《靈寶玉鑑》Vol. 28

The thirty-fourth volume of the Lingbao Jade Mirror (Lingbao Yujian) documents the ritual for opening the gates of the underworld and delivering departed souls. This section comprises three components: incantations, official petitions, and talismanic registers (Fulu), primarily used for dismantling hell realms and liberating the deceased.

The incantation portion describes how purple solar energy rises in the east, coalescing into a talisman through the Nine Yang's true Qi (Zhenqi). By invoking the vital energy of the Supreme One's Azure Palace (Taiyi Qinggong, a celestial abode of Daoist immortals), the bonds of hell are shattered, and the sins of the departed are absolved. The thirty-six heavens above and the thirty-six infernal springs (representing hell realms) below respond to the ritual. Where the jade scepter (a ritual implement) points, iron prisons crumble, and karmic burdens dissolve. Nine-colored divine light illuminates all directions as the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme Daoist deity) descends with the purifying power of Azure Mystery (Qingxuan) to rescue lost souls. The incantation concludes with the standard Daoist command: "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!"

The official petition follows formal bureaucratic language: on a specified date, acting under Daoist decree, the priest invokes the talismanic authority of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning to deliver a named soul from hell, accumulate virtuous merit, and ascend to the immortal realms. The document concludes with the name of the presiding ritual master.

The talismanic register section declares: The Dao Lord (Daojun, referring to Yuanshi Tianzun) commands the divine power of Mount Kunlun to demolish the iron ramparts of hell, absolving the sins of the deceased and their ancestral lineage across generations. Hell officials are ordered to immediately release the soul, escorted by ten thousand deities to rebirth. The date of enactment and the priest’s signature are inscribed at the end.

The Nine Hells Lantern Ceremony employs the "True Talisman of the Three Dawns’ Wisdom Light to Shatter Hell." Its incantation describes how the primordial radiance of the Three Luminaries (sun, moon, and stars), present since the dawn of creation, now penetrates the underworld—transforming frozen springs into warmth, extinguishing scorching coals, and ending torment by blade mountains and sword forests. Divine light spirals through all directions, illuminating the celestial realms.

This scripture presents a complete Daoist ritual for dismantling hell and delivering souls, integrating sacred incantations, formal documents, and esoteric talismans. Through the authority of the Celestial Worthy and the priest’s cultivation, suffering souls are liberated from torment and guided toward auspicious rebirth.

This scripture documents the key incantations and talisman (Fulu) techniques used in the Daoist "Breaking Through Hell" ritual, describing methods to assist deceased souls in escaping the sufferings of the underworld through specific ceremonial practices.

The text first mentions the need to eliminate the five karmic obstructions (五累) and sever the chains of sinful karma (勾连), allowing the Three Luminaries (sun, moon, and stars) to shine simultaneously and permanently eradicate transgressions. The Mysterious Origin (referring to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning) descends divine light, while the Three Luminous Jade Maidens (deities of the sun, moon, and stars) come to assist.

It then details various talismanic techniques:

• The right-hand talisman must be burned at each level of hell to illuminate the underworld and pardon sinful souls
• The lamp-lighting ceremony is essential
• While holding the ritual staff (策杖), recite: "Heaven and earth converge in radiance, sun and moon shine as one, reaching upward to the stars, penetrating downward to the netherworld. The Six Jia and Six Ding (Daoist guardian deities) protect left and right, the divine staff shatters hell, all beings ascend beyond."

The "Destroying Shackles Talisman" specifically breaks hell's chains, with its incantation conveying: The talismanic decree of the Supreme Lord Lao (one of Daoism's highest deities) can universally deliver souls from suffering to rebirth.

The "Zhang Gate Talisman" incantation states: The command of the Three Pure Ones (Jade Pure, Upper Pure, and Supreme Pure Celestial Worthies) illuminates the Nine Darknesses, divine lamps destroy hell, and underworld guards obey orders. Iron cities and bronze pillars (hell's torture devices) crumble, the Six Paths (realms of rebirth) open, releasing souls to ascend to the Jade Capital (celestial realm).

