《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 60

Shangqing Lingbao Dafa* (Great Methods of the Shangqing and Lingbao), Scroll 60, Part 9

Composed by Ning Quanzhen (Ning Quanzhen), Lofty Scholar of Dongwei and Perfected Master of Kaiguang Jiuku, transmitted; compiled by Wang Qizhen, Successor and Instructor of the Lingbao Lineage, a disciple of the Shangqing Three Caverns.

Memorial Methods for the Zhai Rites

The Master said: In establishing a zhai (zhaijiao, purification ritual), the most essential thing is to submit documents according to the prescribed regulations. In practice, however, the methods used in the world vary widely. Some are elaborate and others are simplified, so it is hard to verify them against the ancient forms. As a result, scholars are often left to write these documents on their own, and the resulting errors and confusions are innumerable. They do not understand the order of rank among the deities in the court of the Three Realms, nor do they grasp the jurisdictional relations among its offices. They simply assemble material on the spot and make do to fill the gaps. Such cases are too many to list. Moreover, an error in a document often bears on guilt and merit. How could the Gaogong (gaogong, the officiant who presides over the zhaijiao ritual) not be cautious?

I have carefully examined the memorial formats recorded in Jiang's Lichengyi (Ready-Made Ritual Manual). Its content is indeed quite complete. Yet some of its wording is repetitive and cumbersome. If it were handed down to later generations in that form, people would likely find it troublesome and set it aside. Now I have removed the redundant material, kept the concise portions, and arranged them into a single section titled "Zhang Taiyi" (Memorials of Taiyi) so that they can be put into practice. As long as a form is reasonable, there is no need to concern oneself with literary ornament. As for capable and skilled practitioners who can compose documents in accordance with the principles of the scriptural methods, this too is a way of promoting Daoism. Whether to add or remove content is for each person to decide.

Advance Notice Section

Memorial to the Three Pure Ones

The undersigned official (your servant), Mr. So-and-so:

Your servant, disregarding the danger to life and limb, presumptuously ventures to reach the ears of Heaven. Your servant respectfully relies upon the intention that has been received and upon the words that have been presented. Unable to restrain them, your servant awaits the arrival of the appointed day. In accordance with the regulations of the liturgy, your servant respectfully requests that a date in this month be fixed in advance, that the precious banner (baofan, the banner raised to mark the ritual ground and announce the rite to the gods) be raised beforehand, and that the purpose of the zhaijiao be reported above, so that grace may descend and the netherworld may be opened and brought to peace.

Apart from the documents and oaths already registered and the Officials of Jurisdiction (zhensi, the divine offices responsible for the relevant affairs), your servant wishes that all of them be made aware of this. Respectfully prepared, this statement is submitted for your sovereign attention.

Thus, your servant respectfully submits this statement:

To the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor, Primordial Heavenly Venerable,

To the Shangqing Supreme Emperor, Lingbao Heavenly Venerable,

To the Taiqing Great Emperor, Daode Heavenly Venerable, Your Majesty:

We respectfully beseech you, through your compassionate grace, to grant the matter your servant has petitioned and to issue a special edict, transmitted to all places under the Three Realms and the Ten Directions, so that they may comply in advance and temporarily suspend their examinations and verifications. Pardon the deceased, such as the aforementioned, and the spirits who suffer below in the Lower Primordial (Xiayuan, the divine office governing the lower world and the Waterways), so that they may be freed from the profound suffering that has endured for ten thousand kalpas……

This scripture sets out the format of two memorials submitted to the heavenly realm during a Zhaijiao (purification ritual) service: one addressed to the Jade Emperor and one to the Holy Ancestor. The two texts are essentially identical, differing only in their forms of address.

Memorial to the Jade Emperor:

Your servant So-and-so, who holds a Dharma rank (fawei), does not evade the crime of punishment and presumes to disturb the hearing of Heaven. The "stated position" (juwei) denotes the priest's ordained rank, which must be listed in the memorial. In accordance with the prescribed liturgy (keyi), and unable to contain the sentiments of my words, I respectfully await the appointed time. Following the liturgical procedure, I have selected a certain day of this month in advance and first raised the Treasure Banners (baofan), the banners set up on the ritual altar to proclaim to the deities, to convey the intent of the assembly. I humbly pray that Heaven's grace fall like a sweet rain, so that the netherworld may be made peaceful and unobstructed. Apart from having separately submitted a memorial to the Golden Gate of the Three Heavens, the celestial palace where the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) dwell, and beyond requesting that imperial decrees be issued, I respectfully submit this document.

I respectfully submit to the Supreme Lord of Heaven, the Jade Emperor, the Most High Who Opened Heaven, Holds the Talisman, Governs the Calendar, Contains the True and Embodies the Dao (Taishang Kaitian Zhifu Yuli Hanzhen Tidao Haotian Yuhuang Shangdi). I humbly hope that Heaven's compassion will grant my petition. Please issue an imperial edict to be promulgated to all relevant offices in the Three Realms and the Ten Directions, so that they may comply in advance. The edict should temporarily suspend the examination of the dead (the netherworld's review of the deceased's sins during life), pardon the deceased So-and-so and the suffering spirits of the Lower Primordial, the realm governed by the Water Official, and absolve them of the grave transgressions and sufferings accumulated over countless kalpas. It should also erase their names from the registers of sin. Once I issue further talismanic orders (fuhuan), that is, talismans and written commands, I will dispatch the spirits to the ritual altar on the day the documents arrive, so that they may receive the grace of deliverance. I have offended Heaven's majesty, and I am overwhelmed with trepidation. I await Heaven's grace and respectfully submit this memorial. Dated year, month, day. Submitted by your servant So-and-so, who holds this position.

Memorial to the Holy Ancestor:

The content is the same as the preceding memorial, except that the addressee is changed to the Holy Ancestor, the Supreme Lord of the Nine Heavens, Director of Destiny, Preserver of Life, Heavenly Venerable (Shengzu Shangling Gaodao Jiutian Siming Baosheng Tianzun Dadi). This is the ancestral deity revered in Daoism, who also holds the office of governing destiny and preserving life. Likewise, the petition asks the Holy Ancestor to issue imperial edicts to be promulgated throughout the Three Realms and the Ten Directions. These would temporarily suspend the examination of the dead, pardon the deceased and the suffering spirits of the Lower Primordial for their grave transgressions, and erase the registers of sin. When the talismanic orders arrive, the spirits will be sent to the altar.

The text concludes by restating that receiving grace to deliver the spirits is, in truth, an act of offending Heaven's majesty.

Your servant so-and-so presumes to submit this memorial. Though I fear the offense it may bring, I dare not fail to report this matter to the Celestial Court. Having heard the circumstances as related by the petitioner, I cannot set the matter aside. I await the arrival of the fast day and will memorialize in accordance with the Keyi (liturgy). On a certain day of this month, I plan first to raise the treasure banner (the banner used in the ritual space to reach Heaven) in order to report to the Celestial Court.

Your servant devoutly observes the fast and prays that heavenly grace may descend, so that the netherworld may be brought to peace and those in distress may be released from their suffering. The relevant documents have already been memorialized. I now submit this further petition, requesting that an imperial decree be issued from the Golden Palace of the Three Heavens (the celestial palace of Daoist cosmology).

