《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 10

The Venerable Master says: The High Perfected and Supreme Sages jointly govern the celestial realm of the Mysterious Vault. Its wondrous principles are sometimes manifest and sometimes hidden, and are difficult to fathom. Only after the scriptures were transmitted did their mysteries gradually come to light. The orthodox teachings and doctrines of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen) are profound. Since the Tang dynasty, scriptures and proclamations have been lost and scattered; people have repeatedly pieced them together, leaving the genuine mixed with the spurious. Even those with insight who can distinguish their mysteries can point out no more than one part in ten thousand.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning is the most exalted of the Nine Sages and the source of all transformations among the myriad things. He is the mysterious Qi of the Dao, empty and spontaneous, beyond discussion in words. When the Qi of the Dao disperses, it becomes breath; when it gathers, it takes form. A spirit resides within it, and it is provisionally called the “Celestial Worthy,” hence the name Primordial Beginning Heavenly King. He is the Dao’s honored lord of Highest Clarity, holds the rank of Supreme Emperor of the Jade Registers, dwells in the sacred realm of Jade Clarity, and governs the Jade Capital of the Mysterious Metropolis.

The Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure is the ancestor of the Nine Perfected and a supreme sage of Highest Clarity. He is the primordial Qi of the Dao. In terms of religious teachings, the transmission from the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning belongs to the Cavern of Perfection; with the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, a separate Cavern of Mystery lineage was established. The phrase “receiving from Jade Dawn the supreme Numinous Treasure teaching for delivering people” means that he received from Jade Dawn the supreme Numinous Treasure teaching for delivering people. He is a disciple of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the founding master of Highest Clarity, and the Supreme Emperor of Great Clarity—the patriarch honored by the High Spirits of Heavenly Perfection. He is also called the Lord of the Dao, the Supreme Mysterious Emperor of Jade Dawn. He dwells in the true realm of Highest Clarity and governs the Precious Hall of Luminous Yang in the Golden Palace.

The Celestial Worthy of the Dao and its Virtue is the teaching master of the Nine Immortals and the Dao’s original Qi. In terms of religious teachings, the lineage from the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning to the Celestial Worthy of the Dao and its Virtue is called the Cavern of Spirits. He is the Lord of the Mysterious Origin, the Later Sage of the Golden Palace of Great Clarity, and the King of Immortals of Great Clarity. Having received proclamations from the Primordial Emperor and the Void Emperor, he expounds the scriptures of the Three Caverns and Four Supplements, adapts his teaching to the needs of each place, transmits scriptures and teaches the Dao, and is revered from ancient times to the present and honored in all quarters. Since the Three Sovereigns, he has proclaimed the Numinous Treasure scriptures, delivering countless people and celestial spirits through generation after generation. Ranked among the Two Emperors, he received the honorific title Supreme Lord Lao. He dwells in the immortal realm of Great Clarity.

The August Emperor of Heaven is the emperor of the various heavens, the king of the immortals and perfected beings, and the sovereign of the sacred and exalted. He holds authority over ascent and descent through the heavens and presides over the pivotal processes by which all things grow and transform. The prohibited scriptures of the Three Caverns and Four Supplements take him as their model; his divine might is vast, supremely wondrous, and Wuwei (non-action).

The Supreme Lord venerated by the gods of the Three Realms—the heavens, the human world, and the underworld—and by the perfected immortals of the Three Caverns, who are associated with Daoist scriptures and teachings, comes from the Heaven of the Three Qi. He is descended from the imperial lineage of the Three Treasures and stands beyond Heaven and Earth. He gives life to all things but does not rule over them.

When Heaven, Earth, and humanity—the Three Powers—were first established, clear Qi rose and gathered in bright purity. Yang Qi condensed into Heaven, which became the source of all things. If so, how could Heaven have no ruler? Thus, in terms of its form, it is called “Heaven”; in terms of its ruling power, it is called “Emperor.” Hence he is called the Jade Perfected Heavenly Emperor. The Scripture of the Jade Emperor, the Utmost Sage of the Mysterious Firmament says, “The Heavenly Emperor, Jade Perfected.” This refers to the pure and majestic realm and practice of Brahma conduct in the colorless domain. He came into being through the transformation of Mysterious Qi and dwells below the Great Luo Heaven and above the Upper Clarity Heaven. He governs the Four Brahma Heavens of the people, holds a revered rank above the Three Realms, and rules the heavenly realm. These titles, too, are names assigned out of necessity and with some reluctance. He resides in the Jade Clarity Palace of Taiwei.

Titles such as “Most High, Mysterious, and Supreme Celestial Worthy of the Great Luo Heaven” are expressions of reverence used within the Daoist tradition. Titles such as “Most High, Opener of Heaven, Bearer of the Talisman, and Ruler of the Calendar” were honorifics bestowed upon emperors by the Great Song dynasty to show reverence.

The Celestial Worthy Who Rescues from Suffering, Taiyi, is the teacher of the Nine Sages, Nine Perfected Ones, and Nine Immortals, who were emanations of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning from the primordial azure Qi. He governs the original source of life-giving Qi that delivers all beings. He is also called “Celestial Worthy Who Rescues from Suffering, Taiyi, Primordial Emperor of the Azure Mystery, in the World of Eternal Joy, the Azure Palace at the Eastern Pole.” In addition, the Celestial Worthy Who Responds and Manifests Across the Ten Directions and the Billion Aeons is not a perfected being who attained rank through cultivation. Rather, he is descended from the imperial lineage of the Supreme Emperor of Primordial Beginning and was formed through divine transformation from Mysterious Qi. He resides in the Left Palace of the Azure Mystery.

The Great Emperor of the North Pole is the deity represented by the imperial throne in the Purple Tenuity enclosure, the northern region of the sky. According to the Treatise on Astronomy, the South Pole lies thirty-six degrees below the horizon, while the North Pole lies thirty-six degrees above it. The celestial sphere is tilted, with half appearing above the ground and half circling below it; the myriad stars and myriad Qi all revolve to the left. The South Pole and North Pole are the pivots of the celestial sphere’s movement. Only because they remain still can the heavens turn. People look northward from Earth toward the North Star, but it is in fact at the center of the celestial vault. It is the sovereign of all stars and the ruler in the Three Realms second only to the August Heavenly Emperor. It corresponds to primordial Qi and is therefore called the Great Emperor of the North Pole and Purple Tenuity. He resides in the Purple Tenuity Palace at the center of Heaven.

One account claims that the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity is the sovereign of the great gods of the heavens, all the gods of the Three Realms, and the deities who govern killing and punishment. This account deceives the people and shows disrespect to the upper realm, and should be firmly eradicated.

The Great Emperor of Heaven is a star to the left of the imperial throne of the North Pole; its stars are linked together…

The star region curved like a hook is called Gouchen (Hook Array). Beneath Gouchen lies a great star that sits right in its midst, and this is the Great Emperor of Heaven, Tianhuang Dadi. He commands all the stars and governs the motion of the myriad celestial bodies, holding a status equal to that of the North Pole. Yet the North Pole is the pivot of celestial motion, while the Great Emperor turns along with the heavenly bodies. He corresponds above to the Primordial Qi (the original vital energy of the cosmos), positioned beneath the Three Qi and above the myriad heavens. Within the Three Realms, none fail to revere these three heavenly sovereigns.

Some speak of the "Great Emperor of Heaven of the Upper Palace of Purple Subtlety," and this is especially absurd. The Great Emperor of Heaven commonly referred to today is the one within the Purple Forbidden Enclosure (Ziwei Yuan, a celestial star region), beneath Gouchen. One may say "Ziwei Yuan" or "Gouchen Palace," but the "Upper Palace of Purple Subtlety" refers instead to Mount Yujing in the Xuandu Capital, not to Ziwei Yuan. A single character's difference matters greatly. In the Tang dynasty, Laozi was honored as the "Holy Ancestor Heavenly Emperor, the Great Emperor," a ceremony by which the Tang court briefly revered its ancestor, and this too was not the Great Emperor of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure. Having examined past and present, one can see that these titles should not be used carelessly.

Next, the "Holy Ancestor Baosheng Heavenly Venerable Great Emperor." According to ancient records, the Perfected Lord of the Nine Heavens Who Governs Destiny (a deity in charge of fate) descended to the Yan'en Hall on the twenty-fifth day of the tenth month of the first year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era (1008 CE) under Emperor Zhenzong of the Great Song, with six perfected beings attending at his side. He declared himself the ancestor of the Zhao clan. Wang Qinruo, then serving as chief minister, issued an edict honoring him as the "Exalted Supreme Spirit, Holy Ancestor of the Nine Heavens Who Governs Destiny, Baosheng Heavenly Venerable Great Emperor," and further honored the Perfected Lord's consort as the "Great Holy Empress of the Yuan Heaven." From then on, they were counted among the heavenly sovereigns, occupying the upper nine ranks, and the people of the realm could only follow the court's decree.

Some say that "Huanglong Yiqi Siming Baosheng Heavenly Venerable" is the lord of immortals and the deity revered by emperors and nobles. What is the basis for this claim? Are they unaware that before Zhenzong, before the Holy Ancestor had descended, whom did emperors and nobles revere? A gentleman who does not know something should not force himself to speak falsely, misleading later students and leaving endless ridicule behind.

My master said: "Who does not know that the Sanqing (Three Pure Ones) and the Three Realms' Venerables represent Xuan Qi, Yuan Qi, and Shi Qi? When Qi gathers, it forms bodies; when it disperses, it becomes Qi again. This is the root of the transformation of all things, the ancestral source of the three powers of heaven, earth, and humanity, and the foundation of heaven and earth. It cannot be called by any fixed name."

Chimming (an ancient era name) marked the age when the Great Dao began to circulate and its light spread abroad. Some accounts hold that the Imperial Persons (huangren) of outer space wrote the True Writs (zhenwen) with their brushes, and that these writs descended to the human world, whereupon the teachings of the Three Caverns (sandong jingjiao) were proclaimed. Hence there are the Three Caverns, Dongzhen (Cavern of Perfection), Dongxuan (Cavern of Mystery), and Dongshen (Cavern of Spirit), and the designations Tianbao, Lingbao, and Shenbao. From the middle ages onward, liturgy (keyi) and regulations were gradually established. Each of the Three Caverns had its own scriptures and Registers of Law (fa lu), so they were called the "Three Vehicles and Nine Grades" (sansheng jiudeng).

The hidden, subtle aspect of the Dao cannot be known by people, but its applied aspect becomes manifest through teaching methods. Yet some have put forward a different view: Yuanshi Tianzun is the ancestral master of the Dao and is revered as the Lingbao Patriarch; the Daojun is the ancestor of the Fa and is honored as the Master of Masters (zongshi); Laojun is the ancestor of the teaching and is revered as the True Teacher (zhenshi); and Jiujiu Tianzun and the Ten Heavenly Venerables are the Mysterious Masters (xuanshi). Alas, the Three Caverns, the Four Supplements (the four categories of scripture paired with the Three Caverns), and the origins of the Registers of Law were originally interconnected. The Nine Grades and the Three Vehicles were also linked to one another, and the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) each presided over one part of them. The remaining accounts contain many improprieties. If it were truly so, then cultivating the teaching and ferrying people across to salvation would also be mistaken.

The Lingbao Tianzun of the Ten Directions governs the salvation of the living and the dead, relieves the suffering of beings in the Three Realms, and administers the Ten Heavens.

The Donghua Taijun (Grand Lord of the Eastern Flowery Radiance) oversees the transmission of writs to male and female immortals and perfected, the promulgation of teachings, and matters of life-destiny (siming), governing from the Fangzhu Palace of Donghua.

The Xiyuan Taimiao Wangmu (Royal Mother of the Western Origin and Mysterious Wonder) oversees the registers of male immortals, female immortals, and perfected, governing from the Turtle Terrace of the West (Xiling Guitai).

The Lingbao Scripture Master, Perfected Yiluo Qiao, at times receives orders to transmit precious scriptures and to preside over prohibitions. In times of calamity, he brings forth scriptures to ferry people across.

The Lingbao Registrar, Perfected Zhending Guang, at times oversees the classification of the divine writs. He is responsible for recording registers, advancing ranks, and bestowing talismans (fulu), so that people may attain immortality and deliverance.

