《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 43

Great Method of Highest Clarity and Numinous Treasure, Scroll Forty-Three: Purification Rituals, Talismans, and Registers

Chapter on Bestowing the Precepts

The master said: According to the Scripture of the Golden Registers for Delivering and Prolonging Life, the deceased should receive and uphold the Nine Perfected Wondrous Precepts and the True Talisman for Long Life and Deliverance from Suffering. In this way, the deceased’s name can be entered in the Golden Register and included among the beings of Jade Clarity, the lofty celestial realm described in Daoism. Therefore, talismans and registers are used when summoning spirits, so that the spirits may protect the deceased. The merit of this is immeasurable.

Talisman of Precept Light and Restoration of Nature

Talisman for Summoning the Youth Who Inspects Destinies (a talisman for summoning a youth who examines people’s fates)

Incantation:

Youth who inspects destinies, examine the human form. Do not give rise to attachment or deluded views; eliminate falsehood and lust. Let the spirit become clear and the Qi flow smoothly, so that one does not fall into the netherworld. Hasten and obey the talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning!

Talisman for Summoning the Mighty Spirit Who Protects the Precepts (a talisman for summoning a powerful spirit who upholds the precepts)

Incantation:

Mighty spirit who protects the precepts, examine this body and the circumstances of its birth. Swear in accordance with the talismanic command: do not reveal it or treat it lightly. Uphold it in secret, and the immortal path will open before you. If it is revealed or neglected, the ancestral masters will bring punishment. Hasten and obey the law!

Talisman for Summoning the Direct Officers of the Five Emperors (a talisman for summoning the Five Emperors’ own talismanic officers)

Incantation:

Direct officers of the Five Emperors, make the inner and outer realms communicate and bring numinous responses to light. Those who break their oaths will be examined and punished; those who keep them will live. Let names be entered in the registers of the world of the living, and let evil roots be removed. By command of the Primordial Beginning, carry this out swiftly!

Talisman for Summoning the Clerks of the Six Palaces (a talisman for summoning the officials of the Six Palaces)

Incantation:

The Qi of the Six Palaces delivers all living beings. On the day a person receives transformation, let them pass beyond the courts and prisons of the netherworld; let their karmic offenses be erased, and let light arise of its own accord. Hasten and obey the command of the Supreme Emperor!

Chapter on the Great Offering

The master said: In general, if deliverance is not widespread, how can it be called a “great purification ritual”? The essence of the ritual therefore lies in delivering all beings, leaving no departed soul behind, whether it is in the bright realm or the dark. Offering food to ghosts as numerous as the sands of the Ganges depends entirely on the power of transformation wrought by talismanic commands. This is called the Great Method of Delivering People Without Limit.

Talisman for Opening the Five Roads (write this talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper; write the proclamation in ink, with “Eastern Qi” written in the center)

Proclamation:

Let this talisman be announced to the Ten Directions and Three Realms; the Five Sacred Peaks and Four Great Rivers; the Nine Provinces; and the lands of the Eastern Yi, Southern Man, Western Rong, Northern Di, and all regions within China. Let it be announced to the roads of the Five Directions, the passes and crossings on land and water, the Yellow Springs and Artemisia Village of the netherworld, and the spirits who govern the gates of Heaven, courtyards, roads, paths, and the secluded routes through the gates of the underworld. All relevant deities must obey this talismanic command and swiftly open the Five Roads.

Free someone who has already died, along with the souls lingering in the netherworld among the Six Paths and Four Births. Let them leave the dark realm directly and behold the light, proceeding together to the Mysterious Altar—the place where Daoist rites are performed—to receive its blessings. Through the wholesome fruits of this wondrous method, may they be reborn in the heavenly realms. Let all this be carried out in accordance with the ritual command.

Precious Invocation of the Jade Purity Heavenly Emperor

(Used for issuing a talismanic proclamation; the ritual method is the same as above.)

Incantation for Inscribing the Invocation

The Great Brahmā of Jade Purity—the vast, pure energy of the Jade Purity realm—shines upon the Three Paths of Suffering: hell, hungry ghosts, and animals; it guides and uplifts beings in the Six Paths, the six destinations of rebirth. The precious registers of cloud script, the vermilion phoenix’s elixir writings—swiftly, in accordance with:

The command of the Supreme Emperor of Primordial Beginning.

Proclamation

The talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning is proclaimed throughout the Ten Heavens, the Three Offices, the Nine Palaces, the Five Sacred Peaks, the river lords of the Five Rivers, the Water Palace, the Ninefold Darkness, and all boundless netherworlds everywhere: for the salvation of the lone souls and lingering spirits of the Six Paths and Four Births throughout the Nine Provinces, whether they have already undergone transformation or not, and who still endure unending suffering. Now Heaven and Earth widely spread their teachings, the Primordial Emperor opens the gates of salvation, blessings are widely sown, and all beings are universally succored, so that every offense may be erased.

May they today receive refinement and deliverance, leave suffering behind, and ascend to the upper realms. May the talismanic command of the Heavenly Emperor be carried out swiftly, so that the yin souls may be received and raised up, return to the natural Dao, and partake of offerings as sweet as the nectar of the Heavenly Kitchen. May all souls together ascend to the realm of refinement, tread upon golden lotuses, and pay court at the Jade Palace in Heaven. Let everything be carried out in accordance with the ritual command.

Issued under the cyclical signs of the Grand Year, year, month, day, and hour.

I, an officiant of the ritual rank, of the surname [surname], having received the imperial mandate, carry out its command.

Talismans and Incantations for Summoning

Talisman for Summoning Beings of the Six Paths and Four Births

Talisman for Summoning Lone Souls

The incantation says:

The numinous talisman of Jade Purity delivers and uplifts lone souls. Vast and boundless Fengdu, city of the netherworld; tier upon tier of iron walls. Let the dead be raised up and delivered, ascending to Vermilion Mound, the immortal realm of Daoist tradition. Om, ru, bo, she.

