《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 47

Shangqing Lingbao Dafa (The Great Method of Shangqing and Lingbao), Scroll 47, Diagram 5

Compiled by Ning Quanzhen, Lofty Scholar of Subtle Insight and Perfected Who Opens the Light and Relieves Suffering, and transmitted with Wang Qizhen, Disciple of the Shangqing Three Caverns and Successor Master who Leads the Teaching of Lingbao

Section on Fasting and Talismans

Presenting the Tablets and Submitting the Dragon Documents (Jian Jian Tou Long Zhang)

The Master says: The Primordial Heavenly Worthy (Yuanshi Tianzun) settled Heaven and Earth and spread the Five Scriptures, and so the Five Venerable Emperors (Wulao Shangdi) received the Scarlet Writ of True Script (Chishu Zhenwen). This scripture is the root that stabilizes the celestial realm and the source that guards the earth. It can subdue the Five Sacred Peaks and pacify the Five Directions. It is truly the foundation of the Lingbao teaching and the key to the method of delivering people.

Those who turn toward the Dao, seek to study it, and hope to become immortals receive the Middle Covenant Scripture and wear the Lingbao registers. In each case, they must write the Scarlet Writ of True Script on tablets of rose-of-Sharon wood, compose a письменное proclamation, and cast the tablets into mountains, rivers, or dwellings. Through this act they form a covenant with the Three Realms and dissolve the roots of sin. Casting the tablets toward the Five Sacred Peaks and presenting the dragon documents can extinguish faults and dispel transgressions. This is the intent of the practice, and its origins are recorded in scriptures such as the Jade Script of True Writ (Yuzi Zhenwen).

Ritual regulations state that whenever the Great Yellow Register Offering (Huang Lu Da Zhai) is performed, once the altar is closed (that is, the ritual of the altar is concluded), mountain tablets, earth tablets, and water tablets must be used. They are to be accompanied by gold dragons, gold knobs, and jade discs, to record the merit of the rite and to report it to the Three Primes (the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water in Daoist teaching). In practice, this method derives from the Scarlet Writ of True Script of the Five Venerable Emperors. When Master Zhang Chengxian of the Tang dynasty edited the ritual codes, he already gave a detailed account of it. Later, Du Guangting compiled the Huang Lu Zhai Ke (Liturgy of the Yellow Register Offering), which fully describes the origins of the Scarlet Writ and the standards for the rite of casting the tablets. His account is clear and explicit, and there is nothing doubtful in it.

In recent times, some people have carved a separate talisman on each of the three kinds of tablets, and the talisman forms passed down by each person differ from one another. They do not realize that the purpose of casting the tablets lies in using the Scarlet Writ of True Script. Would it be effective to abandon it and use other talismans instead?

For now, I list the incantations for the three kinds of tablets to clarify their general meaning. The incantation for the mountain tablet reads: "The Profound Above opens and illuminates; the Primordial Lord oversees the True. The Supreme Emperors and Five Venerable Ones issue the command, and the cinnabar script is the origin and beginning of Heaven and Earth, governing the Three Primes as a whole." The incantation for the water tablet reads: "The Primordial Five Venerable Emperors, lofty and honored, perfected beings of the ten directions, the Great Flower Spirit-Immortals; the crimson writ issues the decree, and no hidden dark place fails to hear it." The incantation for the earth tablet reads: "Heaven and Earth open wide, and the nine breaths divide into spirit; the palaces of the Three Primes shine clear in the ten directions; the Five Venerable Emperors open the True and govern life; the cinnabar book and the crimson writ belong to the Primordial and the Shangqing."

Examining the purpose of these three incantations more closely, all of them point clearly to the Scarlet Writ of the Five Venerable Emperors. If one replaces it with other talismans...

This would run directly counter to the essential purpose of the rite, and the incantations would not correspond at all, so the matter cannot be left unexamined. Now, following the intent of the scripture, the Vermilion Writing of the Five Elders and Jade Characters (fulu, Daoist talismanic script) is to be inscribed on the reverse of the slip, and its meaning taken as the credential for dispatching it. This practice derives from the orthodox scriptures and is not the private transmission of later masters. Even though each lineage has its own sectarian traditions, this format must on no account be altered.

Moreover, submitting a slip concerns the Three Officials' Offices (Sanguan fu, the divine offices of Heaven, Earth, and Water), bears on sin and fortune, and therefore calls for especially careful deliberation. The required Vermilion Jade Characters are already recorded in the section "Zhenrang Shezhi Men" (Section on Subduing Calamities and Gathering Regulations). Fearing that consulting it would be inconvenient, the applicable portions have been extracted and listed separately below, and some repetition is unavoidable. In addition, three other talismans, which should not be used, are also preserved here so that later scholars may examine and verify them.

