《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 53

Great Method of Shangqing Lingbao, Scroll Fifty-Three, Second Manuscript

Transmitted by Ning Quanzhen, the perfected one who opens the light and saves those in distress, a lofty adept of Dongwei. Compiled by Wang Qizhen, a disciple of the Three Caverns of Shangqing and a lineage master who received the teachings of Lingbao.

Section on the Great Refining of Talismans and Registers

Yin Talismans for Refining and Deliverance in the Nine Heavens

Talisman of Yudan Heaven: The Three Qi, the three original energies that form heaven, earth, and all things, are noble and wondrous. Together they form the Nine Qi, appearing from the great void and then hiding within the empty expanse.

Talisman of Chanshan Heaven: It has no image of light, no name or form, no color or trace, and no sound.

Talisman of Fanjian Heaven: It opens the mysterious and makes it accessible. The Three Qi blend together in an undifferentiated state, appearing at times and disappearing at others.

Talisman of Jiran Heaven: The Qi is clear and bright, lofty and far-reaching; it condenses into solid matter. The Nine Qi each take their appointed place and together receive the mandate to generate life.

Talisman of Boluo Heaven: It brings things to life through the transformation of the Three Qi and guides them through the Nine Qi.

Talisman of Dongxuan Heaven: The Three Primordials—the original energies of heaven, earth, and humanity—nourish all things, while the Nine Qi condense into form. In the ninth month, spirit and Qi spread through the body; once the Qi is full, sound can be produced.

Talisman of Fanfou Heaven: The Nine Heavens celebrate together, while the Great One (Taiyi), a revered Daoist deity, administers the talismanic mandate. The Emperor Lords assess the mandate received at birth, the deity in charge of destiny determines lifespan, and the Five Emperors oversee life.

Talisman of Gaoxu Heaven: In men, the myriad spirits …; in women, the myriad spirits … The divine beings proclaim their reverence and obedience. [The original passage is abbreviated here, and its meaning is incomplete.]

Talisman of Wuxiang Heaven: For men, the deity in charge of destiny values their innate constitution; for women, the deity values their gentleness and compliance.

Proclamation for the Nine Talismans

Using the Nine Qi Yin Talisman, written in the golden characters and jade script of the Supreme Ancestor, we deliver the souls of the deceased and others, establishing a heavenly realm for them beneath the earth. Let all be carried out in accordance with this proclamation.

Talisman of the Original Qi that Generates the Nine Heavens

The talismans above are used in the Nine Refinements rite. Make nine banners from yellow silk, each nine inches wide and eight feet one inch high. Write “Talisman of the Original Qi” at the top of each banner, and inscribe a Nine Heavens Yin Talisman on its body. The ritual master writes a proclamation with each hand, then places the two proclamations separately in the altar space of the Nine Heavens.

Talisman for the Nine Refinements of the Yin Corpse

The ritual master says: This talisman is a cloud script formed after the High and Supreme Lord of the Dao, the Original Father of the Nine Heavens, descended from the empty expanse and brought forth all things through transformation. He bestowed it upon the Golden Register of the Nine Heavens for the boundless deliverance of the dead, enabling them to attain long life.

The Divine Lord uses this talisman to deliver the souls of the dead in the underworld. When someone encounters it, the nine Qi (nine kinds of primordial energy) gather like the rising sun and circulate through every part of the body, causing it to shine with radiance. All dark impurities are then gone, and one can become an immortal.

To use this talisman, write it in cinnabar on yellow paper, or write it nine times in succession on a memorial petition. Place the talisman before the petition and submit it upward to the Emperor of the Nine Heavens. The Lord Emperor will accept it, and the Nine Heavens will celebrate. Taiyi (a Daoist deity) holds the talisman; the Lord Emperor evaluates it and issues commands; the Registrar of Names enters the names in the registers; the Deity of Fate determines the allotted lifespans; the Five Emperors oversee birth; and the Holy Mother protects the birthing chamber.

When writing this talisman, visualize yourself as the Great Divine Lord of the Golden Registers (a revered Daoist deity), form the Nine Palaces mudra, and draw in the Orthodox Qi of the Nine Heavens. Recite the incantation, then make the talisman and place it before the memorial petition.