Jade Banner Talisman

Talisman for Summoning Beings of the Six Paths of Rebirth

Talisman for Summoning Beings of the Four Births of Rebirth

Talisman for Summoning Beings of the Heavenly Path

The incantation says:

The primordial Qi of Jade Purity—the original energy of the Jade Purity realm—summons the celestial immortals everywhere. Riding flying clouds, may they all attend the ritual altar. Swiftly, in accordance with:

The command of the Supreme Emperor of Primordial Beginning.

The summoning and drawing-in command of Primordial Beginning is proclaimed throughout the ten directions, so that everywhere may hear the intent of the sacred sound. May beings of the Heavenly Path answer the summons to the Hall of Blessings. Swiftly, in accordance with the law.

Talisman for Summoning Beings of the Spirit Path

The incantation says:

Jade Purity proclaims and spreads its teachings, summoning the spirits above; Lingbao, in its compassion, bestows grace, freeing beings from the courts of the netherworld. Swiftly, in accordance with:

The command of the Supreme Emperor of Primordial Beginning.

May the work be accomplished and benefit all things, bringing benefit to beings and accord with the heavens. With the golden talisman I summon you, so that your spiritual powers may reach throughout the source of the river. Swiftly, in accordance with the law.

Talisman for Summoning Beings of the Human Path.

The primal Brahmic Qi (the primordial energy that precedes Heaven) born from Jade Purity (the Clear Subtlety Heaven where Daoist honored deities dwell) fills all places, drawing in and summoning the living beings of the human world.

Hasten, hasten, as commanded.

By decree of the Supreme Lord of the Primordial Beginning:

The lord of the Dharma source of the Three Realms responds to the pleas of living beings and receives offerings without limit. As the perfected ones who have attained the Dao proclaim at the Dharma assembly, all beings in the human realm can become immortals. Hasten, hasten, as the law commands.

Incantation to summon beings from the three good destinies to the Dharma banquet

Jade Purity makes abundant offerings everywhere, spreading sweet ambrosia (delicious food offered in worship). Its fragrance rises to the highest heavens and circles the ten directions. May all living beings receive deliverance and instruction, and partake universally of the Dharma food (offerings at the Dharma assembly). Hasten, hasten, as commanded.

By decree of the Supreme Lord of the Primordial Beginning:

Talisman to summon beings from the hell destiny

The incantation says:

The light of wisdom shines through the dark realm and illuminates hell. All the gates of hell open, and beings leave their cold prisons forever. Their kin and all beings bound by karmic ties find peace. Hasten, hasten, as commanded.

By decree of the Supreme Lord of the Primordial Beginning:

The talismanic decree takes effect throughout the Three Realms and summons the spirits. The sounds of the Dharma resound, containing wondrous principles, and bring light to the hell realm. Hasten, hasten, as the law commands.

Talisman to summon beings from the ghost destiny

The incantation says:

May compassionate love deliver all beings, and compassion restore their vitality. May all hungry ghosts enjoy abundant and exquisite food. Hasten, hasten, as commanded.

By decree of the Supreme Lord of the Primordial Beginning:

May beings parched, emaciated, and difficult to save receive deliverance according to the day and night, and the gravity of their offenses. The Supreme Lord of the Primordial Beginning issues a talismanic decree, enabling beings in the ghost destiny to become immortals and obtain immortal forms. Hasten, hasten, as the law commands.

Talisman to summon beings from the animal destiny

The incantation says:

The great transformation of the Primordial Beginning delivers all beings everywhere. All kinds of sentient animals come to the orchid chamber (the pure place where the Dharma assembly is held). Hasten, hasten, as commanded.

By decree of the Supreme Lord of the Primordial Beginning:

Beings endure calamities through the ages, drifting and suffering, afflicted day and night. Pour yellow blossoms into the Eastern Well (a sacred image used in this incantation), bringing purity and peace to beings in the animal destiny. Hasten, hasten, as the law commands.

Incantation to summon beings from the three evil destinies to the Dharma banquet

Jade Purity brings liberation through its myriad transformations, dissolving evil karma and old grievances. May beings turn toward good destinies, fulfill their immortal work, and find their karmic paths unobstructed. The Jade Emperor issues a command to summon beings swiftly: let them ascend at once, receive offerings, and pay homage at the imperial court. Hasten, as commanded,

by the law of the Supreme Lord of the Primordial Beginning.

Talisman to summon the souls of the dead

The incantation says:

Yin and Yang are divided, and the Qi of their respective realms flows unseen. May the souls of the dead under this jurisdiction obey the talismanic decree and come from the hidden realm to share in the rain of sweet dew. May radiant light shine everywhere, refine the yin corpse (the body of the deceased), remove its faults, and enable it to ascend to Heaven with ease. Hasten, as commanded

by the Supreme Lord of the Primordial Beginning. (Soul-seizing formula / division into groups)

Summoning talisman

Deliverance talisman

Soul-summoning talisman

Soul-seizing talisman

Talisman to summon the Great Brahmic King of the Vast Mists (this talisman has already appeared in the “Section on Scriptural Phrases and Talismans,” but has no incantation).

The incantation says:

The Celestial Emperor arrays the Four Forms—the four powers, such as Yin, Yang, firmness, and gentleness, that make up the order of Heaven and Earth. Within them is the Qi of the Great Brahma of the Circular Net, spreading far and wide, causing the sun and moon to shine brightly. The left eye transforms into Lord Xuhuang, and the right ear into the Venerable Daluo. The breath from the nose turns like a wheel, and the Dao transforms into sweet rain that falls everywhere. The True King rescues those in the underworld, teaching all beings through the power of the heavens. This universal deliverance has no end.

The divine beings divide into the Five Qi, the five primordial energies, and rise together with the Dao. Drifting fine rain becomes sweet dew; dense mists spread everywhere, nourishing the five organs within the body. Subtle Qi descends into the Three Palaces—the upper, middle, and lower Dantians within the body. Within the true there is yet another true, called Mingxing: the primordial state before Heaven and Earth were separated and chaos had not yet opened. The kings of the Four Heavenly Gates and the eight Great Spirit Kings, carrying the Jade Emperor’s command, shine forth in the ten directions. Light streams down; the power of Great Brahma reaches all eight directions, and sweet dew descends to the Nine Springs, rescuing sunken souls and freeing them from hunger and thirst.