The Lingbao Master of Salvation, Perfected Guang Miaoyin, at times follows the laws laid down by Yuanshi, expounds and proclaims the teachings, and takes mysterious norms and talismans as his standard, responding to each locale according to its needs.

These three perfected together bear the task of saving people and jointly hold general charge of the Thirty-Six Honored Scriptures. They gathered the talisman diagrams, compiled them into the Zhongmeng Baogao (Precious Edicts of the Central Covenant), and caused them to circulate among the human world, to be used in ferrying gods and people. These scriptures were passed to the Taiji Perfected Xu Laile, and from Perfected Xu to the Taiji Immortal Patriarch Ge Xuan. Later generations may not know the true lineage of these perfected. Bao Nanhai and Feng Qingniu, though they too obtained talisman diagrams, did not belong to the lineage of the three masters.

In the earlier Jin dynasty, Yang Yuan and Xu Hou obtained the Lingbao Golden Writs and afterward presented them to the Upper Perfected Lady Wei. Perfected Xu Miaoji, meanwhile, received instruction from Mother Chen and King Xiaodao Ming; both belonged to the realm of the Mysterious...

This marks the boundary of master-disciple transmission. Later students receive their masters' teachings and each distinguish the lineage to which they belong, so that they can know who their teacher is.

The Great Dharma Master of the Mysterious Center (Xuanzhong Dafashi) appeared in the first year of the Shanghuang era, after the Primordial Heavenly Venerable (Yuanshi Tianzun) had established the teaching. At that time the five kalpas (jie) opened together, the forms of the Five Phases (Wuxing) were complete, and the Five Qi (the five primordial vital energies that constitute all things) were all present. From these, the various Perfected and Immortals were transformed and born. Within the five kalpas, the essence of the Mysterious Center was generated, and within that essence there was a subtle qi. All of this belonged to the Shanghuang (Supreme August One), so this kalpa is called the "Five Kalpas of Shanghuang." Within these five kalpas, the Great Dharma Master of the Mysterious Center was transformed and emerged. Receiving the essence of the Five Qi, he joined with the Perfected Emperor of Heaven (Tianzhen Huangren). They gathered clouds into patterns and created talismanic writings such as the Dragon Embryo and Stone Scenery registers. The myriads of talismanic writings were unified into three divisions and ten categories, all of which were established as orthodox scriptures (zheng jing). Only then did the Great Dharma Master of the Mysterious Center begin to establish the teaching methods (jiaofa).

The Primordial Ancestral Kalpa (Yuanshi Zujie) gave birth to the various heavens.

The so-called "ancestral kalpas" refer to the Longhan, Yankang, Chiming, Kaihuang, and Shanghuang kalpas. The Great Luo Heaven (Da Luo Tian) is the dwelling of the realm of emptiness (xuwu). It encompasses heaven and earth and is vast without limit. The scripture says: "Above it there is no earlier source, only the Dao (the Way) as its substance." Heaven, earth, and the Great Luo were born across the five kalpas. From the primordial qi of the Great Luo arose the Three Heavens, namely the realms of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing).

The Three Heavens sent down primordial qi, which gave rise to the Nine Heavens. The first is called Wujing Yudan Wuliang Heaven; the second, Shangshang Chanshan Wuliang Shou Heaven; the third, Dongxu Jishang Xuyan Heaven; the fourth, Wuji Shangling Yukong Yuan Dongjiran Heaven; the fifth, Dongji Wuya Bujiao Le Heaven; the sixth, Shangji Yuanjing Dongwei Huayingsheng Heaven; the seventh, Yuanming Zhiji Fanbao Heaven; the eighth, Taiji Wuya Dongyou Moyi Heaven; and the ninth, Yuandong Boli Dahe Heaven. Each of these in turn gave birth to three heavens, so the Nine Heavens total thirty-six heavens, which is what the scripture calls the "Heavens of Highest Clarity" (Shangqing zhi Tian).

"Shangqing" (Highest Clarity) is a general term for the lofty, void heavens and does not refer to any single realm among them. Below these lie the Three Realms of Zhongmin, comprising thirty-two heavens that govern the four directions. They lie beneath the Nine Heavens and above the Three Luminaries of sun, moon, and stars. The palaces and regions of each heaven have their own ranks and order and are linked to the constellations. Their primordial qi interacts, giving rise to and shaping all things.

In addition, there are the Eight Poles and Eight Heavens, along with an Outer Demon Heaven located beyond the eight poles. They lie below the thirty-two heavens and beyond the Three Luminaries, distributed across the eight poles and eight directions. From the Qingwei Heaven to the Outer Brahma Heaven, there are eighty heavens in all, each a palace condensed from natural primordial qi. Thereupon the Xuhuang (Void Sovereign)……

Each of them is appointed as a Lord Emperor (Dijun), a venerable deity who governs a particular region, assisted by a Celestial Minister and supported by subordinate officials. Each oversees the common people and the myriad things within its domain. Together with the Primordial Original Qi of the Great Luo Heaven (Dàluó Tiān), they make up the eighty-one heavens.

When the Qi of the Dao (the primal vital energy of the Way) descended, it produced nine layers of earthly realms.

The first layer is called the Moist Lustrous Earth, its land named Yuan De (Primal Virtue). Its Qi is blue-green above and yellow at the center, and it is governed by the Primordial Earth Minister. The second layer is the Hard-Hued Lustrous Earth, its land named Huang De (Imperial Virtue). Its Qi is generally black, and it is governed by the Primordial Court Earth Assistant. The third layer is the Stone-Fat Lustrous Earth, its land named Di De (Sovereign Virtue). Its Qi is generally dark green, and it is governed by the Dragon of the Dragon-Mouth Earth. The fourth layer is the Moist Lustrous Earth, its land named Wang De (Royal Virtue). Its Qi is generally yellow, and it is governed by the Primordial Heart-Earth Grand General. The fifth layer is the Golden-Grain Lustrous Earth, its land named Ren De (Humane Virtue). Its Qi is generally red, and it is governed by the Primordial Fortune-Earth Magistrate. The sixth layer is the Golden-Adamant Iron Lustrous Earth, its land named Shui De (Water Virtue). Its Qi is generally white, and it is governed by the Primordial Bone-Upper Elder. The seventh layer is the Water-Restraining Lustrous Earth, its land named Li De (Inner Virtue). Its Qi is generally purple, and it is governed by the Jia-Earth Parent. The eighth layer is the Great Wind Lustrous Earth, its land named Fu De (Restored Virtue). Its Qi is generally blue-green, and it is governed by the Ancestral Worthy Earth Lord Zongzheng. The ninth layer is the Unbounded Dark Abyss, the Hueless Cord-Bond Earth, its land named Chang De (Flourishing Virtue). Its Qi is generally green, and it is governed by the Xuanshi Earth Second-Grade Minister.

These nine layers are called the "Nine Ramparts" (Jiǔ Lěi). Each rampart consists of three strata, earth, water, and wind, arranged in order from above to below. Each earthly layer is further administered by four Earth Sovereign Lords, appointed by the Imperial Sovereign (Xūhuáng), who jointly manage its palaces. Their assisting deities hold the same ranks. They descend to govern in accordance with the institutions of the heavens. In total there are thirty-six Earth Sovereigns, corresponding to the Celestial Emperors of the thirty-six heavens across the nine tiers.

Beneath the Nine Ramparts lies a vast, boundless void that has not yet taken form. Within this void is the Wind Marsh. The Wind Marsh is the Qi of the Primordial Brahma Wind, as hard and firm as true gold, and it is also called the "Hard Wind." It supports the Nine Ramparts and bears up the many heavens, keeping the celestial realms high, open, and floating without falling. It connects upward to the Great Luo Heaven. All of this is the work of the Qi of the Dao. Therefore the scripture says: "The Wind Marsh penetrates the void; the Golden Adamant bears the heavens."

The Three Caverns (the three traditional classifications of Daoist scriptures) penetrate all transformations. The Nine Qi (nine kinds of vital energy), mingling and generating one another, drift through the Great Primordial and fill the void in all four directions. The vast forms and patterns of the cosmos are limitless, and only the Dao is able to embrace them all.

The Names of the Five Kalpas

The Primordial Ancestral Kalpa, together with the Myriad-Myriad Kalpa, the Longhan Kalpa, the Yankang Kalpa, the Chiming Kalpa, the Kaihuang Kalpa, and the Shanghuang Kalpa. These cosmic epochs generated the heavens within primordial chaos.

The Two Realms of the Great Luo

The nine tiers of the thirty-six heavens are divided into three realms: the twelve heavens of the Jade Clarity Realm (Yùqīng Jìng), the twelve heavens of the Highest Clarity Realm (Shàngqīng Jìng), and the twelve heavens of the Great Clarity Realm (Tàiqīng Jìng).

The Thirty-Two Heavens of the Three Realms

The Thirty-Two Heavens are formed from the Qi of the stars and constellations (xingxiu zhi qi), which is the primordial cosmic Qi in Daoist cosmology. Each of the twenty-eight heavens of the four cardinal directions listed above corresponds to the Qi of one lunar lodge, while the four heavens of the intermediate directions lie between the pure Qi (fanqi) of one lodge and the next. These heavens interlock with one another and rise and fall in sequence. The heaven of the northeast also connects with the constellations of the northwest, because when the generative Qi moves upward, it spirals and ascends like the horns of a ram.

The principles governing these heavenly bodies are the same throughout, but readers are easily confused by the distinctions between the cardinal and intermediate directions, so this diagram has been drawn to clarify them.

The Three Luminaries

The Three Luminaries refer to the sun, the moon, and the stars. They open up light and correspond to the Eight Scenes (bajing).

The sun, the moon, and the stars are called the root Qi of Heaven, and they enter the deep and mysterious realm. The total Qi contained in the moon is divided into thirty-five portions, which return to the realm of the Supreme Mystery (shangxuan).

The Seven Lords of the Northern Dipper and the Twenty-Eight Lunar Lodges

The Seven Lords of the Northern Dipper, together with the twenty-eight lunar lodges of the four directions, make up thirty-five portions. Jointly they govern the primordial Qi of Heaven and preside over creation and transformation. The Northern Dipper is also called the "Central Dipper." The Shiji ("Heavenly Writings") describes the Dipper as the carriage on which the Heavenly Emperor rides. It moves through the heavens, surveys and governs the four directions, divides yin and yang, establishes the seasons, harmonizes the Five Phases (wuxing), advances the solar terms, and arranges all affairs.

The Heavens Beyond the Eight Extremes

Beyond the Eight Extremes lie heavens such as the Heaven of Original Azure (yuanqing tian), the Heaven of Primal Azure (shiqing tian), the Heaven of Primal Yellow (shihuang tian), the Heaven of Great Mystery (taixuan tian), the Heaven of Great Cinnabar (taidan tian), the Heaven of Primal Mystery (shixuan tian), the Heaven of Primal White (shisu tian), and the Heaven of Great White (taisu tian). The scripture also uses expressions such as "within the Eight Obscurities" and "within the subtle and minute" to describe the deep layers in which these heavens lie.

Immortal Realms Within the Domain

Shenzhou, the Five Sacred Peaks, the Three Isles, and the Ten Continents all lie beneath the sun, moon, and stars, above the earth, and within the great seas.

The character for "peak" (yue) carries the sense of guarding and defending. The earth is thick and heavy, bearing all things without moving, while the Five Peaks, the Three Isles, and the Ten Continents are where immortals and perfected sages dwell. Shenzhou refers to China, and legend holds that sovereigns dwell within it. Those among the people of Shenzhou who cultivate the right Way may ascend and become immortals.

Above Shenzhou are the ten great Cavern-Heavens (dongtian), the thirty-six minor Cavern-Heavens, and the seventy-two Blessed Lands (fudi), each governed by a celestial official. Within the Cavern-Heavens are five mountains, also called the "Five Peaks," which serve to guard China. Other small nations are not enumerated here.

The Nine Ramparts of the Abyssal Cavern

The scripture lists the "Nine Ramparts of the Abyssal Cavern," but this passage offers no further explanation of their specific nature.

The Eight Majesties

The Eight Majesties are the Dragon, the Unicorn (lin), the Tiger, the Leopard, the Lion, the Crimson Serpent, the Celestial Horse, and the Fierce Beast.

