《靈寶文檢》Vol. 27

Interpretive Reading of the Lingbao Documents

Supreme Highest Lingbao Red-Writing Jade Characters of the Eastern Nine Qi for Subduing Demons: The True Text of Eight Powers

Pronunciation (chant reading)

Eastern Mountain spirit spell: Use it to summon and command the talismanic orders of the Nine Heavens. Control Mount Feng, bind demons, and send off ghosts. Those condemned shall receive no pardon. All must proceed to the Wood Palace; whoever dares delay shall be punished.

The following cloud-script text is presented above

We respectfully invite the Eastern Great General Who Guards the Household to protect the residence of the Dao-devotee (name). May the Qi of the Wood Sovereign of the East, the Jia and Yi direction, and the Yin and Mao positions ensure that no hundred evils enter and that all demons are bound and subdued. May transgressions be dispelled, calamities averted, and life at home be peaceful and secure, all in accordance with the talismanic command of the Eastern Azure Emperor.

Supreme Highest Lingbao Red-Writing Jade Characters of the Southern Three Qi for Subduing Demons: The True Text of Eight Powers

Pronunciation

The red text commands the numinous powers to be summoned and directed from the north, while Mount Feng binds and sends away the demon clans. Cut off and destroy the roots of evil. Those whom the talismanic command investigates shall have their crimes clearly set forth. The Southern Mountain spirit spell’s power subdues the eight directions; all demons are vanquished, and every trial is shattered and brought to an end.

The following cloud-script text is presented above

We respectfully invite the Southern Great General Who Guards the Household to protect the residence of the Dao-devotee (name). May the Qi of the Fire Sovereign of the South, the Bing and Ding direction, and the Si and Wu positions ensure that depletion and loss in the south leave no trace and are utterly dispelled. May transgressions be dispelled, calamities averted, and all activity be peaceful and harmonious, in accordance with the talismanic command of the Southern Red Emperor.

Supreme Highest Lingbao Red-Writing Jade Characters of the Center’s One Qi for Subduing Demons: The True Text of Eight Powers

Pronunciation

By command, summon and direct the Northern Emperor; block the gates of the ghosts; cut away all that is inauspicious. Let no one dare advance recklessly.

The following cloud-script text is presented above

We respectfully invite the Central Great General Who Guards the Household to protect the residence of the Dao-devotee (name). May the Qi of the Earth Sovereign at the center, the Wu and Ji direction, and the Chou and Wei positions ensure that depletion and loss in the center leave no trace and are utterly dispelled. May every action remain safe, and may all comings and goings accord with good fortune, in accordance with the talismanic command of the Central Yellow Emperor.

Supreme Highest Lingbao Red-Writing Jade Characters of the Western Seven Qi for Subduing Demons: The True Text of Eight Powers

Pronunciation

Red-Writing Jade Characters, the true text of the Nine Heavens: summon and direct the myriad Qi, and return them all to the Emperor.

The following cloud-script text is presented above

We respectfully invite the Western Great General Who Guards the Household to protect the residence of the Dao-devotee (name). May the Qi of the Metal Sovereign of the West, the Geng and Xin direction, and the Shen and You positions ensure that depletion and loss in the west leave no trace and are utterly dispelled. May all activity accord with great harmony, and may the family attain supreme good fortune, in accordance with the talismanic command of the Western White Emperor.

Note: Each passage for a direction belongs to a Lingbao household-protection ritual. It uses Red-Writing Jade Characters and cloud-script invocations to call upon the Great Generals Who Guard the Household in the four directions. Acting through the Qi of Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal and their corresponding stems and branches, they protect the home, subdue demons, and avert calamities. Mount Feng is said in Daoist tradition to be the abode of the ghostly prison; the Northern Emperor often refers to a revered deity who governs ghosts. The source contains gaps and likely scribal errors. This reading follows common interpretations and lightly adjusts the wording for continuity.

The following is a plain-language explanation of these passages from the Lingbao Textual Register, arranged in the order of the original.

The Most High Lingbao True Text of the Eight Powers for Subduing Demons in the North, Written in Vermilion Script and Jade Characters

Correct pronunciation (the sounds recited according to the ritual)

In general, this text invokes the divine incantation of the Northern Mountain and the method of activating Yang thunder. It calls forth the flowing bells to ring out and the gates of Heaven to quake, subduing the myriad demons within the territory governed by Northern Feng—the northern realm of the dead in Daoist belief—and causing them to lose their forms and scatter. These phrases are mostly transliterations or esoteric expressions. They must be recited with the correct pronunciation transmitted by a teacher and should not be altered at will.

The cloud script above is submitted in petition

(Written in cloud script and presented upward.)

The text respectfully invokes the Great General Who Guards the North and Protects the Home, asking him to protect the residence of the family of a certain person who follows the Dao. It asks him to guard the northern Qi of the Water King, the Ren and Gui directions (the north), and the Hai and Zi positions (also associated with the north). May beings that cause emptiness, loss, and theft in the north vanish completely, and may the earth taboos—taboos and disturbances concerning the home’s foundations and the Qi of the land—return to their proper place. May the household be peaceful, in accordance with the talismanic command.

Talismanic command of the Black Emperor of the North

(Three lines are left blank here for the year, month, and day on which the command is issued.)

The Most High Lingbao True Text for Traversing the Stars in the East, Written in Vermilion Script and Jade Characters, with Nine Qi

Correct pronunciation

This passage concerns the Year Star (Jupiter), which supports the liver, and the celestial lodges Jiao and Kang, which help guard it. The four stellar configurations Di, Fang, Xin, and Wei revolve; Ji governs the seven celestial markers and sets the Dipper’s luminous wheel in order. The text receives Qi, captures wrongdoing, and sweeps away clusters of calamity. Its phrases refer largely to the twenty-eight lunar lodges and the Dipper, and serve as cultivation formulas connecting the stars and constellations with the liver and the hun-soul.

The cloud script above is submitted in petition

The text respectfully invokes the Star Lord Chonghua, associated with the Wood Virtue Year Star, on behalf of the head of the household of a certain person who follows the Dao. It asks him to govern the celestial palaces, set the courses of Heaven in order, and dispel calamities caused by punishments and clashes in the person’s destiny. May he descend in spirit and spread Qi from the Palace of Eastern Radiance, protecting the liver and guarding the hun-soul. This petition is respectfully submitted.

The Most High Lingbao True Text for Traversing the Stars in the South, Written in Vermilion Script and Jade Characters, with Three Qi

Correct pronunciation

Yinghuo (Mars) supports the heart, while the lodges Jing and Gui guard the chamber. Liu, Xing, Zhang, and Yi govern the four regions; Zhen oversees the seven lodges and turns the regular course of Heaven. The passage summons good fortune, hastens the appointed meeting, and sets the movement of the Dao on its proper course. This is again a recitation focused on the southern lodges and Mars’s protection of the heart.

The cloud script above is submitted in petition

The text respectfully invokes the Star Lord Yinghuo, associated with the Fire Virtue Year Star, on behalf of the head of the household of a certain person who follows the Dao. It asks him to govern the celestial palaces, set the courses of Heaven in order, and dispel calamities caused by punishments and clashes in the person’s destiny. May he descend in spirit and relieve affliction from the Palace of Cavernous Yang, nourishing Qi and guarding the heart. This petition is respectfully submitted.

The Most High Lingbao True Text for Traversing the Stars in the Center, Written in Vermilion Script and Jade Characters, with One Qi

Correct pronunciation

Zhenxing (Saturn) supports the spleen and turns the Northern Origin. Kui and Gui—including the Star Kui—govern wrongdoing, cut off evil, and sever it at its roots. They sweep away the foul Qi of Xingbi and Piao, set the Dark Dipper in order, illuminate the Heavenly Pass, and convey the talismanic commands of the Nine Heavens by golden-horse relay. The central Earth Virtue corresponds with the Dipper and the Heavenly Pass.

The cloud script above is submitted in petition

The text respectfully invokes the Star Lord of Earthly Signs, associated with the Earth Virtue Year Star, on behalf of the head of the household of a certain person who follows the Dao. It asks him to govern the celestial palaces, set the courses of Heaven in order, and dispel calamities caused by punishments and clashes in the person’s destiny. The original does not name a specific palace here. Its wording follows the same pattern as the eastern and southern passages, so the palace would be the traveling palace corresponding to the center. May he descend in spirit and spread Qi, protecting the spleen and guarding the po-soul; the central One Qi is often associated with the central palace and the Earth phase of the spleen. This petition is respectfully submitted.

Brief background

This textual register belongs to the Lingbao school’s commonly used class of Vermilion Script and Jade Characters true texts. It pairs the five directions and five Qi with stellar lords and celestial lodges. Through recitation of the correct pronunciation and the submission of petitions in cloud script, it serves to protect a home, guide practitioners through the stars, and resolve calamities caused by conflicts in a person’s destiny. The eastern, southern, and central passages share the same structure: they petition the Year Star, Yinghuo, or Zhenxing associated with that direction, asking the deity to govern the celestial palaces, set the courses of Heaven in order, and protect the organs—the liver, heart, or spleen—as well as the souls. The northern passage focuses on subduing demons through the Eight Powers, invoking the Great General Who Guards the North and Protects the Home and the talismanic command of the Black Emperor. Its emphasis is on protecting the home and restraining demons, losses, and waste in the north. The placeholder “(certain person)” must be replaced with the person’s name or religious name for the ritual document to be complete.

Excerpt from The Lingbao Ritual Documents, rendered in modern language

[General Invocation]

We respectfully submit this petition to the Palace of Great Mystery, the celestial abode in the realm of Great Mystery. May Qi of the Dao (the Way) flow forth here and secure the Yellow Court, the central Dantian and root of nature and life.

The Seven Qi of the West: True Text for Deliverance through the Stars (Sacred Recitation)

Venus governs the lungs; Kui and Lou guard the soul; Wei, Mao, Bi, Zi, and Shen govern and regulate the seven passes. Shen commands the Northern Dipper’s handle and receives the talisman from the Northern Origin.

[The text above, written in cloud script, is presented in a petition.]

Star of Metal De, Celestial Lord Tianhao: We beseech you to serve as patron of the household of the Dao devotee (name), govern the stellar palaces, set the courses of Heaven aright, and dispel calamities caused by fate and astrological afflictions. May you spread Qi and send down the spirits in the Palace of Pure Luminosity, still the Po soul, and calm the lungs. Respectfully submitted.

[The Supreme Lingbao True Text in Red Script and Jade Characters for Deliverance through the Stars, Seven Qi of the West follows.]

The Five Qi of the North: True Text for Deliverance through the Stars (Sacred Recitation)

The Northern Dipper’s Pole Star assists the kidneys; Niu and Dou guard the gates; Nü, Xu, Wei, and Shi open wide the four entrances; Bi commands the seven stars, holds authority over misfortune, corrects wrongdoing, drives away calamity and sweeps away impurity, making the Dao bright and radiant.

[The text above, written in cloud script, is presented in a petition.]