Divine wisdom nourishes in secret, and the Jade Emperor saves all beings. In the Azure Profound Rite of Deliverance, the Perfected Ones of the Left Camp divide the primordial Qi, enabling the souls of the dead to ascend. The Spirit Palanquin of Jade Characters rescues those who have sunk low, filling them with abundance and allowing them to pass freely into the Void. The Qi of Mingxing condenses into essence, forever ending hunger and emptiness. Food is inexhaustible, and primordial Qi fills all, like a heavenly kitchen. The Three Treasures Golden Book of the Great Abode of Jade Clarity delivers the souls of the dead, setting them on the road to the heavenly realm. Let this be carried out swiftly, in accordance with the laws of the Three Treasures Lords.

Incantation

Om, zhali zhali, qunli qunli. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command.

Petition

We respectfully summon the one hundred and twenty spirit officials of Mingxing Great Brahma. We submit this petition to the Jade Emperor, praying that he bestow compassionate and auspicious sweet dew, which may fly and transform, transmute the Five Phases, and become offerings of food. May the food offering fill the ten directions, vast and unobstructed, its light shining everywhere, irrigating and nourishing all, with a rich and fragrant flavor.

May these offerings be ample and abundant, so that all the wandering souls of the earth who come today to receive deliverance, and the ghosts as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, may have their withered bowels instantly filled and their life force renewed. May they forever be free from hunger and emptiness, and all ascend to the realm of refinement and deliverance. May the myriad spirits obey this command and carry it out as directed.

This petition is issued under the cyclical year, month, day, and hour.

I, a ritual officer of the rank of [rank], of the [surname] family, having received the imperial command, carry out this rite.

Format for the sealed cover

“By command of the Jade Clarity Talisman: issued to the spirit officials of Mingxing Great Brahma.” Sealed respectfully by [surname], ritual officer of the rank of [rank].

Write the talisman above in cinnabar on yellow paper, and the petition in ink. During the rite, burn the talisman so that it may transform and transmute. Visualize and perform the rite according to the liturgy.

Incantation for the Lingbao Rite of Sweet Dew and Food for the Birth of Heaven

The Most High’s ritual water can turn a little into much: each grain of rice piles up like a mountain, each drop of water gathers into a great river. May solitary souls and lingering spirits forever escape the trials of sinking into distress; through the power of the Daoist rite, may they be transformed and reborn in the Sahā world, the human realm. Open a ritual gateway for all beings, so that the highest-ranking spirits of the ten directions may be delivered. Swiftly proclaim and carry out the talismanic command.

Visualize yourself taking the form of the Celestial Worthy of Azure Mystery Who Rescues Those in Need, and imagine blue clouds descending from the east. At your left and right stand the Azure Mystery Youth and the Jade Maiden of Azure Radiance, dressed in blue robes and wearing vermilion shoes, each holding a talisman for breaking open the hells. Then imagine the jade streamer standing upright above your head. Hold a brush and recite the incantation given earlier. After writing the talisman, recite this prayer:

May the souls of the departed forever leave behind the suffering of the long night. May the cold prisons be destroyed and the swords and blades turn to light, so that all may see the light. May the Greatly Compassionate Venerable of Taiyi take pity on the souls who suffer through the long night, and let them leave the Cold Court, ascend the Dharma Bridge, and receive deliverance.

Incantation for the Sweet Dew Talisman:

Vast and deep is the Supreme One’s numinous spring. Its sweet dew moistens the withered and nourishes all things, flowing on without end of its own accord. Its wondrous jade liquid is clear and pure, bringing forth souls and spirits in an unceasing stream. Its cool numinous Qi guards life and puts out raging fires. The Floral Pool is deep, and its source cannot be fathomed. By the command of the Supreme Emperor, let this be carried out swiftly.

Incantation for Sprinkling the Sweet Dew Talisman:

Fengdu, the dark and distant realm of the dead, is suddenly filled with penetrating light. Fragrant, sweet food is brought before the departed. Talismans refined by Lingbao revive the hundred bones and send them soaring. They let the departed behold the wondrous immortal realm and learn the way back. By command, let this be carried out swiftly.

Even across ten thousand kalpas, such a meritorious affinity is hard to encounter and should be cherished. The opening of the netherworld depends entirely on the power of the true Dao. With the Dharma as bridge and boat, send the departed to the far shore and save all beings without end. With each thought, accumulate the conditions for goodness in this life; ride the light and ascend. By command, let this be carried out swiftly.

Incantation for Burning the Talisman and Transforming the Food:

I respectfully transform one hu of ritual food infused with sweet dew into ten portions, ten into a hundred, a hundred into a thousand, and a thousand into ten thousand, so that it may be offered to all beings. Let the little become much and the narrow become broad, swiftly transforming into an offering that is universal, unobstructed, vast, and abundant.

Resplendent light bears up Heaven and Earth, moves in accord with Yin-Yang, embraces the four Qi, and joins the Three Lights. Taiyi issues a command, and the offerings multiply. By command, let this be carried out swiftly. (Face the Qi of the northeast and blow it toward the food.)

Incantation for Freedom from Fear:

The Supreme Emperor commands: your soul’s sins are forgiven. The hearings in the Ninefold Darkness cease, and Luofeng, the ghostly court in the netherworld, reopens its dark gates. Let all ghosts escape the cycle of birth and death. Let Yellow Radiance cleanse their bodies, bring them into accord with the natural Dao, and receive them for refinement and deliverance, so that they may be reborn. By command, let this be carried out swiftly.

Incantation for Leaving the Cold Court:

The Qi of the Supreme One’s Ninefold Radiant True Flower streams down in shining light, illuminating the Ninefold Darkness. The Supreme Emperor commands that all departed souls be saved. Let the souls suffering in the netherworld prison swiftly leave the cold prison. By command, let this be carried out swiftly.

This liturgy uses visualization, recitation, talisman writing, and the transformation of food to provide offerings to the departed and pray for their deliverance. The sweet dew and ritual food symbolize nourishment for the souls in the netherworld, while the incantations invoke the Supreme Emperor and Taiyi to release them from sin and suffering, help them leave the underworld, and grant them salvation.

