《靈寶文檢》Vol. 15

This scripture records the liturgical memorial format used in the Daoist "Great Rite of the Nine Emperor Stars" (a major Zhaijiao ritual worshiping the nine stars of the Northern Dipper). The content consists of two main sections:

The first part presents a memorial addressed to the "Sovereign of Ten Thousand Stars, Supreme Emperor of the North Pole, Purple Tenuity Great Emperor" (the Daoist deification of Polaris). The Daoist priest refers to himself as "your subject" and prostrates with reverent trepidation, acknowledging his audacity in disturbing the celestial court while seeking divine forgiveness. The document explains the purpose of the ritual, petitioning the Purple Tenuity Emperor to issue celestial decrees informing all stellar deities, the Three Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials), the Four Saints (four guardian deities), and other divine beings to collectively protect the ceremony. It simultaneously requests absolution for past and present transgressions to ensure the ritual's success, allowing participating devotees to dispel calamities and receive blessings.

The second section contains a similar memorial format directed toward the Southern Pole's Venerable Twin Emperors (referring to the Great Emperor of Longevity and other stellar lords of the Southern Pole). The priest respectfully bows before the "Jade Emperor, Supreme Lord of the North Pole Star," seeking divine witness to the ceremony, forgiveness of sins, and the mobilization of relevant stellar deities from the Dipper Ministry (the celestial department governing constellations). The prayer expresses hope that through this ritual, disasters may be averted, longevity extended, and devotees granted peace and auspicious fortune.

The recurring phrase "your subject of such position" represents the priest's standard self-reference, while expressions like "with reverent trepidation" demonstrate proper awe toward the divine. Such memorials in Daoist ritual practice serve to formally communicate ceremonial matters to deities, embodying the sacred protocols of human-divine interaction.

Before the majesty of the True Powers, our humble words rise to the heights. Overcome with emotion and scarcely able to contain ourselves, we hold our breath in anxious reverence, wholly sincere and deeply apprehensive. We bow our heads to the ground, prostrate ourselves, and bow again in homage. We respectfully submit this report.

Dipper Mother

To the Dipper Mother, with the same formal opening as above:

The Great Sage, Primordial Heavenly Sovereign Mother of the Dipper, Moli Zhi Tian, standing before the Dao, in your wise compassion—

(Here, the Dipper Mother is not addressed with the word “subject”; only honorific language is used.)

The Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper and the Star Sovereign of One’s Birth Destiny

To the Great Sage of the Central Heaven, the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper, Star Sovereigns Who Relieve Adversity, Prolong Life, and Lead to the Dao, as your light descends, in your compassionate grace—

We also respectfully look to the Star Sovereign of our birth destiny: the Star Sovereign Who Presides Over the Current Life and Birth Destiny in the Shangqing Celestial Wheel Palace, as your light descends.

We implore your true compassion to grant our petition today: specially send down your immortal retinue to witness and examine this purification rite, and, in particular, to pardon (someone) and forgive their transgressions, deliver them from adversity and dispel calamities, bring harmony to the courses of the stars and peace to the flow of Qi, increase their years and prolong their life, prosper their emoluments and fortunes, remove all unforeseen disasters, and let them continually enjoy abundant blessings. We have offended your majesty and are filled with apprehension. We respectfully submit this petition.

The Eleven Luminaries (for pure rites)

To the Star Sovereigns of the Eleven Great Luminaries of the Shangqing Golden Wheel Palace—

We respectfully implore your true compassion to grant (the petitioner’s) request and specially issue a formal decree to be conveyed to the celestial star enclosures and Dipper offices, the bureaus governing birth destinies, and all divine offices responsible for calamities and blessings, so that they may all be informed.

We petition especially for (someone): pardon their past faults and transgressions, dispel calamities and misfortunes, bring the courses of the stars and the flow of Qi into harmony, prosper their emoluments and fortunes, increase their years, forever remove the threat of minor misfortunes, and continually welcome auspicious blessings. At the appointed time, we humbly pray that your precious carriage will look down and witness the offerings of the rite. We have offended your majesty and tremble with fear. We respectfully submit this petition.

Perfected Person of the Green Gauze

To the Perfected Person of the Green Gauze of the Shangqing, before your sacred presence—

We respectfully implore your true compassion to grant our petition today: specially receive the immortal retinue to witness and record the performance of this purification rite. We further beg you to present a memorial to the Star Court of the Celestial Wheel of the Shangqing and request that a formal decree be sent down to the star palaces, the bureaus governing birth destinies, and all affiliated divine offices responsible for calamities and blessings, directing them all to attend to the matter and carry it out. This is petitioned especially for (someone), with the same supplication as above: pardon transgressions, dispel calamities, bring good fortune, and prolong life.

Bureau of the Mysterious Capital

To the True Lords, the Three Masters and Chief Ministers of the Bureau of the Mysterious Capital, beneath your canopy—

We respectfully implore your true compassion to grant (the petitioner’s) request and specially bestow—

(The original passage ends here; the text would continue with the decree, the thanksgiving, and the sending off of the gods.)

Reading Notes

“Someone” refers to the person performing the purification rite and seeking blessings.

“The petitioner” is the ritual officiant’s self-reference, roughly equivalent to “humble subject” or “disciple.”

“Before the Dao,” “as your light descends,” “before your sacred presence,” and “beneath your canopy” describe the direction in which the invocation is recited, toward the place of the honored deity—before the Dao, beneath the light, before the sacred presence, or beneath the canopy. They do not refer to ordinary physical directions.

The Star Sovereign of one’s birth destiny and the Star Sovereign Who Presides Over the Current Life correspond to the heavenly stems and earthly branches of one’s birth year. They are often invoked on one’s birth destiny day or during a major star rite.

The Eleven Luminaries are the deities of the sun, moon, and nine stellar bodies. Their invocation belongs to the lineage of the Golden Wheel Palace.

The Perfected Person of the Green Gauze is a deity in the Shangqing lineage associated with transmitting teachings and registers, often responsible for presenting documents to the Star Court.

The Three Masters and Chief Ministers of the Bureau of the Mysterious Capital are senior ministerial Perfected Lords in the imagined celestial government known as the Bureau of the Mysterious Capital. In ritual, they often serve as the highest recipients of petitions.

The following is a modern vernacular interpretation of this passage from the Lingbao Wenjian:

(Ritual texts for welcoming the crane-borne procession and presiding over the liturgy)

May the crane-borne procession of the immortals descend upon the purification altar. The person presiding over the teaching and liturgy at this altar, [Name], respectfully reports to the Celestial Court: We earnestly request that an edict be issued and proclaimed to the stars and constellations of the heavens, the Three Officials and Five Emperors, and all relevant offices of the Celestial Bureaucracy and the underworld, directing them to provide their full support. May they act specifically on behalf of [Name], the patron of this altar, to pardon sins and transgressions, overcome adversity and dispel calamities, bring peace through the light of the stars, and extend the years of his allotted life. May his name be removed from the register of sins in the underworld and entered instead in the Southern Palace’s register of the virtuous. We further ask that officials, attendants, generals, and clerks from the various offices of the Lingbao tradition be sent down to assist in the ritual, so that its merit may be fulfilled and the patron may receive divine grace. We, [Name] and others, presume to make this request.

The Five Masters (in the same format as the petition to the Celestial Bureau)

We have received the compassionate approval of the Three Primes for the petition submitted by [Name]. May they specially bestow a dragon chariot to witness and confirm this ritual observance. We further ask that proclamations be issued to the Three Palaces, Nine Courts, and One Hundred and Twenty Offices, and that the relevant offices of the perfected beings inspect and verify the matter and provide their full support. (This follows the same format as the petition to the Celestial Bureau, but does not explicitly mention dispatching generals and clerks.)

The Four Sages

We have received the compassionate approval of the Four Sages for the petition submitted by [Name]. May they grace the ritual assembly and witness this sacred observance. We ask them especially to send down officials, attendants, generals, and clerks from the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen), the Four Assistants, and the offices of scriptures, registers, and methods, together with the officials of the Lingbao tradition, at the appointed time. May they protect the purification altar, issue commands to the various offices, and transmit the memorial to the North Pole, so that the ritual’s merit may be fulfilled and the patron may receive divine grace, free from demonic interference, with blessings continually bestowed upon his household.

The Eastern Peak

We have received the compassionate approval of the Eastern Peak’s sacred authority for this petition. May the imperial procession be specially welcomed to witness and record the ritual observance. We further ask that notices be issued to the relevant offices of the Peak’s register for extending life, to Taishan, and to the local city gods and territorial deities, directing them all to provide their support. May they remove the faults and offenses of [Name], dispel calamities and misfortunes, extend the years of his allotted life, increase his wealth and prosperity, avert undeserved disasters, and continually bring an abundance of blessings.

Dispatch to the Officials and Generals

Respectfully submitted above by dispatch.

To the officials and generals of the various Lingbao offices, and the clerks and soldiers of the Thunder Division: Please examine the matter and act accordingly. May you manifest in your respective true forms and transform your Qi, descend to the ritual altar, cleanse the impure and raise up the pure, convey our sincerity and earnest appeal, and act specifically on behalf of [Name], the patron of this altar, to dispel calamities and overcome adversity, erase sins and remove faults, extend the years of his allotted life, and bring good fortune to his household. We earnestly await your divine response and the fulfillment of this appeal. Respectfully submitted by dispatch.

Dispatch for Relieving Adversity

Respectfully submitted above by dispatch.

(The meaning is similar to the dispatch above: it is sent to the officials and generals of the various offices, requesting that they descend to the ritual altar to dispel calamities, relieve adversity, extend life, and bring blessings to the household of [Name].)

Note: This text follows the formats for petitions and invocations, and for dispatches, used in Lingbao purification and offering rituals. “[Name]” is a placeholder for the person receiving the ritual’s merit; “[the officiant]” is how the Daoist ritual practitioner refers to themself. The Celestial Bureau, the Three Primes, the Four Sages, and the Eastern Peak refer respectively to the sacred beings and the system of offices at the mountain being invoked. The dispatches are sent to the various Lingbao offices and the Thunder Division, directing them to manifest in their respective true forms, transform their Qi, and descend to protect the altar. Where the original is incomplete or follows a format found in other texts, the reading has been supplemented according to common ritual conventions, without adding to the meaning.

A Plain-Language Reading of the Lingbao Document Forms

Petition to the Great Spirit Officials in the Dipper Palace Who Resolve Calamities

To the great spirit officials in the Dipper Palace who oversee the removal of disasters and the resolution of misfortune:

The circumstances have already been set out above. We respectfully ask you to make a special effort to release (name) from the Three Declines, Eight Difficulties, Nine Untimely Deaths, Five Sufferings, and every kind of hardship, including calamities involving water, fire, weapons, and soldiers, arising in the years, months, days, and hours. We ask that each be resolved and that no further obstruction remain. Reduce the sins carried over from previous lives and dispel the calamities of this life, so that the shoots of goodness may grow and the allotted years of life be extended.

We further hope that your divine presence will descend to inspect the Zhaijiao purification ritual. Respectfully submitted.

Petition to the Envoys Qiangyang and Tuoluo

This petition is presented to the two immortal envoys Qiangyang and Tuoluo of the Dipper Palace.

The circumstances have already been set out above. We ask you to convey the sincere devotion of this humble petitioner to the Dipper Court, and to descend with your phoenix-and-crane retinue to inspect this mortal ritual. Make a special effort to pardon (name)’s sins and faults, extend life and deliver them from calamity, bring peace and harmony to the years ahead, and increase their years of longevity, so that they may forever be spared unexpected misfortune and continually receive the blessings of heartfelt sincerity. Respectfully submitted.

(Qiangyang and Tuoluo are the names of envoys of the Dipper Palace. “Heartfelt sincerity” refers to faithfulness within the heart.)

Petition to the Messenger

This petition is presented to the Messenger-in-Attendance in the Dipper Palace.

The circumstances have already been set out above. We trouble you to convey this single, sincere thought to the palaces of the Nine Sovereigns, and to accompany your crane-borne carriage as it graces this humble dwelling. Witness the reverence with which we offer duckweed and water plants, and bestow the blessings of protection and long life. Respectfully submitted.

(The Nine Sovereigns are revered deities, including those of the Northern Dipper. “Humble dwelling” refers to the modest ritual altar.)

Petition to the Grand Year (Yearly Sha)

The circumstances have already been set out above. Please receive our humble appeal and issue instructions: command the yearly Sha, the Mourning Gate, the White Tiger, and all other baleful influences of the current year to withdraw. Specially grant (name) favorable and upright stellar fortunes and a peaceful, prosperous year; deliver them from calamity, dispel disaster, extend their life, and increase their allotted years. Throughout the cycle of the year, we rely entirely on your protection. Respectfully submitted.

(The Mourning Gate and White Tiger are names of baleful influences associated with a given year. “Protection” literally evokes a covering canopy.)

Petition to the City God

The circumstances have already been set out above. Please take notice of the Zhaijiao ritual and instruct the local gods of the land and territory to provide their care. Make a special effort on behalf of (name) to pardon faults and transgressions, dispel calamities and misfortune, increase their allotted years, and bring peace and prosperity to the years ahead. May unexpected misfortune be forever dispelled and abundant blessings continually received; may the household be blessed with good fortune and all the family live in peace. Respectfully submitted.