Your servant respectfully presents this memorial before the Emperor of Heaven, the August Emperor of the Hook Array Star Palace. I earnestly request that the Heavenly Sovereign, in his compassion, approve what I have submitted and specially issue an imperial edict to be transmitted to all relevant places throughout the Three Realms and the ten directions, so that each place may comply in advance. The edict should suspend investigation and interrogation, pardon the deceased named so-and-so and the suffering spirits of the Lower Primordial (the realm governed by the Earth Official in Daoist belief), eliminate the grave transgressions they have committed over countless kalpas, and strike their names from the registers of sin. After my subsequent Fulu (talismans and registers) dispatches arrive, the spirits will be sent to the altar to receive heavenly grace and be liberated through ordination.

Your servant, having offended heavenly majesty, is filled with dread and can only await the imperial decision. Respectfully submitted.

Dated the year, month, and day. Memorial submitted by the undersigned official, surnamed so-and-so.

Your servant so-and-so presumes to submit this memorial. Though I fear the offense it may bring, I dare not fail to report this matter to the Celestial Court. Having heard the circumstances as related by the petitioner, I cannot set the matter aside. I await the arrival of the fast day and will memorialize in accordance with the Keyi (liturgy). On a certain day of this month, I plan first to raise the treasure banner to report to the Celestial Court.

Your servant devoutly observes the fast and prays that heavenly grace may descend, so that the netherworld may be brought to peace and those in distress may be released from their suffering. The relevant documents have already been memorialized. I now submit this further petition, requesting that an imperial decree be issued from the Golden Palace of the Three Heavens.

Your servant respectfully presents this memorial before the Great Emperor of the North Pole in the Central Heaven of the Purple Tenuity. I earnestly request that the Heavenly Sovereign, in his compassion, approve what I have submitted and specially issue an imperial edict to be transmitted to all relevant places throughout the Three Realms and the ten directions, so that each place may comply in advance. The edict should suspend investigation and interrogation, pardon the deceased named so-and-so and the suffering spirits of the Lower Primordial, eliminate the grave transgressions they have committed over countless kalpas, and strike their names from the registers of sin. After my subsequent talismanic dispatches arrive, the spirits will be sent to the altar to receive heavenly grace and be liberated through ordination.

Your servant, having offended heavenly majesty, is filled with dread and can only await the imperial decision. Respectfully submitted.

Dated the year, month, and day. Memorial submitted by the undersigned official, surnamed so-and-so.

Memorial to the East Pole:

Official so-and-so...

Your servant does not fear execution and presumes to bring this matter before the Heavenly ear. Having carefully considered the intent of the request and the petition that has been submitted, I find that I cannot set this matter aside. I will await a suitable day and then report it above in accordance with the liturgical rules (keyi). On a set day this month, I will prepare a purification fast (zhaijie) with sincere devotion and announce the matter to Heaven and Earth. I will respectfully erect the Qingxuan Precious Banner (Qingxuan Baodang) or hang banners and pennants to proclaim the matter. I will also proclaim to the Three Realms, through the Qingxuan Nine Dragons talisman decree (Qingxuan Jiulong Fuming, the talismans and commands of the Qingxuan Jiuku Fa, or Qingxuan Rite for Relieving Suffering), so that every place may know. The above matters have already been memorialized.

Apart from requesting the imperial decree from the Three Heavens (Santian), I now respectfully submit this written memorial.

Your servant respectfully presents this written memorial before the Great Compassionate and Benevolent One of the Dongji Palace, the Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun (a revered Daoist deity who governs the relief of suffering and the deliverance of the dead), who responds to every cry.

I earnestly pray that the Venerable's compassion will grant approval of what your servant has memorialized, that the vow to widely deliver all beings will be spread, that mercy will be bestowed in accordance with the request, and that the Qingxuan Jiujiu Nine Dragons talisman decree will be specially issued. I also pray that your servant be permitted to carry out the rite according to its prescribed form. Let the Perfected of Relieving Suffering (Jiuku Zhenren), the Nine Dragons Envoys, the Divine Kings, and the Youths carry the talismans and transmit the order, informing all prisons, hells, and related places of the Three Realms and the ten directions, so that they may receive the radiance of wisdom, open their dark confines, suspend their torment in advance, and calm their anguish. Please pardon the myriad kalpas of heavy transgressions of the deceased, named so-and-so, and of the sufferers of the Lower Primal Realm (xiayuan kushuang, the wandering souls who endure suffering in the netherworld), and swiftly remove them from the registers of sin. On the day that your servant's further documents and talismans are dispatched, the spirits of the dead will be summoned to the altar to receive grace and be granted deliverance.

Your servant, having offended the majesty of Heaven, is filled with trepidation and eagerly awaits the descent of the sacred decree. I respectfully submit this memorial.

Dated the day, month, and year. Submitted by your servant, [name], holding the rank of [title].

Petition to the Five Masters (Wu Shi)

Your servant, [name], holding the rank of [title]:

In response to the intent of the request, the petition submitted by a certain person cannot be set aside. Your servant awaits a suitable day and will report the matter above in accordance with the liturgical rules. On a set day this month, we will first raise the precious banners and announce to the Heavenly Court our intention to offer the purification fast and our petition, earnestly requesting that grace descend widely, so that the netherworld may be opened and brought to peace. The above matters have already been memorialized. Apart from requesting the decree of the Three Heavens and asking that it be issued for implementation, the following must now be reported.

I respectfully submit this written petition:

To the presence of the Lords of the Xuanzhong Jiaozhu (Teacher of the Mysterious Center), the Shangqing Lingbao Sheng Shi Zhenjun (True Lord, Sacred Master of Supreme Clarity and Numinous Treasure), the Santian Dafa Tianshi Zhengyi Jingying Zhenjun (True Lord, Celestial Master of the Great Method of the Three Heavens, Stillly Responsive to Orthodox Unity), the Lingbao Jing Shi Zhenjun (True Lord, Teacher of the Numinous Treasure Scriptures), the Lingbao Ji Shi Zhenjun (True Lord, Keeper of the Numinous Treasure Registers), and the Lingbao Du Shi Zhenjun (True Lord, Master of Salvation of the Numinous Treasure):

I humbly beg the Five Masters to graciously review this petition. First, I pray that you will present and transmit the purification prayer on our behalf, so that it may rise to the Heavenly Court. Second, I pray that you will transmit the jade decree (yuyin, the sacred command of the heavenly realm), proclaim it throughout the Three Realms, and order all places to cease imprisonment and interrogation, to release the sinful dead, and to…

Those who are to receive initiation at the altar are summoned in advance and then enter the purification chamber (jingshi), the quiet room where Daoist priests fast and perform their rites.

Writing the Talismans

The talismans and registers (fulu) transmitted by the Perfected Lords of the Highest Clarity and the methods proclaimed in their teachings must all be carried out in accordance with the relevant liturgical norms (keyi). We pray that the Dao-breath (daoqi) pervades and mingles throughout, and that the divine wisdom quietly lends its support, so that both cultivation and application accord with ritual, that affairs proceed smoothly without obstruction, and that the dignity of the master is not offended. My heart is filled with the utmost trepidation, and I respectfully submit this statement.