Following the method described on the right, form the Jade Purity mudra, draw on the Qi of the northeast, blow, and visualize the departed souls escaping from hell.

Hell-Breaking Talisman

First visualize the Ghost Gate, Tianyi, the Northern Prison, Fengdu, Luoshan, and other such places. The Yellow Way opens, and brilliant light appears. Next, form the Mao mudra with the left hand and visualize the sun radiating light. Lower the four fingers of the right hand; the light in the palm shines through hell. All the souls see the light, and their forms change and are purified. Then draw the hands back, curl the fingers into the palms, and hold them before the chest.

Visualize the souls following the light until they all reach the ritual altar. Form the Yin mudra with the left hand and recite the Fengdu incantation. Visualize Fengdu Mountain towering high, dark and lightless, while the departed souls wail in grief. The ritual master uses precious radiance to pierce the darkness. The seven generations of ancestors and nine generations of ancestral spirits—that is, ancestors of every generation—follow the light as it arrives. Together they ride a fragrant-cloud carriage, sit upon green lotus seats, and ascend into the heavens with the light.

Business-Opening Talisman

Living-Soul Talisman

Soul-Nurturing Talisman

(Lingzhi: rootless)

Three Lights Dharma-Qi Talisman

(Haojing generates: Dharma Qi)

Three Lights, Eight Assemblies, Flowing Essence Talisman

(The Wondrous Dao generates: the One Qi)

Two Lights, Infant-Descending Talisman

(Mysterious and Absolute Nine: within the Qi)

Three Lights Jade Yang Talisman

(Jade Yang Upright: true Qi)

Three Lights Cloud Radiance Talisman

Incantation:

Draw Qi from beyond Yuluo; nine rays of light gather into cloud radiance. The seven spirits dwell in the lofty realm of the Dao, while three celestial lights shine upon vermilion clouds. Offer incense and fire, and take in the refined essence of dawn. When one’s work is complete, one can escape the nets of the mundane world. After being refined through the tribulations of the mortal world, even ten million years seem brief. Leave the registers of the Three Realms and befriend the people of the Supreme One’s household. Harness the light of heaven, command the Dark Dipper, and reach even the farthest corners of the eight directions.

Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Three Lights, Immortal-Guiding Talisman

Incantation:

The Dao is naturally utmost and true, its mysteries reaching their limit. Its profound radiance fills the myriad heavens, where the heavenly gods bow before the Jade Steps. The Nine Elders gather at the splendid pavilion. The Three Lights possess numinous power, and only sages and worthies can deliver others. Through diligent cultivation of the path to immortality, one dwells in the immortal realm and swallows the flower’s root. Spirit and body accord with the three celestial signs, and from afar return to the source. The divine bird flies through the heavens and ascends, unwilling ever to return.

Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Three Lights, Nine Ancestral Spirits Talisman

Incantation:

Far above, in the Three Heavens, stands the Ninefold Mysterious Terrace. The True Youth gathers lingzhi, and the Jade Maiden returns bearing flowers. Heavenly guests welcome the immortals; in the space of a bow and a glance, they ascend the Jade Steps. The Celestial River lies at the Eastern Well, and precious Qi swirls around them. Swallow and rinse with jade liquid, and this tribulation will no longer bring sorrow. Look up toward the path of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing); shake out your robes and set forth—what is there to fear or worry about?

Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Three Lights, Stabilizing Light Talisman

O supreme and most exalted Way of the Perfected Ones, how wondrous are the words of the Lingbao tradition, with its scriptures and ritual arts! Absorb the radiance of the sun and moon and the Qi of the Dao, becoming as numinous as the Jade Emperor. Swallow Jing and Qi, and visualize radiant light within the body, so that its crystalline brilliance flows through every part of you. The light gathers, clear as snow and frost. Within and without, all is penetrated by its brightness; it shines beyond the body’s passes and apertures, while all dust and impurity disperse. The skin grows full and lustrous, and no longer ages. To accord with this Way is called “Settled Light.” You dwell in the Hall of Great Brightness, a place where night never falls. Gather in your outward traces and return to the root; through nine transformations, concentrate the Shen, and let the realm of emptiness appear forever. Urgently obey the statutes and put this into effect.

Bushel-Transformation Talisman

Food-Transformation Talisman

Incantation:

The true flavor of nature has wondrous uses without limit. What is eaten will never be exhausted; it will become radiant power forever.

Urgently obey the statutes.

By the command of the True Elders of the Five Emperors, an honorific for the sovereigns and numinous beings of the five directions.

The Qi of Yin and Yang protects and guards; it gathers in and commands the myriad spirits, transforming in countless ways and extending throughout the entire Dharma Realm.

Urgently obey the statutes.

Talisman to Remove Heat and Distress

When writing the talisman above, recite “Jade Emperor, Great Celestial Worthy.”

Food-Transformation Talisman

Food, food, hands, hands.

Food, food, hands, hands.

Food, food, hands, hands.

Also:

When writing the two talismans above, recite the middle section of the Numinous Book.

Supreme One’s Ninefold Food-Transformation Talisman (centered on the Qi of the Central Yellow)

Incantation:

The divine light of the Supreme One transforms without end or limit, reaching upward to the Great Luo Heaven and downward to the Springs’ Abode, the realm of the dead. Its ritual flavor is inexhaustible, its sweet dew beyond measure; it transforms ten thousand millionfold and ascends in audience to the Jade Chamber, the dwelling place of the immortals.

Om ong luo li chang can tuo ta ni tuo ye duo qie mi tuo.

Urgently obey the statutes.

Talisman to Transform Wine into Precious Nectar

Incantation:

In the long, dark night, a guilty soul drinks this nectar, returns to life, and swiftly ascends to the realm of the immortals.

Urgently obey the statutes.

