《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 46

The Supreme Clarity and Numinous Treasure Great Rites, juan 46, illustration 4

Transmitted by Ning Quanzhen, the Cavern-Mysterious Worthy and Perfected One Who Opens the Light and Saves from Suffering. Compiled by Wang Qizhen, disciple of the Three Caverns of Supreme Clarity and inheriting preceptor of the Numinous Treasure tradition.

Rituals, Talismans, and Registers

The True Talisman of the Jade Clarity Precious Register for Breaking Open the Hells

The master said: The Jade Clarity Precious Register is a true talisman, a majestic ritual charter of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, one of the revered gods of Daoism. It comes from the register of Ninefold Radiance and Purple Yang. It is a numinous text of the Numinous Treasure tradition for universal salvation, a credential that accords with the underworld, and a document passed among underworld officials.

To make it, use catalpa or cypress wood for the talisman tablet. It should be seven cun and three fen long, three cun and six fen wide, and three fen thick. Write the talisman on the front and the petition on the back, with two lines each for the cyclical date and the ritual rank, making six lines in all. Wrap it in a blue-paper sleeve and inscribe the title in cinnabar. Submit the petition and perform the rite according to the prescribed procedure.

Alternatively, use yellow paper nine cun or one chi high and two chi and four cun or one chi and eight cun long. Write the talisman in cinnabar and the petition in ink. Enclose it in a yellow-paper “leak-proof” sleeve for the talisman, inscribed in ink; then place this inside a blue-paper envelope, with the inscription on the envelope written in cinnabar. To break open the Nine Hells, invite the gods to descend and read the petition aloud, then burn it. Visualization and performance must follow the ritual prescriptions.

The ritual says: First burn incense, kneel facing the Gate of Heaven, and present the petition; the wording is prescribed. Then, with the left hand, use two fingers to grasp the base of the thumb. Press the thumb against the third joint of the fourth finger and recite:

“Most sacred divine beings, you have attained the perfection of Heaven. You are descendants of the Three Sovereigns and offspring of the Most High. Ancestors across tens of millions of generations, and suffering souls of the hidden realm, hear the Celestial Worthy’s great rite set the numinous mechanism in motion. The red-script numinous text is complete; its decree is sent down to the underworld. At the descent of the Jade Script, the iron city is shattered. The talisman’s radiance shines through, illuminating layer upon layer of darkness. Knives become jeweled trees, swords become forests of immortals; lotuses bloom amid raging flames, ice and snow melt, and prison gates open. All beings in the Three Paths, the Five Sufferings, and the Eight Calamities are released. Demon kings and underworld officials bow their heads to greet and escort them. The command of the Jade Clarity, Primordial Beginning, must be obeyed and carried out. Hasten, in accordance with the edict of the Supreme Emperor Primordial Beginning!”

After reciting the spell once, draw the Qi of the Gate of Heaven—the celestial energy visualized and gathered in the rite—into the brush, and write the talisman in the form of a dispersed-form seal script. When it is complete, recite the spell again and breathe a mouthful of the pure Qi of the Gate of Heaven into the talisman. Then recite the invocation once, breathe a mouthful of southern Qi into the talisman, and visualize a golden radiance extending ten thousand zhang, shining brighter than the sun.

Whenever a petition is issued from the ritual altar, invite the gods to descend and perform the visualization in the same way as described above. Recite the spell to send them on their way, then cast the petition into a fierce fire and burn it.

Dispersed-form seal script

In the dark, cold night of the Nine Springs, the souls of the dead endure the trials of transmigration, trapped in a freezing abyss. Suddenly, they see a light. Its radiance pierces the nine tiers of hell.

Who would dare disobey the command of the Celestial Emperor? The power of the Vajra destroys the prisons; wind and thunder subside, and flames become pools of water. The cold underworld grows warm and peaceful, and punishments cease. The fire carts are extinguished, the cauldrons of boiling oil fall still, the bronze pillars are destroyed, and the punishments of cutting and dismemberment come to an end.

The decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, a revered Daoist deity, has been issued. As soon as the talismanic command arrives, the souls of the dead are summoned and brought forth. They leave Fengdu, the underworld of Daoist belief, and the Iron-Enclosed Mountain, the perilous stronghold surrounding hell. Whether guilty or innocent, all are to be pardoned at once, without exception. The guards of the Three Realms and all the spirits obey the command.

Precious Talisman of Jade Purity

Open and shatter the prisons of the Nine Darknesses;

subdue the prisons of Northern Feng, the northern underworld;

command the spirits who administer fire punishments.

Invocation

By the decree of the Three Heavens’ Precious Proclamation, I command you: open the Ghost Gate and its chains at once; destroy the iron city. Deliver the souls from the darkness, freeing them from barriers and prisons. Act swiftly in accordance with the decree of the Supreme Emperor.

The Supreme God of Primordial Beginning bestows a sacred talisman to save all beings and commands that the prisons be shattered and the gates opened. All souls in the darkness may see the light; the offenses recorded in their registers are erased, and they ascend together to the upper realm.

The souls of the dead become lotuses and will never again hear the cries of suffering. Their consciousness rises and flies to the Purple Court, the palace of the heavens. The eight gates above open, allowing them to unite with the Dao. All the myriad spirits of the Three Realms receive its wondrous grace.

The Three-Five Messengers, the Talisman Bearers, and the Merit Officers—divine officials who convey documents and carry out commands in Daoist ritual—hear my summons and come here at once, bearing the talismanic command to break open the dark prisons of hell. Act swiftly in accordance with the decree of the Supreme Emperor.

Invocation for Sending Forth the Command to Break the Prisons

Punishments of wind and thunder, fire, bronze pillars, cold, plunder, cutting and dismemberment, and fire carts are carried out without cease. In the cauldrons of boiling oil, bodies are scorched and ruined; the dead perish and are revived, enduring the gravest torments.

The Great Flying Sage and the Perfected One of Wondrous Practice recite the sacred verses and deliver the souls from the underworld. The prisons of the Nine Darknesses are freed from pain, and suffering ends. By the command of the heavenly talisman, the names of the souls are entered in the registers of Jade Purity.

Om, Sanmani, dissolve the karmic offenses. Om, Sanmani. Act swiftly in accordance with the laws and commands of the Supreme One’s Mysterious Code.

The preceding method for directing Qi, which combines visualization with the regulation of breath, is the same as before.

Proclamation

The Precious Register of Jade Purity illuminates the layers of the underworld, shatters hell, and opens the iron city. It proclaims the talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, so that the souls of the dead may ascend at once. The retinue guarding the Cold Pool of the Northern Capital protects the deceased so-and-so and others, keeping their bodies and souls safe from demonic interference. They are recommended for deliverance and transcendence, and sent to the Southern Palace to undergo refinement. In the end, through the refinement of their souls, they become immortals and are reborn into transformed life.

If a person receives deliverance during their lifetime, they can escape calamities for a long time. Even if they undergo periods of tribulation, they will no longer be caught in the cycle of rebirth through calamity, and their lifespan can equal that of Heaven.

They will forever escape the Three Paths, the Five Sufferings, and the Eight Hardships, transcend the Three Realms, and roam freely in the realm of Highest Clarity.