When burning the "Nine Hells Talisman," recite: The Primordial Qi (original energy) of the Jade Pure halts underworld judgments, the Three Luminaries blaze, and the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning initiates light. Guilty or innocent, all receive pardon as precious light shines universally, ascending together to paradise.

Other incantations include: The Supreme Dao Lord (Lingbao Tianzun) commands the Kunlun Mountain spirit talisman to deliver souls with single application; the Supreme Mysterious Origin Lord (referring to Daode Tianzun) orders talismanic execution to illuminate and dismantle hell for soul liberation.

During the ritual, the priest visualizes transforming into the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, wielding the staff to break through hell's layers. While chanting, envision hell transforming into open pathways as souls ride radiant light to salvation. Subsequent purification rites employ lamps, water vessels, and other ritual implements.

The crucial "Secret Hell-Breaking Incantation" describes: Through the boundless radiance of Numinous Treasure (Lingbao), the vajra mountains of the vast underworld crumble. Seven generations of ancestral souls follow incense clouds and banners, ascending on blue lotuses (symbolizing purity) to eternal celestial peace. Merit's golden light (virtue accumulated through practice) illuminates the darkness as lotus canopies (lotus-shaped ritual objects symbolizing guidance) float amid clouds, restoring harmony to countless spirits who dwell eternally in immortal pavilions, freely roaming paradise.

This scripture records the Five Directions Hell-Breaking Talismans (Fulu) and their incantations from the Daoist Lingbao Jade Mirror text, primarily used in rituals to liberate deceased souls and dissolve the sufferings of hell. Each talisman corresponds to a specific direction with distinct magical properties:

The incantation for the Eastern Jade Truth Brahma Qi Talisman (Mao position/Eastern Qi) states: "The radiance of Triple Yang intertwines with mysterious Qi, capable of breaking through the nine layers of hell's wind and thunder calamities." Another verse describes how the Nine Heavens' true Qi transforms into auspicious mist as the Jade Treasure Compassionate Lord (a Daoist deity) descends with righteous energy, pacifying thunderbolts, shattering blades, dissolving karmic obstructions, and elevating souls.

The Southern Mysterious Truth Brahma Qi Talisman (Wu position/Southern Qi) chant declares: "Six Yang radiance illuminates the underworld prisons, extinguishing raging fires to restore scorched flesh." Additional verses speak of Triple Qi crimson blossoms (red immortal energy) carrying Yang breath to quench infernal flames, while clouds of compassion and dharma rain shower universally to erase sins and suffering.

The Western Great Truth Brahma Qi Talisman (You position/Western Qi) incantation proclaims: "Four Qi harmonize Yin-Yang, with vajra power to demolish underworld torture devices." Another passage describes Seven Qi white essence (white immortal energy) radiating golden light that neutralizes iron rods and golden hammers, erasing names from the register of the dead for celestial ascension.

The Northern Supreme Truth Brahma Qi Talisman (Zi position/Northern Qi) chant reveals: "Five Qi's cyclical flow merges mysterious light, transforming frozen hells into warm springs." Further verses detail how Five Qi black essence (dark immortal energy) combines with ninefold Yang energy to purify foul vapors, melt icy blades, and rescue souls from frostbite.

The Northeastern Immortal Truth Brahma Qi Talisman (Yin position/Northeastern Gen Qi) incantation documents: "Brahma Qi stabilizes stellar movements, cooling boiling cauldrons (iron pots of torment) to grant the dead rebirth." Each chant concludes with the imperative "Swiftly, by the Celestial Mandate!" (jiji rulüling), invoking the immediate execution of Yuanshi Tianzun's (the Supreme Daoist deity) divine decree.

These talismans operate by mobilizing the Five Directions' primordial Qi (the fundamental energies of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water from the Five Phases), coordinated with specific hand mudras (like the Mao finger technique) and directional alignments during liturgical rites (Keyi), achieving the religious function of hell-breaking and soul liberation.

This scripture records the Five Directions' Brahma Qi (Fenqi) talismanic incantations used by the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) tradition, a major Daoist school, for the salvation of deceased souls. Each talisman corresponds to a specific direction and possesses divine power to dissolve hell's torments and liberate wandering spirits.

