《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 62

The Great Ritual of Shangqing and Lingbao, Scroll 62 (Bird Section)

Transmitted by Ning Quanzhen, a lofty adept of subtle insight and Perfected One who opens the light and relieves suffering

Compiled by Wang Qizhen, disciple of the Three Caverns of Shangqing and hereditary master who transmits the Lingbao teachings

Formal Memorials

Memorial to Yuqing

Your subject, [name], holding the appropriate ritual rank:

Previously, I received notice of [state the reason for the matter here, setting it out according to the prescribed liturgical procedure]. Unable to contain my concern over the matter I reported, I submitted an initial memorial on [month and day], pleading for gracious clemency. Now, in accordance with liturgical procedure, I have established the Mysterious Altar, presented memorials and formal petitions in sequence, issued Fulu (talismans and registers), proclaimed amnesty, paid homage to the Perfected Ones, repented and offered thanks, opened the gates of hell, summoned back the souls of the dead, and carried out extensive deliverance. I have also performed the Great Refinement of Water and Fire, a ritual for refining and delivering the souls of the dead, bestowed Fulu, removed their records of guilt, and petitioned for the deceased to ascend. When the rites were complete, I submitted a memorial reporting the merits achieved, then dismantled the altar and dismissed the assembly. On the night of [date], I respectfully established a pure Zhai (purification ritual), offering rites to the 360 divine offices in gratitude for Heaven’s grace.

Now that the ritual arrangements have just been set in place, the Mysterious Gate’s order of rites is about to be carried out. All related matters will be handled according to the prescribed procedures. In addition, memorials must be submitted to the sovereign deities of the various heavens, and formal documents presented to the true offices of the Three Realms. I therefore respectfully submit this memorial.

I respectfully present this petition:

I beseech His Majesty the Great Emperor of Yuqing, the Heavenly Worthy Primordial Beginning. May Your Majesty, through the way of compassion, grant my request and issue a special decree commanding the two Perfected Ones at Your side to open the sealed documents and reveal the hidden treasures, and to bestow the talismans, proclamations, and covenant texts of the Perfected Ones of Primordial Beginning. Using earthly talismans, I will inform all the governing divine offices throughout Heaven and Earth, in the realm of the living and the underworld: may they pardon and deliver the deceased [names], together with the boundless suffering souls in the dark regions of the Lower Origin, freeing them from profound darkness so they may enter the Jade Altar and personally receive deliverance.

I further beseech Your Majesty to command the officials and myriad spirits serving in the Inner Court of Celestial Immortals at the Palace of Numina and Emptiness in Yuqing, and in the Bureau of Mysterious Ranks for Ascension and Deliverance, to respond at the appointed time to my summons, manifest their numinous powers, assist me, and carry out deliverance. I cultivate purity and practice the Dao, praying for Heaven’s mandate and grace. May Your Majesty look upon my petition with compassion and let my prayer be fulfilled. I have offended against Heaven’s majesty and am filled with trepidation. I bow my head twice in reverence and respectfully submit this memorial, awaiting Your Majesty’s decree.

[Year, month, day], submitted by your subject [name], holding the appropriate ritual rank.

Memorial to Shangqing

Your subject, [name], holding the appropriate ritual rank:

The matter previously reported is the same as above. I therefore respectfully submit this memorial.

I respectfully present this petition:

I beseech His Majesty the Great Emperor of Shangqing, the Heavenly Worthy of Lingbao…

With Daoist compassion, [the deity] granted my petition and specially ordered the attendant perfected officials on the left and right—immortals who serve the divine—to open the document case, take out the papers, and issue the proclamation.

The precious register that, by the Most High’s decree, pardons the dead and enables them to ascend to Heaven, together with the ritual covenant of the Dongxuan retreat, is authorized for me to cultivate and use.

Now let all the heavens and earth, the offices governing Yin and Yang, and their subordinate authorities be informed: pardon and deliver the deceased persons named So-and-so, together with the suffering souls of prisoners, freeing them from grievances and offenses accumulated over many lifetimes and from realms of suffering, so that they may come to the ritual altar, receive instruction, and attain renewal. I have observed the retreat for three consecutive days and presented petitions to the court nine times each day. I humbly ask that my appeal be examined and confirmed, so that the merit of the Zhaijiao purification ritual may be fulfilled. Having trespassed against Heaven’s authority, I am filled with fear and reverence. I bow my head twice and respectfully submit this petition, awaiting the imperial decree.

On such-and-such day of such-and-such month in such-and-such year, I, the petitioner So-and-so, holding the proper ritual rank, respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Great Clarity (Taiqing, the celestial realm or a revered deity in Daoism).

I, So-and-so, holding the proper ritual rank:

The matter set out in yesterday’s petition is the same as stated above, and must now be submitted again.