The "slip" (jian) is an object for recording. It registers the merits of the mortal world and swears an oath to the Upper Perfected (Shangzhen), a divine perfected venerated in Daoism. Slips are classified as upper, lower, correct, and square. Each measures one foot two inches in length, two inches four fen in width, and two fen in thickness. When made by the state, they are of jade, which has nine virtues and serves as the credential of reverent respect toward Heaven and Earth and of sworn covenant. The slips described below, however, are made of hibiscus or cypress wood. On each slip, boundary lines are drawn in cinnabar and the Five Phases are marked. In cinnabar are also written the name of the state, the reign title, the sexagenary cycle designation, the place where the offering rite (zhaijiao, purification ritual) is held, and the name of the High Merit Officiant (gaogong), the Daoist priest who presides over the ritual. The slip is then cast into a famous mountain, a great cavern, a numinous spring, or a dragon lair, or buried within the ritual altar. This reports to the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water that the record of the rite is complete, and it is memorialized to the upper realms.

Each slip is paired with a golden dragon. The dragon's function is to carry the slip on its back and convey the credential to the Three Officials' Offices. Each slip is also paired with a jade disc: the mountain slip with a dark-blue round disc with a hollow center, the earth slip with a yellow square disc with a hollow center, and the water slip with a black, six-pointed disc with a hollow center. All the discs are two and a half inches in diameter.

Twenty-seven gold knobs are also prepared, each nine fen in diameter and shaped like a ring. Each slip uses nine of these knobs, which, together with the golden dragon and the jade disc, are bound with blue silk thread. The blue thread substitutes for the cutting of hair, and the gold knobs substitute for the smearing of blood in sworn oaths, by which the matter is reported to the Three Officials. The salvation of the living, the deliverance of the dead, and the cultivation of the Way all ultimately share the same principle and differ only in their wording and incantations. These must be carefully distinguished before the rite is performed, lest errors arise in the netherworld and in the human world.

Front-Side Petition of the Mountain Slip

The ritual sponsor (zhai zhu) So-and-so, of registered residence in such-and-such village, such-and-such township, such-and-such district, such-and-such prefecture, acting under command, on behalf of the deceased So-and-so……

The Yellow Register Grand Retreat (Huanglu Dazhai), a Daoist rite for blessing and delivering the dead, was held at a certain place over a number of days and nights. When the rite was complete, a number of clear offering (qingjiao) altars were respectfully established to give thanks for heavenly grace. After the ritual altar was dismantled, the Golden Dragon Jade Tablets (jinlong yujian), memorials carried by a golden dragon and written on jade tablets, were respectfully delivered to the Spirit Mountain of a certain Cavern-Heaven (dongtian). The petition prays that the Heavenly Officials (tianguan) grant blessings, that the Earth Office (difu) remove transgressions, that Mount Fengshan reduce the burden of guilt, and that the dark prisons cease their bitter wrongs. It further asks that the relevant registers be transferred to the Vermilion Office, so that the living may attain the Dao and the dead may ascend to heaven. Silk and jade discs serve as tokens, the golden dragon carries the document, and everything shall be carried out according to the command.

In the year, month, and day of a certain Taisui year, the command was issued at a certain grotto-abode of a mountain.

The Fawei (ritual rank) officiant, surnamed so-and-so, received the decree and acts accordingly.

On the reverse, the twenty-four characters of the Eastern Red Script are written.

Front of the Earth Tablet Petition

This register belongs to a certain county, township, and village in a certain prefecture. The sponsor of the rite, surnamed so-and-so, performs the Yellow Register Grand Retreat for the deceased so-and-so at a certain place. After a number of days and nights, the rite was completed, and a number of clear offering altars were respectfully established to thank heaven for its grace. After the ritual altar was dismantled, the Golden Dragon Jade Tablets were respectfully delivered at the Yellow Register altar, in accordance with the liturgy. The petition asks the Earth Officials to pardon transgressions and halt pursuit of the dead. It asks that the Blades of the Luo-Feng (Luofeng), the Daoist underworld, have their edges broken and the Sword Trees have their points destroyed. The matter is reported to the Vault of Heaven, so that all sentient beings may be universally delivered, and the living may attain the Dao and their merit endure. Silk and jade discs serve as tokens, the golden dragon carries the document, and everything shall be carried out according to the command.

