《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 66

Alliance Covenant (in triplicate)

Alliance for the Supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat

Today, a ritual patron, so-and-so, has reverently prepared the ritual offerings and ceremonial requisites, and invited Daoist priests to establish an altar and conduct the Supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat. The retreat will last three days and nights, by means of which those sunk in the netherworld may be saved and delivered.

We conduct this retreat in accordance with the ranks of numinous immortals set out in the documents of the Lower Primordial Era, and the liturgical provisions in the Dongxuan scriptures for universal deliverance of the dead. Its merit extends throughout the human and celestial realms, and its beneficence reaches across the realm and the family. Therefore, the ancestral masters of the Supreme Ultimate widely promulgated prohibitions and precepts, setting forth ritual models and regulations for penalties to discipline body and mind. The relevant statutes and institutions are complete and have never been abandoned, from antiquity to the present.

Now, the ritual patron, so-and-so, with sincere intent to repay kindness and secure deliverance for the deceased, has set their heart firmly on this purpose, chosen an auspicious day, and established this virtuous undertaking. Accordingly, following the example of Heaven and Earth, we arrange the altar and its ritual procedures, invite the perfected sovereigns of the Three Realms, conduct the rites according to the records of the Nine Courts, proclaim the disciplines of the Mysterious Gate, and lay out its subtle ritual models.

The duties of the retreat are many and depend entirely on the joint support of all who participate. To communicate with the spirits and apprehend the mysteries, the essential thing is to purify oneself and fast in body and mind. Purifying the mind means restraining cravings for the flavors of food and drink and the fragrances perceived by the nose; purifying the body means severing attachment to sound and sight. By preserving the spirit, one makes the mind calm and upright, and vital energy naturally becomes clear. By focusing the mind without wavering, one may hope to bring merit to completion.

So-and-so lacks the talent and virtue to rise above the ordinary, and holds this office only by a narrow margin. Now, with sincere hearts, we pray before the Five Emperors and swear before the Three Officials, pledging to encourage one another and together fulfill our duty of reverence. We should make our nature as pure as ice and our state of mind as bright as the moon; in practicing the rites and using talismans, we must strive to accord with ultimate principle and never depart from the rules of the Mysterious Gate, from beginning to end. We hope through diligent practice to accumulate merit and spread our tradition. Should anyone violate the liturgical regulations or transgress the prohibitions, the matter shall be investigated according to the law. If we cannot even discipline ourselves, we willingly accept Heaven’s punishment.

We now ask each person to write down their ritual rank and join in this covenant. Three copies of the covenant are prepared: one to be submitted to the Office of the Five Emperors, one to the Office of the Three Officials, and one to be retained by the Tai Xuan Metropolitan Office, a Daoist administrative bureau, for reference. Thus do we solemnly swear this covenant.

Year, month, day, and hour

After this, list the Daoist assembly participants, followed by the personnel holding the six ritual offices.

Respectfully submitted before the Five Directions and Five Elders, the Great Emperors: I, so-and-so, your servant of the stated rank, reverently present this memorial and seal it with due care.

Respectfully presented before the sacred presence of the Great Emperors of the Three Origins and Three Offices, the celestial deities who govern the upper, middle, and lower origins. The official titles and names are to be entered in full; this report is respectfully submitted and sealed.

Respectfully presented before the sacred presence of the Perfected Lord, the Great Master of the Three Heavens. The official titles and names are to be entered in full; this report is respectfully submitted and sealed.

Third Packet.

A closing and oversight petition from the Yellow Register Retreat altar, where the Yellow Register Retreat rites are performed, is respectfully submitted to the Five Elders and High Emperors. The official titles and names are to be entered in full; this document is respectfully resealed.

A covenant petition from the Yellow Register Retreat altar is submitted to the offices of the Great Emperors of the Three Offices. The official titles and names are to be entered in full; this document is respectfully resealed.

A covenant petition from the Yellow Register Retreat altar is submitted to the Supreme Dark Metropolis Provincial Office, the celestial agency of immortal officials. The official titles and names are to be entered in full; this document is respectfully resealed.

Roster of Ritual Duties

The Supreme Yellow Register Grand Retreat altar, where major rites for delivering the dead are performed:

A Supreme Yellow Register Grand Retreat is now respectfully established for a certain person. All the ritual masters taking part in the service are assembled here. This day has been selected, and, in accordance with the liturgy, the following duties are assigned and undertaken:

Chief Ritual Master: Enter the ritual rank and name in full.

Lecturer: Enter the ritual rank and name in full.

Retreat Supervisor: Enter the ritual rank and name in full.

Scripture Attendant: Enter the ritual rank and name in full.

Incense Attendant: Enter the ritual rank and name in full.

Lamp Attendant: Enter the ritual rank and name in full.

All those named above are to perform their duties faithfully. This is respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, and day], the Chief Ritual Master, whose ritual rank and name are entered in full, submits this report.

Petition of Audience to the Ten Directions

With my official title entered in full, I, your subject, surnamed [name], dare to risk reproach and humbly submit this petition to Heaven:

Some days ago, I received a request from the retreat sponsor, [name], to establish a Supreme Yellow Register Grand Retreat on a certain day this month. It is to last five days and nights, commemorating the souls of the deceased [names] and bringing deliverance to the suffering spirits of the lower origin—the divine realm that governs the waters and is associated with the salvation of the dead—so that they may journey to a place of rebirth. I have listed every detail, copied the documents, and prayed for your grace, humbly seeking permission to open the rite of deliverance. The ritual altar has now been opened, the required ritual offerings respectfully set out, and the celestial documents laid out and read aloud. In reverent accordance with the liturgy, the living and the dead are being saved alike.