I respectfully copy out this petition and present it to His Majesty, the Great Clarity Great Emperor, the Venerable Heavenly Lord of the Way and its Virtue. I humbly ask Your Majesty, with Daoist compassion, to grant my request and specially issue a decree, entrusting it to the Tai Xuan Capital Administration, the Daoist office responsible for petitions and documents, to proclaim and transmit it to the relevant authorities throughout the Three Realms and the ten directions. Command them to pardon and deliver the deceased persons named So-and-so and the suffering souls of prisoners, freeing them from grievances accumulated over many lifetimes and from realms of suffering, so that they may come to the ritual altar, receive instruction, and attain renewal. I also humbly ask Your Majesty to convey the imperial command to the twelve hundred officials of the petition office, instructing them to handle the matter according to procedure. May every petition submitted be forwarded to the imperial presence, without delay in carrying out the command. I humbly ask that my request be granted and that the order be issued and implemented without delay. Having trespassed against Heaven’s authority, I am filled with fear and reverence. I bow my head twice and respectfully submit this petition, awaiting the imperial decree.

On such-and-such day of such-and-such month in such-and-such year, I, So-and-so, holding the proper ritual rank, respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to Vast Heaven (the celestial realm).

I, So-and-so, holding the proper ritual rank:

The matter set out in yesterday’s petition is the same as stated above. In addition to submitting it again and requesting that talismanic commands be issued for three days, specifically to carry out the deliverance of the dead, I now submit this petition.

I respectfully copy out this petition and present it to His Majesty, the Jade Emperor of Vast Heaven, the Most High, who opened Heaven, wields the tally, governs the calendar, embodies Truth, and realizes the Dao. I humbly ask Your Majesty, with heavenly compassion, to grant my request and once again issue a decree, entrusting it to the Tai Xuan Capital Administration to proclaim it to all the divine offices throughout the Three Realms, so that they may all carry out the talismanic command and open the gate of deliverance for the deceased persons named So-and-so and the suffering souls of the Lower Origin. Remove their grave offenses and rescue them from the depths of the underworld’s suffering, enabling them to ascend to the Jade Altar and personally receive the wondrous fruit. I have observed the retreat for three consecutive days and presented petitions to the court nine times each day. I humbly ask that…

May Your compassionate grace extend widely. Look favorably upon and attest to my practice, and forgive me for the offense of having shown disrespect toward the majesty of Heaven.

Your servant is filled with awe and trepidation. I bow my head twice and respectfully submit this memorial.

Memorial to the Dao Ancestor.

Your servant, holding a ritual office, submitted a petition yesterday whose contents were the same as those stated earlier. I will not repeat them here. I submit a separate memorial requesting that the Heavenly Court issue a talismanic mandate for the specific purpose of conducting a rite to deliver the dead. I hereby report this matter.

I respectfully present this memorial before the Dao Ancestor, the Most High Lord of the Nine Heavens, Controller of Destiny and Protector of Life. I humbly pray that Your Celestial Majesty show compassion, grant my request, and issue a special decree to inform the relevant true spirits and divine officials throughout the Three Realms. May they all act in accordance with the talismanic mandate to deliver the deceased so-and-so and others, along with suffering souls of the lower realm; pardon the grave offenses they committed; release them from the depths of darkness; and enable them to ascend to the Jade Altar and personally receive the wondrous fruit of the Dao.

I have observed ritual purification for three consecutive days and, over the course of nine watches, have offered obeisance and submitted this petition. I earnestly beseech Your Celestial Majesty to let your gracious light descend, examine and attest to my practice, and forgive me for the offense of having shown disrespect toward the majesty of Heaven. My heart is filled with utmost trepidation, and I respectfully submit this memorial.

On the year, month, and day, your servant so-and-so, holding a ritual rank, submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Celestial Emperor.

Your servant, holding a ritual office, submitted a petition yesterday whose contents were the same as those stated earlier. I will not repeat them here. I submit a separate memorial requesting that the Three Heavens issue a talismanic mandate for the specific purpose of conducting a rite to deliver the dead. I hereby report this matter.

I respectfully present this memorial before the Celestial Emperor, the Great Emperor of the Gouchen Star Palace. I humbly pray that Your Celestial Majesty show compassion, grant my request, and issue a special decree to inform the star palaces of the various heavens and the relevant true spirits and divine officials throughout the Three Realms. May they all act in accordance with the talismanic mandate to deliver the deceased so-and-so and others, along with suffering souls of the lower realm; pardon the grave offenses they committed; release them from the depths of darkness; and enable them to ascend to the Jade Altar and personally receive the wondrous fruit of the Dao.

I have observed ritual purification for three consecutive days and, over the course of nine watches, have offered obeisance and submitted this petition. I earnestly beseech Your Celestial Majesty to let your gracious light descend, examine and attest to my practice, and forgive me for the offense of having shown disrespect toward the majesty of Heaven. My heart is filled with utmost trepidation, and I respectfully submit this memorial.

On the year, month, and day, your servant so-and-so, holding a ritual rank, submits this memorial.

Memorial to the North Pole.

Your servant, holding a ritual office, submitted a petition yesterday whose contents were the same as those stated earlier. I will not repeat them here. I submit a separate memorial requesting that the Three Heavens issue a talismanic mandate for the specific purpose of conducting a rite to deliver the dead. I hereby report this matter.

