《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 42

The Supreme Clarity Great Ritual of the Numinous Treasure, Scroll Forty-Two

Transmitted by the Perfected Ning Quanzhen, a lofty adept of the Subtle Cavern, who opened the light and commanded suffering to cease

Compiled by Wang Qizhen, disciple of the Three Caverns of Supreme Clarity and inheriting master of the Numinous Treasure teaching

Ritual Methods, Talismans, and Registers

Chapter on Turning Back the Radiance

The master said: According to The Scripture of the Twenty-Four Precepts, during their lives people commit twenty-four kinds of offenses. After death, they receive retribution in twenty-four kinds of hell and undergo the torments of the Three Paths, Five Sufferings, and Eight Calamities. For this reason, the Most High established the ritual method of “turning back the radiance and bringing down light.”

Before performing a purification ritual, first raise the banner for turning back the radiance in the southeastern part of the ritual space. Then make a lamp wheel from catalpa wood, shaped like an axle and arranged in three tiers, with a pillar at its center. Place twelve lamps on the top tier, sixteen on the middle tier, and twenty-one on the bottom tier, for a total of forty-nine lamps. At the center, set up five “Gates of Accumulated Suffering,” with a tablet beside each gate bearing the name of the corresponding hell.

In addition, make forty-nine small banners, alternating yellow and white. Following the ritual format, write the Celestial Worthies’ titles on the banners and place the talisman for breaking Fengdu at their tops. Proclaim and carry out the talismanic commands according to the prescribed method, extending salvation to all beings. In this way, the radiance of the Three Pure Ones may turn back and shine through the gates of the Nine Springs, erasing all offenses and delivering the suffering souls of the dead.

Banners and Talismans for the Three Paths and Five Sufferings

“Heavenly Path”—Celestial Worthy of the Jade Clarity, the Void Emperor

“Earthly Path”—Celestial Worthy of the Jade Clarity, Great Compassion

“Watery Path”—Celestial Worthy of the Jade Clarity, Great Mercy

“Burden of Sensuality”—Celestial Worthy of Azure Numen of the Precious Flower Grove

“Burden of Desire”—Celestial Worthy of Sweet Numen of Brahma’s Treasure, Bright Yang

“Burden of Greed”—Celestial Worthy of Bright Numen of the Seven-Treasure Golden Gate

“Contention over Splendor”—Celestial Worthy of the Five Numen of the Dark Cavern, Shuodan

“Burden of the Body”—Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Numen of the Jade Clarity

Jade Talisman of the Upper Origin for Extinguishing Desire, Beheading the Corpse, Transforming the Radiance, and Sending Forth Light

(“Yang light of the Three Origins; numinous pivot of stillness and insight”)

(“The wronged soul, crowned and robed; De gathers the Mysterious Origin”)

(“Life and transformation blend together; goodness is still, doubt and emptiness”)

(“The Dharma wheel turns; forever freed from the Heavenly Path”)

Incantation for Beheading the Upper Corpse

The Upper Corpse is named Qingyu and calls itself Pengju. It can transform into nine forms, with a crow’s head and a snake’s body. Mindless and chaotic, it sinks and rises; it craves flavors and indulges in beauty, delighting in itself.

(The “Upper Corpse” is one of the Three Corpses in Daoism. It is often regarded as an inner evil thought that stirs desire and obstructs cultivation.)

It drives the human soul and spirit, records transgressions, and severs the root of a person’s lifespan, causing Jing and Qi to dissipate and the soul and spirit to disperse.

Let the lesser worms in the Three Palaces run their course and cease their toil. The Perfected Ones Jia and Yi write talismans and sacred seals.

Sexual desire has been cut off, and the road to death has been cleared away. Yuan Gu, by command, is asked to sever the heads of the corpse worms.

The Lords of the Three Terraces observe the body. Depart at once; do not linger. Destroy the root, sever the lineage, and leave no remnants behind.

The deceased refines and nurtures their true nature, making the Three Palaces—the places within the body where Jing, Qi, and Shen reside—quiet, empty, and bright. The Five Emperors descend to observe, and the Great One records the matter in the registers.

On an auspicious day, bathe, change clothes, and put on a cap; then perform the ritual. Fly across the heavens and ride a jade chariot formed from flowing radiance.

Follow the light and scenery, ascend to the Upper Clarity Heaven, and roam upon the clouds. Quickly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Proclamation

The precious talisman of Jade Clarity that opens the light is proclaimed to the heavenly roads, commanding the officials who command thunder and wield lightning to carry out its charge.

Explanation of the Talisman

This talisman proclaims to the officials of Heaven that they must subdue and destroy the root of sexual desire and the divine officials who preside over the road of death. By command, they are to sever for the deceased, [name], the gate of sexual desire governed by the corpse worms along the heavenly road, freeing them from the service of heavenly officials who command thunder and drive lightning, and from the sorrow of bitterness and pain. The deceased is to be delivered beyond the Three Realms and ascend freely to the Upper Clarity. Let everything be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

The Central Origin Talisman for Extinguishing Desire, Beheading the Corpse Worms, and Transforming into Flowing Radiance

(The Three Yangs meet in harmony: Yin and Yang Qi unite and flow freely. The image of the Nine Earths begins to appear. Radiance shines forth, opening the path of deliverance.)

(The splendor of the Nine Qi unfolds. The six characters still the waves. Escape the bitter path of the earthly realm.)

Incantation for Beheading and Destroying the Middle Corpse Worm

The Middle Corpse Worm is named Peng Zhi and is called the Central Yellow. It clings to lust and dwells in a person’s abdomen, lurking unpredictably and changing without end. It governs the person’s soul and spirit, making them scatter and wander through the Three Palaces. It also drives the Red Child—the primordial Shen within the body—to rush about, causing the person to go mad. Desire harms a person’s spirit; all transgressions arise from these lesser worms.

The Perfected One, [name], has received the confirmation of the Supreme Emperor, wears a jade talisman, and holds jade writings and a golden register. Their name is engraved in the primordial chart. The three desires have already perished. In obedience to the talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, destroy the corpse worm’s form and sever its root, so that it can no longer rise up and cause disorder.

The deceased’s soul and spirit receive refinement and deliverance, and the Five Viscera become cool and clear. True Immortals settle and protect the viscera, causing radiance to arise within them. The Five Emperors observe, and the Great One assigns each its proper place in order.

