《上清靈寶大法(二)》Vol. 29

I respectfully present this petition before the spirit seat of the Eastern Azure-Ling Beginning Elder Heavenly Lord, one of the Five Elder Emperors who presides over the East, and humbly ask the Heavenly Lord to take notice.

I, the ritual officiant, presume to address the Heavenly Court. I reflect that I have long held an official duty yet achieved little merit, and hope to make amends for my failings by helping others. In accordance with the matters set out above, I have recorded what took place and submit this petition as a report.

I humbly pray that the Heavenly Lord, in compassion, grant what is requested, and examine and record this fasting vow at the Flowing Radiance altar, where the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) liturgy is performed. May its good merit be fulfilled, and may beings in the underworld and the human realm receive support, so that its blessings extend to the state and the household and benefit all under Heaven. I also pray for the secret bestowal of the life-giving force of the Five Qi (the energies of the five directions), to harmonize the stagnant and obstructed Qi within all things, so that all beings may grow, transform, and regain their vitality. Having offended the majesty of Heaven, I am filled with trepidation. I respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to Report the Provisional Appointment of Six Ritual Officers

I respectfully present this document to the Palace of the Five Lingbao Masters, dedicated to the five revered masters of Lingbao. It may also be addressed as “Under the Gate.”

I, the ritual officiant, without regard for the offense I may incur, have repeatedly prayed for the protection of the perfected spirits. Though I find myself amid the dust of the mundane world, my heart and spirit yearn for the Dao; yet my intentions and conduct often go astray. My morning and evening cultivation has also lacked care, and I have failed to lessen my errors. Though I have merely struggled to get by, I have still received forbearance and been allowed to remain in office. Now, to spread the Great Dao, I should first help people find release. Accordingly, I report the matters set out above: the circumstances described in the incoming document are indeed urgent and sincere, and those in the underworld and the human world ought to be succored. By right, this report should be forwarded; it should not be suppressed or ignored.

I know that my offenses are grave, and that my consciousness is unlikely to awaken from its delusion; even after nine nights, the lost soul may not awaken. Without the spirits’ compassionate aid, the matter would be difficult to accomplish. I have examined the ancient regulations and found that the fasting rites originated with Lingbao. Under the rules, only those who have received and wear the registers of the Dongxuan division may preside at the altar and receive appointment to ritual duties. The candidates who have come forward this time do not all meet the requirements. Therefore, for the six ritual offices, I have no choice but to provisionally appoint some disciples who hold Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) registers to serve as altar officers and assist with the proceedings. I fear this may violate established regulations, so I have listed above the altar officers provisionally appointed, together with their ritual offices, registers, and names, and submit this report accordingly.

Respectfully submitted.

May the Perfect Lords of the Lingbao Transmission Master, the Lingbao Register Master, and the Lingbao Scripture Master—the three perfected teachers who oversee the Lingbao transmission, registration, and conferral of scriptures—and the Great Dharma Master who Upholds the Three Heavens and Assists the Teaching and the Origin, the Orthodox Unity Perfected Lord of Jingying, the guardian deity revered by the Celestial Masters’ tradition, together with the Great Dharma Master of the Mysterious Center, look down with reverence upon me at my desk. I earnestly implore you, with true compassion, to take special notice of and record this petition, and permit me to act as circumstances require and prepare the purification rites, so that both the netherworld and the world of the living may receive your grace. I further ask you to present this request to the Heavenly Court and seek an edict, ordering the proper divine offices under the Three Officials—the Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water—and the Five Emperors to attend to it and carry it out. I have presumed upon the dignity of my revered teachers; my heart trembles with fear, and I respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Five Offices for Clear Skies

(To be sealed in an envelope and presented to the Palace of the Primordial Response and Great Sovereignty)

I, such-and-such, your servant, holding the ritual rank of such-and-such, live amid the snares of the mortal world, though my name has undeservedly been entered in the registers of the mysterious tradition. I wear the sacred writings in vain, having never received personal instruction from a true master. I have repeatedly disturbed the Heavenly Court with my petitions, a crime deserving ten thousand deaths, yet I still hope for your immense grace and humble forgiveness.

Recently I received a written petition from such-and-such and others. They have arranged to establish a Yellow Register Great Retreat at such-and-such a place on such-and-such a day, to pray for the state, ask that times be peaceful and the people secure, deliver the souls of the dead from the netherworld, and aid the living. But my learning in the Dao is shallow, and my rank among the immortals is not yet established. If I force myself to open the altar, many errors are sure to occur. I fear that evil influences and defilements below have not yet been cleansed, and that above, wind and rain may prove unseasonable. Moreover, the site chosen for this rite may conceal wicked spirits within its bounds or harbor ill omens beneath the ground. Without relying on the compassion of my revered teachers, it will be difficult to bring this undertaking to a good conclusion. I therefore have had to record and submit this petition.

I respectfully address the following: the Great Dharma Master who Upholds the Three Heavens and Assists the Teaching and the Origin, the Orthodox Unity Perfected Lord of Jingying; the Perfected Lord of the Northern Pole, True Warrior, and Blessed Saint of Divine Response; the Perfected Lord who Aids the Sage, Protects Virtue, and Stores Blessings; the Perfected Lord, Deputy Marshal of the Heavenly Pivot; and the Perfected Lord, Chief Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy. I look up to you with reverence before your sacred presence. I implore the Perfected Lords, in compassion and mercy, to grant my request and specially report it to the Heavenly Court, obtain its command, and instruct the divine offices governing thunder, lightning, wind, rain, clouds, and electricity to disperse the clouds in due time, stop the rain and wind, sweep away baleful influences, and purify Heaven and Earth, so that the sun, moon, and stars shine brightly and the energies of the four seasons are clear and pure.

I also ask that the generals and officers charged with dispelling foul influences be dispatched to descend here. Let them supervise and command the local spirits of the community, soil, and grain at such-and-such a place to work together, sweep away dust and filth, drive off defilements, purify the ritual altar, and guard and pacify the surrounding territory. Should any demon or spirit commit an offense or any evil entity intrude, let the dispatched generals and officers go and deal with it.

The officials serving in the celestial administration, as commanded by the Daoist authorities, are to arrest and escort the relevant beings on the appointed dates, delivering them to the heavenly prisons for punishment. In this way, the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) may be completed in full, and demonic obstacles will not arise again. I have offended the dignity of my revered master and am filled with fear and unease. I respectfully submit this petition.

A petition in the standard format prescribed by the Celestial Province—that is, sealed in a square case and presented to the Supreme Mystery Administration beneath the Gate of the Three Heavens—is generally as follows. As the ritual approaches, the details should be carefully considered and the petition handled accordingly. If the circumstances of the ritual differ, content may be added as needed.

With the following ritual rank: I, of the surname ___.

