《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 63

Shangqing Lingbao Dafa, juan 63, “Birds,” section three

Transmitted by Ning Quanzhen, the Lofty Adept of Dongwei and Perfected One Who Opens the Light and Rescues the Suffering

Compiled by Wang Qizhen, disciple of the Three Caverns of Shangqing and successor preceptor of Lingbao

Petitions

Petition to the Palace of the Sun

The person of a certain surname, holding the proper ritual rank, respectfully submits the following, in accordance with … [here insert “setting forth the intention” or “thereupon undertaking the prescribed rites,” and so on]. The circumstances stated by the petitioner have proved impossible to suppress, and on a certain day of a certain month the petitioner first submitted a memorial to the throne, seeking grace, pardon, and leniency. Now, in accordance with the prescribed rites, a dark altar has been established and memorials are being presented in order. We request that talismanic commands be sent down and pardons proclaimed; that the True Saints be worshipped and offenses repented and atoned for; that the gates of hell be broken open and the souls of the dead summoned back; and that a universal night fast be offered. We will carry out the methods of refinement, issue registers and distribute credentials, and recommend the souls of the dead for ascent and deliverance. Once these rites are complete, we will again present a memorial to report the merit, dismantle the ritual altar, and on a certain night hold a pure offering, respectfully sacrificing to the three hundred and sixty divine stations in gratitude for Heaven’s grace.

As we now begin to open the altar, we hope that every matter may be handled according to the ritual procedures. In addition to submitting another memorial to the Celestial Court and sending a formal notice to the True Office under whose jurisdiction we fall, we now submit this petition.

We respectfully present this document before the holy presence of the Solar Emperor, Lord of Fiery Radiance and Luminous Splendor, of the Palace of the Sun. We humbly hope that Your Sacred Compassion will take heed and bestow the light of day, illuminating the long, dark night. We ask in particular that a sacred decree be granted and entrusted to the True Office that examines and verifies affairs throughout the Three Realms, so that it may deliver the deceased, such-and-such persons, and the suffering souls of their lower realms. May all who have incurred guilt by offending the three lights of the sun, moon, and stars likewise receive pardon and be delivered. We further pray that radiance be spread in all directions and vital energy sent down to infuse the measure of sacrificial food offered for the souls of the dead, filling the Ten Directions and bringing aid everywhere.

When the appointed day arrives, we will respectfully perform the Great Refinement rite. May immortal attendants and celestial maidens be sent down in response to the summons, using the secret talisman of the sun’s true essence to transform and refine the offerings presented for the souls of the dead, so that they may shed the burdens of karma and become human immortals. Having offended the sacred majesty, I am filled with the utmost fear and trepidation; I respectfully submit this petition.

Respectfully submitted.

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

Petition to the Palace of the Moon

The person of a certain surname, holding the proper ritual rank, respectfully submits this petition in accordance with the reasons stated above. In addition to submitting another memorial to the Celestial Court and sending a formal notice to the True Office under whose jurisdiction we fall, we now submit this petition.

We respectfully present this document before the holy presence of the Sovereign Lord of Great Yin, the Empress of Primordial Essence, Pure Luminosity, and Yellow Radiance, of the Palace of the Moon. We humbly hope that Your Sacred Compassion will take heed and grant in particular …

We respectfully petition that the sacred decree be issued to the divine officials who govern the Three Realms, pardoning the faults and sins of the deceased, so-and-so and the other departed, as well as the suffering souls in the netherworld. May they be released from their deep and shadowed torment and receive the rites of deliverance and remembrance. We then pray that sacred light shine upon them from every direction and that true Qi descend to gather and transform the sacrificial grain offerings, thereby relieving hungry souls everywhere.

At the appointed time, we shall respectfully perform the Great Refinement Rite. May we be granted immortal maidens, who will welcome the Yellow Silk and True Crystals—the sacred true Qi or numinous substances used in Daoist purification rites and visualization practices. In accordance with the secret method, may they hold the gods in mind and contemplate them, purify and refine the sunken souls, wash away defilement, and enable them to return to their original nature in clarity, transform, and ascend.

Having offended the sacred majesty, I am filled with utmost trepidation. I hereby submit this petition.

On [year, month, day], so-and-so, holding the appropriate ritual rank, respectfully submits this petition.

Petition to the Celestial Dipper (one of the star officials of the Northern Dipper).

So-and-so, holding the appropriate ritual rank, respectfully petitions:

The matter reported in the monastery’s document dated today should, by rights, be submitted for consideration. I therefore present it for your attention.

I respectfully submit this petition before the throne of the Great Sage Star Lord of the Celestial Dipper. We earnestly implore the Star Lord to look upon us with compassion and grant a sacred decree to be issued throughout the netherworlds of the Three Realms. May permission be given to deliver the souls recommended for salvation, together with the suffering souls of the Lower Origin—the day governed by the Water Official, Great Emperor, in Daoist teaching, and by extension the associated netherworld. May their many transgressions be pardoned, so that they may behold the radiance of Yaoguang, the light of the Northern Dipper, and come to the ritual altar to receive deliverance.

At the appointed time, we pray that pure Yang life-giving Qi may descend to refine and transform the departed, reviving even withered bones. May the deceased attain the true and be delivered, and may their nature and life ascend and transform. Having offended the sacred majesty, I am filled with utmost trepidation. I hereby submit this petition.

On [year, month, day], so-and-so, holding the appropriate ritual rank, respectfully submits this petition.

Petition to the Five Planets (the star lords corresponding to the Five Phases).

So-and-so, holding the appropriate ritual rank, respectfully petitions:

The matter reported in the monastery’s document dated today should, by rights, be submitted for consideration. I therefore present it for your attention.

I respectfully submit this petition before the Star Lords of the Five Planets:

In the East, the Wood Virtue Planet Jupiter, Star Lord Chonghua; in the South, the Fire Virtue Planet Mars, Star Lord Zhifa; in the West, the Metal Virtue Planet Venus, Star Lord Tianhao; in the North, the Water Virtue Planet Mercury, Star Lord Sicheng; and in the Center, the Earth Virtue Planet Saturn, Star Lord Dihou.

We earnestly implore all the Star Lords to look upon us with compassion and grant a sacred decree to instruct the netherworld and summon the departed. May they be freed from the suffering of separation and their registers of sins accumulated over many lifetimes be erased. May they receive the light of wisdom and the grace of Heaven.

We also pray that auspicious light from the ten directions, the ten extremes, be bestowed to refine the grain offerings, gather the true Qi of the Five Phases, and pour it into the Flower Pool—a place or state in Daoist inner cultivation that symbolizes the nourishment of life. May what has withered and decayed sprout anew; may the souls be made whole in body and spirit, attain the form of immortal beings, and roam freely in Shangqing, the realm of the immortals. Having offended the sacred majesty, I respectfully submit this petition.

Under the awe of Your divine majesty, I am filled with utmost fear and trembling, and respectfully submit this memorial.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], I, [surname], holder of the ritual office of [title], submit this memorial.

To the Four Luminaries, the four Star Lords:

Star Lord Rahu, the Divine Head; Star Lord Ketu, the Divine Tail; Star Lord Purple Qi of Heavenly Yi; and Star Lord Moon Obscurity of Supreme Unity.

Respectfully submitted.

According to the memorial presented in the palace on the same day, the submitted documents have been delivered, and the related official papers have been consolidated under the proper divine bureau. The following matters also require submission.

I respectfully submit this memorial to:

Star Lord Rahu, the Divine Head; Star Lord Ketu, the Divine Tail; Star Lord Purple Qi of Heavenly Yi; and Star Lord Moon Obscurity of Supreme Unity.

I humbly beseech the Star Lords to look upon this with compassion and grant their review. May they issue a special decree to inform the authorities of the underworld, so that they may join in rescuing the sunken souls of the dead and removing all their sins. May these souls receive the radiance of divine light and, hearing the summons, come forth. When the appointed time arrives, may the Star Lords also bestow their precious radiance, like the light of the stars, and let it spread far and wide.

May the dark altar harmonize Yin and Yang, so that each is properly ordered; may the souls and spirits of the dead be refined and delivered, gaining new life. After the purification rite has been established, may the Three Radiances—the celestial lights of the sun, moon, and stars—shine clearly, and may all dark forces withdraw. In all acts of worship and cultivation, repentance, and atonement, may those entrusted with conducting the rites report each matter through the proper channels, so that the merits of the purification rite may reach their intended destination. May the rites encounter no demonic trials and incur no offense against divine majesty. I am filled with utmost fear and trembling, and respectfully submit this memorial.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], I, [surname], holder of the ritual office of [title], submit this memorial.

To the Five Dipper Star Lords, who govern the five directions:

Star Lord of the Eastern Dipper, Registrar of Life Calculations; Star Lord of the Southern Dipper, Bestower of Life; Star Lord of the Western Dipper, Recorder of Names; Star Lord of the Northern Dipper, Arbiter of Death; and Star Lord of the Central Dipper, Great Leader.

To the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, the twenty-eight groups of stars arrayed across the four directions:

The Star Lords of the seven eastern mansions, the seven southern mansions, the seven western mansions, and the seven northern mansions;

and the Star Lords governing the 365 degrees of the celestial circuit and the regions assigned to each degree.

To the Three Terraces, the three groups of celestial star officials:

Star Lord of the Upper Terrace, Vacuous Essence; Star Lord of the Middle Terrace, Six Purities; and Star Lord of the Lower Terrace, Curved Life.

All three memorials above follow the same format as the memorial to the Four Luminaries.

To the Five Emperors of the Five Directions, the five celestial emperors who govern the directions:

I, [surname], holder of the ritual office of [title], submit this memorial. According to the memorial presented in the palace on the same day, the submitted documents have been delivered, and the related official papers have been consolidated under the proper divine bureau. The following matters also require submission.

I respectfully submit this memorial to:

The True Lord of the Azure Emperor, Protector of Souls; the True Lord of the Vermilion Emperor, Nourisher of Qi; the True Lord of the White Emperor, Attendant to the Corporeal Soul; the True Lord of the Black Emperor, Channeler of Blood; and the True Lord of the Yellow Emperor, Central Sovereign.

I humbly beseech the True Lords to look upon this with compassion and grant their review. May they issue a special decree to inform the authorities of the underworld and open the path of deliverance for souls suffering hardship, so that they may receive…

May the grace of the August Sovereign still descend as the Five numinous breaths—the five primordial energies endowed with wondrous power—and refine the withered bones in the ten pools. May the departed retain their inner spiritual clarity and complete their outer immortal bodies. May they receive the aid of the gods, enter the mysterious realm, attain the fruit of the Dao, and ascend to the rank of perfected immortals. In fear of offending the sacred authority, I am filled with utmost trepidation and respectfully submit this document. I hereby report the matter.

On [year, month, day], [surname and given name], holder of a ritual rank, submits this petition.

Petition to the Southern Dipper (report to the gods of the Southern Dipper)

[ Surname and given name ], holder of a ritual rank:

Having received today’s petition submitted from the palace, I now forward it to the Perfected Bureau under my jurisdiction. The matter requires an official report. I hereby submit it.