Yudan Heaven Talisman

Heaven is clear and earth is tranquil; people find peace of spirit. The Nine Luminaries (the nine stars) move in their proper order. Yang Qi fills and flourishes; Yin Qi is abundant. The mind is empty and still. The suffering and the souls of the dead in the netherworld are delivered. One follows nature and accords with the Great Dao. The sun and moon shine together.

Chanshan Heaven Talisman

The Great Dao is inherently clear and expansive. It moves and transforms Yin and Yang. One accords with the true Dao and comprehends the Great Dao; one understands the mind and reaches the state of no-mind.

Fanjian Heaven Talisman

With impartial vision, one transforms through wisdom. The wondrous radiance of the numinous treasure shines through all the heavens and the Thirty-Two Emperors. The teachings flourish, delivering the living and the dead. This numinous talisman of the Cinnabar Realm enables all beings to be reborn.

Jiran Heaven Talisman

The numinous talisman is forged by fire. The body’s hundred bones naturally ascend. Qi transforms into Geng and Xin (Metal Qi in the Five Phases and the Heavenly Stems). The soul crosses the mysterious bridge. Body and mind are purified. Riding the radiance of the sun and moon, one soars into the heavens.

Poluo Heaven Talisman

The three Qi rise like smoke. In the sun, crystalline essence appears. Refining the Po (corporeal soul) allows the Hun (ethereal soul) to arise; Yin Qi surges and transforms into flames of Yang.

Dongxuan Heaven Talisman

Through three transformations and nine refinements, one changes form and returns to one’s true nature. The body joins with mysterious radiance, and one enjoys eternal life.

Linghua Heaven Talisman

Above the Brahma Heaven, all is deep and subtle. One passes through with clarity and ease, stepping aloft in flight. In the remote heights, one commands Metal Qi and endures among the clouds. Receiving primordial Qi, one keeps watch over the mysterious Yellow Court (an important site of cultivation within the body).

Gaoxu Heaven Talisman

The three Yang energies shine forth. The seven Qi congeal into the embryo’s origin. The Qi of the Five Phases gathers as one.

(The altar and Cinnabar Terrace unite; the sun and moon hold their radiance within, and the embryo-light streams its beams.) The altar and Cinnabar Terrace come together, the radiance of the sun and moon is contained within, and the embryo-light—the numinous radiance of human life—shines in all directions.

Talisman of the Heaven of No Thought.

(The Mysterious Sovereign responds to the turning of the cosmic cycle; Qi flows through the center of Heaven; the most wondrous true spirits are joined to the Source.) The Mysterious Sovereign descends in response to the right time, and primordial Qi flows through the heavenly realm. The most wondrous true spirits unite with the source.

Jade Talisman for Gathering the Qi of the Nine Heavens and Delivering Souls.

Yudan, Ning Shen, Chanshan, Baoshen, Fanjian, Ning Qi, Jiaole, Huizhen: in stillness they dwell in peace; numinous Brahma essence gives rise to fluid; transformation responds and streams with radiance; the high and empty realm illumines the spirits. Free of entanglements and attachments, their names are entered in the register of the August Emperor. Yin and Yang join the spirits, thirty-six thousand in all. The two Qi reflect one another; within, they safeguard the Three Fields, the body’s centers for cultivating Jing, Qi, and Shen. Thus they attain the rank of the holy and live as long as Heaven and Earth. A flowing-cloud jade carriage comes to attend the Emperor. Riding a dragon amid radiant clouds, they ascend into the Nine Heavens.

Swiftly, swiftly, by command of the Great Emperor of Long Life.

For the great talisman above, draw upon the Qi of the Dipper Ancestor, blow it away, and burn it. Sunlight will then shine upon the deceased; they will take in the radiance of the sun and moon and receive immortal robes. Their consciousness, too, will become clear and luminous.

Talisman of the Eightfold Birth, Spontaneous Numinous Emptiness, and Flight.

Baijuluo.