I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it to His Majesty, the Great Emperor of the North Pole in the Central Heaven, Purple Tenuity. I humbly pray that Your Majesty, through heavenly grace, approve what I have submitted and issue a special decree, once again ordering the Central Heaven’s Dipper Bureau—the celestial office that oversees the stars—to make proclamation and dispatch divine tiger officials to search for and take into custody the souls of the deceased mentioned above.

All souls of the deceased who have not yet been released should obey the talismanic decree, issued under Heaven’s mandate, and be brought together to the ritual altar, where they may personally receive liberation through ritual rites. I also pray that the talismanic decree be issued throughout the Three Realms and the Ten Directions—the realms of Heaven, humanity, and earth, and all the worlds in every direction—so that it may be carried out accordingly. I further pray that the Celestial Court issue an edict ordering the offices of Yang Essence, Yin Soul, Water, and Fire to dispatch, at the appointed time, immortal officials who have undergone refinement. May all immortal officials summoned to descend come to the altar and assist in presiding over the rites for refining and elevating souls.

During the Zhaijiao purification ritual, I shall bow and submit this memorial. May heavenly grace shine upon us and its response become manifest. I have trespassed against Heaven’s authority and am filled with utmost trepidation. I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it, humbly awaiting the sacred audience.

Respectfully submitted in this memorial.

On [year, month, day], submitted by [name], official of the ordained rank.

Memorial to Houtu

[Name], official of the ordained rank:

The petition submitted yesterday contains the same matter as before. In addition to submitting it again and humbly requesting that the Three Heavens issue a talismanic decree specifically for the liberation of souls, I must also present this memorial for the matter to be heard.

I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it to Her Majesty, the Earthly Sovereign Goddess Houtu, who receives Heaven’s mandate and models herself upon it, embodying profound virtue and radiance. I humbly pray that Your Majesty, through compassionate grace, approve what I have submitted and issue a special decree informing the Three Realms and Ten Directions, the Nine Depths—the layered realms of the underworld—the places of profound darkness, and the Earth Sovereign, the Earth Bureau, the underworld authorities, and the prisons below. May they all obey the talismanic decree and release the deceased [name] and others, together with the suffering souls of imprisoned dead.

May they behold the light of wisdom, leave darkness behind, and come to the ritual altar to receive deliverance. May they realize the fruit of the Dao, escape their suffering, and be reborn. When the Zhaijiao purification ritual and memorial audience are held at the appointed time, may divine light shine upon us and bring this ritual practice to completion. I have trespassed against Your revered authority and am filled with utmost trepidation. I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it, humbly awaiting the sacred audience.

Respectfully submitted in this memorial.

On [year, month, day], submitted by [name], official of the ordained rank.

Memorial to Yuantian

[Name], official of the ordained rank:

The petition now submitted contains the same matter as before. In addition to submitting it again and humbly requesting that the Three Heavens issue a talismanic decree specifically for the liberation of souls, I must also present this memorial for the matter to be heard.

I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it to His Majesty, the Great Sage of Yuantian, and humbly hope that Your Majesty, through compassionate grace, will approve what I have submitted and issue a special decree…

Once the sacred decree has been issued, all divine officials in the Three Realms (Heaven, Earth, and Water) must carry it out in obedience.

Please issue talismanic commands to deliver the deceased named above and other suffering spirits, freeing them from the dark realm so they may receive the grace of Daoist teachings, undergo ritual refinement and deliverance, and be reborn. On the appointed date, may they ascend the altar and receive deliverance. We humbly ask that the sacred grace spread its radiance and shine upon the lower realm, enabling them to complete their cultivation and deliverance.

I have offended the authority of Heaven and am filled with the utmost fear. I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it to the throne, humbly asking that it be received. Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], I, a subject of [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank], submit this memorial.

Memorial to the Eastern Pole

I, a subject of [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank]:

The report received yesterday contains the same information as before. In addition to submitting this memorial again, I humbly ask the Three Heavens (the Daoist name for the Three Pure Ones’ heavens) to issue talismanic commands specifically for the deliverance of spirits. I respectfully submit this report.

I respectfully transcribe and submit this memorial, presenting it before the Greatly Compassionate One in the Eastern Pole Palace, the Supreme Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering (a Daoist deity who rescues those in distress and guides departed souls). I humbly ask the Celestial Worthy to respond with compassion and grant my request, issuing another sacred decree to command the Three Realms, the heavenly prisons and underworld, and all relevant places to obey the talismanic commands. May they pardon and rescue the deceased [names], together with the prisoners and suffering spirits connected to them.

May the spirits burdened by grave offenses accumulated over many lifetimes, who have never received pardon, also be released and sent to the ritual altar to receive deliverance. In carrying out the Dao on behalf of Heaven, I will open the prisons of the underworld. I humbly ask the Celestial Worthy to manifest in multiple forms and secretly assist in bringing this divine work to completion.

I also pray that the divine officials responsible for ritual refinement and deliverance at the Northern and Southern Palaces be commanded to perform the rites at the appointed time: refining the spirits through the proper use of fire and nourishing the souls of the dead with water talismans, so that withered bones may be transformed and the departed may ascend to blessed realms. I will ascend the altar, establish the purification rite, and submit prayers. I humbly ask the Celestial Worthy to respond wherever the conditions call, and to bring universal aid to the underworld and the human realm.