Petitions to the Local Community Gods and the Land God

This petition is hereby addressed to you, gods. Please take notice of the matter in detail, sweep away demonic influences, purify the ritual precinct, convey our sincere devotion, and respectfully welcome the exalted perfected ones. Make a special effort on behalf of (name), as stated in the petition to the City God.

Petition to the God of Fate

This notice is hereby issued for your attention. Please examine the matter described above and first report it to the true spirits who receive incense offerings in this household. Then immediately drive away demons and dispel malevolent spirits. (The specific prayer may continue in the text that follows.)

(The God of Fate governs the household’s allotted years of life. “True spirits who receive incense offerings” refers to ancestors or household gods worshipped at the family shrine.)

Note: The text follows the format of petition documents used in Lingbao Zhaijiao purification rituals. Petitions are presented in sequence to the spirit officials of the Dipper Palace, the envoys Qiangyang and Tuoluo, the Messenger-in-Attendance, the baleful influences of the Grand Year, the City God, the local community and land gods, and the God of Fate. Expressions such as “the circumstances have already been set out above,” “respectfully submitted,” and “please take notice” are characteristic of Daoist liturgical documents. “(Name)” is a placeholder for the person on whose behalf the petition is made.

A Vernacular Interpretation of Lingbao Wenjian

Purifying the Altar and Welcoming the Perfected Ones

The ritual site is clean inside and out, and the household’s memorial petitions are clear and in order. With sincere hearts, everyone respectfully welcomes the Perfected Ones as they descend. This offering is held specifically on behalf of the person named earlier, to pray at this altar for protection from illness. It also includes a liturgy for dissolving entanglements.

Petition to Haotian

(The ritual procedure is the same as for the Nine Sovereigns Offering and the Star Lords liturgy.)

Your servant respectfully bows before the Compassionate Venerable Haotian. We earnestly beg Heaven’s grace to approve what your servant has petitioned. First, pardon the grave offenses of your servants and permit us to carry out the liturgy. We especially beg you to issue an edict proclaiming this to the heavens of the Three Realms, the stars and constellations, the Three Officials, the Five Emperors, the offices and departments of the Heavenly Court, the sacred mountains and rivers, the offices of pestilence, and every relevant authority that records the calamities and blessings of humankind, directing them all to take notice and carry out this petition. Your servant presumes to intrude upon Heaven’s authority. Our humble feelings are urgent; we await punishment with utmost care. Respectfully submitted.

Petition to the Star Lords

Heaven’s compassion has approved what your servant has petitioned, first pardoning our grave offenses and permitting us to carry out the rite. We especially beg you to issue an edict proclaiming this to the heavens, the stars and constellations, the Three Officials, the Five Emperors, the offices and departments of the Heavenly Court, the sacred mountains and rivers, the offices of pestilence, the Grand Year, the City Gods, and every authority that records the calamities and blessings of humankind, directing them all to take notice. This petition is made specifically on behalf of the afflicted person named here: may their offenses be pardoned and their calamities dispelled; may the stars shine in their proper courses, and may the illness be cured so they can live in peace and well-being. Your servant presumes to intrude upon Heaven’s authority. Our humble feelings are beyond urgent; we await punishment with utmost care. Respectfully submitted.

Petition to the Thunder Venerable

We respectfully look to Your Majesty’s compassionate grace, O Most High Great Emperor, Patriarch of Thunder of the Nine Heavens of Divine Empyrean: approve what this petitioner has submitted. We especially beg you to issue an edict to the relevant authorities of the Three Realms and Four Courts, the Six Offices, the Three Officials, the Four Sages, the departments of the Heavenly Court, the Thunder Division, the offices of pestilence, and all other relevant places, directing them to take notice and carry out this petition. This petition is made specifically on behalf of the person named here: pardon their faults and offenses, extend their life, and continue their years. Command the baleful star to return to its proper position, so that the illness may thereby be cured. Your gracious gift of salvation is a kindness that sustains life itself. We humbly hope that your dragon carriage will descend and bear witness to this mortal rite. This petitioner presumes to intrude upon Your Majesty’s authority; our humble feelings are as stated above.

Petition to Dongyuan

We respectfully look to Your Majesty’s compassionate grace, O Supreme Heavenly Venerable of the Highest Rank, Master of the Cavern Abyss and Samādhi, Subduer of Demons: approve what your servant has petitioned. We especially beg you to issue an edict to all relevant divine offices of the Pestilence Division in the Three Realms, so that they may all be informed. We earnestly beg you to pardon the person named here for every offense, great or small, from past lives and this life, and renew their life completely. Deliver them from calamity, dispel disaster, extend their life, and continue their years. The meaning of this passage is similar to that of the petition to the Thunder Venerable.

Under the protection of true and compassionate grace, permission is granted for (Zhao) to submit this petition. A decree is specially issued, informing the officials in the stellar enclosure who oversee individual destinies, along with the relevant divine offices that govern calamity and fortune, and ordering them to watch over and protect the person together. For the sake of the sick (someone), may their faults be pardoned, so they may pass safely through the trial of their natal star, calamities be dispelled, and enmities and resentments be resolved. May the sick person be protected and recover to full health. May the Office of Pestilence cease its harassment and restore normal order; we earnestly beg for compassion and deliverance. This kindness is truly like a second creation. The petitioner respectfully awaits the fulfillment of this prayer. With the True Light as witness, we make this reverent petition; I, (Zhao), humbly submit it.

Northern Dipper

Under the protection of true and compassionate grace, permission is granted for (Zhao) to submit this petition. A decree is specially issued, informing the Dipper offices, the star officials and divine generals who oversee individual destinies, and the relevant divine offices, and ordering them to watch over and protect the person together. For the sake of the sick (someone), may sins be pardoned and calamities dispelled, life prolonged, and help granted to pass through adversity, so that the fortunes of the year may be peaceful and smooth. We also pray that the numinous officials who dispel adversity and the celestial physicians be sent to remove calamities and treat the root of the illness, so the sick (someone) may recover to full health. The petitioner will not forget this great kindness and respectfully awaits the fulfillment of this prayer. With the True Light as witness, we make this reverent petition; I, (Zhao), humbly submit it.

Three Officials

Under the protection of true and compassionate grace, may the petition submitted by (Zhao) be granted. A decree is specially requested, informing the offices of the Three Primordial Forces that examine and record sin and merit, along with the relevant divine offices, and ordering them to watch over and protect the person together. For the sake of (someone), may all faults, great and small, committed intentionally or unintentionally in this life and previous lives be examined, pardoned, and erased from the registers of sin, and may years be added to their life. May the calamity of illness immediately dissipate and the person recover; may the transgressions borne by the whole family also be resolved, and peace bestowed upon them. We respectfully await the fulfillment of this prayer. May the dragon carriage descend to inspect and receive the wine and food offerings of the purification ritual. The petitioner, (Zhao), respectfully submits this petition.

Heavenly Review and the Five Masters (together)

Under the protection of true and compassionate grace, permission is granted for (Zhao) to submit this petition. A special request is made to present it before Heaven and seek a decree, proclaiming it to the relevant divine offices throughout the Three Realms: the stellar enclosures, Dipper palaces, Celestial Offices, mountains and peaks, underworld, Office of Pestilence, Earth Offices, Tai Sui, City Gods, and others. They are ordered to watch over and protect the person together. For the sake of the sick (someone), we pray that their life be prolonged and that officials and generals from the various offices of the ritual bureau be sent to assist in performing the rites. May the immortal retinue descend to inspect the offerings of the purification ritual. The petitioner, (Zhao), respectfully submits this petition.

Four Sages

We pray that the sages, in their wisdom and compassion, grant permission for this petition submitted by (the minister). May officials, divine generals, clerks, and troops from the various offices of the ritual bureau be specially dispatched to assist the sick (someone).

Plain-Language Interpretation

Scriptural text:

We investigate and seize those who have brought calamity upon the lower realm, caused injury and death, and other such offenses. We summon and question them, then carry out the expulsion ordered by the Office of Epidemics, resolving grievances and debts of vengeance. May the afflicted thereby recover, and may disasters and misfortunes be dispelled. This is the compassion of rescuing and sustaining all beings; indeed, we give thanks for the creative power that brings them to life. At the appointed time, we humbly hope you will grace the altar and witness the covenant of this sacrificial rite (as above).

The Perfected One of Kuangfu, under whose authority is the Lord of the Teaching for Pacifying Epidemics, humbly appeals to your true compassion: please grant this petition and specifically order the assembled immortals of the Office of Epidemics to review the cases of (someone) and others. They have incurred Heaven’s punishment through their own past offenses; we humbly ask that all be pardoned and forgiven and restored to purity. Let the encampments be destroyed and dismantled, and let each return to its proper jurisdiction. May their illnesses and suffering be swiftly removed, and may all be brought to peace and rest. We humbly hope you will descend and witness and partake of the ritual offerings for (someone). We have presumed upon your divine authority and are filled with the utmost trepidation. Respectfully submitted.

May the numinous compassion of the True Lord of the Eastern Peak grant this petition and especially turn your sacred presence toward this purification rite. We specifically ask that the relevant offices overseeing illness, debts of vengeance, curses, and swiftly retributive plague demons all be instructed to attend to this matter. For (someone), who is afflicted, please pardon the offenses of this life and lives past, and restore them wholly to purity. Release them from entanglements with curses, grievances, and enmity, and dissolve these bonds completely. May their present illness be healed and their disasters and misfortunes recede and disperse. Bestow your compassionate aid and rescue; indeed, we give thanks for the creative power that brings beings to life (as above).

Dispatch to the officers and generals:

Having received this, our office has already carried out the prescribed rites. We therefore issue this dispatch.

Issued above.

To the officials and generals of the various offices of Lingbao Thunder Rites, and to the myriad spirits who carry out their duties: please examine the matter in detail, then manifest your true forms and transform your Qi, gathering like clouds at the offices to act. Wash away the turbid and raise up the pure; convey our sincerity and make our earnest intentions known. Also, drive away the evil influences surrounding the afflicted person (someone), eradicate the plague and pestilence, and rescue the sick. Grant peace at once. Bestow your compassionate aid and rescue; indeed, we give thanks for the De of creating and sustaining life. We humbly hope you will partake of the offerings in this human rite. Respectfully issued.

Dispatch to the City God (see Yayi Collection)

With good deeds and sincere devotion, we petition for (someone): grant your favor to dispel disaster and illness, and pray for peace and security for the people below.

The undersigned, together with the virtuous and faithful members of the household, bow today and petition the numinous powers with this intention. The state is governed by the primordial source, and that source also relies upon its governors and guardians. The deities are renowned and illustrious; sincerity truly depends upon…

Explanation:

This is a ritual document from the Lingbao Ritual Documents, used in Zhaijiao ceremonies to drive off epidemics, treat illness, and resolve grievances. “Someone” is a placeholder for the name of the person involved, to be filled in during the ceremony. The text refers to divine offices such as the Office of Epidemics, the Eastern Peak, the various offices of Lingbao Thunder Rites, and the City God, as well as ritual terms such as dispatch, case review, and encampments. The latter part, “Dispatch to the City God,” appears to be the beginning of a separate document, and its final sentence is incomplete.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of the Lingbao Wenjian

On the City God’s Office: The division of authority and the setting of boundaries for governing every county and town depend on this system. The appointment of officials to govern the netherworld (the realm of the dead) is also closely connected with the governance of the human world. Anyone who follows the path of cultivation and devotion to the Dao must pass through the ordeal of mighty divine scrutiny (the awe-inspiring judgment of the gods). The following petition has now been submitted by a member of the public:

Petitioner: (Name), born under the natal signs of (year, month, day, and hour), with the Geng-cycle signs indicating ten inauspicious influences. Since (date), I have been unwell and beset by illness; or I have suffered severe calamities brought on by punishments, clashes, and afflictions in my fate. Entanglement in lawsuits and transgressions from past lives have also brought these misfortunes upon me. I do not understand their cause and am filled with fear and worry. Unless I submit a petition and seek release and pardon, I will be unable to recover. I therefore sincerely prepare the ritual offerings and, on an auspicious day this month, (date), invite a Daoist priest to conduct a rite at my home, a Supreme One’s Rite for Dispelling Calamity and Securing Peace, to remove the causes of these grave afflictions.

Having received this petition, this office (the Daoist altar) has performed the rites in accordance with liturgical procedure. We respectfully reflect that your honored office holds authority over one county and governs its people. Whenever prayers for protection and the averting of calamity are offered, they depend on your aid and protection. We therefore submit this official notice for your information.

Notice sent to:

The Venerable Spirit of the County City God, Lord of Virtue and Assistance:

Please examine the circumstances carefully. We respectfully request that you direct the local community shrines to purify the district, sweep away baleful influences, and eliminate demonic disturbances. We also beseech you to bestow your favor, reveal the source of the illness, and bring the stars to a state of harmony and good fortune. May no unusual misfortune ever befall the petitioner again; may their body be at peace and each season bring the blessing of safety.

Respectfully submitted.

Petition to the White Tiger (see the Yayi Ji)

I, (name), submit this petition to seek grace to dispel calamity and misfortune, drive away illness, prolong life, and welcome good fortune. On this day, your disciple (name) bows and appeals to your divine judgment.