In the year, month, and day of a certain Taisui year, the command was issued at a certain Earth Palace of the Spirit Altar.

The Fawei officiant, surnamed so-and-so, received the decree and acts accordingly.

On the reverse, the forty characters of the Central Red Script are written.

Front of the Water Tablet Petition

This register belongs to a certain county, township, and village in a certain prefecture. The sponsor of the rite, surnamed so-and-so, performs the Yellow Register Grand Retreat for the deceased so-and-so at a certain place. After a number of days and nights, the rite was completed, and a number of clear offering altars were respectfully established to thank heaven for its grace. After the ritual altar was dismantled, the Golden Dragon Jade Tablets were respectfully delivered in accordance with the liturgy, to a certain Spirit Abyss. The petition asks the Water Officials to dispel calamities and to transmit the command to the Deep Springs (chongquan), the depths of the underworld. It asks that the registers of sins held in the Five Lakes, Four Seas, and Twelve River Sources be swiftly erased, that wandering souls cease their suffering and have their grievances resolved, and that, through refining and purification, they be delivered and ascend to the Southern Heaven. May the merit increase, so that they are no longer recorded in the registers of guilt but entered into the Golden Chapters (jinpian). Silk serves as the token, the golden dragon carries the document, and everything shall be carried out according to the command.

In the year, month, and day of a certain Taisui year, the command was issued at a certain Spirit Spring Water Palace.

The Fawei officiant, surnamed so-and-so, received the decree and acts accordingly.

On the reverse, the twenty-four characters of the Northern Red Script are written.

Proclamation for Scholar-Initiates and Those Seeking Erasure of Sin Records

If a scholar-initiate receives the Zhongmeng (Middle Covenant, a Daoist ritual office or grade of transmission), or seeks immortality by requesting the erasure of sin records, the following proclamation format may be used:

The disciple (minister), on a certain day of a certain month of a certain year, respectfully goes to the place of the Sandong Fashi (Master of the Three Caverns) and receives transmission of the Zhongmeng scriptures: the Lingbao Wulao Zhenwen (Perfected Text of the Five Elders of the Numinous Treasure), the Chishu Lingpian (Numinous Chapters of the Vermilion Writ), the Sanbu Bajing Zhutian Neiyin (Inner Sounds of the Eight Luminous Heavens of the Three Sections), the Shenxian Erlu (Two Registers of the Immortals), the Bawei Cewen (Text of the Eight Majesties' Strategy), and the Wudi Fuzhang (Talismanic Staffs of the Five Emperors). After the transmission is complete, the slip texts are submitted according to ritual. The mountain slip is cast into the Numinous Mountain, the water slip is cast into a clear spring together with the dragon offering, and the earth slip is deposited in the central palace. The texts are then relayed by the Golden Dragon, praying for the erasure of sin records.

If one has built merit for the state or for scholars and commoners, the following proclamation may be used:

Now, respectfully on behalf of a certain person, we pray: above for the state, and below for the living and the dead, that blessings and grace may be granted. We set forth our faults, repent, and atone, and we perform the Huangli Dazhai (Great Yellow Register Retreat, a large-scale Daoist zhaijiao (purification ritual)).

If the practitioner is a cultivating Daoist, then on the Three Primes (Shangyuan, Zhongyuan, and Xiayuan) or on the Eight Seasonal Days, one may repent, atone, and pray for auspiciousness, and submit the Chishu slip texts. Related content is found in the Chishu Zhenwen Yujue (Jade Instructions on the True Text of the Vermilion Writ).

Mountain Slip Proclamation (Shanjian Gaowen)

The holder of the Fawei (ritual rank within the Daoist hierarchy) surnamed so-and-so, on a certain day of a certain month of a certain year, born under the authority of a certain emperor and belonging to a certain sacred peak, declares the following. We wish to become a spirit, become an immortal, attain long life and transcend the world, ascend to Shangqing (Highest Clarity), and become a True Person of the Five Sacred Peaks. We humbly request the most divine and numinous deities to erase our sin records and to register our names in the Nine Heavens. Respectfully proceeding to the Numinous Mountain, we send this text by relay of the Golden Dragon.