Petition for Releasing Resentments

The master said: People living in this world often harm other beings through an impatient nature, or incur debts of life and property, building up all kinds of resentments and entanglements. As a result, lawsuits and disputes in the underworld persist, and the dead cannot be reborn. Now, having received Heaven’s grace, they may be delivered; they have also received the methods of cultivation for securing deliverance. Yet among the dead, those burdened by deep resentment and bitter hatred may still stir up trouble if they happen to meet. Therefore, one should follow the prescribed procedures of Zhaijiao (purification ritual), using talismanic inscriptions suited to each circumstance to resolve their grievances, turn their hearts toward the Dao, and dispel their hatred. In this way, perhaps they may all ascend together to a realm of peace and joy.

Talisman for Harmonizing and Releasing Grievances

Grievance-Releasing Talisman

Incantation:

May entanglements of grievance be released, and may all suffering from sin be made peaceful. May you soon be transformed into new life; may the power of compassion issue its command far and wide.

Urgently obey the statutes.

Unite the spirit and body, and bring the Qi of the Five Phases into harmony. Leave the underworld and come to this household; receive the talismanic command and feast in the Jade Capital, the celestial realm of the immortals.

Urgently obey the statutes.

This passage lists several talismans and incantations used to resolve grievances and debts of enmity. The ritual practices include burning talismans, putting them into water and sprinkling it, directing Qi toward the Gate of Heaven while forming a hand seal, and drawing talismans on the ground with a sword. In the scripture, “Qi” refers to the primordial vital energy spoken of in Daoism. “In accordance with the statutes and commands” is a common imperative ending in Daoist ritual incantations.

Talisman for Resolving Grievances

The incantation beseeches the compassionate Lord of the Great Luo Heaven to dispel entanglements of grievance, so that those who suffer may hear the summons, be saved, and proceed to a sacred realm. It then calls upon water from the Jade Spring to be sprinkled over their radiant bodies, washing away impurity and making them pure.

Talisman for Releasing Debts of Grievance

The talisman beseeches celestial deities to pardon enmities, so that the souls of the seven ancestral generations—the deceased spirits of seven generations of forebears—may be released from grievances and reconcile with one another. They are commanded to carry this out without delay. The ritual instructions include using mao script, a form of writing used in Daoist talismans, to direct Qi toward the talisman, and drawing the talisman on the ground with a sword.

The incantation beseeches the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning to bring enlightenment and preside over reconciliation, so that enmities may be dissolved. It declares that the talismanic command has been issued and requires the entanglements of grievance to be resolved promptly.

Talisman for Resolving Grievances and Releasing Entanglements

The talismanic text beseeches the Jade Emperor and the Three Pure Ones, the three highest deities revered in Daoism, along with other deities, to issue an edict summoning all spirits to return to the right path. May the spirits of the dead be rescued and freed, their grievances and transgressions washed away, and their attachments to mutual enmity ended. May each follow the talismanic command and be reborn according to their own karmic causes and effects. Any who disobey will be banished forever from the Cold Court, a frigid place of suffering in the underworld. The talisman also lists the names of deities such as the Saviors from Suffering of the Ten Directions, invoking their power to deliver the spirits.

The incantation declares that the divine talisman has been issued, commanding the release of grievances and the end of enmity and opposition. Mutual offenses and karmic ties of resentment are to be extinguished together, so that no further harmful karma is created. The spirits of the dead may leave the Cold Court, and the roots of their sins will be removed.

True Talisman for Resolving Grievances

The talismanic text beseeches the Three Pure Ones, the Lords of the Three Heavens, and the Perfected One of Supreme On High Who Releases Grievances to sweep away all karma and dissolve grievances and transgressions from past lives, so that they vanish at once.

The incantation says: “You guilty souls, because the karma from your past lives is so weighty, you are constantly filled with anger, your thoughts never ceasing. Now I bow before the supreme and honored deities and pray that you release your mutual enmity.”

After drawing a spirit talisman, when burning it, visualize the Most High One (Taiyi, a revered Daoist deity) emitting five-colored light from above your head, brightly illuminating the ritual grounds, the place where the ceremony is performed. This passage explains the ritual procedure described earlier.

Lingbao Talisman for Resolving Grievances and Knots and Guiding the Dead to Salvation

When performing this rite, recite the middle section of the invocation, press the ritual mudra at the base of the fingers, and turn the palms over. Write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper.

Proclamation for the Grievance-Resolving Talisman

Most High True Talisman for Resolving Grievances and Knots

(Talisman diagram)

By authority of this talisman, we notify the celestial prison wardens and underworld officials in the Ten Directions and Three Realms, as well as the spirits of the underworld bureaus, Mount Tai, Fengdu, the City God, and the local earth deities. We also issue this proclamation to the boundless spirit realm:

We request that the deceased, [name], and the lonely souls of the Nine Provinces be rescued and guided onward. Quickly dissolve their enmities, so that creditors and the deceased may reconcile and each give rise to kind thoughts, freed from the barriers of the netherworld. Let every cause and condition of hatred be settled, with neither side pursuing the other any longer. May kind thoughts endure, and may no further evil deeds be committed.

We command the myriad spirits to carry out this order as directed, without delay or harm to the matter. Guide the deceased to come and hear this admonition, so that they may roam freely and ascend to the Imperial Palace, the heavenly palace where the Emperor resides. Let all be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

Date and time of proclamation: [year] of the sexagenary cycle, [month], [day], [hour]

[Title of ritual office], [surname], having received the imperial mandate, acts in accordance with it.

The Great Emperor of the Eastern Pole, Azure Mystery (a revered deity who presides over the salvation of beings in the netherworld)

Lingbao Pure Brightness Talismans for Resolving the Ten Harms

Talisman for resolving death by violence; talisman for resolving death by hanging; talisman for resolving death by drowning; talisman for resolving death by poisoning from medicine; talisman for resolving the death of a stillborn child; talisman for resolving entanglement by fulian; talisman for resolving underworld litigation concerning a grave; talisman for resolving death in prison; talisman for resolving capture by evil spirits and demons; talisman for resolving debts of grievance.

These talismans are each used to avert or resolve one of ten kinds of death or entanglement with the netherworld. Here, “poisoning from medicine” means death caused by taking poisonous medicine; fulian is a kind of entanglement by the dead described in Daoist ritual; and “underworld litigation concerning a grave” refers to lawsuits in the netherworld connected with graves and the deceased.