The baleful star stands directly in its celestial station, ranked among the many gods who govern calamities and misfortune. The stars of the months are allotted their degrees, linked in a Three Harmony configuration as they pass through the course of fate. The dangers brought by the White Tiger are impossible to predict; yet since the petitions written in vermilion have been submitted, blessings may be sought. I therefore lay bare my sincere feelings and make this special appeal to your mighty divine scrutiny.

A person of humble standing submits this petition on behalf of (name), born under the natal signs of (year, month, day, and hour), with the Geng-cycle signs indicating ten inauspicious influences. Since (year, month, and date), they have been afflicted with illness, their condition now grave and dangerous. A careful examination of the Five Stars shows that they have indeed come under the Three Harmony configuration.

Note: This text presents the format of a formal notice used in Daoist rites for dispelling calamity, addressed to the City God and other divine offices, as well as a petition to the White Tiger. It traces the source of calamity through the person’s natal signs, Geng-cycle signs, ten inauspicious influences, Three Harmony configuration, and Five Stars. The petition asks the City God of the county to purify the district, drive away evil influences, and reveal the source of the illness; a separate petition is addressed to the divine office associated with the White Tiger affliction to seek relief from calamity and the prolonging of life. During the rite, the Daoist priest fills in the placeholders “(name)” and the parenthesized date and time details for the person concerned.

Plain Language Explanation of the Lingbao Wenjian

A ritual for warding off calamity and praying for blessings alone cannot bring a sick person back to health. Therefore, the ritual credentials and customary offerings must be prepared, and an auspicious presence invited into the home. There, rites of goodness are performed to ward off calamity, gather in baleful forces, relieve illness, and ensure safety, among other purposes. These rites also address causes such as grave misfortune. Once our office receives the matter, in addition to submitting a formal petition to the relevant provincial office and seeking permission to resolve it, we must also issue a document notifying the parties concerned.

(Format of the document sent above)

To the Golden Essence White Tiger Spirit Lord of the annual fate palace—the palace occupied by one’s natal chart in the current year: Please examine the circumstances in detail and show compassionate concern. In keeping with the Supreme Emperor’s virtue of cherishing life, kindly accept the sincere prayers offered by the people below. Turn misfortune into good fortune, and let the calamity of roaring affliction bring blessings instead. Let your claws and fangs lie hidden; extend the same benevolence to the Five Ghosts. Ensure that the illness and suffering of the devotee (name) are at once dispelled and that their vitality and spirit fully recover, so that the whole household may enjoy good fortune and peace through all four seasons. Respectfully submitted.

Petition to the Grand Year

Our office has received this matter. In addition to having already sent a swift memorial to the Heavenly Court seeking an order for relief, we must issue a separate document as follows.

(Format of the document sent above)

To the Supreme Virtuous Venerable Spirit of the Grand Year: Please examine the matter carefully and take account of our humble sincerity. We especially beseech you to instruct the plague immortals and the earth officials and baleful spirits governing this year to comply with the Emperor’s decree. Let them specifically pardon the faults accumulated in past lives and this life within the body of the afflicted person (name), and avert both calamities already foretold and those not yet arisen. We further ask that all the spirits return to their appointed offices, so that the Daoist teachings and methods may be made manifest and their compassionate aid extended. For this, we are truly grateful for the gift of life. Respectfully submitted.

Petition to Release Misfortune (same format as the petition to the Grand Year)

To the twenty-four divine officials in the Dipper who release misfortune: Please examine the circumstances described above and, in particular, remove from the account of (name) the three calamities, four baleful forces, Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), six harms, seven injuries, eight hardships, nine sudden misfortunes, five sufferings, and calamities involving weapons, water, and fire. Dissolve the wrongs and grievances from past lives and release the sins and faults of this life. Let the seeds of goodness grow and the allotted years of life be extended. We also pray that your divine presence will witness and accept the sincerity of ordinary people. Respectfully submitted.

Petition to the Celestial Physician (same opening as above)

To the Celestial Physician Envoy and the Merit Officer for Healing in the Dipper: Please examine the matter carefully and report it to the Dipper’s celestial chamber. Come to the petitioner’s home and silently administer an immortal remedy, healing every illness and restoring health. Regulate the original Yang, so that a thousand calamities depart from the body. We beseech you to extend compassionate aid and preserve life. We humbly hope your divine presence will arrive and accept the offerings of wine presented at this purification ritual.

Plain-Language Interpretation of Lingbao Wenjian

Memorial for the Plague Department’s Dispatch of Calamities

We earnestly petition the immortals who, in the current year, oversee the Plague Division and the various routes along which calamities are sent. Having carefully examined the circumstances, may they immediately recognize the Supreme Lord’s benevolence toward life and follow the Primordial Sovereign’s resolve to aid all beings: destroy the plague camps and strongholds, withdraw the “medicines” that spread pestilence, and pardon those who have committed offenses, so that the sick may recover and soon be restored to life. May they never forget the vast power of creation. We humbly pray that the gods share in the offerings of this Zhaijiao purification ritual.

Case of Illness

The official in charge of the Register of Illnesses Arising from Past-Life Karmic Debts, under the administration of the Yue Prefecture—the underworld realm of Mount Tai in the Eastern Peak—should carefully examine the circumstances and look with favor upon the ritual offerings. For the sick person (name), review the illnesses and calamities that they must undergo as a result of their past and present lives; then remove their name from the register and dispel their peril and suffering. May the longstanding illness lift and give way to recovery, and may the body and dwelling be filled with light. This compassionate act of salvation and protection truly reflects the generative power of creation. (The sections below follow the same form.)

Case of Curses

The senior official in charge of the Register of Curses under the Yue Prefecture should carefully examine the circumstances and look with favor upon the ritual offerings. For the sick person (name), review the offenses committed across three lifetimes, including curses cast by matching words to the Five Notes—the five musical tones used in ritual curses. Then remove the offenses from the register along with the illness, and extinguish their evil roots, so that the curses may be dispelled and the source of the affliction brought to peace. (And so forth.)

Memorial for Resolving Grievances

We now respectfully stand before the compassionate Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters—and proclaim the thirty-six divisions of the Taishang tradition’s Repentance and Purification Ritual for Erasing Offenses and Averting Calamities. We offer tribute above to the perfected beings of Heaven and remove below the causes of offenses and related matters. Our department has sworn to benefit others and set aside self-interest. We have established an altar and notified the Three Realms, and have dispatched notices to the relevant offices to investigate and verify the matter. In accordance with the provisions of the liturgical teachings, we have prepared a record of the thirty-six clauses for resolving grievances and submit this memorial for your office to examine, explain, and carry out. The offenses committed are listed below:

1. Resolve offenses committed in the celestial palaces and star offices within the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court.

2. Resolve offenses committed against the underworld offices of Mount Tai in the Eastern Peak.

3. Resolve offenses committed against the eighty-nine temples of the river and water offices.

4. Resolve offenses committed against earthly palaces and temples, and the Plague Division of the Heavenly Court.

5. Resolve offenses involving curses cast by enemies and accusers from past and present lives.

6. Resolve offenses of shouting at the wind, cursing the rain, deceiving Heaven, and betraying Earth.

7. Resolve offenses of disbelieving in the gods and falsely claiming merit in order to take offerings for oneself.

8. Resolve offenses of blocking roads, killing and injuring others, taking lives, and plotting to seize their wealth.

(The original omits clauses nineteen through thirty-six with “and so forth.” They follow the same structure, listing offenses to be resolved.)

A Plain-Language Interpretation of Relevant Passages from the Lingbao Wenjian

The following are the kinds of offenses listed from the Ninth Explanation through the Thirty-Second Explanation that can be absolved through ritual repentance. Here, “explanation” means the release or pardon of sins.

Ninth Explanation: Offenses include using a large measure when taking grain and a small measure when giving it out; using heavy weights to cheat others or light weights to deceive them; scattering the Five Grains (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water); and deceiving honest people.

Tenth Explanation: Offenses include choosing inauspicious dates when building a house or burying one’s ancestors, thereby offending the Dragon Deities, revered beings who govern the veins of the earth and water.

Eleventh Explanation: Offenses include cutting up fine silk garments at weddings, wasting luxurious clothing, and killing living creatures for such occasions.

Twelfth Explanation: Offenses include damaging irrigation ponds while plowing or digging, and secretly lending money at exorbitant interest to exploit others.

Thirteenth Explanation: Offenses include plotting to seize other people’s fields, houses, courtyards, or gardens, and cursing them with spells.

Fourteenth Explanation: Offenses include defying one’s parents, showing disrespect to one’s close relatives, and caring only for one’s wife while neglecting the rest of the family.

Fifteenth Explanation: Offenses include cursing relatives such as uncles, brothers, fathers’ sisters’ husbands, and mothers’ sisters’ husbands.

Sixteenth Explanation: Offenses include burning incense before the eaves and cursing a thief after one’s property has been stolen.

Seventeenth Explanation: Offenses include a husband and wife bearing grudges against one another, resenting Heaven and Earth, and cursing them.

Eighteenth Explanation: Offenses include using the heretical arts of spirit mediums, and sealing a temple or spirit altar by driving in iron nails.

Nineteenth Explanation: Offenses include becoming angry with upright people or showing contempt for sages and worthies who pass by.

Twentieth Explanation: Offenses include scribbling petitions in a Buddhist monastic hall or Daoist temple, and showing irreverence toward rites held on land or water, Buddhist monasteries, or Earth Deities.

Twenty-First Explanation: Offenses include inciting lawsuits, acting out of selfish motives, and harming the public to benefit oneself.

Twenty-Second Explanation: Offenses include destroying wicked altars, showing irreverence toward local Earth Lords and Kings or shrine gods, and repeating such offenses.

Twenty-Third Explanation: Offenses include invoking spirits and ghosts by name, pointing at the sun and worshipping the moon, and cursing the open sky.

Twenty-Fourth Explanation: Offenses include breaking a fasting observance, violating precepts, and defiling scriptures.

Twenty-Fifth Explanation: Offenses include showing irreverence toward the household gods worshipped by one’s family and kin, such as the Deity of Fate and the Earth Deity.

Twenty-Sixth Explanation: Offenses include befriending outsiders while becoming estranged from one’s own family.

Twenty-Seventh Explanation: Offenses include drinking alcohol and eating meat while observing precepts, and using hurtful words.

Twenty-Eighth Explanation: Offenses include ruining something another person has already accomplished and breaking up another person’s marriage or family ties.

Twenty-Ninth Explanation: Offenses include indulging in desire, coveting wealth, and harming others to build up one’s household fortune.

Thirtieth Explanation: Offenses include defiling Heaven and Earth and exposing one’s naked body to the Three Lights of the sun, moon, and stars.

Thirty-First Explanation: Offenses include slandering good people, jealousy, deceit, and stinginess.

Thirty-Second Explanation: Offenses include offending the spirits by living in or entering temples and ancient Daoist monasteries.

Plain-Language Explanation

Thirty-third: The offense of leaving deceased parents and relatives, who died under particular circumstances, trapped for a long time in the underworld without performing rites to recommend and deliver them.

Thirty-fourth: The offense of killing living beings and taking lives out of greed for food and drink.

Thirty-fifth: The offense of failing to cultivate a kind heart and failing to save the wrongfully dead and forsaken souls.

Thirty-sixth: The offense of causing disaster through acts meant to bring blessings, thereby implicating one’s household in curses and imprecations directed against others.

The provisions above have been clearly set forth. In reverence for the Supreme One’s virtue of cherishing life, this official document requests that all honored officials hasten to every place: the Celestial Court, the underworld, the aquatic realm, the realm of the living, the Office of Epidemics, the City God’s office, numinous altars and ancient sites, the Six Caverns, vengeful demons, graves and burial mounds, hills, places where people are born and live, and places where living souls are imprisoned and interrogated. For all prior transgressions and offenses, great or small, committed in the name of (someone), explain them one by one, without regard to severity. Also hasten to burn the records of entanglements and enmity, and carry out this order with the speed of a spark. This document must be delivered.

By this document, a request is made.

May the two emissaries, Zhang and the other, who dispel adversity from among the Northern Dipper’s stars, inspect and carry this out. Respectfully submitted.

Case of Resentments and Debts (same as Taiwei)

Chief presiding deity of the Bureau of Mount Yue, which oversees cases of wrongful debts: Please examine the circumstances in detail and look kindly upon the offerings made in the purification rite. We ask you, on behalf of (someone), who is suffering from illness, to review the enmities and debts arising from disputes in past lives and this life. Please resolve resentments and hostility, reconcile the parties to their disputes, and end all entanglements, so that the person may recover and be at peace (and so on).

Office of Swift Retribution

Chief presiding deity of the Bureau of Mount Yue, which oversees the Office of Swift Retribution: We ask you, on behalf of (someone), who is suffering from illness, to remove from the registers of guilt and swiftly extinguish the roots of evil, undo the swift retribution arising from intentional and inadvertent wrongdoing, lives owed, kindnesses left unreturned, and enmities and disputes from past and present lives; restore life and vitality, and dispel swift retribution.