Earth Slip Proclamation (same format as above)

The Fawei holder so-and-so wishes to become a spirit, become an immortal, attain long life and transcend the world, and take a place among the Zhonghuang (Central Sovereigns). We humbly request the Nine Earths, the Wuji Huangshen (Yellow Spirits of Earth), and the Five Emperors of the Earth Palace to erase the sin records and to register our names in the Taixuan (Supreme Mystery). Respectfully proceeding to the central palace to deposit the slip and register our names, we fasten the Golden Button, keep our vows of our own accord, and send this text by relay of the Golden Dragon.

Water Slip Proclamation (same format as above)

The Fawei holder so-and-so wishes to become a spirit, become an immortal, attain long life without death, and endure together with the Three Primes. We humbly request the Nine Emperors, the deities of the Water Palace, and the great deities of the Twelve Sources of Rivers, the rivers and streams of the Jiang, He, Huai, and Ji, and the Mingling, to erase the sin records and to register our names in the Danpian (Cinnabar Chapter). Respectfully proceeding to the Water Palace, we send this text by relay of the Golden Dragon.

All three slip texts are handled according to the ritual described above. At the first submission, nine Golden Buttons are used for each slip. At the second and third submissions, only the dragon is used, without Golden Buttons.

For the ritual procedures of slip submission by Daoist practitioners, see the Zhenrang Shezhi Men (Section on Suppression, Warding, and Subjugation).

Mountain Slip Talisman

The meaning of the talisman text is as follows. Taishang (the Most High), the Three Heavens, and the Heavenly Emperor Yuzhen jointly observe the brightness of the sun, moon, and stars, and with majesty subdue the mountain spirits. The Five Emperors turn the heavenly Dao so that the Way of the immortals constantly flourishes, the true qi pervades the vast void, and the mountains store clouds and mist.

Earth Slip Talisman

Water Tablet Talisman (Shui Jian Fu, a talisman used in rites related to the Water Palace)

(Taishang Sanyuan (Supreme Three Primes): the supreme Three Primes deities. Zhi Zhi Shuiyuan (Commanded to Govern the Waters Sources): ordered to oversee the sources of waters. Jiu Jiang Si Du (Nine Great Rivers and Four Great Waterways): nine great rivers and four great waterways. He Bo Yu Xiang (River Earl Brings Auspiciousness): He Bo descends to bestow blessings.)

(The Celestial River turns and transforms, removing the sins accumulated within the Nine Mysteries.)

Shangqing Four Seasons Tossing-Tablet True Talisman (Shangqing Sijitou Jian Zhenfu, a talisman used by the Shangqing school in accordance with the seasons): spring, summer, autumn, winter.

Shengdu Qikan Men (the Method of Examining Credentials for the Elevation of Deceased Souls)

The Master says: after a deceased soul has received liandu (refining and salvation), it should be given gaoming (imperial patents), mingji (registers of names), fulu (talismans and registers), and pingquan (certificates), so that the soul may keep them safe and present them to the responsible offices for verification. These are like the imperial edicts and certificates of the mortal world. Without such credentials, a soul will be obstructed as it passes through various places and will struggle to ascend smoothly.

Taiyi Jiusheng Jiusi Jiku Chaodu Zhuling Zhenfu (Taiyi Talisman for Rescuing the Living, the Dead, and Those Suffering, and for Delivering Souls to Zhuling)

The fajue (method instructions) say: whenever this talisman is written, first burn incense facing east, perform three bows, and then kneel to make a memorial. Visualize Taiyi (a revered Daoist deity) riding a five-colored nine-headed lion, radiant with golden light, and exhaling the qi of the Azure Mystery from his mouth. Silently perform nine prostrations in the mind. After the memorial is complete, form the yujue (Jade Seal hand gesture), command the brush, and recite the incantation:

"Yuanshi Yudi (the Jade Emperor of Primordial Beginning) spreads his decrees, which are most efficacious. He carries out the Dao, bestows grace widely, and grants talismans so that deceased souls may be reborn. If there are transgressions, let them be swiftly reduced and removed. The jade words you proclaim shall be obeyed by all the myriad spirits."

After reciting this, draw the qi of the Heavenly Gate into the brush. Next, form the maowen (Mao Seal hand gesture), recite the honorific name of Taiyi eighty-one times, and draw the qi from Taiyi's mouth into the paper and brush. Then recite:

"Carried out by the decree of Taiyi Jiku Tianzun (the Heavenly Honored One Who Rescues from Suffering)."

Repeat the same eighty-one times, drawing the qi into the brush. Then recite eighty-one more times, draw in the qi of the Azure Mystery, and move the brush to write the talisman in accordance with the breath.