I do not shrink from the offense of repeatedly troubling you. I have affronted your dignity and willingly accept severe punishment; I ask only for your forgiveness and understanding. Recently, I received a request from _, a native of _ village, who wishes to hold the supreme Lingbao Yellow Register Grand Retreat, a major Daoist Zhaijiao rite, to pray for the stability of the state and peace in the world, to deliver the dead and aid the living, to ferry across the nine generations of ancestors and seven generations of departed kin, to extend aid to beings throughout the Five Paths and Three Destinies, to accumulate meritorious deeds, and to offer rites for the deceased ___ so that they may be reborn, while also seeking safety for the living family. The rite has now been reverently established in accordance with its liturgy. Since the dates of the retreat have been set, the following details must be submitted:

First, on _, the retreat is to be announced and the ritual begun; the altar is to be erected at _ that day. At _, the petition titled “Petition of the Plain Carriage and White Horse” is to be presented. That night, at _, the petition titled “Petition to Break Through Fengdu and Remove Sins” is to be presented. The talismanic commands of the Primordial Beginning, the Golden Register and White Writ, the “True Talisman for Deliverance from Suffering,” the “Great Highest True Talisman for Breaking Open the Hells,” the “Great Highest True Talisman for Delivering the Hidden Souls,” and the “Great Highest Treasure Register for Commanding Pardon and Ascension to Heaven” are to be proclaimed and issued, together with the talismanic commands of the Primordial Beginning and the Jade Writ of the Divine Tiger of Primordial Unity from the Lingbao tradition.

These talismanic commands and documents are to be conveyed to the gods and divine offices throughout Heaven and Earth who govern Yin and Yang, and to all relevant places across the Three Realms and Ten Directions, including the gates of the underworld, its hidden roads, the heavenly prisons, and the earthly hells. All concerned authorities are to act in accordance with the commands, granting pardon and deliverance to the departed souls for whom the rites are being performed, as well as to all souls sunk in suffering throughout the Five Paths, Three Destinies, Four Forms of Birth, and myriad kinds of beings. They are to be freed from sins and enmities accumulated over many lifetimes. All souls are to obey the Jade Writ, be summoned to the altar, and receive their due retribution, deliverance, and the rites appropriate to them.

First, on _, the principal retreat is to be held, with three sessions of paying homage to the Perfected and Sages, reciting scriptures, and performing the Dao. At noon that day, the petition titled “Petition to Open the Road to Heaven for Deliverance from Suffering” is to be presented. After nightfall, the ritual for breaking open the prisons is to be performed. The souls of the deceased _ and others for whom the rites are being held are to be summoned, along with all solitary souls among the Five Paths, Four Forms of Birth, Three Destinies, and myriad kinds of beings, so that they may be bathed and purified, pay homage to the Perfected and Sages, partake of the offerings, and receive sustenance.

On the second day of the formal Zhaijiao (purification ritual), the participants pay homage to the true sages in three sessions, recite scriptures, and perform the liturgy. At the appointed hour, they present the “Petition for Bathing and Refining the Soul.” That night, they hold a soul-refining rite to deliver all lonely spirits among the Three Paths, Five Roads, Ten Categories, and Four Kinds of Birth. The rite enables the deceased to receive Fulu (talismans and registers) and precepts, be delivered, and be reborn in a good place.

On the third day of the formal Zhaijiao, the participants again pay homage to the true sages in three sessions, recite scriptures, and perform the liturgy. At the appointed hour, they present the “Petition for Delivering the Souls of the Deceased.” That night, they refine and deliver the souls recommended on behalf of a certain person and others, enabling them to receive Fulu and precepts, be delivered, and be reborn in a good place.

On the appointed day, they present the red petition reporting the merits of the rite, and establish a pure offering for the exalted true divinities of the Three Realms—Heaven, Earth, and Water—offering to the divine beings of three hundred and sixty positions to manifest gratitude for their kindness. They then dismantle the altar and conclude the banquet, cast a dragon (placing the ritual text and other offerings in water as a symbol of conveying them to the divinities), make an offering of a memorial tablet, and record the merits of the rite.

With due reverence, this petition is submitted to the exalted true divinity who presides over the Taixuan Directorate beneath the Three Heavenly Gates. We humbly beseech the true sage, in compassionate mercy, to grant permission to submit this petition on our behalf to the Heavenly Court, convey its decree to all heavens and earths, the sun, moon, and stars, the Three Realms and Three Origins, the grotto heavens, seas, and mountains, the gates of the underworld and shadowy lands, and the divine courts that oversee sacrificial rites in every place, commanding the relevant authorities to act swiftly. May the command reach everywhere and our utmost sincerity ascend on high. May the sun, moon, and stars shine brightly, the Qi of the four seasons be clear, the myriad sages guard us, and the thousand perfected beings accompany us. May Heaven’s grace extend throughout the world, the blessings of the Zhaijiao reach even the underworld, the six directions share in peace, and all four kinds of beings find security and well-being. I, your subject, have presumed upon the authority of the true divinities and deserve a thousand deaths. I respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Northern Dipper (a document presented to the star palace of the Northern Dipper in the central heavens)

I, your subject, holding the ritual rank of [name], respectfully and wholeheartedly submit this petition to the true sage. For many years I have been entrusted with the performance of the Great Rites, yet I have not been able to understand their hidden workings, nor have I had the opportunity to serve on my own. I therefore wish to diligently practice acts of deliverance and aid, in repayment of kindness received. In accordance with the present matter, I respectfully record and submit this petition.

With due reverence, this petition is submitted to the great sage of the central heavens, the True Lords of the Nine Emperors of the Northern Dipper. We humbly beseech the true sage, in compassionate mercy, to grant the request and submit it on our behalf to the Heavenly Court, informing the proper divine offices of the Three Realms to carry it out according to the rites, so that the merits of the Zhaijiao may be complete and its grace extend throughout the visible world and the underworld. We further ask that orders be issued to the Northern Dipper’s Mysterious Model Bureau, dispatching the divine tiger chief officers, the two envoys He and Qiao; the soul-pursuing envoys of the three divisions, Hou, Wei, and Zhang; and the Jade … of the Seven Offices.

Summon and assemble the relevant divine officers, clerks, and troops, and descend together to the ritual bureau over which I preside.