At the time of the Central Origin, bathe, change clothes, and put on a cap; then don the ceremonial robes. Cast off the old form, change appearance, and become flowing jade light. Ascend to the Upper Clarity, breathe the Qi of the Great Void, and abide forever in the natural state, enduring as long as Heaven and Earth.

Proclamation

The precious talisman of Jade Clarity that opens the light is proclaimed to the earthly roads, commanding the officials who carry sand and bear stones to carry out its charge.

Explanation of the Talisman

This talisman proclaims to the officials of Earth that they must subdue and destroy the root of lust and the divine officials of the path of transgression. By command, they are to sever for [name] the gate of lust governed by the Middle Corpse Worm in the earthly realm, freeing them from the service of earthly officials, who would otherwise make them carry sand and bear stones.

The Lower Origin (the division among the Daoist Three Origins that governs the lower realm) dispels desires and cuts away the corpse worms, transforming the souls of the dead in form until they become flowing light and ascend to Shangqing.

Proclamation of the Mandate

(The phrases in parentheses below are mostly inscriptions or lines of incantation on talismans and registers; a few characters or phrases may be corrupt or missing.)

A jade talisman for the Lower Origin to extinguish desire, cut away the corpse, transform its form, and turn it into flowing light.

The numinous and wondrous scene is kept secret, as is the Way of long life; inner visions harmonize. The True Way is reached, and obstructions are dispelled. The Four Demons (four obstacles to cultivation) are skillfully overcome; the dark passes shine clear and open. Spirit is gathered in stillness and silence, dwelling in a mysterious and profound realm. The waterway (the netherworld route associated with the water realms) is opened and remains passable forever. The River of Desire (a metaphor for entanglement in desire)…

Incantation for Cutting Away the Lower Corpse

The Lower Corpse is named Pengjiao. It covets desire and cares only for itself; its form is murky and white, without a fixed appearance.

It clings to a person’s feet, stirring restlessness and disturbing the emotions. It speaks of gain and loss, sending the person’s soul racing about in anxiety.

It disrupts the Three Palaces, leaving the Red Child (a Neidan term for the primordial spirit or true nature within the body) unsettled. The worm of covetous desire lies hidden in the netherworld, waiting for a chance to cause trouble.

The Perfected One, so-and-so, has undergone three rounds of refinement and treatment, clearing body and mind and closing the gate of desire, so that no more malign Qi can intrude.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issues an urgent command. The Three Stellar Offices (star deities or protective deities) descend into the courtyard and order it to appear at once, with no concealment, bringing out its kindred as well.

All nine generations of its descendants are cut away and erased. The Five Emperors deliver the dead soul and guide it back to the True; the deity Taiyi records its name.

The Lower Origin bathes the dead soul, gives it a cap and sash, and clothes it in blue feathers. It guides the soul out of the Three Realms, where it drinks in wondrous, profound essence.

It releases the soul from its former body, conceals and transforms it, turns it into flowing light, and raises it to Shangqing. It flies through the realm of the mysterious void, bringing clarity to all three realms.

Proclamation

A jade talisman opens the gate of suffering; a precious talisman announces the labors of carrying and drawing water, and the deep, surging waves along the waterway below.

Talisman text:

This talisman proclaims to the netherworld below that the root of covetous desire be destroyed. The Dao’s numinous officials cut away, for the deceased so-and-so, the gate of desire represented by the Lower Corpse in the realm of the waterway. May the deceased be spared the Water Official’s summons to carry and draw water, and the toil of filling rivers and irrigating canals. May the dead soul be delivered beyond the Three Realms and ascend freely to Shangqing. Let this command be carried out accordingly.

Incantation for the Talisman of the Three Paths

The precious talisman of Yuqing is to be carried out under the command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. The netherworld paths receive the command: punishments are lifted throughout the Three Realms; guilt is pardoned, confinement released, and forced labor ended; charges are struck from the record, and each soul receives transformation and deliverance according to its rank. All the myriad spirits must carry out the command.

Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the Emperor’s command!

When performing this rite, follow the Three Paths mudra and visualize the Three Officials (the Celestial Official, Earth Official, and Water Official) descending separately from the left and right, sending numinous Qi into the talisman.

General Invocation and Sending-Off Incantation

The Emperor of Yuqing commands a pardon; the Great Emperor of Shangqing commands a pardon; the Great Emperor of Taiqing commands a pardon. The command is given to the Ten Directions Numinous Treasure Heavenly Worthy Who Rescues from Suffering, the Emperor of Zhuling, the Lord of the Zhuling Palace, the Great Emperor of Longevity of the South Pole, and the Great Deity Who Oversees Birth in the Nine Heavens: receive the souls of the deceased so-and-so and the others.

The Jade Emperor has issued a command. Carry out the Dao Lord’s command and pardon sinful souls throughout the Three Realms of the Ten Directions. May their radiance spread through the Nine Depths, and may fragrance fill the courtyard.

Om, Hum, Yin, Lu, Ou, Bhasati, Svaha. Hasten and carry this out in accordance with the law.

The Most High Lord of the Dao, a revered deity of Daoism, issues this decree of release.

May the body be liberated and undergo transformation and change; may the suffering and burdens caused by sexual desire be eliminated. May the soul burdened by grief be delivered amid the flowing radiance of Jade Purity, the heavenly realm described in Daoism.

Precious Talisman Incantation:

Wondrous indeed! The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning sends down the light of Purple Tenuity. In the depths of the Ninefold Darkness, the true nature awakens, and the spirit and soul ascend. The Dharma rain falls in abundance, universally nourishing and benefiting all beings.

Proclamation:

This talisman is hereby proclaimed. The spirit officer charged with guiding souls beyond the household burdened by sexual desire is commanded to release the deceased [name] from the suffering and burdens caused by sexual desire. May they leave the gate of suffering and grief caused by sexual desire, be spared the torments of the Mount Tai hells, and have body and spirit elevated and delivered. May they proceed to the Gate of Heaven to pay homage to the Heavenly Emperor, increase in blessings, De (Virtue), and wisdom, and naturally come to serve the Dragon Chariot. Let all be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

May the body be liberated and undergo transformation and change; may the suffering and burdens caused by desire for love be eliminated. May the suffering spirit be delivered amid the flowing essence of Jade Purity.