Proclamation for Breaking Open the Prisons

By authority of the precious registers of Jade Clarity (Yuqing), I issue this proclamation bearing the true talisman for breaking open the hells. It is directed to all palaces within and beyond the Northern Yin Fengdu, the thirty-six prisons, the Avici Hell, the Ninefold Darkness Hells, the twelve river sources, the prisons of the Spring-Bend Waters, the great and small Iron Enclosures, the prison courts of the ten directions, the gates of darkness in the Long Night, and all such places. The myriad spirits serving in the offices of the underworld must all obey the talisman’s command.

The true script shines with brilliance, illuminating the dark paths of the underworld. The punishments of burning coals cease, and all instruments of torture are laid aside. Blazing fires go out, and ice and snow melt away. Blades above the gates become jade trees, and forests of swords turn into groves. The registers of sin are erased, and evil roots are destroyed. The souls of the deceased, including those designated so-and-so, and all souls suffering punishment and torment, must no longer be detained.

May they, by means of this true talisman and its merit in relieving suffering, swiftly leave their misery, behold the light, ascend to the Southern Palace, receive instruction, and be granted new life. Let all things be carried out in accordance with this command.

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

I, the minister of the surname so-and-so, holder of a ritual rank, receive this command and carry out this rite.

Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering; Supreme Emperor of Azure Mystery.

Inner-Seal Formula

The precious registers of Jade Clarity illuminate and break open the hells, delivering souls in distress. I, the minister of the surname so-and-so, holder of a ritual rank, carry this out and respectfully seal this document.

Outer-Envelope Formula

The true talisman for breaking open the hells, from the precious registers of Jade Clarity, is issued to the authorities in charge of the Ninefold Darkness of Fengdu and the Heavenly Prisons and Earthly Hells. I, the minister of the surname so-and-so, holder of a ritual rank, respectfully seal it again.

True Talisman of the Jade Clarity Registers for Delivering Hidden Souls

The master said: This document is a numinous script congealed from the wondrous Qi of emptiness. It belongs to the true writings of Jade Clarity and the precious characters of High Mystery. Its numinous light can illuminate the underworld; it is a spirit talisman used to break open prisons of suffering.

Whenever this document is issued, one must also use a slip of catalpa wood, made according to the specifications for the talisman for breaking open the prisons. The ritual also employs that talisman, which is visualized and applied according to the appropriate method. Then recite the invocation:

Great Luo of the Three Heavens, Highest Jade Clarity, numinous writings of the Primordial Beginning, true writings of the Most High, profound Origin and Great Dao: command the True Lords of the Celestial Cavern of Yuchen, the spirits who oversee souls, the authorities of the Ninefold Darkness, and the true spirits of the Six Caverns to receive the true talisman and deliver hidden souls. By the command of the Heavenly King, let the underworld swiftly carry it out.

The phrases “Qi of the northwest,” “life-giving Qi of the east,” and “prosperous Qi of the south” above refer to the Qi of the respective directions, which one visualizes and inhales in sequence while performing the rite. After taking in the Qi of the northwest, use it to complete the writing with the brush. Then take in the life-giving Qi of the east and the prosperous Qi of the south. Next, visualize golden light extending ten thousand zhang and shining more brilliantly than the sun. Finally, let the body’s form disperse.

(“Primordial Lord’s talismanic command”: a command issued by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning; “gathering the Qi of the highest mystery”: gathering and directing the subtle Qi of the upper realm.) Let this be proclaimed throughout the Three Realms and conveyed to every heaven. By the power of wind and marsh, let it penetrate the empty realms of the Cavern Heavens.

The myriad kinds of primordial Qi converge, and the assembled immortals gather together. In accordance with the Jade Register of the Primordial Cavern (a Daoist record of the netherworld), let the souls of the dead return to life. Sever the ties binding the dark spirits beneath the Nine Springs to the underworld.

Let remains rise and the dead return to life, and let them be promoted at the appointed time. May the Three Offices and Nine Courts (divine administrations overseeing Heaven, Earth, Water, and the netherworld) eliminate evil roots and open the gates of the underworld, so that seven generations of ancestors may ascend.

Act swiftly in accordance with the commands of the Lingbao Statutes for Delivering Humanity Without Measure.

Proclamation

Extract them from Luofeng (the northern underworld in Daoist belief),

and let the Court of the Nine Dark Springs and Winding Waters (a deep netherworld court) issue its decree of pardon.

Fire Command

Invocation

The Great Luo of the Three Heavens, the Most High Jade Clarity, the Primordial Lord’s numinous book and supreme true text—

By command of the Mysterious Origin and the Great Dao, let the decree descend: the true lord of the Jade Dawn Cavern Heaven shall command the souls and spirits.

May the lords of the Nine Depths and the true spirits of the Six Caverns receive the true talisman and deliver the dark souls.

By the law of the Heavenly King, let the underworld courts carry this out at once. Act swiftly, as the law commands!

The Supreme Lord of Primordial Beginning proclaims to the netherworld prisons, the offices of the dead, and the boundless divine realm:

To the Court of Winding Waters, the Northern Capital of Luofeng: deliver the souls and lead them out through the passes of the netherworld. Quickly erase their registers of sin and do not detain them. Hear my invocation; let every official of the underworld obey. Pardon the dead and let their spirits ascend to Zhuling (a Daoist immortal realm). Act swiftly, as…

Decree of the Supreme Lord of Primordial Beginning.

As described above, contemplate and carry this out according to the Qi formula (a method using breath and intention).

Dispatching the Incantation

The dark souls suffer greatly; one should call to mind the Lord of the Divine Empyrean (a Daoist deity). The true golden talisman of Jade Clarity blazes with light, breaking open the gates of the netherworld. Let the souls escape their confinement and be delivered from the suffering of sinking into darkness. Let them ascend to Trāyastriṃśa Heaven (one of the heavens of the Buddhist desire realm); after undergoing refinement, let them enter the court of the immortals and perfected beings. Act swiftly, as…

Decree of the Supreme Lord.

By command of the Divine Empyrean, let this talismanic proclamation be delivered to the officers of the Nine Depths and the officials of the underworld: once the command arrives, it must be obeyed.

Let every sinful soul be pardoned and enabled to ascend to Heaven. Let the numinous officers of the Celestial Prison and the gods who govern life and destiny oversee their rescue. Wherever the true Qi reaches, may it break open the prisons of the underworld and enable the souls to ascend to Heaven. Act swiftly, as the law commands!

Proclamation

The true talisman of the Jade Clarity Register for delivering dark souls is hereby proclaimed to the Ten Directions and Three Realms, the boundless divine realm, the Court of Winding Waters, the Northern Capital of Luofeng, the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus, and the Twelve Sources of the Rivers:

May the sins of the deceased, named so-and-so, be absolved, together with those of their ancestors and relatives through all past kalpas. May this extend throughout the Ten Directions and Nine Depths to every sinful soul. Quickly erase their registers of sin and destroy their evil roots, without…

When the period for detaining the departed souls comes to an end, order them to ascend. Let the myriad spirits escort them, each according to rank, directly to the human realm or the celestial realm, where they will receive instruction and be reborn. All arrangements in the Land of Blessing shall be made in accordance with the official proclamation.

Tai Sui, year, month, day, and hour: [Enter the time of the rite]

Ritual rank [your servant], surname So-and-so: [Enter the ritual master’s office and surname], having received the proclamation, carries out its command.