The Eight Scenes

The Eight Scenes refer to the sun, the moon, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, and the stars of the Five Dippers.

The Eight Obscurities

The Eight Obscurities refer to the extremities of the eight directions: the Eastern Extremity, the Southeastern Extremity, the Southern Extremity, the Southwestern Extremity, the Western Extremity, the Northwestern Extremity, the Northern Extremity, and the Northeastern Extremity.

The Eight Gates

Summary of the Thirty-Two Heavens

The Master says: from the Heaven of Taihuang Huangzeng (Taihuang Huangzeng Tian) to the Heaven of Shangming Qiyao Moyi, six heavens in all, belong to the Desire Realm (Yuji). From the Heaven of Xuwu Yuehen to the Heaven of Wuji Tanshi, eighteen heavens in all, belong to the Form Realm (Seji). From the Heaven of Haoting Xiaodu to the Upper Heaven of Taisu Xiuleijin, four heavens in all, belong to the Formless Realm (Wuseji). Together these three levels are called the Three Realms (Sanjie).

From the Heaven of Taixu Wushang Changrong to the Heaven of Taiji Pingyu Jiayi, four heavens in all are called the Heavens That Seed the People (Zhongmin Zhi Tian). In examining this scripture, the relevant content is divided into twelve items. First are the names of the heavens and the names of the kalpas, that is, the names given when Heaven and Earth were first separated and settled. Second are the imperial titles, the honorifics conferred by Yuanshi Tianzun (Yuanshi Tianzun). Third are the personal names of the heavenly sovereigns. Fourth are the offices they govern, namely their duties in administering the Great Dao. Fifth are the palaces where the sovereigns reside. Sixth are the regions they rule. Seventh are the stellar qi to which each heaven is connected, linked with the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions. Eighth are the qi names, the names of the primordial qi each heaven receives. Ninth are the qi colors, the colors corresponding to the qi of the nine directions. Tenth is the Great Brahmic Secret Language, that is, the inner sounds, as compiled by the Lord of the Dao. Eleventh are the boundaries, the range within which one ascends or descends between the upper and lower realms. Twelfth are the lifespans of the heavenly people.

This diagram is among the most important contents of the Precious Scripture (Baojing). Those who recite and uphold it should study it carefully and cultivate in accordance with it.

The Six Heavens of the Desire Realm

Heaven of Taihuang Huangzeng: The heavenly sovereign is titled Yumin Yu Mingyu, and his personal name is Guanjue. He governs the Register of Longevity (chang sheng zhi lu), the document recording the names of those granted long life. He dwells in the Purple Tenuity Palace (Ziwei Gong), and his region of governance lies west of the Hai position in the northwest. He is connected with the Kui and Bi lunar mansions. His qi name is Yuanyang, and its color is yellow. The Great Brahmic Secret Language is "Danlou Ahui Wuhan Guanyin." This heaven is placed within the Desire Realm, and the lifespan of its heavenly people is nine million years.

Heaven of Taiming Yuwan: The heavenly sovereign is titled Xu A Natian, and his personal name is Lanjue. He governs the transference of souls and their rebirth (du hun geng sheng), which means that departed spirits are delivered and granted new life. He dwells in the Purple Chamber Palace (Zifang Gong), and his region of governance lies east of the Hai position in the north. He is connected with the Bi lunar mansion. His qi name is Shangyang, and its color is green. The Great Brahmic Secret Language is "Xuyan Mingshou Fa Lan Pu Tan." This heaven is placed within the Desire Realm.

The Heavens of the Desire Realm

The heavenly people of this [Desire Realm] heaven live for eighteen million years. The Heavenly Lord of Qingming Heaven bears the honorific title "Yuanyu Qijing" and the personal name "Great Awakening." He governs and teaches, liberating all beings. He dwells in the Jiuchen Palace, and his domain lies west of the Ren direction in the north, corresponding to the Shi lunar mansion (Room). The Qi of this heaven is called "Taiyang" and is blue in color. Its incantation is "Jianna Ayi Huheliuyin."

The heavenly people of Xuanjie Pingyu Heaven live for thirty-six million years. The Heavenly Lord of this heaven bears the honorific title "Liu Duneixian" and the personal name "Yuyuan." He summons demonic hosts and raises up immortals, and he dwells in the Wanjing Palace. His domain lies east of the Ren direction in the north, corresponding to the Wei lunar mansion (Rooftop). The Qi of this heaven is called "Qingyang" and is red in color. Its incantation is "Huadou Quli Xian Pusu Yuanzhen."

The heavenly people of [Realm] Yuanming Wenju Heaven live for seventy-two million years. The Heavenly Lord of this heaven bears the honorific title "Chou Falun" and the personal name "Fanyun." He oversees the circulation of primordial Qi, and he dwells in the Guanghan Palace. His domain lies west of the Gui direction in the north, corresponding to the Xu lunar mansion (Emptiness). The Qi of this heaven is called "Dongyang" and is dark green in color. Its incantation is "Da Luo Da Fan San Yan Qing Yun."

The heavenly people of this heaven live for one hundred and forty-four million years. The Heavenly Lord of Shangming Qiyao Moyi Heaven bears the honorific title "Tian Yi Yan" and the personal name "Yuzhen." He opens the mysteries and delivers beings from calamity, and he dwells in the Taiyin Palace. His domain lies east of the Gui direction in the north, corresponding to the Nü lunar mansion (Girl). The Qi of this heaven is called "Tongyang" and is black in color. Its incantation is "Fei Sa Yu Du Ming Mo Shang Men."

The heavenly people of [Desire Realm] heaven live for two hundred and eighty-eight million years.

The Eighteen Heavens of the Form Realm

The Heavenly Lord of Yuxu Yueheng Heaven bears the honorific title "Zhengding Guang" and the personal name "Wushang." He oversees the clarification of the supreme Dao, and he dwells in the Taixuan Palace. His domain lies west of the Chou direction in the north, corresponding to the Dou lunar mansion (Dipper). The Qi of this heaven is called "Jianyang" and is green in color. Its incantation is "Wuxing Shangshou Huizhi Liuxuan."

The heavenly people of this [Form Realm] heaven live for five hundred and seventy-six million years. The Heavenly Lord of Taiji Mengyi Heaven bears the honorific title "Qu Yu Jiuchang" and the personal name "Xuyuan." He is charged with refining decayed bodies, and he dwells in the Xuandu Palace. His domain lies east of the Chou direction in the north, corresponding to the Niu lunar mansion (Ox). The Qi of this heaven is called "Jiyang" and is purple in color. Its incantation is "A Tuo Long Luo Si Xiang Xuyuan."

The heavenly people of [Realm] Chiming Heyang Heaven live for one billion, one hundred and fifty-two million years. The Heavenly Lord of this heaven bears the honorific title "Li Jin Shangzhen" and the personal name "Huanming." He is charged with refining immortals so that they attain the true Dao, and he dwells in the Changming Palace. His domain lies north of the northeastern Yin direction, corresponding to the Dou and Ji lunar mansions (Dipper and Winnowing Basket).

The primordial qi of the heavens, called fàn qì (Brahmic Qi), is named shǐ yáng (Primal Yang). It is white and is called nán yán dòng fú yù móu shēn shēn.

What follows lists the heavens of the Form Realm (sè jiè). The Form Realm is one tier of the Daoist celestial system, and each heaven has its own heavenly population lifespan, sovereign's title, palace location, and correspondence to a lunar mansion.

The heavenly inhabitants of this realm live for 2,304,000,000 years.

The sovereign of Xuanming Gonghua Heaven (xuán míng gōng huá tiān) is titled kōng yáo chǒu yīn (Empty Song, Ugly Sound), and his personal name is Shiyuan. He governs responses and transformations. The inhabitants dwell in the Donghua Palace (dōng huá gōng), whose seat lies south of the Yin position in the northeast and corresponds to the lunar mansion Ji (Winnowing Basket). The qi of this heaven is called yáng huī (Yang Radiance) and is yellow. Its Sanskrit-style form is luò kōng jiǔ líng tuī qián.

The inhabitants of this heaven live for 4,208,000,000 years.

The sovereign of Yaoming Zongpiao Heaven (yào míng zōng piāo tiān) is titled chóng guāng míng (Renewed Radiance), and his personal name is Luojue. He receives those who study to become immortals at the end of a kalpa. The inhabitants dwell in the Haotian Palace (hào tiān gōng), whose seat lies north of the Jia position in the east and corresponds to the lunar mansion Wei (Tail). The qi of this heaven is called yáng dòng (Yang Cavern) and is green. It is known as zé luò pú tái lǜ luó dà qiān.

The inhabitants of this heaven live for 9,216,000,000 years.

The sovereign of Zhuluo Huangjia Heaven (zhú luò huáng jiā tiān) is titled mó yí miào biàn (Wondrous Eloquence of Moyi), and his personal name is Shao. He oversees the trials of those who study to become immortals. The inhabitants dwell in the Qingxuan Palace (qīng xuán gōng), whose seat lies south of the Jia position in the east and corresponds to the lunar mansion Xin (Heart). The qi of this heaven is called yáng míng (Yang Brightness) and is blue. It is known as miǎo mǎng jiǔ chǒu sháo yáo yuán zhān.

The inhabitants of this heaven live for 18,432,000,000 years.

The sovereign of Xuming Tangyao Heaven (xū míng táng yào tiān) is titled ā nà lóu shēng (Anaru Sheng), and his personal name is Yunshang. He governs the opening and salvation of living beings between heaven and earth. The inhabitants dwell in the Chonghua Palace (chóng huá gōng), whose seat lies north of the Yi position in the east and corresponds to the lunar mansion Fang (Room). The qi of this heaven is called yáng yǎn (Yang Unfolding) and is red. It is known as yún shàng jiǔ dōu fēi shēng zì qiān.

The inhabitants of this heaven live for 36,864,000,000 years.

The sovereign of Guanming Duanjing Heaven (guān míng duān jìng tiān) is titled yù mì luó qiān (Dense Secret Net of a Thousand), and his personal name is Jing. He governs the bodies of those who cultivate and study. The inhabitants dwell in the Guanghua Palace (guāng huá gōng), whose seat lies south of the Yi position in the east and corresponds to the lunar mansion Di (Foundation). The qi of this heaven is called yáng xuán (Yang Mystery) and is dark green. It is known as nà yù yù fù mó luó fǎ lún.

The inhabitants of this heaven live for 72,728,000,000 years.

The sovereign of Xuanming Gongqing Heaven (xuán míng gōng qìng tiān) is titled lóng luó pú tí (Dragon Net Bodhi), and his personal name is Jing (Mirror). He governs those who have attained the Dao. The inhabitants dwell in the Kaihe Palace (kāi hé gōng), whose seat lies north of the Chen position in the east and corresponds to the lunar mansion Kang (Neck). The qi of this heaven is called yáng hào (Vast Yang) and is black. It is known as méi chí wú jìng lǎn zī yùn róng.

Beings of the (Jie Tian) realm have a lifespan of 177,456,000,000 years.

The Celestial Sovereign (Tiandi) of the Taihuan Jiyao Heaven is named Wanli Wuyan, with the personal name Kuoyi. They oversee the examination of those who study to become immortals. They reside in Dikang Palace and govern the region south of the Chen position in the east, corresponding to the Horn (Jiao) lunar mansion. Their qi is called Ultimate Yang (Yangji), jade-green in color. Its fragrance radiates outward, and Kuoyi's divine tassels issue forth from the palace.

Beings of the Form-Realm heavens (fen se jie tian) have a lifespan of 294,912,000,000 years.

The Celestial Sovereign of the Yuanzai Kongsheng Heaven is named Kaizhen Dingguang, with the personal name You. They oversee the refining of departed souls so that they may be reborn. They reside in Yanming Palace and govern the region east of the Si position in the south, corresponding to the Horn and Chariot (Zhen) lunar mansions. Their qi is called Lesser Yang (Shaoyang), purple in color, and is named Dao Li Chan You Po Ni Jiu Tong.

Beings of the Form-Realm heavens have a lifespan of 589,824,000,000 years.

The Celestial Sovereign of the Taian Huangya Heaven is named Po Lou A Tan, with the personal name Wan. They oversee the salvation of good people. They reside in Kaiming Palace and govern the region west of the Si position in the south, corresponding to the Chariot lunar mansion. Their qi is called Greater Yang (Taiyang), white in color, and is named Wan Sou Di Se Tai Miao Zhi Tang.