I have offended the authority of Heaven and am filled with the utmost fear. I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it to the throne, humbly asking that it be received. Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], I, a subject of [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank], submit this memorial.

Memorial to the Southern Pole

I, a subject of [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank]:

The report now received contains the same information as before. In addition to submitting this memorial again, I humbly ask the Three Heavens to issue talismanic commands specifically for the deliverance of spirits. I respectfully submit this report.

I respectfully transcribe and submit this memorial, presenting it before the Great Emperor of Longevity at the Southern Pole (a Daoist deity who presides over longevity and the prolonging of life). I humbly ask the Heavenly Emperor, in his compassion, to grant my request and issue a special decree notifying the divine officials of the Three Realms to rescue the deceased [names] recommended in this rite, together with all prisoners and suffering spirits. May their grave offenses not prevent them from escaping the prisons of the underworld and coming to the ritual altar to receive deliverance; and I also humbly ask that …

I respectfully request the officials in charge of water-and-fire refinement and deliverance rites from the Upper Palace of Nanchang, in the Fire Court of the Cinnabar Heaven, to descend.

I respectfully request that the true essence of Yin-Yang respond to the summons and descend, entrusting itself to my use. May it transform and refine the departed souls, dispelling their karmic hindrances and bringing wondrous transformation to both body and spirit. I have offended Heaven’s majesty and am filled with the deepest trepidation. I respectfully submit this memorial and pray that it be heard by the sage.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], your subject, a ritual official of the rank of [title], named [name], submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Ninefold Darkness

Your subject, a ritual official of the rank of [title], named [name]:

The matter reported here follows the preceding text, and is submitted in a separate memorial. I respectfully request that the Three Heavens—the Three Pure Ones’ heavens—issue talismanic orders specifically for the deliverance of the departed. This matter must also be memorialized, and I respectfully report it here.

I respectfully submit this memorial.

Before the throne of the Celestial Worthy Who Delivers Sins from the Ninefold Darkness: I respectfully beseech your compassionate Dao to approve what your subject has reported and to issue a special sacred decree. May it be transmitted to the Three Primal Powers, the Nine Offices, the Five Sacred Mountains, the Nine Provinces, the caverns of the Palace of Luofeng, the great prisons of the Ninefold Darkness in all ten directions, the prison gates of the Long Night and its hidden springs, and all officials and clerks charged with examination and judgment. May they act in accordance with the decree, pardon the transgressions of the departed [name] and the others, along with the boundless sins accumulated over countless kalpas by the suffering spirits of the Lower Origin, and erase them all. May they burn the registers of karma, release these souls from the realm of darkness, and grant them the benefit of the merit generated by the Zhaijiao purification ritual.

On the appointed day, your subject will perform the Great Refinement, the Daoist rite of refining and delivering the departed. I respectfully request that the Celestial Worthy spread radiance in every direction and respond to all beings, so that numinous Qi may flow everywhere and illuminate the darkness of night. May the judgments at Luofeng cease; may the departed be forever freed from evil destinies and receive auspicious conditions. I have offended Heaven’s majesty and am filled with the deepest trepidation. I respectfully submit this memorial and pray that it be heard by the sage.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], your subject, a ritual official of the rank of [title], named [name], submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Celestial Worthies of the Ten Directions

Your subject, a ritual official of the rank of [title], named [name]:

The matter reported here follows the preceding text, and is submitted in a separate memorial. I respectfully request that the Three Heavens issue talismanic orders specifically for the deliverance of the departed. This matter must also be memorialized, and I respectfully report it here.

I respectfully submit this memorial.

Before the throne of the Eastern, Boundless, Most High Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure: I respectfully beseech your compassionate Dao to approve what your subject has reported and to issue a special sacred decree. May it be transmitted to the boundless worlds of the ten directions and to every place in the underworld, the watery realm, and the offices of the dead. I respectfully request that the Celestial Worthy employ the power of compassion and wisdom, release the wondrous radiance of Numinous Treasure, and illuminate the gates of the netherworld. May the departed [name] and the others, together with the imprisoned souls who are enduring suffering, be delivered from the dark realm of the Long Night and receive the merit of rites of recommendation and spiritual cultivation…

When performing the Lantern-Lighting and Breaking Open the Prison ritual, we still pray for the gods to manifest through their emanations and widely extend their power of deliverance. On the day a Zhaijiao (purification ritual) is established, we also pray that the immortal officials be commanded to descend to the ritual altar, where they may observe and bear witness. We respectfully present our sincere devotion and pray that blessings be bestowed far and wide, so that both the living and the dead may benefit. I, your servant, have offended the might of Heaven and am filled with the deepest fear. I respectfully submit this document in memorial and await the sacred hearing.

Respectfully submitted. On such-and-such day of such-and-such month in such-and-such year, your servant, holding the ritual rank of such-and-such, submits this memorial.