General Proclamation for the Ten Harms Talismans

Most High Talisman for Resolving Death by Violence

(Talisman diagram; the remaining talismans are listed here in sequence)

By this talisman, we notify the inner and outer palaces of the Six Caverns of Fengdu, the Thirty-Six Prisons, the Avici Hell, the Twelve River Sources, the Spring-Bend Water Prison, the Great Iron-Enclosed Mountain, the Uninterrupted Hell, the dark passes where the dead are examined through the Long Night, and all other such places. We command the myriad spirits to listen reverently to this order:

The true text of this talismanic command is to deliver widely the lonely souls, lingering spirits, and sunken souls of the netherworld. Quickly erase their records of guilt and destroy the roots of evil. Let enmities be reconciled and lawsuits over debts be brought to an end and settled. Do not detain the deceased or force them to join the ranks of ghosts. Once the deceased have received this imperial proclamation, let them ascend to Vermilion Mound (a place in Daoism where the dead are guided upward from the netherworld). Let all be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

Date and time of proclamation: [year] of the sexagenary cycle, [month], [day], [hour]

[Title of ritual office], [surname], having received the imperial mandate, acts in accordance with it.

The ten-harms talismans above come from the Pure Brightness tradition. The original text here lists only two pieces and also includes writing in Brahma script.

The contents of the talismans need not be repeated here. Write the talismanic characters on yellow paper with cinnabar, and write the petitions in ink. Once they are complete, burn them first.

Burn incense and present petitions to the Compassionate Venerable Taiyi and the Jade Emperor, while forming hand seals to summon the Qi of the Five Directions.

General Invocation

By command of the talisman, pursue and summon; let the divine tiger carry it out. Let the two sides bound by enmity face one another, reconcile, release their grievances, and come before the altar.

In obedience to the command of the Heavenly Emperor, we dare not delay. From this day, the long night opens into peace; even the netherworld can see the light.

Wherever the talisman’s command reaches, let the spirits appear at once; let them appear at once, in accordance with the command of the Supreme God of Primordial Beginning.

Chapter of the Talisman for Pardoning the Blood Lake

The master said: According to the Lingbao Registers (a Daoist text of the Lingbao tradition), the power of pardon can reach the hells of the great and lesser Iron Enclosing Mountains, with the exception of the Gorge-Stone Prison. The area around the hell is pitch-dark, with flames at its sides and a blood lake below. It lies among the great stones on the southern, southeastern side of the Great Iron Enclosing Mountain. The stones are broad above and pointed below, with a fissure between them through which sinners pass in and out; all manner of poisonous fluids are also poured into their bodies and minds.

This Blood Lake Hell confines women who died in childbirth. For kalpas upon kalpas, they cannot see the light. A million ghost soldiers in the prison torture the sinners day and night. Among them are the Great Gods Who Turn Bodies and Cast Corpses, as well as ghost kings who devour hearts and brains. The filth and suffering of the prison are truly heartrending. If there are souls of the dead in this condition, a special method of deliverance should be used for them. The teaching handed down by the Most High is specifically meant to relieve the suffering of those who died in childbirth, and differs from other methods. If it is carried out as prescribed, its merit is immeasurable.

Pardon Decree of the Primordial Sovereign

The Tai Xuan Metropolitan Bureau respectfully carries out this decree. Having carefully considered the petition, we respectfully invite the divine attendants of the Blood Lake to release the souls of the dead swiftly from the gates and prisons of the netherworld. The pardon document must be carried out specifically for this purpose.

Respectfully receiving the decree of the Supreme Emperor: the many souls of women in the Blood Lake, from kalpas long past until today, suffered harm through childbirth; this was connected to the karmic causes of their failure to honor their parents while alive. Mother and child died together because they had formed enmities and clung to one another, bound together in resentment and unable to free themselves. In reverence for the Primordial Sovereign’s compassion, these souls are specially pardoned, so that the deceased [name] and the many ghosts of the Blood Lake may leave their prison.

Amid the lofty cloud-heavens, Brahma banners are arrayed and clouds gather in the azure firmament. The Primordial Beginning’s nine dragons bear the August Man, who arrives in a light blue carriage. Divine radiance gathers the myriad perfected ones; pearl-like lights illuminate the vast sky. The Lingbao Chapters appear, bringing blessings and virtue. The profound Dongxuan is concealed in a lofty and august place; jade-toned voices drift through the air, and immortal music resounds among the clouds.

If the boundless multitude of living beings do not contemplate the Dao, waves will rise across the sea of the Dao. The meaning of the teaching is like a gentle stream, made to release the souls imprisoned in the Blood Lake Hell. May they guard the three Dantian and strengthen and refine their bodies, rising freely into the air… chewing jade…

In the numinous, mushroom-shaped realm of the immortals, one roams freely through Jade Capital, and the Great God of the Blood Lake reveals his radiance.

By command, grant pardon and deliverance.

Issued in the year, month, day, and hour of a certain year of the Grand Year.

The minister, of a certain surname and holding a ritual office, receives this proclamation and carries out its commands.

Celestial Pivot Envoy and Minister, Celestial Mechanism Inner Minister, Supreme Minister of Great Mystery, Supreme Minister of the Celestial Pivot.

Lingbao Three Qi Radiance of Light Talisman for Deliverance from Suffering

(A talisman of deliverance from suffering in the Lingbao tradition, using the radiance of the three primal energies to rescue the souls of the dead.)

The Supreme Emperor of the Primordial Beginning, the Heavenly Worthy of the Empty Sovereign, the Dao of Limitless Greatness, the Most High Lord Lao, the Mysterious Origin and Primal Qi;

the True Writings of the Nine Heavens, Yuyi who conceives the pearl, Jie Lin who contains radiance, the Three Luminaries shining bright, the Seven Primordial Stars flowing like pearls;

grace extends throughout Quanqu, the underworld, and blessings reach across the Blood Lake. The knots at the root of the womb are undone; defilement and karmic obstacles accumulated over lifetimes are cleansed away, and the light of wisdom shines forth.

Guide the souls of the dead upward to the Great Dao of the heavenly realm.

Invocation

The true talisman of deliverance, inscribed in the Jade Registers of Lingbao, shines its light everywhere and washes away the defilement of the body.