Beings of the Form-Realm heavens have a lifespan of 11,790,048,000,000,000 years.

The Celestial Sovereign of the Xianding Jifeng Heaven is named Zhao Zhen Tong, with the personal name Liu. They oversee the deliverance of the souls of those who have accumulated merit. They reside in Taihe Palace and govern the region east of the Bing position in the south, corresponding to the Wings (Yi) lunar mansion. Their qi is called Vast Yang (Haoyang), yellow in color, and is named Liu Luo Fan Meng Jing Yu Xiao Yu.

Beings of the Form-Realm heavens have a lifespan of 2,359,296,000,000 years.

The Celestial Sovereign of the Shihuang Xiaomang Heaven is named Sa Luo Lou Wang, with the personal name Yi (rare character). They oversee the release of departed souls and the opening of the netherworld. They reside in Taidan Palace and govern the region west of the Bing position in the south, corresponding to the Extended Net (Zhang) lunar mansion. Their qi is called Penetrating Yin (Dongyin), green in color, and is named Yi (rare character) Wu Ji Wan Shou Shao Du.

Beings of the Form-Realm heavens have a lifespan of 4,728,592,000,000 years.

The Celestial Sovereign of the Taihuang Weng Chongfu Rong Heaven is named Min Ba Kuang, with the personal name A (rare character). They oversee the summoning and subjugation of demonic kinds and the gathering of perfected spirits. They reside in Huagai Palace and govern the region east of the Ding position in the south, corresponding to the Star (Xing) lunar mansion. Their qi is called Opening Yin (Kaiyin), azure in color, and is named A (rare character) Yu Zhu Hua Mo Yan You.

The heavenly people of the Realm of Form (Sejie) have a lifespan of 9,437,184,000,000 years.

The Heavenly Sovereign (Tiandi) of the Heaven of Wuyi Jiangyou is named "Ming Fanguang" and personally called "A Qiu." He governs the opening of salvation for good souls. He dwells in the Palace of the Bright Hall, and his domain lies west of the Ding position in the south. He corresponds to the qi of the Willow Lodge (Liusu). The qi of this heaven is called "Xuan Yin," is red in color, and bears the characteristic "Jiukai Zibian Ananpin Shou." (The following describes the Realm of Form.)

The heavenly people of the Realm of Form have a lifespan of 18,874,368,000,000 years.

The Heavenly Sovereign of the Heaven of Shanglian Ruanle is named "Boboll Jian," personally called "Wuliang." He governs the categories and ranks of heavenly beings. He dwells in the Palace of Xulian, and his domain lies east of the Wei position in the south. He corresponds to the qi of the Ghost Lodge (Guisu). The qi of this heaven is called "Hao Yin," is blue-green in color, and bears the characteristic "Wuliang Fugai Fuluo Hesheng." (The following describes the Realm of Form.)

The heavenly people of the Realm of Form have a lifespan of 2,007,748,736,000,000 years.

The Heavenly Sovereign of the Heaven of Wuji Tanshi is named "Piaonu Qionglong," personally called "Tan." He governs the transformation and salvation of all immortals. He dwells in the Palace of Zhongyuan, and his domain lies west of the Wei position in the south. He corresponds to the qi of the Well Lodge (Jingsu). The qi of this heaven is called "Ji Yin," is black in color, and bears the characteristic "Yudan Changsang Bokong Duxian." (The following describes the Realm of Form.)

The heavenly people of the Realm of Form have a lifespan of 75,497,444,000,000 years.

There are four heavens in the Formless Realm (Wuseajie).

The Heavenly Sovereign of the Heaven of Haoting Xiaodu is named "Huijue Hun," personally called "Yu." He governs the liberation and cultivation of those who study the Way. He dwells in the Palace of Qiongyao, and his domain lies south of the Shen position in the west. He corresponds to the Brahma-qi of the Well Lodge. The qi of this heaven is called "Yin Sheng," is jade-green in color, and bears the characteristic "Jue Yuan Zi Yu Jiuri Dao Qian." (The following describes the Formless Realm.)

The heavenly people of the Formless Realm have a lifespan of 150,994,944,000,000 years.

The Heavenly Sovereign of the Heaven of Yuantong Yuandong is named "Fanxing Guansheng," personally called "Shang." He governs the transformation of those who cultivate the immortal Way. He dwells in the Palace of Zhenyuan, and his domain lies north of the Shen position in the west. He corresponds to the qi of the Orion Lodge (Shensu). The qi of this heaven is called "Yin Hua," is purple in color, and bears the characteristic "Kun Mu Dong Fu Xing She Shang Xuan." (The following describes the Formless Realm.)

The heavenly people of the Formless Realm have a lifespan of 200,989,888,000,000 years.

The Heavenly Sovereign of the Heaven of Taiwen Hanchong Miaocheng is named "Naiyu Chouying," personally called "Tuo." He governs the subjugation of demon kings. He dwells in the Palace of Lingyou, and his domain lies south of the Geng position in the west. He corresponds to the Turtle Beak Lodge (Zuisu)...

The lifespan of the Heavenly People is six hundred and three million, nine hundred and seventy-nine billion, seven hundred and sixty million years.

The Heavenly Emperor of the Heaven of Taisu Xiule Jin Shang Tian bears the honorific title Longluo Juezhang and the personal name Chou. He oversees, governs, and records the demon kings. He resides in the Palace of Transforming Spirits, and his domain lies to the north of the Geng position in the West, corresponding to the Bi lunar lodge. The Qi of this heaven is called Yin-Ming Bai-se Tuoluo Yumiao Miao Qi He Yun.

The lifespan of the Heavenly People is one hundred and twelve million, nine hundred and fifty-nine billion, five hundred and thirty million years.

The Four Heavens of the Seed People (the four celestial levels that receive the Seed People):

The Heavenly Emperor of the Heaven of Da Xuwu Shang Changrong Tian bears the honorific title Zongjian Guishen and the personal name Ji. He oversees the evaluation of the merit of those who study and cultivate. He resides in the Palace of Ten Thousand Blessings, and his domain lies to the south of the Xin position in the West, corresponding to the Mao lunar lodge. The Qi of this heaven is called Yin-Dong Huangse Feitian Da Chou.

The lifespan of the Heavenly People is without limit.

The Heavenly Emperor of the Heaven of Tai Shi Yu Long Teng Sheng Tian bears the honorific title Miaomiao Xingyuan and the personal name Fuli. He oversees the summoning of immortals and perfected beings. He resides in the Palace of the White Canopy, and his domain lies to the north of the Xin position in the West, corresponding to the Wei lunar lodge. The Qi of this heaven is called Yin-Ling Lüse Shatuo Jieliang Longhan Yingxian.

The lifespan of the Heavenly People is without limit.

The Heavenly Emperor of the Heaven of Long Bian Fandu Tian bears the honorific title Yun Shang Xuanxuan and the personal name Eyi. He oversees guiding practitioners in their ascent to immortality and in attaining the rank of Perfected. He resides in the Palace of Cloud Protection, and his domain lies to the south of the Xu position in the West, corresponding to the Lou lunar lodge. The Qi of this heaven is called Yin-Hun Qingse Biluo Fuli Kong Ge Baozhen.

The lifespan of the Heavenly People is without limit.

The Heavenly Emperor of the Heaven of Tai Ji Ping Yu Jia Yi Tian bears the honorific title Da Zefamen and the personal name Jingshang. He oversees the lives and bodies of those who study and cultivate. He resides in the Palace of Heavenly Treasure, and his domain lies to the north of the Xu position in the West, corresponding to the Kui lunar lodge. The Qi of this heaven is called Yin-Jie Chise Eyi Wupin Dongmiao Zizhen.

The lifespan of the Heavenly People is without limit.

The Five Directional Emperors, the Five Dippers, and the Five Demons:

The so-called Five Heavens are formed by receiving five kinds of spiritual Qi, and they lie in the vast expanse of space. Above, they correspond to the Five Dippers; below, the Five Sacred Peaks are established. The Five Emperors govern in accordance with this pattern. The Five Heavens described here are celestial realms composed of the Qi of the directions, not visible skies with concrete form. The esoteric names (secret personal names) of the Five Elders, the Five Emperors, the Five Dippers, and the Five Heavenly Demon Kings, together with the affairs each one oversees, should be known to those who recite the scriptures.

The Three Emperors

Five Elders of the Five Heavens

In the Azure Heaven of the East, the Elder Qingling Shi, surnamed Yan and personally named Weiming, also called Ling Weiyang, presides over the protection and preservation of the hun and po (the ethereal and corporeal souls).

In the Cinnabar Heaven of the South, the Perfected Elder Danling, surnamed Dongfu and personally named Liuyan, also called Chibiao Nu, presides over the nourishment of qi (vital energy).

In the White Heaven of the West, the Elder Haoling Huang, surnamed Shangjin and personally named Changkai, also called Zizhao Ju, presides over the service of ghosts and spirits.

In the Black Heaven of the North, the Elder Wuling Xuan, surnamed Heijie and personally named Linghui, also called Yeguang Ji, presides over the clearing and regulation of the blood vessels.

In the Yellow Heaven of the Center, the Elder Xuanling Yuan, surnamed Tongban and personally named Yuancheng, also called Heshu Niu, presides over the governance of the myriad spirits.

The Five Dippers

The Eastern Dipper is composed of the seven lunar lodges Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, and Ji, and presides over the recording of human lifespans.

The Southern Dipper is composed of the seven lunar lodges Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing, Zhang, Yi, and Zhen, and presides over the extension of life.

The Western Dipper is composed of the seven lunar lodges Kui, Lou, Wei, Mao, Bi, Zi, and Shen, and presides over the registration of names in the official records.

The Northern Dipper is composed of the seven lunar lodges Dou, Niu, Nü, Xu, Wei, Shi, and Bi, and presides over matters of death.

The Central Dipper is composed of the seven stars Tan, Ju, Lu, Wen, Lian, Wu, and Po, and presides over the general oversight and inspection of all spirits.

The Five Heavenly Demon Kings

The Demon King of the Azure Heaven, surnamed Bin and personally named Chicheng Si, presides over the Ba Yuan Chou Bo.

The Demon King of the Vermilion Heaven, surnamed Fu and personally named Shensu, presides over those who carry the heavens and bear stones.

The Demon King of the White Heaven, surnamed Zhe and personally named Shangbai, presides over the Six-Eyed Ones who reverse the mountains.

The Demon King of the Black Heaven, surnamed Deng and personally named Huni, presides over the Chou Lang Fu.

The Demon King of the Yellow Heaven, surnamed Xiao and personally named Gongsun, presides over those who span the heavens and bear strength.

The Celestial Bureaus of the Upper Realms

The palaces and offices to which the Immortals of the Upper Realms belong include the Dayou Yuqing Palace, the Xuandu Yujing, the Taiqing Xianjing, the Taiwei Yuqing Palace, the Great Emperor of the Nine Heavens, the Supreme Emperor of the Nine Heavens, the Elder of the Three Qi, the Lord of the Three Treasures, the Tianshu Court of the Gatekeepers beneath the Three Heavens, the Four Offices of the Celestial Bureau, the Taixuan Dou Department, the Tianji Department, the Four Tianji Departments, the Tianshu Shangxiang, and the Inner Court of the Lingbao Heavenly Immortals.

The heavens under their jurisdiction include the Azure Heaven of the East, with Nine Qi; the Cinnabar Heaven of the South, with Three Qi; the Su Heaven of the West, with Seven Qi; the Xuan Heaven of the North, with Five Qi; and the Brahma Qi Heavens of the northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest. There is also the White Heaven above, with One Qi, and the Yellow Heaven below, with Twelve Qi.

The above is the domain governed by the Ten Honored Ones of the Ten Directions of the Lingbao scriptures, and all matters concerning the rescue of the living and the dead fall under their administration.

The Left Palace of the Eastern Pole and Azure Mystery, the Left Palace of Longevity and Preservation of Life, the Left Palace of the Great One and Primal Generation, and the Bureau of the Great One Divine Office.

These are the domains governed by the Supreme One Celestial Venerable (Taiyi Tianzun) of the Eastern Ultimate Qingxuan Four Offices. All affairs concerning the salvation and ferrying across of the netherworld and the human realm fall under his jurisdiction.

