《無上祕要》Vol. 30

A Plain-Language Explanation of The Supreme Secret Essentials

Section on the Ritual for Transmitting the True Texts of the Dongxuan Cavern · Method for Setting Up an Altar and Spending the Night Beneath the Open Sky

The Sacred Altar

The dimensions of the sacred altar, the ritual platform, are as follows:

• Altar surface: Two zhang and four chi in length and width. It may also be made three zhang and two chi across, depending on the number of participants.
• Curtains at the four sides: Each is nine chi long. Set up five gates, each five chi wide, though they may instead be four chi wide.
• Other curtains: Each is seven chi long.
• Two green cords: Connect the gate plaques, the signs above the gates.

Gate plaques—the signs hung above each gate—are three cun and two fen wide and three cun and four fen long.

Setting Up the Six Gates

These six gates may be used for a simplified arrangement. For a more elaborate altar with ten gates, follow the instructions in the Scripture of the Yellow Register.

The Central Gate and the King’s Gate for the Four Seasons

The central gate is beneath the Jade Gate of the Four Seasons, and the gate of the Assembly of Perfected Ones is above the King’s Gate. During the first month of each season:

• Spring: The King is at Mao; the central gate is at Chou; the gate of the Assembly of Perfected Ones is at Si.
• Summer: The King is at Wu; the central gate is at Chen; the gate of the Assembly of Perfected Ones is at Shen.
• Autumn: The King is at You; the central gate is at Wei; the gate of the Assembly of Perfected Ones is at Hai.
• Winter: The King is at Zi; the central gate is at Xu; the gate of the Assembly of Perfected Ones is at Yin.

The King has no separate gate. In spring, use the Gate of Azure Radiance; in summer, the Gate of Grotto Yang; in autumn, the Gate of Penetrating Yin; and in winter, the Gate of Yin’s Birth. These serve as the King’s gate for entering and leaving. Enter and leave through the gate of the Assembly of Perfected Ones.

The Six Grades of Ritual Tokens

Ritual tokens, offerings that serve as credentials presented to the deities, are divided into six grades:

1. Five bolts of five-colored silk: A token for the Five Emperors, the heavenly rulers of the five directions.

2. Nine gold dragons: Tokens for the Nine Heavens; each dragon weighs one official liang.

3. Five gold dragons: Tokens for the Five Sacred Peaks; each dragon weighs one official liang.

4. Twenty-four thousand gold coins: Tokens for the twenty-four seasonal Qi, the energies of the twenty-four solar terms.

5. Silk for one’s birth year: Prepare an amount according to the year of one’s birth.

Rules for the grades: The Son of Heaven uses bolts, princes and kings use zhang, and common people use chi. This is the rule laid down in the ritual texts. If a person cannot provide the offerings alone, several people may contribute together. If they still cannot afford them, the offerings should be adjusted according to each person’s means.

Setting Up the Offering Tables

Place one offering table at each of the five gates. On each table, set:

• One incense burner
• One gold dragon
• One piece of silk

Arrange them according to the corresponding direction.

Note: This section describes the ritual rules for transmitting the True Texts, secret scriptures of the Daoist Dongxuan Cavern, associated with the Lingbao tradition. It covers altar dimensions, the names of the six directional gates, the King’s Gate for the four seasons, and grades of ritual tokens. It is an important source on the method of setting up an altar and spending the night beneath the open sky.

Plain-Language Interpretation

Table and Arrangement

One table is used to hold scripture scrolls. A vermilion (red) cloth is placed beneath them and a blue cloth over them; the table is set before the revered image (deity image).

One table is used to present petitions before the master concerning rites of transmission, such as certificates of ordination and the conferral of precepts.

One table is set before the revered image to hold offerings and tokens of faith, such as Nine-Dragon gold coins.

Next: The Method for Entering the Altar after Overnight Exposure and Opening the Incense Burner

First, leave the memorial exposed overnight—that is, place it on the altar at night. Then enter the altar and open the incense burner by lighting it.

Invoke the Highest Three Heavens, the Three Qi of the Mysterious Origin and Primal Beginning, and the Most High Lord Lao. Summon the Three-and-Five Merit Officers within the bodies of those present, the attendant messengers on the left and right, the incense-bearing dragon-riding couriers on the left and right, the incense-attending golden youths, the message-bearing and flower-scattering jade maidens, and the direct talismanic officers of the Five Emperors, thirty-six of each.

After everyone has left the altar, they should arrange their attire and make a formal invocation to the local earth deity and the true officials and spirits who govern this place and its district.