First, refine and deliver a certain person so that their karmic offenses are erased, dark influences recede, their record of sins is removed, and the roots of evil are destroyed.

Jade-True, Empty-Born, Primordial Numinous Immortal Talisman.

Duogule.

Second, refine and deliver a certain person, clearing away entanglements accumulated over many lifetimes and ending the constraints imposed upon them in life. Release them from their ancestors’ sins, rescue them from the gates of the underworld, and ensure they leave the offices of the ghosts forever, severing their ties to the underworld.

Jade Treasure Talisman of the Three Qi, Dragon Embryo, and Spirit-Water Transformation into Spontaneous Life.

Titouluo.

Third, refine and deliver a certain person, erasing their record of guilt so their name can be entered in the registers of the Southern Palace. Send their soul to Zhul ing, the Daoist realm where departed souls are refined and delivered; subdue evil spirits and secure the soul’s deliverance.

Dao-True, Empty and Mysterious, Nine Subtle Resonances, Water-Calling, Pure-Primordial Talisman.

Xierendu.

Fourth, refine and deliver a certain person, enabling them to ascend the ritual bridge, rise to the Vermilion Residence, and fly to the Golden Palace. Then restore their form, let them roam through space and soar beyond the Five Gates, enter their name in the register of Supreme Mystery, and ascend straight to the Southern Palace.

Talisman of the Nine Numinous Spirits, Heavenly Water, Flying Spirit, and Primordial Essence.

Xuchi.

Fifth, refine and deliver a certain person, changing the soul’s form and nature so that it receives transformation and is reborn. Through refinement and deliverance, the dead soul is transformed into an immortal human being.

Jade Treasure Talisman of the Subtle Cavern, Left Covenant, Ordering Life, and Safeguarding the True.

Suyue.

Sixth, refine and deliver a certain person, enabling them to be reborn and transformed, to turn with the cycles of the kalpas, and to live as long as Heaven.

Jade Talisman of Empty Clarity, Three Caverns, Right Covenant, Spirit Transformation, and Communion with the True.

Wuyunzi.

Seventh, refine and deliver a certain person, refining their form and nature so they attain freedom, transcend the Three Realms, and never fall back.

May it endure forever, never perishing from age to age.

Talisman of the Three Qi of the Highest Mystery, Which Bring Forth Life Naturally

This talisman expresses how the Three Qi of the Highest Mystery—the three subtle primordial energies of Heaven above—bring forth the myriad things, each following its natural course.

Ninghong.

The Eighth Refinement: So-and-so refines and transforms bodily form, attains the Dao and becomes perfected, ascends to the Golden Palace, and roams through space.

Free and unfettered in the Shangqing realm, one of the heavens in Daoist cosmology.

Talisman for the Five Primordial Essences to Transform into Bodies and the Subtle Essence of the Two Luminaries to Fly Through the Air

This talisman is used for the Five Primordial Essences to transform into bodies, and for the Qi of the Two Luminaries’ subtle essence to fly through the air and ascend through transformation.

Lingyuan.

The Ninth Refinement: So-and-so universally saves countless living beings and is reborn as the cycles of the kalpas turn.

Proclamation Accompanying the Treasure Talisman for Generating the Spirits of the Nine Heavens

The proclamation accompanying the Treasure Talisman for Generating the Spirits of the Nine Heavens reads as follows:

Lingbao Natural Treasure Talisman for Generating the Spirits of the Nine Heavens

Writing the Talisman

The talisman text above proclaims to the following offices: the Office for Quickly Erasing the Registers of Sin; the Office for Ending Arrest and Labor in the Underworld; the Office for Deliverance to the Southern Palace Above; the Office for Flight across the Five Households; the Office for Receiving Refinement and Renewed Life; the Office for Transformation into an Immortal and Human Form; the Office for Passage Beyond the Three Realms; the Office for Ascension through Space; and the Office for Universal Deliverance Without End. Let the spirit officials and immortal clerks obey this command and send down the true Qi—the primordial Qi from before birth—for the deceased so-and-so and others. May they generate spirits and nourish their forms, continue their lives, attain deliverance, and become perfected. Let all be carried out in accordance with the laws and ordinances of the Mysterious Rites.