These include the Four Heavens of the Seed People, the Four Heavens of the Yuan Form Realm, the Eighteen Heavens of the Form Realm, and the Six Heavens of the Desire Realm, which together are called the Thirty-Two Heavens. They also include the Taifu World, the Eight Brahma Heavens, the Seven Emperor Mansions of the Southern Pole Changsheng, and the Northern Pole's Purple Tenuity Enclosure, Heavenly Market Enclosure, and Supreme Tenuity Enclosure.

Further, there are the Five Old Celestial Emperor Palaces of the Five Directions: the Azure Spirit Primordial Elder of the East, the Vermilion Spirit True Elder of the South, the White Spirit August Elder of the West, the Black Spirit Mysterious Elder of the North, and the Yellow Spirit Primal Elder of the Center. These Five Old Celestial Emperor Palaces communicate with the Ten Heavens.

The Eastern Florescence Supreme Minister Palace, the Western Spirit Tortoise Gate, and the Eastern Florescence Office of Destiny govern the registers of fate. The Southern Pole Office of Records governs the registers of merit and record. The Western Spirit Office of Peril governs matters of danger and death, and the Northern True Office of Offenses governs sinful deeds.

The Nanchang Upper Palace, the Flowing Fire Divine Court, the Yellow Flower East Well, the Liu Gu, the West Pool, the Vermilion Tally Fire Mansion, the Dragon Ring, and the Thunder City, administered by Elder Han Si, are collectively known as the Seven Offices of Nanchang. Elder Han Si manages these offices and oversees the refinement and liberation of wandering souls. The ritual offices listed here are also used in ceremonies to stop rain or bring clear skies.

In addition, there are the Shangqing Tongchu Mansion, the Shangyuan Chongming Palace, the Six Offices of the Southern Dipper, the Seven Origins Palace of the Northern Dipper, the Northern Kui Xuanfan Mansion, the Sun Palace, the Moon Palace, the Shangyuan Jin Lu Court, the Zhongyuan Yu Lu Court, the Xiayuan Huang Lu Court, the Six Offices of Heavenly Medicine, the Five Yin-Flower Mansions, the Palace of the Flying Heavenly Spirit Kings of the Ten Directions, the Heavenly Emperor Mansion, the Taihuang Wanfu Palace, the Office of Descended Sages, the Palace of the True Heavenly Emperor, the Realm of Supreme Non-Ultimate in the Upper Realm, the Heavenly Officials Palace of the Shangyuan, the Bureaus of the Middle Realm, the Central Peak Kunlun Mountain, and the Taishan Mansion.

The above are the agencies divided and administered by the Eastern Peak.

Moreover, there are the Ten Great Cavern Heavens, the Thirty-Six Lesser Cavern Heavens, the Three Hundred and Sixty Famous Mountains, the Nine Continents' Social Lords, the Nine Ramparts, the Thirty-Six Earth Lords, the Palace of the Northern Heavenly Emperor, the Heavenly Palace of Zhou Jue Yin, the Heavenly Palace of Da Sha Liang Shi Zong, the Heavenly Palace of Ming Chen Nai Fan Wu Cheng, the Heavenly Palace of Tian Zhao Zui Qi, the Seven Non-Heavenly Officials of Zong Ling, the Heavenly Palace of Gan Si Lian Wan Li, the Golden Gate of the Yin Cavern of the Ten Palaces' True Lords, the Northern Capital Mansion, the Office of Destiny of the Five Sacred Peaks, the Mansion of the Five Paths Capital, the Quqi Mansion of the Yellow Springs, the Palace of the Elder, the Ghost Officials, and the Northern Dipper Palace, the Mansion of the Four Bright True Lords, and others.

There are also the offices of Life (Sheng), the Prefectures (Fu), the Masters of the Ten Circuits, the City Gods (Chenghuang), the Altar Directors (Sheling), and other spirit bureaus.

The Middle Realm contains the Northern Capital of Luofeng, the divine capital that governs the netherworld, as well as the Palace of the Earth Official of the Middle Primordial. The Lower Realm has its own spirit offices, each overseeing a different category of affairs.

In the east stand the Fusang Palace, where rosy clouds shine, the Divine Lord of the Yanggu Valley, and the Penglai Palace. The Penglai Office of Waters, the Blue Youth of Fangzhu, the Ten Islands, the Water Office of the Nine Rivers, the Water Bureaus of the Four Seas, the Water Offices of the Four Great Rivers, the Masters of the Five Lakes, the Twelve Sources of the Rivers, the Spring Bend Office of the Lower Realm, and the Palace of the Water Official of the Lower Primordial all belong to the spirit bureaus of the aquatic realm.

Each bureau (cao ju) of the three realms above, that is, the office of each spirit agency, has its own charge. Whenever memorials are submitted, reports filed, or documents forwarded, the appropriate office must be chosen according to the relative weight and rank of the matter.

Office of the Demon Kings (Mowang Si)

The Three Realms have a Palace of the Demon Kings, and each of the Five Emperors likewise has its own. These offices are charged with eliminating demonic obstacles and summoning the true spirits (zhenling).

The Northern Demon examines and verifies merit, and the Non-Demon examines and verifies sins. The Spirit Demon conducts the overall audit of merit. The Demon King of Supreme Mystery oversees and recommends individuals for salvation (dudu), the Demon of Restraint vouches for those to be saved, and the Great Demons of the Five Heavens eliminate ghosts and apparitions and subdue evil spirits.

Inside and outside the Fengdu, there are also the Six Cavern Demon Kings.

The demons and spirits listed above are also called the "multitude of demons." They specialize in undermining human goodness and leading people into wrongdoing, and for those who study the Way, they are the hardest trials to withstand. Some birds and beasts in the mortal world transform into ghostly demons that disturb practitioners, and these belong to the same category. They can split their bodies and appear in forms that shift with the practitioner's thoughts. There are also external demons who pose as true immortals to bewilder good people. Therefore one must rectify the mind and intention and not fall into delusion. Those who endure the trial will ascend to immortal rank.

Three Officials and Nine Offices (also called Three Primordials and Nine Palaces)

The palace of the Upper Primordial (Shangyuan) lies above the Nine Heavens, the palace of the Middle Primordial (Zhongyuan) lies among the Nine Earths, and the palace of the Lower Primordial (Xiayuan) lies within the wind-and-marsh caverns of the abyss. The Three Primordials together govern nine palaces, twenty-seven offices, and one hundred and twenty bureaus. Countless numinous immortals, perfected persons, sages, and the spirits of heaven and earth all fall under their jurisdiction. The offices of highest authority are chiefly the Three Officials of the Three Primordials.

Palace of the Celestial Official of the Upper Primordial

The three palaces of the Upper Primordial are the dwelling place of the Supreme Lord, and the First-Rank Celestial Official governs within them. Beneath each palace are three offices, and each office is divided into four bureaus, so the three palaces and nine offices together comprise thirty-six bureaus. They oversee the sages of the heavens above and govern the generation and transformation of all things below.

It is said that these palaces were formed from the qi of three colors, azure, yellow, and white, that arose at the beginning of primordial origin.

Under the Jurisdiction of the Left Palace of Yuanhuang Taiji (Supreme Ultimate)

The Left Office of Yuanhuang (Yuanhuang Zuo Fu) governs four bureaus (cao): the Bureau of Brilliant Brahma (Mingfan Cao), the Bureau of Numinous Majesty (Weiling Cao), the Bureau of Grand Constancy (Taichang Cao), and the Bureau of Grand Clarity (Taiqing Cao). The Central Office of Yuanhuang (Yuanhuang Zhong Fu) governs the Bureau of Proclaimed Sensation (Xuanshan Cao), the Bureau of Brilliant Capital (Mingdu Cao), the Bureau of Capital Numinosity (Duling Cao), and the Bureau of Great Majesty (Dawei Cao). The Right Office of Yuanhuang (Yuanhuang You Fu) governs the Bureau of Brilliant Law (Mingfa Cao), the Bureau of Examination and Rectification (Kaozheng Cao), the Bureau of Brilliant Majesty (Mingwei Cao), and the Bureau of Primal Capital (Yuandu Cao). These three offices belong to the Purple Subtlety Central Palace of the Seven Treasures and Yuan Yang in the Upper Primordial (Shangyuan).

The Left Office of Qingling (Qingling Zuo Fu) governs the Bureau of Brilliant Perfection (Mingzhen Cao), the Bureau of Heavenly Supervision (Jiantian Cao), the Bureau of Pure Conduct (Fanxing Cao), and the Bureau of Opening Numinosity (Kailing Cao). The Central Office of Qingling (Qingling Zhong Fu) governs the Bureau of Prohibited Spirits (Jinshen Cao), the Bureau of Penetrating Brilliance (Tongming Cao), the Bureau of Rectified Spirits (Zhengshen Cao), and the Bureau of Opening Brilliance (Kaiming Cao). The Right Office of Qingling (Qingling You Fu) governs the Bureau of Three Capitals (Sandu Cao), the Bureau of Southern Ascent (Nanshang Cao), the Bureau of Primal Merit (Yuangong Cao), and the Bureau of Three Numina (Sanling Cao). These three offices belong to the Right Palace of the Supreme Ultimate of Dongbai (Dongbai Taiji You Gong).

The Left Office of Dongbai (Dongbai Zuo Fu) governs the Bureau of Heavenly Office (Sitian Cao), the Bureau of Four Brilliances (Siming Cao), the Bureau of Heavenly Supervision (Jiantian Cao), and the Bureau of Great Brilliance (Daming Cao). The Central Office of Dongbai (Dongbai Zhong Fu) governs the Bureau of Covenant with Heaven (Mengtian Cao), the Bureau of Dark Capital (Youdu Cao), the Bureau of Dignified Rites (Weiyi Cao), and the Bureau of Great Yin (Taiyin Cao). The Right Office of Dongbai (Dongbai You Fu) governs the Bureau of the Lower Primordial (Xiayuan Cao), the Bureau of Supervision (Jianshi Cao), the Bureau of Numinous Supervision (Jianling Cao), and the Bureau of Death and Judgment (Sisha Cao).

The Central Primordial Palace of the Earth Official (Zhongyuan Diguan Gong) is composed of three palaces of the Central Primordial (Zhongyuan San Gong). It is the detached palace of the Supreme Lord (Shangdi). The second-rank officials of the Earth Official preside here. Within the palace are three palaces, and beneath each palace are three offices, making nine offices and forty-two bureaus (cao), which are offices of the Daoist spirit administration. These government offices govern the immortal palaces across the land, the spirits and deities (lingqi), and the generation and transformation of all things. They are formed from the condensed qi of the Primal Mixed Numinosity of Yuan and Dong, and the essence of the Ultimate Yellow, and therefore they take shape as palace halls.

The following is governed by the Left Palace of the Southern Pole and Dongyang (Nanji Dongyang Zuo Gong):

The Left Office of Liang Shi (Liangshi Zuo Fu) governs the Bureau of Southern Chang (Nanchang Cao), the Bureau of Calculation (Kaosuan Cao), the Bureau of Great Yang (Taiyang Cao), and the Bureau of Capital Law (Dulü Cao). The Central Office of Lingniu (Lingniu Zhong Fu) governs the Bureau of Nine Commands (Jiuling Cao), the Bureau of Summoning Numina (Zhaoling Cao), the Bureau of Brilliant Capital (Mingdu Cao), the Bureau of Heavenly Supervision (Jiantian Cao), the Bureau of Proclaimed Wilds (Xuanye Cao), and the Bureau of Supervised Commands (Jianling Cao). The Right Office of Zongling (Zongling You Fu) governs the Bureau of Military Succession (Bingcheng Cao), the Bureau of Nine Qi (Jiuqi Cao), the Bureau of Central Spirits (Zhongshen Cao), and the Bureau of Five Qi (Wuqi Cao).