Respectfully, I submit this document and petition:

To the Perfected Lord, Supreme Minister in Charge of Destiny of the Celestial Treasury; the Perfected Lord, Senior General in Charge of Records of the Celestial Minister; the Perfected Lord of the Celestial Beam, Who Prolongs Life and Preserves Destiny; the Perfected Lord of the Celestial Companion, Who Increases the Count of Years and Protects Life; the Perfected Lord of the Celestial Pivot, Who Delivers from Calamity and Refines Souls; the Perfected Lord of the Celestial Mechanism, Supreme Arbiter of Rebirth; and the Lord of the Fire Bureau at Zhu Ling in the Southern Heavens:

We humbly pray that all you holy gods look upon this with compassion and benevolence, especially by issuing the Most High’s decree to pardon the departed and grant them the Precious Register of Ascending to Heaven, a talismanic register that helps the dead rise beyond this world. The register should conform to the talismanic rites of the human realm and be proclaimed throughout the Three Realms and the Ten Directions, as well as in the celestial prisons and hells. May it deliver the deceased [names] and the suffering souls of the Lower Origin, so that all may receive pardon, escape karmic retribution, and respectfully receive the merit of the Zhaijiao purification ritual.

On the appointed date, we still pray that you dispatch the refining officers of the Southern Heavens’ Water and Fire Bureaus to perform the rite. We also pray that the essence of molten gold from the Shangqing Dongyang descend upon the Mysterious Altar, where the ritual is conducted, to forge and refine the souls lingering there, eradicate the roots of their sins, restore their form and substance, transform them into divine beings, and raise them to a blessed realm. In fear of offending the sacred authority, I am filled with utmost trepidation and respectfully submit this document. I hereby report the matter.

On [year, month, day], [surname and given name], holder of a ritual rank, submits this petition.

Petition to the Northern Dipper (report to the gods of the Northern Dipper)

[ Surname and given name ], holder of a ritual rank:

Having received today’s petition submitted from the palace, I now forward it to the Perfected Bureau under my jurisdiction. The matter requires an official report. I hereby submit it.

Respectfully, I submit this document and petition:

To the August Sovereign, Jade Emperor on High of the Northern Dipper; the Great Emperor of the Northern Pole, Mysterious Minister of the Grand Tenuity Jade Emperor; and the Perfected Sovereign Lords of the Celestial Hero, Greedy Wolf; the Celestial Duty, Great Gate; the Celestial Pillar, Preserving Existence; the Celestial Heart, Literary Song; the Celestial Bird, Pure Chastity; the Celestial Assistant, Military Song; the Celestial Impulse, Army-Breaker; the Inner Celestial, Left Assistant, Illuminating Brightness; and the Celestial Canopy, Right Assistant, Hidden Origin:

We humbly pray that all you holy gods…

I respectfully beseech Your Sacred Compassion to grant this request and once more issue a sacred decree, commanding the officials of the Jade Office’s Mysterious Bureau to announce the mission to the Divine Tiger and its company of officers. Let them proceed to the celestial prisons, hells, and realms of unremitting suffering throughout the Ten Directions and Three Realms, to search for the deceased person in question and for the departed souls who are to be delivered through this ritual assembly. Whatever the weight of their karmic offenses, and whether or not they have already received retribution, may they all alike receive the grace of pardon and be taken together to the ritual altar to receive deliverance.

When the appointed time arrives, I respectfully beseech You to send down the Mysterious Emperor’s Upright Qi and dispatch the officials of refinement and deliverance to assist the ritual master in carrying out the practice, mediating the transformations of creation, and refining the Yin souls. May their karmic offenses be entirely cleansed, their spiritual nature remain undimmed, and may they transcend the ordinary, enter sagehood, awaken to the Dao, and attain True Immortality. To have offended Your sacred authority fills me with utter dread; I submit this report with due reverence.

Respectfully submitted in writing.

On [year, month, day], the duly authorized petitioner, [surname], submits this petition.

To the Lady of the Northern Dipper:

Before the Nine Sovereign Ladies of the Northern Dipper, the Lady of the Northern Dipper’s Mysterious Darkness and Great One:

The foregoing document is submitted in one copy, also addressed to the Northern Dipper.

To the Bureau of the Dipper:

The duly authorized ritual master, [surname].

According to the petition submitted earlier today to the palace, the matter reported falls under the jurisdiction of the True Bureau. I hereby submit this report.

Respectfully submitted in writing.

Before the Emperor Lord Who Enforces the Black Statutes and Subdues Demons, and the two envoys Qingyang and Tuoluo:

I respectfully beseech Your Sacred Compassion to look upon this petition and inform the Central Heaven’s Dipper Pole. May You send down the Hidden Book of the Great One, issuing separate orders to the officials and troops to notify the various underworld courts, seek out the departed souls, verify their names, and summon them to the Mysterious Altar so they may together receive the fruits of the Dao. To have offended Your sacred authority fills me with utter dread; I submit this report with due reverence.

Respectfully submitted in writing.

On [year, month, day], the duly authorized petitioner, [surname], submits this petition.

To the Celestial Officials:

The duly authorized ritual master, [surname].

According to the petition submitted earlier today to the palace, the matter reported falls under the jurisdiction of the True Bureau. I hereby submit this report.

Respectfully submitted in writing.

Before the Great Emperor Ziwei, Celestial Official of the Upper Origin:

I respectfully beseech Your Sacred Compassion to look upon this petition and specially issue the Celestial Official’s Jade Talisman of Command. Let it be conveyed to the thirty-six bureaus of the Upper Origin under the Celestial Official, as well as to the officials throughout the Three Realms who administer the punishments and examinations of water, fire, wind, blades, and the like. Let them proceed to the various places and deliver the deceased person in question and others, along with the suffering souls of prisoners. May they all receive Heaven’s grace, be freed from confinement and forced service in the underworld, and be able to reach the Mysterious Altar, receive the wondrous fruits, and accept …

The officiant, So-and-so, is preparing, after the ritual service has concluded, to cast the dragon petition—a bamboo slip inscribed with a prayer for offering to the gods—into a certain grotto-heaven, an immortal realm where the divine beings dwell, and to pray at the same time for a sacred decree. We respectfully beseech the offices of the Upper Origin celestial realm and the divine officials who govern the famous mountains and grotto-heavens to follow the mountain petition, redeem the sins of the deceased and resolve their grievances, and help them accumulate merit and attain deliverance. Fearing that this may offend the sacred authority, I submit this report with trepidation.

On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, So-and-so, holding the rank of So-and-so, respectfully submits this petition.

Report to the Earth Official

So-and-so, holding the ritual rank of So-and-so, respectfully submits this petition:

According to the palace document delivered on this same day, the petition reporting this matter is to be handled by the Office of the True. I now respectfully submit this report.

I respectfully address the Great Emperor of Clear Emptiness, Earth Official of the Middle Origin, before your sacred presence. I humbly pray for your compassion and ask that you specially issue the Earth Official’s jade petition and true talisman, instructing the examiners, clerks, and Earth officials of the forty-two offices in the palaces of the Middle Origin to investigate the whereabouts of the deceased and others, and to deliver certain departed souls, as well as suffering prisoners and afflicted spirits—ghosts who suffer in the netherworld—so that they may all receive Heaven’s grace. May their confinement in the underworld also be lifted, allowing them to reach the Mysterious Altar, attain wondrous fruits, undergo refining and deliverance, and be reborn.

After the ritual service has concluded, So-and-so intends to offer a sacrifice and cast the dragon petition at the site of the purification altar, while also praying for a sacred decree. We respectfully beseech the offices of the Middle Origin and the divine officials who govern the Nine Layers of Earth and the Earth Emperors to follow the earth petition, sever the deceased’s ties to hell, and help them accumulate merit and attain deliverance. Fearing that this may offend the sacred authority, I submit this report with trepidation.

On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, So-and-so, holding the rank of So-and-so, respectfully submits this petition.

Report to the Water Official

So-and-so, holding the ritual rank of So-and-so, respectfully submits this petition:

According to the palace document delivered on this same day, the petition reporting this matter is to be handled by the Office of the True. I now respectfully submit this report.

I respectfully address the Great Emperor of the Grotto-Yin, Water Official of the Lower Origin, before your sacred presence. I humbly pray for your compassion and ask that you specially issue the Water Official’s jade petition and true talisman, instructing the clerks of the forty-two offices in the palaces of the Lower Origin, together with the officials of the Water Court, to investigate the whereabouts of the deceased and others, and to deliver certain departed souls, as well as suffering prisoners and afflicted spirits, so that they may all receive Heaven’s grace. May their confinement in the underworld also be lifted, allowing them to reach the Mysterious Altar, attain wondrous fruits, undergo refining and deliverance, and be reborn.

After the ritual service has concluded, So-and-so intends to offer a sacrifice and cast the dragon petition into a certain pool or grotto, while also praying for a sacred decree. We respectfully beseech the offices of the Lower Origin and the divine officials who govern the waters beneath the numinous abyss to follow the water petition, sever the deceased’s evil roots, and help them accumulate merit and attain deliverance. Fearing that this may offend the sacred authority, I submit this report with trepidation.

Under the sacred authority, my heart is filled with trepidation and reverence. I respectfully submit this document.

Humbly submitted. On the [day] of the [month] of [year], [person of a certain surname and rank] presents this petition.

Petition to the Four Saints (the four exalted deities of the North Pole).

A person of the ritual rank [surname] submits this document:

According to the petition delivered today by the temple, the regulations of the True Bureau under whose jurisdiction this matter falls require that it be reported.

I respectfully petition:

Before the august seats of the Perfected Lord, Great Marshal Tianpeng of the North Pole; the Perfected Lord, Deputy Marshal Tianyou of the North Pole; the Perfected Lord Yisheng, Heir to Auspicious Blessings and Protector of Virtue of the North Pole; and the Perfected Lord You Sheng, Zhenwu, whose numinous response protects the North Pole: we respectfully beseech your sacred compassion to review this document and issue a special decree informing the offices of the Three Realms. Pardon and deliver the souls of the dead, enabling guilty souls in the netherworld to awaken to understanding. We also request that divine troops from the various prefectures and celestial forces manifest and descend to guard the Dao altar, assist the ritual, sweep away impurity, and destroy demons and evil spirits.

We respectfully invite the numinous powers to bring this purification ritual to completion. May the memorials, petitions, and other documents submitted since the ritual began be protected and conveyed by decree through the Void by the sun-traveling spirit officials. Should any force opposed to the righteous Dao obstruct or intercept them, may its form be cut down according to the law. We further pray that the Golden Dragons of Xuandu and the courier officials of the Jiao Dragons from the Yuanjing Dantian Palace descend at the summons, convey the talismanic commands, pardon transgressions, and clearly receive and carry out the decrees.

Under the sacred authority, my heart is filled with trepidation and reverence. I respectfully submit this document.

Humbly submitted. On the [day] of the [month] of [year], [person of a certain surname and rank] presents this petition.

Petition to the Mysterious Master (the founding patriarch who transmitted the Daoist teachings).

A person of the ritual rank [surname] submits this document:

According to the petition delivered today by the temple, the regulations of the True Bureau under whose jurisdiction this matter falls require that it be reported.

I respectfully petition:

Before the august seat of the Perfected Lord, Holy Master of the Shangqing Lingbao, Teacher and Lord of the Teachings within the Mystery: we respectfully beseech your compassionate attention to this document and a special decree informing the offices throughout the Three Realms. Open the way and deliver the souls of the dead who should gather to receive deliverance, as well as souls in the netherworld of the Lower Origin, freeing them from karmic retribution so that they may come to receive the merit of the Zhaijiao purification ritual.

The Dao altar has now just been opened, and the solemn rites are about to be performed. We respectfully pray that auspicious radiance descend to witness and affirm them, so that the acts of invocation, memorial submission, and ritual procession and movement all follow the prescribed rules, violate no ritual statutes, and encounter no trials from demonic obstacles. May the response be felt at the appointed time and the rites be completed in full. In the end, we depend entirely on the Master’s refinement and fulfillment, so that the teachings of Daoism may be spread and upheld.

For any offense against the sacred authority, my heart is filled with trepidation and reverence. I respectfully submit this document.