On such-and-such a day of such-and-such a month of such-and-such a year, the undersigned, surnamed so-and-so, submits this petition.

Memorial to the Heavenly Ministry (Tiansheng)

The undersigned, surnamed so-and-so, respectfully memorializes:

Based on the purpose of this request, so-and-so's plea is sincere and cannot be restrained. Awaiting the appointed day of initiation, I memorialize upward in accordance with the liturgy and determine that, on a certain day of this month, the precious banner (baofan), the standard raised in a zhaijiao ritual to proclaim the purpose of the rite and to reach the gods, will first be raised. I report the purpose of the rite to Heaven and humbly seek grace, so that the netherworld may be opened and brought to peace. The above matters have already been set forth in writing and reported.

I now petition the Three Heavens (Santian), the celestial realm in Daoist cosmology, and await the decree for implementation. Therefore, I respectfully present this matter in a memorial.

Respectfully submitted in writing to the Supreme Officials of the Jade Clarity (Yuqing): the Great Ultimate Lords of the Boundless Void, the Supreme Minister of Profound Mystery, the Supreme Minister of Celestial Pivot, the Inner Minister of Celestial Pivot, the Left Minister of the Celestial Axis, and the Right Minister of the Celestial Axis. We humbly hope that the august divinities will graciously examine and review this matter and grant specific instructions. The duty spirit-clerk of the Dark Bureau (Xuancao) shall transcribe this text, and we sincerely report the rite and await the decree of the Three Heavens.

We earnestly request that an edict be issued and transmitted to the bureaus, netherworld offices, and underworld seats throughout the Three Realms and the ten directions that govern yin and yang affairs, and that the relevant authorities be notified. Until the appointed day arrives, inquiries, interrogations, and pursuits should be suspended. The deceased so-and-so and the suffering spirits of the Lower Primordial (Xiayuan), the divine office governing the waters and the netherworld, are to be pardoned for the heavy transgressions accumulated over many lifetimes, and their names should be removed from the registers of guilt as soon as possible. Once the talismanic dispatch (fuxi) continued by so-and-so is delivered, the related spirits should be sent forth to personally receive their deliverance. My heart is filled with the utmost trepidation over any offense to the dignity of the master, and I respectfully submit this statement.

On such-and-such a day of such-and-such a month of such-and-such a year, the undersigned, surnamed so-and-so, submits this petition.

Memorial to the Great Sage Beidou

The undersigned, surnamed so-and-so, respectfully memorializes:

Based on the purpose of this request, so-and-so's plea is sincere and cannot be restrained. Awaiting the appointed day of initiation, I memorialize upward in accordance with the liturgy and determine that, on a certain day today, the precious banner will first be raised. I report the purpose of the rite to Heaven and humbly seek grace, so that the netherworld may be opened and brought to peace. The above matters have already been set forth in writing and reported.

I now petition the Three Heavens and await the decree for implementation. Therefore, I respectfully present this matter in a memorial.

Respectfully submitted in writing to the Great Sage, the Nine Emperor Lords of the Northern Dipper (Beidou), the Nine Imperial Stars of the Dipper. We humbly hope that the Stars will graciously examine and review this matter, issue a sacred decree, and command the Dark Bureau to review the registers of guilt of the deceased so-and-so and the spirits of the Lower Primordial netherworld, to gather and record in advance the offenses they have committed, and to proceed accordingly.

The Heavenly Emperor (Tiandi) has ordered that all records of offenses be erased and destroyed together, and that this order be issued to the presiding spirit-officials of the Three Realms (Sanjie), so that each office acts in accordance with the original pardon edict.

For the time being, all investigation and punishment shall be halted. When the subsequent talismanic dispatch (fuxi, the document conveying command in Daoist ritual) arrives on a certain day, the relevant deceased shall be sent forward to personally receive the salvation rite (kaidu, the rite that liberates the dead). Having offended the majesty of Heaven, I am deeply fearful in my heart and respectfully submit this memorial.

Date (year, month, day), submitted by the undersigned, So-and-so.

Memorial to the Three Officials (Sanguan):

Undersigned, So-and-so:

In response to the matter presented, having received the document, I cannot restrain my sincere feelings. I shall await the appointed date and memorialize according to the liturgical protocols (keyi). On a certain day of this month, the precious banner (baofan) is to be raised first, to report upward the intent of the purification ritual (zhaijiao) and humbly request the broad bestowal of heavenly grace, so that the netherworld may be made peaceful and unobstructed. Beyond the matters already memorialized, this matter must also be reported.

Respectfully submitted for the sovereign's hearing:

Before the sacred presence of the Upper Primal Celestial Official, the Great Emperor Ziwei (Shangyuan Tianguan Ziwei Dadi), who presides over the Upper Primal; the Middle Primal Earth Official, the Great Emperor Qingxu (Zhongyuan Diguan Qingxu Dadi), who presides over the Middle Primal; and the Lower Primal Water Official, the Great Emperor Dongyin (Xiayuan Shuiguan Dongyin Dadi), who presides over the Lower Primal:

I earnestly beseech the sacred sovereigns to graciously deign to look upon this matter and specially issue an edict commanding the Three Primes, Nine Offices, and One Hundred and Twenty Bureaus (the divisions of the celestial administration) to temporarily suspend accountability and defer disposition. Pardon the deceased So-and-so, along with the prisoners and suffering spirits (kushuang), for the karmic offenses accumulated over countless kalpas. Once the subsequent talismanic dispatch arrives on a certain day, they shall be sent to the altar to receive the salvation rite openly. Having offended the majesty of Heaven, I am deeply fearful in my heart and respectfully submit this memorial.

Date (year, month, day), submitted by the undersigned, So-and-so.

Memorial to the Subordinates of the Three Heavenly Gates (Santian Menxia):

Undersigned, So-and-so:

In response to the matter presented, having received the document, I cannot restrain my sincere feelings. I shall await the appointed date and memorialize according to the liturgical protocols (keyi). On a certain day of this month, the precious banner (baofan) is to be raised first, to report upward the intent of the purification ritual (zhaijiao) and humbly request the broad bestowal of heavenly grace, so that the netherworld may be made peaceful and unobstructed. Beyond the matters already memorialized, this matter must also be reported.