Precious Talisman Incantation:

Yang Qi rises, and Yin-Yang unite. Depart from death and enter new life; receive blessings and good fortune, and leave the netherworld. Through fire, refine and deliver the soul of the dead, enabling it to attain an immortal’s body. The divine spirits of the Two Emperors are radiant and ethereal. The matters proclaimed in the numinous writ are fulfilled as the spirit and soul naturally ascend.

Proclamation:

This talisman is hereby proclaimed. The spirit officer charged with guiding souls beyond the household burdened by love is commanded to release the deceased [name] from the suffering and burdens caused by desire for love. May they leave the gate of suffering and grief caused by love, be spared the hellish torments of wind and blades scourging the body, and have body and spirit elevated and delivered. May they proceed to the Gate of Heaven to pay homage to the Heavenly Emperor, increase in blessings, De (Virtue), and wisdom, and naturally come to serve the Dragon Chariot. Let all be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

May the body be liberated and undergo transformation and change; may the suffering and burdens caused by greed be eliminated. May the suffering body be delivered amid the flowing radiance of Jade Purity.

Precious Talisman Incantation:

A Luo, Gautama; light fills all things. Mysterious radiance illuminates the way and subdues Mount Feng, the netherworld realm described in Daoism. The Qi of the Dragon Han era surges vast and strong; the heavenly realm above is empty and still, its Gate of Heaven serene. Do not again cross the ford of suffering; extinguish evil and harm.

Proclamation:

This talisman is hereby proclaimed. The spirit officer charged with guiding souls beyond the household burdened by greed is commanded to release the deceased [name] from the suffering and burdens caused by greed, and spare them the punishment of carrying mountains and bearing stones. May body and spirit be elevated and delivered, and may they proceed to the Gate of Heaven to pay homage to the Heavenly Emperor. May blessings, De (Virtue), and wisdom naturally increase, and may they come to serve the Dragon Chariot. Let all be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

May the body be liberated and undergo transformation and change; may the suffering and burdens caused by contending for glory and splendor be eliminated. May the suffering Jing (essence) be delivered amid the flowing rosy clouds of Jade Purity.

Precious Talisman Incantation:

Break through the darkness and illuminate the netherworld; let numinous light reach the Nine Mounds, the realm of the dead. Cut off contention for glory and splendor; ride the light and rise aloft through the air.

Proclamation:

This talisman is hereby proclaimed. The spirit officer charged with guiding souls beyond the household burdened by contention for glory and splendor is commanded to release the deceased [name] from suffering and burdens caused by … The original text ends here.

This passage records the talismanic and ritual contents from the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) tradition of Daoism, used for liberating deceased souls and releasing them from the Five Sufferings (five root causes of pain). It primarily details the application methods of several special talismans:

First is an eight-pointed star talisman called the "Precious Talisman" (Baofu), designed to help souls shed bodily burdens (shen lei) and ascend from the hellish seas of fire (where souls are said to "swallow flames and eat embers" in the cauldron hells). This enables them to reach the celestial realm, pay homage to the Celestial Emperor (Ye Di Tian Guan), receive blessings and wisdom (fu zhi zi sheng), and serve by the imperial chariot (long yuan).

The text then elaborates on the specific contents of the "Five Sufferings Talisman" (Wu Ku Fu), corresponding to five root causes of human suffering: sensual attachments (se lei), desires (yu lei), emotional entanglements (ai lei), greed (tan lei), and worldly vanity (hua lei). Through the incantation "The five burdens all dissolve, form returns to heavenly purity" (wu lei ju kong, xing fan tian zhen), these sufferings are transcended, allowing souls to return to their original pure state (tian zhen). The spell further mentions clearing karmic debts from the six paths of rebirth to achieve the state of "emptying the three realms" (san jie ju kong), ultimately becoming a "Perfected Person" (zhen ren, an enlightened being) who attains eternal life in harmony with heaven and earth (yu tian qi ling).

Regarding ritual procedures, these talismans require specific production methods: the spells are written in cinnabar on yellow paper, the petitions in ink on azure paper, with vermilion inscriptions on the covers. They are burned during the "Breaking the Hells" (po yu) ceremony—a ritual to liberate souls from the underworld.

Finally, the passage includes the "Incantation for Soaring Beyond the Realm of Sensual Attachments" (Fei Du Se Lei Hu Zhou), describing the liberated soul's condition: shedding the old physical form (jie xing dun bian), purging desires (san yu yi qing), attaining renewal (tuo gu lian xin), with the body permeated by fragrant Qi (ti xiang qi lan). Carried by jade talismans, the soul ascends to celestial realms (fei du tian jie), merges with natural primordial Qi (qi he zi ran), enabling seven generations of ancestors to rise together (qi zu tong sheng), witnessed by the Five Directional Celestial Emperors (wu di jian ying).

Incantation for Transcending the Burdens of Love

May the body transform into jade light, fly swiftly, shed all traces of its form, and rise high in radiance. May the entanglements of the human world no longer bind it; may it travel through emptiness. The heavenly demons have been subdued, and the paths to the Five Destinies—the five realms in which beings are reborn—have been opened. May the person being delivered leave behind the body that suffers the wind and blade, and ascend to the heavenly palace.

Incantation for Transcending the Burdens of Greed

May the departed soul shed its body, its spirit consciousness transform, and its greed and delusion be severed. May it pass beyond the Hell of the Copper Pillar and cross the ford of lust. May the wandering soul be delivered and its suffering fade away; may the Seven Ancestors, the ancestors of seven generations, be freed, and the Nine Generations, ancestors near and far, ascend to Heaven. May the burdens of greed be severed forever, and may the spirit ascend to become an immortal.

Incantation for Transcending the Burdens of Contention

May the departed soul be cleansed of the offense of corpse liberation, and its spirit consciousness freed. May its heart for rivalry be cut away and the roots of evil destroyed. May the deceased receive refinement and deliverance, and may the Demon King preserve their name, allowing them to walk the royal path and accord with the True Dao. May they roam in freedom and attend a banquet in the Purple Court, the celestial realm of immortals.