Heavenly Worthy Taiyi Who Rescues from Suffering; Supreme Emperor of Qingxuan.

Inner Cover Format

Jade Clarity Precious Register (a register for delivering the departed under the authority of Jade Clarity), for rescuing and delivering all wandering souls throughout the regions of the Nine Provinces. Presented and carried out by [your servant], surname So-and-so; respectfully sealed and kept secure.

Outer Letter Format

Jade Clarity Precious Register, True Talisman for Delivering Wandering Souls, proclamation addressed to the masters of the underworld offices throughout the Three Realms and the Ten Directions. Presented by [your servant], surname So-and-so; respectfully sealed with an outer seal.

Carrying Out the Amnesty Talisman

The master said: To rescue and deliver departed souls, set up the Grass Dragon and Golden Dragon officials in accordance with the prescribed rules. Then take three sheets of blue paper. First, write in vermilion, “True Register of the Nine Dragons of the Eastern Florescent Palace for Rescuing from Suffering.” Next, write the heavenly-script proclamation, followed by the True Form Talisman of Qingxuan for Breaking Through Fengdu, the Talisman for Delivering Wandering Souls, the Talisman for Breaking Open the Hells, and the dispatch. Finally, write the year, month, day, hour, ritual rank, and the names of the ancestral masters. Seal these inside the letter in the prescribed manner and entrust it to the Grass Dragon courier official to transmit and carry out.

Then take three sheets of yellow paper. First, write in vermilion, “Register of the Nanchang Purple Tenuity for Refining the True through Flowing Gold.” Next, write the heavenly-script proclamation, followed by the True Form of Qingxuan, the Talisman for Refining Form with Golden Liquids, the thunder script of the Nine Heavens, the True Register addressed to Lord Han, the Golden Register of Transcendence, and the dispatch. Finally, write the year, month, day, hour, ritual rank, and the names of the ancestral masters. Seal these inside the letter in the prescribed manner and entrust it to the Golden Dragon courier official to transmit and carry out. In this way, summon and draw near the departed souls who are waiting to be rescued, so that they may receive instruction and be reborn.

Ritual Instructions: When burning the talisman, visualize yourself becoming Taiyi, a revered deity of Daoism. Form the hand seal by pressing the upper section of the middle finger, perform the Ding-step (a method of ritual pacing), and face east. Knock the teeth together nine times, then recite the incantation:

By command of the Heavenly Worthy of Qingxuan, this talismanic decree rescues and liberates the souls of the underworld. Pardon the offenses of the ghosts and let them be reborn in the celestial realm according to their wishes, with no obstacles along the way. In accordance with the laws of Lingbao, open the underworld; allow no obstruction or delay. Whoever disobeys this command shall be punished.

Then form the hand seal, draw in the Nine Qi of the East (the eastern vital energy as described in Daoist teaching), blow onto the talisman, and recite:

Om Mao Hong Yin Yin Chou Pa Zhong Zhong Zha Zhong Shang Li Si Shang Da Xu Hong Hai.

Primordial Beginning Talismanic Decree

The master said: The Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning released a great radiance at the Seven-Treasure Qian Grove, revealing the many sinful souls in heaven and on earth. Unable to see this radiance, they sank and lingered, lost…

The souls of the dead, sunk in misery, drift through the sea of suffering and cannot escape. Moved by compassion, the Celestial Worthy sends down talismanic commands—sacred signs and instructions—to rescue sinful souls and raise them into the realm of the Dao, freeing them forever from the torments of imprisonment. Those who receive and carry out this method should purify their hearts and clear their thoughts, devote themselves to seeking the highest Dao, and recite and perform the rites according to the prescribed rules. In this way, they can aid and deliver the souls of the dead in the netherworld.

Text on the talisman:

The radiance of the Five Stars shines brilliantly; Heaven and Earth are clear from their beginning, and azure clouds appear. The souls of the dead receive refinement and deliverance. The scripture of the Most High, the Primordial Beginning, restores form to their souls and spirits. It gathers and summons the Qi of the myriad things and calls forth the true spirits. Yellow Qi dwells at the center; through immortal transformation, the souls of the dead take human form, attain a lifespan equal to Heaven’s, and join the ranks of immortals in the Southern Palace.

Invocation:

Empty clarity, purple orchid, Great Simplicity, lofty emptiness, Great Truth, and the Three Qi of the Mysterious Dawn—the primordial energies of Heaven and Earth—are pure as jade in the Jade Clarity realm. The eight directions are clear and bright; the nine thoroughfares are illuminated. Wondrous awakening brings transformation, as primordial blue opens the registers of talismans. Responsive to every summons, it turns the wheel of rebirth and dispels demonic obstacles. The essence of the numinous mushrooms of the Jade Capital refines and transforms physical form, enabling one to roam freely in the Emperor’s carriage. The Three Pure Ones grant pardon, illuminating the road through the netherworld. Throughout the Five Sacred Peaks, the Nine Depths, the Avici Hell, and Fengdu, beings are freed from suffering. In the land of Paramarupa, those below are rescued from the Three Paths of Misfortune—the realms of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals. The Five Sufferings, Eight Adversities, toil, and calamities are all dispelled. The underworld officials shall obey the command: let the true talisman of the Primordial Beginning be carried out at once. All who disobey shall be punished and put to death. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes of the Great Lingbao Ritual, send out the dispatch and deliver the souls of the dead.

This method uses the Jade Clarity hand seal. The talisman is written on yellow paper, in cinnabar.

Proclamation:

The talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning, transmitted from the Numinous Treasure of Highest Clarity, informs the Three Offices, the Celestial Prison and Earthly Stocks, and the deities responsible for their administration: deliver the souls sunk in misery and raise them to the Heaven of Pure Subtlety. Let the hundred spirits assemble, transform the souls of the dead into immortals, give them jade tallies, and convey them in dragon carriages to serve the immortal retinue. Let all proceed in accordance with this command.

Issued in the year, month, day, and hour of the Tai Sui: [specified year, month, day, and hour].

The ritual disciple [surname], holder of a ritual office, respectfully receives this decree and carries out its command.

Format for the outer cover:

“The talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning is issued to the boundless worlds in the ten directions.”

The ritual disciple [surname], holder of a ritual office, respectfully seals it.

The talisman described above is made as a wooden tablet of catalpa or cypress, nine cun high, two cun and four fen wide, and two fen thick. The talisman is written on the front and the proclamation on the back. The tablet is enclosed in a blue silk pouch, with an inscription in cinnabar, and the proclamation is issued according to ritual procedure.

The three talismans that follow use this same format. However, the talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning, as well as the official documents sent on successive occasions to inform the heavens, are carried by the Celestial Dao Merit Officer, who announces them throughout the Three Realms. Documents addressed to the divine realm are carried by the Divine Dao Merit Officer. Commands addressed to the Earth Deities are carried by the Terrestrial Dao Merit Officer.

Proclamation to the Three Realms (This text is the same as the talismanic writings “Scattering the Form,” “Ascending to Truehood,” and “Deliverance of Life.”)

(The red sacred script is issued by command, and the numinous Three Heavens Emperor descends. It saves and delivers the souls of the dead, relieving the suffering of the underworld and freeing them from the cycle of life and death.)

(It helps the souls of the dead escape their delusion, cuts off the roots of the Gate of Death, and refines their forms at the Eastern Well. The stars of the Three Terraces shine brightly, and the six kinds of primordial Qi gather.)