The following is governed by the Central Palace of the Central Primordial Donghsu Qingling (Zhongyuan Donghu Qingling Zhong Gong):

The Left Office of Naifan Mingchen (Naifan Mingchen Zuo Fu) governs the Bureau of Primal Numinosity (Yuanling Cao), the Bureau of Upright Order (Weizheng Cao), the Bureau of Numinous Majesty (Lingwei Cao), and the Bureau of Yellow Spirit (Huangshen Cao). The Central Office of Qifei Tiansheng (Qifei Tiansheng Zhong Fu) governs the Bureau of Brilliant Primal (Mingyuan Cao), the Bureau of Awe and Reverence (Weiyang Cao), the Bureau of Numinous Covenant (Lingniu Cao), the Bureau of Nine Capitals (Jiudu Cao), the Bureau of Upright Peak (Yuezheng Cao), and the Bureau of Heavenly Cavern (Dongtian Cao). The Right Office of Zhuejue Yintian (Zhuejue Yintian You Fu) governs the Bureau of Five Excellences (Wujia Cao), the Bureau of Penetrating Brilliance (Tongming Cao), the Bureau of Ritual Norms (Yifan Cao), and the Bureau of Nine Examinations (Jiukao Cao).

The following is governed by the Right Palace of the Fengdu Yin Heaven (Fengdu Yintian You Gong):

The Left Office of Lianwan Quanqu (Lianwan Quanqu Zuo Fu) governs the Bureau of Opening Deliverance (Kaidu Cao), the Bureau of Adjudicating Wrongs (Sifei Cao), the Bureau of Han Office (Hansi Cao), and the Bureau of Upright Execution (Zhizheng Cao).

The Lower Primordial Water Officials

The Zuìqì Xiánchí Zhōngfǔ (Central Palace of Xianchi and Sinful Qi) oversees supervision and execution (dūshā), assessment, ultimate qi (jíqì), killing (sīshā), the Dǒujiā (Dipper Addition), and striking (zhǔjī). The Tàishā Jiǔyōu Yòufǔ (Right Palace of the Nine Obscurities and Great Killing) has under it the Sīwēi Cáo (Bureau of Subtle Examination), the Jiǔshā Cáo (Bureau of the Nine Killings), the Jiǔyōu Cáo (Bureau of the Nine Obscurities), and the Hányè Cáo (Bureau of the Cold Night).

Lower Primordial Water Officials

The Three Palaces of the Lower Primordial are among the Lí Gōng (Palaces of the Li) established by the Supreme Emperor, and they serve as the seat of the Three-Rank Water Palace. The palaces contain three fǔ (offices) each, for a total of nine fǔ and forty-two cáo (Daoist bureaus). They govern the Eight Seas, the Four Rivers (four great rivers), and the affairs of the Water Emperors, Dragon Kings, and Water Immortals. They also manage the palaces formed when Yin-Yang generation and transformation and the wind and marsh qi condense the essence of the Chénhào (morning vastness).

Under the Qīnglíng Left Palace

• Língjié Zuǒfǔ (Left Palace of Calamity Ling): Míngjié Cáo, Jījīn Cáo, Shuǐfàn Cáo, and Zuìfú Cáo.
• Língbǎo Jiérèn Zhōngfǔ (Central Palace of the Blade of Calamity): Jiǎnhuì Cáo, Cùqì Cáo, Tàlíng Cáo, Zhàolóng Cáo, Jiǔhé Cáo, and Lièn­ǚ Cáo.
• Chángyè Hántíng Yòufǔ (Right Palace of the Cold Courtyard of the Long Night): Kāimíng Cáo, Dùhún Cáo, Jiǎnjīng Cáo, and Qīngzhèng Cáo.

Under the Lower Primordial Yánggǔ Dòngyuán Central Palace

• Qīngxuán Língyuān Zuǒfǔ (Left Palace of the Numinous Abyss of Qingxuan): Shuǐmíng Cáo, Qīngshuǐ Cáo, Lièhuǒ Cáo, and Sānmíng Cáo.
• Shuòdān Qīnglíng Zhōngfǔ (Central Palace of the Clear Numinosity of Shuodan): Jiǎnduì Cáo, Shuǐlìng Cáo, Míngfàn Cáo, Dòngmǐ Cáo, Jiǎnhuì Cáo, and Jiéluè Cáo.
• Jiǔfǔ Hányè Yòufǔ (Right Palace of the Cold Night of the Nine Offices): Zhuōshuǐ Cáo, Dòngyáng Cáo, Lóngfèng Cáo, and Jīhuì Cáo.

Under the Luófēng Right Palace

• Kāidù Jiéluè Zuǒfǔ (Left Palace of Opening Salvation and Plunder): Běiyuán Cáo, Zhèngkǎo Cáo, Yuánzǔ Cáo, and Sìjí Cáo.
• Tōnglíng Dàjié Zhōngfǔ (Central Palace of Spirit-Penetration and Great Calamity): Yōuyè Cáo, Chángjié Cáo, Sānnàn Cáo, Fāngshén Cáo, Wǔfǎ Cáo, and Wànlüè Cáo.
• Quánqū Guǐshén Yòufǔ (Right Palace of the Ghosts and Spirits of the Spring Bend): Dúrèn Cáo, Chángkǔ Cáo, Míngbō Cáo, and Wújí Cáo.

The Upper Primordial Celestial Officials establish three palaces. The Left Palace governs the living and belongs to the Sun Fire Official (Tàiyáng Huǒguān). The Right Palace governs the dead and belongs to the Moon Water Official (Tàiyīn Shuǐguān). The Central Palace examines and registers the sins of life and death. Their seat is the Zǐwēi Gōng (Palace of the Purple Subtlety).

The Middle Primordial Earth Officials also establish three palaces. The Left Palace governs yang sins and belongs to the Fire Official. The Right Palace governs yin sins and belongs to the Water Official. The Central Palace examines and registers the sins of fire and water. Their seat is the Yángtái Gōng (Palace of the Yang Terrace).

The Lower Primordial Water Officials establish three palaces. The Left Palace governs assessment, the Right Palace governs sins, and the Central Palace governs registration. Their seat is the Qīnglěng Gōng (Palace of Clear Cold).

The Three Officials (Sanguan), namely the Heavenly, Earthly, and Waterly Officials, each have three palaces and nine offices, and each office sets up four bureaus. Together the Three Officials number three hundred and sixty Mysterious Bureaus (Xuancao), which govern all affairs and all things. The Northern Capital also has three palaces of ghost officials and the Five Ways Capital Offices, presided over by the Great Spirit Minglin (Minglin Dashen).

Duties and Institutions of the Immortal Bureaus of the Mysterious Office (Xian Cao Xuanju)

The duties of the immortal bureaus are distributed among the following offices: the Office of Supervising and Assessing All Perfected (Zhongzhen Jiandu Si), the Office of Summoning and Regulating the Ten Directions (Zhaozhi Shifang Si), the Office of Subduing the Earth Deities (Fuyu Diqi Si), the Office of Binding Demonic Spirits (Shufu Moling Si), the Office of Divine Luminaries Guarding the Gate (Shenming Humen Si), the Office of the Names Written in the Celestial Registers (Zhutian Shuming Si), the Office of Erasing Death and Granting Rebirth (Xiao Si Shang Sheng Si), the Office of Pacifying and Securing the Regions (Anzhen Qifang Si), and the Office of Attendants of the Three Realms (Sanjie Shiwei Si).

The Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise Courtyards belong to the Four Marshals' Office (Sishuai Si). Beyond them stand the Courtyard of the Three-Five Merit Officials, the Courtyard of Ten Returns for the Salvation of Humanity, Luoxiao Terrace, Sanhua Hall, Liweng Palace, Dayou Palace, the Palace of the Marvelous Court of Highest Clarity (Shangqing Miaoting Gong), the Palace of the Jinque Liaoyang, the Palace of the Jade Chamber of Highest Clarity, the Senluo Pool (Pool of Myriad Spectres), the Jinghong Palace (Palace of Pure Clarity), the Palace of Deathless Salvation of Humanity, the Palace of Everlasting Life of the Southern Pole, and the Ninefold Heavens Marshal's Office (Jiutian Sima Fu).

The Heavenly Minister Recorder's Office (Tianxiang Silu Fu), the Heavenly Liang Office of Prolonging Life (Tianliang Yanshou Fu), the Heavenly Tong Office of Increasing Years (Tiantong Yi Suan Fu), the Heavenly Shu Office of Dispensing Hardship (Tianshu Duo'e Fu), the Heavenly Ji Office of Upward Life (Tianji Shang Sheng Fu), and the Heavenly Fu Office of the Director of Destiny (Tianfu Sium Fu) form another group. Alongside them are the Registry Palace (Jianbu Gong), the Wenchang Palace for Refining Souls (Wenchang Lianhun Gong), the Palace of Preserving Life (Baosheng Gong), the Palace of Protecting Life (Baoming Gong), the Palace of the Mountain Pacifier (Zhenyue Gong), the Palace of the State Pacifier (Zhenguo Gong), the Heavenly Fu Palace (Tianfu Gong), the Heavenly Eye Palace (Tianmu Gong), the Heavenly Liang Palace (Tianliang Gong), the Heavenly Cavern Palace (Tiandong Gong), the Heavenly Shu Courtyard (Tianshu Yuan), and the Heavenly Ji Courtyard (Tianji Yuan).

Another series of offices includes the Office of Granting the Registers to the Heavens (Shoulu Zhutian Si), the Office of Strict Examination of the Heavens (Yanjiao Zhutian Si), the Office of Removing Sin Registers (Ji Chu Zuibu Si), the Office of the Twelve River Sources (Shi'er Heyuan Si), the Office of Releasing Ancestors and Parents (Shang Jie Zukao Si), the Office of Extinguishing the Roots of Evil (Luomie Ege Si), the Office of Not Being Detained (Bude Juliu Si), the Office of Forcing the Union of Ghost Hordes (Bihe Guiqun Si), the Office of Timely Ascent and Promotion (Shike Shengqian Si), the Office of the Northern Capital Cold Pool (Beidu Han Chi Si), the Office of Guarding the Form and Soul (Bu Wei Xinghun Si), the Office of Restraining Demons and Recommending Protection (Zhimo Baoju Si), the Office of Elevating Rank to the Southern Palace (Dupin Nangong Si), the Office of Refining the Souls of the Dead (Siku Shou Lian Si), the Office of Transforming Immortals into Humans (Xianhua Cheng Ren Si), the Office of Receiving Salvation in the Living Body (Shengshen Shou Du Si), the Office of Turning Through Kalpas (Suijie Lunzhuan Si), the Office of Eternal Salvation from the Three Paths (Yongdu San Tu Si), the Office of Universal Deliverance from the Three Realms (Chaodu Sanjie Si), the Office of Forever Departing the Five Sufferings (Changci Wu Ku Si), and the Office of Carefree Ascent to Highest Clarity (Xiaoyao Shangqing Si).

Duties of the Immortal Bureaus Belonging to the Three Realms

The Office of Guarding the Kalpa Fortune (Bao Zhi Jiyun Si), the Office of Returning and Salvaging the Five Constants (Hui Du Wuchang Si), the Office of the Great Sovereign of the Mystery (Xuanzhong Taihuang Si), the Office of Harmony of a Thousand and Union of Ten Thousand (Qianhe Wanhe Si), the Office of the Flying Heavenly Wheel of Dharma (Feitian Falun Si), the Office of Universal Reception and Opening of Salvation (Pushou Kaidu Si), the Office of Birth of the Dead Souls and the Living Body (Siku Shengshen Si), the Office of Receiving Life in the Body (Shenshen Shou Sheng Si), the Office of Sin, Fortune, and Prohibitive Precepts (Zuifu Jinjie Si), the Office of Destiny and Karmic Causes (Suming Yinyuan Si), the Office of Reporting to the Heavens (Shangwen Zhutian Si), the Office of the Gates of Birth in the Heavens (Zhutian Shengmen Si), the Office of Binding and Sending Off Demons (Shusong Yaomo Si), the Office of Cutting the Ears of the Six Ghosts (Zhan Guo Liugui Si), and the Office of Rectifying and Governing the Multitude of Demons (Kuangyu Zhongmo Si).

The offices listed here make up the system of palaces (gong), mansions (fu), courtyards (yuan), terraces (tai), halls (tang), and the various bureaus (si) of the immortal administration in the Daoist celestial hierarchy. Most of their names directly indicate their functions, such as "Director of Destiny" (Siming), "Prolonging Life" (Yanshou), "Releasing from Hardship" (Duo'e), and "Salvation" (Chaodu), which concern the governance of life spans, registers of fate, protection, the subjugation of ghosts and demons, and the deliverance of departed souls. The precise duties, however, are best understood according to what each name signifies.