Humbly submitted. On the [day] of the [month] of [year], [person of a certain surname and rank] presents this petition.

Petition to the Celestial Master.

[Title and surname of the Daoist officiant to be entered here.]

It is now required that a written report be submitted, in accordance with [the palace memorial submitted on the same day and the report or notice jointly assigned to the relevant divine department].

I respectfully prepare this document and submit the report:

With reverence, I present this before the sacred presence of the True Lord Celestial Master of Great Law, who supports the teachings of the Three Heavens, assists the Origin, and embodies the Dao. I humbly pray that the Celestial Master, in compassion, look upon and review this document, and present it on my behalf. May an edict be issued from the Ninefold Imperial Palace; may the divine departments of the Three Realms obey its decree, receive the grace of Heaven, and pardon the suffering souls of the dead. I further beg the clerks who attend the Heavenly Gate to convey the matter to the immortal officials of the Mysterious Court: whenever there is a matter to be reported, may they immediately pray for it to be conveyed without delay.

I am establishing a ritual seat for the first time and earnestly request that the Celestial Master descend in the cloud-borne carriage, take charge of the ordinances of the Mysterious Gate, and guide those who come after, so that cultivation and the performance of ritual may proceed without hindrance. I pray with utmost sincerity that my petitions may reach the spirits and that the merit of the Zhaijiao purification ritual may be fulfilled; this truly depends on the Celestial Master’s support. Having presumed to approach the sacred presence, I am filled with profound trepidation, and submit this report with reverence.

I respectfully prepare this petition and submit it for consideration.

On [year, month, day], [title] and [surname] prepare and submit this petition.

Petition to the Three Masters

[Title and surname of the Daoist officiant to be entered here.]

It is now required that a written report be submitted, in accordance with [the palace memorial submitted on the same day and the report or notice jointly assigned to the relevant divine department].

I respectfully prepare this document and submit the report:

With reverence, I present this before the sacred presence of the Three Masters: the Lingbao Scripture Master, Perfected One Yuluoqiao; the Lingbao Register Master, Perfected One Zhendingguang; and the Lingbao Salvation Master, Perfected One Guangmiaoyin. I humbly pray that the three venerable masters, in compassion, look upon and review this document, and especially issue a mysterious decree to inform the authorities of the underworld, illuminate the dark realms, and rescue the little souls sunk in suffering, so that they may receive salvation.

Now that the jade ritual altar has been opened, I respectfully invite the three masters to descend. May they restate and explain the ancient ritual codes, so that the officiants may, through visualization and inward contemplation of the divine perfected beings, accord with the Mysterious Way; may they reveal the true efficacy of the ritual, bringing peace to both the underworld and the realm of the living. Having presumed to approach the sacred presence, I am filled with profound trepidation, and submit this report with reverence.

I respectfully prepare this petition and submit it for consideration.

On [year, month, day], [title] and [surname] prepare and submit this petition.

Petition to the Presiding Ritual Supervisor

[Title and surname of the Daoist officiant to be entered here.]

It is now required that a written report be submitted, in accordance with [the palace memorial submitted on the same day and the report or notice jointly assigned to the relevant divine department].

I respectfully prepare this document and submit the report:

With reverence, I present this before the sacred presence of the True Lord, the Great Lingbao Ritual Supervisor. I humbly pray that the venerable master, in compassion, look upon and review this document, and especially descend to the star altar established within the ritual grounds, put the ordinances in order, and preside over the ritual regulations and ceremonies. May the officials of the various Lingbao departments descend, and may the immortal officials of the Yellow Registers’ Inner Court be instructed to perform their duties, each according to their office, and personally attend the ritual altar to take up their responsibilities…

With reverence, I report to the highest reaches of Heaven and issue an order to the Gate of the Yellow Springs, opening a passage to succor those sunk in darkness, so that all beings there may receive transformative deliverance.

Today, a rite of refining and deliverance is being performed for a certain person. I promulgate the purification rite and issue the talismanic writ. May the Dao’s vital energy (Daoqi) nourish unseen, so that the wondrous laws do not fall into disuse. I pledge to proclaim the supreme teachings and make the Great Dao widely manifest. If I have in any way offended the sacred authority, I am filled with utmost fear and respectfully submit this memorial.

Respectfully reported.

On [year, month, day], [surname], holding the rank of [ritual rank], submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Three Masters of Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity):

[ surname ], holding the rank of [ritual rank].

In accordance with the memorial submitted to the palace on this same day, the relevant petition should be handled by the Bureau of Truth. I respectfully submit this petition here for transmission.

Respectfully submitted.

Respectfully presented before the Holy Presence of the Perfected Lady Master of Zhengyi, the Perfected Successor Master of Zhengyi, the Mysterious Master, and the Perfected Lineage Master of Zhengyi, the True Master. I beseech the Masters to show compassion, grant this petition, and bestow clear judgment and wondrously expound the Mysterious Order. Once the submitted memorials and petitions reach the higher realm, may they be transmitted onward; and when a gracious decree descends, may it be issued without delay, rescuing the departed souls sunk in darkness and enabling them to receive the fruits of the Dao. If I have in any way offended the Masters’ dignity, I am filled with utmost fear and respectfully submit this memorial.

Respectfully reported.

On [year, month, day], [surname], holding the rank of [ritual rank], submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Immortal Elder:

[ surname ], holding the rank of [ritual rank].

In accordance with the memorial submitted to the palace on this same day, the relevant petition should be handled by the Bureau of Truth. I respectfully submit this petition here for transmission.

Respectfully submitted.

Respectfully presented before the Holy Presence of the Perfected Immortal Elder of Taiji Chongying. I beseech the Immortal Elder to show compassion, approve this petition, and specially issue a sacred decree notifying the courts of the underworld, so that they may together receive boundless wisdom-light and open a path of deliverance for the departed souls recommended here and the spirits dwelling in the darkness of the lower realm, freeing them from suffering.

On [date], a night rite of universal offering to the Six Paths will be held, together with the Great Refining of Water and Fire, a rite of transformation using water and fire as its methods. I beseech the Immortal Elder to extend the vast vow, exercise divine power, transform sweet dew into nourishing drink to relieve hunger and thirst, and use the Cinnabar Yang Talisman to restore the withered to life. May the Five Phases be complete, and may the myriad vital energies return to the immortal Dao.

May the ancient covenant at Ruoye never be forgotten, and may this accord with the wondrous intent of the Scripture of the Numinous Treasure on Deliverance. If I have in any way offended the sacred authority, I am filled with utmost fear and respectfully submit this memorial.

Respectfully reported.

On [year, month, day], [surname], holding the rank of [ritual rank], submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Founding Master:

[ surname ], holding the rank of [ritual rank].

In accordance with the memorial submitted to the palace on this same day, the relevant petition should be handled by the Bureau of Truth. I respectfully submit this petition here for transmission.

I hereby submit this petition:

With reverence, I ask the Perfected of Supreme Clarity and the Supreme Ultimate, the Perfected of Kongtong who established the covenant of the purification rites, and Wei Yuanjun, the Supreme Perfected who governs destiny at Mount Heng, a revered deity of Daoism, to look upon this petition. I humbly hope that their sacred compassion will grant this request, uphold the original vow, extend mercy widely, issue a sacred decree, and open the gates of the netherworld to rescue the departed souls sunk in realms of suffering. I also pray that their sacred wisdom will look favorably upon us and join in upholding the ordinances of the mysterious tradition, so the purification rites may be properly conducted without any omissions in the liturgy. I humbly ask all the sacred Perfected to protect and bless us, so that both the netherworld and the human world may receive their benevolence. I am deeply fearful of having offended their sacred authority, and submit this petition with utmost trepidation.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], [surname], holding the ritual office of [title], respectfully submits this petition.

Petition to the Three Mao Lords, revered deities of Daoism.

To [surname], holding the ritual office of [title]:

On the basis of [the palace petition delivered on the same day, the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the appropriate divine bureau; apart from this], a petition must now be submitted.

I hereby submit this petition:

With reverence, I ask the Three Mao Lords, Commanders of Destiny in the Nine Heavens, to look upon this petition. I humbly hope that their sacred compassion will grant this request and issue a special decree, proclaiming it throughout the gates of the netherworld, so that all departed souls sunk in suffering may escape those painful realms, receive sacred grace, and together attain renewal. I am deeply fearful of having offended their sacred authority, and submit this petition with utmost trepidation.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], [surname], holding the ritual office of [title], respectfully submits this petition.

Petition concerning matters to be handled collectively by the Department of All Affairs.

To [surname], holding the ritual office of [title]:

Some days ago, according to [the petitioner’s intention was the same, and the matter consequently arose], a certain person lodged a complaint whose words and feelings could not be restrained. On [month, day], I had already notified the Three Heavens—the three celestial realms in Daoist teaching—and prayed for pardon and clemency. On [month, day], I also prepared a register of the names and Jade Calendar records of the departed souls to receive purification and salvation, and submitted it to the Celestial Department, requesting that a decree be issued.

Now, in accordance with the prescribed liturgical rules, we have established the Mysterious Altar, the ritual platform for Daoist purification rites. We will present memorials in order, submit petitions, request talismans and pardons, pay homage to the gods and Perfected, confess and atone, break open the prisons and summon the souls, perform the universal night rite, carry out Refinement and Salvation to transform and deliver the departed through ritual, issue registers and certificates, and recommend the departed for ascent. When these proceedings are complete, we will present a memorial reporting the merit accomplished and dismantle the altar. On the night of [date], we will respectfully conduct a pure Jiao rite, offering worship to the three hundred and sixty divine offices in gratitude for Heaven’s grace.

Now that the dates for the purification rites are drawing near, in addition to submitting petitions separately to the Celestial Court and dispatching formal notices to the divine offices of the Three Realms, all matters requiring attention must be listed together and submitted as follows:

First, the Mysterious Altar has just been opened, and the subtle ritual is only beginning to take shape. The departed spirits must be allowed to come forward and receive salvation. Yet I fear that some may bear the heavy burden of past karma and have not yet been included among those designated for salvation…

We humbly ask once more for clemency, and request that the memorial be copied out and submitted on our behalf.

With reverence, we pray that the Heavenly Court, the celestial court in Daoist belief, grant special pardon and issue an edict.

The talismanic mandates issued by the Perfected Ones of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, a revered Daoist deity, accord with the talismans written in the human realm and are proclaimed throughout the Three Realms and the ten directions.

In the heavenly prisons and the hells—both the intermediate prisons and the Avici hells, where punishments differ in severity—and in every place where departed souls have been imprisoned and confined through countless kalpas, may boundless wisdom-light shine upon them, dispelling layer upon layer of darkness. May the souls be rescued, summoned, and escorted onward. Let their names, as recorded in the Jade Register, the ledger of celestial merit, transgression, fortune, and misfortune, be checked one by one and crossed off. Release them all together with the suffering souls of every prisoner, regardless of the severity of their karmic retribution or whether their cases have already been closed. May they come in person to the Mysterious Altar, the place where rites are performed, and appear to receive deliverance.

We further declare: From this day onward, we shall carry out in sequence the various petitions of the Celestial Officials for deliverance, earnestly seeking the command of the Emperor. So-and-so fears that, being of ordinary mortal substance, their primordial Qi may be too weak to ascend and pay audience at the Heavenly Court. We therefore humbly request that a sacred decree be issued, summoning the petition-registering spirit officials under the Three Heavens and their attendant immortal officers. At the appointed time, may they answer the summons and descend, joining with the myriad spirits within so-and-so, opening the cloud-road and escorting the mortal body straight to the Gate of Heaven, so that they may present the memorial and state their petition. May the matter sought be swiftly enacted.