I humbly pray that the Celestial Emperor, in compassion, will grant special attention and command the Celestial Provincial Office, the Dark Metropolis, and the Immortal Lodge of the Grotto Sun to dispatch the Youths Who Release Resentment and the Divine Officers Who Pardon Sins, to forgive the retreat sponsor’s past faults and release the souls of the dead from karmic retribution. May there especially descend … [The wording that follows may be adapted to the circumstances of the particular rite.]

The Eastern Celestial Official of the Nine Qi, the Azure Spirit Primordial Elder and Great General of the Grotto Sun; the Envoy of Harmony and Peace; the Perfect Ruler of Great Yellow Heaven; and the Divine Lord of the Wood Realm are all requested to descend and guard the East. We humbly petition …

The High Lord sends down the true scriptures to bring harmony to the heavens and peace to the world. They open the way for the lost, guide ghosts, and raise up souls so that they may leave impurity behind. They drive out evil spirits, usher in good fortune, and gather auspicious Qi. Now the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) has been completed, and we should return to the righteous path shown by the heavenly scriptures. I have personally gone to the pure ritual altar to humbly seek a response from the true spirits.

I, your servant, respectfully prepare this written memorial for submission. I presume to report to the heavens, offending their majesty; I am filled with fear and prostrate myself, awaiting the heavenly command.

With due reverence, I submit this memorial to the throne of the Celestial Lord of the Nine Qi of the Eastern Limitless Supreme Great One of Numinous Treasure. I humbly await the sacred and enlightened decree.

On the year, month, and day recorded above, your appointed servant, of the surname [name], respectfully submits this memorial.

Sacred Thrones of the Nine Heavens (the divine thrones listed below for each direction may be changed as needed for the ritual):

May the Southern Three-Qi Heavenly Official, the Vermilion Numinous True Elder, the Primordial Harmony True Ruler, the Lord Who Settles and Brings Peace, and the Holy Fire and Earth Deity of the Red Radiance Heaven descend together to guard the south.

May the Western Seven-Qi Heavenly Official, the Bright Numinous Primordial Elder, the High Lord of Peace, the Divine Lord of Harmony and Instruction, the Divine Lord of Assistance, and the Primordial Bearer, Heavenly Ruler of the Golden Earth and Primordial Lord, descend together to guard the west.

May the Northern Five-Qi Heavenly Official, the Lord of the Purple Void and Mysterious Primordial, the Lords Who Guard and Pacify the Cavern Spirits and Bring Harmony and Peace to All, the Lord Who Harmonizes and Governs All, the Lord Who Brings Celebration and Settles Destiny, and the Bright Court’s Heavenly True Ruler of Water and Earth descend together to guard the north.

May the Northeast’s Mysterious Numinous True-Qi Heavenly Official, the Lord of Mysterious Numinous Essence, the Commanding Divine Lord, the Protecting Heavenly Official, the Lord Who Settles and Brings Blessings and Life, the Lord of Yellow Splendor Who Wields the Axe, the Lord Who Guards the Primordial and Responds to the Spirits, and the Heavenly Holy Treasure and Earth Deity of Primordial Brightness descend together to guard the northeast.

May the Southeast’s Azure Mysterious True-Qi Heavenly Official, the Lord of Numinous Splendor and Truth, the Lord Who Broadly Transforms and Brings Life, the Lord Who Gathers and Governs the Ten Thousand Peaceful Ones, the Heavenly Emperor’s Mysterious Spirit Lord Who Protects and Guards, and the Heavenly True Ruler of Contemplative Brightness and the Rear Earth descend together to guard the southeast.

May the Southwest’s Vermilion Numinous True-Qi Heavenly Official, the Lord of the Cavern’s Numinous Radiance, the Lord Who Primordially Guards and Pacifies, the Lord of Ten Thousand Blessings and Harmonious Purity, the Lord of the Three Truths Who Protects and Guards, the Lord of Primordial Sovereign Truth and Stability, and the Great Sovereign’s Heavenly Ruler Who Governs All Earthly Spirits descend together to guard the southwest.

May the Northwest’s Bright Numinous Primordial True-Qi Heavenly Official, the Lord of Pure Numinous Emptiness, the Lord Who Brings Peace and Instruction to the Beginning, the Heavenly True Lord Who Answers Destiny, the Lord Who Quells and Settles in Peace, and the Cavern’s Peaceful Lord Who Protects and Sustains Life…

The Primal Lord who bears the title Guardian of the Ruler (a revered deity who guards a region), and the Primal Lord who Lies Hidden in the Earth, the True Sovereign of the Great Void, descend together to guard the northwest.

Above, the Celestial Officer of Brahma Qi, the Elder of Yellow Numinous Radiance, the Lord who Covers and Guards in Peace, the Lord who Settles and Harmonizes with Illumination, the Lord who Governs All in Safety, the Lord who Brings All Blessings to Their Fulfillment, the True Sovereign of Upper Radiance, and the Numinous Lord of the Dark Earth descend together to guard the upper realm.