Now burn incense and leave the memorial exposed on the altar overnight. With a memorial written on yellow silk, pray that the Most High’s true Qi from the ten directions will enter the bodies of those present, so that the petition I submit may swiftly arrive and be presented directly before the Most High, the Supreme and Boundless Great Dao, the Perfectly True Jade Emperor.

Next: The Method for Reading a Memorial on Yellow Silk

The Most High Lingbao, Supreme Three Caverns Perfected One, Mr. [name] of [mountain], and others, bow their heads and prostrate twice, presenting this memorial:

To the Five Elders of the Primordial Beginning, the Supreme Emperor, and the Perfectly True Great Holy Venerable Spirits beneath the Jade Steps:

I, [name], am of humble substance and was born into this world through karmic conditions. The aeons of the Nine Heavens have turned in succession without end; the blessings and good fortune accumulated in former lives have continued to flow down to me. In this life, I have been born into the Dharma gate. On [day] of the first month, in the year [year], I received from my former master, the Three Caverns Perfected One, Mr. [name] of [mountain], [personal name], the Lingbao Dongxuan scriptures, talismans, diagrams, and jade characters, and have cultivated them and worn them on my person.

Now the aspiring Daoist [personal name], aged [age], and others, with sincere faith and diligent practice, bring tokens of faith and pledge themselves, seeking to receive the five scrolls of Dongxuan Lingbao scriptures, talismans, diagrams, and jade characters [add any further scriptures according to the number of scrolls]. They will preserve and cultivate them, make offerings to them, and treasure them for life.

Seeing their eager hearts and earnest devotion, and knowing that their good fortune from former lives has brought them here, we allow them to join in receiving these sacred texts and to read their contents, attaining the highest rank among the officials of the Dao. We fear, however, that [personal name] has not previously received an esoteric name or accumulated meritorious deeds, and so may not be recognized by the Three Realms or acknowledged by the Five Emperors. We therefore follow the clear regulations: the text is openly presented at the central altar and transmitted in accordance with the rites. We respectfully prostrate ourselves and submit this petition to the Nine Heavens.

May the exalted holy and venerable spirits graciously examine what we have set forth and show compassion for our sincere hearts. We look up in reverence to the perfectly true Great Dao of the Nine Heavens and its supreme, boundless venerable spirits. May you distinguish our plea and take pity on us. We humbly await your decree.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of The Essential Secrets of the Highest Mystery

Memorial of Presentation (opening of the ritual)

We, your servants, are filled with reverence and awe. We bow our heads and prostrate ourselves twice, respectfully awaiting the sacred decree.

I, (your servant), surname such-and-such, am from such-and-such prefecture and county.

To the Most High Primordial Lord of the Great Dao (the Way), the Great Sage Jade Emperor of the Five Elders of the Numinous Treasure tradition of the Cavern Mystery: before your Jade Steps.

In the year marked by the Heavenly Stems Jia or Yi, on such-and-such month and day, in such-and-such village of such-and-such prefecture and county, we present this memorial.

(The passage above is from the Scripture of Illumining the Real.)

Next: The Rite of Reopening the Incense Burner

Incense Officials and Messengers, Lords of the Dragons and Tigers to the left and right, and all spirit officials attending the incense: cause golden liquid, vermilion-green elixir, and fungus blossoms to arise spontaneously within the quiet chamber. May the assembled perfected beings and myriad spirits gather here before this incense and flame. May the gods surround and protect us, so that we may soon attain perfection.

May the Emperor enjoy ten thousand blessings, and may all under Heaven receive his grace. Let the Jade Youths and Jade Maidens of the ten directions attend the incense smoke and carry our words in a memorial straight to the imperial presence.

Before the Most High, the limitless Dao.

(The passage above is from the Scripture of Illumining the Real.)

Next: Hymn in Offerings to the Precepts

The Dao takes absence of intention as its guiding principle; every good deed becomes a field of blessing. Merit has no fixed owner: each person’s original vow arises from that person’s own aspiration.

Empty yourself to respond to all beings, and hold your mind as one, so that nothing is treated unfairly. The Great Sage spreads the highest teaching like rain falling from Heaven: it moistens everything above, and, by remaining low, gathers into a deep pool.

The sea is sovereign over the hundred rivers and can therefore receive dragons and scaled creatures. It preserves the workings of wisdom through ten thousand kalpas; how could these be confined to a single lifetime? Keep the precepts without the slightest lapse, even for a moment, and in lifetime after lifetime form good connections through good deeds.