We further declare: From the day the altar is opened and the rites begin, we humbly request a sacred decree to be sent to the Inner Court of Celestial Immortals at Lingxu Palace. May it dispatch the officials of the Numinous Treasure, the golden youths and jade maidens, spirit officials, merit officers, envoys, clerks, and soldiers; the relevant officials and functionaries of the Office of Refinement at Nanchang and the Yellow Register Court; the immortal troops and horses; and the commanders and generals of the various ritual departments. May they all descend to the altar, take their assigned places and duties, manifest their numinous power, and assist in proclaiming and carrying out the rites, all in accordance with the law.

We further declare: Among the departed souls and other suffering souls to be delivered on this occasion, some may have been ill in life or died unnatural deaths, leaving their bodies incomplete. Even if summoned to the altar, they may be unable to receive deliverance. We therefore humbly request that a sacred decree be issued to the Celestial Medical Bureau, dispatching all its officials to descend at the appointed time, examine and treat each soul according to its condition, and restore the dead to bodily wholeness, so that they may receive the merit of the purification rites.

We further declare: Among the departed souls gathered here, there may be female spirits who died in childbirth and still remain trapped in the Blood Lake Hell, unable to escape. We humbly request that an imperial command be issued, ordering the responsible officials to go to Iron Mountain, the Avici hells, the Blood Lake, and other such places, and rigorously pursue and capture these sunken souls. May they bring out of the filthy prisons all the ghosts who died from blood-related injuries and summon them to the altar. We also request that the relevant officials be ordered to carry out this task.

The officials of the Office of Births and Transformation, who oversee birth, nurturing, and the descent of separate spirits and Qi, were respectfully dispatched under command:

For the deceased, sever the knots at their roots, cultivate their bodies, and restore their spiritual consciousness to life. Wash away the foul and stagnant Qi from their corpses with fragrant water, so that they may regain new forms and proceed safely to pay their respects.

Report: When the appointed time arrives, a nighttime purification ritual will be held to offer universal aid without hindrance. We petition for a sacred decree commanding the Northern Dipper’s Benevolent Aid Court to dispatch the Great Brahma King of the Vast Primordial Mists, a divine king symbolizing the boundless realm of primordial chaos, together with one hundred and twenty numinous officials who guide and transform. We further request that the Jade Emperor’s sweet dew be transformed and refined into measures of sacrificial food for the deceased, filling the myriad sand-filled worlds and providing universal relief to hungry spirits.

Report: As a great many souls are to be delivered in this rite, the Long-Life and Rescue-from-Suffering True Talismans, edicts of pardon, registers, and talismanic documents that must be issued will be written and engraved by hand by the Daoist priests performing the purification rite at this altar. We petition for these documents to be bestowed and promulgated, so that the Three Realms may comply and carry them out. Wherever the deceased pass, let no one obstruct them, so that they may be reborn.

Report: This purification rite is of great importance. We are concerned only that unsettled, rainy weather may hinder its performance. We petition for a decree commanding the City God of this district, the local shrine officials, the Thunder Department, the dragon gods of pools and caverns, and the spirits throughout the Three Realms who govern wind, rain, thunder, lightning, and hail to suspend these changes from today until the altar is closed. Let the sun, moon, and stars hold their radiance; let the winds and clouds be clear and still. May all respectfully carry out this matter, with the August Perfected watching over the rite.

Report: When the altar is eventually closed, in accordance with the liturgy, a mountain petition will be respectfully submitted at a certain grotto-heaven; an earth petition will be submitted where the purification altar stands, and a water petition at a certain pool or cavern, to redeem sins and record merits. We petition that these documents be presented for three days and that an edict be issued notifying the Celestial Officials and Celestial Court of the Upper Origin, the masters of the grotto-heavens, the Ninefold Earth Emperors and numinous officials who govern the Underworld Court of the Middle Origin, and the numinous officials who govern the various offices of the Water Court of the Lower Origin. In accordance with what is written on the Jade Documents, let them all remove the deceased’s sins and grievances, assess their merits, and assist them in ascending to deliverance.

Report: We are concerned that the memorials and documents submitted may contain omissions or errors. We petition that the duty officers review and correct them character by character, so that the officials in charge may submit them on time and the petitions may be approved and enacted without delay.

Respectfully submitted are these documents to the Jade Clarity Prime Minister of the Great Luo, the Three Heavens Great Dharma Celestial Master, Lord Zhengyi Jingying, the Supreme Minister of Great Mystery, the Supreme Minister of the Celestial Pivot, and the Inner Minister of the Celestial Pivot.

I respectfully bow before the holy presence of the Assistant Ministers to the left and right of the Celestial Pivot. I pray that you review this petition with sacred insight and deliver the document to your subordinates in the Bureau of the Mysterious Register, so that the matters requested today may now be carried out one by one.

I have committed an offense against your sacred authority and am overcome with fear. I therefore submit this document for your consideration. Respectfully presented.

Year, month, day. Your petitioner, of the surname [name], holding the rank [rank], respectfully submits this petition.

Petition to the Palace of Numinosity and Emptiness

Your petitioner, of the surname [name], holding the rank [rank].

According to the document delivered from the palace on this same day, the matters presented have been transferred to the relevant offices of the Perfected for action. I now submit this report in accordance with established procedure and respectfully request that it be received.

I respectfully submit this document before the sacred presence of the Perfected Sovereign of the Upper Ministry at the Palace of Numinosity and Emptiness, and the Perfected Sovereign of the Upper Ministry in the Inner Court of the Celestial Immortals of the Numinous Treasure. May your sacred compassion grant approval to the requests presented here, and issue a special decree commanding the Three Realms, the ten directions, the offices governing Yin and Yang, and all relevant places to rescue and release the deceased [names], together with the suffering souls of the lower realm, freeing them from karmic retribution so that they may respectfully receive the merit of rites of deliverance and cultivation.

After the jiao offering and purification rite have been established, I pray that you dispatch officials of the Numinous Treasure, Golden Youths and Jade Maidens, Talisman Bearers, Incense Officials, Merit Officers, mounted clerks, and the celestial offices and officials responsible for ascension and deliverance. May they descend in response to the summons, oversee the purification rite, perform their assigned duties, convey our sincerity, and carry out the talismanic commands, assisting in bringing the rite to completion, so that the unseen realm and the human world may both enjoy peace.

I have committed an offense against your sacred authority and am overcome with fear. I therefore submit this document for your consideration. Respectfully presented.

Year, month, day. Your petitioner, of the surname [name], holding the rank [rank], respectfully submits this petition.

Petition to the Five Offices

Your petitioner, of the surname [name], holding the rank [rank].

According to the document delivered from the palace on this same day, the matters presented have been transferred to the relevant offices of the Perfected for action. I now submit this report in accordance with established procedure and respectfully request that it be received.

I respectfully submit this document before the sacred presence of the Perfected Sovereign of the Five Offices of Xing Sheng Du Li Ke Han Gong, Ruler of the Gathered Souls. May your sacred compassion grant approval to the requests presented here, and widely extend the power of compassionate wisdom to rescue the sunken and fallen souls. When the appointed time comes, may your grace shine forth abundantly and descend upon the Mysterious Altar, spreading the true Qi of the Five Spirits and bringing together the spiritual power of the Nine Refinements. May this nurture the withered remains and cleanse the filth of the netherworld, so that the bodies of the deceased may be fully transformed. May they receive instruction and be granted life anew.

I also pray that you issue commands for the celestial officials of the Refinement and Deliverance rite to manifest their divine might and proclaim the ordinances, working together to bring the wondrous achievement to completion.

I have committed an offense against your sacred authority and am overcome with fear. I therefore submit this document for your consideration. Respectfully presented.

Year, month, day. Your petitioner, of the surname [name], holding the rank [rank], respectfully submits this petition.

Petition to Nanchang

According to the document submitted by the temple on the same day, the regulations require that a report be filed with the relevant office of the perfected beings.

I respectfully submit this report to the Most High: the Perfected Lord Han, Commander of the Nine Heavens, who governs fate, adds years, and cherishes life; and the Holy Sovereign before the throne of the Alchemical Office of the Upper Palace at Nanchang. I humbly beg the holy grace to approve this petition, extend blessings far and wide, and deliver suffering departed souls from their descent into ruin. When the rite of deliverance is due, may a sacred decree be issued, dispatching all the officials of the Nanchang Fire Bureau to open the Hall of Dongyang and the Court of Flowing Fire. May they summon the true essences of Metal and Wood and employ the wondrous methods of Kan and Li, refining the Yin souls so that they may gather again as Yang spirits. May the departed take the Golden Liquor to refine their forms, be cleansed in form and substance by Yellow Radiance, and ascend directly beyond Danhuo, flying across to the Southern Palace.

Having offended the sacred majesty, I am filled with utmost trepidation. I respectfully submit this report.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], [rank and office] [surname] presents this petition.

Reported to the deities of the Southern Heights:

The Lord of the Southern Heights who restores bodies and revives the dead; the Lord of the Southern Heights who governs fate, records deeds, prolongs life, adds years, and averts calamities; the Great Spirit Marshal of Deliverance from the World; the Great Lord of Long Life at the Southern Pole; and the Venerable Spirit and Dao Lord of Deliverance and Immortality at the Southern Pole.

The report above is submitted together with the report to Nanchang.

Reported to the perfected beings:

[Daoist rank] [surname]

According to the document submitted by the temple on the same day, the regulations require that a report be filed with the relevant office of the perfected beings.

I respectfully submit this report to the Holy Presence of the Perfected Jiuhua, who presides over the refining of immortal souls within the Palace of Dongyang; the Four Dipper Perfected Ones of the Celestial Realm of Yuanming Gonghua; the Perfected Jiuhua, who presides over the refining of departed souls in the Purple Palace of the Great One; the Perfected One of Refining and Deliverance in the Upper Palace at Nanchang; and the Perfected One of Great Nonbeing. I humbly beg the holy grace to look kindly upon this matter and join in extending benevolent aid, delivering departed souls sunk in the dark underworld. When the appointed day arrives, may the divine court of the Fire Bureau be opened and officials from Nanchang be sent down. May they use the water and fire of the Cinnabar Heaven to refine the corpses, stabilize the Yang essence, form the embryonic source, and restore the jade eyes. May the Great One bestow a talismanic warrant to subdue evil spirits, and the Perfected Ones grant talismans for prolonging life. May Zhuling guide the forms, while the breath of Great Harmony flows into the spirits; may the divine cords carry them across the corpses, and the breath of long life be transformed into a document that records their names in the Purple Register and enables them to ascend to the Southern Palace.

Having offended the sacred majesty, I am filled with utmost trepidation. I respectfully submit this report.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], [rank and office] [surname] presents this petition.

Note: “Report” and “petition” are formulaic terms in Daoist ritual documents for reporting to deities and submitting requests. “Refining and deliverance” refers to setting up an altar and performing rites that use methods such as water and fire to rescue departed souls, free them from the underworld, and guide them toward transcendence.

We now submit this document to the Bureau of Refining and Deliverance. The petitioner is the ritual rank and name of [name]:

In accordance with the memorial submitted by the temple on the same day, we now present the relevant documents and respectfully report the matter.

We respectfully submit this memorial before the sacred presence of the Lord of the Eastern Well in the Celestial River, who oversees refining and deliverance. We humbly ask the holy ones to look kindly upon this memorial and join in upholding the virtue of cherishing life and rescuing departed souls, delivering the dead from the long night in great numbers. On the appointed date, we pray that the light of grace will descend upon the Mysterious Altar, the ritual site, and that the Pure Spirit Maidens be commanded to draw water from the Eastern Well. May the Jade Hare release its crystalline essence, and the Red Dragon stir the waves, pouring forth water in a torrent like a flying waterfall. May it wash the souls of the dead, cleanse the stains of their sins, and restore their original spirits to clarity. Then, through the refining power of Dongyang, may the departed ascend to the Court of Flowing Fire, the immortal realm that symbolizes transcendence in the refining and deliverance rite.