Please take the jade warrant, the Daoist document of command, and travel throughout the gates and hidden roads of the underworld and all related jurisdictions. Seize and bring forth the souls of the deceased named so-and-so and others for whom salvation is being sought, as well as all the spirits sunk in the underworld or still awaiting deliverance among the Five Paths, Three Destinies, Four Births, and myriad kinds of beings. Have them answer the summons at the appointed time and come to the altar, erase their records of sin, root out their evil causes, listen to the teaching and hear the scriptures, and be raised to deliverance at the proper time. I reverently pray that the cloud-borne chariot will descend to inspect and record the sincerity and petitions expressed in this purification rite. I have offended the majesty of the gods and am inwardly fearful; I respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Solar Palace (to be sent in a square envelope to the Solar Palace of the Sun)

Submitted by the ritual official of rank, whose surname is so-and-so:

I have offended the august deity of the Solar Palace and earnestly ask for your gracious attention. I reflect that my abilities are meager, yet I rashly presume to hold a ritual office. Knowing my sins to be grave, I dare not presumptuously seek the gods’ pardon. Yet now I have been entrusted with conducting a devout petition; how could I fail to report it? In accordance with the matters I am undertaking, I have carefully set them down in this petition and report as follows:

Respectfully submitted as stated above.

I earnestly ask the Solar Emperor of the Sun Palace to bestow compassionate favor, grant this request, and briefly descend in your immortal carriage to the purification altar. Please inspect and record the prayers, bring the ritual to its proper completion, and let your grace extend throughout the world, benefiting both the underworld and the human realm. On a certain day, I will perform refinement and deliverance for the beings of the Five Paths, Three Destinies, Four Births, and myriad kinds; on another day, I will perform refinement and deliverance for the souls of the deceased named so-and-so and others for whom salvation is being sought. I earnestly ask the Emperor to spread numinous light and send down true Qi (vital energy), so that Water and Fire may be joined and Yin-Yang brought into harmony. May the many kinds of spirits recover their clear original nature and spirit, leave behind the darkness and depths in which they are sunk, and attain deliverance. I have offended the majesty of the gods and am inwardly fearful; I respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Lunar Palace (to be sent in a square envelope to the Lunar Palace of the Great Yin)

The petition to the August Sovereign of the Great Yin in the Lunar Palace follows the same format as the petition to the Solar Palace.

Petition to the Ladies of the Nine Emperors of the Northern Dipper (respectfully presented in a square envelope to the court of the Ladies of the Nine Emperors of the Northern Dipper)

Submitted by the ritual official of rank, whose surname is so-and-so:

I set aside my fear of blame and presume to make this report above. I know well that this exceeds my proper station, yet I still earnestly ask your indulgence. I reflect that I am merely an insignificant person, entrusted with and carrying out the arts of the Great Dao, yet with no merit to record and only faults to set down. I hope to aid both the visible world and the underworld, and thereby make some amends. Whenever there is something to report, how could I fail to do so? In accordance with the matters I am undertaking, I have carefully set them down in this petition and report as follows:

Respectfully submitted as stated above.

I earnestly ask the Ladies of the Nine Emperors of the Northern Dipper…

We humbly beseech all true gods to show compassion and mercy, grant the request, and specially dispatch He Qiaoqi, chief scribe of the Divine Tiger, the emissaries who serve the three divisions of Jade Maidens and pursue souls, together with the relevant officers, generals, clerks, and soldiers charged with pursuing and seizing them. Let them go to the office in charge at the appointed place, carry jade tablets throughout the ten directions and the Three Realms, through the gates of the underworld and hell, and deliver notice to the thousand perfected ones and myriad spirits, and to the underworld offices in every region.

We beseech them to go to the places concerned and pursue and seize all the lonely souls and lingering spirits among the Five Paths, the Four Births, the Three Ways, and the myriad kinds of beings, as well as the souls of the persons named on the list for deliverance. Let them depart the Yin realm and come together to manifest their forms at the Mysterious Altar, making clear the retributions each has incurred. We also pray that the perfected ones briefly pause their immortal procession, descend to the ritual altar, bring this meritorious work to completion, and bear witness to the ritual being performed.

I have presumed upon the authority of the true gods and am inwardly apprehensive. I respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Star Lords of the Five Virtues (If submitted separately, prepare one petition for each Star Lord. Place each in the appropriate directional case and send it to the Eastern Palace of the Star of Wood Virtue.)

Holder of the ritual rank: So-and-so, surname.

I sincerely state my petition, humbly presuming upon the awesome authority of the exalted gods and earnestly seeking their great compassion and gracious protection. In accordance with the matters set forth here, I am required to record them in a written petition and report them above. I respectfully submit this notice.

I hereby respectfully report:

We reverently invite the True Lord of the Year Star, the Star of Wood Virtue in the East, to compassionately grant this request and specially descend to the ritual altar, where he may inspect and record the prayers and bear witness to the ritual being performed. May blessings extend to the four quarters and grace cover Heaven and Earth.

On the night of a certain day during the principal purification rite, I performed the rite of refinement and deliverance for all lonely souls among the Five Paths, Three Ways, Four Births, and myriad kinds of beings. On the night of another certain day, I performed the rite of refinement and deliverance for the souls of the persons named on the list for deliverance. I earnestly hope that the True Lord will open wide the gates of compassion, bestow abundant grace, spread the righteous Qi of the Five Phases, and harmonize the Yin-Yang energies of generation and transformation in Heaven and Earth, so that after refinement and deliverance the souls of the dead may recover their original awareness, receive the various fruits of goodness, and ascend to the Vermilion Palace.

I have presumed upon the authority of the true gods and am inwardly apprehensive. I respectfully submit this petition.

The petitions to the True Lord of the Star of Fire Virtue, the Yinghuo Star in the South; the True Lord of the Star of Metal Virtue, the Taibai Star in the West; the True Lord of the Star of Water Virtue, the Morning Star in the North; and the True Lord of the Star of Earth Virtue, the Stabilizing Star at the Center, are all written in the same format as the petition to the Star Lord of Wood Virtue in the East. Place each in the case for its corresponding direction, changing the direction and the star lord’s name in the text accordingly.

Petition to the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions (Use the same format as the petition to the Five Stars.)

I hereby respectfully report:

We reverently invite the Star Lord of the Horn Mansion to compassionately grant this request and specially descend to the ritual altar, where he may inspect and record the prayers and bear witness to the ritual being performed. May blessings extend to the four quarters and grace cover Heaven and Earth; may he proclaim and exalt…

With a compassionate heart, may relief be widely bestowed, so that all the souls who come to the altar to receive deliverance may be freed and receive the blessings of the Zhaijiao purification ritual. May they escape the cycle of rebirth and cease being tormented along the Three Paths of Suffering—hell, hungry ghosts, and animals—and may the gates of hell be closed. Whether they have sunk into ruin or are raised up, may each find their proper place. Plants and animals, too, shall revive.

I, who have offended the true might, am fearful and uneasy, and respectfully submit this petition.

The twenty-eight petitions above run from the Horn Lodge, the first of the seven lodges of the East, to the Chariot Lodge, the last of the seven. They all follow the same format. Place each document in a square case and send it to the star palace of the Horn Lodge. Proceed in the same way for the other lodges, changing only the name of the lodge in the text.