Incantation for Transcending the Burdens of the Body

May the jade talisman release the soul from its offenses, freeing it from the sea of suffering in the underworld. May karmic obstacles be swept away and bonds of love and desire severed. May the underworld officials end their questioning and no longer detain the departed soul in the cold realm of the dead. May it leave the Northern Court, the underworld administration, and be reborn. May it know the joy of Wuwei (non-action) and roam freely through the Great Void.

In general, it is said that cultivators of the Dao can drive away the Three Corpses—the spirits said to dwell within the body, record one’s transgressions, and hasten aging—and dispel the Five Sufferings by writing the “Five Sufferings Talisman” in cinnabar on yellow paper and swallowing it on a Gengshen or Jiazi day. They should also recite the Chapter of the God of Suffering.

Tradition says that this hymn was composed after the Lord of the Dao traveled through the gateways in the eight directions and saw the many gates and barriers of the underworld prisons, along with prisoners and hungry ghosts among the Three Rivers, Nine Rivers, knife mountains, and sword trees. They were made to labor, their souls wandered after death, and they were trapped in suffering with no means of deliverance. The Lord of the Dao could not bear to look upon this sight and was overcome with sorrow, so he composed this hymn.

Chapter of the God of Suffering

From birth, beings fall into the realm of the God of Suffering, revolving through the Five Destinies. In the Ninefold Darkness, the long night has no end; across calamities spanning countless lives, there is no light. Knife mountains loom and sword trees grow thick, their poisoned blades crossing in jagged profusion.

No flocks of birds are seen gathering in flight; only the cries of suffering souls are heard. Whirling dark winds shake the lofty branches, and mournful voices ring through the cold courtyards. Above, people bear mountains on their backs, never resting for a moment. When hungry, they can eat only charcoal from the spring’s depths; when thirsty, they can drink only liquid like molten fire.

The souls drift along a long road of suffering. How could they still recognize their own bodies and names? It pains me to think of you, unaware of your own fate. Sin and blessing each have their causes and conditions; good and evil truly arise from the heart. Yet the cycle of rebirth has no end, and cries of grief echo without cease.

In the Ninefold Darkness, some souls are listed in the registers; through ten thousand kalpas, they continue searching for one another. The ice never ends, and the dark night lies heavy upon itself. No gathering of blessings and De (Virtue/Power) can be seen; only wretched ghosts crowd together like a forest. The great river cannot be dammed. Suffering souls cling to the shafts of carts and sing in mournful voices.

Sorrowful cries echo through the dark depths. Blades fall on the mountain cliffs, and wailing continues without end; the bodies of those who suffer seem no longer to be their own. Such agony pierces the heart.

First Ordeal: Talisman for the Iron Bed Hell

By the command of the Numinous Treasure, save the deceased [name] from the Iron Bed Hell. Let them ride the sunlight and be reborn among humankind, always endowed with wisdom. Carry this out in accordance with the command of the talisman.

Second Ordeal: Talisman for the Knife Mountain Hell

By the command of the Numinous Treasure, save the deceased [name] from the Knife Mountain Hell. Let them ride the sunlight and be reborn among humankind in a handsome male body, always free from the “five deficiencies” (imperfections or incompleteness described in the scripture). Carry this out in accordance with the command of the talisman.

Third Ordeal: Talisman for the Copper Pillar Hell

By the command of the Numinous Treasure, save the deceased [name] from the Copper Pillar Hell. Let them ride the sunlight and be reborn among humankind with a whole body, complete in the “ten marks” (the features of a perfected body). Carry this out in accordance with the command of the talisman.

Fourth Ordeal: Talisman for the Cauldron of Boiling Hell

By the command of the Numinous Treasure, save the deceased [name] from the Cauldron of Boiling Hell. Let them ride the sunlight and be reborn in the Central Kingdom as an elder in a wealthy and noble family. Carry this out in accordance with the command of the talisman.

Fifth Ordeal: Talisman for the Furnace of Burning Coals Hell

By the command of the Numinous Treasure, save the deceased [name] from the Furnace of Burning Coals Hell. Let them ride the sunlight and be reborn among humankind in an age when a virtuous ruler governs the world. Carry this out in accordance with the command of the talisman.

Sixth Ordeal: Talisman for the Iron Wheel Hell

By the command of the Numinous Treasure, save the deceased [name] from the Iron Wheel Hell. Let them ride the sunlight and be reborn among humankind with a compassionate disposition and wisdom. Carry this out in accordance with the command of the talisman.

Seventh Ordeal: Talisman for the Sawing Hell

By the command of the Numinous Treasure, save the deceased [name] from the Sawing Hell. Let them ride the sunlight and be reborn among humankind, living long in an age of peace throughout the realm. Carry this out in accordance with the command of the talisman.

Eighth Ordeal: Talisman for the Freezing Hell

By the command of the Numinous Treasure, save the deceased [name] from the Freezing Hell. Let them ride the sunlight and be reborn among humankind, where they will often encounter the Three Treasures (the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters revered in Daoism), and ultimately attain a rank among the immortals. Carry this out in accordance with the command of the talisman.

Incantation recited while writing the eight talismans:

May the Celestial Worthy save deluded beings and deliver them from the eight ordeals, so they may joyfully be reborn among humankind. May the five sufferings vanish at once, and the Three Paths (the realms in which beings suffer: hell, hungry ghosts, and animals) be forever extinguished. The Dharma Wheel shines brightly, illuminating the entire Dharma Realm. The profound and mysterious Dao transforms beings and nurtures them into immortal embryos. May the source of calamities spanning endless eons be cut off at once. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Incantation for dispatching:

The Numinous Treasure’s jade talismans lift beings beyond the eight ordeals and deliver suffering beings from the netherworld, enabling them to reach the Other Shore.

The Dao is profound and subtle; its sunlight is radiant and brilliant. Having been able to enter the human realm, one should offer a heartfelt expression of wonder.

They transcend the Three Paths, the Five Sufferings, and the Eight Difficulties. The demon kings and underworld officials all bow in reverence, coming to welcome and escort them.

The Primordial Mandate of Jade Purity: all shall follow this in their practice. Swiftly, as decreed by the Supreme Emperor!

When the incantation is complete, form the hand seal and visualize the transformation.