(The darkness of the Ninefold Darkness is wholly illuminated. The Three Realms are universally notified, and wind and fire move without cease. The souls ascend to Heaven and attain the Dao of immortals.)

Proclamation

The Most High (the supreme Dao) issues a jade decree, universally notifying the rulers of the Three Realms and the Ten Directions, as well as the spirits of the Boundless Divine Realm, the Office of Winding Springs, the Northern Capital of Luofeng, the Three Offices and Nine Departments, and the Sources of the Twelve Rivers. Let the countless roots of sin accumulated by the deceased [name], their ancestors, and their relatives through the generations be absolved above; let their registers of sin be erased and their evil roots destroyed. They must not be detained for even a moment, but must be promoted at once. Let all carry out this command as directed.

Issued in the year, month, day, and hour of [name of the current sexagenary year].

The ritual official [name], having received this command, will carry it out as ordered.

Outer Cover Format

“Universally notify the Three Realms; issue this proclamation to the rulers of the Boundless Divine Realm of the Three Realms.” The ritual official [name], holding the appropriate rank, respectfully submits this sealed document.

Proclamation Commanding the Earth Spirits (A proclamation issued by imperial command to order the Earth Spirits, the deities of the earth.)

(Primordial Qi of the Numinous Treasure; the hun and po souls leave the body; red characters.)

(The heavens are opened and established; the hun and po souls are delivered through wondrous, profound words.)

(Deliverance of people is limitless; the mystery is vast and profound.)

Proclamation

By command of the Most High, the talismanic decree orders the Earth Spirits to convey this proclamation to the rulers of Fengdu, the Five Sacred Peaks and Four Great Rivers, and the gates and passes of the underworld, and to notify all divine offices and their attendants: escort, receive, and deliver the deceased [name], so that their hun and po souls may leave the gates of hell and be freed from the Five Sufferings and Eight Hardships. Let their ancestors of seven generations be promoted and depart forever from the offices of ghosts. The souls of the dead should be sent to Zhu Ling to undergo refinement, and afterward be reborn. Let all carry out this command as directed.

“Zhu Ling” is a divine realm or place of refinement in Daoist texts, associated with the refining and rebirth of the souls of the dead.

Issued in the year, month, day, and hour of [name of the current sexagenary year].

The ritual official…

Outer Cover Format

“By command, address the Earth Spirits; issue this proclamation to the rulers of the Earth Spirits.” The ritual official [name], holding the appropriate rank, respectfully submits this sealed document.

Dispatch to the Heavens (A proclamation that conveys an official dispatch to the various heavens.)

(The numinous sovereign of the Primordial Beginning, hidden and profound, is the supreme numinous ruler over the heavens; the orthodox Qi of the Three Heavens; transformed into nine bodies of Qi.)

(True Qi is joined together; the dispatch passes through the hands of the perfected ones; it reaches the Heavenly Pass above, and the various heavens descend together.)

Proclamation

By jade decree of the Most High, dispatch this document and notify the heavens, ordering it to pass through the thirty-two heavens, the thirty-two…

Celestial Perfected Lords, the Demon Kings of the Three Realms, the officials in charge of the Heavenly Gates, and the directors of the divine offices rejoice in celebration today: the souls of the deceased named above have received rites for delivering the dead and have passed into the shadowy realm, where they have all seen the light of wisdom. May they erase the karmic offenses that lead to the Three Evil Paths, sever the karmic roots sunk in hell, rise aloft beyond the Five Paths, and have their names entered in the registers of the immortals of Great Mystery. We ask the Demon Kings to oversee and recommend them, so that they may go unhindered through the Heavenly Gates. Let the requests above be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

Issued under the cyclical signs of the Grand Year, year, month, day, and hour (to be filled in according to the ritual).

Ritual rank (the Daoist rank or title of the officiating priest)

Outer seal format (the format for sealing the document):

By decree of jade transmitted through the heavens, notice is given to the True Rulers of the heavens (the sovereign powers of the celestial realm). I, the duly ranked official, so-and-so, respectfully seal this document.

The four talismans above are all to follow the preceding format.

True Talisman of the Jade Register of the Nine Depths

The talismanic text includes the phrases “Light of the Sun’s Wisdom,” “Light of the Moon’s Wisdom,” and “Light of the Stars’ Wisdom.” It prays that the wisdom-light of the sun, moon, and stars will shine upon the underworld, so that even its deepest darkness may be lit; that the iron city be destroyed, the prison guards cease their punishments, Yin and Yang Qi unite, and the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) look down with their radiance. It also asks that the suffering souls in confinement be pardoned, so they may be reborn swiftly and regain the light. The text ends with “Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the ordinances of the Great Lingbao Rite for delivering the souls of the dead,” indicating that the matter is to be carried out swiftly under the authority of the Great Lingbao Rite.

Proclamation

The Most High issues the jade register and talismanic mandate of the Nine Depths, notifying the underworld offices of Fengdu, the Nine Earthly Layers, and the Five Sacred Peaks, along with the officials who administer punishments and examinations in the underworld, the clerks of the Underworld Bureau, the ox-headed prison guards, and the spirits of the prisons: deliver the deceased named above, that they may leave the long night forever, depart the Nine Depths, and see the light; let their minds and spirits become clear, and let them attain the ranks of the immortals; resolve their enmities and send them to be reborn in the Heaven of Great Being. Let the requests above be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

Issued under the cyclical signs of the Grand Year, year, month, day, and hour (to be filled in according to the ritual).

Ritual rank (the Daoist rank or title of the officiating priest)

Outer seal format (the format for sealing the document):

The numinous talisman of the jade register of the Nine Depths notifies the directors of Fengdu, the Nine Earthly Layers, the Five Sacred Peaks, and the offices of the underworld in the Nine Depths. I, the duly ranked official, so-and-so, respectfully seal this document.

Numinous Talisman of the White Register of the Nine Depths

The talismanic text lists phrases such as “Great Lingbao Rite,” “Nine Qi of the Cavern Mystery,” “Qi of Brahmā-Yang,” and “Heaven of Red Yang.” It also includes the symbols “Primordial Clarity,” “Separation and Union,” “Great Yang,” “Origin,” “Azure Vault,” “Spontaneity,” “Pure Transformation,” and “Beginning.” At the end, it prays for the True Body to descend and issue a decree, commanding the Nine Earthly Layers to comply, examine the registers of the dead, and carry out the rites for delivering the dead.

By authority of the Lingbao talismanic mandate, this White Register of the Ninefold Darkness is proclaimed to the Northern Office of Luofeng, the mountain peaks and rivers, and the underworld courts of the Ninefold Darkness. It is entrusted to the officials in charge: the Earth Emperor of the Nine Ramparts, the clerks serving the Ten Kings, the prison wardens and examiners, the Yin demons of the Six Caverns, the presiding officers of the Nine Palaces, and the Great Divine Lords of the Dark Waters.

Please dispel the grievances and enmities of the departed souls of so-and-so, cleanse their grave transgressions, and free them from the Three Paths of suffering—the realms of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals—so they may leave the Five Sufferings behind forever, ascend to the cinnabar palace, behold the light of the sun, awaken to the Dao and hear the scriptures, and roam freely in the realm of the Real. By means of this White Register, rescue and deliver the departed souls, raise their merit, and send them to be reborn in Heaven. Let all that is stated above be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

Proclaimed in the year, month, day, and hour of a certain year under the Grand Marshal.