Below, the Celestial Officer of Numinous Primal Purple Qi, the Lord of Emptiness and Numinous Response, the Lord who Covers and Guards with Upper Radiance, the Lord who Keeps the Primal in Peace, the Lord of the Ten Perfected Ones who Brings Celebration and Protection, the Lord of the Peaceful Direction and the Cavern of Illumination, the Lord who Transforms the Primal and Honors the Dao, and the Sacred Lord of Heaven above Taiji who Assists the Earth descend together to guard the lower realm.

Petition of Thanks to the Ten Directions

I, your subject, whose name and rank are recorded here, once again dare to submit this petition to the hearing of Heaven, though I risk the crime of execution. On a certain day of this month, I submitted a memorial to perform for a certain sponsor the supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat, a grand Zhaijiao ritual for delivering the souls of the dead. Its purpose was to deliver the souls of the deceased, including a certain person, so that they might be reborn in a blessed realm.

With reverence, I followed the regulations and precedents of the Keyi liturgy, performed the retreat rites, and proclaimed the documents of the divine Perfected Ones to bring peace and harmony to Heaven and Earth. I also invited the immortal officials to descend and guard the ritual altar. Through their protection, the retreat was brought to a successful conclusion. Now the altar has been dismantled and the ritual assembly has dispersed. I submit this memorial to report the merit accomplished, offer the documents in a devout sacrifice, and bow in thanks to the deities of each direction.

I humbly pray that Heaven’s grace will look down upon us and command the divine officials of this region to escort the souls of the dead into the divine homeland of Taiji, where their blessed fruits may shine forth. May blessings spread to the sponsor, and may joy and celebration descend upon the state. The Perfected Immortals who previously descended in response to the command should now return to their respective abodes. I respectfully request that their rewards and promotions in rank be determined according to their merit, and that they receive praise and honor.

We have not yet fully mastered the methods of the retreat, and there are omissions in the liturgical texts. We pray for forgiveness and ask that we not be severely punished, so that generous grace may be extended to all and the kindness that protects us from beginning to end may be fulfilled.

I have carefully prepared this petition and report, and bow in gratitude as I submit the matter for Heaven’s attention. Having offended Heaven’s majesty, I am filled with dread and await judgment with reverence.

Respectfully submitted above.

Reverently presented before the Most High Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure without Limit in the East and the Celestial Lords of the Nine Qi; I await the sacred decree.

On [year, month, day], I, your subject, whose name and rank are recorded here, submit this petition.

Divine Ranks of the Ten Directions (replace the names of the divine ranks according to the direction addressed in the prayer)

Envelope for the Petition of Thanks (also suitable for petitions of gratitude)

This petition of thanks is respectfully sent to the palace of [direction], with a request that it be forwarded. [Name and rank] carefully seals it.

Memorial to the Numinous Officials of the Ten Directions

The appointed official, surname [name omitted]

It has been established that yesterday the ritual officer [name omitted] submitted a document requesting that the souls of the deceased [names omitted] be recommended and guided onward. He proposed holding a grand Wuliang Huanglu fast (a major Daoist purification rite for blessing and guiding the dead) at [place omitted], to gather hidden merit and help the deceased transcend. The petitioner’s earnest feelings could not be contained, so he has already recorded the matter and reported it to the Heavenly Court, asking that grace be bestowed to provide relief.

Now that the ritual altar has just been established and the sacred texts laid out, we respectfully prepare a jade tablet, patterned silk, paper, brush, ink, and inkstone, placing them at the appointed directions as tokens of our vow before the gods. With reverence, we pray that our sincerity may be conveyed and that we may attain a response from the mysterious realm. We therefore set down this memorial and submit it in formal report.

The memorial states: Primordial sacred Qi (the pure, subtle original energy spoken of in Daoism) pervades the cosmos; the realms of the Nine Heavens are vast and boundless; the celestial capital where the perfected immortals dwell is deep and lofty; and the worlds of the Ten Directions stand immense and expansive. Now, to bring our utmost sincerity before the Heavenly Court, we rely on the Dao’s great compassion and respectfully make this report to the boundless worlds of the Ten Directions; the palaces of the sun, moon, and stars; the treasured scriptures; the Five Sacred Peaks; the Water Realms; the immortals of the Ten Directions; and all the numinous officers and holy beings who transmit reports.

All the holy perfected beings are ever compassionate and responsive, their miraculous powers and transformations without limit. Whenever the dead are guided onward or the living are rescued, they can descend to help, wherever the spirits may be. We earnestly ask each of you to attend to our prayers and examine our observance of fasting and practice. May nine formal petitions dispel our offenses; may you also extend your compassion and pardon our faults. During the period of the fast, we will perform the rites and pray that merit be recorded with the brush, so that both the netherworld and the human realm may receive its blessings. [Name omitted] submits this memorial with reverence and humility.

On [date omitted], the appointed official, surname [name omitted], respectfully submits this memorial.

Memorial for Opening the Scriptures

Your servant, the appointed official, surname [name omitted], residing in [village and district omitted] of the Great Ming, respectfully lays bare his utmost sincerity and ventures to report to the Great Dao. Your servant, on account of [insert here the reason for entering the fast, or the objects and rites used in the ceremony], has prepared a written document and entrusted it to [name omitted], requesting that a Daoist priest be engaged to establish an altar and hold a grand Wuliang Huanglu fast at [place omitted]. The fast will last three days and nights, with the prayer that hidden merit be gathered and all the deceased be aided in their passage beyond.