The Dipper Lodge has a separate petition, given below. This is because the Dipper Lodge is both one of the twenty-eight lodges and associated with the Southern Dipper. The Six Star Lords of the Southern Dipper mentioned in Daoist scriptures are the deities meant here; their position is roughly to the northeast. Their precise location can be determined by consulting an armillary sphere, an ancient instrument for observing the heavens. People know only that the Southern Dipper lies opposite the Northern Dipper, without investigating where the Southern Dipper actually is. This is truly laughable. If it is not possible to write a separate petition for each lodge, the documents for the individual lodges may be omitted and a petition submitted only to the Dipper Lodge.

Petition to the Southern Dipper (place it in a square case and send it to the star palace of the Dipper Lodge), in the same format as above:

Respectfully, we submit this petition:

We humbly beseech the Six Star Lords of the Southern Dipper, in their compassion, to look down upon us and especially to descend in their immortal carriages to the Zhaijiao altar. May they bring this good work to completion and bear witness to the rites now being performed. May blessings extend throughout the world, and grace reach both the visible realm and the hidden realm. We earnestly ask the Star Lords to exercise their profound power of protection and nurture, and to extend their great mercy in refining and delivering all the sunken souls now being refined at this ritual site: beings of the Five Destinies, the Three Paths of Suffering, the Four Births, and all other kinds of beings, as well as the souls of the deceased person or persons being recommended for deliverance. May they all recover their long-sunken original nature and preserve their dissipated souls. May they again receive nourishment from Yin-Yang Qi and the aid of Heaven and Earth’s transformative power. May they all ascend to the Vermilion Palace, the celestial palace of the immortals spoken of in Daoist teaching, and together enter the immortal realm.

I, who have offended the true might, am fearful and uneasy, and respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Mysterious Master (place it in a square case and respectfully submit it to the Mysterious Great Dharma Master):

I, your subject, of the ritual rank of [title], called [name]:

I lay bare my sincere heart and presume to make this appeal to the divine. I know that this act exceeds my station and fear that I may incur punishment from the spirits. I reflect that I have long been tainted by worldly influences, making it easy for my true mind to be obscured; my abilities are slight, yet the burden is heavy; my virtue is shallow, yet my position is high. Day and night I am troubled and afraid, unsure what to do. For this reason, I have turned my attention to the deliverance of the souls of the dead, hoping thereby to make some amends for my faults. Yet the regulations of the Yellow Register liturgy, the formal rites for delivering the souls of the dead, are strict and weighty, and this undertaking is not something a master…

Relying on the Dao’s grace in nurturing and sheltering me, how could someone as foolish and shallow as I dare take such matters upon myself? Only through my venerable master’s compassion and pity might this undertaking be brought to completion.

At someone’s request, submitted in writing, a Huanglu Great Retreat is to be held—a Daoist Zhaijiao rite for delivering the souls of the dead. In addition to the matters already reported in order, the altar is now to be established on a certain day, and all preparations completed. Since the procedures for the Huanglu Great Retreat have been set out above, this petition must be recorded and submitted.

I respectfully submit this petition:

Great Master of the Mysterious Center, I humbly ask my venerable master, in compassion, to look kindly upon this matter from beginning to end and grant approval; to prepare a memorial on my behalf and report it to the authorities; and to issue orders to the relevant offices in the Three Realms to carry it out. I humbly ask my venerable master to descend and reside for a time at the retreat altar, so that the memorial may reach the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the rite may be completed in full within seven days, and the world of the unseen and the human world may celebrate together, with all under Heaven receiving its blessings.

I further humbly ask my venerable master to command the officers, clerks, and troops of the registers of the Three Caverns and Four Supplements, as well as the forces of the Three Realms and the Five Sacred Peaks, to guard the retreat and convey our sincere intent. May orders and Fulu be issued to summon and seize the souls, deliver the dead who remain in the underworld among all living beings, and pardon and release the sins of souls suffering in the Three Paths and Nine Nights—the torments of the underworld—so that all the departed recommended for deliverance may ascend to the realm of pure emptiness. I have presumed upon my venerable master’s authority and am filled with fear and unease; I respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Three Masters (combined as one petition, in the same format as the petition to the Mysterious Master)

True Lord, Master of the Lingbao Scriptures

True Lord, Master of the Lingbao Registers

True Lord, Master of Lingbao Initiation

Petition to the Five Offices (respectfully presented in a square document case to the Shangqing Tongchu Office)

Holding the rank of: (Your servant), surname withheld.

Your servant has repeatedly presumed upon my venerable master’s kindness, heedless of the punishment I may incur. I reflect that I am foolish and shallow, like a walking corpse. Born into the teachings of the Dao, I have received my master’s nurturing grace and have been appointed to serve in the offices of the perfected. I have vowed to promote the Great Dao throughout my life. I humbly ask my venerable master to forgive and protect me, and to support me always.

Recently, at someone’s request, submitted in writing, a Huanglu Great Retreat is to be held. In addition to the matters already reported in order, the altar is now to be established on a certain day. I shall prepare the documents as appropriate and, in accordance with the fundamental methods of the Dongxuan Lingbao tradition, arrange the required talismanic commands and the true talismans and secret registers of the Five Elemental Offices. These will be used to deliver the souls of the underworld, aid the visible world, support the propagation of the teachings, bring stability to the times, and summon and employ the spirits, so that the retreat may be completed in full.

Yet my nature is dull, my learning shallow, my De slight, and my offenses grave. Without relying on my master’s grace, I can hardly hope to reach the spirits. Therefore this petition must be recorded and submitted.

I respectfully submit this petition:

To the True Lord of Quiet Response, Celestial Master of Orthodox Unity, Great Master of Heaven who assists the teachings and supports the primordial, of the Three Heavens of the Elemental Radiance Office.

To the True Lord Who, in the Yuanhe era, relocated the prefectural seat and answered prayers through the power of Zhenwu, the Perfected Lord Who Protects the Sage (the Great Emperor Zhenwu); the Perfected Lord Who Assists the Sage and Preserves Good Fortune and Virtue, of the Yuan Zhao Lingxu Prefecture; the Perfected Lord, Deputy Marshal Tianyou, of the Yuan Jing Dantian Prefecture; and the Perfected Lord, Chief Marshal Tianpeng, of the Yuan Ying Taihuang Prefecture: I respectfully pray to you, all Perfected Lords, to show compassion and pity toward a later student, and in particular to look kindly upon the matters and reasons I have reported before and now. I once again appeal to you on this account.