Petition to the Local Earth Deity

Having received this document, this bureau has already provided relief in accordance with the prescribed rites. It is therefore proper to send this document to you, deity. Examine the matter carefully and promptly purify the district. Humbly await Heaven’s grace, drive away baleful influences, harmonize epidemic forces and send pestilence away, protect and support the afflicted person’s body, and secure recovery and peace. Upon receiving this document, carry it out without delay. This document must be delivered.

This document is addressed to the local Earth Deity and territorial guardian deity of the relevant direction, who are to comply.

Memorandum to the Director of Destinies

Having received this document, this bureau must issue a memorandum accordingly. Inspect and verify the matter, then sweep away baleful influences, purify inside and out, convey the sincerity of the petition, and welcome the sacred procession.

Plain-Language Commentary on the Lingbao Ritual Documents

1. Edict for the Divine Sovereigns to Drive Away Harm (Prayer for Peace and Safety)

General meaning of the original: By the power of the “Divine Sovereigns,” foul Qi and evil spirits are driven away and rebuked, and people in this world are protected so that illness may be cured and their wishes for peace and safety may be fulfilled. The document must be carried out promptly on the day it arrives. Those who have rendered meritorious service may have their names entered in the registers of Shangqing, the celestial realm above in Daoism.

The foregoing dispatch respectfully petitions: The Lord of the Eastern Peak, the Director of Destiny, and the Lord of the Hearth—divine rulers who govern lifespans and household hearths—are asked to act in accordance with these instructions.

2. Six Classes of Writs (Issued to Six Classes of Wronged Spirits at the Close of a Ritual Assembly)

As the ritual assembly approaches its completion, this writ is specially issued to release the grievances binding the assembled spirits. All are to act with reverence and resolve: sever old resentments, don the garments and head coverings of the “Six Paths” of rebirth, and recite the scriptures and incantations that provide aid in the underworld. May they soon understand the path upward, realize Wuwei (non-action), forget the distinction between self and others, and receive blessings in life and death.

All this is to be accomplished through the merit of the scriptures and methods for resolving grievances, in full accordance with the secret transmitted ritual procedures. May all attain coolness and liberation, diligently cultivate the supreme path, and together realize the fruit of freedom and ease. This writ is issued below; all are to obey these instructions.

The foregoing writ is issued to: All beings among the six classes of wronged spirits and their adversaries. They are to act accordingly.

3. Banners for the Six Classes (Invocatory Texts for Banners Corresponding to Six Kinds of Grievances)

(“Life debts” refers to taking or owing another person’s life; “financial debts” refers to owing property or money; “betrayal of trust” means betraying another’s intentions or confidence; “insults and curses” and “beatings and floggings” refer to grievances caused by verbally abusing or physically striking others during one’s lifetime.)

4. Pass Writ (Document for Passing Through a Checkpoint)

Offices of the Directorate, officials on duty, inheritors of the law in the Mysterious Bureau, and the Celestial Inspection Office: These are the names of offices in the various bureaus, whose duties include overseeing the salvation of people and benefiting living beings, and whose methods are prepared to eliminate evil and assist the righteous. They are authorized to submit reports to the celestial realm and to announce and coordinate matters at the checkpoint.

Now, an urgent written petition requires that this pass be issued at the checkpoint.

The foregoing pass: (The details of the passage are to be listed one by one.)

Talismanic officials of the Three Realms and the Four Cycles of Service, and the local Earth Deity: Please take control of the cloud roads and travel the celestial paths. Break through the astral winds and pass through the vast ether; ascend to the stellar palaces, carrying the sealed memorial to convey the prayers of mortals, and make communication with the provincial offices.

Should any ghosts or demons dare to show disrespect, they are to be brought under control and punished according to the law.

Note: This text belongs to the wenjian documents used in Lingbao Zhaijiao (purification rituals and offerings), including writs, banners, and passes. They are used to resolve grievances, deliver the six classes of wronged spirits, and report to divine offices across the Three Realms. The names of specific offices and celestial realms largely follow Lingbao scriptural and ritual traditions; the translation stays close to ritual usage without changing or adding to the meaning.

The Popular Interpretation of the Lingbao Document

(Report section)

The True Bureau under your jurisdiction—the divine office in the Daoist hierarchy responsible for this matter—must not obstruct the petition. The words presented should promptly make the resulting response manifest. This concerns the Tuhuang jiao, a ritual offering to the Earth’s Virtue and the earth deities.

The North Pole and the Thunder Ancestor (invoked in the same manner as in the preceding ritual).

(Seeking Heaven’s grace)

May Heaven’s compassion grant approval to the petition submitted by the petitioner. The petitioner earnestly begs that an imperial decree be issued from the Heavenly Emperor or the higher realms, announcing to the Nine Ramparts—the divine offices associated with the earth’s Qi and directional levels—the Earth Bureau, which governs the land in each region, the Five Earth Gods and Spirits, and the Grand Year deity, who presides over the current year’s taboos and offenses, that they are all to attend to this matter and carry out the instructions. The petitioner especially begs forgiveness for the offenses committed knowingly or unknowingly in undertaking construction and site preparation, such as breaking ground or choosing a date to build a house. May the decree command the baleful spirits to lie concealed, and direct the Five Dragons, dragon deities associated with the earth’s veins and household protection, to guard and stabilize the site, so that the household is purified and its family members live in peace. At the appointed time, the petitioner awaits the arrival of the divine carriage—the ritual descent of a Celestial Worthy—to witness and confirm the covenant. In performing this rite, the petitioner presumes upon the august authority of Heaven.

The Celestial Province

May the True and Compassionate Ones approve this petition. The petitioner especially begs that it be presented to the Heavenly Court, and that an edict be issued and proclaimed to the Constellation of the Encampment, a star mansion also associated with building a dwelling, the stellar luminaries, the Nine Ramparts, the Nine Palaces, Eight Trigrams, and Four Directions, and the Grand Year’s baleful configuration, so that all may be informed. The petitioner especially begs for the same forgiveness of inadvertent offenses, concealment of baleful spirits, and protection by the Five Dragons requested in the preceding section.

The Nine Ramparts

May the Sage’s compassion approve this petition. The petitioner especially begs that orders be sent to the Earth Bureau, the myriad spirits, and the baleful spirits, commanding them all to restrain their might and withdraw their baleful influence, and to remain in their proper offices and positions. May inadvertent offenses be pardoned, and blessings of renewal bestowed, so that the household prospers and its family members live in peace. The petitioner humbly hopes that the divine presence will descend to witness and confirm the ritual offering. In performing this rite, the petitioner presumes upon the sacred authority and is filled with awe and trepidation. Respectfully submitted.

Memorial to Marshal Yin (Marshal Yin is commonly a military protector deity in Daoism; this document petitions him)

Please review the matter described above and kindly issue instructions. May the deity of the Grand Year command the Earth Bureau, the taboos of the directions and regions, and the myriad spirits under his authority to withdraw their radiance and power, and conceal the taboos. May they each remain in their proper direction and guard their appointed offices. The petitioner especially begs forgiveness for the inadvertent offenses committed in undertaking construction, and blessings of renewal, so that the household enjoys good fortune and peace, and all its members, young and old, are safe and well. Respectfully submitted.

The Grand Year

Please review the matter and kindly direct the Earth Bureau under your authority (the following passage on the Five Directions and Five Earths makes the same request as the preceding section).

The Earth Bureau

Hereby submitted.

The Lords of the Five Directions and Five Earths

Please inspect this petition and promptly obey the Heavenly Emperor’s talismanic command. Gather the twelve hundred officials beneath the earth, and have each remain in the proper direction and guard the appointed office. Thus may the household and its buildings be safe, its family members blessed and in harmony, its livestock grow and thrive, and its wealth and grain be abundant. The petitioner also hopes that the divine retinue will descend and partake of the ritual offering. Respectfully submitted.

The City God, guardian deity of the city

Please review the matter and kindly direct the local Earth Gods, who oversee the neighborhood and its homes, to purify the dwelling and respectfully receive the ritual.

Plain-language Interpretation

(Previous section: Memorial to the Earth God)

Heaven’s grace rebukes the demons and drives them into hiding, while calming the Dragon Gods so they may guard the household. May inside and out be pure, and may the family live in peace and health. We further pray that the divine carriage will descend and examine the rites performed by mortals.

Earth God

This document is duly issued to you, deity. Sweep away demonic influences, purify the inside and outside, convey our sincere devotion, and respectfully welcome the exalted perfected beings. Rebuke the demons and drive them into hiding; protect the household and keep it pure. May family ties bring good fortune and all affairs proceed smoothly. May fire and theft both be warded off, bringing benefit to public and private alike. When your merits are recognized, your name will be recorded in Shangqing.

Ritual for Praying for Offspring

Haotian and the North Pole (in the same format as above)

Memorial to the Celestial Court

I, your subject, presume to approach with this petition, looking up to trouble Heaven’s hearing. I pray only for your pardon, and that I may escape punishment and execution. I respectfully submit that, in (hometown), I follow the Dao and declare my plea: I pray for offspring, to welcome good fortune and preserve peace. The life of the faithful devotee (name) is bound to the hour, day, month, and year of (birth details), and the life of his wife, Lady (name), to the hour, day, month, and year of (birth details). Both are under the protection of the stellar heavens. I reflect that (name), from the time we came together until now, has yet to have children. I fear our ancestral line may end; without taking refuge and praying earnestly, we may be condemned to a lonely fate. I offer my humble sincerity and pray for offspring, begging that this request be taken up and acted upon. I, your subject, have received this heartfelt petition and dare not suppress or refuse it. I have carefully recorded its contents and, guilty of my presumption, prostrate myself to submit it to Heaven.

I, (name), your subject, am sincerely awestruck and terrified. I bow my head repeatedly and humbly prostrate myself before the Most High Jade Emperor of Haotian, who opened Heaven, holds the tally, governs the calendar, embraces the Real, and embodies the Dao—before Your Majesty on the Jade Steps. I respectfully pray that Heaven’s compassion pardon all of my offenses, grant approval to my petition, and specially issue an edict to the star palaces and Dipper bureaus, the Celestial Offices of the Nine Heavens, the underworld offices of Mount Tai, and all other relevant jurisdictions, directing them to respond and carry out the request. I humbly await the edict. I have presumed to approach Heaven’s majesty; my feelings below are beyond measure in their urgency, and I await punishment with the deepest apprehension. Respectfully submitted.

Emperor of the Nine Heavens and the Palace Gate of the Nine Heavens

May Heaven’s compassion grant approval to the petition I have submitted and specially issue an edict to the Nine Heavens’ Great One, the Nine Immortal Perfected Lords, the Nine Heavens’ Lords of Fate, and all relevant holy assemblies, directing them to respond and carry it out. I further pray that pardon be granted for the past and present misdeeds of (name) and his wife (name).

Note: This is the memorial format for a Ritual for Praying for Offspring, a Zhaijiao rite in Lingbao liturgical documents. It includes petitions to the Jade Emperor of Haotian, the North Pole, the Nine Heavens’ Lords of Fate, and other deities, as well as a document to the Earth God asking for protection of the household and the expulsion of harmful influences. The names, birth details, and other information in parentheses are placeholders to be filled in.

A Plain-Language Explanation of the Lingbao Wenjian

(Continued from above) May you forgive the offenses committed through error, remove the calamity of punishment and harm between husband and wife, and further bestow the true Qi of the Nine Heavens, forming a good embryo after ten months, so that this may fulfill the sincere devotion of even the lowliest beings and soon bring the auspicious dream of a bear. When the appointed time comes, I humbly await the dragon carriage, that it may bear witness to the covenant at the Zhaijiao offering. I, your minister, have presumptuously intruded upon your imperial dignity. My humble feelings are beyond measure urgent; I await punishment with the utmost trepidation. I respectfully submit this memorial.

The Eleven Luminaries

May your true compassion approve what (the petitioner) has presented and grant this special order, directing all the relevant True Offices to attend to it and carry it out. We earnestly pray that you pardon the past and present sins, offenses, and grievances of the believer (so-and-so) and his wife (so-and-so), and remove the punishment and harm between husband and wife. We ask you to take pity on their longing, like that of a male goat and its kid, and soon fulfill the auspicious dream of a bear. May their earnest prayers be answered; in truth, they bow in gratitude for the gift of life. When the appointed time comes, we look up in reverent expectation of the true light, that it may bear witness to the covenant at the Zhaijiao offering. (The petitioner) has presumptuously intruded upon your true dignity and is overcome with trembling. Respectfully submitted.

The Celestial Province, the Five Offices, and the Five Masters (all following the same format)

May your true compassion approve the heartfelt petition of (the successor). We first pray that you pardon the offenses committed through error by (so-and-so) in past lives and in this life, and remove the calamity of punishment and harm between husband and wife. We further ask that you grant permission for a personal petition to be presented before the Imperial Court, and issue an edict to inform all the governing authorities responsible for bestowing life. May all the relevant True Offices attend to this and carry it out, so that the sincere devotion of even the lowliest beings may be fulfilled and the auspicious dream of a bear soon come true. May this fully answer the prayer and greatly spread the mysterious teachings. We humbly pray that the Master’s sacred presence come to the altar, to bear witness to the covenant at the Zhaijiao offering. (The successor) has presumptuously intruded upon your true dignity and is overcome with trembling. Respectfully submitted.