I presume to address your sacred authority, though my heart is filled with utmost trepidation. I respectfully submit this memorial.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], the ritual rank and name of [name] presents this memorial.

We now submit this document to the Nine Heavens. The petitioner is the ritual rank and name of [name]:

In accordance with the memorial submitted by the temple on the same day, we now present the relevant documents and respectfully report the matter.

We respectfully submit this memorial before the sacred presence of the Venerable Lord of the Nine Heavens, who stores blessings and fixes destiny; the True Lord, Commissioner of the Nine Heavens, who responds to the Origin and safeguards fortune; the True Lord, Jade Assistant and Chief Minister of the Nine Heavens; the True Lords, the Four Harmonizing Attendants of the Nine Heavens; and all the True Lords of the Nine Heavens. We humbly ask the holy ones to look kindly upon this memorial and grant a sacred decree, to be conveyed to the offices of the celestial bureaus and the authorities that examine affairs across the Three Realms. May the deceased [name] and others, together with suffering souls in the underworld, be delivered; may all records of their offenses be erased, and may they be permitted to leave the underworld, come to the altar, receive deliverance, and attain wondrous fruits.

On the appointed date, we further pray that the immortal officials under the authority of the Nine Heavens’ refining and transformation be dispatched, and that they descend in response to our invocation. By command, may they nurture the souls and spirits of the deceased, gather their Qi and give them form, enabling them through divine power to attain immortal transformation.

I presume to address your sacred authority, though my heart is filled with utmost trepidation. I respectfully submit this memorial.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], the ritual rank and name of [name] presents this memorial.

We now submit this document to the Bureau of Supervision of Births. The petitioner is the ritual rank and name of [name]:

In accordance with the memorial submitted by the temple on the same day, we now present the relevant documents and respectfully report the matter.

We respectfully submit this memorial before the sacred presence of the Great Spirit of the Nine Heavens who supervises births; the Holy Mother of the Warding Chambers, the Primordial Lady; the Lord who holds registers and keeps records, supervises the True Ones, and delivers the living; and the Great Spirit, Marshal of the Nine Heavens. We humbly ask the holy ones to look kindly upon this memorial and grant their instructions.

We humbly beseech the Nine Heavens Lord Who Hastens Birth and Aids Delivery, the Great Deity of the Nine Heavens Who Celebrates and Cherishes Life, and the True Sovereign of the Nine Heavens Who Oversees Births to show compassion and grant our request. Accept this petition, and specially bestow a divine emanation to descend into the world. May it arrive as soon as summoned, extend its grace and keep watch, and examine the relevant registers, so that this rite for recommending and delivering the souls of the dead may be fulfilled.

If among them are any who died because of pregnancy or childbirth, we humbly ask that the immortal officials in charge of births be sent to work the powers of creation unseen and make whatever adjustments are appropriate. If mother and child have not yet been separated, issue an order at once and swiftly convey your assent. If the deceased died after giving birth, clear away obstructions and sever old roots, so that children already born and those not yet born may all be nurtured and sustained. When the Great Refinement is performed—a Daoist rite that refines and delivers the souls of the dead, freeing them from suffering—we also humbly ask you to send down the true Qi of the Nine Heavens, irrigating the yin corpse, the body of the deceased, so that it may form an embryo and gestate, gather Shen and Qi, and restore its original nature. May its sins and burdens be washed away completely, and may it ultimately attain transformation into an immortal. We are filled with fear at having trespassed upon the sacred authority. We respectfully submit this document.

On [year, month, day], the duly appointed official, [surname], submits this petition.

Report to the Celestial Court:

The duly appointed official, [surname]. In accordance with the document submitted to the palace on this same day, I am required by regulation to report to the Celestial Court. I hereby respectfully make this report.

I respectfully submit this document to the Grand Emperor of Heaven, the True Lord of Ten Thousand Blessings, and to the True Lords in charge of Destiny, Records, Offenses, and Danger. We humbly ask you to grant our request with compassion, examine the transgressions accumulated during the lives of the deceased [names], and of the suffering souls in the Lower Realm, the domain associated with the underworld, and by your merciful pardon erase them all. We humbly ask you to issue a sacred decree and notify the underworld offices and prisons throughout the Three Realms and the Ten Directions to act accordingly, release the souls, and send them to the Mysterious Altar, the site where Daoist rites are performed, to receive the merit of the Zhaijiao purification ritual and be delivered upward at the appointed time. We are filled with fear at having trespassed upon the sacred authority. We respectfully submit this document.

On [year, month, day], the duly appointed official, [surname], submits this petition.

Report to the Celestial Court’s Office for Presiding over Rituals:

The duly appointed official, [surname]. In accordance with the document submitted to the palace on this same day, I am required by regulation to report to the Celestial Court. I hereby respectfully make this report.

I respectfully submit this document to the True Lord of the Celestial Court’s Office for Presiding over Rituals, and humbly ask for compassionate approval. When the appointed date arrives, please issue a special sacred decree and dispatch the subordinate immortal officials to descend in advance, inspect the ritual assembly, and take charge of the related proceedings.

Transform ordinary earthly dust into realms beyond the ordinary. As for the offerings made from plants such as water pepper and chickweed, we rely on the power of the deities to transform them into immortal fruits and jade nectar, and into precious vessels befitting ritual, so that they may be solemnly presented to the Supreme Emperor in keeping with the rites for offerings enjoyed in his abode. We look up in hope as numinous light descends, and humbly await its discerning gaze. We are deeply fearful of offending your sacred dignity, and respectfully submit this report. Document respectfully prepared.

On such-and-such day of such-and-such month in such-and-such year, submitted by such-and-such person, of such-and-such rank.

Memorial to the Office of the Celestial Court for the Descent of the Holy Ones

Submitted by such-and-such person, of such-and-such ritual rank.

A written petition has today been submitted by the temple. In accordance with procedure, it should be reported, and is hereby respectfully brought to your attention.

We respectfully submit this petition before the sacred presence of the Perfected Lord who presides over the Office of the Celestial Court for the Descent of the Holy Ones. We humbly beseech your enlightened compassion to grant this request and, in particular, to forward it for presentation to the Three Heavens’ Golden Palaces, the star palaces of the various heavens, and the perfected beings of the upper realm. On the day of the rite, may all the honored deities descend with their gracious radiance, look down upon us, and grant their assent. We also ask that the immortal officials notify the officers in charge of the underworld and the water realm, and arrange in advance for the assembled holy ones to take their places in the procession. May they all ride the clouds and descend, graciously accepting this humble sincerity. We further pray that the holy ones descend beforehand to establish the sacred ceremonial order and respectfully welcome the imperial presence, so that the human and celestial realms may together bring about this auspicious assembly and bring its meritorious work to completion. We are deeply fearful of offending your sacred dignity, and respectfully submit this report. Document respectfully prepared.

On such-and-such day of such-and-such month in such-and-such year, submitted by such-and-such person, of such-and-such rank.

Memorial to the Celestial Medical Bureau

Submitted by such-and-such person, of such-and-such ritual rank.

A written petition has today been submitted by the temple. In accordance with procedure, it should be reported, and is hereby respectfully brought to your attention.

We respectfully submit this petition before the sacred presence of the Perfected Lord who presides over the Shangqing Celestial Medical Bureau. We humbly beseech your enlightened compassion to grant this request and, in particular, to order the responsible officials of the Celestial Medical Bureau’s inner court to descend on the day of the rite and examine the departed souls summoned to this altar, along with the ghosts of the six paths. Among them, should any have died of illness during life or met an unnatural death, leaving their souls still afflicted by sickness, we humbly ask that they be granted the “True Qi of the Five Spirits” and the “Divine Medicines of Taiqing.” May the relevant celestial offices treat them in turn, so that every illness may quickly be cured, their forms restored to wholeness, their blockages cleared, and their spirits renewed. In this way, the departed may perhaps ascend to the altar to pay reverence to the holy perfected ones, receive their instruction, and gain new life. We are deeply fearful of offending your sacred dignity, and respectfully submit this report. Document respectfully prepared.

On such-and-such day of such-and-such month in such-and-such year, submitted by such-and-such person, of such-and-such rank.

Memorial to the Yellow Register Bureau

Perfected Lord, Director of the Yellow Register Bureau.

We respectfully petition the True Ruler of the Yellow Register Office, the divine bureau overseeing Yellow Register purification rites, to look upon this matter:

We earnestly ask for the holy mercy to grant this petition and issue a special sacred decree, commanding the divine offices that examine and assess the Three Realms to investigate and absolve the deceased named above, as well as sinful souls imprisoned and suffering. In accordance with the talismanic decree, please grant them pardon so that they may be freed from injustice, have their karmic offenses erased, and be brought to the Mysterious Altar, the site where Zhaijiao purification rites, ordinations, and other ceremonies are performed, to receive Heaven’s grace.

We also earnestly ask that the officials under your authority be dispatched by summons to assist in preparing and conducting the purification rite. In accordance with Heaven’s command, may they join in bringing about divine transformation and refining the Yin corpses—the Yin souls or spiritual forms of the deceased. Once the souls recommended for deliverance have completed the rite, we ask that, on the day they proceed to your honored office, the merit of this purification rite be used to redeem their offenses, remove their names from the register of transgressions under examination, and direct them, according to their character, to the place of rebirth suited to them.

We have offended your sacred authority and are filled with profound fear. We respectfully submit this petition.

On [year, month, day], the undersigned, of the rank of [rank] and the surname [surname], respectfully submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Perfected Ones, the revered deities of Daoism:

The undersigned, of the ritual rank of [rank] and the surname [surname],

Hereby reports that, on the same day, a memorial was submitted to the palace and forwarded to the relevant divine offices. I respectfully submit the following as well:

Respectfully submitting this document to:

The Greatly Compassionate and Merciful Perfected One Who Rescues from Suffering;

The Greatly Compassionate and Merciful Perfected One of Great Wisdom;

The Greatly Compassionate and Merciful Perfected One Who Removes Offenses;

The Greatly Compassionate and Merciful Perfected One Who Delivers Souls;

The Perfected One of Wondrous Practice of the Upper Clarity;

The Perfected One of Universal Deliverance of the Upper Clarity;

The Perfected One of Universal Aid of the Upper Clarity;

The Perfected One of the Left Mystery of the Upper Clarity;

The Perfected One of the Right Mystery of the Upper Clarity:

We earnestly ask the Perfected Ones to look upon this matter with compassion, to apply the power of your compassionate vows and release boundless wisdom-light, illuminating the layers of darkness across the Ten Lands—a term often used in Buddhist and Daoist texts for the profound depths of the underworld. May you rescue the souls of the deceased and other suffering Yin souls, free them completely from karmic retribution, enable them to approach your holy presence and respectfully receive the merit of the purification rite, and bring their transformation into immortals to completion at the appointed time. We look to the Perfected Ones to witness this rite of cultivation and observance.

We have offended your sacred authority and are filled with profound fear. We respectfully submit this petition.

On [year, month, day], the undersigned, of the rank of [rank] and the surname [surname], respectfully submits this memorial.

