive cultivation, dedicated mantras are recited to invoke the protection of the Three Treasure Sovereigns (Sovereigns of Heavenly Treasure, Numinous Treasure, and Divine Treasure), harmonize the qi of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), and secure guardianship from celestial deities.

This scripture describes a ritual purification ceremony (Zhaijiao) performed by the Lingbao school (one of Daoism's major traditions), involving the summoning of celestial deities and the purification of souls through talismanic incantations. The practice encompasses three distinct levels of cultivation:

The first level involves invoking the celestial pantheon. The Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) — Jade Pure, Upper Pure, and Supreme Pure, the highest triad of deities — sit enthroned in the nine heavens, while hosts of divinities arrive in golden chariots and jade palanquins to pay homage. Within the Purple Tenuity Enclosure (the celestial palace complex), divine beings manifest as mystic energy (Qi) coalesces through the power of dhāraṇī (sacred mantras). Special emphasis is placed on drawing spiritual force from the Southern Dipper Star Deity (who governs the registers of life) to inscribe ritual talismans (Fulu).

The second level details soul purification rites. Divine light from the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Daoism's supreme deity) and the Jade Emperor suffuses the practitioner's entire being, flanked by protective yang spirits on the right and yin spirits on the left. The Seven Primes Star Lords (deities of the Northern Dipper) collaborate with underworld beings from the Nine Nether Realms, harmonizing yin-yang through the yellow cloud energy (representing central Earth virtue). The Great Unity Deity (Polar Star divinity) and the Peach Blossom Longevity God jointly record merits and faults, absolving transgressions associated with the Five Sacred Mountains and Eight Infernal Prisons.

The final section presents specific incantations. Written in crimson script jade characters (esoteric Daoist writing), these dissolve karmic obstructions from the underworld while the Great Emperor of the South Pole (deity of immortality) refines wandering souls with flowing fire. The Purification Youth (a cleansing spirit) washes away yin impurities, rendering the practitioner's inner and outer being translucent as an infant. The phrase "swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with statutes and ordinances" — a standard Daoist incantation conclusion — emphasizes immediate efficacy.

Particular emphasis is placed on the alchemical fusion of solar and lunar radiance, where heaven and earth unite in virtue at the Vermilion Palace Fire Mansion (southern hall for soul refinement). This process ultimately inscribes the practitioner's name in the Southern Dipper's register of longevity, enabling transcendence of rebirth cycles and ascension to the Upper Pure Heaven (one of the Sanqing realms). The entire ceremony requires joint supervision by the Lord of Mount Tai (deity governing life-death transitions) and Lord Lao (the deified Laozi, Daoism's primordial patriarch) to ensure the talismanic power penetrates all three realms of existence.

This scripture is an important ritual document of the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) tradition in Daoism, primarily containing two forms of memorial texts and instructions for talismanic incantations. The core content involves invoking divine power to liberate deceased souls and pray for longevity.

The first section describes the celestial bureaucracy: the Director of Destinies (Siming, deity governing lifespan) assists souls in sublimation through fire-refinement rituals, while the Celestial Prison (Tianlao, where malevolent spirits are confined) transforms under solar influence. The Big Dipper's seven stars (with their mysterious military titles) form profound formations, the Great Brilliance (Taiyang, the sun) nurtures all things with its essence, and crimson chariots (divine vehicles) traverse the skies. Through refining the Divine Mansion (practice sites), both internal and external purification is achieved.

"Urgently, urgently, in accordance with the Celestial Emperor's decree" is a common Daoist incantation indicating immediate execution of the Heavenly Worthy's command. The White Slips' general incantation mentions: the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, supreme deity) and the Five Directional Thearchs pardon all past transgressions through crimson-jade texts, liberating souls from judgment—with hun-souls ascending to the Nine Heavens and po-souls to the Vermilion Palace (southern fire-refinement paradise).

The second section presents the memorial format for Longevity Talismanic Slips, used for soul liberation. Petitions are addressed to sacred institutions in the southern Cinnabar Heaven—the Vermilion Palace Fire Office, Southern Changshang Palace, etc.—requesting deities like Lord Han the Great Lord of Longevity, Directors of Fate and Destinies, to have souls refined in the Court of Flowing Fire through jade-eyed purification and golden-flower cleansing, ultimately achieving rebirth.

The third section offers a variant memorial for living practitioners. While similar in content, it prays that "pre-cultivation disciple (name)" may transcend kalpic disasters, attain cosmic longevity, permanently escape the Three Paths (hell, hungry ghosts, animal rebirth) and Five Sufferings (birth, aging, illness, etc.), and Eight Obstacles (various practice hindrances), finally roaming freely in the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) realm.