The southeastern talisman (Si script/Xun Qi) pacifies the boiling cauldron punishment in hell. The incantation causes scorching bronze pillars to shatter, restoring the tortured souls to wholeness. The boiling liquid transforms into cool, sweet springs, while azure lotus platforms emerge beneath the sinners' feet, ultimately lifting them from the sea of suffering to ascend to the immortal realms.

The southwestern talisman (Shen script/Kun Qi) dispels the punishment of the Mountain of Knives and Forest of Swords. The chant invokes the "Six True Ones governing in division" (six guardian deities), enabling dismembered souls to regrow their bodies. The Kun Yuan Qi (primordial earth energy) shines like moonlight through the underworld, turning sharp blades into dissipating frost-winds, freeing souls from torment and guiding them back to the righteous path.

The northwestern talisman (Hai script/Qian Qi) extinguishes the fiery wheels of hell. When the Nine Heavens' Qi circulates, the flaming chariots (instruments of infernal torture) are completely quenched. The pure Yang energy of Qian Heaven's Jade Radiance illuminates the Avīci Hell (the deepest underworld), transforming festering limbs into jade lotuses, allowing the spirits to ascend to paradise.

The central talisman (Jade script/Ancestral Qi) commands all four directions, dismantling every hellish torment. The phrase "Four Qi, Four Uprights" signifies the convergence of righteous energies from all sides, enabling souls suffering the Nine Darknesses' punishments to return to their original purity. The compassionate wisdom-light of the Shangyuan Jade Void Divinity (highest celestial deity) redeems the damned—mountains of blades become auspicious groves, sawing and hanging tortures cease eternally, even the Iron Enclosure (hell's impenetrable fortress) crumbles, and all sinners are delivered to the Vermilion Palace (a Daoist paradise for refining souls).

Each incantation concludes with the standard Daoist command "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" (jiji rulüling), compelling the spirits to act immediately. These talismans embody Daoist compassion for saving souls, using the Five Directions' Brahma Qi (sacred energies) to transform hell's landscapes and grant liberation to the departed.

This scripture describes the "Radiant Transformation Talisman" (Huiguang Huaxing Fu) used by the Lingbao tradition (one of Daoism's major schools) for liberating departed souls. The ritual consists of several key stages:

The "Primordial Radiant Transformation Talisman" originates from the Primordial Qi (the most fundamental energy) of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, Daoism's supreme deity). When activated, the practitioner must perform the ritual at the center of the Ninefold Netherworld (the darkest realm of the underworld in Daoist cosmology), chanting incantations to summon the light of sun, moon, and stars to penetrate the nine layers of earth and dispel darkness. The chant invokes the "Lord of Blazing Radiance" (the solar deity) and the "Goddess of Lunar Essence" (the lunar deity), harnessing their power to illuminate the shadowy realms.

The "Transformation Incantation" then beseeches the Celestial Worthy of Universal Salvation (Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun, the deity specializing in soul liberation) to manifest throughout the ten directions, using great compassionate power to deliver beings from hell. The chant vividly depicts underworld scenes: ox-headed jailers (underworld enforcers) and the Three Paths of Suffering with Five Torments (various hellish realms). Through this ritual, all trapped souls may ascend to celestial realms.

In practice, the ritual master folds three talismans over the heart region, burning them at the moment of "breaking open hell's center." While forming the Jade Purity Hand Seal (Yuqing Jue, a specific mudra), the master gathers the ashes in their palms. At this point, the practitioner transforms into the Primordial Light of Yuanshi Tianzun—a radiant glow of hundredfold auspicious splendor that reaches upward to the Three Heavens (Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing realms) and downward through the Ninefold Netherworld, transforming hell into pure land.

The final section details the use of "Nine Hells Tablet Talismans," designed to subdue each of the nine directional hells. The scripture meticulously records the chants for eastern and southern hell talismans: the eastern invocation summons the Green Emperor (Qingdi, the directional deity of the east) using the essence of the Zhen Trigram (representing the east in the Bagua system) to shatter the hell realm, while the southern talisman employs the power of fire and thunder. Each talismanic chant concludes with the standard Daoist formula "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with statutes and ordinances" (Ji Ji Ru Lü Ling), commanding immediate effect.