Star of Water De, Celestial Lord Sichen: We beseech you to serve as patron of the household of the Dao devotee (name), govern the stellar palaces, set the courses of Heaven aright, and dispel calamities caused by fate and astrological afflictions. May you spread Qi and send down the spirits in the Palace of the Mysterious Origin, circulate the blood, and protect the kidneys. Respectfully submitted.

[The Supreme Lingbao True Text in Red Script and Jade Characters for Deliverance through the Stars, Five Qi of the North follows.]

The Nine Qi of the East: True Text for Opening the Way to Deliverance and Rebirth

[The text above, written in cloud script, is presented in a petition.]

Celestial Lord of the Nine Qi of the East: We humbly beseech you, by the command talisman of the Primordial Beginning, to issue a proclamation to the Limitless World of the East and open the palace of the Ninefold Darkness and Eternal Night. In particular, deliver the true soul of the deceased (name) from the household of the Dao devotee (name), so that the departed soul may undergo refinement and be transformed into an immortal. Respectfully submitted.

[The Supreme Lingbao True Text in Red Script and Jade Characters for Opening the Way to Deliverance and Rebirth, Nine Qi of the East follows.]

The Three Qi of the South: True Text for Opening the Way to Deliverance and Rebirth

[The text above, written in cloud script, is presented in a petition.]

Celestial Lord of the Three Qi of the South: We humbly beseech you, by the command talisman of the Primordial Beginning, to issue a proclamation to the Limitless World of the South, as in the preceding rite, and deliver the departed soul from the household of the Dao devotee (name). Respectfully submitted.

[The Supreme Lingbao True Text in Red Script and Jade Characters for Opening the Way to Deliverance and Rebirth, Three Qi of the South follows.]

Sacred Recitation:

The Yellow Center governs Qi and commands the Mysterious True Ones. The Star of Earth De shines forth and sends its radiance, flowing in refinement through the Palace of the Spirits.

[The text above, written in cloud script, is presented in a petition.]

Celestial Lord of the One Qi of the Center: We humbly beseech you, by the command talisman of the Primordial Beginning, to issue a proclamation to the Limitless World of the Center, as in the preceding rite. Respectfully submitted.

[The Supreme Lingbao True Text in Red Script and Jade Characters for Opening the Way to Deliverance and Rebirth, One Qi of the Center follows.]

The Seven Qi of the West: True Text for Opening the Way to Deliverance and Rebirth

[The text above, written in cloud script, is presented in a petition.]

Celestial Lord of the Seven Qi of the West: We humbly beseech you, by the command talisman of the Primordial Beginning, to issue a proclamation to the Limitless World of the West, as in the preceding rite, and deliver the departed soul from the household of the Dao devotee (name). Respectfully submitted.

[The Supreme Lingbao True Text in Red Script and Jade Characters for Opening the Way to Deliverance and Rebirth, Seven Qi of the West follows.]

Notes for reading the original:

The “True Text for Deliverance through the Stars” uses the positions of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, the Northern Dipper, and other stars to regulate the Five Viscera, the seven passes, and the Hun and Po souls, and to dispel calamities caused by fate and astrological afflictions.

The “True Text for Opening the Way to Deliverance and Rebirth” follows the command talisman of the Primordial Beginning to open the Ninefold Darkness and Eternal Night and deliver the deceased’s true soul from the world, refining it so that it may attain rebirth.

“Sacred Recitation” refers to an outline of invocations associated with the stars and the viscera, recited during the rite as petitions in cloud script are presented.

“(Name)” marks a place for entering a person’s name; during the rite, a Daoist priest or devotee supplies the name.

A Plain-Language Explanation of the Lingbao Document

The Talismanic Decree of the Primordial Beginning is issued to the boundless world of the West, opening the realm of the Ninefold Darkness and its endless night. It is specially intended to rescue and deliver the souls of the deceased [name] and others from the family of [name], who serves the Dao, so that the dead may undergo refinement and be transformed into immortals. Respectfully submitted:

The True Text of the Supreme Lingbao: The Red Writing and Jade Characters of the Five Qi of the North, for Opening the Way and Transcending to New Life.

(The cloud-script is written in the column at right, addressed above to the Heavenly Court.)

Lords of the Five Qi of the North—we humbly request that, in accordance with the Talismanic Decree of the Primordial Beginning, you issue an order to the boundless world of the North and open the realm of the Ninefold Darkness and its endless night. This is specially intended to rescue and deliver the souls of the deceased [name] and others from the family of [name], who serves the Dao, so that the dead may undergo refinement and be transformed into immortals. Respectfully submitted.

On [year, month, day], [name], holding the ritual rank of [rank], receives the command and carries it out. (The same format applies above.)

The Edict of Nüqing

Office of the Register: We respectfully receive the command of the Dao. We request that the Edict of Nüqing be issued from beneath the Three Heavens and made known to:

The Three Offices and Nine Courts of Mount Tai, the sacred peaks and waterways, the underworld of Fengdu, the Water Bureau, the City Gods, the local shrine officials, and the subordinates of the Eight Great Demon Kings—in short, all places that hold the souls of the dead.

The Dao declares: People living in this world accumulate many transgressions. They commit them day after day without realizing it, until their offenses become too grave to pardon. When they leave the world of the living, they fear sinking into ruin: they may be held at Mount Tai or Luofeng, or detained at a City God’s shrine or local temple. They suffer through day and night, dying and being reborn countless times.

The Great Dao, in its compassion, permits rescue and deliverance. (This clause is omitted when the edict is issued in advance.) Now, in response to a petition submitted by [name] and others of the Great Qing realm, this matter is urgently concerned with saving people. The prescribed rites have already been performed. We are gravely concerned, however, that the recommended deceased [name], along with family members, members of other lineages, and beings of the Six Paths, accumulated offenses while alive and remain bound after death by the consequences of their past misdeeds. A sacred altar has now been established and offerings made on a broad scale to recommend and rescue them. We fear they may still be detained by the authorities in their jurisdiction and unable to depart. The Talismanic Decree of the Primordial Beginning must therefore be invoked to command that the gates of the underworld be opened. The following matter is submitted for the extraction and rescue of souls:

One: The deceased [name] recommended by the family of [name], who has performed the purification ritual, together with family members and members of other lineages. A document listing each person’s name and the year, month, day, and hour of birth or death is attached herewith. Once this notice is received, retrieve and release them all according to their names.

Note: The placeholders [name] mark places in the ritual text where names are entered. The Edict of Nüqing is a funerary document issued from beneath the Three Heavens. It informs the authorities that hold souls—including those at Mount Tai, Fengdu, and the City God’s offices—and requests that the souls listed by name be released from the gates of the underworld.

An Interpretation of the Lingbao Wenjian (Model Documents)

The following is a model official document from the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) zhaijiao (zhai purification ritual). The bracketed names, dates, and altar titles are filled in during performance. The phrasing imitates imperial edicts, but the document is in effect a formal notice to the Underworld and to divine offices, announcing the opening of the rite, the granting of amnesty, and the salvation of deceased souls.

Article One (for use when filed in advance). The filial believers who sponsor this rite reported in advance, on a certain day of a certain month, the names of the deceased being memorialized, together with the names of all others in the same group, and requested that they be summoned and held. Now that the altar is open, all of them are to be released in accordance with the names previously reported and set completely free (no longer detained).

Article Two. Among the deceased named here, anyone who accumulated merit in life, or who has already been reborn through merit performed on their behalf after death, shall still have the case recorded and handled according to the merit ledger. Anyone not yet reborn, however burdened by their offenses, must also honor the present edict and be specially pardoned and released.

Article Three. Within the cycle of transmigration in the Three Realms, including the paths of the asuras, the five human lineages, the hells, the hungry ghosts, and the animals, each office under their jurisdiction shall broadly proclaim amnesty. At the appointed times, all shall come to the altar together to receive its merit.

Article Four. We respectfully follow the Yuanshi Fuming (Mandate of the Primordial Beginning) and the Nüqing Lüling (Nüqing Statutes, the codes on which the Lingbao rite is based). We announce to the boundless worlds of the ten directions, to the Three Officials and Nine Offices of the One Hundred and Twenty Bureaus (the Daoist underworld examining agencies), and to every office with responsibility in this matter, that they shall, according to the law, draw forth the seven generations of ancestors and all the dead. For men, the sanhun qipo (three hun and seven po, the spiritual and corporeal souls) are to be freed; for women, the three hun and fourteen po. May they swiftly escape the wind-blades, the Three Evil Paths, and the Five Sufferings, ascend to the Southern Palace, be reborn in new bodies, attain the true Dao, and thereby fulfill the decree of Taishang Haosheng (the Most High's Love of Life).

Decree of the Most High. The deceased so-and-so and others shall be granted pardon for their offenses by the appropriate Numinous Official, and swiftly dispatched to the great rite of such-and-such, there to receive the merit of salvation. The local governing bureau shall not raise any obstruction. Let this edict be implemented as stated, and so it is decreed.

Right (as appended). Entrusted to the Earth Deities, the Unflattering Ones, and Marshal Kang, Grand Guardian of the Imperial Gate, to carry and present this document downward, in accordance with the command.

Announced on a certain day of a certain month in the Heavenly Cycle year of such-and-such.

Following the Dao, cultivating causes, pursuing merit, and welcoming good fortune: the filial believers so-and-so and nine others (signed).

So-and-so, the Most High, receives the decree and respectfully carries it out.

Great Dharma Master of the Three Heavens, Great Dharma Master of the Mysterious Center, Right Minister of the Dipper, Left Minister of the Dipper, Minister of the Celestial Mechanism, Inner Minister of the Celestial Mechanism, Supreme Minister of the Great Mystery, and Supreme Minister of Jade Clarity (titles and signatures).

Note. This document is linked to the ritual sequence of pursuit and summons, opening the altar, release and pardon, absolution of offenses, and dispatch to the great rite. The phrases "pre-filed pursuit and extraction" and "release all" mean that names are first reported so that the souls can be summoned and held, and after the altar opens they are released by name, so that the dead are not detained for long. The closing list of marshals and ritual ranks is the common format in Lingbao zhaijiao for sending documents down to the Underworld and up to Heaven.

Opening Honorifics (Listing the Deities Invoked)

The Jade Emperor of the Golden Gate of the Vast Heaven (Haotian Jinque Yuhuang Shangdi), the Primordial Lord of the Qingwei Heaven in the Jade Pure Realm (Yuqing Shengjing Qingwei Yuanshi Tianzun), together with the Jade Pure Emperor, the Upper Pure Emperor, the Supreme Pure Emperor, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Five Departments’ Fire Wheel Kings, the Great Dharma Lord of the Capital Heaven, the Five Phases of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, the Generals of the Six Jia and Six Ding, the Honored Spirits of the Seven Stars of the Northern Pole, the Left and Right Assistants, the Eight Great Vajras, the Nine Heavens Sovereign, the Dharma-protecting Divine Kings of the Ten Directions, and others—all acting under the command of the Jade Emperor.

The Nüqing Edict of Pardon

Office heading: Respectfully in accordance with the Daoist mandate, requesting issuance of the Nüqing Edict of Pardon at the gate of the Three Heavens.