Chapter on the Office of Birth

The Master said: Whenever a great Zhaijiao purification ritual is held, the foremost task is to save and deliver all beings on a broad scale. There is concern that among them may be the souls of women who died in childbirth, bound to their fetuses and unable to part from their children. Therefore, the Most High took pity on them and established the Office of Birth, which deals specifically with female souls, and transmitted various talismanic methods to aid them. The merit of this work is immense.

True Text of the Office of Birth

The primordial Qi of Flying Mystery

condenses into a true text.

The bones of the dead

are opened and transformed through deliverance.

Through this, all things

open their source.

Place the true text above on the desk of the Office of Birth. When the deceased see it, light will flow through their bones, driving away the corpse’s impure Qi.

Talisman for Those Born and Yet Unborn

(Use the Jade Purity hand seal. Face the Qi of the east and visualize it entering the curtain.)

We respectfully invite the Great Deity of Birth of the Nine Heavens, the Holy Mother who Protects the Birth Chamber, the Heavenly Physician who Cures Illness, and all the other deities: now lead the souls of women who died in childbirth, having passed through the Blood Lake but not yet given birth, into the curtain, so that they may deliver safely and be reborn in the human or heavenly realms. Swiftly, in accordance with the law!

The incantation says:

We respectfully invite the Mother of Double Protection

to grant true Qi without delay,

to save and deliver the ghosts,

and enable them to ascend to Heaven.

First recite the four lines of the incantation, then write the characters within this talisman and burn it with the Ancestral Qi of the Numinous Treasure tradition.

Childbirth Talisman

We respectfully invite the Mother of Double Protection to swiftly send down true Qi, save and deliver the ghosts, and enable them to ascend to Heaven.

Talisman of the Office of Birth

Recite “Birth is Truly Delivered” seven times, then recite the Numinous Script once before writing the talisman. Gather the Qi of the southeast, then recite “Those already born and those not yet born shall all be born and brought forth” thirty-two times. In a single breath, blow onto the talisman to empower it. Write both talismans on blue paper and burn them in the Hall of the Blood Lake. At the same time, visualize the deceased’s body radiating blue light that fills the entire room.

Talisman for Severing the Placental Root and Hastening Birth

Chapter on the Heavenly Physician’s Healing and Rescue

The Master said: People in the world often die from illness. When the body is incomplete in any of its ten aspects, the soul carries that illness with it. How, then, can it ascend to the altar to receive deliverance? Therefore, the Most High established methods of healing and rescue through the Heavenly Physician, using various talismans and registers to restore the deceased’s body to wholeness. How could this be called merely a small benefit?

Numinous Treasure True Talisman of the Five Spirits

The Nine Lights, the Three Qi, the Seven Luminaries, and the Five Constant Virtues: the Exalted Venerable One of the Central Sovereign descends; the Primordial Yang swiftly…

Carry it out urgently in accordance with the statutes.

The above methods must also be supplemented with the “Five Sprouts,” Daoist sacred energies that represent the vital energies of the five directions.

Proclamation

The Five Numina talisman of the Numinous Treasure is hereby announced and issued to the gods and officials of the Celestial Medical Bureau, the divine office that oversees healing:

Talisman text

The Numinous Treasure issues its command to the Celestial Medical Bureau: the Wood Palace is now ordered to administer medicinal fire and moxibustion; the Metal Official is to use needles; the Water Official is to decoct medicinal broth; and the Earth Official is to compound the medicines. Let each divine official carry out the duties of their office.

For all the departed souls and wandering spirits about to receive salvation, provide treatment according to their ailments: restore hearing to the deaf, sight to the blind, speech to the mute, and the ability to walk to the lame. Restore those who have long suffered from illness or whose grave conditions have resisted treatment to their former state. Let white hair turn black again and lost teeth grow anew. Whether women are pregnant or birds and beasts are carrying young, let all their offspring, born or unborn, come safely into being.

Revive the dead and make the white bones take on human form. The Azure Emperor protects the Hun, the White Emperor attends to the Po, the Red Emperor nourishes Qi, the Black Emperor circulates the blood, and the Yellow Emperor presides at the center. Let none of the gods violate the principle of harmony and balance. Let the Five Qi mingle and the hundred gods be in accord. May those receiving salvation regain their bodies and roam freely as they ascend to Shangqing, the exalted Daoist realm of the immortals. Let everything be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

The Grand Year, year, month, day, and hour: this order is hereby issued.

Your servant, of the ritual rank of [rank], surname [surname], receives this mandate and carries it out as commanded.

Talisman for Summoning the Celestial Physician (Mao hand sign: form the character Mao with the fingers; Eastern Qi: draw upon the energy of the East)

Incantation:

Above the Northern Emperor, beside the Hidden Origin star, may the Celestial Physician’s messenger descend to the Yellow Chamber—the place where the patient lies—and heal the dead, cleansing their form and restoring their health. By virtue of this talisman, I summon you: come swiftly to the ritual hall.

Carry it out urgently in accordance with the edict of the High Emperor.

Summoning Talisman

Great Celestial Physician, Great Earthly Physician, Golden Elixir and immortal medicines: aid all living beings. Please descend and bestow true Qi. Hearing the summons, come swiftly, and restore the patient’s body at once.

Incantation:

Celestial Physician, Celestial Physician, descend swiftly through Heaven’s Gate. Aid all living beings, cure illness, and dispel calamity. The High Emperor has issued an edict; the Wind and Fire Divine Generals must swiftly carry it out. Carry it out urgently in accordance with the Southern Pole’s law of cherishing life.

Talisman for the Qilin’s Descent with Medicine (Dipper hand sign: the prescribed hand gesture; Southern Qi: draw upon the energy of the South)

[The talisman’s text is incomplete and difficult to read] (for Yin days): seek a physician, summon, and issue the command to Taifu; inhale [the talisman’s text is incomplete and difficult to read] (for Yang days).

The sun and moon shine; Heaven and Earth turn. The Three Stars, the stellar officials, protect the Southern Pole. They command the Jade Pivot, a stellar official, to send down true Qi and administer divine medicine. The Qilin messenger arrives, accompanied by the Medicine King, the Celestial Physician, the numinous earthly physician, the sacred spirit physician, and the human ritual physician, all to treat the illness. Carry it out urgently in accordance with the High Emperor’s statutes.

Talisman for Invoking the Perfect and Summoning Down Medicine from the Southern Pole Celestial Physician

Incantation:

The Southern Pole issues its command, inscribing the names of the living. Great Celestial Physician, descend swiftly into the human world.