Ritual rank.

Sealing formula:

(White Register of the Ninefold Darkness Talisman proclaimed to the officials of Fengdu, the Nine Ramparts, the mountain peaks and rivers, and the underworld courts of the Ninefold Darkness.) Your servant of such-and-such rank, so-and-so, respectfully seals this document.

True Talisman of the Jade Register of the Celestial Officials

The Jade Void and the Nine Heavens, the Nine Suns guiding the Qian trigram; the ancestral Qi of the Nine Empyreans, the Great Brahma opening and expanding. The luminous Qi rises in all directions, filling the vast expanse of Miro, while wondrous insight is spontaneously realized. Those who hold talismans and registers oversee Heaven above, universally receiving and delivering the souls of the dead and the living.

Proclamation

By authority of the Lingbao talismanic mandate, this Jade Register of the Celestial Officials is proclaimed to the officials in charge of the departments and bureaus of the Upper Primordial Heavenly Court, the Immortal Officials who preside over sins, the examiners of the Heavenly Prison and infernal prisons, and the gods who enforce the law.

Please rescue and deliver the departed souls of so-and-so, release them from the Heavenly Prison, pardon their grave offenses, and raise them into the Heaven of Brahma Qi, so they will no longer fall into the dark and profound world beneath the earth. All officials in charge are respectfully requested to heed this command and carry it out in accordance with this proclamation.

Proclaimed in the year, month, day, and hour of a certain year under the Grand Marshal.

Ritual rank.

Sealing formula:

(True Talisman of the Jade Register of the Celestial Officials proclaimed to the examiners of the Nine Courts and Thirty-Six Departments of the Upper Primordial Heaven.) Your servant of such-and-such rank, so-and-so, respectfully seals this document.

True Talisman of the Jade Register of the Earthly Officials

Wind and marsh open the void; the deep and boundless expanse is governed by great law. Vajra rides upon Heaven, while the vast and obscure reaches through to the netherworld. In obedience to the Most High’s decree, grievances and enmities are undone, the roots of the earth are cut, and the barriers of the underworld are thrown open. Through divine power and the Great Dao, the departed souls’ afflictions are dispelled.

The Lingbao Talisman Mandate is issued to the Three Pure Courts of the Central Origin: the Left Ancestral Celestial Palace in the realm of the living; the Right Yin Celestial Palace of Fengdu in the realm of the dead; and the Yin offices of the Ninefold Abyss, Ququ Springs, mountains, rivers, and waterways. To the revered spirits who oversee the registers of life, death, and transgressions; the clerks of the Forty-Two Bureaus of Examination; the case assistants; and the other divine officials: please rescue and deliver the souls of the deceased, including so-and-so, so that they may leave the gates of hell and be spared confinement in the netherworld forever. May they receive the light of the sun and proceed directly to rebirth in the Land of Wondrous Joy. Through the merit of rescue and deliverance by this Lingbao Talisman Mandate, may they ascend to rebirth in Heaven. Let all be carried out in accordance with this mandate.

Issued in the year, month, day, and hour of such-and-such Tai Sui.

Ritual rank.

Outer-seal format:

“The True Talisman on a Jade Slip of the Earth Official is issued to the Examiners of the Forty-Two Bureaus of the Three Courts of the Central Origin.”

Your subordinate, so-and-so, of the stated rank, respectfully seals this.

True Talisman on a Jade Slip of the Water Official

Yanghua, wondrous Qi of Great Harmony, twelve, pristine and tranquil mystery of the True One, river source, illuminating the dark capital, purple clouds enfolding, receiving and raising the body to transcend, the soul flying within Heaven.

Proclamation

The Lingbao Talisman Mandate is issued on a Jade Slip of the Water Official, and its proclamation reaches the Three Courts of the Lower Origin: the Clear and Tranquil Right Southern Water Palace at Yanggu; Fengdu; the Ququ Springs of the Calamity Cycle; the River Earl; the dark offices of the water prisons; and the spirits who oversee the registers of life, death, and transgressions, including the clerks of the Forty-Two Bureaus of Examination and the case assistants. Please rescue and deliver the souls of the deceased, including so-and-so, so that they may forever leave behind the Cold Pool of the Northern Capital, the Sea of Suffering at Ququ Springs, and the shadowed waves of the netherworld. May they behold the sunlight and proceed directly to rebirth in the realm of the living. Through the merit of this Lingbao Talisman Mandate, may they ascend to rebirth in the Mysterious Heaven. Let all be carried out in accordance with this mandate.

Issued in such-and-such year of Tai Sui, on such-and-such month and day.

Ritual rank.

Outer-seal format:

“The True Talisman on a Jade Slip of the Water Official is issued to the Examiners of the Forty-Two Bureaus of the Nine Courts of the Lower Origin.”

Your subordinate, so-and-so, of the stated rank, respectfully seals this.

True Talisman on a Jade Slip of the Three Heavens of Jade Clarity for the Pardon of Sins in the Upper Origin

The master said: “The White Slip of the Three Lords of Jade Clarity is a jade register of the Three Heavens and a sacred document of the highest rank. To issue this talisman, make a wooden slip of cypress, seven cun and three fen high, four and a half cun wide, and three fen thick. Decorate it with powder. Draw and write the talismanic registers on the front, and write the proclamation and the year, month, day, and hour on the back. Wrap it in blue paper.”

This talisman is used specifically to recommend and deliver people of exalted status, such as emperors, empresses and consorts, princes, and marquises. It may be used only after the deceased has undergone the rescue and deliverance rite three times.

Whenever a ritual technique is performed and Fulu (talismans and registers) are written, one must face the Gate of Heaven, kneel and bow, make a silent invocation, and visualize the Three Heavens (the three tiers of heaven in Daoist teaching).

Next, visualize pure Qi descending, and silently recite the Three Heavenly Hidden Names, used in Daoist ritual: “Hong, zhong.” After reciting this seven times, inhale primordial Qi and write the Fulu. When finished, recite it nine times, inhale pure Qi, blow three breaths onto the Fulu, and perform the Jade Purity Hand Seal.

The text written in the talisman reads: “The Three Qi, billowing smoke, bright Qi, the Four Qian; the myriad generations of ancestors, the suffering souls in the underworld; their appointed time comes for release and passage, their bodies pass through Great Yin; count the days, refine and deliver them, and they will attain immortality; sins and blessings, prohibitions and precepts; all will receive deliverance and liberation according to their past-life destiny and karmic ties, and their bodies will be granted rebirth; their souls and spirits will briefly perish, then attain renewed life.”

Proclamation

“The jade script of Jade Purity is proclaimed and made known to the highest heavens. To the prison wardens on the left and right, the revered clerks of the registers, the deities who oversee the heavenly prisons, and the spirits who govern sins: we beseech you to deliver the deceased, [name] and others, so they may forever leave the long night behind, have their grave sins removed and the roots of evil blocked. May their bodies and spirits ascend, enabling them to pay audience to the Heavenly Emperor and open the Gate of Heaven; may they bring forth blessings and wisdom of their own, ride in dragon carriages and attend upon the Emperor, and abide forever in the true Dao. This command is respectfully proclaimed.”