By command of the Mysterious Origin (the Dao and the virtue of the Primordial honored in Daoism), widely extending the benevolence of “giving life and saving and delivering,” specifically to rescue beings on the path of the dark underworld and to pity all sentient beings. Considering how vast the dark prisons are and how numerous the bound are—though noble and base differ, all are due to offenses: in life the mind was deluded and sins were made; after death one enters the underworld and suffers through countless kalpas; in a single day and night there are myriad deaths and rebirths in grief. Though each suffers in their own way, all sink together in the sea of bitterness. In former times compassion was always held in mind and ritual methods were lowered to save people; now, through cultivation and incense (devotional practice and zhaijiao), this Mysterious Void Edict of Pardon (a type of Nüqing pardon) is specially issued, to pull up the suffering of those sunk in misery and extend boundless grace; all who are in the offices of the underworld should receive a great amnesty.

Your ministers now memorialized: for (fill in as appropriate) establishing a Lingbao (specify) ritual arena, performing the rite day and night, first opening on (date) and concluding on (date), praying for grace to deliver the deceased (name), household relatives, unrelated deceased in the same lineage, and the masses of the Nine Springs and Six Paths. Whether they accumulated various offenses while alive or after death must answer for past wrongs—now the edict of pardon is specially issued, reaching everywhere to the two offices of earth and water (the underworld and the water realm); regardless of whether offenses are heavy or light, all are pardoned and removed.

However, the following are not within the usual pardon: the Ten Abominations such as killing, theft, sexual misconduct, and rebellion against parents, as well as deceiving Heaven, destroying the sage, turning against the Dao and violating truth, and offenses committed in many lives that the usual pardon does not forgive—these too are now pardoned together.

Also: Those still held fast and not released before the pardon, because their offenses are hard to forgive (are treated separately according to ritual law).

The detailed articles are set forth below.

Note: In the original, “(specify),” “fill in as appropriate,” and similar phrases are blanks in the liturgy; brackets and special marks are mostly carving or copyist conventions and have been rendered here in continuous language according to the usual Lingbao ritual meaning. For comparison with a particular filled-in version, a complete page image or manuscript can be supplied.

A Vernacular Reading of the Língbǎo Wénjiǎn

I

All deceased souls, all those held within the hells of the ten directions, must comply with the pardon decree issued today. The officials of the dark prisons of the ten directions are hereby ordered to release them immediately.

If there remain unresolved grievances, unpaid debts, or cases in which people are still detained and held to account by one another, these matters all belong to the past. Those involved should instead take up good intentions for the future. Without regard to how many years or how deep the retributions run, all such matters are to be pardoned.

Among the deceased (name) being memorialized today, those who have already attained birth in the heavens shall each have their heavenly blessings increased. Those still transmigrating through the six destinies (liùdào) shall all be granted deliverance into rebirth.

Where testimonies in the yin courts remain unreleased, and where multitudes are stranded in the three paths (sāntú), the five sufferings (wǔkǔ), and the nine springs (jiǔquán), all accumulated offenses are to be forgiven in full. This applies whether the charges have been adjudicated or not, and whether they have been exposed or not, so long as the act of forgiveness takes effect before or after mèishuǎng today.

I (Continued)

For the deceased being memorialized, if there was accumulated merit in life, or if rites of salvation performed after death have already secured their rebirth, the merit ledger shall still be enacted as recorded.

Those who have not yet obtained rebirth, and who still bear grave offenses, shall likewise obey the pardon decree. They shall be wholly absolved and released, and they shall receive deliverance upon the altar.

Alas (wūhū). The registers fix the verdicts, so punishment is difficult to avoid. Yet the proclamation of the teaching to save people ought to yield to pardon. Moreover, the wandering souls have suffered torment for a long time. Out of pity, this moment greatly raises a ferry and a bridge for them. How could there be none among them with a mind turned toward goodness, so that a path of self-renewal may be shown to them for now?

The lords of the dark court and the officials of the netherworld realms may still rely on one another. Each, moved by a mind of compassion, should humbly embody the virtue of cherishing life. Together they should receive this wondrous goodness and hope to attain the stages of realization.

The Nǚqīng pardon writ is carried and presented by the officials and lords for promulgation. The deadline of the decree is fixed to the hour of its proclamation. The lords shall carry it out and spread its vast bounty.

Let the lords of the dark court and the hidden offices all be made to know.

[Xuán] [a garbled character in the source] arrives. Obey as above; so decreed.

Respectfully carried and presented by the Earth Spirit Iron-Armored Yìlíng Zhāowǔ Wēnyuán Marshal (Dìqí Tiějiǎ Yìlíng Zhāowǔ Wēnyuán Shuài).

Heavenly cycle, year _, month _, day ___, announced and issued.

Offered by the one who practices the Dao and cultivates causes, and who pursues the merit of memorial rites for the deceased: filial ___ and ten others...

Received by the Taishang and carried out:

Yùqīng Shàngxiàng (Jade Clarity Supreme Minister), Tàixuán Shàngxiàng (Great Mystery Supreme Minister), Tiānshū Zuǒxiàng (Left Minister of the Celestial Pivot), Tiānshū Yòuxiàng (Right Minister of the Celestial Pivot)

Notes for easier reading:

• Shedie (pardon documents) / Nǚqīng shu (Nǚqīng pardon writ): Daoist pardon documents for the netherworld, similar to a "great amnesty decree" for the dead.
• Mèishuǎng: the period just before dawn, when the sky is about to brighten.
• Sāntú wǔkǔ jiǔquán: a collective term for the places of suffering in the afterlife and the various forms of misery found there.
• Chìbèng: to carry a document and deliver it as a messenger acting on command.
• Dìqí Tiějiǎ Yìlíng Zhāowǔ Wēnyuán Shuài: the name of a netherworld or protective spirit general, here responsible for carrying the decree and transmitting it downward.
• Yùqīng and Tàixuán Shàngxiàng; Tiānshū Zuǒ and Yòuxiàng: celestial ranks. The names listed at the end of the document show that these officials have carried out the decree.

The following is a vernacular explanation of this passage from the Lingbao Wenjian (Lingbao Documentary Formulae), a model of the document formats used in Daoist Zhaijiao (purification rituals), arranged in the order of the original.

Tianji Shixiang, Tianji Neixiang, Xuanzhong Dafashi, Santian Dafashi

These are titles of immortal perfected beings sent down from heaven to hold office at the assembly: the Shixiang (envoy-minister), who proclaims orders outwardly; the Neixiang (inner minister), who handles affairs within the inner palace; and the Great Dharma Masters of the Xuanzhong and Santian systems.

Haotian Jinque Yuhuang Shangdi

This is the Jade Emperor, who dwells in the Haotian and Jinque palaces and governs the heavenly realm as a whole.

Yuqing Shengjing Qingwei Yuanshi Tianzun

The Celestial Worthy of Original Beginning of the Qingwei line, of the Holy Realm of Yuqing (the text also gives this as a title in the Qingwei lineage). He represents the supreme source of the Dao and the honored one who opened the kalpa and established the teaching.

Zhao: front… back… right

This is the layout terminology for an imperial edict, specifying how the front, back, and right side are arranged (see the diagrams in this scripture for details).

Shi (Pardon Formula): Juwei, Chenggao, Jinfeng; (enclosed item B, year and month to be verified); announced and dispatched on an auspicious day and hour

This is the fixed form of a pardon order. The addressee is styled "Juwei" (holding the rank), "Chenggao" (receiving the edict), and "Jinfeng" (respectfully sealed). An enclosed item is attached, with the year and month to be checked, and the order is proclaimed and dispatched on an auspicious day and hour.

Yong: face… and… Diqi (Name)… in accordance with this

This refers to the heading and orientation of the document. The official title "Diqi (Name)" written at the bottom indicates that a local earth deity is to act "in accordance with this."

Edict Banner: "Yellow light shines through, warming the cold courtyard"; on the back, the full name "Jiuku" (Celestial Worthy Who Saves from Suffering)

This is a phrase commonly found on edict banners: "Yellow light shines through, warming the cold courtyard." The back of the banner bears the complete titles, such as the Celestial Worthy Who Saves from Suffering.

When the purple edict is proclaimed, the gates of the underworld open

This symbolizes the forgiveness of sins and the release of souls.

Pardon Banner: Issued by the command of the Supreme Lord; on the back, "Jade Emperor, Celestial Worthy Who Pardons Sins"

This is a banner used for pardoning sins. It states that it is issued by the command of the Supreme Lord, and its back bears the title "Jade Emperor, Celestial Worthy Who Pardons Sins."

Pardons the sinful souls of the Northern Capital

This releases the souls suffering punishment in the Northern Capital, the yin realm of the nether darkness.

Pardon Citation

This is a citation format that combines the "edict of pardon" with the "yin," the document used to guide the souls of the dead.

At (Name), an altar is established; the local office, in accordance with the present order, respectfully reports…

An altar is set up at a specified place, and the local office acts on the present decree.

Daoists set up offerings and cultivate the causal rites for the master of the fast (Name), who requests the rite at home on the same day

Daoists present offerings and perform the causal cultivation rite for the master of the fast, who requests the service at his or her household on that day.

As above, one altar and one set of offerings; the ritual proceeds now as required, and this document is respectfully dispatched to the Three Heavens

This is the standard closing for a single altar offering. The ritual is to proceed according to the present procedure, and the document is respectfully sent to the Office under the Three Heavens.

One pardon edict, with heads joined and a strip attached, is to be presented upward to the Three Offices (Heaven, Earth, and Water); divine clerks and swift steeds are requested to fly and convey it, praying for the bestowal of grace, so that salvation and deliverance may proceed. Let the path of clouds be unobstructed; await the response in person. This is the closing formula "xuzhi."

One pardon edict, joined at the head with a strip attached, is to be presented to the Three Offices (Heaven, Earth, and Water). Swift divine clerks and steeds are requested to convey it, praying for the bestowal of grace so that salvation and deliverance may take effect. The path of clouds should not be obstructed; the sender awaits the response. "Xuzhi" is the closing formula of the document.

Citation Closing

This is the concluding phrase of a citation.

Above, to the right, a command to Marshal (Kang Wen): let this be followed

This is a command issued to the right, addressed to Marshal (Kang Wen), to be followed accordingly.

Dated year, month, and day; dispatched by the altar office

The document is dated and dispatched by the altar office.

Citation

This is the title of the citation.

Colophon of the Edict and Return of the Pardon

This is the colophon written after the edict, along with the "return" format used to close the case once the pardon is completed.

At (Name), an altar is established; the local office is notified, and it is now respectfully…

An altar is set up at a specified place, the local office is notified, and the matter is now respectfully carried out.

Daoists cultivate causes and aid the Mingzhai master (Name); at home, the above altar and one set of offerings are established

Daoists perform causal cultivation and assist the Mingzhai (Dark Fast) master, and at the home, they set up the above altar and one set of offerings.