The Most High Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure of the Limitless South; the Most High Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure of the Limitless West; the Most High Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure of the Limitless North; the Most High Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure of the Limitless Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest; and the Most High Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Treasure Above and Below: each of these nine Celestial Worthies receives a separate memorial, with the same content as the memorial addressed to the East.

Memorial to Zhu Ling, where Daoism holds that the souls of the dead are refined and their lives restored:

The Celestial Worthy Who Delivers Lives at Zhu Ling.

This memorial is the same as the one addressed to the Celestial Worthy of the South Pole.

Memorial to the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Refinements:

Your servant, holding the ritual rank of such-and-such. In accordance with the matters set forth above, besides submitting the detailed memorial, it is also necessary to request that Heaven issue a talismanic command—a divine decree and talisman—for the specific purpose of delivering the souls of the dead. I therefore respectfully submit this memorial.

I respectfully present this memorial:

Before the Celestial Worthy Who Erases Sins from the Northern Register, the Celestial Worthy Who Delivers Lives at Zhu Ling, the Celestial Worthy of the Great Deliverance by the Dharma Bridge, the Celestial Worthy of the Fire-Refined Elixir Realm, the Celestial Worthy of the Turning Wheel, and the Celestial Worthy of Ease and Joy. I reverently pray that, in your compassionate Dao, you grant approval to what I have submitted and issue a sacred decree in particular, transmitting it to the underworld offices and prisons in the Three Realms and Ten Directions. May they all receive the wisdom light of the Most High, which illuminates the darkness, pardons and delivers the deceased such-and-such persons and all departed souls suffering hardship and punishment, and frees them from karmic retribution, so that the merits of the Zhaijiao may be made manifest. On the appointed day, we shall carry out the Great Refinement ritual, respectfully inviting the primal source of the Yin and Yang energies of Heaven and Earth and employing the divine power of the Nine Refinements, so that white bones may regain human form and the souls of the dead may find deliverance at Zhu Ling. I, your servant, have offended the might of Heaven and am filled with the deepest fear. I respectfully submit this document in memorial and await the sacred hearing.

Respectfully submitted. On such-and-such day of such-and-such month in such-and-such year, your servant, holding the ritual rank of such-and-such, submits this memorial.

Memorial to Dongyuan, a name for a Daoist deity or divine realm:

Your servant, holding the ritual rank of such-and-such. In accordance with the content of the foregoing memorial to the Vast Heavens, I respectfully submit this memorial, up to and including the passage requesting the issuance of a talismanic command specifically for deliverance.

I respectfully set down this memorial and submit it as follows:

I humbly beseech the Limitless Supreme Taiyi Celestial Lord of the Threefold Mystery of the Grotto Abyss and the Celestial Worthies of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen), revered deities of Daoism, to look upon this petition. May the revered deities mercifully grant my request and issue a special decree, conveying it throughout the Three Realms and Ten Directions, to the Nine Depths and Nine Layers, and to such netherworld domains as the Wind Marsh and the Grotto of Emptiness. May all the officials and bureaus of the underworld draw upon wisdom’s light to dispel darkness, deliver the deceased so-and-so and others, along with imprisoned sinful souls, and free them together from the evil paths. May they receive the grace of the Dao and rise to higher realms, no longer sinking or lingering behind. I am deeply fearful in my heart for having offended the majesty of Heaven. I respectfully submit this memorial and humbly ask that it be acknowledged.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], your servant, holding the rank of the Daoist liturgical office of [rank], so-and-so, submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Divine Empyrean

Your servant, holding the rank of the Daoist liturgical office of [rank], so-and-so:

Now, according to [the passage here indicates that the preceding text is the same as the memorial to Haotian, up to the words “requesting the issuance of talismanic mandates, solely for the purpose of deliverance”], this matter must therefore be formally submitted.

I respectfully set down this memorial and submit it as follows:

I humbly beseech the High God, the True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, the Great Emperor of Long Life, a deity revered by the Divine Empyrean school, to look upon this petition. May the Great Emperor mercifully grant my request and issue a special decree, conveying it to the underworld officials and bureaus throughout the Three Realms and Ten Directions, so they may deliver the recommended souls of the deceased and the sinful souls of the netherworld in the Lower Origin, pardon them, free them from karmic retribution, and make manifest the merits of the purification ritual. When the appointed time comes to perform the “Great Refinement,” a large-scale Daoist rite for refining and delivering souls, I humbly beseech you to summon the immortal officials of the Han Office and open the divine court of Danhuo; harmonize Kan and Li, symbols of Water and Fire and of Yin-Yang, set the workings of creation in motion, and refine the souls’ forms and spirits, transforming their substance so that they may take on the body of divine beings. In this way, may they complete the work of the Nine Transformations and accord with the wonders of the Ten Returns. I am deeply fearful in my heart for having offended the majesty of Heaven. I respectfully submit this memorial and humbly ask that it be acknowledged.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], your servant, holding the rank of the Daoist liturgical office of [rank], so-and-so, submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Three Jia

Your servant, holding the rank of the Daoist liturgical office of [rank], so-and-so:

Now, according to [the passage here indicates that the preceding text is the same as the memorial to Haotian, up to the words “requesting the issuance of talismanic mandates, solely for the purpose of deliverance”], this matter must therefore be formally submitted.