Through the coordinated use of talismans (Fu), incantations (Zhou), and hand seals (Jue), this ritual achieves the soteriological effect of "shattering darkness to generate light," embodying Daoism's humanitarian ideal of "limitless salvation." These talismans must be engraved on specially prepared wooden tablets, reflecting the tradition's exacting standards for ritual precision.

This passage describes the talismanic inscriptions and ritual arrangements used in the Daoist "Breaking Through Hell" (破地狱) ceremony. The practice primarily consists of several key components:

The first part involves nine hell-breaking talismans (符咒) corresponding to the eight cardinal directions (the four primary directions plus four intercardinal points) and the center. Each direction has its associated deity and specific talisman—for instance, the Red Emperor (赤帝), ruler of the southern quadrant, commands talismans that extinguish hellfire; the White Emperor (白帝) of the west leads celestial troops to vanquish demons; while the Black Dragon (黑龙), northern divine beast, penetrates the deepest hell layers to liberate trapped souls. Every talisman emphasizes breaking particular torments of its assigned hell direction, such as bronze pillar punishments or fiery wheel tortures.

The text then details the ceremonial altar layout called the "Nine Netherworlds Hell Diagram" (九幽狱图). The ritual space requires constructing nine square altars from sand and soil within a six-foot square area—a measurement symbolizing the yin nature of the earth. Each altar's four corners must curve thrice to mimic hell's architecture, with twenty-seven lamps lit in total (three per hell). Directional altars bear inscribed tablets: the front displays hell-breaking talismans while the back names the specific hell, accompanied by nine hanging banner flags.

A crucial final instruction specifies that after burning the nine banners to complete the hell-breaking rite, new banners must be immediately hung in their original positions. Priority goes to erecting the "Spirit-Guiding Yellow Banner" (迁神回黄幡), a salvation instrument enabling deceased souls to behold it and eradicate all karmic obstructions. Through the synergistic combination of talismans, altar configurations, and ritual implements, the ceremony achieves its purpose of delivering souls from hell's torments.

This passage explains the Daoist concept of the "Nine Nether Hells." Corresponding to the Nine Heavens above and the Nine Palaces below, these hells manifest as nine distinct realms formed from transformations of primordial Qi. Rather than physical locations, they represent karmic states that naturally arise based on the deceased's negative thoughts during life. Out of compassion, the Supreme Lord Lao (the highest Daoist deity) established Zhaijiao (purification rituals) to deliver these suffering souls.

The Nine Nether Hells each have specific names: the Hell of Obscure Darkness, the Hell of Hidden Yin, the Hell of Nocturnal Shadows, the Hell of Fengdu Darkness, the Hell of the Nether Capital, the Hell of Hidden Governance, the Hell of the Nether Pass, the Hell of the Infernal Mansion, and the Hell of Dim Radiance. Their fundamental purpose is universal salvation—if one performs rituals only for specific individuals while neglecting all sentient beings, including one's own ancestors through nine generations and beings across all six realms of rebirth, such narrow-minded intention contradicts the original salvific purpose behind establishing these hells.

The text particularly cautions: these hells cannot be casually broken open, nor can all souls be universally delivered. For ordinary memorial services for deceased relatives, simply lighting ritual lamps suffices; performing the complete "Hell-Breaking Ceremony" would be excessive unless properly authorized. True filial piety lies in sincere repentance, not in presuming one's ancestors must be in hell before conducting rituals.

However, when formal salvation rituals are necessary, one may prepare appropriate Hushu (ritual food offerings) for the deceased according to one's means. Countless souls fall into these hells due to momentary lapses in judgment, and without proper Zhaijiao ceremonies empowered by Fulu (talismans and registers), liberation remains difficult.