(The Primordial Talisman Command opens the gate to delivering deceased souls; the Primordial Sovereign's Great Pattern rescues the souls of the dead. The Zhuling Numinous Talisman helps them ascend through the Golden Gate.)

(It opens the Eight Gates above, and golden light radiates its brilliance. It rescues the suffering souls and causes them to ascend to the Purple Court. The Mysterious Qi opens the path of deliverance and flies beyond the Five Households, leaving behind cries of suffering and rising to Yuqing (the Jade Clarity Heaven). Nanchang Shangxiang (Chancellor of Nanchang).)

(By the decree of Yuchen Yuanhuang (the Primordial Sovereign of the Jade Palace), souls are rescued and lifted so that they are reborn in Zhuling.)

Incantation

Santian Daluo Gaoshang Yuqing Yuanshi Lingshu Taishang Zhenwen】【.

The Dao (Dao) of the Xuanyuan Great Dao commands the Lord of the Dongtian (Cavern Heaven) of the Heavenly Realm of Yuchen (Jade Dawn Heaven), who governs the souls and spirits.

The masters of the Nine Dark Depths (the realm of the netherworld) and the Six Cavern Perfected Spirits, receiving the sacred talismans, deliver the wandering souls from their suffering.

Edict of the Heavenly King: let the Yin Bureau enforce it immediately, swiftly and in accordance with the statute!

The Perfected Sage has already attained the status of a celestial perfected, a descendant of the Three Sovereigns and a grandson of Taishang. May the suffering spirits of the ancestors across successive generations return to life through the great method of the Heavenly Honored One.

Write the proclamation in vermilion script and promulgate it to the netherworld. Once the jade text is issued, the iron walls are shattered.

Talisman light shines bright, illuminating layer upon layer of darkness. Swords and blades transform into precious trees, and the sword forest becomes a paradise. Lotus flowers grow from the fire, and ice and snow melt away. May the deceased souls transcend the Three Paths, the Five Sufferings, and the Eight Difficulties, crossing every layer of peril.

The demon kings and the Yin officials bow in welcome and farewell, and everything shall be carried out in accordance with the Jade Pure Primordial Decree.

Swiftly, swiftly, as the statute commands.

Decree of the Primordial Lord Yuanshi Shangdi.

The above ritual methods belong to the Jade Formula of Eastern Qi (Qi).

Proclamation:

Heavenly Honored One, deliver from suffering. The immortal Dao values life: it opens the Eight Gates, sets the Flying Wheel of the Dharma turning, and universally receives and liberates the dead souls, restoring their life. May the deceased souls ascend to the realm of the Upper Clarity Vermilion Cloud and Radiant Flame, the Land of Vermilion Brilliance, and in the Palace of Double Yang audience with the Celestial Lord, and be carried up to the Divine Court of the Vermilion Pavilion Flowing Fire. Pass through the refining pools of fire, the Shen Fire and the Gao Smelting, cleansing away the dust and defilement, receiving instruction, and regaining life. May the deceased souls cultivate themselves on red lotus blossoms into initial celestial beings. Everything shall proceed according to the command of this proclamation.

Taisui, the year, month, day, and hour are announced.

The Office of the Dharma, your servant [surname], receiving the edict, carries it out in accordance with the command.

Heavenly Honored One of Supreme Unity who rescues the living, rescues the dead, relieves suffering and crosses over calamity; Supreme Lord of the Azure Mystery (a revered deity in Daoist rites for the salvation of the dead).

The Jade Coffer Register of Lord Han for Ferrying Souls (a sacred register used for ferrying souls):

Om Zha Li Hong. Lord Han, Sima, and the Old Man of Nanchang, who govern the granting of life and the raising of the dead: swiftly dispel sins and defilement, oversee all from Heaven, nurture spiritual beings and cultivate their forms, and deliver them upward into the Three Heavens.

This register is now bestowed upon the deceased soul of [name]. Hold this register-command and treasure it forever as your own. The place of birth recorded in the register shall serve forever as your credential. This command is promulgated by the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole of Upper Clarity.

Golden Register for the Pardon of Sins and Rebirth from the Nine Dark Depths:

The supreme empty treasure register descends to deliver the destitute souls of the depths of the netherworld. The imperial decree is issued through the Gate of the Underworld Springs to rescue the souls who have passed through countless calamities. Swiftly proceed to the Vermilion Pavilion Court, and by the vast compassion of Taishang, set turning the Dharma Wheel that grants life and delivers from death.

(The light of the sun and moon shines in from left and right, opening the gate of brightness. The sinful souls are all settled and no longer suffer the pain of sorrow.)