We have respectfully selected [date omitted] for opening the altar and completing the rites, and pray for a heavenly mandate and the bestowal of grace. The Taishang scriptures in their various volumes and the sacred names of the Heavenly Worthies to be recited have now been chosen in advance, with [date omitted] designated as the opening day. On that day, the scriptures will be unsealed and read aloud. The list of scriptures is set forth below for submission:

First, we request that the Daoist priest recite:

The Supreme Scripture of Wondrous Purity, the Most Excellent Scripture of Limitless Deliverance, of the Lingbao of the Cavern Mystery of the Great High One, in [number omitted] volumes;

The Supreme Wondrous Scripture for Dispelling Calamities and Protecting Life, of the Lingbao of the Cavern Mystery of the Great High One, in [number omitted] volumes.

All the scriptures listed above are to be dedicated universally.

The sages, perfected beings, and immortals of the Three Realms and the ten directions take their places according to rank at the ritual altar. We respectfully invite the presiding deities.

The Daoist priest is to recite:

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Numinous Treasure Venerable’s Wondrous Scripture on Deliverance from Suffering.

All the scriptures recited above are dedicated and offered to all the holy beings in the underworld who take part in the ritual.

The Daoist priest is to recite:

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Wondrous Scripture of Limitless Salvation, Upper Grade;

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Scripture of the Nine Heavens’ Natural Generation of the Spirits;

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Wondrous Scripture of the Nine Perfected Ones’ Subtle Precepts and Golden Registers for Delivering Life;

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Numinous Treasure Venerable’s Wondrous Scripture on Deliverance from Suffering;

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Primordial Heavenly Venerable’s Scripture on Birth in Heaven and Attainment of the Dao;

A number of recitations of the Middle Section of the Primordial Beginning’s Numinous Writings;

A number of recitations of the precious title of the Great Heavenly Venerable, the Jade Emperor, Supreme Sovereign of the Mysterious Vault;

A number of recitations of the honored title of the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Rescues from Suffering, a revered deity who saves the souls of the dead in Daoism;

A number of recitations of the honored title of the Celestial Worthy Who Frees the Ninefold Darkness from Sin, a revered deity who rescues sinful souls in the netherworld;

A gathering recitation of the honored titles of the Numinous Powers of the Ten Directions.

All these merits are dedicated to aiding and delivering the deceased soul of [name], so that it may ascend to the realm of immortals. (For a general deliverance rite, write: “May all the souls of the deceased who are to be delivered at this ritual each ascend to the realm of immortals.”)

The Daoist priest is to recite:

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Wondrous Scripture of Limitless Salvation, Upper Grade;

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Scripture of the Nine Heavens’ Natural Generation of the Spirits;

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Venerable’s Scripture on Deliverance from Suffering;

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Primordial Heavenly Venerable’s True Scripture on Birth in Heaven and Attainment of the Dao;

A number of recitations of the Middle Section of the Primordial Beginning’s Numinous Writings;

Specific scriptures and honored titles, to be listed individually in detail.

All these merits are dedicated to aiding and delivering the deceased relatives of the household from generations past, so that each may ascend to the realm of immortals. (If other deceased persons are to be delivered as well, list each person’s name, status, and other details in this format.)

The Daoist priest is to recite:

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Wondrous Scripture of Limitless Salvation, Upper Grade;

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Scripture of the Nine Heavens’ Natural Generation of the Spirits;

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Wondrous Scripture of the Nine Perfected Ones’ Subtle Precepts and Golden Registers for Delivering Life;

A number of scrolls of the Supreme Highest Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Venerable’s Wondrous Scripture on Deliverance from Suffering.

We respectfully request the recitation of a number of scrolls of the Perfect Scripture on Birth in Heaven and Attaining the Dao, Spoken by the Most High Primordial Celestial Worthy, and a number of scrolls of the middle section of the Numinous Writings of the Primordial Beginning. We respectfully request the invocation, a number of times, of the sacred names of the Great Celestial Worthy Jade Emperor, the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion for the Suffering, the Celestial Worthy Who Rescues the Guilty from the Nine Hells, and the Celestial Worthy Who Grants Life in the Vermilion Mound.

All the merit from these acts is dedicated together to recommending and delivering the lonely souls and stranded spirits among the beings of the six realms and four modes of birth, so that each may escape suffering and attain new life.

We respectfully declare: The supreme truth is a ladder by which mortals and beings of the heavens may advance in cultivation and attain the Dao. The sacred names of great compassion are a ferry crossing beyond life and death. The breadth of sacred virtue is beyond full description, and every wholesome vow receives a response. We think of the souls of the deceased, so-and-so, who have entered the netherworld, their spiritual awareness dim and clouded. Without relying on the guidance of the holy perfected ones to show them the lost path, how could they escape the suffering of sinking and remaining trapped? We earnestly beseech the holy perfected ones to proclaim the wondrous teaching with their own golden mouths, so that the departed souls may directly realize the subtle truth and behold a light as clear and pure as a crystal vessel of ice, forever freed from defilement and attachment.

Now we open the treasured scriptures. First we declare our sincere hearts and, looking up, beseech the holy perfected ones to perceive and attend to us, and to grant this request for a rite of purification to recommend and deliver the departed. I, your servant, gaze toward the holy perfected ones of the heavens with urgent and fearful reverence. I respectfully prepare this memorial and submit it, requesting that it be heard. I hereby submit this memorial.

On this date, in this year and month, the fasting official, your servant, of the surname So-and-so, submits this memorial.

A sealed cover is attached to the memorial:

Memorial submitting the text for opening the Yellow Register scriptures to the holy perfected ones of the Three Realms and the rulers of the Ten Directions. The fasting official, your servant, of the surname So-and-so, respectfully seals this.