The concluding instructions specify ritual procedures: placing the Longevity Numinous Talisman in special slip cases, delivered by the Golden Dragon Couriers of Mysterious Metropolis (celestial capital). This requires coordinated mudra gestures (jade hand-seals), visualization of the Taiwei constellation, and channeling golden light to facilitate the soul's refinement and rebirth.

All documents must be proclaimed at the Yellow Register Altar (soul salvation platform) following specific calendrical formats. These texts embody Daoism's religious concept of sacred documents mediating between the Three Realms to deliver souls.

This describes the talismanic ritual procedures used by the Lingbao school (one of the major Daoist traditions) for the salvation of deceased souls. The process primarily involves two types of Fulu (talismans and registers):

The Longevity Talisman and Salvation from Suffering Talisman must be affixed in specific locations, to be delivered to the underworld authorities by the Dragon Courier Officials (mythological divine messengers responsible for transmitting celestial documents in Daoist cosmology). It mentions that the North Star (Polaris) serves as the assistant to the Celestial Sovereign, and starlight must be invoked when drawing the talismans.

In practice: the yellow-backed Longevity Talisman should be inscribed while channeling black Qi (vital energy) from the northern direction, while the red-backed Salvation from Suffering Talisman requires southern red Qi. Both talismans must be placed in specially crafted bamboo containers, corresponding respectively to the energetic orientations of the Zi hour (northern midnight) and Wu hour (southern noon).

The Nine Dragons Talisman involves more complex procedures: first, the practitioner must bow to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest Daoist deities) and recite specific incantations to summon the Azure Mysterious Youth (manifestation of the Salvation from Suffering Perfected Being) and the Nine Dragons Messengers. The ritualist must visualize the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Unity Who Saves from Suffering (the deity specializing in soul salvation) seated on a golden lotus throne carried by a nine-headed lion, surrounded by an entourage of true immortals.

The talisman-drawing process demands utmost precision: silently recite the deity's sacred name 81 times, use cinnabar ink to channel eastern azure Qi while inscribing, and finally activate the talisman by exhaling through the Jade Purity Mudra (a Daoist hand seal). The petition must be written with cinnabar on green paper, commanding the Three Officials (Celestial, Earthly, and Water Officials), Five Sacred Peaks, and Nine Nether Hells (the deepest underworld realms) to release the deceased souls.

The ritual's essence lies in communicating with deities through talismans, harnessing the power of the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Unity and the Nine Dragons Messengers to open the hell realms, absolve sins, and liberate souls from the Nine Nether Hells to ascend to celestial realms. It particularly emphasizes the compassionate salvation concept of "blowing and sprinkling to eternally remove the bitterness of hell," embodying the Daoist doctrine of "limitless salvation for all beings."

This scripture passage describes the liturgical document format of the "Numinous Treasure Jade Mirror" (Lingbao Yujian) ritual in Daoism for the salvation of departed souls. It primarily consists of a petitionary talisman (Fulu) through which Daoist priests appeal to deities to pardon the sins of the deceased.

The text first mentions "all presiding officials of the capital prefecture's City God (Chenghuang), local earth deities (Sheling), and the gates of the underworld" — referring to various underworld deities including city guardians and earth gods who serve as officials in the netherworld. Through this talismanic document, priests request these deities to jointly carry out the salvation ritual, assisting the departed soul in escaping the suffering of hell.

The "Great Compassionate Benevolent One in the Palace of the Eastern Extremity" refers to the Heavenly Worthy of Salvation from Suffering (Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun), a Daoist deity specifically dedicated to redeeming lost souls. The "Nine Dragons Salvation Talisman of the Azure Mysteries of the Eastern Extremity" is an important talisman used in salvation rituals, requiring strict sealing procedures. When writing it, the priest must clearly state their religious rank (Fazhi) and name as a sign of reverence to the deities.

The "Treasure Talisman of Life-Virtue and Illumination from the Azure Palace of the Eastern Flower" is another salvation talisman with precise dimensional specifications (1.2 chi in height, 3.2 cun in width) and must be inscribed in cinnabar. The text meticulously lists the names of various deities to whom the document must be delivered, including the "Three Palaces and Nine Bureaus" (Daoism's three-tiered, nine-level underworld administrative system), the "Examination Halls of the Five Thearchs" (judicial institutions of the Five Directional Emperors), and the "Fengdu Mountain Prefecture" (the highest underworld administrative authority in Daoism).

The final section mentions the "True Salvation Talisman of Three Qi's Flowing Light," which must be used in conjunction with specific hand mudras (the Supreme Deity Mudra) and directional Qi (southeastern Qi). The incantation invokes the highest Daoist deities such as the "Primordial Supreme Deity" (Yuanshi Shangdi) and the "August Heavenly Worthy of Emptiness" (Xuhuang Tianzun), whose power can "extend grace to the Yellow Springs" (blessing the underworld) and assist the departed soul in "ascending to the heavenly paths" (rising to the celestial realm).