I earnestly ask Heaven’s court to issue an edict directing the various offices to carry out these matters according to the proper laws. I respectfully hope that you, the Perfected Lords, will arrive in cloud chariots and briefly take your seats at the purification altar, where the Zhaijiao rites are performed, so that I may read the talismanic memorials and issue commands. I also pray that you command the officials, generals, and clerks of the scriptures, registers, and methods of the Three Caverns and Four Supplements; the troops, spirits, and beings of the Three Realms and Ten Directions, the Five Sacred Peaks and Four Great Rivers; the altar supervisors and attendants; the officials of the Numinous Treasure tradition; the five generals on duty for each month; the masters in charge of the twelve double-hours; the generals and troops under the Five Prefectures; and the spirits in my own ritual practice who oversee the summoning of souls and capture of spirits. May they respond in good time, descend when summoned, and come to the altar to guard it; may they circulate talismanic dispatches and documents, proclaim commands throughout the Nine Provinces, and notify the various offices, so that virtuous works may be accomplished and blessings bestowed widely upon both the underworld and the world of the living.

May the souls of the deceased, including the person or persons recommended for deliverance, together with all beings in the Five Destinies, the Four Births, and the Three Paths, and all souls sunk in suffering or detained in their passage, leave the realm of darkness and come to the purification altar to receive Heaven’s grace and ascend to a wholesome realm. May all living beings, whether flying through the air or dwelling in the waters, follow their own natures, and may plants and animals alike be revived. I have presumed upon your numinous authority and am filled with apprehension; I respectfully submit this petition.

This document may be amended by anyone who does not practice the orthodox methods of the Five Prefectures. One copy may be written as a petition to the Celestial Master; another may be submitted jointly with the Office of the Four Saints and Marshals of the North Pole, and may also be used as a general form.

Petition of Immortal Elder Ge

(Place the petition in an envelope and deliver it to the household of the Left Immortal Elder of the Supreme Ultimate.)

Ritual rank: (Your servant) bears the surname [name omitted].

(Your servant) has long received the protection of the True Dao and has been admitted to the ranks of ritual office, yet has failed to be free of faults, and dares not make false claims. My sole intention is to devote myself to assisting others and rescuing living beings, so I have taken the liberty of stating my thoughts and respectfully ask for your clear discernment. (Your servant) has already recorded the relevant matters and submitted them in a report to Heaven’s court. In addition, my abilities are mediocre, my learning shallow, and my cultivation insufficient; I cannot readily understand matters of the hidden world, and fear that I may be unable to reach the spirits or fulfill this prayer. I can only ask for the protection of my revered master, in the hope that I may thereby complete the merit of delivering departed souls. I therefore respectfully set down this petition and submit it for your consideration.

Respectfully submitted.

The Immortal Lord Taiji Zuoxianweng, the True Lord Chongying, reverently prays that his revered master will compassionately grant this request, remain true to the original vow, and further revive the Daoist teachings. For this purpose in particular, he submits a petition to the Celestial Court.

He prays that the Celestial Court reaffirm its decrees and command the officials and commanders of the scriptures, registers, and methods of the Dongxuan division; the officials of Lingbao; the Jade Youths and Jade Maidens; and the celestial generals and immortal troops to work together in guarding the altar. Let them copy the petition, transmit the orders, and issue the talismanic commands, so that the merit of the Zhaijiao purification ritual may be brought to completion and the protection of the spirits widely bestowed.

May blessings reach throughout the world, and grace extend over both the living and the underworld. May the souls of the deceased persons recommended here, along with beings throughout the Nine Provinces, the Five Paths and Three Destinies—the realms in which beings are reborn or suffer according to Buddhist and other religious beliefs—the Four Births (womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born), and all forms of life, be delivered. May all sunken spirits in need of salvation and souls lingering in the underworld leave the darkness, receive the benefit of these good deeds, understand their nature and origin, and attain rebirth and deliverance. I further pray that your cloud chariot descend to witness and record this Zhaijiao rite. Your servant dares to present this petition.

Your revered mastership is august and mighty. Your servant is overcome with awe and trepidation, and respectfully submits this petition.

Petition of Xu Zhenjun (respectfully submitted in a sealed document to the office of the High and Illustrious Great Envoy)

During the Zhenghe era of Emperor Huizong of the Song, Xu Zhenjun was bestowed the honorific title “True Lord of Divine Achievement and Wondrous Deliverance.” He was invested by imperial jade mandate, and Huizong also addressed him in a memorial as the “Grand Historian and High and Illustrious Great Envoy, Celestial Immortal of the Nine Provinces.” “High and Illustrious Great Envoy” was an honorific title conferred by the celestial realm.

Your servant, holder of a ritual rank, surnamed So-and-so:

Your servant is of limited ability and has long been shaped and instructed through your teaching. Though I have entered the ranks of the Daoist tradition, I have yet to fathom the profound truths of the Great Dao. I can only hope to serve to the best of my ability in repayment for your exceptional favor. I respectfully submit this petition concerning the matter at hand. My learning is ordinary and my ritual arts have not reached perfection; I have mistakenly taken on the leading responsibility. How could this move Heaven? Without your revered mastership’s protection, the Zhaijiao rite cannot be brought to completion. I must therefore record this petition and submit it for your review.

Respectfully submitted above:

The Grand Historian and High and Illustrious Great Envoy, Celestial Immortal of the Nine Provinces, Divine Achievement and Wondrous Deliverance True Lord: your servant respectfully prays that you will compassionately grant this request and strengthen the great vow. Though my learning and ability are limited, I have undertaken this charitable Zhaijiao rite. I venture to pray that you send your procession of fire-tossing and bell-bearing attendants—the divine commanders summoned in Daoist liturgy—to descend upon the altar where the rite is being performed, inspect and record these sincere prayers, and bear witness to this observance. I further pray that you copy the petition, deliver it to the gates of Heaven, issue the commands, and order the officials of the various departments and of the scriptures, registers, and methods of the Three Caverns and Four Supplements, together with their clerks, youths, commanders, and attendants, the officials of Lingbao, the Jade Youths and Jade Maidens, and the divine forces of the ten directions and three realms, to come when summoned, descend at the appointed time, and guard the altar, so that the Zhaijiao rite may proceed unobstructed…

I respectfully submit this memorial, register the petitions, issue talismans and registers, and confer ritual authority, praying that the state be secure, the people prosperous, all beings at peace, and the times tranquil. I also pray for the deliverance and salvation of the departed souls of a certain person and others, and of all souls sunk in the underworld among the Five Paths, Three Destinies, Four Modes of Birth, and every kind of being. May they leave the darkness, receive Heaven’s grace, understand the karmic ties of their past lives, and find peace and clarity. May their past transgressions be forever erased and may they attain liberation. May the living and the dead alike rejoice, and may the underworld and the human world alike be at peace. I have presumed upon your dignity and am filled with trepidation; I respectfully submit this petition.