Respectfully submitted for the sovereign's hearing:

Before the sacred presence of the Upper Primal Daoist Transformation Perfected Lord (Shangyuan Daohua Zhenjun), the Middle Primal Protector of Rectitude Perfected Lord (Zhongyuan Huzheng Zhenjun), and the Lower Primal Stabilizer of Resolve Perfected Lord (Xiayuan Dingzhi Zhenjun):

I earnestly beseech the sacred sovereigns to be merciful and grant this request, first delivering the memorial I have now submitted into the imperial presence. If an imperial decree is received, I humbly ask that it be promulgated as soon as possible, and that the sacred edict be transmitted throughout the Three Realms, the realms of demons, and the world of the wind of the void (Gangfeng, the realm of spirits and the netherworld in Daoist cosmology), commanding the presiding spirit-officials everywhere to comply. Once the edict is proclaimed, all related petitions, memorials, and submissions shall be delivered to the imperial presence on time, and none shall be obstructed, so that sincere prayers may ascend and heavenly grace may descend. Having offended the majesty of Heaven……

Respectfully reporting to the Eastern Peak Great Emperor, Tianqi Dasheng Renshen Di (Dongyue Dadi):

I, the undersigned, bearing the name of [name], respectfully submit this memorial. At the petition of a certain person, whose sincere wish cannot be suppressed, we will, in accordance with the liturgical regulations (keyi), memorialize on the appointed day when it arrives. On a set day this month, we will first raise the precious banner (baofan) and report upward the intent of the purification rite (zhaijiao), humbly seeking that grace descend and that the netherworld be settled and at peace. The matter was already memorialized three days ago to the Heaven of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), requesting an imperial decree, and we now formally submit this memorial. Respectfully submitted.

We respectfully beseech the Eastern Peak Great Emperor to graciously review this memorial and bestow an imperial edict, informing the subordinate officials of the offices of the Five Marchmounts, the gods of the Nine Earths netherworld, and the spirits of the prefectures and local altars, that wherever prisoners are held, all shall receive the heavenly grace. Detention is to be suspended for the time being and the prison gates opened, and the offenses of the deceased, [name], together with the mountain-heavy guilt and sea-deep transgressions incurred in the Xiayuan (Lower Primordial), the realm of the underworld where suffering and relief are apportioned, shall be pardoned. Once I, the undersigned, issue the talismanic dispatch (fuxi), the document in ritual that conveys divine command, and it arrives, the deceased shall be sent forth to the altar to personally receive deliverance (kaidu), the ritual salvation of the dead through zhaijiao. Having presumed upon your sacred majesty, I am overcome with apprehension, and respectfully report this.

Dated: year, month, day. Respectfully submitted by the undersigned, [name].

Respectfully reporting to the Great Emperor of the Dark Heaven of Fengdu in the Northern Yin (Beiyin Fengdu Xuantian Dadi), who governs the netherworld of Fengdu:

I, the undersigned, bearing the name of [name], respectfully submit this memorial. At the petition of a certain person, whose sincere wish cannot be suppressed, we will, in accordance with the liturgical regulations, memorialize on the appointed day when it arrives. On a set day this month, we will first raise the precious banner and report upward the intent of the purification rite, humbly seeking that grace descend and that the netherworld be settled and at peace. The matter was already memorialized three days ago, requesting an imperial decree, and we now formally submit this memorial. Respectfully submitted.

We respectfully beseech the Great Emperor of the Dark Heaven of Fengdu to graciously review this memorial and bestow an imperial edict, informing all prisoners held in the cells inside and outside the Luofeng Palace (the palace of the netherworld in Daoist legend) that they shall receive the heavenly grace. Detention is to be suspended for the time being and the prison gates opened, and the offenses of the deceased, [name], together with the mountain-heavy guilt and sea-deep transgressions incurred in the Xiayuan, shall be pardoned. Once I, the undersigned, issue the talismanic dispatch, and it arrives, the deceased shall be sent forth to the altar to personally receive deliverance. Having presumed upon your sacred majesty, I am overcome with apprehension, and respectfully report this.

Dated: year, month, day. Respectfully submitted by the undersigned, [name].

Respectfully reporting to the Ten Kings (Shiwang), the ten rulers of the netherworld who judge the souls of the dead:

I, the undersigned, bearing the name of [name], respectfully submit this memorial. At the petition of a certain person, whose sincere wish cannot be suppressed, we will, in accordance with the liturgical regulations, memorialize on the appointed day when it arrives. On a set day this month, we will first raise the precious banner and report upward the intent of the purification rite, humbly seeking that grace descend and that the netherworld be settled and at peace. The matter was already memorialized three days ago, requesting an imperial decree, and we now formally submit this memorial.

Requesting Edicts from the Three Heavens

After the Three Heavens (Santian, the heavens of the Three Realms in Daoist cosmology) have issued their edict and it has been promulgated, the petition must still be formally submitted to the higher authorities:

Respectfully submitted: this memorial is presented before the holy presence of the Ten Kings and Perfected Lords of the Underworld. We earnestly beseech Your Sacred Majesty's compassion to issue specific instructions, ordering all the offices, clerks, and places within the dark prisons to receive heavenly grace in full. Let the detention of prisoners cease at once and the gates of the jails be opened, pardoning the deceased, namely the spirits of [name] and others. As for the spirits suffering in the Lower Primordial (the Underworld Waterworld), whose transgressions are as heavy as mountains and as deep as rivers and seas, we await the talismanic dispatches (fuxi) I shall issue. On the day those dispatches arrive, these spirits are to be sent to the altar to receive deliverance (the ritual rites by which the spirits are redeemed) in person.

We have offended Your Sacred Majesty and are overcome with trepidation. We respectfully submit this memorial.

Dated: year, month, day. Submitted by the undersigned, [name].

Submission to the Waterworld Offices

Undersigned, [name]:

Given the matters presented here, [name] pleads with sincere urgency and cannot hold back. We await the appointed day and will proceed according to the liturgical rules (Keyi) by submitting the official correspondence. We have set a certain day this month to first raise the precious banners (baopan, the banners used in ritual to convey summons and proclamations), reporting the intent of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) above and humbly seeking the universal descent of grace, the opening of the realm of peace, and the deliverance of the dark underworld. This matter has already been memorialized.

After the Three Heavens have issued their edict and it has been promulgated, the petition must still be formally submitted to the higher authorities:

Respectfully submitted: this memorial is presented before the holy presence of the Great Emperor of the Vermilion Forest of Fusang on the Eastern Dawn. We earnestly beseech Your Sacred Majesty's compassion to issue specific instructions, ordering the Three Primordial Waterworld Offices and all rivers, seas, lakes, canals, river sources, springs, and bends, and every place that detains spirits and forces them to labor, to receive heavenly grace in full. Let the detention of prisoners cease at once and the gates of the jails be opened, pardoning the deceased, namely the spirits of [name] and others. As for the spirits suffering in the Lower Primordial, whose transgressions are as heavy as mountains and as deep as rivers and seas, we await the talismanic dispatches I shall issue. On the day those dispatches arrive, these spirits are to be sent to the altar to receive deliverance in person.

We have offended Your Sacred Majesty and are overcome with trepidation. We respectfully submit this memorial.

Dated: year, month, day. Submitted by the undersigned, [name].

Submission of the Memorial to the Tianshu Court

To the Lingbao Great Dharma Office:

Given the matters presented here, [name] pleads with sincere urgency and cannot hold back. We await the appointed day and will proceed according to the liturgical rules (Keyi) by submitting the official correspondence. We have set a certain day this month to first raise the precious banners, reporting the intent of the Zhaijiao above and humbly seeking the universal descent of grace and the broad relief of the dark underworld. The memorial has been sealed in six containers, each heavily closed with its seals intact. It is to be opened and presented to the following recipients:

Your Majesty, the Three Pure Sovereigns (Sanqing);

Your Majesty, the August Heavenly Jade Emperor;

Before the presence of the Holy Ancestor, the Heavenly Venerable Great Emperor Baosheng;

Before the presence of the Heavenly Emperor of the Gouchen Star Palace.