(The Golden Register (jin lu), a talisman used for delivering the dead, causes the suffering souls and the souls lost in darkness to leave the sea of bitterness.)

The talisman on the right is delivered by imperial decree to a certain departed soul. Holding this talisman, the soul may be reborn according to its wish.

The Ancestral Master, the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole of Shangqing, issues the decree:

The Talisman of Rebirth Entrusted by the Supreme Yi Jade Emperor (Taiyi Yuhuang Tuosheng Lu), a talisman for rebirth bestowed by the Supreme Yi Jade Emperor.

The Lingbao Great Dharma Office carries out these orders on this day and month.

The Mysterious and Wondrous Decree: Issue the Precious Register of Rebirth to the sunken souls who have long lingered in dark realms and cannot undergo transformation. Whoever holds this mandate will receive the salvation of the Heavenly Worthy of Qingxuan Who Relieves Suffering and will be freed from the deep netherworld. Wherever the light of wisdom shines, the dark gates will be illuminated. The souls will be delivered beyond the Three Realms and will ride the Golden Dragon courier to the Four Heavens, ascending into the realm of formlessness. Wind and fire run without cease, and the Gate King (men wang), the spirit official who governs gates, leads the souls and causes them to be reborn.

The Precious Register of Rebirth on the right is used to deliver souls, causing them to be transformed into life among humans or in heaven, and to be born according to their respective karma.

Everything is to be carried out according to the decree.

The decree is issued in the year, month, day, and hour of the Grand Duke (Taisui).

The Dharma Official (minister) surnamed ___, receiving the command, carries it out.

The Yuqing Joint Ascension Great Tally (a tally for ascension that accords with the heavenly realm).

The master said: "The Sanhuang Neiwen records that when one attains the Way and ascends, the Heavenly Worthy sends an attendant perfected to bestow the tally of ascension, so that the flesh and bones of the person ascend together and pass through the Heavenly Gate. Later generations must not presume to imitate this on their own. This tally is the Yuqing precious tally jointly recognized by the Three Heavens. It bears the Sovereign's living destiny and the Jade Emperor's true writ, and it is given to those who still study in the human world, worship the Primordial Heavenly Worthy, and visit the True Sages. It can also deliver the dead and refine their souls, so that the spirit officials of the Southern Palace no longer detain the dead and allow them to pass through the Heavenly Gate.

"In making it, take a square of blue paper and fold it into the shape of four gates. Write the tally text on the front in cinnabar, and write the proclamation on the back, inscribing the year, month, day, hour, and Dharma position so that they form the number of the Five Phases. Place it in a red bag and tie it with a blue silk cord. If the practitioner's mind is in accord, the tally should be hung on the chest. If one wishes to deliver the dead, so that they may be reborn and pass through the Heavenly Gate, the tally must be tied to a straw substitute figure."

(Within the Three Heavens, the Three Treasures unite on yang days.)

The Void Origin Mysterious Capital condenses primal qi and transforms it into the heavenly realm. The Southern Palace smelts creation and transformation, and the Northern Mansion eliminates transgressions. We respectfully command the messengers of the three departments to gather the essential souls, so that they may wear and bear the Dharma body, be delivered, return to the primal origin, ascend into the void realm, enter the mysterious Way, and attain the state of wuwei (non-action).

Certificate for the Departed Soul

By imperial decree, the earth deities (dizhi) are charged with attending the departed soul and awaiting its refinement and rebirth. Once the soul has passed through the Heavenly Gate, it is escorted to the Southern Palace (Nangong).

Proclamation for the Living Body

Today, so-and-so has joyfully received deliverance and is no longer bound. By the talismanic command of Yuqing (Jade Clarity, the realm of the Daoist supreme deities), the soul ascends to the Dao realm and is to act in accordance with the statutes.

Proclaimed by the Year, Month, Day, and Hour of Taisui (Grand Duke, the year star).

Your servant, so-and-so, bearing the ritual rank (fawei) of Master, of the surname so-and-so, receives this decree and carries out the matter.

Great Certificate of Ascent Through Taiyin Refinement

Light combines (sun and moon); the Heavenly Thearch (Fantian) and Brahma-Yang. The True Yang opens and generates new life, while Taiyin (Great Yin) refines the hun and po souls and strengthens their power.

The Lord Assistant Huang Ning governs and records the whole, so that form and spirit (shen) are made complete. He wears a crown of nine rays and is adorned with pearl tassels. The True Decree of Life is clear, and the Dao turns the wheel of rebirth. With the Nine Yang True Essence (jing) the souls are refined and made to ascend to heaven.