In the Purple Void (the celestial realm of Ziwei), divine beings assist the myriad immortals, carry out healing, manifest the Great Dao, and broadly relieve the people of their transgressions.

May illnesses be cured and evil deeds dispelled. Celestial Medical Spirit Officials, Earthly Medical Spirit Officials, and the Immortal Sages’ Meritorious Officers, who convey the commands of the gods, please swiftly descend in spirit chariots. Use the true Qi of the Five Origins—the source energy of the Five Phases—to draw forth the power of the medicines and aid those who have a destined connection. Hasten, in accordance with the command of the Great Emperor of Longevity of the Southern Pole and the edict of the Jade Emperor of the Northern Pole’s Jade Pivot.

Azure Emperor Complete-Form Talisman

Write the text of the Zhen trigram in cinnabar on an azure background.

Red Emperor Complete-Form Talisman

Write the text of the Li trigram in white on a red background.

White Emperor Complete-Form Talisman

Write the text of the Dui trigram in black on a white background.

Black Emperor Complete-Form Talisman

Write the text of the Kan trigram in yellow on a black background.

Yellow Emperor Complete-Form Talisman

Write the text of the central palace in cinnabar on a yellow background.

Complete-Form Talisman

The incantation says:

The Golden City gives birth to spiritual refinement; the Jade Cavern gathers spirit. Nurture the body within with true Qi and cultivate into a perfected person. Today, receive refinement and ascend to Vermilion Mound, the Daoist realm of immortals. May the soul be delivered and its radiance shine alongside the sun and moon. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes.

Write this talisman in cinnabar on azure paper, recite the incantation seven times, and make the hand sign of the Three Crossings and Five Sufferings, a Daoist ritual gesture.

Head-Restoration Talisman

The incantation says:

The sacred teachings of the Most High use objects to communicate with the gods. Now bestow this head upon the departed soul. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes.

This talisman is used by the divine general Taiyi to restore the head of a headless departed soul.

Hand-Restoration Talisman

The incantation says:

O departed soul, O departed soul, may your body be made whole. Now I bestow hands upon you; quickly carry out the command. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes.

This talisman is used by the divine general Taiyi to restore the hands of a departed soul who has none.

Foot-Restoration Talisman

The incantation says:

People move by means of their four limbs; one cannot walk without feet. In accordance with the teaching, call into the void below and invite transforming Qi from the East to enter the feet. Hasten in obedience to the Emperor’s statutes.

This talisman is used by the divine general Taiyi to restore the feet of a departed soul who has none.

Deafness and Mutism-Opening Talisman

The incantation says:

The East shines forth; the West transmits sound. Sound must arrive before it can be heard. Let sound swiftly enter the ears without obstruction. Above, correspond to the Void Star, a star name, and manifest the numinous power of Shi Kuang, the legendary master of hearing. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes.

Another incantation says:

Heaven opens and Earth splits; the openings in the human head should likewise be opened. Let those who are deaf and mute speak at once. The left and right path-opening seal may be used as you wish. Take an object, visualize it as a demon-subduing pestle, and thrust it toward the mouth and ears. Divine general Taiyi, open the ear passages of the departed so they may hear swiftly.

Blindness-Opening Talisman

The incantation says:

The two essences of the sun and moon and of Yin-Yang give rise to the Seven Stars. Above them corresponds Li Lou, the legendary figure with extraordinary eyesight, who is like a golden needle.

Now, by the grace of the Most High’s (Taishang’s) teaching, swiftly bestow light. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

By the command of the Lord on High.

For the talisman above, summon the divine general of Taiyi to descend and work his magic to open the eyes, enabling them to see the light.

Bone-Setting Talisman

The incantation says:

The Three Corpses, spirits said to dwell within the human body, obscure the marrow; the spirit and Qi flow through the Heavenly Dipper, a divine force among the stars of the Northern Dipper. By command, join the bones together. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

With the talisman above, the divine general of Taiyi works his power to fill in damaged places, enabling the lame to walk and swiftly ending their pain.

Water-Calming Talisman

The incantation says:

You water ghosts, aggrieved and resentful, fleeing punishment, foolish and ignorant, still entangled in past events—whether you drowned or died when boats capsized and waves overturned them—you are condemned for all eternity to remain among your kind, carrying stones and piling sand, with your bellies constantly swollen. Now, by the Most High’s Water-Calming Talisman method, I ask the divine general to calm the waters for the souls of the dead, bringing peace to their limbs and harmony to their six pulses. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Talisman for Treating Swellings, Sores, and Edema

The incantation says:

If the souls of the dead suffer from abscesses, sores, or edema, let the light of this talisman disperse these symptoms. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Talisman for Treating Punishment and Self-Inflicted Wounds, Relieving Pain and Stopping Bleeding (Dipper Dipper, Taiyi Number)

The incantation says:

If, because of karmic retribution from a previous life, the souls of the dead broke the law and suffered self-inflicted wounds or injuries from punishment, or were caught in a fight and struck down by surprise, or wrongly suffered the punishment of the axe, let this talisman command pain to cease and bleeding to stop. Let flesh grow back without leaving scars, and swiftly bring their suffering to an end. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Childbirth-Inducing Talisman (Dipper Dipper)

Dot the center of the talisman and silently recite the incantation:

Women are pregnant, and birds and beasts carry young. Whether already born or not yet born, may all grow and take shape safely. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Write “By command of the Northern Emperor” over the talisman, then swiftly write the taboo characters for the Dipper gods and turn them downward in seven circles, following the motion. Reverently beseech the Mother of Twin Protection to swiftly bestow true Qi and deliver the ghost souls, enabling them to ascend to heaven. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Talisman for Restoring the Whole Body

The incantation says:

By command of the Jade Clarity Primordial Heavenly Worthy (Yuanshi Tianzun), Lord of the Jade Clarity realm, let the Heavenly Physician restore withered bones to wholeness and deliver the dead universally. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Talisman for Restoring Blood

Talisman for Generating the Five Viscera

Talisman for Rejoining an Arm and Head (Jade Gesture, Eastern Qi)

The incantation says:

By the Most High’s compassion, may the arm and head be made whole, and may body and consciousness alike be restored to completeness, so that the spirit may attend court in the Jade Chamber, the abode of immortals. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Talisman for Settling the Tongue and Rejoining the Neck (Taboo Characters of the Northern Dipper and Southern Dipper)

The incantation says:

Universal salvation is opened to all, enabling departed souls to be reborn as human beings, gain another chance at life, and ascend to the heavens above. In each heaven there are gates leading to places of rebirth. Act swiftly in accordance with the ordinances.