General Memorial of Merit:

Your servant, the fasting official of the surname So-and-so, a native of [township] in the Great Ming, residing at [place], respectfully sends this memorial to the Heavenly Court with a sincere heart. On behalf of [state the reason for holding the Zhaijiao rite and the ritual implements used], your servant submits this document to [the recipient].

We earnestly request that a Daoist ritual assembly be dispatched to hold a grand supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat at [place] on [date], with the retreat lasting three days and three nights. Once the rites are complete, we respectfully establish a pure thanksgiving liturgy and arrange three hundred and sixty ritual positions. Relying on the grace and virtue of the Daoist rites, may the deceased be delivered universally, and may those sunk in suffering also receive aid, so that all may attain new life.

Now this wholesome undertaking of ritual cultivation has been brought to completion. The various true scriptures and sacred names used for dedication and the recommendation of the departed are listed item by item and submitted below:

First, request that the Daoist officiant recite [name of scripture; list each item and fill in according to the format of the scripture-opening memorial].

We respectfully declare: The treasured scriptures are as exquisite as flower buds and as precious as fine jade; within them are contained the profound and subtle mysteries of the Daoist teachings…

The Golden Book and Jade Script

When performing a rite to open the way and deliver departed souls, the ceremony cannot be properly completed without memorials and written documents. Those with the right affinity may also find deliverance through it. I respectfully reflect that the departed person in question, together with their ancestors, relatives by marriage, and others, have spirits in both the visible and hidden realms that have traveled far along the road to the underworld. The path of awakening and returning to the Real is difficult to find; they wish to escape the cycle of rebirth but have no means to do so, and thus have long remained unable to transcend it.

Now we have respectfully established a purification assembly and gathered hidden merit, hoping to open wisdom with the aid of the True Vehicle—the true Dao practice taught by Daoist methods. May the light of grace shine everywhere, and may the precious mirror spread its radiance. May the road to the shore of the Dao be open in every direction, and may the realm enter the Gourd Heaven, the immortal realm of Daoist teaching. May all sentient beings receive deliverance together, and may all beings in the Dharma Realm benefit.

I look up to Heaven and the holy perfected ones, my heart filled with gratitude and earnestness, yet trembling with awe. I have respectfully prepared this memorial and submit it, humbly requesting a hearing from the holy ones. I respectfully present this memorial.

On [year, month, day], the purification officer, [name], respectfully submits this memorial.

Inner Cover

To the Supreme Emperor, the High Perfected—holy beings revered in Daoism—and the rulers of the Three Realms and Ten Directions: the purification officer, [name], respectfully prepares this memorial and seals it for presentation.

Outer Envelope

One envelope containing a memorial of merit and virtue, to be delivered beneath the gates of the Three Heavens and submitted for onward presentation. The High Merit Officer, [name], has copied the memorial and respectfully sealed it with care.

Report on the Merit Assessment by the Three Officials

To [name and office]:

Having reviewed the earlier report submitted by the purification officer, [name], we note that it called for the Supreme Yellow Register Great Purification Rite—a major Daoist rite for delivering the departed—to aid the souls of the deceased [names] and others in attaining deliverance. The thanksgiving rite has now been performed, and the ceremony has been completed. The Daoist priests who took part in the assembly, together with the gods appointed to carry out its duties, each fulfilled their responsibilities at the ritual altar and rendered meritorious service. In accordance with the regulations of the Great Perfected, their merit should be recorded and they should be recommended for reward. A separate memorial has already been prepared and submitted to the Three Heavens. The following details are now respectfully reported:

The Daoist priests who took part in the assembly and served in official roles, except for [name], are listed below.

[List the names of the Daoist participants serving in the six offices.]

The gods appointed to carry out the duties:

The chief City God of the empire; the chief City God of [prefecture]; the chief City God of [county]; the Lord King of [temple]; the altar guardian deity of this district; the chief Daoist official of the Ten Directions; the chief community official of the Nine Provinces; the great rulers of the prisons of the Ninefold Underworld; and the generals who handle memorials, the deputy director, the imperial emissaries of the government offices throughout the realm, the merit officers, the assistants, the officers on duty, the tally clerks, the petition decision clerks, the courier-dragon clerks, the food-receiving clerks, the court director, the deputy, and the junior clerks.

Also present are the courier-dragon riding clerks who bear incense, the Three and Five Merit Officers, the left and right official emissaries, the incense-attending golden lads, and the jade maidens who relay messages and scatter flowers.

The Five Emperors’ Directing Talisman Officials; the Incense Officials on Duty for the Day; the Merit Officers and Envoys who supervise the purification rite; and the Divine Spirit Lords;

The Jade Maidens, Golden Youths, Divine Officials, Merit Officers, and Dingjia clerks and troops belonging to the Great Lingbao Ritual Bureau;

The commanders, generals, clerks, and troops assigned to the various bureaus, courts, and offices of the local Daoist precinct;

The Two Divine Sages of the Divine Tiger, the Jade Maiden Envoys, and the officials charged with carrying out orders to pursue and retrieve souls;

The officials and immortals of the Southern Mound Pivot Bureau, the Vermilion Mound Fire Bureau, and the Upper Palace of Nanchang, who are responsible for refining and delivering souls;

The officials belonging to the Shangqing Yellow Register Court;

The Directing Talisman Officials of the Three Realms; the Merit Officers of the Four Directions; the Merit Officers assigned in turn to the days and hours of the sixty-year cycle; and the Merit Officers of the Seven Paths;

The Nine Dragon Envoys, Golden Dragons, Jiao Dragons, courier clerks, the youths responsible for conveying documents in the underworld and the Fire Bureau, and the officials who act on talismanic orders;

The bureaus of the Five Sacred Peaks, the land, water, and City Gods, as well as the local land gods along the route who receive documents on behalf of Daoist altars in the ten directions;

The household gods, including the Lords of Destiny and the land gods, in the home of a certain family;

The City God Bureau of the Eastern Peak, together with the divine troops sent by local temples to guard against and repel all threats.