Petitions Presented Separately to the Three Officials

Celestial Official of the Upper Primordial

(This letter is addressed to the palace of the Celestial Official of the Upper Primordial.)

Ritual rank: Your servant, of the [surname] family.

I dwell in the mundane world, with a muddled disposition, ignorant and limited in understanding. Yet I have received a place in the ranks of the immortals and been instructed in the true Dao. I carefully restrain myself and remain reverent, not daring to say too much. But my prayer is sincere and urgent, and I truly cannot hold it back. I look up to the Celestial Official for pardon, and ask that he closely examine my sincerity. In accordance with the matter at hand, I must register and submit a written petition, and so I respectfully present this report.

I respectfully submit this petition to the Emperor Lord, Celestial Official of the Upper Primordial. I humbly ask the Emperor Lord, in his compassion, to grant my request, descend in his immortal chariot, and take his place at the ritual altar. May he witness and record my sincere prayers and attest to the observance of this rite. May his grace extend throughout the world and blessings reach both the human world and the underworld; I also ask him to present this petition on my behalf to the Heavenly Court.

I pray that the Heavenly Court issue its command and notify the three palaces, nine offices, thirty-six departments, and all relevant agencies of the celestial realm of the Upper Primordial. May they observe the talismanic command according to the rites, and deliver and save the departed souls of a certain person and others, as well as all souls sunk in the underworld among the Five Paths, Four Modes of Birth, Three Destinies, and every kind of being. May their karmic offenses and retributive debts be cleared away, their restraints and entanglements released, and may they leave the realm of darkness and ascend to a blessed state. May all within China rejoice together, and may every being find peace. I have presumed upon Heaven’s dignity and am filled with trepidation; I respectfully submit this petition.

Terrestrial Official of the Middle Primordial

(This letter is addressed to the palace of the Terrestrial Official of the Middle Primordial.)

Ritual rank: Your servant, of the [surname] family.

My disposition is ordinary and limited, my mind dim and clouded. Yet I have received grace and protection, and have been able to accept instruction in the true Dao. Although I have long held a Fulu (talismanic register conferring a Daoist priestly rank), I reflect that my merits are slight. I still earnestly ask the Terrestrial Official for pardon and a little consideration of my sincerity. In accordance with the matter at hand, I must register and submit a written petition, and so I respectfully present this report.

I respectfully submit this petition to the Emperor Lord, Terrestrial Official of the Middle Primordial. I humbly ask the Emperor Lord, in his compassion, to grant my request, descend in his immortal chariot, and take his place at the ritual altar. May he witness and record my sincere prayers and attest to the observance of this rite. May his grace extend throughout the world and blessings reach both the underworld and the human world; I also ask him to present this petition on my behalf to the Heavenly Court.

Here, “letter” and “petition” refer to written documents presented to the deities during a Zhaijiao ritual. “Deliverance” and “salvation” are ritual terms for praying on behalf of the dead so that they may escape the torments of the underworld.

An official document is issued from the Heavenly Court and delivered to the various offices under the Three Palaces, Nine Prefectures, and Forty-Two Bureaus of the Central Prime terrestrial realm. (Its format is the same as that of documents addressed to the Celestial Official.)

Document addressed to the Water Official of the Lower Prime (place the document in a square case and send it to the palace of the Water Official of the Lower Prime).

Submitted by the ritual official: (I, your subject,) of the surname [name].

I am dull of understanding and lacking in ability, yet have been entrusted with a weighty office. Day after day I fear incurring guilt and punishment, and have no power to make up for my shortcomings. Now, as an occasion to lead and oversee prayers of petition has arisen, relief should rightly be granted. I venture to pray for forgiveness and especially beg for your compassion. In accordance with the matters undertaken, I must carefully record them in a document and submit it.

I respectfully submit this report.

I humbly beseech the Water Official Emperor of the Lower Prime, the deity who governs the waters of the Lower Prime, to respond to this petition with compassion and graciously grant its request. May you especially descend to the ritual altar, examine and record this sincere prayer, and attest to the rites performed. May your grace extend throughout the world, bringing blessings to both the visible realm and the underworld. I also beg you to present this petition to the Heavenly Court.

An official document is issued from the Heavenly Court and delivered to the various offices under the Three Palaces, Nine Prefectures, and Forty-Two Bureaus of the Lower Prime water realm, in the same format as before.

Document addressed to the Five Emperors (place the document in a square case and send it to the palace of the Azure Emperor of the East).

Submitted by the ritual official: (I, your subject,) of the surname [name].

Though my position is humble, I have received the nurturing grace of Heaven and Earth. I have long served in a Daoist ritual office, yet achieved little merit. To escape punishment, nothing is more urgent than relieving and delivering souls. Since I have already made this earnest petition, how could I dare fail to report it to the Heavenly Court? In accordance with the matters undertaken, I must carefully record them in a document and submit it.

I respectfully submit this report.

I humbly beseech the Yellow Emperor of the Center, the Black Emperor of the North, the White Emperor of the West, the Red Emperor of the South, and the Azure Emperor of the East to compassionately examine this matter with their sacred wisdom and especially descend to the ritual altar. Have pity on the ignorance of this later student; forgive any errors made while performing rites at the altar, do not enter these offenses in the register of sins, and help bring meritorious deeds to fruition. May all under Heaven receive your grace, and may both the visible realm and the underworld be protected.

May the souls of the deceased, [names], who are being delivered in this rite, together with all souls sunk in suffering among the Five Paths and Three Destinies—the realms in which beings are reborn and undergo suffering—and among the Four Births and myriad kinds of life, receive forgiveness and compassion. May they soon leave the darkness and obscurity of the underworld and ascend together to the pure, empty realm. May they recover their original nature, gather their primordial Qi, and nourish their Shen, so that all living things may find peace: those that fly and those that dwell beneath the waters, each in its proper place.

I have presumed upon your sacred authority and am filled with trepidation. I respectfully submit this petition.

Document to the Presiding Ritual Supervisor (place the document in a square case and present it to the Great Master of Ritual Supervision of the Lingbao tradition).

Submitted by the ritual official: (I, your subject,) of the surname [name].

I, your servant, was once a humble person in the world below. I was born in an age of decline and possessed only ordinary abilities. It was through my master’s grace that I was able to inherit this ritual office. I know my standing is low and that taking up this duty exceeds my proper station. Now, as I happen to be presiding over a purification ritual, I respectfully submit these words of sincerity. I will do my utmost to serve, while still praying for my revered master’s protection and for him to look kindly upon my private intentions. I have recently undertaken this matter in accordance with the needs of the ritual, and now submit this written petition for review.

Respectfully submitted.