Reflect deeply on the Great Vehicle, and in time your very being will accord with the truth of the Dao.

(The passage above is from the Lower Scripture of Questions and Answers.)

Next: Secret Invocation for Leaving the Ritual Ground

Dark Above, Great Yin: the eight windows open to light. When there is something to present, the Maiden communicates with the spirits. When the matter is complete, she returns to her place, and the myriad spirits sink into peace.

(The passage above is from the Golden Register Scripture.)

Next: Secret Invocation for Performing the Rite Outside the Door at Dawn

Officials of Merit of the Four Luminaries, Messengers Who Communicate with the Perfected, Jade Youths Who Convey Messages, and Jade Maidens Who Attend the Quiet Chamber: communicate for me with the principal gods of the Daoist chamber. May the living Qi (vital energy) of the Upper Origin enter my body.

(The passage above is from the Golden Register Scripture.)

Next: The Rite of Opening the Incense Burner

Most High of the Three Heavens, Three Qi of the Dark Origin and Beginning, and the Most High Lord Lao: summon forth from within our bodies the Three-Five Officials of Merit, the officials and messengers to the left and right, the incense bearers to the left and right, the courier dragons and mounted clerks, the Golden Youths who attend the incense, the Jade Maidens who convey messages and scatter flowers, and the Five Emperors’ talisman officials—thirty-six of each. Let them depart in full ceremonial attire and report to the local earth gods and territorial spirits here.

(The passage above is from the Golden Register Scripture.)

Notes for Reading the Scriptures

• Bowing the head and prostrating twice: the most solemn form of salutation, involving two full prostrations.
• Cavern Mystery and Numinous Treasure: the scriptures and system of teachings revered by the Numinous Treasure school.
• Jade Emperor of the Five Elders: an honorific associated with beliefs concerning the Five Directions and the Five Elders.
• Tai Sui in a Jia or Yi year: a way of naming the year using the cyclical stems and branches, such as Jiazi or Yichou.
• Incense-burner rites / opening the burner / reopening the burner: sections of liturgy involving lighting incense, opening the burner, and presenting the invocation again.
• Three-Five Officials of Merit: a liturgical term referring to the three hun and five po souls within the body, or to the divine officials assigned to them.
• Secret invocation: a spell recited quietly so that outsiders cannot fully hear it.
• Living Qi of the Upper Origin: a method of cultivation and protection in which one visualizes the Qi of the Upper Origin entering the body.

The passages above are often marked “the passage above is from” a particular scripture, indicating that the ritual wording is drawn from texts such as the Scripture of Illumining the Real, the Lower Scripture of Questions and Answers, and the Golden Register Scripture. Such formulae are commonly used in Daoist purification rituals, the transmission of precepts, and documents for opening the incense burner.

[Oath and Invocation of the Spirits]

True officials and righteous deities, today we respectfully burn incense and perform a rite of transformation for (name). We pray that the orthodox and true Qi of the Supreme One from the Ten Directions descend and enter our bodies, so that what we present may swiftly reach its destination and be laid before the Jade Emperor, the Most True One of the Supreme, Boundless Great Dao.

Next, we pay homage to the Three Treasures:

With utmost sincerity, we bow our heads to the Supreme, Boundless Great Dao;

With utmost sincerity, we bow our heads to the thirty-six honored divisions of the scriptures;

With utmost sincerity, we bow our heads to the Great Master of the Mysterious.

The master then kneels facing west and recites the oath text, while the disciples kneel and bow with their foreheads to the ground opposite him.

The oath reads:

On the first day of the month, in the year of the Grand Duke, on the day marked (date), Master of (name of sacred mountain) (A and B), born in the year and month of (birth date), entered into the registers of Heaven on (day), and assigned by Qi to the jurisdiction of Lord of Heaven (name). Today, in the Heaven of (name of Qi), from Master of (name of sacred mountain), I receive forty-three chapters of talisman diagrams, nine hundred and twenty-four characters of jade script, and seven pieces of golden silk that subdue and stabilize the True Ones (ritual objects embroidered with gold thread). With my heart sworn, I inform the spirits; I covenant with Heaven and bind myself. I honor these as supreme treasures, and uphold this great, true canon in all circumstances.