Below the altar, respectfully acknowledged: one edict of pardon from Nüqing, and all the sinful souls concerned shall leave the dark path and be reborn in the pure realm

Below the altar, the edict of pardon from Nüqing is respectfully acknowledged. All sinful souls concerned shall leave the dark path and be reborn in the pure realm.

Xuzhi (Colophon and Return)

This is the concluding phrase: "xuzhi," along with the colophon and return.

Above, to the officials of the Yin realm and the infernal magistrates: in accordance with Nüqing's edict of pardon, proceed to all relevant offices and release the souls together, without obstruction. Colophon and return.

This is addressed to the officials of the Yin realm and the infernal magistrates. In accordance with Nüqing's edict of pardon, they are to go to all relevant offices, release the souls together, and not cause any obstruction. This concludes with the colophon and return.

Hidden Writ of the Dark Mystery of the Northern Dipper; Jade Tablet of the Divine Tiger of Hunyuan

These are names appended at the end of the document or on a separate slip. The Hidden Writ of the Dark Mystery of the Northern Dipper and the Jade Tablet of the Divine Tiger of Hunyuan belong to the Lingbao and Northern Dipper lineage and are secret names and jade-tablet titles.

Taishang Hunyuan Yuzha

The "Taishang Hunyuan Yuzha" (Jade Tablet of Supreme Hunyuan), written with each character spaced apart, a common format for talisman tablets and seal inscriptions.

Note: This passage consists mainly of the formulae of edicts, pardons, citations, colophons, and returns used in Zhaijiao for pardoning sins and performing salvation rites. It is not a doctrinal scripture. When reading the complete text, the placeholders (Name), (Kang Wen), and Nüqing should be replaced with the specific places, deities, and master names of the particular rite.

An Interpretive Reading of an Excerpt from the Lingbao Wenjian (Document Register of the Numinous Treasure)

This text is a formal proclamation (gaowen) for use in a Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) keyi (liturgy), a notice addressed to the Three Realms. Its central purpose is to use an urgent summons warrant issued under the authority of the Taishang Hunyuan Yuzha (Jade Tablet of the Most High Primordial Unity) to order the subordinate officials of the lower realm to bring specified deceased souls to the ritual altar without delay, so that they may receive salvation.

The Main Text (Core Warrant Sentences)

Taishang Hunyuan Yuzha, urgent summons warrant.

This means that the highest-ranking Hunyuan Jade Tablet (a jade-quality talismanic tablet) is used to urgently pursue and summon persons. The word quan (warrant) refers to a document that serves as legal proof of authority.

Within the warrant, the Three Realms and the souls of the deceased across the Nine Regions must immediately obey the Celestial Lord's command and proceed without delay.

The warrant's jurisdiction covers the Three Realms (the upper realm of heaven, the middle realm of earth, and the lower realm of water or the netherworld) and the Nine Regions (the divisions of the world under heaven). Every deceased spirit must immediately carry out the orders of the Celestial Lord and may not delay or neglect them.

The Divine Tiger officials must hurry as though fighting a fire, hold the talisman aloft, and proclaim it to the responsible lower offices.

The Divine Tiger (shenhu), a protective spirit-official in the Daoist netherworld who carries talismans and apprehends souls, and his subordinates must act with the urgency of putting out a fire. They are to hold the talismanic command and proclaim it to, and enforce it upon, the presiding authorities of the lower realm.

Title and Scope of Notification (Right-Hand Inscription)

Tianyi Beizuo Fuming, Taiyi Ziyuan Shenwen, and Xuanming Hunyuan Shenhu Yuzha, proclaimed below.

This line names the sacred authorities invoked by the proclamation: the Tianyi Beizuo talisman-mandate, the Taiyi Ziyuan divine script, and the Xuanming Hunyuan Divine Tiger Jade Tablet. All of them are issued to the lower realm together.

The Upper Primordial Heaven, the Wuji Divine Realm; the Middle Primordial Earth, the Nine Regions and the Immortal Palaces and Astral Mansions of the Ten Directions; the Lower Primordial Water, the Spring-Bend Palace, the Netherworld Courts, and the Heavenly Prisons and Dark Cells.

The proclamation is to be delivered throughout the following domains. In the Upper Primordial realm it reaches the Wuji Divine Realm, where the gods dwell. In the Middle Primordial realm it reaches the Nine Regions of the earthly world, together with the immortal palaces and astral mansions of the Ten Directions. In the Lower Primordial realm it reaches the Spring-Bend waterway palaces, the netherworld courts of the dead, and the heavenly prisons and dark cells where offenders are held and sentenced.

Summon the departed soul of (name) and the attached souls of those who share in the offering, down to the multitude of wandering spirits; let them swiftly leave their assigned offices and come to the Mysterious Altar to pay homage.

The officials are to seize and bring forth the soul of the deceased (name), along with the attached souls (those who receive salvation together with the principal soul), and the wandering spirits of every kind. They must promptly leave their original offices and come to the Mysterious Altar that the Daoist priests have set up, where they will pay homage and receive the offering of salvation.

The Celestial Lord graciously accepts; the Divine Tiger receives the command, and all the gods listen in reverence, following the imperial decree exactly and carrying it out swiftly, as quick as sparks from a star.

The Celestial Lord grants permission to receive the salvation rites. The Divine Tiger accepts the command and carries it out, while the myriad gods listen quietly, following the imperial decree in every detail and acting as swiftly as a spark or a falling star, without delay.

Proclaimed on (date) of (month) of (year) (name).

Carried out by the officiant holding the Dharma rank, (name), in obedience to the decree.

The Daoist priest (name), who holds an ordained Dharma rank, carries out the order by imperial authority.

Sealing and Presentation Formulas

Keyi (the seal):

(A liturgical sealing incantation used to prevent leakage and malign intrusion, here serving as the function of sealing the talisman.)

Beidou Yuzha: the officiant (name), having received and carried out the decree, respectfully seals this document.

Fanghan Hunyuan Shenhu Yuzha proclaimed below: the officiant (name) respectfully guards the outer seal.

To the Three Realms and the Ten Directions, the Wuji Divine Realm (office seal).

In brief, the Beidou Jade Tablet cover is sealed by the officiant, who has received the decree and carried it out. The outer envelope bears the Hunyuan Divine Tiger Jade Tablet proclamation, which is strictly sealed and guarded. The addressee is the Three Realms and Ten Directions Wuji Divine Realm, with the name of the office written in as its seal (the name of the office as it would appear on a government placard).

Respectfully petition the Dao's decree; please issue it.

(Respectfully relying on the intent of the Daoist tradition, the officiant requests that this proclamation or talismanic warrant be issued.)

Summary

This is a proclamation to the Three Realms used in Daoist salvation and transfer rites. By invoking the names of the jade tablet and the divine tiger, it orders the heavenly, earthly, and netherworld offices not to delay, and it summons the named deceased person (together with the attached souls) to the altar as quickly as possible so that they may receive salvation. The closing section contains the fixed formulas of date, the officiant's signature stating that the decree has been carried out, and the sealing envelope with the petition for issuance. The "(name)" in the text marks the blank spaces to be filled in with the name and date when the document is written.

Explanatory Notes on Selected Passages from the Lingbao Wenjian

I. Primordial Beginning Talisman Decree: Golden Register White Tablet Talisman of Long Life

Note at the right of the talisman: This talisman transmits orders downward.

Recipients: The Great Lords of Longevity of the Vermilion Fire Palace in the Cinnabar Heaven of the South and the Upper Palace of Nanchang; the venerable deities Han Jun, Sima, Sisming, and Silu; the deities who extend life and add years; the deities who deliver from calamity; the Overseeing Divine Spirits; and the officials responsible for rescuing the souls of the dead and restoring the dead to life.

Content of the decree: Deliver the deceased (name) by ascending them to the Court of the Vermilion Flowing Fire, where they will be refined through the jade pupil and cleansed through the yellow flower, so that their name is inscribed in the purple register and they are transformed and reborn. Through the merit of this Golden Register salvation rite, they shall rise in due time. Let all act according to the decree, dispatched swiftly by wind and fire relay.

Colophon: Announced on the day jiazi of the year, month, and day of (blank), at the Great Ritual Altar of (name). Overseeing Office as above.

II. Primordial Beginning Talisman Decree: Golden Register White Tablet Talisman of Salvation from Suffering

Note at the right of the talisman: This talisman proclaims downward.

Recipients: The Three Offices and Nine Bureaus of the boundless worlds of the ten directions; the one hundred twenty bureaus and the examining officials of the Five Emperors; the Nine Darknesses and their prisons; the giant celestial warriors; the divine soldiers who carry out punishment; the Overseers of Life, Records, Merit, and Death; the ox-headed jailers; and the great demons of the Three Realms.

Content of the decree: Deliver the departed soul (name) from the underworld, so that they leave the prisons forever, see the light, have all their sins cleansed, and are reconciled with their enemies. Through the merit of this rite of deliverance under the Supreme Nine Perfected Precepts, they shall be born into the heavenly halls. Let all act according to this command, dispatched swiftly by wind and fire relay.

Colophon: Announced on the day jiazi of the year, month, and day of (blank), at the Great Ritual Altar of (name). Overseeing Office as above.

III. Eastern Ultimate Azure Palace Nine Dragons Talisman Decree (Written in Vermilion on Azure Paper)

Note at the right of the talisman: This talisman proclaims downward.

Recipients: The Three Offices and Nine Bureaus; the Sacred Peak of Mount Tai among the Five Marchmounts; the Ten Palaces and Nine Darknesses; the Water Palace of the Abyssal Depths; the river lords and spirits of the streams; the springs and bends of the Northern Capital; the dark ravines and hidden passes of night; the Five Roads Great Spirits; the Community Heads of the Nine Provinces; and all the presiding officials of the Netherworld Office.

Content of the decree: Act swiftly in accordance with this talisman by releasing the deceased (name), together with the relatives, friends, immortals, and other beings who mourn them. Let them receive the talisman, bear the command, awaken to the Dao, ascend to perfection, leave the deep springs, and forever depart from the long night. Let all act according to this command, dispatched swiftly by wind and fire relay.

Colophon: Announced at an auspicious hour on the day of (blank), month of (blank). Presented by the Dharma Office and Ritual Officiant (name), who receives the decree and carries it out. Heavenly Venerable Taiyi, Responder to Cries of Suffering. Overseeing Office as above.

IV. Jade Clarity Talisman for Breaking the Underworld

Note at the right of the talisman: This talisman proclaims downward.

(The text that follows describes the specific procedures for breaking the underworld, opening the dark passes, and so on, in a format similar to the above.)

Background note: The above are model "decrees" commonly used in Lingbao zhaijiao (purification rituals). By writing talismans (fulu) and "announcing" them to the spirits and deities of the Three Realms, the officiant petitions on behalf of the deceased for deliverance, ascension, and release from the underworld. The Vermilion Fire Palace and the Upper Palace of Nanchang belong to the Daoist realm of southern fire-virtue, where cultivation and refinement lead to longevity and the salvation of others. The Three Offices and Nine Bureaus and the Nine Darknesses are the sites where the netherworld judges and imprisons souls. "Dispatched by wind and fire relay" likens the decree to an official document carried with urgency through all realms. In the rite, "(name)" is replaced with the actual name of the deceased, and the specific date and ritual site are filled in.