Outer Seal Format

“True Talisman on a Jade Tablet of Jade Purity’s Three Heavens for the Remission of Sins, proclaimed to the examiners who govern sin and the myriad spirits who govern prisons in the Three Realms and Ten Directions.” Official rank [the ritual practitioner’s title], your servant, of the [surname] family, respectfully seals this.

The talisman above is written as a single talisman and is used specifically to deliver emperors. On the outer seal, write “Ascend and deliver across the divisions of the Nine Provinces.” To deliver the souls of ancient emperors across the Nine Provinces, use nine talismans, write “Proclaimed to the guardians of the divisions of the Nine Provinces” on the outer seal, and write in vermilion on yellow paper.

If ten talismans are used to notify the Ten Directions, write “Proclaimed to the guardians who oversee the prisons and administer affairs in the realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water in the Ten Directions” on the outer seal. The paper and ink colors for each direction are as follows: for the east, vermilion writing on a blue-green ground; for the south, yellow writing on a red ground; for the west, black writing on a white ground; for the north, blue-green writing on a black ground; and for the center, white writing on a yellow ground. For the northeast, purple writing on a blue-green ground; for the southeast, green writing on a turquoise ground; for the southwest, dark blue-green writing on a green ground; and for the northwest, turquoise writing on a purple ground. In all other cases, use vermilion writing on a yellow ground. To deliver an emperor, one may also write with powdered white jade or white pigment.

Those whose merit in ascending deliverance is not yet complete are delivered upward; empresses, empress dowagers, and members of their clan branches are delivered downward.

Precious Proclamation in Inner Celestial Sound, Written in Gold for the Zi Mansion of the Nine Heavens during the Zhongyuan Festival

The master said: “This talisman is a true script brought forth from the orthodox Qi of the Nine Heavens, carrying the sacred mandate of the Supreme Emperor, and is used to deliver souls who are suffering. To deliver souls universally, simply write according to this format.”

If a special requiem rite is held to pray for the deceased and deliver them from suffering, write the deceased’s birth and death years and dates beneath their name, then add them to the document. To issue an official proclamation, one may use a slip of cypress wood measuring nine cun and nine fen high, three cun and nine fen wide, and three fen thick. Coat it with white powder and write in seal script with cinnabar. The text may be written in a single line of eight characters, or arranged in four lines, for a total of thirty-two characters. The proclamation should also be written on the back of the slip, which is then wrapped in blue paper and inscribed with cinnabar. This method is suitable for proclamations concerning ministers, officials, and others of similar rank.

Another method is to write the proclamation in seal script with cinnabar and the accompanying text in black ink on yellow silk, then mount it in patterned silk brocade, in the style of secular imperial patents—documents by which the emperor conferred titles and rank. During the rite of refining and deliverance, give it to the deceased to receive and keep. When the proclamation is read aloud, the prescribed ritual must be observed.

Whenever writing Fulu (talismans and registers), burn incense, face northwest, and silently report to the Lord of the Nine Heavens, visualizing the nine Sovereign Lords. They are all dressed in ceremonial robes and crowns, crimson gauze robes, and magnificent feathered garments. After conveying one’s intention, recite once the “Qi of the Nine Heavens”:

The Emperor’s true womb-life, the primordial One Yellow Evolving Qi; the Emperor’s true embryo-life, the Qi of the Mysterious Cavern and Purple Portal; the Emperor’s true soul-life, the Qi of Everlasting Spirit and Bright Immortals; the Emperor’s true spirit-life, the Qi of the Corpse’s Netherworld and Evolving Origin; the Emperor’s true viscera-life, the Qi of the Five Immortals and Central Spirit; the Emperor’s true numinous-palace life, the Qi of the High Perfected and Harmonious Integration; the Emperor’s true origin-palace life, the Qi of the High Immortals and Cavernous Registers; the Emperor’s true splendor-palace life, the Qi of True Spirits and Transformation; the Emperor’s true mountain-palace life, the Qi of Natural Mystery and Illumination.

When the recitation is complete, draw the nine-colored Qi of the Nine Heavens into the brush and then write. After writing, recite once more and, following the hand seals described above, draw in the nine Qi and cause them to enter the slip.

Proclamation:

By command of the Lord on High, this proclamation is addressed to the great presiding gods of the Three Officials, the Celestial Prison, and the Hells: deliver the deceased persons named herein. We ask each of you to receive this command, protect their bodies and souls, respectfully accept the precious proclamation, and ascend to the imperial court. May their karmic offenses and enmities be reconciled and dissolved, and may they accord with the Dao. May their spirits ascend to the Jade Palace, receive ritual refinement, and attain enduring life. In all matters, act in accordance with this proclamation.

Issued under the Tai Sui, year, month, day, and hour.

Rank of the officiant.

Envelope format:

(With golden script for the Middle Origin, the Precious Proclamation of the Nine Heavens is issued to / the presiding gods of the Celestial Prison, the Hells, and the netherworld bureaus.) The duly appointed (minister) of the surname ___ respectfully seals this.

The talismanic text above is used specifically to deliver from suffering deceased ancient generals, ministers, and other renowned worthies endowed with the Nine Merits and Seven Virtues. When used, it is called “Deliverance of the deceased officials of the nine regions and territorial divisions …” [The original text ends here.]

The souls of the Nine Realms proclaim this throughout the Nine Provinces; the souls of the Ten Realms proclaim it in the Ten Directions. All documents used follow the format of jade slips.

Lingfu Talisman for Delivering Souls from Suffering, Ascending to Truehood from the Central Dipper, and Escaping Life and Death in the Lower Origin

The master said: This talisman is a vermilion text from Jade Clarity and a golden inscription from the Purple Court. It is used to deliver departed souls, enabling them to fulfill their allotted lives, ascend to Truehood, and escape the cycle of life and death. It may be used whenever the souls of ordinary people are to be delivered.

When a proclamation is sent to the lower realm, it should be written on a slip made of catalpa wood, nine inches and nine tenths high, three inches and nine tenths wide, and three tenths of an inch thick. Coat both sides with white powder, then write on them in cinnabar. Make an outer envelope from blue paper, following the format described above. If the talisman is used to deliver one commoner, write a single copy. To proclaim it throughout the Nine Provinces, write nine copies; to proclaim it in the Ten Directions, write ten. In every case, use a yellow background and write in cinnabar.

Ritual method: Burn incense while writing the talisman, kneel facing northwest, and envision White Jade Capital Mountain above the Central Dipper—the stars in the middle of the Northern Dipper. Auspicious radiance from its many treasures shines brightly, its light passing through the body inside and out. Then recite the invocation:

“Chronicle of Primordial Caverns… [omitted] …that I myself may receive birth.”

After reciting this passage once, draw in the breath of the northwest and infuse it into the brush. Then write the talisman using the Jade Clarity mudra. When the writing is complete, recite the invocation once more, draw in the breath, and blow it onto the slip.

The words on the talisman mean:

“By command, the Vermilion Text compels the spirits and demons to serve; it grants life to departed souls in the netherworld. By decree of the Three Heavens, their sins are pardoned, and all suffering souls are aided. May the dead escape life and death, sever the root of death, and refine their forms at the Eastern Well. May they receive Heaven’s compassionate jade decree, pardoning the departed spirits of the netherworld. The light of the Three Terraces shines forth, and the Six Qi converge; the darkness of the Nine Netherworlds is wholly dispelled, and the departed souls behold the light. May they be reborn among the Five Destinies—the five possible destinations in the cycle of rebirth—with wind and fire unceasing; may they ascend beyond to Heaven and attain immortal Truehood.”