I report above to the thirty-two Heavens, who oversee the True Ones and the transmission of texts; to the immortal registrar Han, chief recorder and attendant of the scriptures; to the Flying Celestial Perfected Ones; and to the divine kings of the Three Realms: remove (name) from the Register of the Dead, inscribe the name in the Golden Register and Jade Register, and include it among the ranks of the Three Origins. In accordance with the rites of the Great Amnesty, send down the Qi of the True Immortals into (name)’s body. The Celestial Officials who oversee the immortals in the thirty-third Heaven, and the feather-robed attendants who administer the scriptures, shall each, according to the prescribed registers, dispatch a Jade Youth and Jade Maiden, together with a portion of the Qi of the True Immortals, to attend and guard the sacred text and provide for (name).

I make this universal proclamation to all the Heavens and lands, the boundless worlds, the sun, moon, and stars, the officials of the Three Realms, the famed mountains of the Five Peaks, the water palaces of the Nine Rivers, the offices of the Three Officials, and the secluded springs and winding paths of the Nine Hells’ long night; to every spirit, whether without shadow or color, form or name, sound or echo, great or small, high or low, exalted or humble: let all know clearly that (name) bears the great teaching in the body, carries the celestial script, and has a name entered among the ranks of the Three Origins in the register of immortals. In going out, entering, traveling, or roaming, let the appointed officials receive and escort (name), and let (name) attend court three times each month, as in the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity. Erase (name) from the earthly registers and the ledgers of the Nine Hells; extinguish past enmities, cut off and end the roots of evil, and let none of these afflictions follow. Through countless kalpas, may no harm befall; may the seven generations of ancestors share in this blessing, all ascending to the heights and roaming freely in the Mysterious Capital.

[Refining and the Covenant in the Precious Grove]

The soul of the deceased, refined and transformed in the Precious Grove—the realm where Daoist rites deliver the dead and bring them to renewed life—pledges to uphold the Great Teaching in all things, as prescribed in the Scripture of Illuminating the True. By examining oneself and observing the precepts, one leaves the cycle of life and death and becomes an immortal, befriends the Five Emperors (the Daoist Heavenly Emperors of the five directions), and roams through the heavens. Should one break the covenant, disclose celestial secrets, recklessly transmit the teaching before the appointed time, or treat it with contempt and carelessness, one will face retribution in life and death and remain forever indebted to the source of the River. One will suffer the punishment of wind blades for ten thousand kalpas and be condemned to fill the mountains of the Night with earth. The retribution for offenses and blessings will be exactly as recorded in the covenant.

[Sounding the Drum and Forming the Canopy]

Next, the master sounds the ritual drum thirty-six times. Master and disciples each visualize the five organs in their five colors, gathering them into clouds that form a precious canopy and spread over the scripture master and assembly. (From the Scripture of Illuminating the True)

[Hymn for Transmitting the Scripture]

Then compose a hymn for transmitting the scripture:

The Heavenly Book is concise and free of excess;

its Dao and De are complete in themselves.

Cultivate it and you will surely become an immortal—

what more could you seek?

Its luminous text shines amid the Great Nonbeing,

radiant, clear, and resplendent.

Transmission follows every prescribed rite;

those who disclose it carelessly will fall into hell.

[The Disciple Receives the Scripture]

The disciple kneels upright before the master to receive the scripture, the spirit staff, and the command tablet. When this is complete, all return to their places and bow to the master three times.

As for placing the talisman within the staff and preparing the command tablet: when only a few people are present, they may be set in place using the incantation given below. When many people are present, the talismans should all be sealed inside at the ritual altar and transmitted together with the scripture. (From the Hidden Commentary Scripture)

[Paying Homage to the Ten Directions]

Next is the rite of paying homage to the Ten Directions:

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in all the Celestial Worthies.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy of the Dark Supreme Jade Dawn of the North.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy, Supreme Sage Who Transports Immortals, of the Northeast.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy, August Lord of Jade Treasure, of the East.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy Who Cherishes Life and Delivers Souls, of the Southeast.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy of Dark Truth and Ten Thousand Blessings, of the South.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy, August Sovereign of Great Numinous Emptiness, of the Southwest.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy of Supreme Wonder and Utmost Perfection, of the West.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy of Boundless Great Florescence, of the Northwest.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy, August Luminous Sovereign of Jade Emptiness, above.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy, True August One of the Cavern Spirit, below.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy, Most High Jade Emperor, of the past.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy, Primordial Beginning, of the present.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Celestial Worthy of the Supreme Ultimate, of the future.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the Purple Tenuity Upper Palace of the Dark Terrace in the Jade Capital.

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in all perfected immortals and enlightened assemblies.