The celestial talisman descends and is sent straight to the Southern Capital. With utmost urgency, carry out the command according to the statutes of the Primordial Sovereign.

By command of the Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering; by command of the Lords of the Thirty-Two Heavens; by command of the Divine Kings of the Ten Directions and the Limitless.

The righteous Qi of Yin-Yang and the radiance of the Three Qi shine upon the gates of the underworld, the Blood Lake, and the Northern Prison. The souls of the dead behold the light, and the true talisman is placed in their hands. Come now to rescue the souls in the Blood Lake, so that their past grievances and karmic debts are dissolved as soon as they are refined away. With utmost urgency, carry this out according to the statutes of the Primordial Sovereign.

For the talismans above: empresses and consorts use jade tablets and reed pouches; titled women use tablets of catalpa wood; women of the common people use cypress tablets and blue pouches. They are to be made according to the specifications of the Talisman for Deliverance from Suffering.

Proclamation

Lingbao Talisman-Command: Radiance of Light, True Talisman for Deliverance from Suffering.

(Talisman)

This talisman is proclaimed throughout the worlds of the Ten Directions, the Ninefold Dark Hells, the great and lesser Iron Enclosing Mountains, the intermittent and uninterrupted Hells, the shadowy, freezing regions, the Blood Lake, and the Court of Northern Yin. Wherever its light shines, it shatters the dark and hidden realms; it stills the volcanoes and thaws the icy pools, turns ice into jeweled trees, and transforms swords and blades into forests.

By means of this Lingbao Talisman-Command, deliver the deceased person of a certain name, along with the many guilty souls imprisoned in the underworld. Remove them from the Northern Court and send them straight up to the Southern Palace, where they will be promoted in due course. Let everything be carried out according to this proclamation.

Issued in the year, month, day, and hour of a certain year of the Grand Year.

The minister, of a certain surname and holding a ritual office, receives this proclamation and carries out its commands.

(The true talisman of the flowing radiance of the Three Qi of Lingbao, sent down to the officials in charge of the Ninefold Abyss, the Blood Lake, and the Gorge-Stone Hell.) I, [title and rank], of the [surname] family, respectfully seal and preserve this document.

Talisman for Pursuing and Summoning the Soul of a Deceased Woman Who Died in Childbirth

This talisman should be affixed before the memorial document. Before writing, first dispatch divine generals to pursue and summon the departed soul.

Blood Lake Lamp Memorial Talisman (First visualize yourself transforming into Taiyi, then take Qi and blow upon the brush.)

Incantation (Zi script, Northern Qi):

The supreme mandate of the Vast Heaven has descended, and the ritual feast is set. May the Blood Lake in Fengdu’s underworld be swiftly shattered, as mountains and seas collapse. Let blood turn to water, and the clear water then become pure, fine dust, dispersing with the smoke. May all departed souls be delivered and swiftly reach the farther shore. This matter is to be carried out at once under the Emperor’s command. Hasten to obey the decrees of the Nine Heavens!

True Qi, primordial and pure, breaks through the Ninefold Abyss and destroys the Blood Lake Hell. Now, having received the True Emperor’s decree, I announce this command: when using this talisman, first sweep away evil and impurity, then enter the Blood Lake and break open the prison. Once the prison is broken, let True Qi fill the entire Blood Lake. However many ghosts dwell there, none may remain; all must leave the Blood Lake under the Emperor’s command. Hasten to obey the decrees of the Nine Heavens!

By the precious register bestowed from Jade Purity, the soul of the woman who died in childbirth is to be raised up and delivered, drawn out from the dark underworld of the Long Night and elevated to the Gate of Transformation and Rebirth. May the sins of many lifetimes be released and accumulated transgressions erased. Let the departed soul ride this talisman to the Vermilion Palace, where she will undergo refinement and transformation into a human being. Hasten to obey the decrees!

Talisman of the Primordial Sovereign for Purging Blood and Corpses

(The Perfected One of the Most High ascends to the Southern Palace; the three palaces rise and transform, preserving and harmonizing with the natural order.

The Lord of the Sun Palace and the Sovereign of the Moon Palace shine upon the lower realm, sweeping away and cleansing the Blood Lake; primordial Qi descends to nourish living beings.

Before the officials who attend the dawn court, the sins of the Three Paths are extinguished; the floodwaters sweep away defilement and cleanse the ford of the netherworld.

The Three Realms jointly recommend the deceased, so that even the form of their bones may accord with the immortal Way; through the Jade Calendar of Primordial Yang, they accumulate goodness and establish merit.

Their good deeds ascend to Heaven, and by this the dark Long Night opens to the light.

The two Qi of Yin and Yang join together and sever the gate of death. Hasten to obey the decree of the Primordial Sovereign, the Supreme Emperor!)

Divine water from the Celestial River washes the mortal body clean, purging its foulness and sweeping away sins from former lives. In accordance with the command of the Jade Register talisman, may she ascend directly to the Southern Palace. Hasten to obey the decree of the Primordial Sovereign, the Supreme Emperor!

The Heavenly Emperor issues a decree granting special pardon to the departed souls in the netherworld, sweeping away blood and defilement so that all may return to the True Realm. Let flowing radiance shine through them completely, bringing body and mind into harmony with the myriad spirits. Hasten to obey the decrees!

May this command—whether issued as a talismanic order or a divine decree—refine the soul’s corporeal form, restore its shape, and make body and spirit whole, so that it may return to the human world and appear before the Compassionate Venerable Deity.

Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the ordinances!

Write the talisman below in cinnabar on yellow paper. Before writing it, visualize yourself transforming into Taiyi, a revered Daoist deity, with blue Qi streaming from the crown of your head to infuse the soul of the deceased.

Cleanse the blood lake; petition for the transfer.

This talisman below informs the ruler of the Blood Lake Hell in the Stone Gorge of the Avīci Hell: turn over the body of the deceased. Great God, King of the Corpse-Casting Spirits, and King of the Ghosts Who Eat Hearts and Brains, deliver the departed [name] and the souls condemned to the Blood Lake for their sins. Let them swiftly leave this foul realm, see the light, and be pardoned for their karmic offenses. Then cleanse and refine their bodies, so they may ascend to the Southern Palace, where they will undergo refinement and be reborn. Let all be carried out in accordance with this command.