To the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole in the Central Heavens of the Purple Tenuity (the celestial sovereign who governs the Northern Pole from within the Purple Tenuity Enclosure), and before the Venerable Taiyi Rescuer from Suffering of the Eastern Pole:

Respectfully submitted with this memorial.

To the Office of the Celestial Pivot of Shangqing (Highest Clarity), under the Gates of the Three Heavens:

We humbly beseech your careful examination of the matters set forth herein. Without waiting for the related documents to be transmitted step by step through the ordinary channels, we present this report in advance and await the imperial decree, and we respectfully request that it be issued and put into effect at an early date. Respectfully submitted, awaiting your instruction in reply. Herewith this memorial.

Dated this day of the month of the year. Submitted by the undersigned, So-and-so, holding the ritual rank of Fawei (Dharma position).

Preliminary Note on the Memorial:

Your servant, acting for the presiding patron So-and-so, petitions to hold the Wushang Huang Lu Great Zhai (Supreme Yellow Register Great Offering) to recall and deliver the spirits of So-and-so and others, and to rescue the sufferers of the Lower Realm (the wandering souls who endure hardship in the netherworld). We respectfully request that a decree be issued in advance, so that the Three Realms and the Ten Directions may know of this rescue and cooperate in its opening. We await the imperial decree.

Supplementary Note on the Memorial:

We request that this document be issued to the True Officials of the Three Realms for execution.

Письменное поручение (Dispatch):

The Lingbao Dafa Si (Office of the Great Lingbao Rites) sends this dispatch to the City God of every city under Heaven:

Having received the matters set forth, this Office cannot decline. We await the day of the offering and will memorialize the Heavens in accordance with the liturgical regulations (Keyi). On a day this month, we will first raise the sacred banners and report the offering to Heaven. The memorial has been prepared and is now being presented to Heaven, requesting the issuance of a decree. Apart from this, we will first pardon the spirits being recalled. Herewith this dispatch.

Upon receipt of this dispatch, please examine the matters above and promptly forward the notice to the Local Society Offices and to the City God offices of every prefecture, state, county, garrison, and district, so that all may be informed of one another. Please investigate the deceased So-and-so and others, along with the stranded souls and unresolved grievances within each jurisdiction. In accordance with the imperial decree, suspend in advance all detention and interrogation, so that wrongs may be relieved, and gather the spirits by category to await further orders. On the day our subsequent dispatch arrives, send them forward to receive the rites of opening, deliverance, and refinement, so that they may be reborn. Carry out the notices posted, as directed.

Herewith this dispatch.

Dated the day of the month of the year.

Dispatch to the City God of a Certain Prefecture:

The Lingbao Dafa Si sends this dispatch to the City God of a certain prefecture:

Having received the matters set forth, this Office cannot decline. We await the day of the offering and will memorialize the Heavens in accordance with the liturgical regulations. On a day this month, we will first raise the sacred banners and report the offering to Heaven. The memorial has been prepared and is now being presented to Heaven, requesting the issuance of a decree. Apart from this, we will first pardon the spirits being recalled. Herewith this dispatch.

Please relay this notice and dispatch it to the upright spirits (zhengshen) of every county, town, and village altar (lishe), as well as to all deities who receive sacrifices in each locality, instructing them to assist in searching for the specified persons who have already died. In accordance with the decree of the Heavenly Emperor, cease all detention and interrogation and release the wandering souls. The unseen spirits and suffering souls under the jurisdiction of each area, whether near or far, should also be gathered in advance and await the official document of this office. Once the document arrives, they shall be sent forward in order to receive deliverance (chaodu, a Daoist rite intended to ferry the dead toward salvation). If a universal salvation assembly (pudu fahui) is being held, the corresponding text may be inserted as indicated in the annotations.

Now, the zhaizhu (the person who sponsors the offering and performs the rite) has sincerely vowed to deliver the dead as broadly as possible. However, there is concern that some have no descendants to offer sacrifices, some are far from home, some are entangled in resentment and debts, and some have died violent or unnatural deaths. For those whose names cannot be recorded one by one, please also extend compassion together, dispatch divine soldiers to search them out, and instruct the spirits to appear in dreams to people of the living world, clearly stating their origins and the circumstances of their deaths, so that their names may be recorded and reported together.

Nearby shrines should dispatch troops to guard the ritual altar, assist in the proceedings, and also be notified in advance. Further documents will follow at the appointed time, and you are respectfully requested to comply with them together.

This is hereby issued.

Year, Month, Day

The Lingbao Dafasi (Office of the Lingbao Great Rite, responsible for administering the Lingbao liturgy, keyi) issues this document to the City God (Chenghuang, the deity who governs the yin and yang affairs of a locality) of a certain county:

This office, in accordance with the petition and the presented memorial, finds it difficult to decline. We await the arrival of the ritual date and will make announcements and memorials as arranged. We have set a day this month to first raise the baofan (a ritual banner used to mark and proclaim the assembly), conveying the wishes of the zhaizhu. Apart from having already submitted memorials to the Heavenly Court, requesting instructions and awaiting the imperial decree, we are now first opening the pardon for the souls to be delivered, and therefore issue this document.

Please relay this notice and dispatch it to the upright spirits of the townships, towns, and village altars under your jurisdiction, as well as to all deities who receive sacrifices in each locality, instructing them to assist in searching for the specified persons who have already died. In accordance with the decree of the Heavenly Emperor, cease all detention and interrogation and release the wandering souls. The unseen spirits and suffering souls under the jurisdiction of each area, whether near or far, should also be gathered in advance and await the official document of this office. Once the document arrives, they shall be sent forward in order to receive deliverance (if a universal salvation assembly is held, the corresponding text may be inserted as indicated in the annotations).

Now, the zhaizhu has sincerely vowed to deliver the dead as broadly as possible. However, there is concern that some have no descendants to offer sacrifices, some are living far from home, some are entangled in resentment and debts, and some have died violent or unnatural deaths. For the spirits whose names cannot be recorded one by one, please also extend compassion together, dispatch divine soldiers to search them out...

Troop commanders (divine soldiers dispatched to carry out orders during the rite) should be sent out to search and investigate diligently, and the living people concerned should be given clear revelations in their dreams, explaining the causes of the matter so that it can be verified. Their names should be recorded together and reported to the throne.

Shrines nearby that are assigned to guard the altar and carry out their duties should also be notified in advance. When the appointed time arrives, further documents will be issued to assign the work, and these should be carried out in accordance with the instructions. This is hereby issued.

Dated the day, month, and year of issue.