Proclamation

Today a great oath-rite is held to report to the Thirty-Two Heavens and the Thirty-Two Emperors, and to perform the deliverance of the departed so-and-so and others. May they be freed from the thirty-six entanglements and the thirty-nine roots of evil that lead to death, and may the burdens and accumulated obstructions of the corpse be cut away. Once refined, may they ascend as immortals, be recommended by the Three Realms, be received by the Five Emperors, and be escorted through the Heavenly Gate without hindrance. Act swiftly in accordance with the statutes of the Shangqing Lingbao Great Rite.

Proclaimed by the Year, Month, Day, and Hour of Taisui, issued within the zhaijiao (purification ritual) altar.

Proclaimed by your servant, so-and-so, of the surname so-and-so.

Precious Certificate of Ascent to Nanchang

Incantation for Dispersing the Form

Nourish, irrigate, and refine the root with primordial essence (yuan jing), so that the hun-spirit becomes clear and upright and the various primordial qi (yuan qi) endure. No longer suffering affliction, the body manifests radiance. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes.

(Dalang shipo du, jihua zheng xuan tian, xuanji fazhu di, bian jin yi. The remaining syllables are an untranslatable incantation and are left in their original form.)

Back talisman.

Incantation of the Talisman Blessing

By the Primordial Ancestral Qi, may the suffering wandering spirits be immediately delivered and ascend to the Vermilion Palace. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes.

Proclamation

To the Office of the Lingbao Great Rite:

This office, so-and-so, now that the zhai ritual has been completed, announces that the refinement and deliverance rite has been accomplished. The departed so-and-so, who is recommended for deliverance, has already received renewed life and been given a body. They should therefore be elevated to the Southern Palace, and this Precious Certificate of Ascent is issued for them to hold as proof.

By imperial decree, the earth deities are charged to attend and escort the departed so-and-so and others, so that they leave the gates of hell, are spared the five sufferings and eight calamities, and are reborn and carried through the Heavenly Gate, sent by decree to the Southern Palace. Act swiftly in accordance with the statutes of the Shangqing Lingbao Great Rite.

Within the ritual altar (the site where the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) is performed), record the year, month, day, and hour according to the Grand Duke (Taisui) cycle:

Fawei (the Daoist office title of the officiant): "Your servant, surnamed [Name], respectfully performs the rite by command."

Outer Seal Format

"Ascension Treasury Warrant, to be delivered to the deceased [Name] to wear and carry, so that they may be elevated and ascend to the Imperial Court of Heaven. Urgently obey in accordance with the statutes of the Shangqing Lingbao Dafa (Great Methods of the Shangqing Lingbao)."

Juwei (the officiant holding the fawei): "Your servant [Name], respectfully sealed with care."

This treasury warrant is a command from the Divine Lord and is used to deliver the souls of deceased ancestors across generations. It is indispensable.

All three of the above warrants are written in cinnabar on blue paper, with the corners sealed. The paper measures seven cun in length and three cun and two fen in width. Place them in a red pouch and hand it to the spirit of the deceased to hold, so that it may ascend to heaven.

Four Endorsement Talismans for Ascension

Yuanshi Fuming (Primordial Beginning Talisman Mandate)

Memorial of Endorsement

To the Taixuan Capital Office (a heavenly administrative bureau established in Daoist documents):

Respectfully obeying the Dao's decree, on behalf of the sacrificer [Name], we have constructed the Yellow Register Great Retreat (a great rite of Daoist liturgy for the dead, performed to deliver the souls of the deceased), so that the souls of the deceased [Name] and others may be elevated to the realm of the Cinnabar Pure Realm. Respectfully following the provisions of the Lingbao Benke (Lingbao Original Liturgy), the endorsement shall be submitted accordingly.

The above Yuanshi talisman mandate... causes the spirits of the deceased to wander freely in the Shangqing realm. Everything shall be carried out in accordance with the issued command.

Issued on the year, month, day, and hour according to the Grand Duke.

Fawei: "Your servant, surnamed [Name], receives the edict and respectfully carries it out by command."

To the Grand Master of the Three Heavens, Zhengyi Celestial Master:

Passing Through the Heavenly Barriers

Memorial of Endorsement

To the Taixuan Capital Office:

Respectfully obeying the Dao's decree, the content is the same as above.