The Radiant Immortal Bureaus of the Heavens

Here is a list of the immortal bureaus (xiancao), the offices of the heavenly realm that each oversee a different domain of affairs: the Office of Registration and Ordination at the Southern Palace, the Office of Demon-King Recommendation, the Office of Ascent to the Great Void, the Office of Transit Through the Three Realms, the Office of Demon-King Reverent Forms, the Office for Imperially Commanding the Earth Spirits, the Office of Escort and Reception, the Office for Drawing Forth from the Earthly Gate, the Office of the Five Sufferings and Eight Calamities, the Office for the Elevation of the Seven Ancestors, the Office for Eternal Release from the Ghost Officials, the Office for Ferrying Souls to Vermilion Numinosity, the Office of Refinement and Rebirth, the Office for Oaths to the Ten Heavens, the Office for Dispelling All Manner of Ill Omens, the Office for Averting Heavenly Calamities Above, the Office for Warding Off Earthly Disasters Below, the Office for the Universal Salvation of Humans and Gods, the Office for Registering Names Across the Heavens, the Office of the Guard of the Myriad Spirits, the Office for Recording Merit and Demerit, the Office of the Celestial Perfected Sovereigns, the Office for Memorials to the Heavens, and the Office of Recommendation for Great Merit. There are also offices that can dispel any affair that is not otherwise resolved, avert any calamity that is not otherwise relieved, ferry any soul that is not otherwise delivered, and fulfill any wish that is not otherwise granted, as well as the Office for Subduing All Spirits and the Office for Gathering the Assembled Immortals. Each of these bureaus has its own presiding officer, and when handling a particular matter, one must summon the corresponding talisman for descending the Perfected and calling the spirits (jiang zhen zhao ling fu), invoking the appropriate deity according to the nature of the affair.

The Master says that in the Jade Clarity Heaven there is a majestic and resplendent heavenly general, a great spirit who is subordinate to the Lord Spirit of Wang Qing (Wang Qing Shengong) and the Grand Mystery Chancellor (Taixuan Shangxiang). The Lord Spirit of Wang Qing is equal in merit to the Great Marshal of the Three Heavens, Gaoling. He calls himself the "Jade Clarity Numinous Treasure, Radiant Office," and assists the Jade Clarity Heaven in meeting the calamities of the age and the transformations of the times, in eradicating demonic obstacles and sweeping away disasters, and in helping those who study the Way to attain the Dao of immortality. He tours the Three Realms, drives out demons and evil spirits, strictly governs the North Fengdu (the realm of the northern underworld where ghosts and spirits dwell), subdues specters, searches out and sets right the ghostly encampments, and purges the Qi of the Dao of anything impure. For those among later generations who have the fortune to encounter the teaching, he opens an age of peace, and he supports and protects the sage ruler. He is the divine being responsible for guarding and purging evil and malign influences.

Jade Clarity possesses the Certificate of Ascent to Heaven (shengtian quan), which is bestowed upon those who have attained the Dao and become immortals. The Heavenly Venerable also grants this certificate to suffering souls who have been received into salvation, so that they may proceed to the Southern Palace. Without the Certificate of Ascent, the officials at the Heavenly Gate will rebuke them and bar their way. Once the certificate has been obtained, one may pass through the barriers of the heavens in order, and the Heavenly Gate will no longer obstruct one's passage.

The reason for petitioning the heavens to extinguish the Three Evils is that sentient beings carry within them the three karmic activities of body, speech, and mind (shen kou yi san ye), the karmic causes produced by the actions of body, mind, and speech, and that externally they are subject to the faults arising from the three poisons of greed, anger, and delusion (tan chen chi san du). Because of these, they fall into the three evil paths of ghosts, animals, and hells. Now that you have been received into salvation in Jade Clarity, you should each be assigned, according to the cyclical sign of your birth (jia yi), to the Thirty-Two Heavens above. Master and disciple should then pass through the barriers in sequence and petition the heavens to extinguish the Three Evils. Inwardly, one removes the three karmic activities of body, speech, and mind; outwardly, one cuts off the three poisons of greed, anger, and delusion. In this way, one will not fall into hell, will not become a ghost, and will not be reborn as an animal.

Although one has already received deliverance and been freed from the Three Evil Paths, if the karmic obstructions and poison roots within and without have not been eliminated, one may still fall again.

Human beings live in the world. The upper body has twelve joints, which bear the deathly qi root handed down by one's parents. The interior of the body has twelve knots, which also bear the deathly qi root of this body. The lower body has twelve placentas, which bear the deathly qi root passed on to descendants. All of these deathly qi roots are connected to the hells. Therefore, on the day the talisman is received, these roots must also be severed. Internally, the thirty-six roots must be removed. Externally, the roots of evil destiny arising from the six senses must be subdued, and the related karmic debts and bodily bonds must be cut and sealed. Only when this is accomplished can one fly beyond the Five Households, be inscribed in Taixuan (the Supreme Mystery), and, under the supervision and recommendation of the Demon King, ascend through the Gate of Heaven. This is the decree of deliverance received when bone and flesh ascend together, rising from Shangqing (Highest Clarity) to Yuqing (Jade Clarity).

What follows is the content of the mission that Divine Duke Shen (Shengong) was ordered to carry out. Divine Duke Shen is a subject of the Earth Sovereign and a descendant of Grand Emperor Mazu. He is also the father of the Great Spirit of the Jiaolong Chen Lodge. His divine rank is Jade Clarity Divine Duke and Supreme Minister of Taixuan, styled Ma-Long Shi, with the personal name Guo Yi. Whenever a rite is performed, if the Hexi Wanshen Talisman (Talisman of the Radiant Myriad Spirits) is used to summon him, he descends by command.

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Govern All Heavens (Xu to Chen, wen script)

The above is the summoning of the spirits and the announcement of the rite's content to all the Heavens.

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Extinguish the Hells and the Evil Paths (Gen to Kun)

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Extinguish the Evil Paths of Animals and Hungry Ghosts (Chen, Hai, Xu)

The above is the summoning of the spirit officers, the transmission of the talisman's command, the pardoning of the sources of karmic offense, so that the suffering souls may be delivered and freed from the paths of suffering.

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Womb Root (Zi wen)

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Placenta Root (Hai wen)

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Knot Root (Zi wen)

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Joint Root (Dui wen)

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Desire Root (Zhongzhi, Zhong)

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Ear Root

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Eye Root

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Mouth Root

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Nose Root

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Tongue Root

Spirit Officers of the Hundred and Twenty Who Sever the Body Root (All of the above use the zhen script and the qi of the East.)

All of these spirits are the ones to be summoned when practicing the supreme method of the inner Way. The practitioner should first call them down and then send them into the body by guiding the breath. This is the method for severing the entanglements of the womb and untying the knots of death.

The Spirit Officers (lingguan) who fly across and uproot the sources of earthly attachment number one hundred and twenty, bearing the Chen script. The Spirit Officers who fly across the households that bind form number one hundred and twenty, bearing the You script. Those who fly across the households that bind love number one hundred and twenty, bearing the Yin script. Those who fly across the households that bind greed number one hundred and twenty, bearing the Hai script. Those who fly across the households that bind desire number one hundred and twenty, bearing the You script. And those who fly across the households that bind the body number one hundred and twenty, bearing the Si script. These are the officers summoned to descend and open the Gates of the Five Sufferings.

The one hundred and twenty Spirit Officers named in the Taiqing Formula are those who descend to keep the registry of immortal names for the disciple in the Office of the Great Mystery Heaven. The one hundred and twenty Spirit Officers of the Shangqing Formula are those who descend to bestow the certificate of ascent, enabling the adept to pass through the Heavenly Gate.

The one hundred and twenty Spirit Officers of the Yuqing Formula are those who descend to oversee the surveillance of demon kings (mowang) and the recommendation of persons to the heavens.

The one hundred Perfected Officials (zhenguan) of the Eastern Dipper (Dong Dou), who record and calculate the accounts, bear the Mao script. The one hundred Perfected Officials of the Western Dipper, who register names and govern the Director of Destiny, bear the You script. The one hundred Perfected Officials of the Northern Dipper, who govern the fall of the dead and the adjudication of wrongs, bear the Zi script. The one hundred Perfected Officials of the Southern Dipper, who govern life-giving and the judgment of peril, bear the Wu script. The one hundred Perfected Officials of the Central Dipper, who preside over great rankings and the prohibitions, are marked by the middle of the middle finger. And the one hundred Perfected Officials who oversee and examine all the spirits in general are marked by the Zi-Wu Dipper. These are the officials summoned to descend, each to govern the duties assigned to their own affairs.

The Perfected (zhenren) who summon the souls are as follows: the Azure Emperor's Perfected who guards the hun-soul, bearing the Zhen script; the White Emperor's Perfected who attends the po-soul, bearing the Dui script; the Red Emperor's Perfected who nourishes the qi, bearing the Li script; the Black Emperor's Perfected who circulates the blood, bearing the Kan script; the Yellow Emperor's Perfected who dwells at the center and governs affairs, bearing the Kun script; and the Perfected of the Myriad Spirits, who never transgress, bearing the Qian script. These are the Perfected summoned to descend, each to govern the affairs proper to them.

The Great Demon Kings of the Azure Heaven, marked by the Yin-Mao and Tiao, are followed by the Great Demon Kings of the Red Heaven, marked by the Si-Wu and Tiao, the Great Demon Kings of the White Heaven, marked by the Shen-You and Tiao, and the Great Demon Kings of the Black Heaven, marked by the Hai-Zi and Tao.

The Yellow Heaven Great Demon King, through the Four Mountains and the root-lifting formula (gen tiao jue). The Azure Emperor Great Demon King, at the Zhen and Xun positions, through the peach formula (tao jue). The Vermilion Emperor Great Demon King, at the Li and Wu positions, through the lifting formula (tiao jue). The White Emperor Great Demon King, at the Dui and Shen positions, through the peach formula. The Black Emperor Great Demon King, at the Kan and Dui positions, through the lifting formula. And the Yellow Emperor Great Demon King, at the Kun and Xu positions, through the peach formula. These deities are invoked to summon and subdue the demon kings and to drive away ghosts and demons.

The Left Commander Divine King of the Ninefold Heavens, Esteemed Father who Holds the Demons, governs the spirit soldiers as a whole and commands the ghost troops. The Grand Marshal of the Three Heavens beats the drum and leads the rear ranks of strong warriors, with the Right Commander Divine King who bears the banner standing beside him. The Duke of Yuqing (Jade Clarity) and Grand Chancellor of Taixuan holds the tally and leads the heavenly troops at the front.

These six True Deities, together with the Yuqing (Jade Clarity) formula, are invoked to descend, to direct commands, and to carry out campaigns of conquest.

The Great Deity of the Azure Dragon (Zhen script), the Great Deity of the White Tiger (Dui script), the Great Deity of the Vermilion Bird (Li script), the Great Deity of the Black Tortoise (Kan script), the Great Deity of the Pixiu (Qian script), the Great Deity of the Lion (Kun script), the Great Deity of the Qiongqi (Gen script), the Great Deity of the Qilin (Xun script), and the Great Deity of the Heavenly Horse (Wu script). These Four Beasts and Eight Majesties are invoked to descend and to guard the altar precinct.

The Great Deity Vanguard of Mighty Heavenly Guardians (Yuqing formula, joined-hands formula), the Master who Subdues the Banner and Destroys the Demonic Fate (Chen script, curled-finger formula), the Divine General who Hurls Fire of Yuqing (fire-hurling from the Yin, Li, and Wu positions, with the hand dug and lifted), the Divine General who Sends Bells of Yuqing (from the Shen, Kun, and Li positions, middle-finger formula, cast seven times in the order of Chou, Yin, and Mao), the Great General of the Golden Axe Vanguard (Yuqing formula, two fingers extended straight), the Great General of the Heavenly Empress Punishment (formula of the four finger roots, five fingers clenched into a fist), the Messenger of Yuqing Slaughter (right hand pinching the fingers, like the formula of a golden hairpin), the Great General of Yuqing Wind-and-Fire Conquest (left hand from the Four Mountains formula lifted at the Xun position, then beginning again from the Li position), the Great Deity who Cuts Off Ghostly Filth (middle-finger root formula, lifted with the Gen script), the Great Deity who Inspects the Ghost Camps (at the Kun, Li, and Xun positions, the middle finger pressed to the script formula and lifted out), and the Divine Courier of the Golden Horse Post (beginning at the Wu position, following the order of the twelve Earthly Branches, turning to the Li position, then returning to Wu to lift). The Recording Officer of the Upper Clarity (middle finger forming the Three Pure Ones formula toward the five directions, then returning to the Upper Clarity formula and lifting). These twelve Great Generals are invoked to summon envoys, to slay demonic essences, and to subdue demons and monsters.