Memorial to the Heavenly Perfected Emperor of Men, a revered deity of Daoism:

The undersigned, of the ritual rank of [rank] and the surname [surname],

Hereby reports that, on the same day, a memorial was submitted to the palace and forwarded to the relevant divine offices. I respectfully submit the following as well:

Respectfully submitting this document to the Heavenly Perfected Emperor of Men of the Radiant Flower Jade Treasure Heaven in the Upper Realm of the Three Pure Ones:

We earnestly ask for your holy mercy and attention. For the registers, talismans, and proclamations currently being used in this rite, we ask that you bestow the source of wisdom and let the One Qi—the primordial Qi spoken of in Daoism—flow throughout and infuse them, filling in what is lacking and bringing all things into wondrous accord with the Way of the Highest Mystery.

Every place to which the documents are delivered must carry out these instructions, granting pardon and deliverance to the departed souls (rescuing the dead from suffering). I personally preside over the rite of opening the way for their deliverance, humbly seeking the compassionate and wise ones’ scrutiny above and their observation of the merit of this Zhaijiao (purification ritual) below. In fear of having offended the sacred authority, I respectfully submit this report.

Respectfully submitted as a petition.

On such-and-such year, month, and day, the ritual official of such-and-such surname submits this petition.

A report to the Immortals and Perfected Ones who govern scriptures, Fulu (talismans and registers), and ritual registers.

The ritual official of such-and-such surname, holding such-and-such rank.

According to [the petition delivered by the temple on the same day …; the original is damaged here], this should be reported…

Respectfully, the following document is submitted:

Before the High Sages and Perfected Ones of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen), the nine grades of ritual registers, the attendant and guardian assembly of Immortals, the primordial talismanic commands and celestial seal-script of the Origin Beginning (celestial documents as described in Daoism), and all the assemblies of Perfected Ones and sages:

We humbly beseech the sacred compassion to bestow a special decree, commanding the deities who keep watch over and guard the various offices of the mysterious heavens. Whenever scriptures are recited in turn, talismanic commands are invoked, or rites are performed according to the liturgy, we pray that the sages will open the scripture chests and reveal their hidden treasures, send down numinous Qi (vital energy) and bestow divine radiance. May the talismans and registers inscribed here accord with the documents of the heavenly realm, so that practitioners may employ the numinous talismans according to the mysterious method. By the power of this grace, may the departed souls be guided and saved, awaken to the Way of constant truth, and at once be freed from the burdens of karmic obstacles. May they, through the merit of refinement and deliverance, attain ascent. May they cleanse their faults through repentance, and may their plea be received with compassionate scrutiny.

In fear of having offended the sacred authority, I respectfully submit this report.

Respectfully submitted as a petition.

On such-and-such year, month, and day, the ritual official of such-and-such surname submits this petition.

A report to the Divine Kings of the Ten Directions.

The ritual official of such-and-such surname, holding such-and-such rank.

According to [the petition delivered by the temple on the same day …; the original is damaged here], this should be reported…

Respectfully, the following document is submitted:

Before the sacred presence of the Flying Heavenly Divine Kings of the boundless worlds of the Ten Directions:

We humbly beseech your sacred compassion to look down and grant special decree, conveying it throughout the boundless worlds of the Ten Directions. Open the way for the deliverance of the souls recommended here, as well as the suffering spirits of the Lower Origin (the realm belonging to the Water Official in Daoist belief), so they may leave the dark regions and come to the Mysterious Altar (the ritual platform for Daoist ceremonies), hear the teachings of the scriptures, understand the mystery of the precious pearl, dispel the obscuring effects of sin, and open a new path to rebirth. We also pray that you send down numinous Qi (vital energy) and bestow divine power to refine their souls and nurture their spirit-consciousness. May they pass through ten transformations, realize the fruit of the Dao, rise beyond the nine regions of the underworld, and ascend to the realm of the Immortals.

In fear of having offended the sacred authority, I respectfully submit this report.

Respectfully submitted as a petition.

On such-and-such year, month, and day, the ritual official of such-and-such surname submits this petition.

A report to the Great Demon Kings of the Three Realms.

The ritual official of such-and-such surname, holding such-and-such rank.

This passage sets out the petition format for a series of Daoist ritual ceremonies, in which the officiating priest (fashi) presents petitions in turn to each rank of divine officials, asking them to protect the rite and help the souls of the deceased achieve salvation.

I. Petition to the Great Demon Kings of the Three Realms

The petition is first addressed to the Great Demon Kings of the Desire Realm, the Form Realm, and the Formless Realm. Here "demon king" (mowang) carries no sense of evil. In the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) liturgy (keyi), these are authoritative deities who govern the three realms, guard the ritual altar, and forbid external demons from interfering. The petition humbly requests that the Sacred Compassion issue a sacred decree instructing the Wind-and-Thunder Upper Officials, who oversee the winds and thunder, and the Roaming Deities of the Three Realms, who patrol the three realms, to protect every memorial and written statement presented, and to convey them swiftly to the Heavenly Court without allowing heterodox demons to intercept them. When the day arrives for the souls of the deceased to ascend, bearing their certificates of deliverance (quan), the petitioner further asks that the deities recommend them so that they are not barred at the Gate of Heaven. The petitioner submits this petition with utmost sincerity and reverence.

II. Petition to the Great Demon Kings of the Five Heavens

The petition is next addressed to the Great Demon Kings of the Five Heavens: the Azure Heaven of the East, the Vermilion Heaven of the South, the White Heaven of the West, the Black Heaven of the North, and the Yellow Heaven of the Center. It requests that they notify the Lingbao Myriad Deities, who shine with brilliance, to descend to the altar on command and to receive and transmit the affairs of the rite. Whenever memorials and written statements are presented, the petitioner hopes that the radiance of the Golden Flowing Fire Bell, a ritual implement whose fire light dispels evil, will illuminate the Yellow Heaven and protect the memorials on their way upward. Should any obstruction arise, the petitioner asks that the obstructing forms be cut down, so as to display heavenly punishment. The petitioner also vows to perform the Buxu (Pacing the Void) procession in the Jade Capital, the celestial immortal city, by treading the Gang and Dou constellation steps and circling while chanting scripture. In this way, the petitioner hopes to be able to divide their body, respond to summons, and fulfill their duties, to worship the Supreme Thearch together with the assembled immortals, and to ensure that the purification rite (zhaijiao) meets no obstacles, so that both the realm of the living and the realm of the dead receive its grace.

III. Petition to the Great Demon Kings of the Five Thearchs

A petition of the same form is likewise addressed to the Great Demon Kings of the Five Thearchs: the Azure Thearch of the East, the Vermilion Thearch of the South, the White Thearch of the West, the Black Thearch of the North, and the Yellow Thearch of the Center. Its content is the same as the previous petition, requesting protection of the memorials and assurance that the ritual proceeds smoothly.

IV. Petition to the Three Primordial True Lords

Finally, the petitioner submits a petition in their own ritual rank and name. Because the matter falls outside the authority of the True Office, it is based on a palace document or dispatch dated the same day and must be reported upward. It is presented to the Upper Primordial Lord of Dao Transformation and the Middle Primordial Lord of Protective Rectification.

Respectfully presented before the sacred presence of the True Lord Who Settles the Will in the Lower Origin. We earnestly beseech the holy grace to issue a special command, notifying the demonic realms of the Three Realms, the world of the fierce winds, the guardians of the Heavenly Gate, and the divine spirits of every bureau, so that they may lend their aid. From this day onward, whenever memorials, petitions, or reports are submitted, please escort them across the fierce winds and straight through the Heavenly Gate, swiftly presenting them before the Throne to await the imperial decree, so that approval may be issued and carried out without delay.

If external demons or heterodox ways presumptuously intercept or seize the documents, have them detained in a nearby hell and punished according to the law. In this way, the prayers may be fulfilled without hindrance and the merit brought to completion.

I am filled with utmost trepidation at having presumed upon the sacred authority. I respectfully submit this report.

Respectfully submitted.

On a certain year, month, and day, the duly ranked official So-and-so submits this petition.

A report to the Three Heavenly Gates.

The duly ordained So-and-so.

The matter concerns (a petition submitted from the palace on the same day, beyond the true bureau to which the joint submissions and directives are to be assigned …); it should therefore be reported.

I respectfully submit this petition to the divine officials who receive memorials and petitions at the Three Heavenly Gates, the True Officials who usher them forward, and the clerks on duty that day. Respectfully presented before the sacred presence, we earnestly beseech the holy grace to approve this request, specially grant an order to copy the memorials and petitions and present them at the palaces of the Three Heavenly Emperors, and issue an edict notifying the officials in charge of each bureau across the Three Realms to pardon the departed souls and send them to the ritual altar to receive deliverance.

Since the establishment of the purification ritual, the memorials, petitions, and reports submitted may have been altered, lost, or worded incorrectly. We earnestly request that the clerks on duty that day and the literate junior officials inspect the wording, remove and revise errors, and correct it character by character. They need not wait for the documents from every bureau to be assembled; they may present these documents in advance, so that the petitions may reach the throne sooner and receive approval for implementation without delay.

I am filled with utmost trepidation at having presumed upon the sacred authority. I respectfully submit this report.

Respectfully submitted.

On a certain year, month, and day, the duly ranked official So-and-so submits this petition.

A report to the Three Primordial Ministers.

The duly ordained So-and-so.

The matter concerns (a petition submitted from the palace on the same day, beyond the true bureau to which the joint submissions and directives are to be assigned …); it should therefore be reported.

I respectfully submit this petition to the three Primordial Ministers of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Origins.

Respectfully presented before the sacred presence of the three Primordial Ministers, we earnestly beseech them to look upon this petition with holy grace and permit the submission of the jade registers and true talismans of the Three Officials—the documents bearing the talismanic commands requested from the Three Officials. May So-and-so be permitted to receive the commission and carry it out as commanded. May the matter be announced throughout the Three Origins’ Nine Offices and the hundred and twenty bureaus—the celestial administration at every level—with orders for the examining officials and clerks to investigate and pursue the cases of the deceased So-and-so and others, as well as the guilty departed souls consigned to labor in the Three Paths and connected to this matter. Whether or not their karmic debts have already been repaid, all of them are to be …

The petitioner seeks release from suffering and comes to the Mysterious Altar, the place where the altar is established and rites are performed, to receive deliverance and instruction and be granted new life. In presuming to approach the sacred authority, I am filled with the utmost trepidation. I respectfully submit this document and ask that it be reviewed.

On the year, month, and day, the duly appointed official, So-and-so, respectfully submits this petition.

Petition to the Three Offices of the Second Court of Thunder

Presented by the ritual official, So-and-so:

A palace petition dated this same day has arrived, and the matter reported falls under the jurisdiction of the appropriate divine office. I therefore submit this report.

I respectfully prepare this document and present it before the following Perfected Lords:

The Perfected Lord, Commissioner of the Five Thunders of the Jade Bureau; the Perfected Lord, Commissioner of the Five Thunders of the Jade Pivot; the Perfected Lord, Ruler of the Thunder Office beneath the Dipper of the Northern Emperor; the Perfected Lord, Ruler of the Office of the Thunder of the Great One; and the Perfected Lord, Ruler of the Office of Water Control at Penglai.

I humbly hope that the Perfected Lords will, in their compassion, grant this request and issue a sacred decree commanding the generals of the Thunder Department to come to the ritual altar and await their assignments. May all documents used in presenting memorials and petitions be transformed into flying talismans that clear the way, cut down demons, and escort the documents through the fierce winds until they reach the heavenly court.

I further request an order to the local territorial officers and Thunder Offices under your jurisdiction: patrol the waters and the boundaries of the seasons, and attend to the places each of you governs in matters of wind and rain. From the opening of the altar until the ritual is complete, may rain and cloud be temporarily suspended and the sky clear. May the clouds over the mountains recede and the divine winds grow calm, so that the cultivation and performance of the rites proceed without hindrance and reach a perfect conclusion from beginning to end.