The Three Officials and the Celestial Court (same as above)

May your sacred compassion approve what (the petitioner) has presented. We first beg you to pardon the offenses committed through error by (so-and-so) and his wife (so-and-so) in past lives and in this life, and remove the calamity of punishment and harm between husband and wife. We further beg you to issue an order to all the relevant True Offices of the Three Primordial Heavens and Celestial Court, directing them to attend to this. We ask you to take pity on their longing, like that of a male goat and its kid, and soon fulfill the auspicious dream of a bear. May this sustain and continue the ancestral line; in truth, they bow in gratitude for the gift of life. We further pray that your sacred presence descend and bear witness to the covenant at the Zhaijiao offering (as above).

The Eastern Peak

May your sacred compassion approve this heartfelt petition and grant a special order directing all the relevant offices in charge of this matter to attend to it and carry it out. We further beg you to pardon (so-and-so) and his wife (so-and-so) for the isolated Yin and diminished Yang, the myriad sins and thousand grievances, and the Three Punishments and Eight … in their past lives and present lives.

May the year’s Six Harms be dispelled soon, like the dream of a bear and a she-bear, so that the prayers offered may be fulfilled. With sincere hearts, we bow in worship and pray that the divine powers bless us with a child.

We bow low and pray that the sacred presence will descend to witness and accept the offerings of this Zhaijiao purification ritual. We have trespassed against the sacred authority and are filled with apprehension; we respectfully submit this petition.

Memorial to the officers and generals: Please review the matter stated above and immediately cleanse this faithful petitioner of defiling Qi, so that the sincere prayer may reach its destination. We also pray that the perfected beings descend to witness this Zhaijiao. May the true Qi of the Nine Heavens, the pure and numinous energy of the celestial realm, descend and coalesce into a healthy child carried for ten months, and may a clever boy be born soon, fulfilling the wish to carry on the family line. We pray with earnest devotion that the mysterious teachings of the Dao may spread widely. Respectfully submitted.

Memorial to the City God: Please review the matter stated above and direct the departments under your command to examine the present-life offenses of [name] and [name], his wife, as well as their karmic grievances from past lives, and release them from all of these burdens so that both may be purified. We pray for the gift of a clever child to fulfill this sincere wish. We also pray that the divine powers arrive in their celestial carriage to witness and accept this Zhaijiao. Respectfully submitted.

Memorial to the registrar of descendants at Mount Tai: Registrar of descendants at Mount Tai, please review the matter stated above and determine whether [name] and [name], his wife, are fated to suffer calamities of isolation, punishment, injury, or harm, or are currently caught in the snares of Heaven and Earth. We pray that you report this to the presiding deity and amend the relevant entries in their registers of fate. Please record as soon as possible that they will have a clever boy, so that they may fulfill their wish to carry on the family line. May this prayer be answered, and may the mysterious teachings of the Dao be widely spread. Respectfully submitted.

Memorial to the deity in charge of fate: We pray that the deity in charge of fate receive and circulate this document, examine the matter, and immediately sweep away demonic and defiling influences and purify the ritual altar, so that the sincere wishes of the people below may reach their destination. Please also invite the Supreme Emperor to descend and witness this prayer. May the dream of a bear and a she-bear be fulfilled soon. Upon receiving this document, carry out its instructions immediately. This order is therefore issued to the Lord of the Eastern Kitchen, the Kitchen God in charge of fate, to act accordingly.

Zhaijiao ritual of gratitude and repayment of blessings:

Petition to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing): Your servant [name] and others, holding these offices, respectfully submit this memorial: We do not shrink from the punishment of axe and halberd, but presume to make our plea heard in Heaven. We respectfully report that, according to the petition of [names]… We have received their sincere prayers and did not dare refuse them; we have respectfully copied their petition and submitted it above. Knowing our presumption, we bow low and await your command. This memorial is respectfully presented by your servant [name], who is filled with apprehension. We respectfully look up to the sacred seats of the Three Treasures—the Dao, the scriptures, and the teachers—and beseech the grace of Heaven to grant our request and bestow its care.

A Plain-Language Reading of the Lingbao Ritual Documents

I. Seeking Grace and Witness for the Covenant and Ritual Practice (General Opening Petition)

Your servant presumes to trouble the august presence with this petition. With due reverence, I follow the Dao’s instruction and beg that an edict be issued for its implementation, so that meritorious deeds may be accomplished and both the unseen and the manifest may share in its grace. Your servant dares to offend the majesty of Heaven; I am filled with trembling fear and profound apprehension, and stand ready to accept punishment. In deepest awe and fear, I bow twice and respectfully submit this petition.

II. Vast Heaven, the Northern Pole, the Heavenly Emperor, and Houtu

(For Houtu, use the form “the wise decree conveyed by the phoenix palanquin.”)

Your heavenly compassion has granted approval to your servant’s petition. I humbly beg you to send the Dragon Carriage to witness the covenant and the ritual practice, and further request that an edict be issued and conveyed by the Office of the Mysterious Capital for the appropriate divine agencies to observe and carry out. May meritorious deeds be accomplished, and may both the unseen and the manifest receive grace. May our lineage inherit blessings, may our departed kin first attain deliverance, may Heaven and Earth be at peace, and may all living and growing things be renewed. Your servant dares to offend the majesty of Heaven.

III. The Three Masters of the Divine Empyrean

(Use the same format as for the Four Emperors.)

Your true compassion has graciously deigned to grant approval. Please descend temporarily to the ritual seat and witness the cultivation and observance. We earnestly pray for pardon of sins and faults and the removal of disasters and calamities, so that meritorious deeds may be brought to completion and our vows left unfulfilled by no omission. May both the unseen and the manifest receive grace; may the living and the dead alike find blessing; may Heaven and Earth be at peace, and may all living and growing things be renewed. Your servant dares to offend your true majesty. My humble feelings are overwhelmed with fear and apprehension. Respectfully submitted.

IV. The Eleven Luminaries and the Northern Dipper

(Use the same wording as above.)

V. The Southern Dipper

Your true compassion has graciously deigned to grant approval. Please descend temporarily to the ritual seat and witness the cultivation and observance. We beg you to extend the life of (name) and increase their allotted years, adding to their lifespan, so that their vows may be fulfilled in full. May their household enjoy good fortune; may their departed kin attain deliverance; may both the unseen and the manifest receive grace; may blessings extend throughout the realm and favor reach all living and growing things.

VI. The Three Officials

Your sacred compassion has granted approval to your servant’s petition. Please descend temporarily in your Dragon Carriage and humbly witness this ritual offering. We earnestly beg you to erase faults from the register of sins and enter names in the azure register of merit, to bring meritorious deeds to completion, protect the petitioner’s family, and allow their departed kin to attain deliverance. May both the unseen and the manifest rise beyond suffering; may your mysterious grace spread widely among all living beings, and may the blessings of the purification rite reach all, seen and unseen.

VII. The Celestial Office

Your sacred compassion has granted approval to your servant’s petition. Please descend to the ritual seat and witness the cultivation and observance. We especially beg you to present our petition to the Three Heavens and seek a merciful decree. Please strike out the petitioner’s former records of transgression and bring meritorious deeds to completion, so that both the unseen and the manifest may receive grace and the living and the dead alike find blessing. We further hope you will dispatch the officials of the Lingbao tradition, with a thousand chariots and ten thousand mounted attendants, so that the true spirits may gather like clouds at the Mysterious Altar and proclaim and carry out the imperial decree. Your servant dares to offend.

Brief Explanations of Terms

The text as a whole is written in the form of a Lingbao purification-rite petition: a Daoist priest presents petitions on behalf of devotees to Vast Heaven, the Four Sovereigns, the Three Masters of the Divine Empyrean, the stars, the Three Officials, the Celestial Office, and other powers. The petitions ask for a witnessed covenant, forgiveness of sins, longer life, deliverance for the dead, peace in the realm, and blessings for all things. The final section also prays for Lingbao officials to descend to the altar and proclaim the imperial decree. Phrases such as “dare to offend,” “filled with trembling,” and “stand ready to accept punishment” are conventional in liturgical documents and are not everyday speech.

This scripture serves as a template for official documents used during Daoist zhaijiao (grand purification rituals), primarily containing petitions submitted to various divine institutions. The term "Five Bureaus and Five Masters" refers to five major divine administrative bodies and their presiding deities in Daoism, while "Celestial Ministry" (Tiancao) denotes the heavenly administrative offices.

The first section presents a petition to the Celestial Ministry (the celestial administrative authority), humbly requesting approval for the zhaijiao ritual. It seeks the dispatch of deities from the Office of Ritual Supervision (in charge of ceremonial affairs), the Office of Divine Descent (responsible for inviting deities), and the Office of Merit and Virtue (which records spiritual merits) to bear witness. The petition asks for the cancellation of past unfulfilled vows made by the devotee (named), the recording of current fulfilled vows, and the reverent invitation of Perfected Immortals from the Three Pure Realms (Sanqing jing, the abode of Daoism’s highest deities) to descend and ensure the ritual’s success. May their grace extend to both the realms of yin and yang, blessing living relatives and spreading benevolence to ancestors and all living beings.

Subsequent sections contain similar petitions addressed to the Eastern Peak (the divine administration of Mount Tai) and the Water Court (aquatic deities), requesting their temporary presence to witness the zhaijiao ritual. This ensures the ceremony’s flawless completion, allowing grace to spread widely—liberating ancestors and bestowing blessings upon the living.

The latter sections consist of official dispatches to different deities: the "Dispatch to Officers and Generals" commands guardian deities to clear the ritual space of malevolent influences; the "Dispatch to the Grand Year Deity" notifies earth deities to temporarily vacate the ritual site; the "Dispatch to the City God" informs local City God (Chenghuang) and Earth God (Tudi) deities to attend as witnesses; and the "Vow-Fulfillment Dispatch" formally reports the completion of vow repayment in accordance with keyi (standard Daoist liturgy).

These documents reflect the meticulous nature of Daoist zhaijiao rituals, demonstrating formal communication with deities across hierarchical levels. They embody the Daoist cosmology of "resonance between heaven and humanity" (tianren ganying) and the comprehensive structure of liturgical tradition.

The Lingbao Documents: Memorials for Reporting to Heaven and Earth and the Responses They Receive, in Plain Language

Petition to the Deity Receiving the Prayer

The petition is respectfully submitted.

For the vow made earlier, now fulfilled with thanks: we ask the deity receiving this prayer to review the circumstances and, especially for (a certain person), remove the record of the vow made in the past and add words such as “now fulfilled with thanks,” so that the vow may be fully settled and no obligation remain outstanding.

We also hope that the divine presence will come to partake in this ritual offering.

Respectfully submitted.

Village Community Deity

Act in accordance with this petition and inspect the matter. Please promptly cleanse the foul influences and guard the sacred altar, allowing no impurity to intrude.

We respectfully await the descent of the true spirit. May meritorious works be accomplished, blessings spread everywhere, the household live in peace, and departed parents and ancestors attain deliverance.

Respectfully submitted.

Ritual Offering of Thanks to Heaven and Earth: Memorial to the Seven Imperial Powers

I, your servant (name and title), bow a hundred times and submit this memorial:

I do not shrink from the blades of the wind, but presume to violate the laws of Heaven. I know deeply that I have overstepped, yet still hope for your forbearance.

I respectfully submit this memorial on behalf of the Dao-following believer (name), from (native place), who has presented a request. On (date), (name) will respectfully attend at (place) to establish a grand Lingbao ritual offering of thanks to Heaven and Earth and repayment for the Four Graces. The offering will be completed over the course of day and night. A pure offering to the Three Realms will also be established, with (number) ritual stations, to invite and honor the imperial and perfected divinities. The purpose is to repay Heaven’s grace and bring blessings to all, both the visible and the unseen. I, your servant, have received this earnest petition and, doing my best to convey it, respectfully record its contents. I humbly submit this memorial, conscious of my offense.

I, (name and title), bow in submission. I respectfully contemplate the sacred seats of the Seven Imperial Powers, preparing seven separate memorials. I humbly hope that your Daoist compassion will grant approval to my request and bestow the light of your grace, bearing witness to and affirming this ritual observance. I have presumed to approach the majesty of Heaven, and my humble feelings are beyond words, filled with urgency and apprehension.

Respectfully submitted.

Taiyi

May your Daoist compassion grant approval to my request. Cast your light upon the ritual altar and bear witness to this observance. Release the wisdom-light of a hundred treasures and sprinkle the sweet dew from a single branch. Distribute ample food offerings to relieve all wandering souls. Extend your protection throughout the world and let your grace reach both the living and the dead.

Three Officials

May your true compassion graciously grant approval. Specially send your immortal retinue to bear witness to and record this purification rite. We earnestly ask you to present this request at the celestial court, and further ask that instructions be issued to the Three Primes, Three Palaces, Nine Offices, and the one hundred and twenty departments, as well as all relevant jurisdictions, so that they may attend to the matter.

The following is a plain-language explanation of this section of a Lingbao formal petition, the format of official documents presented to the celestial and underworld offices during Daoist purification rituals:

General statement

May this observance be carried out as prescribed, so that grace may reach throughout the realm and merit benefit both the world of the living and the shadowed world. When the good work is complete, may the living and the dead alike receive blessings. (Signature) respectfully submits this petition to the Celestial Department.