All the above methods are performed in conjunction with the Qi of the Northwest.

Three Heavens Spirit Office.

The Five Directional Emperors' Jade Youths and Jade Maidens, who serve the Jing (scripture), number twenty-four of each. Together they guard the divine writings and protect those who receive the scripture.

The Azure Spirit of the East has twenty-four Youths who Open the Dao (dào), and the Vermilion Spirit of the South has twenty-four, as do the White Spirit of the West, the Dark Spirit of the North, and the Yellow Spirit of the Center, each with twenty-four. Likewise, the Azure Spirit of the East has twenty-four Jade Maidens of the Nine Qi (qì), the Cinnabar Spirit of the South has twenty-four Jade Maidens of the Three Qi, the White Spirit of the West has twenty-four Jade Maidens of the Seven Qi, the Dark Spirit of the North has twenty-four Jade Maidens of the Five Qi, and the Yellow Spirit of the Center has twenty-four Jade Maidens of the One Qi. The Youths and Maidens together total one hundred and twenty, with twenty-four in each category.

The scripture further instructs that one should summon, from within oneself, the Three-Five Merit Officers, the Left and Right Official Envoys, the Incense-Attending Golden Youths, the Message-Carrying Jade Maidens, the Five Emperors' Duty Talismans, and the Daily Incense Officers, thirty-two of each.

In addition, there are the Merit Officers of Natural Regeneration of the Three Heavens, the Merit Officers of Natural Message-Carrying of the Three Heavens, the Merit Officers of Natural Flying Incense of the Three Heavens, the Merit Officers of Natural Memorial-Presenting of the Three Heavens, the Merit Officers of Natural Mystery of the Three Heavens, and the Five-Rank Merit Officers of the Five Emperors. Each of these classes of officials is likewise described as above, with thirty-two in each.

The Three-Five Merit Officers mentioned here comprise two kinds of spirits, each governing different affairs in the spirit realm. One kind is the Merit Officers of the Three Primes and Five Virtues, belonging to the Dongshen (dòngshén, Cavern Spirit) of Supreme Clarity; the other is the Merit Officers of the Five Emperors of the Three Heavens. Neither is a corporeal life born from a womb. Rather, they are transformed from the natural true qi of the Three-Five. The Daoist summons and registers the upright qi within his or her own three fields (Dantian) and five viscera with the true Dao qi, causing this upright qi to be refined into numinous spirits. When these spirits receive orders and carry out tasks, each has a department under its charge, which is why they are called "Merit Officers" (gōngcáo).

The Left Official Envoy and the Right Palace Envoy are spirits who mediate between Yin and Yang and convey intentions. They also serve as forerunners for the Five Officials when those spirits set out on their assigned missions.

There are thirty-two Incense-Attending Golden Youths and also thirty-two Message-Carrying Jade Maidens. The Incense-Attending Golden Youths are formed from the pure and refined qi that first arises with the birth of yang, while the Message-Carrying Jade Maidens are formed from the spirit that is originally clear, pure, and cautious within yin. The offices of message-carrying, flying incense, and the like all belong to the rank of the Fourth-Grade Primal Perfected.

The Azure Emperor's Duty Talisman of the East, the Vermilion Emperor's Duty Talisman of the South, the White Emperor's Duty Talisman of the West, and the Black Emperor's Duty Talisman of the North.

The Duty Talisman (Zhifu) of the Central Yellow Emperor is formed by the fusion of the inner true qi of the Five Emperors with the qi of Dao and De.

Beneath the Duty Talisman are thirty-two Incense Officials. They belong to one branch of the Sexagenary Cycle deities and are traditionally held to be descendants of the Three Sovereigns. Thirty-two officials are on duty each day, responsible for overseeing fragrant qi, which they use to dispel foul qi and summon true spirits. This office is held by men and is formed from the qi born of the Six Jia.

Spirits are not limited to thirty-two, but in summoning and memorializing, only thirty-two are used, following the count of the four directions. Each day there are two Gonggao (merit officers who carry documents and assist with affairs), one Left Official Messenger and one Right Official Messenger, one Golden Youth who attends the incense, one Jade Maiden who conveys messages, one Duty Talisman for each of the Five Emperors, and one on-duty Incense Official. Each day totals twelve attendants, and the thirty-two days together total three hundred and sixty. Of these attendants, the two Gonggao correspond to the Three Heavens and the Five Emperors, one each. Above, they correspond to one thousand two hundred officials and lords; below, they correspond to thirty-six thousand spirit-qi.

The Master says that the Immortal Bureaus of the Jade Clarity Numinous Void Palace and the Inner Court of the Lingbao Celestial Immortals establish Immortal Offices (xian cao), and that Immortal Officials are dispatched from Shangqing to serve the palace offices of the immortal realm.

Department of Discerning Demons

Two Jade Maidens who discern demons. Officials of the rank of Immortal Minister (xian qing) and above may be assigned four.

Eight Majestic Ones who govern the capital of demon-subduing (bawei zhi mo du ling) are assigned five. Officials of the rank of Immortal Minister and above may be assigned ten.

Shenhui, the Spirit-Wisdom Bureau Head who slays ghosts (shen hui sha gui du bo shi), may be assigned ten if he holds the rank of Immortal Minister or above.

Department of Precious Registers

Two Precious Talisman Perfected of the Celestial Heavens (zhutian fu bao zhenren) and two Literary Gentlemen who record celestial patterns and assist in holding the Precious Registers.

Two Perfected Officials who translate talismanic writings and record the True Treasures (yi fu shu zhen bao ji zhen guan).

Two Celestial Pattern Jade Maidens who assist in holding the Precious Registers of all the heavens.

Department of Reception

One Jade Maiden of Reception for the Three Heavens, one for the Ten Heavens, and one for the Five Emperors. Each of the Thirty-Two Heavens has one Jade Maiden of Reception.

One Lingguan who memorializes for Jade Clarity, one for Shangqing, and one for Taiqing.

Department of Principal Offices

Twelve Lingguan each of the following: the Numinous Void Lingguan who holds the Seal, the Numinous Void Lingguan who holds the Methods, the Numinous Void Lingguan who sets verdicts, the Numinous Void Lingguan who dispatches, and the Numinous Void Lingguan who oversees the prisons.

Department of Celestial Physicians

Celestial Physician Superior Medicine Immortal Officials (Tianyi Shangyao Xianguan), two in number, are responsible for examining the physical form and symptoms of the patient.

Celestial Physician Superior Medicine Numinous Officials (Tianyi Shangyao Lingguan), two in number, prescribe medicines according to the patient's condition.

Celestial Physician Superior Medicine Spirit Clerks (Tianyi Shangyao Shenli), two in number, are responsible for nurturing life and preparing and refining medicinal substances.

Scholars of Bodily Growth (Shengxing Boshi), two in number, are responsible for promoting the growth of the body and nourishing the muscles of the abdomen.

Three-Five Disease-Curing Functionaries (Sanwu Zhibing Gongcao), two in number. A gongcao is a spirit clerk who manages affairs. They are responsible for taking the pulse, diagnosing illness, and treating disease with various medicines.

Minor Officials of the Stone Needle (Bianshi Xiaoli), two in number. The bianshi was a stone implement used in ancient times for acupuncture and scraping treatments. They are responsible for needling, stone treatment, decocting medicines, and moxibustion. Numinous Officials for Applying Medicine (Fuyao Lingguan), two in number.

Generals and Envoys for Collecting Poison (Shoudu Jiangjun and Shizhe), two in number.

Department of Ceremonial Guards (Yiwei Bu)

Divine Kings Who Protect the Dao (Hudao Shenwang), two in number; Immortal Palace of Linghua (Linghua Xiangong), thirty-two in number; Jade Maidens of Linghua (Linghua Yunü), thirty-two in number; and Functionaries of Yuqing (Yuqing Zhuzhi Gongcao), twelve in number.

The Realized Persons (zhenren) of the heavens hold office in the upper realms, while the ghosts and spirits govern the affairs of the netherworld (youming). These matters have never been fully knowable to ordinary people. Still, those who practice rites and cultivation should have a general understanding of the proper principles of heaven and earth, and a rough grasp of how the teachings originated and developed. If one neither understands past and present nor examines the scriptures, how can one presume to speculate groundlessly and mislead later learners? Is this not deeply regrettable?

As for the contents of memorials of petition and prayers of request, each must have a basis before it can be justified. I have examined the Forty-Nine Grades Methods (Sishijiu Pin Fa). In it, the Supreme Deities of the Three Realms (Sanjing Shangdi) are regarded as the three teachers, and the Venerable of Relieving Suffering (Jiuku Tianzun) as the true teacher. It also calls them the "Mysterious Teachers" (xuanshi), which differs considerably from older accounts. The scripture further lists designations such as the "Functionaries of Application" (Shiyong Xiancao), the "Functionaries of Brilliance" (Hexi Xiancao), and the "Functionaries to Which the Three Realms Turn" (Sanjie Suoxiang Xiancao), and it establishes each of several sentences from the text as a separate office.

For example, the phrase "Do not detain or force the souls back into the crowd of ghosts" originally means this: souls that are to be liberated have already departed from the netherworld and should no longer be detained, coerced, or returned to the ranks of ghosts. The phrase simply continues the preceding idea. Yet here it has been extracted on its own and made into an office. Likewise, phrases such as "there is nowhere it does not reach" originally describe what the methods of the middle section can accomplish. But without examining the sense of the scripture, these phrases too have been made into names of offices. Such a practice of quoting isolated fragments is entirely unreasonable.

The Three Caverns and Four Supplements (Sandong Sifu) comprise tens of millions of scroll-length texts. If every sentence were taken as the name of an office or bureau, would the number of titles not become countless? Wang Shengqing's Lingbao Dafa contains much careful textual research, yet in this instance it does not delete these titles, which is truly inadequate. Since these designations have circulated widely for a long time in various regions, we can only retain them together. Among them, only the "Functionaries of Brilliance" can be said to have some reasonable basis.

On closer reflection, such designations also convey the might and virtue of the Demon King. Names like "Office of Ritual Presiding" (Zhangjiao Si) and "Office of Descending Sages" (Jiangsheng Si) are likewise not appropriate.

The sacred-position designations handed down since antiquity for the Great Luotian Jiao (a large-scale Daoist Zhaijiao, or purification ritual) ought to be comprehensive, yet they include none of these offices. The Court of the Celestial Pivot (Tianshu Yuan) is established beneath the Gate of the Three Heavens, as detailed in the liturgical manuals for submitting memorials (Baizhang Keyi). For this reason it was formerly called the "Court of the Celestial Pivot of the Southern Pole." Moving south from the North Pole, one passes through the Central Heaven and must cross the North Pole to reach the Heavenly Gate. The South Pole, by contrast, enters the Earth Gate, lying thirty-six degrees from the North Pole and opposite to it. Yet today the north and south orientations have been inverted and confused, and no one knows what north and south refer to. How could memorials submitted to the heavens under such designations avoid error?

Therefore, we now first describe the rulers of the Mysterious Vault (the celestial realm) and explain the source of the Three Qi (Sanqi, the three primordial vital energies that constitute heaven and earth). Next, we enumerate the palaces, offices, and bureaux of the Three Realms, so that the designations used in submitting memorials are complete. Matters concerning the salvation of the living and the deliverance of the dead can all be classified and consulted accordingly. Although the bureaux and mysterious offices of the immortals (the administrative and divine agencies of the celestial realm) cannot all be fully clarified, they must not be used by simply following established errors. One must always refer to principle and proceed with careful judgment.

Shangqing Lingbao Dafa (Great Methods of the Shangqing and Lingbao), Scroll Ten