I respectfully set down this memorial and submit it as follows:

I humbly beseech the Celestial Emperor Jiazi, the Terrestrial Emperor Jiayin, and the Human Emperor Jiashen—revered deities who respectively govern the order of Heaven, Earth, and humanity—to look upon this petition. May you mercifully grant my request and issue a special decree, conveying it to every place under your authority throughout the Three Realms and Ten Directions, so that all may receive the imperial command, open the barriers of the netherworld, pardon and deliver the souls of the deceased, dissolve their offenses, and allow them to receive wondrous fruits and equal opportunity for rebirth. I am deeply fearful for having offended the majesty of Heaven…

Under the majesty of Heaven, I, your servant, am filled with profound fear. I respectfully prepare this written petition and submit it, humbly seeking a hearing from Heaven. I hereby present this petition.

On the [year, month, and day], I, your servant [name], holding the ritual rank of [title], submit this petition.

Petition to the Nine Heavens

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

For the reasons set out above (here, use the relevant material from the “Petition to the August Heaven” through the passage “requesting that talismanic commands be issued and that deliverance be carried out as a special charge”), there is a matter that must be submitted. I humbly seek a hearing from Heaven.

I respectfully submit this written petition to the august presence of the Heavenly Emperors of Yudan Wuliang Heaven, Shangshang Chanshan Wuliangshou Heaven, Fanjian Xuyan Heaven, Jiran Dushu Heaven, Boluoni Mi Bujiaole Heaven, Dongyuan Huaying Sheng Heaven, Linghua Fanfu Heaven, Gaoxu Qingming Heaven, and Wuxiang Wujie Wuaì Heaven.

I respectfully pray that all the Heavenly Emperors show compassion and grant approval for the matter I submit. May they specially issue a sacred decree and transmit it to all the offices of the netherworld throughout the Three Realms, the ten directions, the Nine Hells, the Nine Layers, the Nine Lands, and the Nine Yin Realms, so that all may see a sunlike radiance that illuminates the long night, lifts the suffering of those who have sunk into torment, and enables the souls of the dead to receive the merits of the Zhaijiao rites and cultivation. At the appointed time, I humbly ask that a benevolent radiance descend as witness to the Great Refinement rite. Through the wondrous working of Yin-Yang union, the Great Refinement transforms souls and the Qi of the netherworld. It gathers the Nine Qi into form and brings the Three Primordials to gestate a body; it releases bonds and dissolves obstructions, gathers primordial Qi and concentrates Shen. Then, by the true power of the immortals who bring forth and transform life, it restores the deceased’s nature and consciousness to wholeness, so that they may depart forever from the Northern Office and ascend directly to the Southern Palace.

I have offended the majesty of Heaven and am filled with profound fear. I respectfully prepare this written petition and submit it, humbly seeking a hearing from Heaven. I hereby present this petition.

On the [year, month, and day], I, your servant [name], holding the ritual rank of [title], submit this petition.

Petition to the Thirty-Two Heavens

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

For the reasons set out above (here, use the relevant material from the “Petition to the August Heaven” through the passage “requesting that talismanic commands be issued and that deliverance be carried out as a special charge”), there is a matter that must be submitted. I humbly seek a hearing from Heaven.

I respectfully submit this written petition to the august presence of the Eight Heavenly Emperors of the East, the Eight Heavenly Emperors of the South, the Eight Heavenly Emperors of the West, and the Eight Heavenly Emperors of the North.

I respectfully pray that all the Heavenly Emperors show compassion and grant approval for the matter I submit. May they specially issue a sacred decree and transmit it to the various true offices throughout the Three Realms and ten directions, so that they may all ride upon the pure, primordial radiance of Brahma Qi (the pure, precelestial primordial energy), shine through the darkness, and deliver the deceased [name] and others, together with the suffering souls of the lower realms. May they remove their sins and resolve their grievances, enabling them to receive deliverance at the ritual altar. I also humbly request an edict commanding the flying-heaven messengers to bear…

May the true texts in jade characters from all the heavens be arrayed to guard the dark altar, the ritual site where Daoist purification rites and sacrificial refinement ceremonies are performed. May they summon auspicious influences and dispel impurity, so that the merit of the Zhaijiao rites may be fulfilled. On the appointed day of the ritual, we respectfully ask for a blessing upon the sacrificial food measured in hu, that it be transformed and refined to deliver the souls of the dead. May Heaven’s grace spread far and wide and its light shine forth, gathering in and guiding boundless beings. May the souls of the dead be bathed in Yang essence, the vital energy that symbolizes the warmth and life-giving force of Yang, and have the root of their lives nourished. May their souls and spirits reunite and return to their source, receive transformation, and regain life.

If we have offended Heaven’s authority in any way, we, your servants, are filled with the utmost trepidation. We respectfully submit this petition and ask that it be received.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], your servant [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank], submits this petition.

Petition to the Five Elders

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

The petition now before you [here follow the words of the petition to the August Heaven, through the phrase “requesting that talismanic commands be issued for the sole purpose of delivering the dead”]. For this reason, it must be submitted in a formal report.