Jade Clarity Precious Register (Yuqing Baolu) shines through the deep springs, the Iron City is shattered, and the bonds of karma are opened and released, delivering the deceased (name) together with the relatives who mourn them and the immortal maidens of the Nine Shadows, and all others. Receiving this primordial talismanic command of the Yuanshi (Primordial Beginning), they are to be promptly elevated and transferred to the Cold Pool Section of the Northern Capital, where they guard their physical forms and souls, subdue demons, and are recommended for ordination into the Southern Palace. The souls of the dead undergo refinement, transform into immortals, and are delivered life after life, enduring kalpa after kalpa, turning with the cycles of the kalpas, and sharing the years of Heaven. They are forever freed from the Three Paths and Five Sufferings and the Eight Calamities, rise above the realms of immortals, and roam at ease in Highest Clarity (Shangqing). Let it be done according to the decree, transmitted swiftly by wind and fire relay.

Year, month, day, hour. Issued.

Official title: received the decree and carried it out.

Registrar (as above)

Jade Clarity Talisman for Delivering Wandering Souls

The above talisman is issued to the Ten Directions and Three Realms, the Divine Realms of Infinite Extent, the Palace of the Springs and Bends, the Three Palaces and Nine Offices of Luo and Feng in the Northern Capital, and requests pardon for the form and soul of the deceased (name), together with their ancestors and kin across countless kalpas. It extends universally to the wandering orphan souls and stagnant spirits of the Six Destinies and Four Births, and to all sins and transgressions of the Ten Categories and Nine Shadows. Let the ledgers of sin be swiftly erased, the roots of evil be extinguished, and let no one be detained. They are to be promptly elevated, escorted by myriad spirits, sent directly to the realms of gods and humans, and delivered according to their wishes into a blessed land of rebirth. Let it be done according to the decree, transmitted swiftly by starfire.

Year, month, day. As above.

Registrar (as above)

Imperial Talisman of the Five Thunders and Dongyin Heaven for Pardon and Recall of Souls, Issued by the Jade Emperor

The above talisman is to be issued to the Three Officials and Nine Bureaus, the Five Sacred Peaks and Four Great Rivers, the Nine Rivers and Four Seas, the Twelve Sources of Streams, the Ten Kings and True Lords of the Fengdu Springs and Bends, the Five Emperors' examining officials, the giant heavenly warriors, the spirit soldiers who enforce the law, the great demons of the Three Realms, the Jade Maidens of the Night Light, the youths who guide souls, the Yellow-Robed Envoys, the Demon Kings of Flying Heaven, the True Lords of the Earth Prison, the Mountain of the Netherworld Bureau, and the local earth gods along the way, at all places, to pardon the souls of the deceased (name) and others, to release them from the hells, and to send them swiftly to the fasting altar to undergo refinement and be reborn. By the Supreme Emperor's command, let all the myriad spirits carry it out. Let it be done according to the decree, transmitted swiftly by wind and fire relay.

Year, month, day. As above. Office held:

Issued by the August Heaven Golden Gate Jade Emperor, Supreme Lord

Registrar (as above)

Supreme Lord's Yellow Register Talisman

The above talisman is issued to the Nine Shadows Springs and Bends Palace, the Heavenly Prison and the Earth Hell's presiding officers, the spirit soldiers who enforce the law, and the Five Emperors' examining officials. Proceed swiftly in accordance with……

Note: The above are the talismans and proclamations used by the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) Daoist lineage to deliver the souls of the dead. Through the Jade Clarity Precious Register, the Yuanshi Talismanic Command, and related instruments, they petition the divine realms of the Ten Directions and Three Realms, the Northern Capital Luo, and the Ten Kings of Fengdu to pardon sins and deliver the wandering souls, so that the souls may leave the hells, undergo refinement, attain immortality, and be reborn in blessed lands. In the text, "(name)" marks the position of the deceased's personal name. "Let it be done according to the decree, transmitted by wind and fire relay" and "carry it out with the speed of starfire" describe the means by which the divine commands are conveyed. "Registrar" denotes the signature format.

Talisman Command Proclaiming the Pardon of the Deceased (Mou), together with the kinsmen, orphaned spirits, and immortal spirits who join in mourning, so that they may leave the Three Paths (the realms of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals, the three places of suffering) and rise together.

The Purple Pole Heavenly Palace (Zi Ji Tian Gong) shall act in accordance with this command and transmit it swiftly by fengho relay. The year, month, and day shall be filled in as before, and the governing office (as before) shall likewise be filled in as before.

This is the "Lingbao Talisman for Dissolving Grievances and Releasing Knots" (Lingbao Jie Yuan Shi Jie Zhen Fu), used to resolve the grievances and entanglements of the deceased. The talisman text informs the infernal bureaus and netherworld officials of the ten directions and three realms, Mount Tai, Fengdu, the City Gods, the Soil Gods, the Heavenly Prison, the hells, and the Realm of Ultimate Nothingness, that the deceased (Mou) is to be delivered. Their karmic burdens must be swiftly removed, their grievances dissolved, and both sides moved to generate good intentions and released from the passes of the netherworld. Old enmities and bonds of resentment must be concluded, and the faults and responsibilities of each party must be clearly distinguished. Good intentions shall endure, and no further evil karma shall arise. The deceased shall be led forward to receive the admonitions, so that they may roam at ease and ascend to Heaven.

The Heavenly Gate shall carry out this command. The year, month, and day of the Grand Duke (Taisui) shall transmit this order. The Daoist priest (Mou), who holds the appropriate ritual rank (fa wei), shall carry out the task as commanded. Taiyi Xun Sheng Jiu Ku Tianzun (the Heavenly Venerable Taiyi Who Answers the Cries and Rescues from Suffering) is the presiding deity of this matter, and the governing office shall be filled in as before.

Next is the "Taishang Imperial Decree Talisman for Pardon and Birth in Heaven" (Taishang Chi She Sheng Tian Bao Lu), the talisman that, by the command of Taishang (the Most High), pardons the deceased and assists their ascent to Heaven. The text informs the netherworld offices, including the Three Palaces and Nine Bureaus, the One Hundred and Twenty Departments, the Five Emperors' Examiners, the Six Palace Clerks, the various divisions of Luofeng, and the Nine Bastions Bureaus, that all those in charge must obey this command and deliver the deceased (Mou). This includes the bodies and souls of the deceased of this household's kinsmen, elders and young, and the descendants of later generations, along with men and women of every surname, living beings of the Six Paths and Four Births, and the lonely spirits of the Cold Forest. The command requires each office to swiftly remove their names from the registers of guilt, eliminate the roots of evil karma, detain no one for even a moment, and allow them to ascend. May they, through the Daoist refining rites of Jade Pupil Refining the Substance and Yellow Flower Cleansing the Form, have their bodies and spirits purified, have their names inscribed upon the Purple Celestial Register, and receive a new life through this refinement. All of this shall be carried out according to the imperial decree and swiftly transmitted by fenghuo relay. The year, month, and day shall be filled in as before.

The "Square Letter Format" (Fang Han Shi) is the format for sealing the talisman in an envelope. The talisman is inscribed with "Long-Life Spirit Talisman for Saving from Suffering, Sent Down" (Chang Sheng Ling Jiu Ku Zhen Fu Gao Xia). It is received by the Daoist priest (Mou), who holds the appropriate office, who carries out the command, performs the rites, and seals it carefully. The text also states the "Southern Dan Heaven World of the Ten Directions Ultimate Nothingness" (Shi Fang Wu Ji Nan Fang Dan Tian Shi Jie) to which it is addressed.

Finally, there is the "Command Warrant" (Fu Ming Guan), the document format through which the command is transmitted. The governing office explains that, because the household of the filial and faithful disciple (Mou), who has invited Daoist practice and arranged a fast, will begin on this day to establish a Lingbao (Mou) ritual altar. The offering and ritual shall last a total of (ji) day-and-night cycles, and are scheduled to open on (Mou) day.

The Mysterious Altar (Xuantan, the Daoist ritual altar), having brought the merit-making to completion, respectfully extends its good wishes through this Office, the yamen of the ritual liturgy (Keyi) at the temple. Having received this matter, we deeply hold in concern the deceased [name] and the others recommended for deliverance, fearing that their souls have been detained in the dark underworld, unable to depart and unable to find rest. In accordance with the Keyi, a memorial has already been submitted to the Heavenly Court, requesting talismans of pardon and the dispatch of agents to pursue and summon the souls according to the rite. In addition, we now respectfully issue the talismans (Fulu, talismans and registers) of the Three Heavens' perfected ones, and the officials and generals entrusted with each charge are listed below.

We invoke the Southern Golden Dragon Post-Rider and the Fire Palace Messenger Youth, who shall bear the Yuanshi Talisman-Command, Golden Register, White Tablet, and Numinous Talisman of Long Life, and proclaim it down to the Southern Realm of the Vermilion Heaven. We invoke the Southern Jiao Dragon Rider and the Earth Palace Messenger Youth, who shall bear the Yuanshi Talisman-Command, Yellow Register, White Tablet, and True Talisman of Rescue from Suffering, and proclaim it down to the Boundless Realms of the Ten Directions. We invoke Marshal Ma of the Jade Palace Numinous Officers, who shall bear the Taishang Edict of Pardon and the Precious Register for Birth in Heaven, and proclaim it down to the officers in charge of the Nine Dark Hells of the Three Realms of the Ten Directions. We invoke the Grand Xia Talisman Envoy of the Azure Palace, who shall bear the Dongbua Azure Palace Nine-Dragon True Talisman, and proclaim it down to the Ten Thousand Spirits of the Yin Bureaus and the Earth Offices of the Divisional Stars throughout the Three Realms of the Ten Directions. We invoke Marshal Kang, Grand Guardian of the Imperial Gate, who shall bear the Jade Clarity Precious Register and the True Talisman for Breaking the Hells, and proclaim it down to the officers of the Nine Dark Bureaus throughout the Three Realms of the Ten Directions. We invoke Marshal Yue, Loyal and Righteous, Repaying the Nation, who shall bear the Jade Clarity Talisman for Drawing Out the Wandering Souls, and proclaim it down to the officers of the Fengdu Heavenly Prison and Hells in the Nine Dark Realms. We invoke Marshal Luo of the Yan Demons of the Southern Palace, who shall bear the Taishang Yellow Register True Talisman, and proclaim it down to the officers of the Heavenly Prisons and Hells in the Palace of the Spring Abyss. We invoke General He, the Mysterious Earl of the Divine Tiger, who shall bear the Jade Clarity Talisman for Dissolving Grievances and Releasing Bonds, and proclaim it down to the officers of the Great and Small Iron Encirclement, the Cold Blood Lake, and the other hells. Finally, we invoke General Zhu, who Strikes Evil and Destroys Sorcery, who shall bear the Jade Emperor's Five Thunders Cavern Yin-Heaven Pardon, and proclaim it down to the Three Officials, the Mountains and Rivers, the Rivers and Seas, and the Ten Kings and Perfected Lords.