The Great Ritual Master of the Lingbao Purification Rite, who presides over the Lingbao purification ritual and oversees its proceedings, humbly hopes that the revered master will show compassion and grant this request. May he specially send his celestial presence to the ritual altar for a time, bestowing abundant grace and blessings that nourish and protect later students and bring their good works to completion. May these blessings reach throughout the world, and this grace extend widely to both the realm of the dead and the human world. I also pray that the souls of certain persons and others may be delivered and rescued, along with the dead of the Five Paths, the Three Destinies, the Four Births, and all those sunk in the depths of suffering, so that they may leave the realm of darkness and ascend to the celestial realm. May all who are reached by the blessings of this purification ritual, whether in China or in distant lands in the four directions, receive its grace. In the presence of my revered master’s majesty, I am filled with fear and unease, and respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Investigating Envoy (presented in a square case before the envoy’s desk)

The Investigating Envoy, a celestial official who inspects and examines good and evil in the human world, has many kinds of duties. For this reason, in the ritual protocols established by Lin Shichen, only this one deity is placed beside the upper eight divine seats. His office is as important as that of an imperial inspector or investigating official in the human world. The title “Envoy” is not in any way slighting; it is an established celestial title and must not be changed.

For example, “Perfected Lord Who Responds to the Origin and Protects the Mandate” is an honorific bestowed during the Song dynasty. In recent times, some people have tried to curry favor with the High Perfected by arbitrarily deleting the original title and calling him only the “Investigating Envoy.” This is highly disrespectful. They do not know that in the celestial realm there is only an “Investigating Envoy,” and that the title “Investigating Commissioner” has never existed there. Common people use human institutions to speculate about celestial offices, then arbitrarily add honorifics of their own. This practice should indeed be abolished. Though the titles differ by only one character, the departure from proper meaning is serious.

Your servant, holder of the ritual rank, of the surname [omitted]:

I presume to make this request and willingly accept blame I do not deserve, asking only that I not offend a divine official of utmost truth. I respectfully beg for compassion and rescue, and for my small measure of sincerity to be examined. I have undertaken this matter in accordance with the needs of the ritual, and now submit this written petition for review.

Respectfully submitted.

To the Investigating Envoy of the Nine Heavens, Perfected Lord Who Responds to the Origin and Protects the Mandate: I respectfully ask you to show compassion and grant this request. May you specially send your celestial presence down to the altar and look upon the purification rite, recording our earnest prayers and presenting them on our behalf. I have here slightly breached the ritual regulations; I beg your forgiveness. Please condescend to grant my request and bestow your support and aid. May the blessings of the purification ritual reach throughout the world, and may the wondrous bridge of deliverance, which guides beings out of suffering, bring its nourishment to the realm of the dead and the human world, so that those sunk in suffering may be rescued…

May the souls of the deceased, including [the named person], be delivered, along with all beings in the Five Destinies (the five realms of rebirth), the Three Paths (the three evil realms of profound suffering), the Four Births (womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born), and the myriad kinds of living beings. May all departed spirits sunk in the netherworld and lingering in the realm of Yin leave the long night forever and escape its profound darkness. May they gather their source and reunite their spirit and soul, regain life and realize their original nature; may calamities cease in the Nine Earths, and may their toil be lifted in the Three Paths. May all beings, sentient and insentient, flying or hidden, receive blessings and enjoy peace and well-being.

I have offended the august might of the True Ones and am filled with dread. I respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Two Perfected Ones of Great Compassion and Great Mercy (to be delivered in a square case to the presence of the Perfected Ones who, with great compassion and mercy, rescue those in distress)

Holding the rank of [ritual title], I, [surname], your servant:

I have privately considered that the foremost purpose of establishing ritual teachings and ceremonies is to benefit living beings and relieve their suffering. Though I am ignorant and unlearned, I dare not forget my duty. And since I have already prayed with reverence, I should properly make this matter known. In accordance with the matter entrusted to me, I must now write up a petition and submit it for your review. I respectfully report as follows:

I hereby respectfully submit this petition to:

The Perfected One of Great Compassion, Great Mercy, and Great Blessings, and the Perfected One of Great Compassion, Great Mercy, and Rescue from Suffering:

I earnestly beseech the two Perfected Ones to look upon this matter with compassion and report it on my behalf. Please request an edict from the Eastern Pole Azure Palace, the celestial court in the eastern heavens, and command all three realms, notifying their various offices. Dispatch specially the Flying Celestial Spirits, issue the talismanic command of the Nine Dragons, and send forth divine beings to rescue those in distress. May they bestow grace as soon as they are called upon, release the souls imprisoned in the underworld, and illuminate the darkness of the Night Terrace. May they deliver and recommend the souls of the deceased, including [the named person], along with all beings in the Five Destinies, the Three Paths, the Four Births, and the myriad kinds sunk in the netherworld. May they dispel enmity and hostility, and guide and deliver those who are lost in delusion. May they gather their source and reunite their spirit and soul, restore their foundations and return them to their original nature, so that they may soon ascend to the realm of ceaseless renewal and forever leave behind the desolate darkness.

May the blessings of this thanksgiving Zhaijiao purification ritual extend throughout the human world, and its mysterious grace spread through both the netherworld and the world of the living. May all lives, even those that have renounced desire yet possess awareness, and all beings endowed with physical substance or born through transformation, regain their vitality and return to peace and joy. I further pray that the various divine beings arrive in their spirit carriages, briefly take their places at the altar, and complete this good work, so that the Zhaijiao may be brought to a perfect conclusion.

I have offended the august might of the True Ones and am filled with dread. I respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Director of Destinies of the Nine Heavens (to be delivered in a square case to the official who directs destinies in the Nine Heavens)

Holding the rank of [ritual title], I, [surname], your servant:

Trusting in your generous grace, I venture to set out the thoughts in my heart. In accordance with the matter entrusted to me, I must now write up a petition and submit it for your review. I respectfully report as follows:

I hereby respectfully submit this petition to:

The Perfected Lord Who Directs Destinies of the Nine Heavens, the divine lord who oversees the registers of destiny in the heavens:

I earnestly beseech the Perfected Lord to grant this request with compassion and make a special visit to the Jade Altar for a short while, to behold this Zhaijiao and grant special protection to me, your ignorant servant…

This scripture is part of the Daoist Yellow Register Purification Ritual (Zhaijiao), specifically the documents presented to the Demon Kings of the Three Realms and the Five Thearch Demon Kings, expressing the supplication for these deities to descend upon the ritual altar and protect the ceremony.