Lingbao Jade Light Talisman for Cleansing the Blood Lake

The talismanic text petitions: The Jade Emperor issues his decree, opening the barriers of the netherworld. The Red Emperor lends his aid, enabling the souls of the dead to ascend to the Purple Palace, abode of the immortals. The gods of the Nine Yin and Nine Earths come together to restore their bodies. By command of the Supreme Emperor, may all souls in the netherworld be delivered. The Perfected Ones Who Rescue from Suffering and the Primordial Lady Who Aids and Saves come to their aid. All the divine perfected gather, and the Three Terraces stars descend. The light of the Nine Yang shines as one, its radiance filling the Southern Palace. The Heavenly Perfected Ones bear the decree and stand before the court. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning gives the order, and the Jade Emperor descends to the palace. May Heaven and Earth shelter and nurture the souls, so they may swiftly leave the dark prison. The gods surround them and bring them aid, keeping them from lingering in the netherworld. The Jade Emperor’s voice resounds, freeing them forever from calamity. The ghosts’ Yin stagnation disperses, and their spiritual awareness naturally returns. Swiftly carry out this command in accordance with the decree of the Primordial Emperor, the Supreme God.

By decree of the Jade Emperor, may all souls in the netherworld be universally delivered. The inner talismanic seal of Lingbao saves them from the Blood Lake Hell, clearing their spiritual awareness and granting them protection, so they may ascend directly to the Southern Capital, the Daoist place of deliverance in the underworld. Swiftly carry out this command in accordance with the decree of the Primordial Emperor, the Supreme God.

The two Greatly Compassionate Perfected Ones can aid souls who suffered and died in childbirth, releasing light to shine upon the world. Let all punishments in the hells cease for a time: the mountain of blades shall no longer rise, and the boiling cauldrons shall no longer erupt. With sincere hearts, let the Perfected Ones be invoked. May the departed be released from enmity carried over from past lives, and may their thoughts remain with the Perfected Ones day and night. May they be freed from sin and suffering, regain their complete bodily form, return to the right path, and set their hearts on dedicating their merit to others, until at last they ascend together to the Seven-Treasure Grove, a pure and tranquil immortal realm.

Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the ordinances!

Write the talisman below in cinnabar on blue-green paper, and write beside it: “Deliver the spirit and soul of [name].” For a universal deliverance, one may instead write: “Souls condemned to the Blood Lake Hell in the great Avīci Hell without interval.”

Petition:

This talisman below informs the ruler of the Fengdu Blood Lake, the Great God Fubo, the examiners and officials of the Blood Lake, the divine soldiers who administer punishments, the mighty celestial warriors, the armored troops, and the kings of all the hells…

The Great Demon of the Blood Prison, the Filth-Driving Youth, and the Ghost Officials of the Blood Prison: by the command of this talisman, drive away impure Qi and cleanse the Blood Prison. Let enmities be reconciled, and debts and lawsuits be brought to an end. Deliver the named person and others, along with the guilty souls held in prison, so that they may leave the long night forever and behold the light. Wash away all their offenses and let them be reborn in heaven. Carry this out as commanded.

This command is issued in the year, month, day, and hour of the specified Tai Sui.

Your servant, of the surname X and holding a ritual rank, receives this proclamation and carries out the command.

Talisman for Cleansing Blood and Corpse, and Purifying the Spirit

(The Qi of Jade Void moves through the world. The hundred spirits stand in attendance at one’s side, while the Five Emperors take their places in court. Officials of the lower realm are governed by them.)

(Good and evil are judged distinctly. Through a thousand days of fasting and cultivation, merit becomes weighty as mountains and seas. In the stillness without form or color, jade blossoms flourish.)

(Open the Heavenly Talisman’s command to deliver souls from the darkness below. At the command of the Primordial Elders, I cause the spirit to ascend to the Upper Palace. Its response is ever at hand, and its mysterious sound resounds.)

(Cleanse and illumine the Three Realms; roam freely in the Jade Capital.)

Let the spirit be purified, the Primordial Qi transformed, and the body refined. By the power bestowed through the inner talisman, recommend the soul for investiture by the Emperor’s register. Let Qi fill the channels throughout the body, and let it ascend straight to the Southern Capital. Carry this out with urgency.

By command of the Primordial Emperor, the Supreme God:

The waters of the Celestial River at Eastern Well, the essences condensed by the sun and moon, the five primordial Qi that penetrate the Five Directions, and the true numinous Qi of Stone Radiance and the Jade Pool—all gather and congeal, so that all may ascend together to the numinous realm of Highest Clarity. Now that the Qi of the Five Turbidities has been cleansed, all souls fly upward and flow into the Court of Fire. Carry this out in accordance with the command of the Primordial Emperor, the Supreme God.

Write the talisman above on blue paper and draw it in cinnabar. When using it, recite the “Spell for Communicating with the Spirits and Purifying the Souls”:

The Qi of the Five Phases circulates everywhere; the Qi of the Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars—transforms and soars. Numinous liquid pours down to wash away blood and filth. Jade fluid cleanses the spirit, freeing it from the Ninefold Abyss. May the soul and spirit grow clear and upright, return to Heaven, join the assembled gods, and roam in the Jade Capital.

Spell for Washing Away Blood and Filth, Communicating with the Spirits, and Purifying Qi

When primordial chaos first opened, Heaven, Earth, the sun, moon, and stars appeared together. Immortals brought forth and nurtured the myriad things, refining and nourishing Primordial Qi until the body was transformed. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issues the command to wash away impure Qi. Let the spirit receive refinement in its entirety; let the Five Emperors observe and reflect upon it. Let the Primordial Essence flow and shine, and let the five viscera and six bowels swiftly become clear. Carry this out with urgency.

By the decree of the Blue Mysterious Emperor.

When using the talisman above, prepare a separate basin of water for bathing. Recite the spell given earlier, then burn the talisman in the water.

The Great Method of Numinous Treasure of Highest Clarity, volume forty-three