Petition to the Celestial Department

Having received the compassionate assent of the True Ones, (signature) earnestly requests that this petition be presented to the Celestial Court, and that an edict be issued to inform the Three Realms and all their subordinate offices of the True Ones. We also pray that the True Sages descend to the ritual altar and bear witness to the purification observance.

We especially request that the officials, commanders, and attendants named in the registers of the Three Caverns and Four Supplements, together with the Lingbao altar supervisors and attendants and the other Lingbao officials, respond at the appointed time and descend, arriving when summoned. May they guard the altar, convey the summons, and bring blessings to the living and the hidden alike, with grace extending throughout the realm. May beings that move or grow rise beyond their present state, and may those that fly or dwell in the depths each find their proper place. When the good work is complete, may the living and the dead alike share in its blessings. (Signature) respectfully submits, mindful of the awesome power of the True Ones.

Fengdu

Having received the compassionate assent of the Sage, we now submit this request: may the holy presence descend and bear witness to this sacred undertaking. We further ask that an edict be sent to the six caverns and ten palaces of the Northern Capital of Luofeng, and to the offices of the shadowed realm, so that all may be informed. Let the underworld authorities suspend their judgments and open the prisons of the netherworld, releasing suffering souls to receive the fruits of this good work.

May the good work be completed, its blessings reaching the spirits of the hidden realm. May beings that move or grow be restored, and may those that fly or dwell in the depths fulfill their natures. May all members of the ancestral family be delivered, and all kin receive grace. (Signature) respectfully submits, mindful of the awesome power of the True Ones.

Eastern Peak

Having received the compassionate assent of the Sage, we now submit this request: may the holy presence descend and bear witness to this sacred undertaking. We ask that notice be sent to all the subordinate palaces and offices, villages and prisons of the shadowed realm, grotto-heavens and blessed lands, and city gods honored in the state rites, so that all may be informed.

May the purification rite be completed, with grace reaching both the hidden and manifest realms, blessings spreading throughout the realm, and favor extending to the living and the dead.

Water Office

Having received the compassionate assent of the True Ones, I, (signature), submit this request. May the immortal retinue graciously attend and witness this sacred undertaking. We ask that an edict be issued to inform all the offices under the Water Bureau of the Lower Origin, so that all may be informed. (The format is the same as in the section on the Eastern Peak.)

Officials and commanders

Please consider the matters set out above, and send forth transformed Qi from the divided manifestations of the True Ones to aid the Dao and make its numinous power manifest. Let them descend to the ritual altar, cleanse it of baleful influences, purify the celestial path, convey our sincere devotion, protect the purification rite, and carry out the summons. May they welcome the Celestial Perfected and secure their response, so that the rite may be brought to completion, blessings reach the manifest and hidden realms, grace extend to all beings that move or grow, the departed share in the celebration, and all kin receive protection.

Notes for reading the formal petition

A formal petition is an official document prepared before a purification rite and presented to the Celestial Department, Fengdu, the Eastern Peak, the Water Office, the City Gods, and the officials and commanders named in the ritual registers. It requests their descent, the issuance of edicts, the release of spirits from the netherworld, and protection of the altar.

The places marked “(signature)” stand for names such as “Zhao” or “Si” in the original. They are placeholders for the petitioner’s name or the name of the person writing on their behalf, and are replaced during the ritual with the name of the Daoist priest or ritual patron.

The six caverns and ten palaces of the Northern Capital of Luofeng refer to the Daoist seat of government in the underworld. Along with the Eastern Peak and the Water Office, it forms part of the administrative system governing the hidden and manifest realms.

The registers of the Three Caverns and Four Supplements refer to the organization of altar-protecting divine commanders in the scriptural and ritual traditions of Shangqing, Lingbao, the Three Sovereigns, and related lineages.

Plain Language Commentary on the Lingbao Ritual Documents

After receiving this document concerning the matter, our office has performed the required observances in accordance with the liturgy. As proper procedure also requires us to submit a formal petition to your office, we ask that the deities temporarily leave their divine abode and grace the incense altar with their presence, so that our rites of reverence may reach them and every household may receive blessings. We hereby transmit this notice and submit the petition as follows.

Please examine the matter in detail. We respectfully ask you to extend your divine powers and secretly assist the profound work, to follow the benevolence of cherishing life and extending virtue, and to grant the benefits of generous clemency. May good affinities be complete and our aspirations fulfilled; may we receive the deities’ grace in full, as a sign of sincere devotion. This petition is submitted separately.

Petition submitted above

To the Great King, Assistant of Virtue, City God of this county: please review this petition in detail. Respectfully submitted.

Petition to the Three Realms

Our office has now set up the incense altar and begun the ritual proceedings. We respectfully request that the true decree descend and that the deities attend the ritual seat. We therefore transmit this notice as follows.

Petition submitted above

To the Merit Officers of the Three Realms and the Envoys of the Four Watches: please examine the matter in detail and promptly report it to the highest heavens. We hope the immortals will grace us with their presence, that our human devotion may reach them, and that this benevolent undertaking may be completed. We will not forget your gracious favor. Respectfully submitted.

Peace and Purification Offering for the Taichen Neighborhood Community (in fulfillment of the covenant)

The Three Pure Ones and the August Heaven (use the same wording as for the Three Pure Ones), the Southern Pole and the Northern Pole (likewise, but omit the passage beginning “We humbly hope you will receive our prayer and send down your gracious decree”).

May Heaven’s compassion pardon all my sins and grant my petition. I humbly hope that your golden faces and jade forms will temporarily leave the palaces of the Heaven of the Thirty-Three Gods, and that your phoenix carriages and imperial palanquins will descend to this auspicious ritual gathering. We pray to receive your gracious decree and ask you to instruct the heavens and earth, the Dipper offices and star palaces, the celestial talisman and fire offices, and all the perfected beings of the Three Realms to descend and attend the offering.

This covenantal ritual is performed specifically so that all who take part may be freed from calamities and misfortune, and that disasters may be wiped away. May the state enjoy auspicious signs, may the people suffer no famine, may officials and commoners celebrate together, and may the whole region be at peace. I have presumptuously disturbed the majesty of Heaven; my humble heart is overcome with fear and sweat. In utmost sincerity and trepidation (and so on), I respectfully submit this petition.

The Divine Empyrean, the Nine Sovereigns, and the various heavens (use the same wording as above).

May Heaven’s compassion pardon all my sins and grant my petition. I humbly hope that your imperial chariots will look favorably upon this ritual observance and grant a gracious decree, instructing the celestial constellations, the terrestrial, watery, and yang realms, the plague offices and fire palaces, and all the true offices assigned to the Three Realms to attend and give their protection.

(The remaining text follows the same pattern of prayer and petition as the passage above.)

A Plain-Language Reading of the Lingbao Documentary Forms

Attend to this request and carry it out. In particular, pardon the faults and offenses of all those participating in the Zhaijiao (purification ritual), grant them blessings and renewal, and dispel calamities and misfortunes.

May all enjoy peace and good fortune, and find success in their undertakings. May they receive abundant blessings, remain free from epidemics, and gather plentiful good fortune.

(Your subject) presumes upon Heaven’s awe-inspiring authority and humbly submits the following (details omitted).

Compassionate Three Origins, please approve the petition submitted by (the petitioner). We especially beg you to issue an authoritative decree, notifying the Three Origins’ offices of review—the Three Palaces, Nine Offices, and the one hundred and twenty bureaus, together with all the true offices under their jurisdiction—and ordering them all to take note.

For all those participating in the Zhaijiao, please review their offenses and faults from this life, whether committed intentionally or in error. We ask that they be pardoned, removed from the registers of transgression, and entered instead in the records of new blessings.

May peace prevail through all four seasons, and may each year pass in good fortune. May the whole region enjoy calm and prosperity, with food and clothing readily available. May signs of calamity be silenced forever, and blessings continually arrive.

(The petitioner) presumes upon your authority (details omitted).

The Three Ministries, Five Offices, and Five Masters (use the same wording).

May your true compassion graciously grant approval. We pray that you will come in your celestial carriage, drawn by cranes, and witness this Zhaijiao.

We especially beg you to present this petition to the Highest Mystery and seek a gracious decree: extend boundless compassion to all those participating in the Zhaijiao, and grant them blessings without limit.

May the region be peaceful and its people prosper.

We also beg you to dispatch the Lingbao officials and the officers and generals of the Thunder Rites Bureau. May they gather at the ritual altar, proclaim and convey the decree, and assist in carrying out the rites.

(The petitioner) presumes upon your authority.

The Perfected Lord of Ten Thousand Blessings, the Great Sovereign, Director of the Celestial Office of Zhaijiao (under the palace of …)

We humbly hope that your sacred compassion will approve this petition. We now ask that you submit a request to the exalted perfected beings of the Three Realms, the sacred ones of the Jade Capital, the supreme lords of the Golden Gate, and the divine officers of the Yangyuan rites, and notify the officials in charge of the underworld at Mount Tai.

When the appointed day arrives, we humbly ask you to descend in person, confirm the covenant, witness this offering of incense and flowers, and bestow blessings of good fortune.

May calamities from Heaven be entirely averted, and epidemics completely eradicated.

(The petitioner) presumes upon your authority.

Petition to the Eastern Peak

May your sacred compassion approve this humble plea. Briefly descend with your gracious presence and witness the Zhaijiao.

Especially grant a ritual decree and send it to the City God and the divine offices responsible for the rites, ordering them all to attend to this request.

Pardon accumulated offenses and grant their removal. May calamities be destroyed and epidemics quietly disappear.

May those above extend their protection to those below, so that all may continually receive its sheltering grace. May the old be at peace and the young be cared for; may all alike be nurtured by compassionate benevolence.

(The petitioner) presumes upon your authority.

The Dipper Mother, the Northern Dipper, the Southern Dipper, and the Great Luminaries (use the same form).

Note: This text provides formats for petitions and proclamations used in Zhaijiao ritual liturgy. “(Your subject)” and “(the petitioner)” commonly refer to the ritual officiant or the person on whose behalf the rite is performed. “Presumes upon Heaven’s awe-inspiring authority” is a conventional expression of humble respect. The “Three Origins’ offices of review” and the “Three Palaces, Nine Offices, and one hundred and twenty bureaus” refer to imagined celestial offices that assess merit and maintain registers in Daoist ritual. “Celestial carriage, drawn by cranes” refers to the conveyance of immortals. The “Thunder Rites Bureau” refers to divine generals of Thunder rites. “Eastern Peak” and “City God” refer respectively to the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak and the City God, among other deities who preside over ritual affairs.

The following is a vernacular interpretation of this passage from the Lingbao Wenjian:

Petitions to the Star Lords, the Fire Star, the Plague Spirits, and Others (the formats are similar; one example is given here)

The disciple humbly petitions the greatly compassionate honored deity to witness this report and grant its request. May your gracious radiance bless the ritual offering and bear witness to its covenant. We especially beg you to issue a gracious decree commanding the officials of the star palaces and Dipper offices, the mysterious bureau governing each person’s destiny, the Star Lord of the natal constellation, and all the Star Lords seated within and beyond the circuits of the heavens to attend to this matter together. On behalf of all those taking part in the ritual offering, may the stars follow their proper courses and the fortunes of the year be brought into balance; may the Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars—shine auspiciously, and may the hundred blessings be renewed without end. May fire and theft do no harm, and may plague and pestilence cease. May all be at ease and their wishes fulfilled, with fame and gain following their hearts. The disciple has presumed to trouble your sacred authority, and so forth.

The same format is also used for the Dongyuan Heavenly Talisman, the Fire Star, the Plague King of the Year, and others.

Petition to the Benevolent Deities (Plague Spirits Division)

The disciple humbly petitions the benevolent honored deities to approve this report. We especially beg you to issue a gracious decree informing all the deities of the Luminous Fire Bureau, the Plague Spirits Division, and the seasonal forces governing this year’s transformation. On behalf of all those taking part in the ritual offering, forgive past offenses and bestow auspicious blessings: may water and fire do no harm, and may plague and pestilence cease. Preserve lasting peace throughout the region, and protect all its people so that they may know only good fortune and tranquility. May auspicious signs arrive in succession, and blessings and well-being come together. The disciple has presumed to trouble your sacred authority, and so forth.

Insects and Locusts

The Eight Waxing Great Deities, masters of insects and locusts, are the gods who oversee the driving away of pests and agriculture. We respectfully hope that, in your benevolence, you will approve this report and bear witness to the rite of veneration. We further beg you to issue a gracious decree to the Deity of the First Harvest, the agricultural deity; the deities of farming and grain; the gods of field boundaries; the Cat and Tiger who guard against floods; and the deities of the embankments and enclosures, together with their retinues. May borers and locusts be completely eradicated, and may there be no grave concern from floods or drought. May the fields be abundant, the grain and wheat flourish and ripen, and all enjoy peaceful times, truly receiving your protection and grace. The disciple has presumed to trouble your sacred authority. With the utmost reverence, I respectfully submit this petition.

Mountain King

May the greatly compassionate deity approve, record, and authorize this petition and rite of veneration. Together with the other deities, bring the fortunes of the age into balance and bestow blessings and auspicious signs. May mountain paths be level and safe, so the people need not fear steep and dangerous terrain. May tigers and harmful creatures withdraw, so travelers may come and go without alarm or terror. May groves and gardens flourish, and plants and trees abound with springtime life. May the land be at peace and free from calamity. The disciple has presumed to trouble your sacred authority. I cannot express the depth of my reverence, and respectfully submit this petition.