Harmonize the Five Qi within the body—the five primordial vital energies—so that all the spirits unite. Set the numinous energy in motion again and again, until all Qi returns together to the immortal Way. The immortal Way regards cherishing life as essential, and its salvation of all beings is without limit. Open the Eight Gates and set the heavenly wheel in motion. The sins and merits, prohibitions and precepts, and karmic ties of past destinies borne by all beings should all be opened to universal salvation, so that departed souls may be reborn as human beings. Act swiftly in accordance with the ordinances.

Golden Knife Severing the Cords Talisman

The incantation says:

The Most High issues a command to save and protect all beings everywhere. With a golden knife, sever their bonds and preserve their bodies intact. Act swiftly in accordance with the ordinances.

Loosening Knots and Severing Ropes Talisman

The incantation says:

In the deep darkness, at the beginning of time, there was no form. What could there be to bind you, and what could there be to entangle you? Because you could not awaken, these bonds came to encircle your body. Now I shall sever the ropes with a golden knife, clearing away all the Five Sufferings and Eight Calamities. You will see and reach the source, and ascend to the Jade Court. Act swiftly in accordance with the ordinances.

Then recite:

May the three hun souls return to the Crimson Abode, the dwelling place of the soul, and the departed po soul return to the Original Palace. Visualize yourself becoming Taiyi, a revered Daoist deity, and visualize according to the Yin character. When the incantation is complete, draw in Qi from the Ghost Gate and blow it outward. Use the Golden Knife hand seal to brush away the bonds, then form the Sword hand seal and face west to draw in Qi.

Opening the Throat Talisman (the talisman is written in black, with the talismanic characters in cinnabar)

The incantation says:

Vast light and the Qi of generation spread and gather, from which heaven and earth take form. The two luminaries, the sun and moon, shine together in purity; the Five Planets meet one another, and the Three Lights—the sun, moon, and stars—shine forth. Precious Qi gathers in the Three Palaces, and the Nine Elders assemble in the Imperial Realm. Swallow this Qi, and all the bones and limbs become full. Golden blossoms illuminate the scene, and the body shines in splendor with the sun and moon. Before the supreme saints of the Dao, endure through myriad kalpas, with a lifespan without end. Act swiftly in accordance with the ordinances.

Chapter on Purifying Defilement

The master says: The Heavenly Physician restores the body of the deceased, and the Registrar of Life releases the deceased from their bonds. But if the whole body is defiled, how can it be cleansed? A talisman must be used to wash and purge it, making the body pure and radiant. Only then can the deceased approach the ritual altar and receive deliverance.

Nine Phoenixes Purging Defilement Talisman

The talisman bears phrases such as “Nine Phoenix Generals,” “Heaven Turns, Earth Revolves,” and “Heaven’s Mystery Turns and Revolves.” It states that the spirits of the Nine Phoenixes will successively dispel, gather in, purge, and release the defiling Qi.

Purifying the Spirit Talisman

The incantation says:

The Primordial Heavenly Worthy of the sacred realm of Jade Purity commands the True Officials of the Nine Phoenixes to act in accordance with the decree of the Emperor of Bright Heaven. Act swiftly in accordance with the ordinances.

Releasing Defilement Talisman

Filth-Cleansing Talisman (Stepping the Dipper, Entering the Celestial Gate through Qi)

Incantation:

The three kinds of primordial Qi revolve. The nine phoenixes fly in, and banners wave in all directions, responding above to the Taiwei Enclosure (a region of stars in the heavens). Burn away and cleanse evil and filth; breathe forth the Qi of vermilion cinnabar to bring peace to the spirits. Send commands by talisman and dispatch, and look upward to summon the light of numinous clarity.

Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

Chapter on Ritual Purification

The master said: While living in the world, people are often tainted by the six realms of form, sound, fragrance, taste, touch, and mental objects—the six defilements. After death, they enter the dark underworld, where pervasive Yin Qi clouds the mind and layers of foul Qi obscure them, until their original nature is veiled by dust and grime. Therefore, the High Mystery (a Daoist term for exalted divine beings or the celestial realm) transmitted precious talismans, so that five fragrances might infuse and cleanse the deceased, purifying their souls and spirits in the hope that they may transcend and be transformed.

Talisman for Transforming the Luo Chamber (middle section of the written text)

Water-Stirring Talisman

Zuo Ziwen recites the “Incantation of the Eastern Well” and stirs the water twice. The master forms a hand seal, moving it upward along the nail side of the second finger in sequence; do this with both the left and right hands. Then use the left sleeve to draw in the deceased men and the right sleeve to draw in the deceased women.

Incantation:

Stir this water and make it clear. When people receive this water, their hearing and sight become keen; when ghosts receive it, their souls are enabled to be reborn. All you gathered ghosts, come and receive its cleansing moisture.

Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

Another incantation:

In heaven, water is called the Milky Way; on earth, it is called the Yellow River; within the human body, it is the storehouse of the Dantian; in Daoist ritual practice, it is the place where fire is refined. After you all bathe, the names of the myriad ghosts will be erased from the registers. Once you receive this water, you will never again undergo birth and extinction.

Om, a-na-lan-he-ye-ji-li-she.

Men’s Hall Talisman and Women’s Chamber Talisman

Recite the “Radiant Unity, Heavenly Emperor, Sun” seven times for both talismans above.

Incantation:

The talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning descends; the deceased ascend in due course. The deceased cast off bodily filth and attain rebirth.

Hasten, in accordance with the command of the Supreme Emperor.

Men’s Hall: Talisman of the Sun-Soul Conceiving the Pearl in Purple Clouds

The talisman text notes: The Mao graph (a written symbol used in Daoist talismans); the nine-pointed golden radiance within the sun enters its center. Its principle accords with the five Qi; the nine harmonize and the ten unite, manifesting an image of light. The Vermilion Radiance Sun-Soul moves in and out of the Flowery Chamber; the Dark Wind transforms it in Highest Clarity. Below, it guards the Mudball and Crimson Palace in the human body; green radiance shines upon the place of concealment. Through ten revolutions, the spirit returns; the spirit is nurtured and the body refined, naturally attaining true perfection.