In presuming to approach the sacred authority, I am filled with the utmost trepidation. I respectfully submit this document and ask that it be reviewed.

On the year, month, and day, the duly appointed official, So-and-so, respectfully submits this petition.

Petition to the Office for Driving Out Evil

Presented by the ritual official, So-and-so:

A palace petition dated this same day has arrived, and the matter reported falls under the jurisdiction of the appropriate divine office. I therefore submit this report.

I respectfully prepare this document and present it before the Perfected Lord, Commissioner of the Office for Driving Out Evil of the Northern Pole. I humbly hope that the Perfected Lord will graciously review it and issue a sacred decree commanding the various offices, courts, and bureaus to dispatch their officials and troops to the ritual altar, where they are to be stationed and await instructions and duties; to prevent wrongdoing and guard against mishaps; to escort memorials and petition documents; to destroy demons and evil spirits; to inspect the ritual altar and purge it of malign influences; and to await with reverence the descent of the Supreme Emperor to the altar, to preside over and witness this ritual observance.

In presuming to approach the sacred authority, I am filled with the utmost trepidation. I respectfully submit this document and ask that it be reviewed.

On the year, month, and day, the duly appointed official, So-and-so, respectfully submits this petition.

Petition to the Directorate of Water Control

Presented by the ritual official, So-and-so.

According to the report received from the temple on the same day, the petition and official dispatch have been combined and entered into this office’s records. I hereby submit this report.

I respectfully present this written petition before the holy presence of the Perfected One Who Assists the Teaching, Director of Waterworks of Penglai (who oversees the affairs of the Water Bureau and assists in the transformation of the people). With reverence, I ask for your sacred compassion and approval, and for special instructions to be issued to the officials of the Water Bureau and to the authorities in the pools and caverns of this region who oversee the clouds, thunder, and rain. From the opening of the altar for this rite until its conclusion, may they temporarily suspend the winds and rains that would otherwise occur, so that the clouds may disperse and we may look up to a clear and bright sky. I also humbly ask that an order be sent to the Water Bureau’s Netherworld Prison to release the departed souls who are to be gathered here, together with the suffering spirits in the lower realm, so that they may come to the altar to receive deliverance and regain the chance of new life. I am filled with fear at having presumed upon your sacred authority, and respectfully submit this petition.

Respectfully submitted. On the [day] of the [month], in the [year], [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank], submits this petition.

Report to the Bureau of the Three Heavens’ Ceremonial Processions

Submitted by [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank].

According to the report received from the temple on the same day, the petition and official dispatch have been combined and entered into this office’s records. I hereby submit this report.

I respectfully present this written petition before the holy presence of the Perfected Lords of the Bureau of the Three Heavens’ Ceremonial Processions (the office responsible for celestial processions and patrols). With reverence, I ask for your sacred compassion and special instructions: may the officials of the various procession bureaus, the Immortal Officials of Linghua, the Jade Maidens of Linghua, and the Divine Kings who protect the Dao clear the Yellow Road and arrange the ceremonial guard at the appointed time. May they escort the procession bearing aloft its crimson standards, while solemn and refined celestial music resounds through the heavens. May they respectfully welcome the precious imperial carriage, bringing the celestial deities together near the Mysterious Pearl. I humbly ask you to bestow radiance, so that both the netherworld and the human realm may receive your blessings. I am filled with fear and respectfully submit this petition, awaiting a response. I have presumed upon your sacred authority and submit this petition with reverence.

Respectfully submitted. On the [day] of the [month], in the [year], [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank], submits this petition.

Report to the Eastern Peak

Submitted by [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank].

According to the statement submitted by [person]—[here, enter the reason for the matter and the related circumstances, up to the point at which the deceased may be reborn]—the situation cannot be contained. Petitions have previously been sent to the Celestial Court in separate installments, seeking its gracious pardon. Now, on [day] of this month, I submit the register and written report of the departed souls who are to be gathered here to the Central Administration and the Eastern Peak Office, requesting that the release be carried out as set forth in the documents.

In accordance with the prescribed ritual procedures, I now establish a Mysterious Altar, present memorials in order, and submit petitions, requesting that talismanic orders and pardons be issued. I pay homage to the Perfected Lords, confess and make amends, open the prisons of the underworld, summon the departed souls, and perform a universal nightfast offering. Then I carry out the refinement and deliverance rite, bestow registers and certificates, and recommend the souls for ascent beyond the mortal realm. When the ritual is complete, I pay homage with a memorial recounting its merits and virtues, and dissolve…

After the rites at the altar have been completed, on a certain night a clear offering alone is to be performed. This is one of the three hundred and sixty types of purification rites.

Petition of Thanks to the Divine Authorities

We give thanks for Heaven’s grace. The period set for these purification rites has now come to an end. I am deeply concerned that among the departed souls recommended for salvation, some may still be subject to karmic retribution and remain in confinement. In addition to submitting another formal petition to the Celestial Court and notices to the relevant divine offices, we must now report this matter to the Eastern Peak’s Heavenly Equal, Humane and Sagely Emperor (the principal deity of Mount Tai):

We respectfully submit this document before the sacred presence of the Eastern Peak’s Heavenly Equal, Humane and Sagely Emperor. We earnestly beseech Your Holiness, in your compassion, to grant this request and issue a special decree directing the offices under this peak to investigate the circumstances already reported and check, one by one, the lists and documents submitted. For any departed souls not yet released, we beseech you to issue a further order to the underworld’s and waters’ offices of examination, directing them to search every place and make inquiries. Regardless of the gravity of their offenses or whether their cases have already been concluded, include them all in the amnesty and rescue them from the dark prisons.

Please dispatch the divine officials of Mount Tai, together with the officers and generals charged with carrying out the decree, to lead the ritual clergy in waiting for the departed souls to be summoned before the altar and receive salvation. May all the souls who suffer and remain confined be gathered together and escorted across at the same time, so that they may all receive the sacred grace and be reborn.

When the ritual period arrives, the disciple will perform offerings, repent, and give thanks, praying that the immortal spirits will descend and receive this sincere appeal in response to our devout prayers. On a certain day, we will perform a pure offering to the underworld, looking up in hope of the sacred procession’s arrival and asking it to look down and bear witness to this matter. The disciple is filled with fear and trepidation at having presumed upon the sacred authority, and respectfully submits this document.

Respectfully submitted.

On a certain year, month, and day, [Name], holding the ritual rank of [Title], submits this petition.

Report to the Four Sacred Peaks

[Name], holding the ritual rank of [Title]:

In accordance with the foregoing document to the Eastern Peak, beginning with the words “In addition to submitting another formal petition to the Celestial Court and notices to the relevant divine offices,” we must now report this matter to the Four Sacred Peaks.

We respectfully submit this document:

Before the sacred presences of the Southern Peak’s Emperor Who Commands Heaven and Reveals Holiness, the Western Peak’s Emperor of Golden Heaven Who Follows Holiness, the Northern Peak’s Emperor Who Calms Heaven and Embodies Primordial Holiness, and the Central Peak’s Emperor Who Exalts Holiness in the Middle Heaven, we earnestly beseech all the sacred emperors, in your compassion, to issue a special decree directing the offices under each peak to notify the Ninefold Darkness of Northern Feng (the underworld in the north) and the various underworld offices of the deep, heavy Yin realm. Let them consult the lists and documents sent from the Prefecture of Mount Tai, and search for and rescue the deceased [Name] and the others.

Whatever karmic retribution has led to their confinement, please include them all in the amnesty and rescue them from the dark prisons. Dispatch divine officials and the officers and generals charged with carrying out the decree to supervise them, gather together the souls suffering and confined in various places, and escort them as one group to Mount Tai. There they will assemble and form ranks, then proceed to the ritual altar and await their summons in turn, so that they may all receive salvation through the purification rites…

May all merit related to the departed souls offered for salvation now be complete. May they receive deliverance and, when the appointed period has passed, take part in the Zhaijiao repentance rites. We pray that the immortal spirits will descend, discern our earnest petitions, and respond, thereby providing proof of their communion with us. We now presume to ask that this be carried out. Fearing that we may have offended the divine authority, we are filled with the deepest trepidation, and respectfully submit this report.

Respectfully submitted by So-and-so, of the appointed rank, on the [year, month, day].

Petition to the Five Sacred Mountains’ Heirs Apparent

Presented by So-and-so, holder of a ritual rank.

Now, according to …, this matter must be formally reported.

We respectfully prepare this document and submit it to the True Lords who serve as the Senior Ministers of Fate and Assistants to the Mandate at the Eastern Sacred Mountain, the True Lords who serve as the Supreme Immortals of Fate and Assistants to the Mandate at the Southern Sacred Mountain, the True Lords who serve as the Supreme Immortals of Fate and Assistants to the Mandate at the Western Sacred Mountain, the True Lords who serve as the Supreme Immortals of Fate and Assistants to the Mandate at the Northern Sacred Mountain, and the True Lords who serve as the Supreme Immortals of Fate and Assistants to the Mandate at the Central Sacred Mountain. We humbly pray that all the True Lords show compassion and issue a special sacred decree, commanding the clerks of the offices of the Five Sacred Mountains and Ten Mountains, as well as the divine officials of Luofeng (the legendary underworld), the dark prisons, the netherworld of the Nine Earths, and other such places, to investigate the names and offenses of the departed souls offered for salvation. May all of them be released in accordance with the amnesty decree, together with the sinful souls imprisoned and suffering in those places. Then may the officers charged with this matter escort them to the ritual altar, where they may receive merit and be reborn through deliverance. We earnestly request permission to carry this out. Fearing that we may have offended the divine authority, we are filled with the deepest trepidation, and respectfully submit this report.

Respectfully submitted by So-and-so, of the appointed rank, on the [year, month, day].

Petition to the Ten Great Grotto-Heavens

Presented by So-and-so, holder of a ritual rank.

Now, according to …, this matter must be formally reported.

We respectfully prepare this document and submit it to the immortal officials of the Small Youqingxu Grotto-Heaven at Mount Wangwu. We humbly pray that the immortal officials show compassion and issue a special sacred decree, commanding the Nine Great Grotto-Heavens, the Thirty-Six Lesser Grotto-Heavens, the Seventy-Two Blessed Lands, the Three Hundred and Sixty Famous Mountains, and the offices of the Jing, Lu, and other places of governance and transformation to investigate and watch over the departed souls offered for salvation. If any of them have been detained for trespassing upon sacred immortal precincts or traces, or for accumulating offenses, we earnestly request that they be released in accordance with the amnesty decree and allowed to come forward to receive deliverance in person. Fearing that we may have offended the divine authority, we are filled with the deepest trepidation, and respectfully submit this report.

Respectfully submitted by So-and-so, of the appointed rank, on the [year, month, day].

Petition to the Nine Earthly Layers

By authority of the rank of a Daoist ritual officer, [surname]:

On the basis of the matter stated in the memorial to the Eastern Peak (excluding the contents of the petition submitted to the Office of the Perfected), and in response to the need to report this matter, I respectfully submit this document for your consideration.

Respectfully submitting this petition.

Before the sacred throne of the Holy Sovereign of the Earth, Lord of the Nine Ramparts and Thirty-Six Ponds in the Underworld: I humbly pray that Your Majesty, in your compassion, issue a special decree and have it conveyed to the places that uphold the celestial ordinances, to the lands of Shuo’dan and Yujue, and to the deep, shadowed earth and the prisons of the underworld bureaucracy. May every place obey the decree, open the gates of the netherworld, and pardon and rescue the departed souls sunk in suffering, so that they may all receive wondrous fruits. Let everything be carried out in accordance with the decree, and the merit of the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) thereby brought to completion. Having presumed upon your sacred authority, I am filled with the utmost apprehension. I respectfully submit this report for your consideration.