The entire document follows a rigorous format, reflecting the Daoist salvation ritual's characteristic of "communicating with deities through talismans." Through specific textual structures and sacred invocations, it establishes a channel of communication between the human world and the divine realm.

This is a set of talismans (fulu) and invocations recorded in the Daoist scripture Lingbao Yujian, used for redeeming departed souls and relieving suffering. The main content is divided into several sections:

The first is the "Command Talisman Incantation," which explains that the Jade Script True Talismans of the Lingbao tradition (an important Daoist school) possess miraculous power, capable of radiating light and purifying the defiled bodies of the deceased. The phrase "the celestial talisman descends directly to the Southern Capital" refers to delivering the talisman to the Southern City of Eternal Life (a Daoist celestial realm).

Next is the "Judgment Talisman Incantation," which emphasizes that holding the true talisman can eternally liberate souls trapped in the "Lake of Blood" (a hellish realm in Daoist cosmology where women who died in childbirth due to blood pollution are condemned), erasing past grievances and karmic debts. The closing phrase, "urgently, by the decree of the Primordial Celestial Emperor," is a common conclusion in Daoist incantations, signifying immediate execution of the supreme deity's command.

The "Invocation of the Benevolent Realms" section praises two Compassionate Perfected Beings (Daoist savior deities) who can rescue souls who died in difficult childbirth. It describes the terrifying scenes of hell: towering mountains of knives, boiling cauldrons of oil—yet simply reciting the names of these Perfected Beings with sincerity can dissolve sins and ultimately elevate the soul to the Seven Treasures Grove (a Daoist paradise).

The "Threefold Qi Radiant Light Salvation Talisman Proclamation" details the function of this talisman: the Lingbao talismanic decree emits three beams of light, illuminating the Ten Directions and the Ninefold Darkness (the deepest hell in Daoist cosmology), including the most shadowy Northern Yin Abyss. Wherever the talisman's light reaches, it extinguishes volcanic flames, melts frozen ice, transforms torture implements into jeweled trees, and helps souls escape the Lake of Blood, ascending to the Southern Palace (the paradise of eternal life).

Later sections record the format of the talisman pouch, the method of using the corpse-purification talisman, and the application of the "Jade Clarity Precious Register Soul-Redeeming True Talisman." The final passages contain various command incantations, such as the "Fire Bell Incantation," all summoning deities from the Jade Clarity Realm (the highest celestial plane in Daoism) to order the underworld to release departed souls. The term "Luofeng" refers to an alternate name for the Daoist hell, while the "Ninefold Darkness and Twisting Springs" denotes its deepest abyss.

These talismans emphasize invoking the authority of Daoism's highest deities, using the power of fulu to break the torments of hell and elevate souls to the heavens. The recurring phrase "by decree" mimics the language of ancient official documents, signifying the absolute authority of divine command.

This is a talismanic document from the Daoist Lingbao Jade Mirror scripture, used for the salvation of departed souls. It primarily consists of three sections:

The first section describes the divine decree issued by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity in Daoism), which can universally announce to the Three Realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water, penetrating all celestial spheres. The phrase "wind-marsh cavernous void" refers to the pure and empty Qi between heaven and earth, while "the obscure spirits of the Nine Springs" denotes the souls in the underworld. These talismans can sever the roots of hell, revive the deceased for ascension to heaven, and absolve all sins recorded by the Three Officials (Celestial, Earthly, and Water Officials) and Nine Bureaus, enabling nine generations of ancestors to attain liberation.

The second part contains specific incantations: The golden talisman of the "True King of Jade Clarity from the Divine Empyrean" (a revered Daoist deity) can illuminate the dark underworld, break the shackles of hell, and deliver suffering souls. The departed will be guided to the "Tushita Heaven" (one of the six heavens in the realm of desire) to cultivate immortality in the "Cinnabar Court" (referring to the celestial realm). The incantation emphasizes the immediate execution of the True King's divine command.

The final section details the format and usage instructions for the talisman: The "Rescue of Obscure Souls Talisman" must be written with cinnabar on yellow paper, announcing to all deities across the Ten Directions and Three Realms. The deceased's name should be inscribed on the talisman, pledging to erase their karmic records and enable the soul to ascend via the talisman. The document must conclude with the ritual date, the officiating priest's rank and name, and be sealed in a specific format. Special mention is made of the "Northwestern Qi" (the primordial Qi from the northwest direction) which enhances the power of hell-breaking talismans.

Such talismans are typically employed in Daoist salvation rituals, where priests communicate with deities by burning fulu (talismans and registers) and reciting incantations, assisting departed souls to escape the suffering of hell and attain rebirth.