(From the Scripture of Numinous Treasure)

Next, recite the hymn to the Three Perfected Ones

This scripture of the Lingbao tradition comes from the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao (one of the highest Daoist deities). Its realm is lofty and subtle, beyond the reach of metaphor, like mystery within mystery. All beings in the ten directions revere this supreme immortal.

The Great Cavern Void Scripture (a profound and mysterious Daoist scripture) teaches that by sitting quietly one may attend court in the heavens. The scripture is stored above in the Purple Tenuity Terrace and secretly kept below in famous mountains. Its text shines with patterns of dragons and phoenixes, while its radiance gathers into the formless.

How wondrous is the Supreme Dao! It governs through Wuwei (non-action) and remains forever natural. What rulers and common people alike value is loyalty and virtue. If one’s allotted fate holds blessings, one may rise far above others through causes and conditions from former lives. The ritual master passes on the Dharma wheel according to the proper rites, entrusting a precious token that endures through kalpas. By spreading kind intentions widely and guiding all beings, one will surely receive great blessings in return. Through offerings, one can attain the Dao; through devoted practice, one can become Perfected. The Great Dao makes no distinction between you and me; its transmission must reach a worthy recipient.

The Dao is empty, enduring, and natural. Forced to give it a name, we call it the “Great Dao”; it stretches far beyond all bounds. The myriad mysteries return to Lingbao. Close your eyes and contemplate the Perfected Ones; with focused thought, you will feel the Ten Elders (ten venerable heavenly beings) descend. Ascend to immortality and dwell forever in Wuwei. Your immortal countenance will remain forever beautiful. When thirsty, drink sweet wine from the Jade Pool; when hungry, eat the herb of golden radiance. Pure wisdom (clarity and insight) can carry one beyond the Eight Difficulties (eight forms of suffering or obstruction), relieving the world’s suffering and distress. The myriad mysteries arise from Dongxuan, shining brilliantly through the Great Clarity. Those who practice this are called immortals; their embodied nature never perishes, and they live in long life, carefree and at play in the mysterious void. Palaces stand in ordered rows within the formless; forests of the Seven Jewels gleam in splendor, and the essences of the sun and moon shine brightly. Dragons and scaled creatures race in interwoven flight; phoenixes soar and cry out. The Supreme Lord governs from the Purple Terrace as the assembled Perfected Ones chant the Cavern Scripture. They pinch incense, bow with joined hands, and circle the palace walls three times before returning to the high seat, where the Dao’s jade responds in sound.

When a ruler promotes the utmost Dao, peace comes to all under Heaven.

Next, the master faces east, kneels upright, and returns to the place of the celestial officials

We, disciples of the Supreme Lingbao and the Three Caverns, [name and other names], respectfully address:

The Empty and Natural Primordial Heavenly Worthy, the Dao without limit, the Supreme Lord of the Dao, the High Jade Emperor, the great holy beings who have attained the Dao, the Perfected Lords and Elders, the Emperors of the Thirty-Two Heavens, the Jade Void Emperor, the Great Jade Emperor, Donghua, the Southern Ultimate, the Western Numinous, the Northern Perfected, the Mysterious Capital, the Jade Capital, the Golden Palace, the Seven-Jewelled Mysterious Terrace, the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity, and the Numinous Treasure Perfected and Luminous Emperor Lord of the Dao: Through causes and conditions from former lives, we were born in an age shaped by the Dao’s teachings…

(The closing phrase, “born in an age shaped by the Dao’s teachings,” means that in this life the disciples have encountered the teaching of the Great Dao and are addressing the venerable beings named above with their account of their practice and their prayers.)

Plain-Language Commentary on the Wushang Biyao (Essential Secrets of the Most High)

The Mysterious and True One opens the way and leads people in, enabling them to establish the root of faith. The former master transmits the Three Treasures and the sacred scriptures under a covenant, which are to be honored and supported.

The True One gives guidance and leads people in, enabling them to establish correct faith. In accordance with a sworn covenant, the former master transmits the Three Treasures (the Dao, the scriptures, and the master) and the sacred scriptures, which must be treated with reverence and supported.

Paying reverence and establishing merit come first. On the [day] of [month] in [year], I respectfully transmitted scriptures and practiced the Dao with [So-and-so] and others, established a purification rite, burned incense, and confessed and made vows. Now that the transmission is complete, may the Celestial Immortals, Earth Immortals, Flying Immortals, Perfected Ones, divine beings, and sages who were invited, together with the ritual officers who oversee the purification rite, the golden boys who attend the incense, the jade maidens who scatter flowers, the Jade Emperor’s tally bearers, those who convey messages and present petitions, the dragon-riding attendants, and all the rest, oversee the ritual site and labor diligently in its protection. May each receive rewards according to merit, advance in rank, and regain their stations in the heavens. I respectfully submit this petition for the heavens to hear.

