《正一法文傳都功版儀》

Interpretation of the Zhengyi Fawen Chuan Dugong Ban Yi in Modern English:

The Celestial Master (Tianshi, referring to Zhang Daoling, founder of Daoism) teaches: Zhengyi priests who devoutly cultivate the Dao and establish merit should be promoted according to their achievements, without overstepping their rank. The highest position one may attain is that of Yangping Zhi (an important early Daoist temple). As virtue (De) grows and the scope of teaching expands, one must diligently practice the writing of Fulu (talismans and registers) day and night, commanding divine soldiers and officers to dispel disasters for the people, maintaining an upright and law-abiding heart, and always honoring the master and revering the Dao. Such a person commands the awe of spirits and the trust of the people, qualifies to lead in teaching, and may forever serve as a model for others. They may be granted the position of "Dugong" (Chief of Merits) and receive the core teachings of the tradition.

Format of the Dugong Document:

[Name], a Zhengyi disciple from [place], currently [age] years old (if residing in a temple, the temple name should be noted). Due to a karmic connection with the Dao from past lives, possessing a humble and harmonious nature, understanding profound mysteries, diligently cultivating the Dao from youth, spreading Daoist teachings, and achieving remarkable success in educating the people, with unwavering sincerity. This person's virtue (De) is recognized by the divine, their reputation widespread, and their merit in aiding sentient beings surpasses others. They are thus appointed as the Chief Dugong under Yangping Zhi. After serving for a thousand days, if they discover loyal and promising talents, they may select and appoint them from temples below Yuntai Zhi.

Closing Format:

On [date], at [temple name], issued by [name], the Xth generation descendant of the Celestial Master (Lu Xiujing notes: the Dugong document of Yangping Zhi must be granted by a descendant of the Celestial Master, hence the lineage must be specified; if the disciple is not surnamed Zhang, write "Disciple of the Celestial Master, [name]").

Production Standards:

1. The document is to be made of silver wood, measuring nine inches in length and five inches in width, inscribed in seven lines with cinnabar.

2. It is to be stored in a yellow patterned pouch along with the temple register (Zhilu, a Daoist credential).

3. If silver wood is unavailable, locust or catalpa wood may be used as substitutes.

Additional Declaration:

[Name], a Zhengyi disciple from [place], currently [age] years old, declares that their family has upheld the Dao for generations, with ancestors all wearing temple registers in practice, maintaining an unbroken lineage. Since receiving the Daoist teachings from the master... (followed by an account of their cultivation journey).

Notes:

1. "Zhi" refers to an early Daoist administrative unit, equivalent to a diocese.

2. "Dugong" is an important Daoist clerical position responsible for managing religious affairs.

3. The term "descendants of withered bones" in the text refers to families with generations of devout Daoist practitioners.

This scripture documents the ordination ceremony and related documents for conferring the "Dugong" (a senior Daoist clerical rank) in the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) tradition. It consists of three main components:

1. The Appointment Document:

The practitioner has diligently cultivated day and night with single-minded devotion, earnestly propagating the Daoist methods of salvation. While not yet having attained communion with the unseen realms, preliminary results are evident. After prolonged observation of the cultivator's practice, it is determined this person is qualified to serve as a teacher. Thus, the position of "Great Dugong under the Celestial Master (Tianshi)" is conferred, granting permission to freely transmit Daoist teachings below the rank of Yangping Zhi (an important Daoist temple).

2. The Recipient's Petition:

Disciple Wang, having practiced for many years in strict adherence to the master's instructions with unremitting diligence, though not yet widely benefiting beings, has achieved measurable progress. Recognizing the Dugong position's vital role in overseeing various Zhi (Daoist organizational units), and understanding that lack of succession would lead to the loss of transmission, I humbly request the Dharma Master to confer this position for the continuation of the Daoist lineage.

3. The Recommendation Document:

Jointly submitted by male and female Daoist officials from a certain region, this testimonial confirms Wang's sincere devotion to the Dao and petitions for the standard conferral of the Dugong position. The document specifies the date, location, recommenders' names, and recipient's details.

The complete procedure reflects the solemnity of Daoist clerical appointments, requiring extended observation, personal application, and third-party recommendations—emphasizing both the continuity of Daoist transmission and its regulated protocols.

This scripture records the ordination ceremony for conferring the "Dugong Ban" (a credential for Daoist priests) in the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) tradition. Here's a plain explanation:

Before the ceremony begins, the presiding priest (referring to himself as "your servant so-and-so") prepares the necessary documents. He reverently invites the Guardian Officials of the Central Administration (Daoist protector deities) and the Examining Officers (divine officials responsible for evaluation) to oversee and verify whether this ordination complies with the sacred regulations. Any irregularities would be corrected immediately by the deities.

The specific procedure includes:

1. The priest meticulously records the date (year/month/day), his own affiliation (local temple and jurisdiction), and the candidate's information (Wang from such-and-such county, of certain age)

2. Declaring that Wang has come to receive the Dugong Ban credential, and that the priest has already performed the "White Thorn" purification ritual during the previous midnight (11pm-1am)

3. On the formal ceremony day, the priest must:

• Submit memorial documents to the Supreme Three Heavens (highest divine realm)
• Request absolution for both his own and Wang's transgressions
• Summon immortal officials and generals from the Twenty-Four Administrative Districts (key Daoist sacred sites), along with deities of heaven, earth and mountains as witnesses

4. Clarifying the authority conferred by the Dugong Ban:

• Leadership over priests of the Twenty-Four Districts
• Qualification to serve as spiritual guide for future practitioners
• Authorization to practice Daoist methods for benefiting society and aiding the nation

The priest concludes with repeated prostrations, presenting the ordination documents to the Three Celestial Bureaus (heavenly institutions), while completing the ritual sequence of ten-directional bows according to the Supreme Mysterious Capital statutes. Throughout the ceremony, the priest repeatedly uses humble phrases like "trembling with awe" and "begging forgiveness for capital offenses" to express reverence toward the deities.

This passage discusses the regulations and consequences surrounding the transmission of the "Dugong Seal" (a ritual implement representing ecclesiastical authority) in the Zhengyi (Celestial Master) tradition of Daoism:

The rules stipulate that those who have not received the Dugong Seal are forbidden from teaching Daoist methods or administering religious affairs. This ceremonial object serves as a priest's credential and certification of authority.

Violating these regulations carries severe consequences:

• Seven generations of ancestors (qizu) will suffer punishment in the underworld
• The offender will face interrogation at Mount Deng (a purgatorial realm in Daoist cosmology)
• The transgressor will be condemned to hard labor filling riverbeds
• Within nine years, the individual will encounter catastrophic floods and fires in the mortal world

The text concludes by emphasizing the need for extreme caution in these matters.

This excerpt comes from the concluding section of the Zhengyi Fawen Chuan Dugong Ban Yi scripture, employing stern warnings to underscore the sacredness and solemnity of ordination rituals. Within the Daoist system, such transmissions are not mere formalities but vital to maintaining the purity and efficacy of the entire spiritual lineage.