The above talismanic commands are listed clearly. Accordingly, let the Thunder Spirit, with the Thunder Majesty's authority, carry and proclaim these commands without delay, and still we beseech that the souls of the deceased [name] and the others be released, allowed to come before the altar, and reverently receive deliverance. Let all the local offices take note and obey.

Note: This text is a memorial document of the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) school's rite for the deliverance of the dead. It first petitions the Heavenly Court for talismans of pardon, then lists the nine lines of generals and messenger youths, each bearing a different talisman or register (Golden Register, Yellow Register, Precious Register, and others). These are sent to the realms of Dan Heaven, Boundless Realms, the Nine Dark Hells, Fengdu, and the Iron Encirclement and Blood Lake hells, asking the underworld officers to release the souls to attend the altar and receive deliverance. The final section orders the Thunder Spirit to transmit the command and instructs the local offices to carry it out. The bracketed "[name]" marks the placeholder for the deceased's name and date.

Ascending the Cloud Road: Do not let the journey be delayed; hence the barrier is set here to let them pass.

Year, month, and day of issue.

(Issued on the) (year) (month) (day). The format of this fu jian (talisman slip) and fang han (talisman letter) matches that of the front letter of the "Changsheng Jian" (Slip of Long Life). Fill it in at the barrier according to the talisman command.

Supreme Talisman of Penetrating Heaven and Governing the Gale-Winds and Demonic Qi (Taishang Tongtian Dayu Duan Gang Feng Yaoqi Zhen Fu)

This is the formal talisman title for penetrating the heavens and governing the severed gale-winds and demonic qi.

The Great Lingbao Emperor issues the decree through the Flying Heaven, and the command of the Jade Emperor shakes the Qian trigram of vigor (symbolizing heavenly majesty and yang righteousness).

The Great Lingbao Emperor issues his order through the Flying Heaven, and the talismanic command of the Jade Emperor shakes the Qian trigram of vigor, which symbolizes heavenly majesty and the upright energy of yang.

He governs the northern region, controls the ghosts and immortals, with myriads of divine soldiers and thousands of Heavenly Constables.

He rules over the northern realm of the netherworld and manages both ghosts and immortals. Divine soldiers number in the tens of thousands, and Heavenly Constables in the thousands.

Banners blot out the sun and fire rises to the sky. Should any demon dare to face this talisman directly at the hours of wu or you, I will seize and execute it and send it before the Emperor, and forever dispatch it into the silken nets of Luofeng.

Banners blot out the sun and fire climbs to the heavens. If any demon dares to look directly at the front of this talisman during the hours of wu or you, it shall be seized and slain, presented before the Heavenly Emperor, and sent forever into the netherworld nets of Luofeng (the yin underworld). Officials and petty clerks of the human world, as well as those with five bodily forms, and immortals, shall each follow their respective memorials and report directly to the Emperor.

Whoever violates this command shall be reported to the Three Heavens.

Whoever violates this command shall be reported to the Three Heavens (the upper realms).

They shall compel the gathered ghost hordes and swiftly transfer the demons away. The Four Spirits protect and guard, and dare not leave the talisman's front. They sweep away demonic obstructions and trials, bringing the merit to completion. When the ritual affair is concluded, the merit shall be reported without hesitation, in full accordance with the

They shall drive the gathered ghost hordes and swiftly remove the demons. The Four Spirits (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise) protect and never leave the front of the talisman. They sweep away demonic obstructions and trials so that the merit is brought to perfect completion. When the zhaijiao (purification ritual) is finished, the merit shall be reported without hesitation, in full accordance with the

formal decree, transmitted by the swift relay of wind and fire.

formal decree, transmitted by the swiftest relay, that of wind and fire.

Issued on (year) (month) (day) by the Supreme (Lord).

Issued by the Supreme Lord on (year) (month) (day).

Carried out by the officiant of the keyi (liturgy) (name), who receives the decree and executes it.

Carried out by the officiant in charge of the keyi (liturgy), (name), who receives the decree and executes it.

Witnessed by the Ancestral Master, the Three Heavens Teacher-Lord, and the True Lord of Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Zhang.

Witnessed by the Ancestral Master, the Teacher-Lord of the Three Heavens, and the True Lord of Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Zhang.

Lingbao Fanqi Talisman for Purging Corpse Pollution (Lingbao Fanqi Dang Chu Shi Hui Zhen Fu)

Now let it be proclaimed.

Let it now be proclaimed.

The Nine Phoenix Lords of Repelling Pollution, Breaking Pollution, Gathering Pollution, Dissolving Pollution, and Sweeping Pollution, together with the one hundred and twenty Numinous Officers of Mingbing Dafan,

The Nine Phoenix Lords of Repelling Pollution, Breaking Pollution, Gathering Pollution, Dissolving Pollution, and Sweeping Pollution, together with the one hundred and twenty Numinous Officers of the Great Brahmic (Fan) Realm of Mingbing,

in accordance with this talisman command, rescue and liberate the deceased (name), so that they may swiftly attain a place of rebirth.

in accordance with this talisman command, shall rescue and liberate the deceased (name), so that they may swiftly attain a place of rebirth (a good destination for rebirth).

At the place where the altar is established, they shall dispel corpse-related miasma and suppress the foul vapors. They shall spread Brahmic Qi to envelop the field and cover and protect all within with numinous talismans.

At the place where the altar is established, they shall dispel the corpse-related miasma and suppress the foul vapors. They shall spread Brahmic Qi to envelop the entire field, and cover and protect everything with numinous talismans.

Let not the spirit consciousness of the departed be disturbed or troubled, and guard and protect their bodies, souls, and spirits.

The spirit consciousness of the departed shall not be disturbed or troubled, and their physical form, their hun and po souls, shall be kept safe and protected.

Auspicious clouds open their gate of life, and auspicious vapors seal their gate of death, so that coming and going are unobstructed and all things are clearly seen in their natural state, in full accordance with the decree, and carried out with the speed of stars and fire.

Auspicious clouds open for them the gate of life, and auspicious vapors seal the gate of death, so that coming and going are unobstructed and everything is clearly seen in its natural course. Carry out this decree with the speed of stars and fire, in full accordance with its terms.

Date (year, month) Officiant (name), Master's rank (as above).

Filled in with the (year and month); the officiant's name and Master's rank are written as above.

Supreme Talisman of Ascending and Crossing the Golden Bridge (Taishang Shengdu Jinqiao Zhen Fu)

This talisman is hereby proclaimed.

This talisman is hereby proclaimed.

The River Lord, the Ferry Officials, the spirits who guard the Golden Bridge, all shall follow this talisman command and rescue the souls of the deceased (name) and others, receiving this

The River Lord, the ferry officials, and the spirits who guard the Golden Bridge shall all follow this talisman command, rescue the souls of the deceased (name) and others, and, receiving this,

(The talisman command carries them across the bridge to ascend.)

Explanatory note (for ease of reading): This text follows the "wenjian" (documentary) format of Lingbao zhaijiao. The first part consists of the language of barriers and relays (the cloud road must not be delayed). The middle section consists of imperative talismans (severing demonic qi, driving out ghosts and demons, protection by the Four Spirits). It is followed by a talisman for dispelling pollution from corpses and a talisman for delivering the dead across the Golden Bridge. Terms such as "decree," "relay by wind and fire," and "dispatch by the speed of stars and fire" recur throughout, indicating that the spirit officials are to act swiftly, by heavenly command, to deliver the dead, purify pollution, and carry souls across the bridge. Technical terms such as Luofeng (the yin underworld), Brahmic Qi (pure qi of protection), Nine Phoenixes (spirit generals who break pollution), and the Golden Bridge (the symbol of souls crossing the river for ascent) are understood according to Daoist liturgical tradition and have not been further elaborated.

Lingbao Wenjian (Lingbao Register of Documents): A Vernacular Commentary

Talismanic Command: At Dawn the Dharma Bridge Receives Refining and Renewal, Just So

Edict: Wind and Fire Relay Post

Year, month, [blank]. Format as before.

Yuqing True Talisman for Dispelling Defilement and Ill Omens

This talisman is issued downward (gaoxia).

Summon the Nine Phoenix Generals of Breaking Defilement, the Thunder Office commanders, and all the great officers and generals, each to descend true qi into the water,

to be used now to dispel polluted qi and sweep away ill-omened filth, purifying the altar precinct,

so that heaven is free of foul qi and earth is rid of baneful dust, just as the talismanic command states.

Carry out in accordance with the Mysterious Liturgical Statutes.

Year, month. Format as in the right-hand column.

Seal of the Officer: Respectfully approved.

Decree of the Dao: Opening-of-Heaven Talismanic Command Issued Now

By decree of the Dao, the Opening-of-Heaven talismanic command is hereby issued. The envoys and commanders within the command talisman shall, bearing staves and presenting memorials, deliver them on schedule to the Imperial Abode (the Celestial Court). Should the Gang Wind, the Hao Qi, the Nine Ugly Ones, the assembled malevolent beings, and the spirits of the Horse and Rooster hours presume to obstruct them, they shall be executed at the roadside to make the heavenly statutes clear. Carry out.

Yellow Center summons qi, strike down the traces of evil; Gang Wind and the Nine Ugly, Hao Qi and the multitudes of malice;

Opening-of-Heaven command, straight through the Nine Heavens; intercept the (name) memorial, swiftly convey it to Luofeng.

Flowing-gold fire bells illumine the Yellow Center; Dragon and Tiger riders go straight to report at the Cloud Palace.

All under heaven rejoice together; soaring through the vast void, just as the command states, by wind-and-fire relay post.

Year, month, day. Office held: master rank as prescribed.

Taishang True Talisman for Congratulatory Memorials

Respectfully receiving the numinous talisman and solemnly presenting the memorial, swiftly ascend the cloud-path and reach upward to the Mysterious Vault. Just as the talismanic command says, carry it out with the speed of stars and fire.

Year, month, day. Master rank as on the right.

Taishang True Talisman for Transforming Garments

This talisman is issued to the flying heavenly kings of the boundless ten directions: lift up and recommend the deceased, that they may receive the dark garments, crimson-gauze cinnabar robes, five-colored robes, nine-silk cloud robes, pure robes for ascent to heaven, and immortal robes of attainment. Adorned in these forms, they shall together ascend in wondrous order to the Heavenly Terrace, just as the command states.

Carry out swiftly in accordance with the Mysterious Liturgical Statutes. Year, month. Format as before.

Taishang True Talisman for Bathing and Ferrying Souls (from the Shangqing Register of Salvation)

By the command of Taishang, universally on behalf of the deceased (name) and others: bathe the body and cleanse its substance, wash away turbidity and let clarity flow, and sweep away the transgressions accumulated over many lifetimes, washing off the grime of countless births. Let the spirit and soul be pure, fit to don cap and sash and proceed to audience, bearing the precepts and holding the talisman to ascend to (the immortal realm).

True realization; the Dao is one.

Let these Mysterious Registers (Xuanke) ordinances be carried out accordingly.

Year, month, day, as stated above.