All the gods listed above have been present at the ritual altar to supervise and protect it, convey documents, and pursue and capture the souls of the deceased. Each has fulfilled their duties to the utmost, without delay or omission.

We respectfully submit this document to the August Presence of the Purple Tenuity Great Emperor, the Heavenly Official who bestows blessings in the Upper Origin period; the Great Emperor of Pure Void, the Earthly Official who pardons sins in the Middle Origin period; and the Great Emperor of the Cavernous Yin, the Water Official who dispels adversity in the Lower Origin period. We earnestly petition Your sacred compassion to issue a special decree, ordering the true bureaus of the Three Realms to assess the merits and confer rewards. We respectfully submit this document for your attention.

On the year, month, and day, the appointed official of the X family respectfully submits this.

Petition for the Presentation of a Memorial

At the altar of the Supreme Yellow Register Great Purification Rite:

Having reviewed the matter, on a certain day of this month a purification rite was held for the sponsor, a certain person, to pray for the deliverance of the deceased souls of certain people. The merit gathered through the Supreme Yellow Register Great Purification Rite is now dedicated to aiding the souls’ deliverance, and one memorial to the Heavenly Officials is being presented. The memorial has been fully enclosed and sealed inside and out, and is being sent directly to a certain bureau of a certain Palace of the Most High, with a request that it be presented on our behalf. This document accompanies the memorial. We hope it will be reported at the proper time, and therefore submit this statement.

We respectfully submit this document to the Secretariat of the Three Heavens. We ask that permission be granted to present it at once, without waiting for similar memorials from other places to be submitted together, and that it be reported directly to the throne for the issuance of instructions. We respectfully submit this document for your attention.

Here, “Yellow Register Great Purification Rite” refers to a Daoist purification ritual held for the deceased, and “memorial” refers to a petition sent by Daoist priests to the divine bureaus of Heaven. Terms such as “refining and delivering souls” and “pursuing and capturing” refer to ritual acts within purification rites that rescue, guide, and deliver the souls of the deceased.

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

Memorial requesting that a petition be forwarded for presentation

Office of the Great Lingbao Rites (the institution that conducts Lingbao purification rituals):

On [day] of this month, a supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat was established on behalf of the retreat sponsor, [name], to pray for the deliverance of the souls of the deceased, including [names]. Its purpose was to gather hidden merit and help the departed souls attain deliverance. The retreat rites have now been brought to completion. On the night of [day] of [month], we respectfully plan to conduct a pure offering rite and, according to the three hundred and sixty offices, offer thanks for Heaven’s grace.

We now submit ten petitions for presentation, each securely sealed again and stamped with the official seal. Please inspect and register them, then forward them for presentation to the following revered deities:

His Majesty the Celestial Worthy Primordial Beginning, Supreme Emperor of Jade Clarity, a revered Daoist deity who dwells in the realm of Jade Clarity and governs the myriad Dao;

His Majesty the Celestial Worthy Lingbao, Great Emperor of Highest Clarity, a revered Daoist deity who dwells in the realm of Highest Clarity;

His Majesty the Celestial Worthy of the Dao and Its Virtue, Great Emperor of Great Clarity, that is, the Most High Lord Lao;

His Majesty the Jade Emperor, Supreme Emperor of Vast Heaven;

His Majesty the Great Emperor of Heaven, sovereign of the Gouchen constellation palace;

His Majesty the Great Emperor of the North Pole, sovereign of the central Ziwei palace;

Before the throne of the Great Emperor of Longevity of the South Pole, sovereign of the Taiwei realm;

Before the throne of the Celestial Worthy Who Relieves Suffering in the Ten Directions;

Before the throne of the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Relieves Suffering, the great compassionate one in the Eastern Pole Palace, who hears the cries of the distressed and responds to their needs;

Her Majesty the Earth Empress, deity of the earth.

We respectfully submit these documents to the Upper Clarity Celestial Pivot Office under the Three Heavens (the celestial institution responsible for transmitting petitions), and earnestly request that they be forwarded promptly for presentation. Respectfully submitted; we await a clear reply.

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

Memorial submitting a document of thanks for Heaven’s grace

Office of the Great Lingbao Rites:

On [day] of this month, a supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat was established on behalf of the retreat sponsor, [name], to pray for the deliverance of the souls of the deceased, including [names]. Hidden merit was gathered to aid their deliverance. The retreat rites have now been brought to completion. Tonight, we respectfully conduct a pure offering rite and, according to the three hundred and sixty offices, offer thanks for Heaven’s grace.

We now submit one blue petition for presentation, a prayer addressed to the deities of Heaven for use in Daoist rites. It has been securely sealed again and stamped with the official seal. It should be registered and then sent onward for presentation. Please examine it and forward it to the Provincial Office under the Three Heavens (the celestial institution that processes petitions), so that the memorial may be presented and forwarded for action.

Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], the bearer of the rank of High Merit Master (the ritual status of the Daoist priest presiding over the rites), [surname], respectfully submits this memorial.

Memorial submitting a document written on yellow silk

At the altar of the supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat.

I respectfully confirm that, on a certain day this month, I was commissioned to serve as ritual officer for the fast official, [Name], and to pray for the deliverance of the souls of the deceased, including [Name].

An unsurpassed Yellow Register Great Fast was held, a major Daoist purification ritual for praying for blessings and delivering the dead. Its hidden merit was gathered to aid the souls of the deceased in attaining deliverance. Now the merit is complete, the fast has ended, and the altar has been dismantled. I respectfully submit a memorial written in vermilion on yellow paper, expressing homage, recounting the merit, giving thanks for grace, and repenting of transgressions. The inner and outer envelopes are complete, and the seals are intact. I respectfully send it to the Three Heavens’ celestial authorities and request that it be forwarded and presented in memorial. This is hereby reported.

I respectfully prepare this document and submit it to the Three Heavens’ celestial authorities, humbly requesting that it be approved and forwarded in memorial for implementation. Respectfully reported.

On [year, month, day], [Name], ritual master of high rank, submits this document.

Document for Forwarding an Offering

Office of the Great Lingbao Rite:

Our office was commissioned to conduct a Yellow Register Great Fast for the fast official, [Name]. The rites have now been completed, and a pure jiao ritual of thanksgiving has been established. We now send the nine ceremonial carriages offered in tribute, each placed in its own case and all duly sealed, together with this document. This is hereby reported.

I respectfully prepare this document and submit it to the Ministry beneath the Three Heavens, humbly requesting that it be forwarded for presentation as an offering. Respectfully reported.

On [year, month, day], [Name], ritual master of high rank, submits this document.

Format for a Request to Establish a Jiao

The person offering the jiao, the servant [Name], holding the rank of fast official:

I respectfully conduct a Yellow Register Great Fast for the souls of the deceased, including [Name]. The rites have now been completed. I respectfully schedule a pure jiao for tonight, setting out the spirit tablets of the three hundred and sixty divine ranks to give thanks to Heaven for its grace. Accordingly, I must prepare this document in advance and present it in memorial, requesting permission.

I humbly submit this document and respectfully petition Your Majesty, the Venerable Emperor [Title]. I beg Your Majesty, through the Way of compassion, to grant my request and bestow gracious light especially tonight, descending to oversee the jiao altar.

I have offended the majesty of Heaven and am filled with trepidation. I bow my head twice in reverence and respectfully prepare this document to present in memorial. Respectfully reported.

On [year, month, day], the person offering the jiao, the servant [Name], holding official rank, prepares and submits this document.

Format for Sealing an Envelope

To His Majesty, the Venerable Emperor [Title]:

The memorial submitted by the person offering the jiao, the servant [Name], holding official rank, is respectfully enclosed in a square case.

Respectfully sent to the authorities beneath the Three Heavens and the Upper Clarity Celestial Pivot Bureau, with the request that it be forwarded and presented in memorial.

Respectfully sealed by [Name], ritual master of high rank.

Documents Requesting a Jiao for the Venerable Emperors

This section includes several standard forms of “memorials and formal petitions” used in Daoist Zhaijiao (purification rituals) and liturgies: official documents presented to the gods during a ritual.

Petition inviting the gods to descend to the ritual altar

In the petition, the official presiding over the ritual (the ritual official serving in the capacity of a minister, here named “So-and-so”) states that a Yellow Register Great Retreat—a large-scale Daoist rite for delivering and commemorating the deceased—has been successfully completed for the souls of the late So-and-so and others. Therefore, a pure retreat is respectfully established tonight, with 360 places set for the gods. To give thanks for their great favor, the official submits this petition according to precedent and respectfully invites the gods to descend.

The petition implores Heaven’s compassion: may the gods bestow their grace tonight and deign to attend their thrones, the seats where they reside. Since the official has offended Heaven’s majesty, he is overcome with fear and trepidation and submits the petition with the utmost humility. The document concludes with the date and the name of the ritual official.

Petition to the assembled ranks of the Three Realms

This petition is addressed to the assembled gods of the Three Realms: Heaven, Earth, and Water, or, alternatively, the gods of the Desire, Form, and Formless Realms. Its content is much the same as the petition above. After the Yellow Register Great Retreat for commemorating the deceased has been completed, a pure retreat with 360 places for the gods is established tonight. The official respectfully welcomes the gods to arrive in their wind-borne chariots and gives thanks for their great favor. He therefore submits this petition to inform them, and hopes that they will show compassion and descend to the ritual seats tonight. Acknowledging that he has offended the gods’ majesty, he is filled with the utmost apprehension and respectfully submits this petition.

Form for presenting a petition to the Supreme Emperor

When presenting a document to the Supreme Emperor, the ritual official respectfully prepares one dragon chariot—a symbolic vehicle for the gods—and sends it up together with the petition. He respectfully asks Heaven to show compassion and examine the petition. Acknowledging that he has offended Heaven’s majesty, he bows in fearful humility and submits the petition. The closing gives the date and the name of the ritual official presenting it.