I respectfully transcribe and submit the petition:

Celestial Lord of the Nine Qi, Azure Emperor, Primordial Elder of the Azure Spirit of the East;

Celestial Lord of the Three Qi, Red Emperor, True Elder of the Cinnabar Spirit of the South;

Celestial Lord of the Seven Qi, White Emperor, August Elder of the Bright Spirit of the West;

Celestial Lord of the Five Qi, Black Emperor, Primordial Elder of the Dark Spirit of the North;

Celestial Lord of the One Qi, Yellow Emperor, Primordial Elder of the Origin Spirit at the Center:

I respectfully look up to you, Celestial Lords, and implore Heaven’s grace. May you grant approval to the matter submitted in this petition and issue a special sacred decree, commanding the ten directions and the Three Realms, as well as every region of earth, water, and the underworld, to open the way for the deliverance of the deceased [names] and other departed souls in the lower, hidden realm. May their transgressions be cleared, their karmic offenses reduced, and their evil roots extinguished, so that they may ride the light of wisdom to the altar and receive deliverance.

I further implore you to issue the Five True Texts to stabilize the dark altar, summon auspicious influences, and invite the true spirits to descend. I will conduct purification rites for three consecutive days, repent at nine appointed intervals, and ask the spirit officials and immortal ministers to convey my sincerity. At the appointed time, I will respectfully perform the Great Refinement, a Daoist rite for delivering the souls of the dead. May the Five grades of true Qi descend and nourish the departed with sweet sustenance, so that spiritual energy may nourish them within and harmonious influences may be drawn to them from without. May the hundred spirits gather, and may the souls undergo ten transformations and recover their spiritual nature.

If we have offended Heaven’s authority in any way, we, your servants, are filled with the utmost trepidation. We respectfully submit this petition and ask that it be received.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], your servant [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank], submits this petition.

Petition to the Duke of Wood

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

The petition now before you [here follow the words of the petition to the August Heaven, through the phrase “requesting that talismanic commands be issued for the sole purpose of delivering the dead”]. For this reason, it must be submitted in a formal report.

I respectfully transcribe and submit the petition:

I respectfully look up to the sacred presence of the Dao Lord, Azure Youth, Supreme Minister of Eastern Florescence, Duke of Wood. May your sacred grace grant approval to the matter submitted in this petition and specially bestow…

May your wise and discerning decree reach the true divine offices of the Three Realms, deliver the souls of the dead, make them understand the karmic consequences of their sins, and free them from the suffering of the underworld. May all the departed in the underworld bathe in the merit of the Zhaijiao purification ritual. On the appointed date, your subject will respectfully perform the Great Refinement rite, praying for the bestowal of the primordial Qi of the precelestial Qian-Yuan, which will join with Yin Crystal to transform and nurture the withered bones, restore the remains to an immortal substance, and make them whole again. Then, through the method of refining and deliverance known as Kan-Li Fulfillment, the departed will ascend at their appointed hours. Your subject has offended the sacred majesty and is filled with the utmost trepidation. I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it, humbly asking Your Majesty to take note.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], your subject, [name], of the following ritual rank, submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Golden Mother, an honorific title of the Daoist goddess Xiwangmu:

Your subject, [name], of the following ritual rank.

Now, according to … [The original text indicates here that the content is the same as in the preceding memorial to the August Heaven, up to “I ask that the talismanic command be issued, authorizing the exclusive work of delivering the departed.”] Therefore, I have come to submit this memorial.

Your subject respectfully transcribes and submits this memorial.

May the Ninefold-Spirited, Greatly Wondrous, White-Jade Tortoise Terrace, Night-Radiant, Golden-Perfect, Brahma-Qi, Primordial Mother Queen (an honorific title of a Daoist goddess) deign to look upon this petition. I humbly beg Your Sacred Compassion to approve my request and grant a special decree, addressed to the two Lords of the Left and Right Offices of Registers and Destiny, divine officials who govern registers of names and lifespans. Command them to remove the recommended souls from the registers of the dead, enter them in the registers of the living, and inform the underworld authorities. May the departed be universally received and delivered. On the appointed date, your subject will respectfully perform the Great Refinement rite, praying for the descent of the primordial Qi of the precelestial Kun-Yuan, which will join with Yang Crystal and set divine workings in motion, restoring vitality to the withered bones, severing the roots of the gate of death, and enabling the departed to cast off their former forms and take on new bodies like newborn infants. Through the principle of Metal generating Wood, their forms will be refined until form and spirit together attain the wondrous realm. Your subject has offended the sacred majesty and is filled with the utmost trepidation. I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it, humbly asking Your Majesty to take note.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], your subject, [name], of the following ritual rank, submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Five Blessings and Ten Spirits:

Your subject, [name], of the following ritual rank.

Now, according to … [The original text indicates here that the content is the same as in the preceding memorial to the August Heaven, up to “I ask that the talismanic command be issued, authorizing the exclusive work of delivering the departed.”] Therefore, I have come to submit this memorial.

Your subject respectfully transcribes and submits this memorial.