In the year, month, and day of the Grand Year [Tai Sui], so-and-so.

So-and-so, holder of this rank, receives this proclamation and carries out its command.

Talisman of the Qi of the First Origin of the Womb-Life, Yellow Effulgence

(The primordial womb is formed: the embryo is generated from the primordial Qi of chaos.)

Talisman of the Qi of the First Origin of Fetal Life, the Purple Gate of the Cavernous Dark

(Refining the fetus until its form is complete.)

Talisman of the Qi of the First Origin of Soul-Life, the Long-Lasting Spirit and Luminous Immortal

(Refining the immortal at the soul gate.)

Talisman of the Qi of the First Origin of Po-Soul Life, the Dark, Extending Way of the Corpse in the Tang Realm

(Closing the gate of the Po-soul and entering seclusion.)

Talisman of the Qi of the First Origin of the Viscera and Bowels, the Central Spirit of the Five Immortals

(Preserving life and generating its roots.)

Talisman of the Qi of the First Origin of the Numinous Palace, the High Perfected One’s Free-Flowing Harmony

(Guarding the numinous Qi firmly.)

Talisman of the Qi of the First Origin of the Primordial Palace, the High Immortal’s Cavernous Register

(The primordial Qi divides and transforms of its own accord.)

Talisman of the Qi of the First Origin of the Radiant Palace, the True Spirit’s Transformation and Condensation

(Strengthening the essence and gathering it into unity.)

Talisman of the Qi of the First Origin of the Mountain Palace, the Natural Mysterious Illumination

Talisman for Ritual Wine

(Ritual wine bestowed by command of the Old Lord of the Mysterious Origin.)

(The Jade Tonic of Great Brahma Heaven, the Golden Sweet Wine of Mysterious Brahma Heaven, and the Jade Nectar of Precious Brahma Heaven.)

(The Elixir of the Six Qi and De, the Elixir of Natural Awareness and Wisdom, and the Elixir of Pure Spirits of the Langyuan Garden.)

(The Elixir of Lingzhi for refining the body, the Elixir of the Four Qi for dispelling demons, and the Elixir through which the Three Souls, after drinking and being refined, attain wondrous awakening and transformation.)

The two Qi of Yin and Yang mingle and transform together, generating the Qi of the Primal Essence and Inner Truth. This allows the five organs to unfold and flourish, and consciousness to become clear and unobstructed.

Write the talisman above on yellow patterned paper, seven inches long, using cinnabar. Face southeast and recite the “Three Heavenly Hidden Taboos.” Draw on True Qi to write the talisman. Whenever a Refinement and Deliverance ritual is complete, offer ritual wine to the deceased and use this talisman to carry out the refinement and deliverance. Burn the talisman to ash, mix the ash into the wine, and let the deceased drink it.

Talisman for Restoring Form and Returning to Nature

Return to the root and restore the beginning; renew life and return to the source. The two Qi of Yin and Yang begin to form the body: Yin Qi congeals, and Yang Qi takes shape. The hour of Wu corresponds to the Gate of the Po, while the hour of Wei corresponds to the Encampment of the Hun. Primal Qi coils and intertwines, descending to give birth to the human form. As Qi is gradually depleted and Shen gradually weakens, the Po disperses and the Hun falters. The radiance of the sun, moon, and stars changes and transforms like the fires of Bing and Ding. By probing the principles of nature and life, one can restore the original body and make the form whole.

The embryo is conceived in the Highest Mystery, and the heart receives the endowment of the Great Truth. Awaken to the Great Dao and hear the teachings of the scriptures, and one can leave the dust of the world and return to unite with Highest Clarity.

Incantation for Taking the Talisman

Restore one’s nature and return to the body. Tread nine steps, follow the Eight Trigrams’ directions in firm steps, and turn seven times; then achievement is complete within and without. The spirits of the Three Stars descend at Zi and Wu; the Crimson Palace receives True Qi. True Qi becomes the ruling force, allowing penetrating insight to return to Primal Truth. Restore the body and transform the ordinary condition; in every passage and return, all flourish. Above and below heaven, all is thoroughly illuminated. Never again turn through the cycle of birth and death: leave the dust of the world and return to unite with Highest Clarity.