High Officiant ● (seal)

Lingbao Altar-Opening Talisman Command (to be announced respectfully at once)

The talisman proclaims as follows:

The officials of the Lingbao and the guardian deities, rejoicing today, surpass all the heavens in glory. We request that the Three Evils be extinguished and the roots of the earth severed, that the living may fly beyond the Five Gates and have their names entered in the Great Mystery (Taixuan), and that, with the Demon Kings as their recommenders, they pass freely through the Gate of Heaven. Myriad spirits pay homage, the Three Realms attend the canopy, the hosts of demons bow their heads, ghostly essences perish of themselves, jade chimes ring out, and the ten directions are purified. Thus it is (the Dao is one, thus).

Issued by the relay post of wind and fire.

Year, month, day. Holder of office: (as above). Master rank: (as above).

Taishang Zongzhen Command Talisman for Summoning the Demon-Truth

Yin (the Yin position among the Earthly Branches).

Per the talisman, respectfully carry out the following:

The Lord of the myriad spirits and the Great Demon King of the Five Heavens ride the nine-colored round halo and drive eight fierce beasts. They wield the celestial guardians who hurl fire for ten thousand li, and they command the great marshals of the flowing bells across the eight thoroughfares. Purify the altar precinct, and let no obstruction arise. Thus it is.

By the Mysterious Registers ordinances, act with all speed.

Year, month. Master rank: (as above).

Yuqing Talisman for the Universal Summons of the Myriad Spirits

The Yuqing Shiqing jade talisman command: proclaim to the Three Realms and bind them by oath, govern and gather the myriad spirits. When the talisman arrives, let them come swiftly; when the incantation reaches them, let them act swiftly.

The Nüqing Edict states:

The Sovereign personally descends. Heavenly demons of the Upper Primordial, earthly demons of the Middle Primordial, and water monsters of the Lower Primordial: whoever dares to disobey or to bristle against this command shall be beheaded by the myriad spirits, and no delay shall be permitted. Thunder marshals and generals, officials of the Ministry of Law: swiftly follow the talisman that summons you, and do not disobey.

The Jade Emperor's decree commands the myriad spirits to carry it out. Those summoned by the jade talisman shall await the response. Thus it is.

Universal summons ordinance for the myriad spirits of Yuqing: To the officers of merit, the talisman envoys, the officials of the Ministry of Law, the local deities of the realm, and the Jade Maidens and Numinous Officers: upon hearing this talisman summons, proceed swiftly to the Thunder of the Sovereign, carry the memorial, and go directly to the Heavenly Court. Thus it is.

By the Mysterious Registers ordinances.

Year, month. Holder of office: (as above). Received the command and carries it out.

Five-Direction Altar-Establishing Talisman

Nine qi sprout forth in yang; the jade calendar and dragon patterns. The Eight Trigrams are displayed without, and the One Virtue is hidden within. Transforming and generating from the self, when the qi is cut off, auspiciousness returns. Quickly, quickly, as the statute commands.

Notes (to aid reading the whole text):

Lingbao Wenjian (Explanatory Notes)

I. Cultivation and Protective Incantations

Nanling (Nánlíng, a divine name in the Daoist ritual context), the three lights (sānguāng, the sun, moon, and stars, or the three lights within the body), are filled with qi, blazing like flames. Nourish the upright qi with light, and let evil not dare to oppose.

The three lights of Nanling fill the body with qi, bright as flaming torches. By nourishing the upright qi with light, evil influences are kept from daring to intrude.

Zhuhu (zhū hù, the celestial gate or upper orifices of the body) and Youjing (yòu jǐng, a name linked to a divine general) obey my command. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng (swiftly, swiftly, as the statute commands).

The celestial gate and the spirit-general Youjing answer my summons. They act immediately in accordance with celestial law (jí jí rú lǜ lìng).

Taibai (tài bái, the planet Venus) flows with luminous qi, and the seven stars (qīxīng) guard the numinous spirit. Qiande (qián dé, Heavenly Virtue, the yang-strong upright qi) is kept within, so the harm of metal and fire cannot strike.

Taibai pours down its radiant qi, and the Seven Stars guard the numinous spirit. With the Virtue of Heaven (qiande) held within, the injuries of metal and fire cannot reach the practitioner.

What was not transformed in life is opened and illuminated by Baiyuan (bái yuán, a Daoist name associated with the West, metal virtue, and the primal spirit). Jí jí rú lǜ lìng.

Blockages left unresolved in life are cleared and brightened by Baiyuan. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng.

The virtue of water (shuǐdé) and the five numinous powers (wǔlíng) protect and carry life. The one primordial origin (yīyuán) responds to the lifespan. The embryonic essence (bāojīng) and the destiny demon (mìngmó), hidden meanings tied to fetal origin and life-nature, are linked inwardly and harmonized with the number seven.

The Water Virtue of the north and the Five Numinous Powers (organs or directional spirits) uphold life. The One Origin, the root of the Dao, responds to the span of life. The embryonic essence and the destiny demon, which relate to the fetal source and to life, connect inwardly and harmonize with the seven orifices and the seven luminaries.

Rengui (rén guǐ, water and the north) brings clear, refined qi, which meets the Dao and joins with the Perfected. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng.

The qi of water and the north becomes clear and refined. It converges with the Dao and joins with the Perfected. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng.

The central lord (zhōngzhǔ) rules the myriad spirits. The twelve primal perfected (shí'èr yuánzhēn, the twelve periods or twelve groups of divine officials) assist. He governs the four heavens (sìtiān) and is linked to the Jade Palace of Yuanshi (Yuánshǐ Yùchén, the residence of the Celestial Sovereign and the source of supreme command).

The central lord governs the myriad spirits. The twelve primal perfected assist him, and he unifies the four heavens. His authority descends from Yuanshi Tianzun in the Jade Palace, the seat of supreme celestial command.

Above to Heaven and below to Earth, it penetrates and pervades without limit. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng.

It reaches up to Heaven and down to Earth, penetrating and pervading without bound. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng.

II. Lingbao Talisman Mandate for Relieving Deaths from Violence and Injury

The Lingbao talisman mandate for relieving deaths from violence and injury. Respectfully it should be announced below.

The Lingbao (Língbǎo, the Numinous Treasure school) mandate for releasing souls who died from violence or injury is respectfully proclaimed as follows.

The Lord Emperor has commanded that the injured form be released. Entangled karmic debts of past lives are harmonized, reconciled, and brought to peace. In accordance with this talisman mandate, let them turn toward goodness and take refuge in the mysteries. Exactly as the Xuanke (Xuánkē, the Mysterious Liturgical Code) commands.

The Lord Emperor (Dìjūn, the supreme celestial sovereign) has issued a command. He releases the injuries to the form and soul caused by violence. Those bound by karmic debts from past lives are reconciled and brought to peace. Under this talisman mandate, the souls are to turn toward goodness and take refuge in the Xuanke, in accordance with its statutes.

Dated Tai-[rare character] year, month, day.

(To be filled in according to the document format: on the specified year, month, and day.)

III. Lingbao Talisman Mandate for Relieving Injuries to the Fetus

The Lingbao talisman mandate for relieving fetal injuries. Respectfully it should be announced below.

The Lingbao mandate for releasing the souls of those who died from birth-related hardship or fetal injury is respectfully proclaimed as follows.

The Celestial Sovereign and the Light unite and descend to the Netherworld. Through true qi taking form, yin and yang flow in harmony. Past transgressions and past debts are reconciled, and the bright path is opened. The Overseer of Birth (jiānshēng, the deity presiding over birth) descends swiftly and arrives urgently at the guard chamber. The supremely true Lingbao releases the souls of all those who suffered birth hardships. The Great Dao has commanded that the Heavenly Physician (tiānyī) act together with them. Exactly as the Xuanke commands.

The Celestial Sovereign joins with the Light and descends to the Netherworld. Through true qi taking form, yin and yang move in harmony. Past transgressions and debts are examined and resolved, opening a clear path. The Overseer of Birth descends quickly and arrives urgently at the guard chamber (the birthing chamber or womb). The supremely true Lingbao releases the souls troubled by birth. The Great Dao has commanded that the Heavenly Physician act alongside them, in accordance with the Xuanke statutes.

Dated Tai-[rare character] year, month, day.

On the specified year, month, and day.

IV. Lingbao Talisman Mandate for Relieving Deaths in Prison

The Lingbao talisman mandate for relieving deaths in prison. Respectfully it should be announced below.

The Lingbao mandate for releasing those who died in prison or perished with unjust grievances is respectfully proclaimed as follows.

The Celestial Sovereign has issued a decree. Pardon the souls of the imprisoned, sweep away the suffering of their sins, and bring them all into harmony with the primal perfected. Let the compassionate light shine through, making body, qi, and spirit clear. Exactly as the Xuanke commands.

The Celestial Sovereign has issued a decree. The souls of the imprisoned are granted special pardon, their suffering from sin is swept away, and all are brought into accord with the primal perfected, the original true body of the Dao. The compassionate light shines through them, making body, qi, and spirit clear and bright, exactly as the Xuanke commands.

V. Lingbao Talisman Mandate for Relieving Deaths from Poisonous Medicine

The Lingbao talisman mandate for relieving deaths from poisonous medicine. Respectfully it should be announced below.

The Lingbao mandate for releasing souls who died from taking the wrong medicine or from poisoning is respectfully proclaimed as follows.

Above the Northern Emperor and beside the Hidden Primal, the Celestial Sovereign has commanded: descend to the Yellow Chamber. Rescue and heal the dead souls, so that their bodies are purified and their frames made whole. Exactly as the Xuanke commands.

Above the Northern Emperor (Běidì, the great northern sovereign, such as Zhenwu) and beside the Hidden Primal (yǐnyuán, linked to the water of the kidneys and the hidden primordial qi), the Celestial Sovereign has commanded that the souls descend to the Yellow Chamber (huángfáng, the central palace, the spleen-earth, or the Yellow Court visualized in meditation). There, the dead souls are rescued and healed, so that their bodies are purified and their frames made whole, exactly as the Xuanke commands.

VI. Lingbao Talisman Mandate for Relieving Deaths by Hanging

The Lingbao talisman mandate for relieving deaths by hanging. Respectfully it should be announced below.

The Lingbao mandate for releasing souls who died by hanging is respectfully proclaimed as follows.

The stagnant soul above corresponds to the celestial court. Hanging has not been resolved, and the body has sunk into the Netherworld. In accordance with this talisman mandate, harmonize, release, and allow them to ascend, exactly as the Xuanke commands.

The stagnant soul (zhìpò, the lingering corporeal soul) corresponds to the celestial court above. Because the karma of hanging has not been resolved, the body has sunk into the Netherworld. In accordance with this talisman mandate, the soul is reconciled and released so that it may ascend, exactly as the Xuanke commands.

VII. Lingbao Talisman Mandate for Relieving Deaths from Litigation

The Lingbao talisman mandate for relieving deaths from litigation. Respectfully it should be announced below.

The Lingbao mandate for releasing souls who died from official disputes, lawsuits, or punishment is respectfully proclaimed as follows.