Finally, the text details the specific locations and names of each hell: the East houses the Hell of Obscure Darkness with wind and thunder; the South contains the Hell of Hidden Yin with scorching flames; the West holds the Hell of Nocturnal Shadows with diamond-hard suffering; the North keeps the Hell of Fengdu Darkness with icy torment; the Northeast maintains the Hell of the Nether Capital with boiling cauldrons; the Southeast contains the Hell of Hidden Governance with bronze pillars; the Southwest holds the Hell of the Nether Pass with dismemberment; the Northwest keeps the Hell of the Infernal Mansion with fiery chariots; and at the Center lies the Hell of Dim Radiance with universal suffering.

This passage documents the complete ritual procedure of the "Jade Clarity Blood Lake Purification Talisman" (Yuqing Didang Xuehu Dafu) from the Daoist scripture Lingbao Yujian, used for the salvation of deceased souls. The Blood Lake represents a special hell in Daoist cosmology where women are condemned due to the blood defilement associated with childbirth. This talisman primarily aids souls who died from childbirth complications, miscarriages, or other blood-related calamities.

The ritual begins with an official proclamation issued by the Lingbao Altar (a Daoist ceremonial space) on a specific date, under the decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity in Daoism). The text declares the absolution of the deceased's sins and commands underworld officials—including the Great Spirit of Corpse-Turning, the Divine King of Casting Corpses, the Divine King Who Devours Hearts and Brains, and the Ox-Head Jailers—to obey the talismanic order. They are to rescue the soul from the Blood Lake Hell, liberating it from darkness into light, ultimately enabling its ascension to the Southern Palace (a Daoist celestial realm).

The specific incantations follow: The "Primordial Beginning Talismanic Decree" section emphasizes the talisman's power to universally save the underworld, delivering souls from the suffering of the Blood Lake. The "Two Compassionate Perfected Ones" passage invokes the Perfected Beings of Salvation (Jiuku Zhenren, Daoist deities specializing in soul redemption) to illuminate hell with divine light, halting the tortures of the Mountain of Knives and Sea of Flames, thereby freeing the souls.

During the ritual, the presiding high-ranking Daoist priest (Gaogong Fashi) must concentrate their spirit and calm their Qi (vital energy), visualizing the radiant light of Yuanshi Tianzun manifesting above their head. Drawing upon this divine power, they inscribe the talisman to penetrate and purify hell. The scripture concludes with nine specialized talismans for different causes of death, including: death in war, execution, violent murder, miscarriage, fatal illness, loss of a child, loss of a mother, and simultaneous death of mother and child. A general incantation is also provided to empower them collectively.

The entire ritual exemplifies Daoist religious practices of redeeming souls through talismanic power, with particular focus on rescuing women from hell due to childbirth-related karma.

The Lingbao Jade Mirror scripture depicts a hell realm called the "Blood Lake" and its associated salvation rituals. South of the Great Iron Encircling Mountain lies a narrow stone prison, entirely blackened with surrounding flames, beneath which spreads a lake of blood. This Blood Lake occupies a space between strangely shaped rocks in the southeast—boulders wide at the top and pointed at the base, split by a central crevice through which the condemned pass in and out.

The Blood Lake hell is filled with poisonous brews that seep into the bodies and minds of sinners. This realm specifically imprisons women condemned for childbirth-related offenses, subjecting them to unimaginable torment for eons without reprieve. A million demonic guards torture the damned day and night, alongside terrifying deities such as the "Great God of Body-Reversal" who inverts sinners' forms, the "Great God of Corpse-Hurling" who flings dead bodies, and the "Ghost King Who Devours Hearts and Gnaws Brains."

The scripture also records methods for redeeming these lost souls: using the Lingbao Jade Script Salvation Talisman (a type of Fulu, Daoist ritual document), along with nine Radiant Light Talismans, to be burned at various hell realms. Special ritual banners (liturgical flags) must also be arranged in the shape of the Blood Lake's nine prisons.

The passage concludes with the standard Daoist incantation phrase: "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the decree of the Primordial Celestial Worthy" (Yuanshi Shangdi), invoking the authority of Daoism's highest deity. This text primarily illustrates Daoist cosmology concerning the afterlife and the religious practice of redeeming souls through specific rituals.