Write the talisman above on yellow silk using cinnabar. After a ritual for receiving life and deliverance is complete, give thanks to the Celestial Truth, face east, and bow as you take this talisman. One will then never again fall into the cycle of transmigration. This talisman is also used to deliver the souls of the deceased.

Incantation for Extending the Life of the Deceased

At the hour of Chen, the Qi of the Central Yellow Radiance rises, and the Qi of the Three Blossoms issues from the Court of the Clouds. The wheel of flying feathers from the Granary Terrace comes to welcome and invite one whose Dao has been accomplished. The spirit in charge of destiny submits a memorial to the Celestial Emperor, who bestows the title “Lord of Mysterious Deliverance.” This person may enter the Palace of Rosy Clouds alive and take a place among the high-ranking guests. The Gate of Life joins with Jing and Qi to prolong life; the Hun and Po are guarded and kept at peace. In the left hand, one carries the Lord of Elements; in the right, one gathers the Vermilion Mysterious Spirit.

When the incantation is complete, read the amnesty document and send off the departed soul; burn the talisman to dispatch the spirit.

Talisman of the Flowing Fire Pavilion

Heaven and Earth combine and return to a single name. Qi divides into Yin and Yang, while Shen runs through Jing and Qi. The Yellow Spirit of the Center draws in Qi and gathers the myriad Qi. The four celestial Lords govern the workings, connecting above to the Qi of Primal Harmony. Shen and Qi unite; Metal Qi gives rise to True Qi, and the refinement of the fire’s timing forms its essence. Bright radiance moves through the four directions and shines upon them, so that the spirits all respond in kind. The light of the sun and moon gathers the Qi of Jia and Ding; the Yellow Banner summons the spirits, and the flames blaze bright within the court.

The “Receiving Refinement Talisman” is drawn as a pavilion with a human figure inside. The talisman marks the places representing the essence and Qi of each realm: above, the Yang crystal; below, the Yin essence. Tai Guang, You Jing, and Shuang Ling each have their own place as well. First write the deceased’s birth year and other identifying details on the talisman, then lay it over them.

The Great Spirit of the Jade Eyes distinguishes the essences of Heaven and Earth, bringing the single Qi into harmony and joining Yin and Yang. The spirit in charge of destiny brings the virtues of each direction into accord, harmonizes the four seasons, and brings the myriad beings into life. The method of refinement and deliverance by the Fire Bell is assisted by the perfected spirits to the left and right. In reverent obedience to the ordinances of the Nine Qi that give birth to the spirits, carry this out swiftly.

Draw the talisman on yellow paper and write the Supreme Emperor’s hand-seal in cinnabar. Then breathe toward the south and affix the talisman inside the pavilion in the Fire Court of Zhu Ling. Place a scroll of the Jing of the Nine Heavens’ Birth of the Spirits on the bridge above the pavilion as well. As it is burned, silently recite: “The Fire Bell’s fierce flames blaze brightly, their transformations reaching all ten directions. The myriad spirits come to protect and guard, forever severing what is inauspicious.”

After reciting, visualize the Fire Bell shining over the whole earth, its radiance illuminating the heavens and surpassing the sun. Then visualize clouds rising, and imagine the scripture as a long bridge, with the departed soul riding the sunlight up to Heaven. Next, imagine the pavilion transformed into a vermilion palace, and all the departed ascending to the heavenly realm. Then visualize the Celestial Worthy floating in the air, lowering a precious pearl whose light shines in every direction and guides the departed upward.

Talisman for Summoning the Great Spirit Who Oversees the Bridge

Incantation for Writing the Talisman and Summoning the Spirit:

The three Qi transform into a single Qi; souls and po are purified, and the spirit and Qi become clear and luminous. When Heaven and Earth first emerged from chaos, humans and ghosts each received their own essence and Qi. The Great Spirit hears the summons and comes swiftly to the bridge pavilion, ascending through refinement and deliverance to guide the departed to Zhu Ling. In urgent obedience to the Supreme Emperor’s command.