(The main text is close to the prison section above. It consists mainly of the Celestial Sovereign's decree, the release of sins, and the restoration of body, qi, and spirit to clarity. It is to be carried out and announced in accordance with the Xuanke statutes.)

Background Note (for ease of reading)

This text is a talisman mandate proclamation from Lingbao zhaijiao (zhāijiào, purification and offering rituals) and duwang (dùwáng, rites for delivering the dead). The first half consists of incantations and formulas that summon the Three Lights, the Five Stars, the Water Virtue, Yuanshi, and other powers to protect the rite. The second half contains various "relieving deaths" texts, each organized by cause of death, that announce the case to Heaven and petition for pardon, release from grievance, and the opening of the path through the Netherworld. The document typically ends with the phrase "Tai-[rare character] year, month, day," where the rare character is a Daoist document dating term, and the specific date is filled in by the master conducting the rite. When readers encounter "jí jí rú lǜ lìng," they can understand it as a closing formula meaning "swiftly, swiftly, as the statute commands." It shares origins with folk talismanic practice, and here it is used together with Lingbao liturgy and the commands of the Lord Emperor and the Celestial Sovereign.

Vernacular Commentary on the Lingbao Wenjian (Numinous Treasure Document Register)

Heavenly-Earthly Edict Seal, Worn with the Tiangang (Dipper's Handle): Supreme Decree of Pardon (A heavenly and earthly edict seal that may be worn and paired with the divine power of the Tiangang. It is issued by the Supreme Venerable (Taishang) Lord as a decree of pardon.)

Litigation and Harmony Divine Officers Receive Orders to Resolve Without Pause (For those who died in lawsuits or discord, the corresponding divine offices receive orders to continually dissolve injustice and untie grievances, without delay.)

Once the talisman-edict is issued, all the spirits carry it out, exactly in accordance with the statutes of the Mysterious Liturgy (xuanke).

I. Lingbao Talisman Command for Resolving Litigation, Debt, and Death by Injury

Let it be respectfully announced:

By the Supreme Decree of pardon, resolve the faults and enmities arising from litigation, and release the accumulated burdens of guilt. May the Netherworld offices and dark tribunals not delay, erase the registers of transgression, and release the dead from suffering so that they ascend to birth in Heaven, exactly in accordance with the statutes of the Mysterious Liturgy.

(Respectfully obeying this announcement: the Supreme Decree of pardon dissolves the knots of injustice and the burdens of sin accumulated through lawsuits, debts, and enmities. May the dark bureau of the Netherworld not delay, may the registers of sin be struck off, and may the deceased be freed from suffering and attain birth in the heavenly realms, all in accordance with the statutes of the Mysterious Liturgy.)

II. Lingbao Talisman Command for Resolving Death by Drowning

Let it be respectfully announced:

Spirits of the rivers and seas, lords of the waterways, and stranded ghosts: once the talisman arrives, act at once, exactly in accordance with the statutes of the Mysterious Liturgy.

(Announced to the Dragon Kings of the rivers and seas, the venerable lords of the waterways, and the souls lingering in the waters: upon the arrival of the talisman, act immediately without resistance or delay, in accordance with the statutes of the Mysterious Liturgy.)

III. Lingbao Talisman Command for Resolving Death by Demonic Affliction

Let it be respectfully announced:

By the Jade Book of the Numinous Treasure, rescue the dead souls and ferry them across. Let celestial light shine everywhere, let evil defilement be removed, and let the dark nocturnal offices not detain them. The celestial talisman is announced, and they shall ascend directly to Heaven, exactly in accordance with the statutes of the Mysterious Liturgy.

(Through the Jade Book of the Numinous Treasure, the dead souls are delivered. Heavenly light shines through, defilements are wholly cleared, and the dark nocturnal bureau shall not detain them. Wherever the celestial talisman reaches, they shall rise directly to birth in Heaven, in accordance with the statutes of the Mysterious Liturgy.)

IV. Lingbao Talisman Command for Resolving Death by Chain Affliction

Let it be respectfully announced:

Spirits of the Three Corpses (sanshi) and the souls of the deceased: by the Yuqing (Jade Clarity) talismanic command, they are pursued and drawn out from the dark gates. They abandon evil and follow goodness, and ascend to the Purple Court (Zi Ting), exactly in accordance with the statutes of the Mysterious Liturgy.

(Concerning fulian, those who died through chain-linked misfortune: the spirits of the Three Corpses and the souls of the dead, by the Yuqing talismanic command, are pursued and drawn out from the dark gates. They cast off wrongdoing for goodness and fly up to the Purple Court, in accordance with the statutes of the Mysterious Liturgy.)

V. Ten Restoration Talismans (Ten Talismans of the Same Form)

From the Numinous Treasure Mysterious Altar, now by the decree of the Dao, it is announced: for all kinds of dark souls and the dead, those slain, injured, or perished, whose bodily form is incomplete and who lack some part, quickly restore the missing part. Let them leave the netherworld road and each attain a complete form. Once the talisman arrives, act at once, exactly in accordance with the statutes of the Mysterious Liturgy.

Announced in the year of Taisui (Grand Duke), month, day.

(The ten restoration talismans share the same form. If the dead soul lacks a head or limbs, has been hanged, drowned, or dismembered, each is treated according to its entry, whether "restore" "sever the cord," or "bring out," so that its form is complete and it leaves the netherworld road. Where a particular part is missing, write "restore [that part]" at the head of the talisman so that it is made clear.)

VI. Supreme Decree Talisman for Summoning the Gongcao (Merit Officers)

Respectfully receiving the talisman-command, we summon above the Gongcao (Merit Officers) of the Three Realms, the Four Duty Talisman Envoys, and the orthodox Earth Gods of this region. Let them come swiftly. Whenever there is a memorial, let it rise swiftly, go out to welcome the Perfected Lord, and do not let it be delayed, exactly as… (The text may continue here with statutes, dates, and the like; the original scroll omits it at this point.)

(This talisman, by the Supreme Lord's command, summons the Gongcao who record merit in the Three Realms, the Four Duty Envoys who carry talismans, and the local Earth Gods to arrive swiftly at the altar. Whatever is to be reported is to be sent up to the upper realms at once, to welcome the Perfected Lord, without delay.)

Note: The entire text belongs to the proclamation and talisman-command genre used in Lingbao zhaijiao (purification ritual) liturgies (keyi) for "resolving injury and death," "restoring form," and "summoning the Merit Officers." Its tone is that of a ritual master acting by Heaven's mandate, addressing the Netherworld offices, the Water Bureau, malignant spirits, and the Gongcao and Earth Gods. The aim is to have the souls of the injured, the incomplete, the litigious, the drowned, the demon-afflicted, and the chain-afflicted dead pardoned, restored, and delivered. Technical terms such as Tiangang, Three Corpses, Yuqing, Purple Court, and Mysterious Liturgy are retained in their common Daoist senses and are not further elaborated.

End of Volume Nine of the Lingbao Wenjian · Child-Attendant Dispatch (Vernacular Gloss)

Carry Out by Talismanic Command, Star-Fire Spirit

(By talismanic command, the Star-Fire Spirit is ordered to carry out this matter.)

Issued on [year] [month] [day]

(Promulgated on a certain day of a certain month of a certain year.)

Flying Cloud Presents the Memorial to the Celestial Venerable

(Flying Cloud carries the document and reports it to the Celestial Venerable.)

End of Volume Nine of the Shangqing Lingbao Wenjian (Register of Documents of the Numinous Treasure of Highest Clarity)

(Volume nine of the Shangqing Lingbao Wenjian ends here.)

Child-Attendant Dispatch

The Taiji Expedient Office (Taiji Bianyi Si) issues this dispatch to the present office. By present order—

(The Taiji Expedient Office, an office in Daoist zhaijiao (purification ritual) documents that handles the transmission of dispatches and the execution of affairs, issues this dispatch to the present office.)

The Daoist ritual master, [So-and-so], on behalf of the deceased [So-and-so], who has passed away, has invited Dao companions (daolü) to establish a Lingbao ritual altar at the family home for one session, opening on [month] [day] and concluding on [day].

(The head of the household, [So-and-so], on account of the death of [So-and-so], has requested Dao companions to set up a Lingbao zhai altar at home for one session, beginning on a certain day of a certain month and concluding on a certain day.)

The memorial has now been presented to Yuqing (the Jade Clarity heaven), and the Golden Register and White Tablet Talisman of Rescue from Suffering and Long Life is to be carried out in full. It is to deliver the deceased [So-and-so] and the attached spirits of the departed, releasing them from the netherworld and raising them to the Southern Palace (Nangong), the realm of the south where the soul is refined and elevated.

(Now reported to Yuqing (the Highest Clarity heaven), a set of the Golden Register and White Tablet Talisman of Rescue from Suffering and Long Life is to be carried out, to personally deliver the deceased [So-and-so] and the attached spirits, releasing them from the netherworld and raising them to the Southern Palace (Nangong), the southern immortal realm where the body is refined and the soul ascends.)

The Zhuling Fu (Vermilion Hill Office, the Office of Fire, which governs refinement and cremation) issues this dispatch in the same form as before.

Right, the following is commanded—

The child-attendant of the Zhuling fire office, who bears the tablets, is to receive the Golden Register and White Tablet described above and proceed directly to the boundless worlds of the ten directions and the Southern Cinnabar Heaven (Dan Tian). Act immediately in accordance with the talismanic command. Respectfully issued as this dispatch.

(The child-attendant of the Zhuling fire office, bearing the tablets, is to receive the Golden Register and White Tablet described above and go straight to the boundless worlds of the ten directions and the Southern Cinnabar Heaven. Following the talismanic command in every detail, carry it out at once. This dispatch is respectfully issued.)

Proclaimed and carried out on [year] [month] [day] of the Celestial Cycle.

(Proclaimed on a certain day of a certain month of a certain year in the Celestial Cycle.)

Liturgist [So-and-so], in charge of the Liturgy for Salvation of the Dead (duwang ke), receives the commission and carries it out.

The Celestial Master (Tianshi) Zhang, the Perfected Lord, Great Master of the Upper Mirrors of the Three Heavens, witnesses and seals the rite.

(The Celestial Master Zhang, the Perfected Lord and Great Master of the Upper Mirrors of the Three Heavens, is the ancestral master, that is, the Zhang Celestial Master lineage, which witnesses and seals the rite.)

End of Volume Nine of the Shangqing Lingbao Wenjian.

(Volume nine of the Shangqing Lingbao Wenjian ends here.)

Note: This text is a child-attendant dispatch from the Lingbao rite for the dead. After the household holds a Lingbao altar at home, the Taiji Expedient Office issues a dispatch ordering the Zhuling fire office's child-attendant to carry the Golden Register and White Tablet to the Southern Cinnabar Heaven and the boundless worlds. The attendant then refines the spirits of the dead, releasing them from the netherworld and raising them to the Southern Palace. The rite ends with a seal of witness from the Zhang Celestial Master lineage. Volume nine concludes its collection of document forms at this point.