The above passing through the heavenly barriers... requests the removal of the three evils of the deceased [Name], so that their evil karma is severed and they may pass through the Heavenly Gates without obstruction. Everything shall be carried out in accordance with the issued command.

Universal Proclamation to the Three Realms

Memorial of Endorsement

To the Taixuan Capital Office:

Respectfully obeying the Dao's decree.

The above universal proclamation to the Three Realms... informs the Upper Realm of the River Source, releasing the deceased [Name] and others, along with their ancestors, so that even after passing through countless kalpas, they are not detained for a moment and may be promoted. Everything shall be carried out in accordance with the issued command.

Each of the above four talismanic texts is written in cinnabar and placed in front of its endorsement memorial. Each document measures one chi and two cun in height. The "Passing Through the Heavenly Barriers" sheet is written on jade-green paper, while the others are written on yellow paper, in ink. The four documents are bound together and sealed in a large outer envelope made of yellow paper.

Commanding the Earth Deities

Memorial of Endorsement

To the Taixuan Capital Office:

Respectfully obeying the Dao's decree.

The above commands the Earth Deities (spirits of the earthly realm) to escort and convey the deceased [Name] and others, so that they are released from the Earth Gate (the entrance to the underworld) and depart forever from the offices of the ghosts. Their spirits and souls are to proceed to the Vermilion Hill for refining, and are then to be reborn. Everything shall be carried out in accordance with the issued command.

Issued on the year, month, day, and hour according to the Grand Duke.

Fawei: "Your servant, surnamed [Name], receives the edict and respectfully carries it out by command."

Outer Seal Format

[Note] "Vermilion Hill" refers to the place in Daoist texts where the souls of the dead are refined and transformed; "three evils" refers to the evil karma or retribution that the souls of the dead must eliminate. The phrases "right..." and "(to) ..." in the original are formatting terms that mark the scope of the text of each document. The above translation supplies the omitted portions according to context.

(A memorial for recommending ascent to heaven and delivering the souls of the deceased.) Office-holder surnamed X, respectfully sealed.

The procedure described above means writing the first four talismans in cinnabar on silk of blue and white, then affixing them to the Four Ballasts (sizhen), the stations that correspond to east, south, west, and north when the altar is set up.

The issued Yuanshi Fuming (Yuanshi talisman mandate) and the joint contract documents are to be given to the departed soul, who keeps them in hand.

The Four-Ballast Joint Contract Tally is also called the "Golden Writ and Jade Tally" (jinwen yuquan).

The Master said: "This tally was passed from Tianzhen Huangren to Taixuan Zhenjun, then to Taiji Zuo Xiangong, and later from Qingniu Fengjun to Bao Nanhai, and only then did it circulate among people. In using it, one must follow the rules: divide the four-ballast contract into four parts. The eastern part is written on yellow silk in cinnabar and handed to the Heavenly Gate clerks, to be burned at the Heavenly Gate. The southern part is written in cinnabar on a white jade disc and cast into famous mountains and blessed lands, or into the caverns and grottoes of the cavern-heavens. The western part is written on blue silk and handed to the departed soul to keep. The northern part is carved on the back of a golden fish and cast into water. The Joint Contract of the Three Officials and the Joint Document of the Three Primes must also state the intent of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) and record the name of the foremost among the departed souls. This is done so that, upon arriving at their proper places, the deceased may rely on the contract documents and be transformed and placed according to their rank."

He also said: "Take a sheet of yellow paper and write on it in cinnabar. Then cut it into four pieces, one from each corner, and affix them to the four recommendation talismans, and submit them upward. The eastern piece is affixed to the Yuanshi Fuming. The southern piece is affixed to the Universal Notice to the Three Realms. The western piece is affixed to the document for the Heavens of Successive Passes. The northern piece is affixed to the document for the Earth Deities by Imperial Decree. If an imperial edict (gao) is used, write it in the format of the recommendation memorial. Beyond the four talismans, make a leak-proof letter case of blue silk to enclose the documents, inscribe its title in cinnabar, and use it according to the method."

The four cases are inscribed as follows. The eastern case reads: (Yuanshi Fuming, or Shike Shengqian, the timed promotion), office-holder surnamed X, respectfully resealed. The southern case carries the Four-Ballast Joint Contract Tally and the Universal Notice to the Three Realms, each in the format given above. The western case carries the Four-Ballast Joint Contract Tally or the document for the Heavens of Successive Passes, in the format given above. The northern case carries the Four-Ballast Joint Contract Tally or the document for the Earth Deities by Imperial Decree, in the format given above.