Draw this talisman on yellow paper and write it in cinnabar. It is used to summon the Great Spirit in charge of overseeing the bridge and delivering souls in the Southern Palace’s Court of Flowing Fire. The spirit is named Zhou Xun. He is eight feet tall, wears a three-beam crown and a crimson robe, and holds a precious sword. He stands on the west side of the bridge.

Talisman for Summoning the Great Spirit Who Guides Souls to Deliverance Across the Bridge

Incantation for Summoning and Dispatching the Spirit:

Zhu Ling, Zhu Ling, is the divine court of Flowing Fire. Divine officials carry out their duties by command, holding talismans as they guide stranded souls upward to the Southern Court. The spirit and soul undergo transformation and, through refinement and deliverance, gain new life. In urgent obedience to the Supreme Emperor’s command.

Draw this talisman on yellow paper and write it in cinnabar. It is used to summon the Great Spirit who guides souls. The spirit is eight feet tall, wears a three-beam crown and a blue embroidered robe. With the left hand, he forms the soul-summoning seal at the base of the three fingers; with the right, he holds a banner. He stands before the bridge and, according to the ritual, guides the departed souls across it.

Jade Purity Precious Talisman for Birth, Transformation, Protection, and Deliverance at Heaven’s Gate

The jade writing of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning protects and delivers the departed souls, enabling them to ascend directly to the Vermilion Palace and then onward to Heaven’s Gate.

The Demon King bows respectfully, while the assembled gods escort the departed soul back to Yuqing, the celestial realm where Daoist honored deities reside, to receive its original mandate and ascend freely into Shangqing, one of the Daoist heavens.

Carry this out swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Lord on High, ruler of the celestial realm.

This is the “Talisman Bridge for Ascending to Heaven and Delivering Souls,” a talisman used to guide departed souls upward to heaven. Draw the talisman behind a bridge made of colored silk, and write three of the Lord on High’s hand seals at its top, middle, and bottom. Blow onto the talisman with Qi in blue, yellow, and white, then perform in sequence the “Dipper Steps for Guiding Souls” and the “Dipper Steps for Raising and Delivering the Dead.” Walk to the edge of the bridge, perform the Dipper Steps for Raising and Delivering the Dead once more, and at the same time visualize and apply the hand seals.

After completing both sets of Dipper Steps, visualize yourself transforming into the Celestial Worthy Who Relieves Suffering. Purple Qi streams from your left eye, and rosy light from your right; together they form eight beams of light that circle the ritual bridge three times. Recite silently:

Immortals, Jade Maidens, and the holy immortals to the left and right: please use the golden flying banner to lift and deliver the departed soul, so that it may be reborn in the upper realm. Living beings of the Lower Origin and souls in the underworld, come at once to the Mysterious Altar. Commanding generals and immortal spirits of the Jade Pillar, guide the soul’s three hun and seven po. Make your response swift, so that it may speak clearly. Earth, rivers, sun and moon, the Eight Seas, the Five Gates, and the great sages of all the heavens: guide the soul upward to the upper realm. Let it cross the immortal bridge quickly, without stopping.

Visualize the light from your two eyes meeting and receiving the departed soul as it crosses the ritual bridge. Then recite:

Qian, Yuan, Heng: humankind has the Eight Trigrams, the Nine Origins, the Twelve Monthly Generals, the Nine Palaces’ Generals, the Twenty-Four Qi, the Eight Prosperities, and the Eight Gates. Great sages and true spirits with numinous powers of transformation, please come beneath my ritual altar and receive the departed soul.

Next, visualize true fire arising in your heart and issuing from your mouth, extending for hundreds of feet. Then visualize the departed soul riding the flames up onto the ritual bridge. Form the Wu hand seal with both hands and recite:

You have received the true register of the Great Luo Heaven and may now live forever in freedom. Hold the true talisman in your hand; pass beyond the hells and devote your heart to paying homage to the Lord on High. The Lord on High commands you to be reborn at once. Carry out the command of the Lord on High.