Memorial to the Nine Provinces Earth Altar Overseer

The Lingbao Great Dharma Office (the body presiding over the Lingbao zhaijiao (purification ritual) ceremonies) hereby notifies the Nine Provinces Earth Altar Overseer (the deity in charge of the soil altars of the various regions):

This Office, in response to the petitions and complaints received, finds it impossible to decline. We await the appointed time and will then memorialize according to the keyi (liturgy). We have set a day this month on which the precious banner (the banner raised during the zhaijiao to summon and announce the ritual) will first be raised, to convey the purpose of the rite upward. Apart from what has already been reported to the Celestial Court and the request for a decree that has been sent there, we shall first pardon the spirits of the dead who are to be ferried across. Whoever receives this memorandum should await further documents.

You are requested to examine the above matters in detail and to issue notices promptly to all the armies, prefectures, commanderies, counties, and towns, as well as to the offices in the ten directions responsible for examining and detaining the dead. These offices should inform one another, verify, and collect the names of the deceased, including the so-and-so individuals, and the sunken and stagnant spirits (spirits that have sunk into lingering stasis and have not yet been delivered) and the swarm of those bound by grievances within their jurisdictions. In accordance with the decree of the Celestial Court, detentions must be halted and interrogations ended before the appointed time arrives, the grievances and transgressions of these spirits must be released, and they must be gathered by category. On the day the Office's subsequent document arrives, the spirits are to be sent forward so that they may receive deliverance and refining and be reborn. Carry out these instructions accordingly. This is hereby issued.

Dated the day, month, and year of issue.

Memorial to the Local Temple Deity

The Lingbao Great Dharma Office hereby notifies the upright deity enshrined in the temple of this locality:

This Office, in response to the petitions and complaints received, finds it impossible to decline. We await the appointed time and will then memorialize according to the keyi (liturgy). We have set a day this month on which the precious banner will first be raised, to convey the purpose of the rite upward. Apart from what has already been reported to the Celestial Court and the request for a decree that has been sent there, we shall first pardon the spirits of the dead who are to be ferried across. Whoever receives this memorandum should await further documents.

You are requested to examine the above matters in detail and to notify one another immediately. Open the barriers and clear the roads in advance, and await the orphaned and solitary spirits (spirits with no one to rely upon) sent from each place, gathering them by category. Be sure to await this Office's subsequent document. On the day it arrives, dispatch your subordinates to escort the spirits forward, so that they may receive deliverance in person.

Furthermore, the locality should first be purified, and all inauspicious things should be swept away. Demonic creatures must not be allowed to run rampant, and meat and strong-smelling foods must not be brought within its bounds. Together with the officials handling this Office's affairs, you must maintain strict vigilance and patrol, and be diligent in your duties, so that the matter may perhaps reach the ears of Heaven.

The Perfected Lord of Heaven (Shangtian Zhenjun) is to observe and bear witness to this zhaijiao (purification ritual, a Daoist rite of offering and petition for blessings). Matters such as the date for opening the altar have been set forth together, and we respectfully await your instructions.

Upon receipt of this dispatch, please proceed in accordance with the regulations. This document is issued accordingly.

Issued on (year, month, day).

To the Local Earth God.

The Lingbao Great Dharma Office (Lingbao Dafa Si, the agency that presides over Lingbao zhaijiao rites) hereby addresses the Upright Local Earth God. Because the request submitted by the officiant of the rite is difficult to decline, this Office will await the arrival of the ritual period and memorialize the matter to the Heavenly Court in accordance with the keyi (liturgy). On a fixed day of this month, the Office will first raise the precious banners to report the rite to Heaven. The petition has already been formally memorialized, and we are awaiting the Court's decree. In addition, the release of the deceased souls who are to be ferried across has been carried out in advance, and this document is issued to inform you of it.

Upon receipt of this document, please examine the matter carefully and promptly relay it to the local spirit offices. Please clear the passes and fords in advance so that the dark places are made bright and open. Notify the wandering and orphaned souls sent from every quarter to gather within this territory and await the Office's further documents, at which time they will be summoned to the altar to receive ordination.

Please inform the relevant spirits in advance, and request that the divine authority of the local deities stand guard over the altar together with the officials of this Office. Whenever this Office issues summonses or memorials, may your response carry through to Heaven. Please also sweep away filth, drive out evil demons, welcome auspicious blessings, oversee the ritual ground within and without, and expel all unrighteous beings, so that all arrangements are made properly and without obstruction. In this way, we may respectfully welcome the Lord Emperor's descent to examine and witness the zhaijiao.

Upon receipt of this document, please act in accordance with the order without delay or neglect. This document is issued accordingly.

Issued on (year, month, day).

To the Flying Dragon Riders (divine couriers who convey heavenly mandates; this document is used for the Azure Mysterious Banner).

The Lingbao Great Dharma Office hereby addresses the Flying Dragon Riders:

Because the request submitted by the officiant of the rite is difficult to decline, this Office will await the arrival of the ritual period and memorialize the matter to the Heavenly Court in accordance with the keyi. On a fixed day of this month, the Office will first raise the precious banners to report the rite to Heaven. The petition has already been formally memorialized, and we are awaiting the Court's decree. In addition, the release of the deceased souls who are to be ferried across has been carried out in advance, and this document is issued to inform you of it.

Upon receipt of this document, please ascertain the nature of the matter. In obedience to the August Emperor's grace, swiftly ride the clouds and mount the mists, soar through the sky, and spread the dragon talismans throughout the nine regions. Set up the banners and canopies, and summon the wisdom and light of the sacred realms of the ten directions to break through the layers of darkness. Halt the karmic retribution and calamities suffered by the deceased souls, and rescue the suffering spirits so that they may be freed from their distress. When the souls hear the sacred name, please hasten to await the zhaijiao, so that all of them may receive ordination.

Please act in accordance with the regulations. This document is issued accordingly.

Issued on (year, month, day).

To the Void-Surveying Spirit Office (the spirit bureau that oversees the void).

Dispatch from the Lingbao Great Dharma Office (Lingbao Dafa Si, the body that presides over the Lingbao Zhaijiao (purification ritual) affairs), presented to the Divine Official on Duty for the Day's Inspection (Zhiri Zhenguan, the spirit official responsible for supervision on the given day) of the Office of Void Inspection.

Having received the petitions and statements submitted to us, this Office finds it truly difficult to set this matter aside. We await the appointed date and will memorialize the Court in accordance with the Keyi (liturgy). On a certain day of this month, we shall first raise the treasure banners (baopan, banners used in the ritual to announce and summon) to convey the purpose of the Zhaijiao. The relevant matters have already been memorialized to the Heavenly Court, and we respectfully request that a decree be issued granting first pardon to the spirits being delivered. We hereby send the relevant matters to your Office. Upon receipt, please examine the facts and promptly inform the deities patrolling the void, so that the Three Realms and the Ten Directions all know of this ritual undertaking.

Spirits suffering in the dark and sunken places throughout the realms: please follow the direction of the light of the treasure canopy and the wisdom radiance (baoduang huiguang, a symbol of Buddhist and Daoist power, the insignia and light that dispel darkness). Leave the shadowy places and come forward by this guidance, and wait for the altar to open and reveal itself, so that you may receive deliverance. Please act in accordance with this dispatch. Hereby dispatched.

Dated the day, month, and year.

Dispatched by the Dispatch Officer (diguan jiang, the military official who presents the dispatch).