Incantation:

Lord of Destiny, who receives and guides the radiance of the sun, the splendor of the Nine Emperors gathers as one, and the three lights—the sun, moon, and stars—travel side by side. Let me rise together with you, speeding high through the Three Heavens.

Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

Women’s Chamber: Talisman of the Moon-Soul and the Nine Numinous Ones Attaining True Perfection

The Yellow Emperor presides over the center and commands the myriad spirits, ensuring that each remains in its proper place and does not cross its boundaries. Taokang, the Fate-Controller, and Taiyi, an important celestial deity, together sustain life. After receiving the mandate, his divine power becomes manifest. Guarded by the attendant spirits of the White Emperor, he ascends to the Three Realms and roams freely in the Upper Clarity realm.

The incantation says:

The sun stands at the center of the sky; the Emperor and Primordial Lady of the moon appear. The Eight Radiances, the eight aspects of light described in Daoist teachings, are arrayed in order, and precious light supports the body. The body produces jade fluid; inwardly, one cultivates, and outwardly, one becomes pure. In reverent obedience to the law, act swiftly.

The talisman on the right uses a white ground and cinnabar writing, with a glyph shaped like the character you. Light shines from the moon in all directions, forming ten rays.

Filth-Cleansing Talisman

The incantation says:

The radiance of the sun and moon shines throughout the heavens. Star Lord of the Eastern Well, Lord of Refinement and Deliverance of the Eastern Well, Perfected One of Numinous Blessings, Perfected One Who Rescues from Suffering, Perfected One Who Delivers Souls, Perfected One of Heaven and Earth, Dragon King of the Celestial River, Numinous Officer of the Nine-Phoenixes Who Breaks Filth, Great General of the White Chariot and White Horse, Lady of Washing and Cleansing, Seven Divine Youths, Envoys of the Four Watches Who Guide Souls, and Generals of the Six Jia and Bing-Ding: guide the departed soul through refinement and deliverance, and through cleansing and bathing, so that it may ascend to the realm of light. In accordance with the provisions of the Lingbao Great Rites, carry out the command.

Talisman for Dispelling Filth and Bathing Souls

A talisman used to remove filth and bathe the souls of the dead. It has a white ground, black writing, and, according to the Jade Instructions, draws on Qi from the east.

The incantation says:

Heaven and earth open into clarity and brightness; the four seasons keep their proper order. With mysterious water, wash away filth and drive off ill fortune. Two youths guard the gates, and seven numinous spirits bring peace to the chambers. Cloud Ford, the passage of cloud Qi, spreads and nourishes; the myriad kinds of primordial Qi blend in harmony and peace. Within and without, all is smooth and upright; protect this yellow robe. Swiftly carry out the command of the Lord on High.

The incantation for another talisman says:

Bathe the body so that the soul leaves the path of the netherworld; clear away the karmic burdens of the past, and no longer be confined in the Nine Prisons. Now bathe with fragrant broth and the sweet dew of the Jade Pool, refreshing the whole body and restoring its parts. Receive clothing and food, and be reborn in the human or celestial realms. Whether male or female, let all be cleansed of filth. Swiftly carry out the command of the Lord on High, in accordance with the Mysterious Statutes.

Yellow Blossom Talisman for Cleansing the Body

The incantation says:

Water from the Celestial River pours into the Eastern Well; the vital essence of the Stone Radiance Water Mother spreads forth. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning lifts the long night. Celestial beings and departed souls follow the moon’s course to be reborn, bathing at the Orchid Pool. Dragon spirits carry the Vase of the Morning Star, and golden youths sprinkle fragrant water. Jade maidens wash the departed soul’s five organs. Place the cap on the head and fasten the sash, so that the body shines like jade. Through refinement and deliverance, it transforms into the form of the Five Immortals; the body gives off fragrance, the myriad spirits gather, and, receiving the sun’s light, it ascends to a realm of sublime brightness. Swiftly carry out the command.

Cinnabar Yang Talisman. Stone Radiance Water Mother Talisman

These two talismans appear in the section “Fire-Refinement Talisman.”

Talisman for Cleansing Blood and Bathing the Corpse

A talisman used to cleanse the blood of the dead and bathe them. It has a blue-green ground, cinnabar writing, a glyph shaped like the character zi, and draws on Qi from the north.

The incantation says:

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issues a talismanic command, freeing the deceased’s soul from the constraints of the flesh, washing away impurity and malevolence, and bringing it to rest. The Seven Liquids are infused, and the Five Viscera shine with light. Hasten to obey the Emperor’s command.

Chapter on Robes and Attire

The master says: After the departed soul has been bathed, prepare celestial robes for it and make its appearance neat, so that it may pay court to the True Immortals and hear the Dao. Since garments made in the world are not naturally formed in Heaven, talismanic texts must be used to transform and refine them. Once the deceased receives celestial robes, its body and appearance become light and pure, and its ascent to Heaven may be hoped for.

Talisman for transforming into men’s robes.

Talisman for transforming into women’s robes.

Talisman for transforming into pure robes for birth in Heaven.

These three talismans are all written in the Jade Instructions recorded in the Middle Section, and use the Qi of the East.

There is another talisman.

The incantation says:

The Seven Luminaries—the Sun, Moon, and five planets—sustain the frail; True Qi transforms into robes. The Four Spirits guard, while the Five Planets shine together. Qi becomes patterned silk; refinement through emptiness forms a majestic image. The Six Directions lend their support, and the Two Qi are wondrous. The Jade True One shines brilliantly, and the celestial maidens ascend together. The perfect radiance is white and pure; the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning compassionately bestows protection. Hasten to obey the command.

Om, xin xin hu wu fa yi di ming du: transform and refine tangible things, drawing them in through the power of the ritual.

Om, da tuo ye luo tuo ye di hong bo zha li.

Om, transform into True Crystal. Vast beyond measure, within a single thought all are equal, with no distinction of high or low. Cast aside those illusory attachments and realize this pure state.

The Great Rites of the Numinous Treasure of Highest Clarity, fascicle forty-two