Petition to the Three Realms

Let this petition be delivered to the talismanic messengers of the Three Realms, the meritorious officers on duty in the four watches, and the court officials tasked with receiving documents and carrying out assignments: summon all the local gods of the surrounding districts to attend.

A Plain-Language Reading of the Lingbao Documents

Dispatch to the Officials, Generals, Clerks, and Soldiers of the Lingbao Thunder Court

Please examine carefully the matter set out above and report it to the Celestial Court.

May the palaces of the heavens and the true offices governing the Three Realms—the heavens, the human world, and the underworld—be overseen by the myriad spirits, with all numinous beings fulfilling their duties. May petitions and memorials be presented, talismanic seals issued, and communications carried through the passes: reports submitted, commands conveyed, and duties undertaken in response, with each matter receiving its proper spiritual response. This dispatch is therefore issued.

To the officials, generals, clerks, and soldiers of the Lingbao Thunder Court: Please examine the matter stated above in detail. At once, divide into manifestations and transform into vital energy, assist the Dao and make its numinous power manifest, and descend to the ritual altar. Cleanse away harmful influences, clear the Yellow Path—the proper route by which offerings reach the Celestial Court—and convey the sincere intentions of the human world. Support the mysterious work, transmit the petitions, and welcome the heavenly perfected beings, the Daoist name for divine beings of the heavens, so that good results may be brought to completion and blessings extend to the visible and hidden realms, to the living and the dead. May grace reach animals and plants, the four classes of people—scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—receive good fortune, and all gathered here be blessed. Respectfully issued.

Dispatch to the Most Venerable One

Please review the matter stated above and direct all offices under your authority, along with their attendant spirits, to extinguish the miasma of epidemic illness and eliminate its poisons. Let the surrounding region be peaceful and its villages secure. We also ask that your divine presence look favorably upon and accept the sincerity of the human world. Respectfully issued.

Inviting Water and Addressing the Various Temples

(Common Form)

Dispatch to the City God

Please examine the matter stated above in detail and transmit a report to the departments of the Celestial Court, notifying the offices concerned. Suppress and quell the miasma of epidemic illness, and quietly bestow your grace. We also ask the local tutelary deities—the gods of the soil and community—to keep the region peaceful and homes secure, so that households may be calm and the people healthy. Respectfully issued.

Dispatch to the Marshal Who Quells Epidemics

Upon receiving this document, this office has already submitted a memorial to the court of the Celestial Emperor and sent written reports to the provincial offices. In addition to carrying out the prescribed rites in order, we respectfully acknowledge that Your Excellency holds the rank of supreme commander and has authority over the department of epidemics. Whenever there is a matter of dispelling disaster and restoring harmony, we must rely on your power to bring it to completion. We therefore issue this dispatch for your information.

The above is hereby transmitted to:

The Celestial Marshal of the Court of Heavenly Talismans, Commander of the Epidemic Forces, Great Marshal of the Golden Countenance: Please examine the matter stated above in detail, record the circumstances among the people, and direct the Five Epidemic Envoys, the Eight Sacred Generals, and all divisions of the northern and southern courts to act in keeping with the principle of cherishing life. Withdraw the toxic energies at once, dismantle your camps and strongholds, lower your banners and furl your flags, board the dragon boat and return, and bring your troops to rest beneath the cranes. Enjoy yourselves in the celestial realm within the pot and pause there to admire the scenery. Should lesser evil spirits falsely claim authority or names and harm the people, please also drive them out and deal with them as required. Respectfully issued.

Dispatch to the Fire Star

Upon receiving this document, this office has already carried out the prescribed rites. A dispatch must now be issued.

(The body of this dispatch follows the same form as the dispatch to the Marshal Who Quells Epidemics. It is addressed to the divine offices associated with the Fire Star, asking them to review the matter and carry it out in accordance with the prescribed rites.)

Note: This text is a collection of document templates used in Lingbao ritual practice. It includes set forms for issuing dispatches to the officials and generals of the Thunder Court, the Most Venerable One, the City God, the Great Marshal who commands the epidemic forces, the Fire Star, and others. Its wording includes formal phrases such as “examine the matter in detail and report it upward,” “respectfully issued,” and “a dispatch must now be issued.” These bureaucratic formulas set out matters such as warding off epidemics and purifying the altar, and describe how reports are passed up to the Celestial Court and the divine offices are commanded to carry them out.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of the Lingbao Wenzhan

The following are several types of formal documents, called die, commonly used in Daoist liturgy. They are addressed to the gods and often follow the format, “We hereby submit this to …; please review the matter described above and carry it out accordingly.”

Dispatch to the Southern Fire Deities

Submitted to General Song, the Southern Lord of Fire, who is free from taboo; Ebo, the ancient deity in charge of fire; the Great Fire-Bell Deity; and others: Please review the matter set out above in detail. We earnestly ask you to take pity on all living beings and bestow your gracious blessing, so that there may never be calamities from fire, that auspicious signs may always appear, and that the people may live in peace, goods may abound, and resources be plentiful. We also ask that the divine retinue join in the blessings of this Zhaijiao ritual. Respectfully submitted.

Dispatch to the Village Shrine

Upon receiving this document, our office has already presented petitions to the Heavenly Court and reported the matter to the provincial offices of the divine administration, and now awaits their gracious command. In addition, we must issue the following dispatch:

We hereby address the Mountain and River Lords and the Great Deity of the Village Shrine of this district: Please act at once in accordance with the matter described above. Purge foul Qi and guard the sacred altar. Do not let defilement or pollution intrude, so that the perfected spirits may descend. When the Zhaijiao ritual is complete, may its efficacy be confirmed by reliable signs. Respectfully submitted.

Dispatch to the Local Earth Deity

Having received this document, our office has already carried out the ritual observances in accordance with the prescribed rules. We must now issue this dispatch and request that the matter be examined and carried out: Immediately sweep away demonic influences and purify the local territory; convey the sincere petitions of the human world upward to the throne of the Emperor, and welcome the sages and perfected beings down into the human realm. Drive away epidemic afflictions and protect the crops, so that the people may live in peace, goods may abound, and rain and wind may come in due measure. Together, uphold the mysterious teaching and make the transformation wrought by the Dao clear. When the work is accomplished, may the names of those who have served be entered in the registers of Shangqing. This dispatch is issued accordingly.

This dispatch is addressed to the local Earth Deities and other spirits of the district. Please comply.

Dispatch for Raising the Banners

As the ritual proceedings are now being announced for the first time, the officiants will begin by erecting the ceremonial banners. We rely on the protection of divine power and must issue this dispatch to invite it.

We hereby address the Envoys of the Nine Heavens who supervise the banners and the Great Deities of the Six Jia and the Yellow Path: Please raise the towering poles and lift the colored standards high. Suspend the gold-lettered banner, one zhang in length, adorned with coiling dragons and dancing phoenixes. Let auspicious signs descend: jade carriages from the Nine Heavens, surrounded by rosy clouds and drifting mist. May our humble sincerity reach its intended destination, and may the assembled sages look upon and witness it. Respectfully submitted.

Dispatch for Supervising the Altar

The altar is now arranged in three tiers, and our sincerity has reached the Nine Heavens of Qing. Since sages and ordinary beings may mingle as they come and go, the altar precinct must be supervised by divine authority. This dispatch is issued accordingly.

This dispatch is addressed to the Two Great Marshals, the Divine Warriors of Shangqing, Yin and Yang, and Gou Bi (also written Goub i), who are commonly named together in liturgy as protectors of the Dao. Please protect the Dao, subdue demons, and eliminate baleful influences and impurity. Dispatch issued.

Explanation: The full text consists of standard formal documents sent, during the performance of a Zhaijiao ritual at a Lingbao altar, to the offices of the fire deities, village shrines, local Earth Deities, banner supervisors, altar supervisors, and other divine authorities. Its language follows the forms of petitions and official dispatches used in Daoism since the Tang and Song periods. Its main purposes are to explain the reason for performing the ritual, ask the gods to protect the altar, clear away impurity, welcome the perfected beings, and pray for peace and blessing. For a detailed reading of the punctuation or variant spellings of a particular document, such as Gou Bi, also written Goub i, please indicate the passage.

The opening passages describe the scene at the ritual assembly. Divine grace descends, the sacred ones all hasten to the assembly, and the spirit soldiers guarding the altar stand in orderly ranks, spears and halberds at the ready.

The "Sending-Off Boat Dispatch" (dié wén, a formal dispatch used to direct spirit generals and convey decrees) states that once the Dao altar receives the imperial decree, it should build a dragon boat in accordance with the Dao teachings. The boat is to honor and send off the Wensi (Plague Office, the divine bureau in charge of pestilence). The dispatch asks the Dashuai (Grand Marshal, commander of the spirit troops) to gather the Five Pestilence Envoys (Wu Wen Shizhe), the Eight Great Demon Kings, and the spirit deities who were dispatched by imperial order that year to make their rounds. Following Shangdi's (the Supreme Lord's) virtue of cherishing life (haosheng zhi de) and his compassion for the people, they are to gather in the pestilential fires, rescue the people from calamity, support the weak, eliminate locusts, and disperse the pestilential vapors. At the time of departure, the spirits board the dragon boat and partake of the offered wine. They must not linger, nor may they harm the people further. Any unrighteous ghosts or spirits are to be seized and escorted to the Heavenly Prison (Tian Yu, the underworld prison) for punishment, so that every household may enjoy purity, peace, and prosperity. The dispatch closes by naming the recipients, the Earth Deity Iron-Armored Flying Hero, Marshal Yiling Zhaowu Wenyuan, and the Earth Deity Guileless and Loyal Heroic Gatekeeper Grand Guardian, Marshal Kang Yuan, and asks them to carry out these instructions.

The "Opening the River Dispatch" (kai jiang dié) is a second document. It states that the jiao (offering ritual) has been completed and that boats should be sent to every household to sweep away the pestilential fires and gather in the five poisons. The Dao altar has prepared sacrifices of three animals, wine, and money as offerings to the two divisions of spirit kings who were responsible for spreading the pestilence that year. Their divine carriages will now turn toward Luopu. Because lakes and seas are difficult to navigate, rivers are narrow, and the banks are rugged, the dispatch asks the divine authority to loosen the mooring ropes and launch the boats. It also orders Hebo (the Earl of the River) and the spirits of the Water Office to open the channels quickly and await the arrival of the Great Holy Divine Boat, sending it off with a favorable wind without delay. The text cites Shangdi's decree that "the merit of saving people is great" as its basis. The closing line, "Let the Envoy who Summons Shoals and Guides Waters and the Spirit King who Opens the River and Cuts the Cables act accordingly," directs the water spirits to open the river and sever the cables, and to carry out the order as written.

The final "Departure Placard" (chu xun pai) is an itinerant dispatch issued by the Tianfu Duxian Fu (Heavenly Talisman Office of the Chief Censor). It states that this office has received orders to carry out the affairs described above.

This document is an official directive issued within the Daoist divine administration system for eradicating malevolent forces. The main contents are:

Lord Wenchang (the deity overseeing literary fortunes and scholarly achievements) has issued a strict command through the Great Cavern Scripture (Dadong Jing), ordering all deities responsible for inspecting good/evil deeds and governing epidemics to act in unison. It particularly emphasizes that during divine inspection tours, no household protected by Daoist talismans (Fulu) may be forcibly entered, nor may common people be harmed. This precaution addresses concerns that demons and evil spirits might exploit divine inspection periods to invade homes under false pretenses of celestial authority, harming both people and livestock to obtain blood sacrifices.

A special command tablet has therefore been issued, instructing local City Gods (chenghuang, urban guardians) and Earth Deities (tudishen) to lead divine officers in apprehending these forces. All implicated evil entities—regardless of being primary or secondary offenders—must be captured, thoroughly interrogated, and delivered to the divine court for punishment. The document precisely specifies the inspection schedule and route (departing from a certain location to Luoyang), requiring divine officers along the path to prepare celestial vessels for transportation without delay.

The second part is a "Wipeout Warrant" issued in the name of the Thunder Ministry Headquarters (Leiting Dusi, Daoism's thunder-based judicial institution). It reports that during a Daoist purification ritual (Zhaijiao), plague emissaries (Wuwen Shizhe) and eight great demon kings were found forcibly entering homes. Thunder generals are thus commanded to lead troops, assisted by City Gods and Earth Deities, to search temples, ancient wells, kitchen hearths, and other shadowy corners with punitive tools, arresting all evil spirits for trial at the Thunder Ministry. A stern warning is added: those resisting Daoist law shall be executed immediately without leniency.

The entire text demonstrates how Daoism maintains Yin-Yang order through its sacred bureaucracy, showcasing both meticulous organizational structures (seen in formal directives like "Fu Ming" decrees and "Pai Yang" warrants) and its religious mission to exorcise evil while protecting communities.

Excerpt from Lingbao Documents: A Plain-Language Interpretation

Approved here by the Iron-Faced Spirit Official, Lord Wang, who serves before the Primordial Heaven and oversees the inspection affairs of the Three-Five Fire Chariots.