This passage is a talismanic incantation and proclamation from the Daoist scripture Lingbao Yujian (Precious Jade Mirror of Numinous Treasure), used for liberating souls from purgatory and breaking open the hell realms. It describes how the sacred talismans issued by the Jade Pure Celestial Worthy (one of the highest Daoist deities) can shatter the sufferings of hell and absolve the sins of departed souls.

The precious talismans emitted by the Jade Pure Celestial Worthy can break through the layered barriers of the Nine Nether Hells (considered the most yin and terrifying hell realms in Daoism) and Northern Fengdu (the Daoist underworld capital). The incantation declares: This supreme sacred being is the descendant of the Three Sovereigns (Heavenly Sovereign, Earthly Sovereign, and Human Sovereign) and the lineage heir of the Supreme Dao Ancestor. He can liberate countless ancestral souls through the Great Method of Tenfold Soul Return (a Daoist salvation ritual), using crimson documents to proclaim to the underworld. Once the jade decree descends, it can destroy the Iron Enclosure Hell.

The talismanic light shines brilliantly, illuminating the layered darkness of the underworld. Swords and knives transform into jade trees and immortal groves (symbolizing weapons turning auspicious), hellfire becomes lotus blossoms, and frozen ice melts away. The Three Paths of Suffering (blood, blades, and fire hells), Five Bitternesses (birth, aging, sickness, death, and other sufferings), and Eight Calamities are all transcended. Demon kings and underworld officials all respectfully welcome and escort the souls, obeying the commands of the Jade Pure Celestial Worthy.

The incantation continues its command: By the authority of the Three Heavens' Precious Edict (the highest Daoist mandate), all ghostly gates must open, iron cities crumble, and sinful souls be immediately liberated from the ghostly paths. The darkness of the Nine Springs is dispelled by the talismanic light, and underworld officials must comply. The Vajra Hell is destroyed, wind and thunder disperse, seas of fire turn to clear pools, frozen ice becomes warm, and all tortures cease. Wheels of fire extinguish, cauldrons of oil stop boiling, bronze pillars collapse, and saws and knives become still.

The Primordial Celestial Worthy (supreme Daoist deity) decrees: When this talisman arrives, departed souls shall immediately escape the Fengdu hells—whether guilty or innocent, all shall be absolved. Deities of the Three Realms must provide protection, and ten thousand spirits shall reverently comply. The Great Emperor of Fengdu (supreme ruler of the underworld) and all underworld officials must cease their judgments and tortures of the departed souls.

The passage concludes with the "True Talisman for Breaking Open Hell" proclamation, written in cinnabar on seven-foot yellow paper: The precious talisman of the Exalted Divine Empyrean Jade Pure True King proclaims to the Northern Yin Fengdu that all thirty-six hell layers, the Avici Hell, water prisons, and Iron Enclosure Mountain hells must cease their cruel punishments. Flames shall extinguish, ice and snow melt away, instruments of torture transform into auspicious signs, and the karmic records of the deceased (name) shall be immediately erased.

This passage presents the standard format for talismanic documents used in Daoist soul salvation rituals, as recorded in the Lingbao Jade Mirror scripture. It serves as a template for priests performing the "Breaking Hell" (破地狱) liturgy (Keyi).

The document begins by extolling the merits of this "True Talisman" (真符), explaining its power to liberate souls suffering in hell's darkness, allowing them to behold radiant light and ascend to the Southern Palace (南宫) - the Daoist celestial abode of immortals - for rebirth.

The standardized format follows: The phrase "in accordance with the celestial decree" (一如告命) indicates obedience to the Heavenly Venerable's command, while "transmitted swiftly as wind and fire" (风火驿传) metaphorically describes the document's rapid delivery to the underworld. Specific fields are left for entering the date, time, and the presiding priest's (臣) name and religious rank (法位).

Subsequently listed are the titles of important Daoist deities overseeing underworld affairs:

• The True Lord of Orthodox Unity, Master of the Supreme Mystery Bureau
• The Heaven-Knowing Director of Supreme Mystery
• The Right, Left, and Supreme Ministers of the Celestial Pivot
• The Inner and Supreme Ministers of Celestial Mechanism
• The Jade Pure Divine Duke, Supreme Minister of Infinity

The "sealed format" (可漏式) refers to the document's authentication method, with the "Jade Pure Precious Register" (玉清宝箓) representing the sacred talisman bestowed by the Heavenly Venerable to illuminate hell and deliver suffering souls. The "blue envelope format" (青函式) indicates the document's azure-colored casing. The text concludes by reaffirming this as the "Jade Pure Precious Register's True Talisman for Breaking Hell," again noting the priest's name and rank before solemn sealing.

This complete ritual document format exemplifies Daoist religious practice through sacred writings that mediate between priests and deities for soul salvation, demonstrating the tradition's sophisticated bureaucratic approach to spiritual intercession.