The form for sealing the document is as follows: the outer cover reads, “To His Majesty, the Venerable Emperor So-and-so: respectfully sealed, the petition of the minister So-and-so, serving in the capacity of ritual official.” The document is then placed in a square case and sealed. It is also marked, “One case containing a petition, respectfully delivered to the gate of the Three Heavens for presentation.” The Three Heavens refers to the three heavenly realms of Qingwei, Yuyu, and Dachitian. Finally, the senior ritual master, who presides over the liturgy, signs and seals the document again.

Form of petition to the various imperial deities

This is the form of document presented to the various imperial deities. The ritual official respectfully prepares one dragon chariot and sends it up with the petition. He asks Heaven’s compassion to look favorably upon him and examine his humble circumstances. Acknowledging with fearful humility that he has offended the gods’ majesty, he bows in reverence and submits the petition.

Respectfully submitted:

On a certain year, month, and day, the ritual officiant of a certain surname, conducting a Zhaijiao (purification ritual), submits this petition.

Form of Petition for the Court Register of the Three Realms

The ritual officiant of a certain surname, conducting the Zhaijiao, respectfully prepares:

One copy of the Supreme Scripture of the Cavern Mystery and Numinous Treasure on Ascending to the Mystery, Dispelling Calamity, and Protecting Life; one allotment of gold coins; and one fine horse.

Respectfully submitted with this petition, in the hope that the holy compassion will look favorably upon it and graciously accept these offerings. This petition is hereby submitted.

Respectfully submitted:

On a certain year, month, and day, the ritual officiant of a certain surname, conducting the Zhaijiao, submits this petition.

Dispatch for Opening the Five Routes at the Offering of Food

The altar of the Supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat issues this dispatch to the Great Deity of the Flying Route in the East:

This altar is now conducting a Yellow Register Great Retreat on behalf of the ritual patron, a certain person, to deliver the souls of the deceased, including certain named persons. The documents have already been copied in the prescribed order and submitted in a memorial requesting an auspicious command and its promulgation. Now, in accordance with the rules of the liturgy, we respectfully conduct the universal rite of the Great Offering and hold the nighttime retreat, widely rescuing the spirits of the six paths and the unclaimed souls of the nine provinces. Fearing that the realms of the dead and the living may be separated, with passes blocked and routes obstructed, we must therefore issue this dispatch.

We hereby request that you swiftly transmit the talismanic command and carry out its orders, like a Heavenly Officer riding a blue horse. Clear away barriers and obstructions, and open the Ghost Gate in the northeast so that the souls of the dead may pass freely. Upon receiving this dispatch, act promptly at the prescribed time in accordance with the ritual rules, without delay. Please take notice and carry out these instructions.

This dispatch is hereby issued.

On a certain year, month, and day.

Great Deity of the Crosswise Route in the South

The altar of the Supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat issues this dispatch to the Great Deity of the Crosswise Route in the South:

This altar is now conducting a retreat on behalf of the ritual patron, a certain person. The matters submitted are as stated above. As the occasion requires, this dispatch is hereby issued.

We hereby request that you unleash your power, spanning the heavens and shaking the earth, and assist the Li Trigram, one of the Bagua representing the south, in bringing forth light and illuminating the darkness. Open a road to the south and guide the souls of the dead. Upon receiving this dispatch, act promptly at the prescribed time in accordance with the ritual rules, without delay. Please take notice and carry out these instructions.

This dispatch is hereby issued.

On a certain year, month, and day.

Great Deity of the Straight Route in the West

The altar of the Supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat issues this dispatch to the Great Deity of the Straight Route in the West:

This altar is now conducting a retreat on behalf of the ritual patron, a certain person. The matters submitted are as stated above. As the occasion requires, this dispatch is hereby issued.

We hereby request that you proceed along the straight route, carrying a ritual banner at the front to lead the way, and assist the Great Deity of the Dui Trigram, one of the Bagua representing the west. With the aid of its mighty power, sweep away inauspicious influences throughout the land. Draw the souls of the dead along the western shortcut and widely spread the teachings. Upon receiving this dispatch, act promptly at the prescribed time in accordance with the ritual rules, without delay. Please take notice and carry out these instructions.

This dispatch is hereby issued.

On a certain year, month, and day.

Great Deity Who Blocks the Route in the North

The Altar of the Supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat, where the Yellow Register Retreat ritual is performed, issues this formal petition to the Great God Who Blocks the Way in the North, the deity who governs the closing of roads:

This altar is now establishing a retreat ritual on behalf of a certain retreat officiant. The intent of the petition is the same as stated above; this formal document is therefore issued.

We respectfully petition the Great God to block the sources of evil, uphold the righteous commands with strictness, cut off wicked and rebellious acts, open the road leading to the distant North, and protect the body and soul as they proceed to the solemn, pure assembly. Upon receiving this document, please carry out the matter promptly according to ritual, without delay. We respectfully await your compliance.

Respectfully issued.

Issued on [year, month, day].

The Altar of the Supreme Yellow Register Great Retreat issues this formal petition to the Great God Who Governs All Roads in the Center, the central deity who oversees road affairs:

This altar is now establishing a retreat ritual on behalf of a certain retreat officiant. The intent of the petition is the same as stated above; this formal document is therefore issued.

We respectfully petition the Great God to command all the deities, open wide the roads in the five directions, and make them level, clear, and unobstructed so the ritual may be performed at once; to clear the way for souls held back and unable to proceed, so that beings near and far may all be delivered. Upon receiving this document, please carry out the matter promptly according to ritual, without delay. We respectfully await your compliance.

Respectfully issued.

Issued on [year, month, day].