Proclamation document

The jade text of the Vermilion Book of Jade Clarity rises to the Purple Court. We appeal to Heaven’s compassion to pardon sinful souls in the netherworld prisons of the Three Realms and the Nine Netherworlds. We deliver the suffering souls and wandering spirits of the deceased [name] and their ancestors through the generations, erase their names from the register of sins, and remove the roots of their misdeeds. May they swiftly reach a fitting place of rebirth, their spirit and Qi at peace, and ascend to Heaven. May their bodies be purified and refined into Truehood, their minds and spirits grow clear and bright, darkness be swept away, and they enter the Great Dao and ascend to the realm of immortals. Let all be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

In the year, month, day, and hour of [year of the sexagenary cycle], the proclamation is sent to the lower realm.

The ritual official (minister), [surname and name], has received the mandate and respectfully carries it out.

Format on the outside of the envelope

“Lingfu Talisman for Ascending to Truehood from the Central Dipper, Fulfilling Life’s Course, and Escaping Life and Death; proclaimed to the Three Realms, the Ten Directions, the Nine Netherworlds, and the rulers of Fengdu.”

The appointed official (minister), [surname and name], respectfully seals this.

Jade Clarity Golden-Slip Lingfu Talisman

Proclamation document

The Shenxiao talisman edict—the talismanic documents of the Shenxiao school—proclaims through the Jade Purity Golden Talisman, a golden talisman issued in the name of Jade Purity: “All officials in the various hells who are charged with examining, imprisoning, punishing, and recording sentences shall release and deliver the deceased, so-and-so and others. Refine their souls and make their spiritual awareness clear; raise them into the Mysterious Pass; erase their names from the registers of sin; and bring their cultivation of the Dao and accumulated merit to completion. Thus may they ascend to the realm of the Limitless and return to Wuwei (non-action) and naturalness. By this edict, let the command be proclaimed.”

Issued in the year, month, day, and hour of a certain Tai Sui year.

The ritual rank-holder (servant), of the surname so-and-so, receives this edict and shall carry it out accordingly.

Outer cover format:

“The Jade Purity Golden Talisman and numinous register hereby issue this edict to all examining officials in the various hells. The ritual rank-holder (servant), of the surname so-and-so, shall seal and keep it with care.”

True Talisman of the Shenxiao Golden Register

Bright and pure, its radiance is wondrous and subtle; it opens a path of deliverance through the utmost darkness.

The forms of Yin-Yang unite, and fire refines them into human beings.

The Great Emperor…

The title of the Yang Hall is the Eight Numinous Lords.

The souls arise and flourish, drawing in primordial Qi; through nine revolutions they become immortals.

The Five Qi return to the self and mingle with the hundred deities.

The nine gates open, leading to the Way of Blessings.

Clearly perceive the Great Dao and turn back through the cycles of rebirth… then realization of the Dao may be attained.

The body of Wuwei rides upon purple clouds.

Edict

The Shenxiao Golden Register proclaims to the officials in the hells charged with imprisonment, punishment, recording sentences, and adjudication: “Rescue and deliver the deceased, so-and-so and others, so that they may leave the long night forever. Refine their souls and make their spiritual awareness clear; raise them into the Mysterious Pass; erase their transgressions; and bring their cultivation and accumulated merit to completion. Thus may they be reborn into the true realm of the Highest Heaven above Shenxiao, returning to Wuwei and joining with nature. By this edict, let the command be proclaimed.”

Issued in a certain Tai Sui year, month, and day.

The ritual rank-holder (servant), of the surname so-and-so, receives this edict and shall carry it out accordingly.

Outer cover format:

“The True Talisman of the Shenxiao Golden Register hereby issues this edict to the officials in charge of confinement, punishment, records, and numinous affairs. The ritual rank-holder (servant), of the surname so-and-so, shall seal and keep it with care.”

Shenxiao Jade Register Golden Talisman

Written in gold upon a jade register, it settles the spirits and admonishes the mind.

If suffering souls remain trapped and cannot disperse, they may be reborn.

The eight gates pierce the barriers, leaving the souls without form or trace.

The souls ascend to the Golden Palace and feast in the Jade Capital.

The Three Lights appear of themselves.

They attain divine realization.

The dark passes and hells are all illuminated.

Edict

The Shenxiao Jade Register, by command of the talisman from the Three Heavens, opens the eight gates above. The officials who administer the laws and govern the thirty-six hells shall promptly pay homage to Emperor Xuan, pardon the past transgressions of the deceased, so-and-so and others, and deliver the deceased, so-and-so and others beyond…

Ascension and Return

Ascend to the Heaven of the Jade Pavilion of Shenxiao (Shenxiao, the celestial realm in Daoist cosmology), then return to one's proper post. The qi (the vital breath of life and the cosmos) enters the mysterious state of oneness.

Declaration of Command (Gao Ming Wen)

Taisui, year, month, day, and hour: proclaimed from above.

The ritual officer [surname], a minister, receives the command and respectfully carries out the task.

Outer Seal Format

(Shenxiao jade tablet and golden talisman, proclaimed to the officials of the Celestial Prison who enforce the law and govern.) The holder of office [surname], a minister, respectfully seals this.

Jade Tablet and Golden Talisman of This Office's Heaven

(The five patterns (wuwen) open the expanse and universally plant the spirits.) (Forever delivering from the three paths of suffering (santu); calamities dissolve in the nine dark depths.) (Illness is cleared and transgressions are lightened.)

(The roots of evil are destroyed.) (The dead souls undergo refinement.) (They ascend on schedule.) (The body crosses into our realm, and the form enters naturalness (ziran).)

(Turning back in radiance, they are welcomed home with honor; overseeing the perfected (zhenren), they deliver all beings.) (Consciousness fully awakens, and the body rises on purple clouds.)

Proclamation

The proclamation is the same as the preceding text.

Outer Seal Format

(Shenqiao jade tablet and golden talisman, proclaimed to Dongyue to ascend to rebirth in the Heaven of This Office.) The holder of office [surname], a minister, respectfully seals this.

The Master says: when lighting the Nine Zhi Divine Lamp (jiuzhi shendeng), one must perform the talismanic tablets of this office and give them to the deceased to hold. In this way the deceased can proceed directly to the Heavenly Hall of Rebirth without obstruction.

The ritual formula says: when writing the fulu talismans, visualize the Sovereign of the Nine Heavens descending nine qi into the talisman. When burning the talisman, recite:

Nine Yang circulate the true qi; refined and transformed, it becomes divine merit. After the talisman is burned, the command is swiftly transmitted. The response is manifest and clear, reaching through from the netherworld. Urgently follow the decrees of the Nine-Qi Sovereign.

Edict for Refining the Form with Golden Fluid (Jinye Lianxing Gao)

(Decree of the Three Treasure Lords.) The soul of the deceased [name]: refine and deliver the three hun and seven po of the deceased [name]. Numinous light pervades the whole body, and the long dark night is thereby illuminated. The hun and po ascend and gather again into the original form. The soul of the deceased [name].