Paying reverence to the ancestral masters and establishing merit through virtuous deeds come first. On the [day] of [month] in [year], I transmitted scriptures and practiced the Dao with [So-and-so] and others, set up a purification rite, burned incense, confessed, and made vows. Now that the transmission is complete, may the Celestial Immortals, Earth Immortals, Flying Immortals, Perfected Ones, divine beings, and sages who were invited, as well as the officers who oversee the purification rite, the golden boys who attend the incense, the jade maidens who scatter flowers, the Jade Emperor’s tally bearers, those who convey messages and present petitions, the dragon-riding attendants, and all the rest, watch over the ritual altar and diligently protect it. May each be rewarded according to merit, promoted in rank, and restored to their station in the heavens. I respectfully submit this petition.

(From the Jue of the Natural Scripture)

Next, the rite for renewing the incense burner

Incense officials and messengers, the Left and Right Dragon and Tiger Lords, and all spirit officials who attend the incense: cause golden liquid, cinnabar-green fungi, and numinous blossoms to arise naturally within the altar precinct, which is pure and still. Let all the Perfected Ones and the myriad spirits gather before this incense table. May [So-and-so], after receiving the Dao, be surrounded and protected by the spirits and soon attain the state of an immortal and Perfected One.

Next is the rite for renewing the incense burner. Incense officials and messengers, the Left and Right Dragon and Tiger Lords, and all spirit officials who attend the incense are asked to make the altar precinct pure and still, so that golden liquid, cinnabar-green fungi, and numinous blossoms arise naturally there. May all the Perfected Ones and the myriad spirits gather before the incense table. May [So-and-so], after receiving the Dao, be protected by the spirits and soon attain the state of an immortal and Perfected One.

May the emperor enjoy ten thousand blessings and the world receive grace. May the jade boys and jade maidens of the ten directions attend the incense smoke and convey the petition directly to the presence of the Most High, the Dao without limit.

May the emperor enjoy long life and the world receive grace. May the jade boys and jade maidens of the ten directions attend the incense smoke and convey the petition directly to the presence of the Most High, the Dao without limit.

(From the Scripture of the Luminous Perfected)

Next, chant the hymn for honoring the precepts

The Dao takes no-mind as its source; all deeds become fields of merit. There is no fixed master of merit-making; each person’s original vow comes from within. Empty yourself to respond to all beings; focus your mind, and let none be treated unequally. The Great Sage spreads the highest teaching, as rain falls from heaven; no high ground is left untouched. By remaining low, the deep pool is formed. The sea is lord of the hundred rivers because it can contain dragons and scaled creatures. Its wisdom and power endure through ten thousand kalpas; how could they be confined to a single lifetime? Keep the precepts without fail, even for a moment, and in life after life form wholesome bonds. Devote your thoughts to the Great Vehicle, and in time you will embody the truth of the Dao.

Next, chant the hymn for honoring the precepts: The Dao takes no-mind as its source; all good deeds become fields of merit. There is no fixed master of merit-making; each person’s original vow arises from within. Empty yourself to respond to all beings, and focus your mind so that you treat everyone equally. The Great Sage spreads the highest teaching, like rain falling from heaven; no high ground is left untouched. By remaining low, the deep pool is formed. The sea is lord of the hundred rivers because it can contain dragons and scaled creatures. Its wisdom and power endure through ten thousand kalpas; how could they be limited to a single lifetime? Keep the precepts without fail, even for a moment, and form wholesome bonds in life after life. Devote yourself to reflecting on the Great Vehicle, and in time you will embody the truth of the Dao.

(From the Scripture of Questions, Part Two)

Next, the secret blessing for leaving the ritual space

Mysterious Supreme, Yin of the moon: the eight windows open bright. When there is a petition to present, the Maiden communicates with the spirits. When the matter is done, return to your place; may the myriad spirits withdraw into hidden peace.

Next is the secret blessing for leaving the ritual space: Mysterious Supreme, Yin of the moon, the eight windows open bright. When there is a petition to present, the Maiden communicates with the spirits. When the matter is done, all return to their places, and the myriad spirits withdraw into hidden peace.

(From the Golden Register Scripture)

Essential Secrets of the Most High, Scroll Thirty-Nine