On the (specified) year, month, and day, proceed to the Thunder Court to submit the decree and close the case.

Ritual to Avert Disasters from Yinghuo

(A ritual to avert disasters such as fires and ominous signs associated with Yinghuo, the Mars star, through a purification rite.)

Hao Tian

Relying on the compassion of Hao Tian, the Vast Heaven above, I first beg forgiveness for my offense of presumption and irreverence, and ask that the matter submitted be approved. I humbly beg that an edict be sent down and proclaimed to the Grand Office of Supreme Mystery, the celestial agency for documents established by the Daoist Divine Empyrean tradition. May it be announced throughout the Three Realms and the Ten Directions, and to the Palace of Departure and the Mansion of Kan, the divine offices of fire and water, so that they may respond and carry it out. I have presumed against Heaven’s authority; my humble heart is overwhelmed as I await punishment. I respectfully submit this memorial.

The Nine Celestial Courts

(The Nine Celestial Courts is a general term for the ninefold gates of Heaven and the courts of the Nine Heavens. Here it refers to the highest celestial deities.)

I respectfully address:

• The Great Emperor of Long Life, True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean
• The Great Emperor of Green Florescence, True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean
• The Celestial Worthy of Thunder’s Universal Transformation, Responsive to the Primordial Origin in the Nine Heavens, principal deity of the Thunder Department, commonly called the Thunder Patriarch
• The Great Emperor, Patriarch of Thunder in the Nine Heavens, Celestial Worthy Who Removes Disasters and Aids All Beings
• The Celestial Worthy Who Preserves and Regulates the Cycles of Calamity, Great Heavenly Emperor Taiyi of the Purple Tenuity Palace of Jade Green
• The Celestial Worthy Who Subdues Demons and Responds to Prayers, Great Emperor of the Six Heavens’ Cavernous Abyss
• The Celestial Worthy Who Spreads the Moisture of the Law Universally, Lord of the Six Waves
• The Perfected Lord Han, Elder of the Office of Increasing the Count of Years and Cherishing Life in the Nine Heavens
• The Perfected Lord, Envoy of Inquiry in the Nine Heavens, Responsive to the Primordial Origin and Preserver of Good Fortune

Beneath your celestial court, I respectfully hope for your compassionate favor and approval of this petition. I humbly beg that an edict be issued to the stars of Heaven and luminaries of Earth, the Mansion of Kan and Palace of Departure, and the true offices of the Three Realms, directing them all to respond and carry it out. I especially beg that the past offenses of (the named persons), whether deliberate or inadvertent, be forgiven and removed, so that all may begin anew. May they forever be free from the danger of “moving the firewood after the chimney catches fire,” and always enjoy the peace of secure homes and settled hearts. May the region be tranquil and pure, and remain long beneath your protection. I have presumed against your celestial authority; my humble heart is overcome with urgent apprehension. I respectfully submit this memorial.

Taiyin

(The petitioner) has received the petition and, with devout earnestness, would not dare to neglect or delay it. What is called for is a request that the True Water of Taiyin be sent down to quell the blazing winds. I dare not take this upon myself; I respectfully record the petition received and, in my ignorance, submit it for consideration.

In the foregoing, (the petitioner) is sincerely fearful and reverent (and so forth), bowing low before the sacred presence of the Sovereign Lord of Luminous Essence, Pure Radiance, and Jade Moonlight of the Moon Palace, a title of the Taiyin deity who rules the Moon Palace; “Luminous Essence,” “Pure Radiance,” and “Jade Moonlight” evoke the moon’s appearance and essence. I respectfully hope that your true compassion will grant what has been requested and especially issue a sacred edict to the roots of Heaven and caverns of the Moon, the Mansion of Kan and Palace of Departure, the Primordial Lord of Water, and the Jade Maiden of Supreme Mystery, directing them all to respond. Especially for (the named persons), remove accumulated past defilements and dispel the power of disaster. Set in motion the essence of Luminous Radiance, and let the dangers of scorching fires and Yinghuo’s baleful signs cease forever.

Explanation: The text follows the format of a memorial, a request for water, and a plea for forgiveness in Lingbao purification rites. It first names the approving spirit official and the date for submitting the document to the Thunder Court, then presents petitions in three sections—Hao Tian, the Nine Celestial Courts, and Taiyin—seeking forgiveness, the issuance of an edict, and the descent of Taiyin’s True Water to extinguish fires and avert disasters associated with Yinghuo. Phrases such as “I humbly beg,” “I respectfully submit this memorial,” and “I have presumed against your celestial authority” follow the conventions of a subject petitioning Heaven. Bracketed notes briefly explain proper names; “(the named person),” “(the petitioner),” and “(the official)” are placeholders for the person concerned or the ritual master.

A Plain-Language Reading of Lingbao Wenjian

(Opening Against Calamity)

(This is one form of opening invocation. Its general meaning is: may calamities disperse, and may the invocation begin.)

I respectfully report: the Pure Void Court, the palace of pure emptiness revered in Daoism, is ever graced by benevolent blessings. I, your humble servant, overstep my station and tremble with apprehension; I respectfully submit this petition.

Water Virtue · North

With reverence, I look to the sacred presence of the Morning-Watching Star Lord of Northern Water Virtue, the star lord who governs Water Virtue in the north and watches over the dawn. I beseech your sacred compassion to grant my petition and especially to descend, bear witness to our covenant, and oversee our rites of cultivation and service. I also pray that your true decree be issued, directing the gods of Ren and Gui—the Heavenly Stems that symbolize the north and water—the true rulers of the Kan Palace, the Great General of the numinous tortoise, the Lord of Water, and all others to lend their aid.

For the sake of us, (name), may faults and blemishes be cleansed and calamities brought to an end. May your vast, boundless grace forever quell the calamity of flames surging upward. May the nourishing rain of the Dharma spread its blessings throughout the world.

Southern Palace of Fire Virtue

I beseech your sacred compassion to grant my petition and especially to descend, bear witness to our covenant, and oversee our rites of cultivation and service. I also pray that your true decree be issued, directing all the true officials under the Fire Bureau to lend their aid. In particular, I beg you to pardon every offense, great and small, committed by us, (name), and to extinguish all lingering calamities. May you set aside your anger and withdraw your might, heed the pleas of those who till the fields, and nurture all beings with benevolence. May the danger of flames surging upward be quelled forever, the region be peaceful and secure, and the people live and work in contentment. (The petitioner) presumes to submit this report.

Heavenly Secretariat (the celestial administrative office)

I beseech your sacred compassion to grant my petition and especially to present it at the Heavenly Gate, the abode of the Heavenly Emperor, and obtain a decree directing the rulers of Yin and Yang in the Three Realms, the true numina of Li and Kan, and all relevant offices everywhere to lend their aid. I further pray that you dispatch the officials and generals of the Lingbao offices from the scriptures, registers, and methods of the Three Caverns and Four Assistants. May they gather at the ritual altar, proclaim and convey the summons, and bring lasting calm to the winds and smoke, so that the region may be peaceful and secure. I humbly hope that your crane-borne presence will descend to witness our covenant and rites of cultivation and service. (The petitioner) presumes to submit this request.

Sacred Might (the wording follows the preceding section).

Five Courts and Five Masters (the format follows the “Heavenly Secretariat” section).

Three Officials (the Great Emperors of Heaven, Earth, and Water)

I beseech your sacred compassion to grant the petition submitted by (the petitioner), and especially to bring your sacred presence to witness the ritual observances and cultivation. I further beg you to issue a gracious decree directing the bureaus of the Three Primordials and Nine Offices, which assess merit and fault, to lend their aid. I pray that you pardon all the wrongs we, (name), have committed from former lives to the present; may we be wholly renewed and spared from having our names entered and marked in the Register of Darkness. Protect and uphold the virtue of guarding the One, grant us a lasting place in a pure age, and bestow every kind of blessing. (The petitioner) presumes to submit this request.

Before your sacred might, I am filled with awe and dread; I respectfully submit this petition.

Eastern Peak Imperial Palace (the imperial palace of Mount Tai, presided over by the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak)

I beseech your sacred compassion to grant this petition and briefly bring your sacred presence down…

(The following passage is missing or damaged in some surviving versions. “Briefly bring your sacred presence down” usually means that the divine presence descends temporarily to the ritual altar to witness the covenant.)

Note: The text as a whole is an invocation petition used in Lingbao Zhaijiao, a Daoist purification ritual. Its format is fixed: it begins with humble language of presumption and trembling or dread, then requests a divine descent to witness the covenant and rites of cultivation and service, and finally asks for aid: pardon for sins, the cessation of calamities—Water Virtue quelling fire and Fire Virtue withdrawing its might—peace for the region and safety for its people, and petitions submitted to the Heavenly Gate, the Three Officials’ bureaus of assessment, the Eastern Peak, and other authorities. “(Name)” is a placeholder for a worshipper’s name; “(minister)” and “(the petitioner)” are forms of self-reference used by a Daoist priest or ritual sponsor.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of the Lingbao Wenjian

Immortal Guards (deities who protect the Dao) bow to inspect this ritual offering. We especially request an edict ordering the City God (guardian deity of the city) and the local territorial deities to provide their protection. This is specifically for (a person) and the others: to consider the sins they have accumulated over the years, grant them abundant blessings, wipe away calamities and disasters, and dispel epidemics; to provide them with a roof over their heads and a lasting home; and to make their lives as peaceful as a spring terrace, forever relying on Heaven’s protection. (The person) and the others are overwhelmed with awe. We have dared to intrude upon the sacred presence, and our humble plea is utterly sincere.

The Fusang Palace in the Water Court (the palace where the ruler of the Water Court resides)

May your sacred compassion look down upon us; we beg your mercy and permission to invite your dragon chariot (the divine vehicle drawn by dragons) to descend for a time and oversee the ritual. We ask you to issue an edict directing the departments of the Water Court to provide their protection, specifically to wash away the sins and dispel the calamities of (a person) and the others. May your grace be deep and broad, bringing lasting relief from the danger of raging flames; may the rain of the Dharma nourish all under Heaven with its boundless beneficence.

Divine Officers and Generals (protective deities summoned during the ritual)

Please review the reasons set forth above, then send your manifested spirits and transformed Qi to gather at the altar. Purify the turbid and raise up the clear; convey our sincerity and heartfelt devotion, deliver the summons, and assist the merit of the purification rite. Welcome the Supreme Emperor to the altar and protect the people below, bringing peace and well-being. May epidemics leave them untouched, fires and theft cause them no harm, the region be tranquil, and its people live and work in contentment. Respectfully submitted.

Tai Sui (the deity who presides over the year)

Please review the reasons for this request and descend to the ritual seat. We ask you to direct the deities of the Epidemic Department and dispatch the host of Fire Gods, ordering them all to obey the Emperor’s talisman. Specifically, release (a person) and the others from transgressions and reduce their sins; carry them through danger and dispel calamity. Embody the Supreme Emperor’s De (Virtue) of cherishing life and protect the people below from disaster. May epidemics leave them untouched, fires and theft cause them no harm, the region be settled and secure, the seasons and climate be harmonious, the people live and work in contentment, and the land be peaceful and safe. Respectfully submitted.

City God

Please review the reasons set forth above and graciously descend to oversee our humble petition. We ask you to direct the local community deities to purify the region, embodying the Supreme Emperor’s love of life and forgiving the people below for their wrongs. Eradicate epidemics and bring an end to pestilence; may the region be peaceful and serene, all relying on Heaven’s protection. May every household remain secure and calm, forever receiving the blessings of Heaven’s sheltering care. Respectfully submitted.

Fire Bell (deity who holds authority over fires)

Please review the reasons for this request and look kindly upon the ritual. Embody the Supreme Emperor’s love of life and forgive the people below for their wrongs. Have mercy on the plea made from the heart; let your anger subside and your power abate, bringing lasting relief from the threat of raging flames. Embody benevolence and nurture all living things; may every household remain secure and calm, and the region peaceful and safe. We also hope that your divine chariot will descend to join us and partake in the ritual feast. Respectfully submitted.

A formal document to the local guardian spirit (die):

Our office has received the relevant matter and now issues this formal document in due form. Please carry out the required inspection and immediately purify the territory under your jurisdiction, guard the sacred altar, and welcome the descent of the Supreme Lord of Heaven, so that the residents may be blessed with peace and good health. Let epidemics find no way to spread, let every household enjoy lasting good fortune and success, and let fires and thieves cause no harm. May the whole region be peaceful and harmonious. On the day the merit is acknowledged, have the names entered in the registers of Shangqing, the celestial realm of Highest Clarity. This document is hereby delivered and must reach its destination. Thus ends the document.

A formal directive to the Earth God (zha):

Our office has received the relevant matter and now issues this directive in due form. Please carry out the required inspection and immediately sweep away demonic influences and purify the ritual altar, so that sincere intent may reach its destination and auspiciousness may be welcomed. Assist in the merit of the Zhaijiao purification ritual and uphold the Dao’s transformation, so that epidemics and disasters cannot afflict the region, fires and thieves cause no harm, the four seasons remain clear and peaceful, and every household stays calm and free of trouble. On the day the merit is acknowledged, have the names entered in the registers of Shangqing. This directive is hereby delivered and must reach its destination. Thus ends the directive.

—End of Volume Three of Lingbao Wenjian.