Proclamation

Refining the form with golden fluid causes the departed soul to unite with the Dao and become true. Opening the three luminosities (the three realms of light in Daoist teaching) is the heavenly root. There is no darkness and no boundary, no beginning and no end. The Yuanhuang nine ugly numinous demons (yuanhuang jiuchou lingmo) are dispelled, and the crimson palace (Jianggong) rises on purple clouds. The body travels by six dragons, with water above and fire below, flowing into the three palaces (sangong). The spirit and soul return to yangming, and the Great Dao naturally flows through. Act in accordance with the proclamation.

Yuqing Jiutian Duhun Leiwen Precious Edict (Thunder Script for Soul Deliverance)

(Twenty-one characters in total, from the Thunder Script section of the Shenxiao Methods.)

Directly reach the Heaven of Flowering Ultimate; rightly assist the Imperial Gang (huanggang); thunder light erodes……, condensing into the De domain of chonghe (harmonious emptiness).

Translator's note: The phrases in the original, such as "thunder eclipse ▲ hair" (leishi ▲ mao), appear damaged or garbled. The text is rendered literally as it stands, with ellipses marking the gaps. Technical terms such as wuwen and jiuzhi are retained as in the original.

Thunder, Lightning, and Clouds Filling the Wilds: Seal-Script Incantation

In the Jade Clarity Palace of the Lofty Mysterious Heavens (the celestial Jade Clarity Palace), the Divine Empyrean Thunder Palace, and within the Fire Mound, the Floating Thunder Decree of the Southern Yan Cavern (Nanyan Dongfu Leiling) is set in motion. The secret mysteries of the Fire Palace (huofu) take effect naturally, and the work of refinement and salvation (liandu) is accomplished. The Lord of Long Life, Elder Han (a Daoist deity title), together with the Four Bureaus and the Five Emperors, holds the registers of names, so that the souls of the Fire Mound are delivered. The myriad spirits merge into one and receive universal aid, and each ascends to the Purple Court and the Jade Palace. The Thunder Decree breaks through and seizes the Northern Fengdu (the dark underworld of the north), so that all souls may behold the light. Swiftly, swiftly, as the statute commands!

Notice of Deliverance

This Jade Clarity Nine Heavens Thunder Script for Delivering Souls gives notice to the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus, the One Hundred and Twenty Offices, the Nine Dark Underworld, the Eighteen Hells, and the prisons of the Northern Yin Fengdu. The officials in charge of the hells are to deliver these dead, so that their sins and sufferings are all pardoned together, the punishments of the dark prisons are halted, they no longer endure the darkness of the Heavy Springs, and all of them behold the light. Receiving this order of pardon, they are to leave the hells and be reborn in the heavenly realms. Carry out this notice accordingly.

Issued on a certain day, at a certain hour, of a certain month in the year of Taisui.

Subject of the Dharma rank (your servant), surnamed so-and-so, receives the imperial command and carries out this work.

Outer Seal Format

(The Jade Clarity Nine Arrows Thunder Script for Delivering Souls gives notice to the Three Primes, the Nine Bureaus, and the One Hundred and Twenty Offices.) Sealed respectfully by the holder of the post (your servant), surnamed so-and-so.

Notice of Refinement and Salvation

This Jade Clarity Thunder Seal and Hidden Script of the Fire Palace gives notice to the officials of the netherworld: souls of the dead are to be delivered universally, so that they ascend to the Purple Palace and proceed to the Vermilion Numinous Realm. The suffering souls are to be released and refined, and thereby attain perfection. Within this process, the Honored One of Primal Ultimate Longevity, Elder Han, dissolves their transgressions. The forces of wind and fire move without ceasing, the Three Realms hear this command, and the multitude of souls all ascend to the Purple Court. Carry out this notice accordingly.

Also

This Jade Clarity Jade Palace Jade Seal Thunder Script gives notice to the officials of the netherworld: the dead souls are to be settled in peace, released and refined, and thereby attain perfection. The Numinous Officials of the Fire Palace, the Directors of Nanchang, the one thousand five hundred spirit lords, and the Fire Emperors and Fire Officials hold the registers of names in front. Dead souls who have passed through nine refinements are to be reborn at once. Once the jade writ is delivered, no delay is permitted. The Directors of Fate, the Directors of Office, the Left and Right Recorders, and the Directors of Birth are to carry out this command. Carry out this notice accordingly.

Talisman of the Primordial Lord for Erasing Death and Ascending to Life

The Master says: "Whenever a living body receives salvation, it must receive the Talisman for Erasing Death and Ascending to Life. Only then can the body join with the Great Void (the vast void that is the substance of the cosmos in Daoist teaching), and extend its years and add to its longevity. The method of making this talisman is: take a catalpa wood tablet nine inches long, two inches and four fen wide, and two fen thick, and apply powdered green…"

Burning the Talisman: Write the cinnabar talisman on yellow paper, place it in a bag, and send it up to the altar together with two memorials to be burned. When the rite is performed for the deliverance of the dead, follow the same procedure.

General Meaning of the Talisman Text: By the decree of the Primordial Heavenly Lord (Yuanshi Shangdi), transgressions are pardoned, calamities are dissolved, and enmities and entanglements are resolved. The register of death is struck off so that the deceased may be reborn. The deceased's name is transferred from the Northern Office (the bureaucracy of the netherworld) to the Southern Palace, where the departed soul undergoes refining and transformation, becomes human again, and gradually enters the path of the immortals. Thunder makes the wondrous Dao manifest, the register of death is erased, the register of life is granted, and the soul is raised into the realm of no-form.

Petition Text: By the decree of the Primordial Heavenly Lord, transgressions are pardoned and faults forgiven, enmity is removed and knots are dispersed, and the register of death is struck off so that the deceased may recover vitality. The deceased's name is inscribed on a jade tablet and entered among the immortal ranks of the Jade Steps. Received by true light and opened to a compassionate wisdom that unfolds the golden lotus, the soul walks forward within the purple qi and passes through its barriers. Through three transformations and nine refinements, its form is changed and its countenance restored. The Demon Kings of the Three Heavens recommend it, and it is admitted into the company of the perfected immortals. With a clear and luminous mind, blessings and wisdom arise naturally. It rides the dragon chariot in attendance upon the immortal carriage and receives primordial qi, enduring forever. Everything is carried out in accordance with the decree.

To the Grand Duke, the year, the month, the day, and the hour, the following is respectfully reported.

The disciple of the Dharma rank, surnamed so-and-so, receives this command and carries it out as ordered.

Outer Seal Format: Talisman petition of the Primordial Heavenly Lord striking off the register of death and restoring vitality, respectfully addressed to the true overseers of the Three Realms and the Ten Directions who govern the registers of birth. Sealed with care by the disciple of the rank, surnamed so-and-so, in the designated position.

Incantation for Burning the Talisman: Generation after generation, may we be granted the regard of the Supreme Lord, our names enrolled within the inner gates and the purple chambers, and may the Five Spirits be harmonized within us. May the hun and po souls (the ethereal and corporeal souls) always be preserved, and may we honorably receive the radiance of the immortal palaces. May the five viscera receive the primordial jade qi and together cross over the heaven of water and fire. Embracing the qi of the Four Harmonies, may we flourish and return above to the Supreme Unity (Huangyi). May we be in accord with the souls of the myriad people. Urgent, as the Supreme Lord's decree commands.