May the True Lord Taiyi of the Five Blessings and Ten Spirits deign to look upon this petition. I humbly beg Your Sacred Compassion to consider my memorial and grant a special wise decree, addressed to all the underworld offices throughout the Three Realms and Nine Earths, so that every place may receive Heaven’s grace. May the departed transcend and ascend, have their karmic obstacles removed, receive the merit of the Zhaijiao purification ritual, and be bathed in compassionate light, entering together into the realm of refinement and deliverance. Your subject has offended the sacred majesty and is filled with the utmost trepidation. I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it, humbly asking Your Majesty to take note.

On [year, month, day], your subject, [name], of the following ritual rank, submits this memorial.

“Great Refinement” refers to the refining and deliverance liturgy performed in Daoist Zhaijiao purification rituals, using Fulu talismans and registers, incantations, and other methods to deliver the departed. “Primordial Qi,” “Yin Crystal,” “Yang Crystal,” and “Kan-Li” are specialized terms used in Daoist rites of refinement and deliverance. After “Now, according to,” the original text uses a parenthetical note to refer to another memorial; this translation retains that reference as indicated.

Memorial Submitted to the Bureau of the Celestial Pivot:

Office of the Great Lingbao Rite (the Daoist institution responsible for conducting Lingbao liturgies):

Yesterday we received a petition from a certain person requesting that the Supreme Yellow Register Great Fast—a Daoist rite of merit for the deceased—be conducted with full ceremony to commemorate certain departed souls and enable them to be reborn. Since the matter has been formally submitted in writing, this office cannot decline. On a certain day of a certain month, we first submitted a memorial to report the matter and humbly requested permission to issue the ritual decrees.

Now, in accordance with the prescribed liturgical regulations, we have established the Mysterious Altar, the ritual platform for conducting Zhaijiao rites, and arranged the associated ceremonial procedures. We request that talismanic writs be issued so that the purification rites may be performed. We hereby submit thirty-two memorial documents, each repeatedly sealed and stamped, ready for presentation.

Respectfully submitted before:

The Jade Pure Emperor, the Highest Pure Great Emperor, the Grand Pure Great Emperor, the August Jade Emperor of the Vast Heavens, the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Heavens Who Governs Destiny and Preserves Life, the Great Emperor of the Celestial Sovereign of the Gouchen Star Palace, the Great Emperor of the Purple Tenuity Central Heaven and Northern Pole, the Earthly Sovereign of the Houtu, the Great Holy Empress of the Primordial Heaven, the Celestial Worthy of Great Unity of the Eastern Pole Who Relieves Suffering, the Great Emperor of Longevity of the Southern Pole, the Celestial Worthy Who Rescues from Sin in the Ninefold Abyss, the Infinite Highest Lord Lingbao Celestial Worthies of the East, South, West, North, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, Above, and Below, the Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Mound Who Grants Deliverance to Life, the Boundless Supreme Great Celestial Lord of the Three Samādhis of the Dongyuan Cavern, the High and Exalted True King of Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean and Great Emperor of Longevity, the Three Sovereigns of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity and the Three Jia Emperors, the Great Emperor Who Generates Spirit in the Nine Heavens through Natural Lingbao, the Emperors of the Thirty-Two Heavens, and the Celestial Lords of the Five Spirits, Five Elders, and Five Emperors.

The Lord of the Way, the Young Lad of the East Hua Wood Duke and Minister of the High Court, who serves before the sacred throne

The Primordial Lady, Ancestress of the Ninefold Spirit, Supreme Subtlety, and Brahma Qi, who serves before the sacred throne

The Perfected Lord Taiyi of the Five Blessings and Ten Spirits, who serves before the sacred throne

The documents above are respectfully prepared and submitted.

We respectfully request that the Upper Clear Court of the Celestial Pivot under the Three Heavens, the office that receives Daoist memorials, grant the petition. There is no need to wait for official documents from other places to arrive in sequence; the memorial may be submitted first, with the imperial decree to follow. Hereafter, may each matter requested be promulgated and put into effect in turn. We submit this report and await a clear reply. Respectfully presented.

On the year, month, and day, a person of the surname _, holding the ritual rank of _, submits this petition.

Dispatching the Memorial: Official Notice to the Four Duty Merit Officers

Office of the Great Lingbao Rites

This office now dispatches thirty-two sealed and stamped memorials and one sealed and stamped petition, to be sent to the Upper Clear Court of the Celestial Pivot under the Three Heavens for onward submission. This official notice is hereby issued.

We now appoint the messenger who serves as the Merit Officer for the year _, the messenger who serves as the Merit Officer for the month _, the messenger who serves as the Merit Officer for the day _, and the messenger who serves as the Merit Officer for the hour _. In accordance with the arrangements above, they are to carry these documents and deliver them for submission promptly and without fail.

Along the cloud road leading to the upper realm, there must be no delay, obstruction, or interception. Anyone who violates this order is to be taken to the nearest prison office and dealt with according to the law. This official notice is hereby issued.

Issued on the year, month, and day.

A person of the surname _, holding the ritual rank of _, signs and seals this notice.