Dispatch of the Lingbao Great Dharma Office:

Having received the petitions and statements submitted to us, this Office finds it truly difficult to set this matter aside. We await the appointed date and will memorialize the Court in accordance with the Keyi. On a certain day of this month, we shall first raise the treasure banners, conveying the purpose of the Zhaijiao. The relevant matters have already been memorialized to the Heavenly Court, and we respectfully request that a decree be issued granting first pardon to the spirits being delivered. We hereby send the relevant matters to your Office.

This Office directs the spirit officials and functionaries under its command, including the Jade Maidens, Golden Youths, Numinous Officers, Merit Registrars, the officers and clerks of the immortal offices, and the Southern Chang Refining Office of the Lower Primordial Yellow Register Court, along with the divine soldiers, merit registrars, and talisman envoys of every other office, court, prefecture, and ritual division. Please each lead your own companies to come, take up positions, and assemble as stated above. We also ask the Earth Gods, Lords of Fate, and other local deities of each place to drive out evil spirits in advance and cleanse the village and its surroundings, awaiting the descent of the Di Zhen (Perfected Lord, the venerable deity of the celestial realm) to inspect and witness the Zhaijiao.

We also request that the deities thoroughly attend to and protect the affairs of the Zhangzou Bureau (the office responsible for memorials and documents) and the preparations made in the home of the patron of the ritual, removing all obstacles and disturbances. Chickens, dogs, cats, rats, and all meat-tainted or defiled things should be removed in advance so that they cause no interference. Should any accidents such as fire or theft occur, or any malicious person stir up gossip and discord, these must be detected promptly so that retribution is made clear and visible.

In this way, the inside and outside of the altar may be made solemn and orderly. For the spirits to be formally delivered, they should be sent back in advance to the patron's home, appear in dreams, and wait to receive the cultivation of deliverance. The duties and arrangements assigned for the day the altar opens will be announced separately. The prohibitions and precepts must not be taken lightly; please respectfully observe and carry them out. Hereby dispatched.

Dated the day, month, and year.

Dispatched by the Altar Supervisor (jiantan guan, the military official responsible for overseeing the ritual ground).

The Lingbao Great Rites Office (Lingbao Dafa Si) issues this directive to the Divine General who oversees the altar (jiantan jiangjun, the spirit-general responsible for supervising the ritual space). Having received the submitted matters, this Office finds it difficult to decline. We await the date of the ritual and will report to Heaven in accordance with the Keyi (liturgy). We have set a day this month on which the Treasure Banner (baofan, the banner used in the rite to mark and announce the purpose of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual)) will first be raised, to convey the intent of the Zhaijiao to Heaven. The matter has already been memorialized to the Celestial Court, and we respectfully await the decree from Heaven.

Before the Heavenly decree is issued, we first request that your awe-inspiring divine power descend upon the altar to restrain and expel demonic obstructions, sweep away impure qi, and protect the Zhaijiao until it is completed successfully. This directive is issued specifically for this purpose. Upon receipt, please examine the matter carefully, dispatch your elite troops to stand guard, and join with the executing officers and generals, together with the local Siming (Directors of Life), the Earth Gods, and the gods who receive shrine offerings in this place, to clear away impurities and cut down evil spirits in advance, awaiting the descent of the August Perfected (dizhen).

The establishment of this altar and Zhaijiao is of great significance. We respectfully request that your divine power strictly supervise it. Whether it concerns the memorials and documents, the preparation and repair of the ritual chamber, the proclamations, or the ritual objects prepared by the household sponsoring the Zhaijiao, all must be handled with care. If any officiating personnel act carelessly, or if those who come and go behave without benevolence; if anyone eats meat, drinks wine, makes noise and disturbance, or harbors thoughts of theft, your divine majesty should manifest and impose punishment.

We further ask the divine general to draw forth the souls (hun and po) so that they may be granted proper liturgical cultivation. Considering that such an assembly is rare, we are concerned that among the dead there may be wandering spirits who remain stranded and have not yet been delivered. Some may have no descendants to honor them, some may have died in foreign lands, some may be bound by unresolved grievances, and some may have died innocently by violence. For spirits of this kind, we ask that you search widely and command them to appear in dreams to people of the living world and state their names, so that they may be registered, memorialized to the Celestial Court, and delivered together with the rest. In this way, the merit of the Zhaijiao may extend broadly, and both the realm of the living and the realm of the dead may find peace. This directive is issued accordingly, and we request your permission to carry it out as stated.

Respectfully issued.

Year, month, day

This tablet is issued to the Divine Tiger Officer-General.

The Lingbao Great Rites Office issues this directive to the Two Great Holy Lords He and Qiao of the Divine Tiger (shenhu, deities invoked and dispatched in the ritual). Having received the submitted matters, this Office finds it difficult to decline. We await the date of the ritual and will report to Heaven in accordance with the Keyi (liturgy). We have set a day this month on which the Treasure Banner will first be raised, to convey the intent of the Zhaijiao to Heaven. The matter has already been memorialized to the Celestial Court, and we respectfully await the issuance of the Heavenly decree. Before the Heavenly decree is issued, we first request the release and pardon of the deceased souls recommended for deliverance. This directive is issued specifically as follows:

We respectfully request that the Two Great Holy Lords He and Qiao of the Divine Tiger, together with the spirit-generals who draw forth souls and seize spirits, the Seven Perfected Jade Maidens of the Reverse Birth Office (daoshen xuanzi), the Three Divisions of Pursuing Soul Envoys, the Great Divine Perfected of the Celestial Cavern, the Clear-and-Cool Soul-Seeking Spirit-Generals, and the Seven Ways of Meritorious Officials, examine the matters stated above, and swiftly lead the officials, soldiers, and generals who pursue souls to proceed directly to the ten directions, the three realms, the yang courts, and the yin...

The offices of the underworld should dispatch personnel to the relevant places to search for the deceased person in question and the men who received salvation along with him. Whether they have been detained for karmic offenses or still have unresolved grievances, summon them first so they can attend the purification ritual, have their karmic retribution made clear, and await salvation. When the subsequent official documents arrive, send the related souls of the dead and all kinds of beings from the netherworld together to the ritual altar to receive deliverance. This document is hereby issued; please carry it out accordingly.

Issued on [year, month, day].

Document to the Eastern Peak Office in Charge of the Dead

The Lingbao Great Dharma Office issues this document to the Eastern Peak Office in charge of the dead.

Having reviewed the matter submitted, this office finds that its circumstances cannot be suppressed. In accordance with the purification date, we respectfully submit a report to the authorities above according to liturgical procedure. On a certain day this month, the Precious Banner—the banner raised during a purification ritual to declare the rite and report to the deities—will first be raised to announce the purpose of the ritual above. The relevant memorial is ready, and we await an edict from the Heavenly Court. Before its approval is issued, we hereby grant an initial amnesty to the souls of the dead to be delivered in this rite.