Ritual of the Spirit Kings’ Ascension Carriage

The ritual master says: Whenever one performs the Refinement and Deliverance rite, make a purple carriage from colored silk. Two Spirit Kings guard it, and five horses draw it. Place the memorial tablet of the deceased in the carriage. After the departed soul crosses the ritual bridge, burn the carriage. Do not use a soul-summoning banner canopy, since such banners are burned during the Refinement and Deliverance rite. Next, switch to a red banner and burn it after crossing the pool. Then use a yellow banner alongside the carriage, while a youth guides the departed soul through the Gate of Heaven. Afterward, form the Five Emperors’ hand seal and burn it.

As you burn the carriage, recite:

The Celestial Worthy’s divine power is vast, delivering the souls of living beings. Auspicious smoke seals the Gate of Death, while clouds of celebration open the Gate of Life. With the Qi of Heaven once more, subdue the souls of the Nine Heavens.

When all things merge and return to the One, the whole body is transformed into a person of nature. One can then ride the Purple Cloud Chariot and pay court to the Lord of the Muddy Pellet, the spirit who dwells in the brain. No obstacle remains in the Three Realms, and one is forever freed from the sea of suffering that is transmigration.

Talisman for the Pool of Sweet Dew

Divine Incantation of Sweet Dew

Clear, pure sweet dew falls drop by drop, like a jade elixir. Those who have done good receive it as sweet as creamy curds; those who have done evil receive it cold as icy broth.

May the souls in the Ninefold Darkness and the ancestors of seven generations be rid of calamity. May the river of desire run clear, and may light shine even in the sea of suffering.

May solitary souls no longer sink into torment, and may lingering ghosts come to no harm. Yuan Zhen, acting under command, proclaims this to the Ten Directions.

Write the talisman above in cinnabar on yellow paper. To perform the rite, place a basin before the Southern Palace. Boil licorice, persimmon, and honey in water, then pour the mixture into the basin. Burn the talisman and offer a prayer, recite the Sweet Dew Incantation, then burn the talisman into the basin. First visualize the water in the basin as a cold pool. After burning the talisman and reciting the incantation, visualize it transforming into sweet dew. This is called “breaking the bitter, cold pool and making it a Pool of Sweet Dew.”

This is an ancestral Lingbao method. According to tradition, the Celestial Worthy of Lingbao bestowed it upon Lady Wei of Mount Heng and Perfected Xu to perform, so they could deliver the souls of the dead in the pool and free them from the sins accumulated over many lifetimes.

At the edge of the pool, pronounce this invocation:

Reverently we declare: the round pool and square pond symbolize the forms of Heaven and Earth. The cold pool of sweet dew, meanwhile, foretells the contrasting rewards of suffering and joy. Thus, between Fengdu, the underworld, and Yanggu, the legendary place where the sun rises, waters surge without end, while springs flow from sources deep and vast. The good receive what is like creamy curds and honey; the wicked endure what is like fire and boiling water.

When people enter this river of love—that is, the sea of desire—they should cleanse the Five Defilements, remove the Six Roots (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind), and dissolve the Ten Entanglements, the afflictions that bind the spirit, along with the Three Karmic Deeds of body, speech, and mind. Then foul water may be transformed into sweet dew, and the cold pool into fragrant broth; the underworld may be opened to the light, and sunken souls delivered.

Now I establish this wondrous offering for the Ninefold Darkness, to rescue the souls of seven generations of ancestors and extend aid to all sentient beings, benefiting them universally and freeing them from obstruction. Thus the water of the cold pool is transformed into a sweet dew elixir, moistening the Ninefold Darkness and harmonizing the Ten Directions. May the spirits of souls be purified and the awareness of ghosts restored, so that they may ascend the great Dharma Bridge to the Vermilion Mansion, an abode of immortals.

Then, to consecrate the sweet dew, recite the Divine Incantation of Sweet Dew; next, follow the earlier procedure of reciting the incantation, burning the talisman, and visualizing the transformation.