First, petitions are presented to the "Demon Kings of the Three Realms" - the Realm of Desire, Realm of Form, and Realm of Formlessness - beseeching these mighty beings to extend their compassion and temporarily descend to the purification altar to assist in the meritous work of soul salvation. The documents also request the descent of celestial beings including the Flying Celestial Kings, Great Divine Officials, Lingbao officials (various ranks of deities in the Daoist pantheon), Jade Maidens and Youths, Three-Five Merit Officials (deities recording merits and faults), Left and Right Messenger Officials, and the Direct Talisman Bearers of the Five Thearchs (emissaries of the Five Directional Celestial Emperors). These deities all hold the Dongxuan Lingbao registers (important Daoist scriptures) and will assist the Daoist priests in conducting the purification ritual, guarding the sacred altar, transmitting documents, and promulgating talismanic decrees.

Subsequently, petitions are presented to the "Five Thearch Demon Kings" - the Central Yellow Heaven Demon King, Northern Black Heaven Demon King, Western White Heaven Demon King, Southern Red Heaven Demon King, and Eastern Blue Heaven Demon King - following the same format as the Three Realms petitions. Finally, documents are also submitted to the Yellow Register Bureau (the divine institution overseeing salvation rituals).

The text repeatedly mentions the objects of salvation, including: specific deceased souls, as well as various wandering spirits from the Five Paths (heavenly, human, animal, hungry ghost, and hell realms), Three Miserable Paths (fire, blood, and blade), and Four Modes of Birth (womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born). Through the purification ritual, it is hoped these souls may be liberated from suffering, ascend to the Southern Palace (the Daoist abode of immortals), and attain rebirth.

The Daoist priest humbly concludes by acknowledging the audacity of disturbing the deities' majesty, expressing reverential awe through self-deprecation. These documents must be composed according to specific formats and delivered respectively to palaces of the Formless Realm Demon Kings, Blue Heaven Demon Kings, and other lower realm divine abodes.

I am of modest ability, yet have been sheltered and nurtured by the teachings of the Dao, and have been able to serve in an appointed office. Relying on your forbearance, I venture to report this matter: recently, a ritual was performed in accordance with the liturgy, and I have now recorded the relevant details in a document for your information.

Respectfully submitted.

I humbly beseech the exalted perfected ones who preside over the Yellow Register Court of the Lower Origin (an institution responsible for Yellow Register purification rites and the deliverance of the dead) to show compassion and understanding, and to make a special visit to the ritual altar to bring this meritorious undertaking to completion. May they protect me, a later student of shallow learning, and, on my behalf, petition the Heavenly Court for an edict directing the officials, generals, clerks, and troops under the Yellow Register Court to proceed to their offices, proclaim the talismanic commands, and convey the memorial texts. May they deliver and raise up the souls of the deceased named here, as well as all souls lingering in the netherworld: those of the Five Paths, Three Destinies, Four Births, and all beings. May these souls leave the underworld and come to the ritual ground, awaken from delusion, be freed from the retributions and bonds they must endure, and be reborn in wholesome realms, long receiving the grace of the true Dao. May the blessings of this purification ritual extend throughout the netherworld and the human world; may its mysterious beneficence encompass plants and animals, bringing peace and security to the ten directions and renewal to all beings. I have trespassed upon the sacred authority and am filled with trepidation; I respectfully submit this petition.

Memorial of the Nanchang Upper Palace, a Daoist temple and ritual institution.

Presented by an officiant of the following rank, surname withheld.

I am of ordinary ability and shallow learning, yet have presumptuously taken on this office. My merit is slight, my faults weighty, and I lack the means to make amends. If I do not strive to assist and spread the true Dao, how can I offer even a small repayment for the aspirations I have long held? I therefore venture to express my sincere intent and submit it to the exalted perfected ones.

In addition to the purification rite already established in accordance with the liturgy, on the night of its second day we shall conduct a general refining and deliverance rite for all the destined souls among the Three Destinies, Five Paths, all beings, and Four Births. On the night of the third day, we shall perform a refining and deliverance rite to raise up the souls of the deceased named here, so that each may transcend this existence and all may receive deliverance together. I will devote myself wholeheartedly and dare not presume to rank one above another. Yet, because I am ignorant and poorly learned, I cannot fully discern the subtle workings of the unseen spiritual realm. I fear that the talismans and memorials on which I rely may not reach their recipients or elicit a response. I have therefore recorded the matter in a document for your information.

Respectfully submitted.

I humbly beseech the exalted perfected ones who preside over the Nanchang Upper Palace in the Vermilion Mound Fire Court (a divine residence in the Daoist netherworld) to show compassion and understanding, and to make a special visit to the ritual altar, bringing this purification rite to completion and extending deliverance to all. I further beseech them to command their attendant officials, generals, clerks, and assembled deities to disperse primordial Qi and send down divine spirits. At the appointed time, may they come to the altar and especially tend, nurture, and transform the souls of the deceased named here who are to be raised up, together with all the sunken souls destined for deliverance among the Five Paths, Three Destinies, Four Births, and all beings. May the Yin and Yang energies once again be brought into harmony, and the Five Phases once again brought forth in transformation…

We sincerely beseech all the True Lords to restore the human foundation, so that our original nature may return and our source be recovered. May delusion be cut off forever, and may we ultimately attain the realm of ceaseless generation and transformation. May no ghosts sink into suffering across the Nine Wilds, and may sinful souls in the Three Paths be freed from punishment and forced labor. May the living and the dead alike find rest and peace, and may the netherworld and the human realm rejoice together. I humbly beseech the numinous might of the True Lords.

Petition to the Three Primordial True Lords of Shangqing

Respectfully submitted to the office of the Upper Origin Tang True Lord.

The ritual office submitting this petition: surname withheld.

I respectfully report the matter at hand. I plan to present a petition on a certain day at a certain hour, and have set down my earnest intentions in full, praying for a response from Heaven. I received numinous grace long ago and have long served in the ritual administration. Although I have made a modest study of carrying out the teachings and performing the liturgy, I have not gained a thorough understanding of the rites for dispatching the spirit to court and paying homage to the Celestial Emperor. I fear the petition may not reach its destination smoothly, and that the purification rites may be deficient. Now that I am assigned to the relevant office, it is right that I pray and make my request. I therefore must register this petition and submit my report.

Respectfully submitted as stated above.

We humbly beseech the Lower Origin True Lord Dingzhi, the Middle Origin True Lord Ge Huzheng, and the Upper Origin True Lord Tang Daohua to show compassion and grant this request. May they come in person to the purification altar and command the deities who convey petitions; may they inform the officials stationed on the Firm Wind, clear the cloud road, and ensure the petition reaches its destination; and may they guide my mortal spirit to court at the Celestial Emperor’s palace. May the sincerity of this purification rite meet no obstruction. May Heaven’s grace extend widely to all beings, bringing all things into the light and restoring them to life. May the Six Heavens be peaceful and secure. I humbly beseech the numinous might of the True Lords.

The Great Method of the Numinous Treasure of Shangqing, scroll thirty