This document is hereby issued. Upon receiving it, investigate the circumstances described and carefully verify the deceased person’s registers of offenses in the Yin and Yang realms. Whatever the severity of their offenses, let them all receive this amnesty, eradicate the roots of their wrongdoing, and halt any further examination or confrontation. Report the outcome to the Underworld Bureau, the agency that administers documents and affairs in the realm of the dead. Release the souls from the prisons of the netherworld on schedule and have them await this office’s subsequent documents and the summons of the divine tiger officials. When they arrive, hand the souls over to the envoys; do not detain them. Please carry this out accordingly.

Issued on [year, month, day].

Document to the Fengdu Office in Charge of the Dead

Document to the Office in Charge of the Dead in the Ten Courts of the Underworld

Document to the Water Bureau in Charge of the Dead

The contents of these three documents are the same as the preceding one.

Document to the Prisons of the Five Sacred Peaks

The Lingbao Great Dharma Office issues this document to the officers in charge of the prisons of the Five Sacred Peaks.

Having reviewed the matter submitted, this office finds that its circumstances cannot be suppressed. In accordance with the purification date, we respectfully submit a report to the authorities above according to liturgical procedure. On a certain day this month, the Precious Banner will first be raised to announce the purpose of the ritual above. The relevant memorial is ready, and we await an edict from the Heavenly Court. Before its approval is issued, we hereby grant an initial amnesty to the souls of the dead to be delivered in this rite.

This document is hereby issued. Upon receiving it, investigate the circumstances in detail and promptly notify one another so that every location is informed and the command is obeyed. Suspend the imprisonment of the souls for now and open the prison gates. Identify the deceased person in question and the suffering souls among the prisoners, and grant them amnesty according to precedent, regardless of whether their offenses are recent or old. When the officials sent by this office arrive to summon them, hand over the souls on schedule so they may receive salvation. Do not delay or detain them. Upon receiving this document, carry out these instructions.

Those concerned should proceed with due care.

On the year, month, and day, this document is submitted.

This dispatch is addressed to the deities in charge of the prisons of the Ninefold Darkness in Fengdu, who govern the various courts of the underworld. Its specific format is the same as that above.

Issue notice to the deity Siming, who governs human lifespans and registers of life.

The Lingbao Great Law Office, the agency that issues official documents for Daoist Zhaijiao rituals and liturgies, has received the petition setting out the matter. Since the circumstances make it difficult to defer, the office will submit it to the celestial court, in accordance with liturgical regulations, on the appointed date. On a day to be fixed this month, the ritual banner will first be raised to proclaim the prayers of the Zhaijiao rite. We respectfully ask the deities to bestow their grace and succor the underworld and the human realm alike. This matter has already been sent by express memorial to the celestial court, and a separate request for an imperial decree has been submitted.

Please act in accordance with the above, joining forces with the officials responsible for carrying out the work, the deities worshipped in this local territory, and the divine offices of the villages and local communities. Together, clear away evil influences in advance and purify the area under restriction. Make all necessary arrangements with care, and provide protection in secret. Do not allow chickens, dogs, rats, meat, wine, other impure things, or disrespectful people to intrude upon the rite. Prevent in advance such ill omens as fire and theft, so that demonic obstacles do not hinder this good work and the ritual may be completed smoothly.

We also ask that you guide the souls of the deceased named in this rite of deliverance to the ritual altar’s dwelling in advance. Let them manifest their forms and wait for the descent of the Lord on High, so that they may receive public deliverance. Anyone who violates this order will offend the laws of Heaven.

This document is issued to the deities Siming, Tudi, Wudao, and others in the household of [name], as well as to the relevant divine offices that enforce ritual prohibitions. Please carry out these instructions.

On the year, month, and day, this notice is issued.

General Notice of Distribution

The Lingbao Great Law Office now issues this advance notice and sends it to the following offices:

One memorial, in six sealed copies, and one petition, in a single sealed copy, are sent to the gates of the Three Heavens and the Jade Purity Celestial Pivot Bureau, with a request that they be forwarded for presentation.

Nine petitions, each separately sealed, are sent to the following divine offices:

The five sacred masters of Lingbao; the Perfected Lord, Supreme Minister of the Jade Purity Great Mystery Celestial Pivot; the Palace of the Nine Emperors of the Northern Dipper; the Court of the Three Officials; the presence of the Perfected Lords of the Three Origins; the Court of Mount Tai in the Eastern Peak; the Palace of the Great Emperor of Northern Yin Fengdu; the presence of the Perfected Lords, Kings of the Ten Courts of the Underworld; and the Palace of the Great Emperor of the Eastern Dawn Fusang Cinnabar Grove, with a request that they be forwarded for presentation.

Seventeen official dispatches and notices, each folded at the corner and sealed, are sent to the following offices:

The General Office of City Gods of the Realm; the City God Office of [prefecture]; the City God Office of [district]; the City God Office of [county]; the presence of the gods who govern the land in the Nine Provinces; and the principal deities enshrined in the temples of this local territory.

Before the local Earth God, the deity who protects this area;

before the Flying Dragon Courier Officials, divine officials who ride flying dragons to deliver messages;

before the Void-Inspecting Spirit Bureau’s Duty Officers, divine officials who patrol the void and conduct inspections while on duty;

before the immortal officers and military officials of this bureau who receive its documents;

before the two great sages, Shen Tiger He and Qiao;

before the offices on Mount Tai that manage the case files of the dead;

before the offices in Fengdu that manage the case files of the dead;

before the offices in the Ten Palaces of the Underworld that manage the case files of the dead;

before the offices in the Water Realm that manage the case files of the dead;

before the officials in charge of the prisons of the Five Sacred Peaks;

before the officials in charge of the prisons of the Nine Dark Regions of Fengdu;

and before the household deities responsible for destiny, the local territory, the Five Roads, and other prohibitions in a certain person’s home.

Documents must be delivered individually to every place listed above. Official transit warrants must be issued to convey orders and secure passage for the business at hand.

This warrant is now entrusted to the Four Duty Meritorious Officers, divine officials assigned to the four seasons who transmit documents; the Three Realms Talisman Officers, divine officials who transmit talismanic commands throughout the Three Realms; the duty officials of this bureau; and the local Earth God responsible for receiving documents, the various City God offices and Earth Gods under the Prefecture of Mount Tai, and the Earth Gods along the route. They are ordered to carry the documents to each destination and deliver them clearly, one by one, without smudging or damaging them or delaying the journey. If demons or heterodox forces obstruct them, they shall be taken under guard to a nearby hell for punishment. Let this order be carried out immediately, and await a report in return. Issued as an official warrant.

Year, month, and day: warrant issued

Seal of the ritual rank, surname, and signature

Document for Sending Money and Horses

Office of the Great Lingbao Rite:

According to the offering prepared by the retreat sponsor, a certain person:

A number of pieces of gold and silver money,

A number of paper horses.

We respectfully offer these items to:

The Four Duty Meritorious Officers,

The Three Realms Talisman Officers,

The document-receiving officials of the various ritual departments,

The local Earth God who receives official business,

The Earth Gods belonging to the City God offices in various places,

The Earth Gods of Mount Tai and those along the route.

We respectfully request that you inspect and accept these offerings. Submitted with respect.

On a certain day of this month, a regular office document for sending money and horses.

Great Rites of the Numinous Treasure of Highest Clarity, scroll 60