Respectfully submitting this petition.

On [year, month, day], [surname], holder of the Daoist ritual rank, submits this petition.

Petition to Fengdu

By authority of the rank of a Daoist ritual officer, [surname]:

On the basis of the matter stated in the memorial to the Eastern Peak (excluding the contents of the petition submitted to the Office of the Perfected), and in response to the need to report this matter, I respectfully submit this document for your consideration.

Respectfully submitting this petition.

Before the sacred throne of the Great Emperor of the Mysterious Heaven of Northern Yin and Fengdu: I humbly pray that Your Majesty, in your compassion, issue a special decree and have it conveyed to the palaces and grottoes within and beyond Fengdu, the great hells in the four directions, the underworld offices of the Five Sacred Peaks and Nine Earths, and every place where departed souls are imprisoned. May every place receive the Supreme One’s compassionate radiance, dispel darkness and delusion, and deliver the deceased [names]. Please review the names of the dead prepared by the divine clerks, and do not let them remain confined by karmic retribution. Examine their registers thoroughly, and release as well the guilty souls and departed spirits detained through the ten thousand kalpas. Have the divine clerks of Mount Tai and the officers and generals of the Divine Tiger escort them here, so they may personally receive guidance and deliverance, have their forms refined and transformed, and attain new life.

On [date], I shall prepare pure offerings in devotion. May Your sacred presence deign to descend and look kindly upon my humble sincerity. Having presumed upon your sacred authority, I am filled with the utmost apprehension. I respectfully submit this report for your consideration.

Respectfully submitting this petition.

On [year, month, day], [surname], holder of the Daoist ritual rank, submits this petition.

Petition to the Ten Kings

By authority of the rank of a Daoist ritual officer, [surname]:

On the basis of the matter stated in the memorial to the Eastern Peak (excluding the contents of the petition submitted to the Office of the Perfected), and in response to the need to report this matter, I respectfully submit this document for your consideration.

Respectfully submitting this petition.

Before the sacred thrones of the Perfected Lord of Supreme Purity and Wondrous Vastness, the Perfected Lord of Yin Virtue and Settled Repose, the Perfected Lord of Illuminating Insight and Universal Purity, the Perfected Lord of Mysterious Virtue and Fivefold numinous power, the Perfected Lord of Utmost Holiness and Radiant Clarity, the Perfected Lord of Precious Lodgings and Manifested Perfection, the Perfected Lord of the Righteous Way of Mount Tai, the Perfected Lord of Supreme Deliverance, the Perfected Lord of Flying Demons and Expounded Felicity, and the Perfected Lord of Fivefold Transformation and Awesome Numinous Power: I humbly pray that Your Majesties, in your compassion, specially bestow …

Order the underworld officials responsible for reviewing and assessing cases in the ten palaces to determine which underworld jurisdictions the deceased were assigned to after being recommended.

May all the gods draw upon the light of wisdom to pierce the layers of darkness and deliver the deceased, including so-and-so. Whether they bear the burden of sin or not, and whether they have already undergone review and assessment or not, may they all be transferred out, pardoned, and released. Rescue them from confinement and suffering in the underworld, place them under the charge of the officials of the God of Mount Tai and the divine tiger generals—the underworld deities responsible for escorting and protecting them—and have them brought here to receive deliverance and aid in person, with their bodily forms refined and transformed, so that they may be reborn on a certain day. As a purification offering is being performed at this time, may the sacred presence deign to descend and look kindly upon our sincere but humble intentions. In fear of having offended the sacred authority, I am deeply apprehensive and respectfully submit this written report.

Respectfully submitted.

On the year, month, and day, so-and-so, holding the rank of [title], submits this petition.

Report to the Water Bureau

So-and-so, holding the ritual rank of [title]:

In accordance with … (the same content as in the report to the Eastern Peak, up to “and submit this petition to the true authorities”), I therefore submit the following report.

I respectfully prepare this written report and submit it before the sacred presence of the Great Emperor of the Red Dawn, Fusang, and the Cinnabar Grove, a revered deity who governs the Water Bureau. May your sacred compassion issue a special decree commanding the officials at the Three Rivers, Four Seas, Nine Rivers, Four Great Waterways, Five Lakes, Seven Marshes, streams, valleys, river sources, bridges, embankments, sluice gates, and dragon palaces and water realms—wherever there are underworld prisons and assigned duties—to examine the relevant divine officials, compile the names of the deceased, including so-and-so, and investigate and register each case.

Should any among them be undergoing punishment or forced service along the waterways as retribution for past deeds, may they also be included in this pardon and those held in custody be rescued. May the guilty souls who sank beneath the water likewise be released according to precedent. Place them in the custody of the officials of the God of Mount Tai and the divine tiger generals, and have them escorted here so that they may receive the fruits of good deeds. When the Zhaijiao purification and repentance rites are held at the appointed time, may the immortals and spirits descend, receive our sincere intentions, record our merits, and grant sacred approval for this request. In fear of having offended the sacred authority, I am deeply apprehensive and respectfully submit this written report.

Respectfully submitted.

On the year, month, and day, so-and-so, holding the rank of [title], submits this petition.

Report to the Three Officials’ Water Bureau

So-and-so, holding the ritual rank of [title]:

In accordance with … (the same content as in the report to the Eastern Peak, up to “and submit this petition to the true authorities”), I therefore submit the following report.

I respectfully prepare this written report and submit it before the sacred presence of the True Sovereigns of the Three Officials’ Water Bureau, the Water Emperor of the Nine Rivers, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, the Great Deities of the Five Lakes, the Source Kings of the Four Great Waterways, and the holy immortals of the twelve streams. May your sacred compassion issue a special decree commanding all places of confinement and forced service at the spring gates of the Water Bureau—the gateways to the underworld water realm—to examine the circumstances …

Divine officials, please assemble the names of the deceased, so that they may be identified in the registers and struck from them. Whether or not they still bear karmic retribution, please release them from the suffering of submersion. Place all suffering souls detained by Earth and Water under the authority of the officials assigned to this matter, and bring them to the ritual altar to receive deliverance.

On the day the rite is performed, may the immortal spirits descend, hear these earnest prayers, and record the merit. We further pray that the essences of Metal and Wood be brought together, and the wondrous workings of Water and Fire be blended, to refine and deliver these souls so that they may all ascend. In fear and trembling at having presumed upon the sacred majesty, I submit this report. Respectfully presented.

On [year, month, day], the undersigned, [surname] of [rank], submits this report.

Dispatch Warrant to the Merit Officer and Talisman Envoy

(A warrant entrusted to divine officials such as the Merit Officer and Talisman Envoy when dispatching a report.)

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

This office now dispatches sixty-one sealed copies of the report. Please open and review them. The destinations to which they are addressed are listed below:

Before the sacred presence of the Solar Lord of the Sun Palace; the August Sovereign of Yin of the Moon Palace; the Great Sage Lord of the Celestial Dipper; the Star Lords of the Five Virtues of the Five Directions; the Star Lords of the Four Luminaries of the Dark Capital; the Star Lords of the Five Dippers; the Star Lords of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions; the Star Lords of the Three Platforms; the True Lords, the Five Emperors of the Five Directions; the Star Lords of the Six Offices of the Southern Dipper; the Star Lords of the Nine Origins of the Northern Dipper; the August Ladies of the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper; the Envoy of the Imperial Lord Who Subdues Demons in the Dipper Palace; the Great Emperor Ziwei, Celestial Official of the Upper Origin; the Great Emperor Qingxu, Earthly Official of the Middle Origin; the Great Emperor Dongyin, Water Official of the Lower Origin; the True Lords and Marshals of the Four Sages of the North Pole; the True Lord, Great Master of the Mysterious Center; the True Lords, Great Masters of the Three Heavens; the True Person in Charge of the Lingbao Scriptures and Registers; the True Lord, Great Master Who Oversees the Lingbao Purification Rite; the True Persons, the Three Masters of Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity); the True Person, the Left Immortal Elder of the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate); the True Person of the Shangqing Taiji; the True Lords of the Three Maos, Administrators of Fate in the Nine Heavens; the True Lord, Chief Minister of the Palace of Numinosity and Emptiness; the True Rulers Who Gather Souls of the Five Offices; the True Ruler of the Office of Refinement in the Upper Palace of Nanchang; the Lords Who Restore Corpses and Revive the Dead in the Southern Heights; the Great True Persons in the Palace of Dongyang; and the Lord of Dongjing, the Eastern Well of the Celestial River, who refines and delivers souls.

Here, “refining and delivering” refers to a Daoist cultivation liturgy performed as part of a rite for the deliverance of the dead. Through ritual services and the power of the divine spirits, it aims to free the souls of the deceased from confinement and suffering and enable them to ascend.

This is an official document for reporting and transmitting a Daoist ritual petition. It lists, one by one, the deities and divine offices to be informed, and orders the relevant messengers to deliver it promptly without delay.

The document first addresses the deities in the various celestial offices, including the True Lord of the Ninth Heaven, Elder of the Celestial Court, Who Stores Blessings and Determines Destiny; the Great Deity of the Ninth Heaven Who Oversees Births; the True Lord of the Celestial Court’s Grand Sovereign, Bearer of Ten Thousand Blessings; the True Lord in Charge of Zhaijiao in the Celestial Court; the True Lord in Charge of Manifesting the Saints in the Celestial Court; the presiding master of the Shangqing Heavenly Physicians; the True Lord who oversees the Yellow Register Institute; the Great Perfected Ones of Great Compassion and Mercy Who Save the Suffering; the Heavenly Perfected Sovereigns of the Three Pure Ones’ highest realm; the Immortal Perfected Ones who oversee the Three Caverns’ precious scriptures and the nine grades of Fulu (talismans and registers); the Flying Heavenly Spirit Kings of the Ten Directions; and the great demon kings of the Three Realms, Five Heavens, and Five Emperors.

It then addresses the True Lords of the Three Origins; the spirit officials under the Three Heavens; the lords who serve as ministers to the Three Origins; the True Lord who serves as envoy of the Jade Prefecture’s Jade Pivot Five Thunders Court; the True Lord who serves as envoy of the Northern Pole Court for Expelling Evil; the Perfected One who oversees the waters of Penglai; the True Lord of the Three Heavens’ ceremonial guard; the Benevolent and Sagely Emperor of Dongyue, Equal to Heaven; the Sagely Emperors of the Four Sacred Peaks and Four Heavens; the True Lord, Deputy of the Five Sacred Peaks, who oversees destiny; the immortal officials of the Wangwu Grotto-Heaven; the Earthly Emperor of the Nine Layers of the Underworld; the Great Emperor of Fengdu, Dark Heaven of the Northern Yin; the True Lords of the Ten Courts of the Underworld; the Great Emperor of Fusang in the Water Realm; and the True Ruler of the Three Origins’ Water Palace.

Separate reports are to be made to each of these offices.

The document then orders the meritorious officers and messengers responsible for transmitting official papers—the divine officials who convey documents in Daoist service—as well as the talisman-transmitting officials on duty for the year, month, day, and hour, and those on duty in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Realms, to notify one another and take charge of the document. They are to report it upward, one office at a time, with every detail clearly conveyed. They must not delay it along the way, obstruct it, or hold it back. Anyone who delays or obstructs its delivery is to be taken to the nearest prison and dealt with according to the law.

This dispatch is dated the [day] of the [month] in the [year].

Shangqing Lingbao Dafa, volume 63.