Grand Memorial Ritual in Taoist High Merit Ceremonies

  "The High Merit Official Takes Incense and Raises Steps, Speaking the Guidelines" — Raising steps toward the Golden Palace, flying body to visit the Jade Capital; from heaven the tinkling of jade sounds, all together raising the "Step-into-Void" chant.

    (Incense Raiser begins the "Step-into-Void" melody) Great Brahma, Lord of the Three Heavens; the Void Emperor, Venerable of the Five Elders — even these can hardly fathom the subtle mystery, how much less enter the deep darkness. The jeweled throne faces the Golden Hall; rosy clouds shine upon the jade pavilion. Ten thousand perfected ones pay court to the Sovereign's abode; flying sandals are drawn up amid the clouds.

 

    Raise: The Heavenly Venerable Who Pardons Sins, the Jade Emperor

 

    (The High Merit Official begins the "Hanging Pendant" melody) With bowed head and sincere heart I worship the Azure Heaven; the Azure Heaven today descends to the scripture feast. Within the scripture feast a golden light appears; as the light appears, a precious pearl hangs in the air. The pearl hangs over the azure vault, paying homage to the Primordial Beginning; the Primordial Beginning proclaims the Dharma to save the host of immortals. The host of immortals joyfully honor the Most High; the Most High, the Merciful Lord, reigns in the highest heaven. With incense we offer to the Heavenly Venerable Who Pardons Sins, the Jade Emperor.

 

    (The High Merit Official speaks the minister's text) Your minister has heard: The Vast Heaven hangs down its protection, and venerably dwells in the heaven of Great Luo. The Most High faces the court, and his carriage ascends to the Hall of Universal Light. He established the imperial pole at the beginning of the wondrous realm of true existence, and honored his imperial title before the Great Non-Being, the Primordial Mystery. He broadly unfolds the great transformation, benefiting both gods and men. Now, at this court audience, we must rely on the transmission of incense.

 

    Raise: The Heavenly Venerable of the Golden Countenance and Jade Image

 

    Now, as for incense: it is the osmanthus seed from the moon, blown down by the immortal wind. The incense smoke forms cloud-seal characters; auspicious vapors fill and linger in the air. Scattered, it becomes a precious canopy; gathered, it forms towers and pavilions. The incense smoke drifts away into the distance, and the sage's carriage comes from heaven. For transmitting incense there is a verse; let the precious title be proclaimed. Raise: The Heavenly Venerable of the Tao, the Scriptures, and the Masters.

 

    (The High Merit Official gives the outline) Today at this hour we open the Dharma feast, welcoming the high perfected ones to descend in their carriages. (The Incense Raiser responds with the outline) Clouds embrace the banners as they leave the imperial seat; the wind blows the immortal pennants down the jade stairs.

 

    (The High Merit Official begins the "Three Treasures" hymn and steps the Three Treasures stellar pattern while offering incense) I take refuge in the Treasure of the Tao: on the Terrace of Woven Mist and Jade Music, the Supreme Pole contains the Three, embracing all the myriad forms; with single-minded devotion I chant and uphold. I repent the obstacles of the body's deeds; therefore I take refuge, to grow blessings and eliminate disasters. I take refuge in the Treasure of the Scriptures: on the Terrace of Purple Tenuity and Jade Tower, the phoenix records and dragon writings, the Dharma-wheel treasury of all heavens; with single-minded devotion I chant and uphold, I repent the obstacles of the mind's deeds; therefore I take refuge, to grow blessings and eliminate disasters. I take refuge in the Treasure of the Masters: on the Terrace of the White Jade Tortoise, they proclaim the Dharma to save beings, universally delivering without limit; with single-minded devotion I chant and uphold, I repent the obstacles of the mouth's deeds; therefore I take refuge, to grow blessings and eliminate disasters. With incense we offer to the Heavenly Venerable of the Three Treasures of Great Luo.

 

    (High Priest's Declaration) Prostrate in reverence, the incarnate Manifestation, whose throne is supremely exalted. His wondrous countenance crowns all heavens; His compassionate light illumines the Three Realms. In the Jade Capital, His name is praised beyond words; in the precious scriptures, His chapters of jade are proclaimed. I, your servant, take refuge in body and in spirit, bowing in homage before the Golden Gate, gazing afar at the radiant light of a hundred treasures, contemplating the flowing scenes of the Ninefold Rosy Clouds. Now, as this audience is held, it must be conveyed through incense. I humbly pray that He proclaims the path of purity and liberation, and rescues the lost and suffering from their bitter journey. Above, we beseech Heaven's grace; below, we answer mortal hopes. O compassionate assembly, let us proclaim His precious name.

 

    Raise the incense cloud to reach the Heavenly Lord of Truth

 

    (High Priest's Outline) Pale moon and scattered stars encircle the Jianzhang Palace; immortal winds blow down the jade incense burner. (Assistant Priest, continuing the outline) Your servant awaits, standing like a crane in the Hall of Universal Illumination, a single red cloud bearing the Jade Emperor aloft.

 

    (High Priest lights the furnace and recites the Incense Offering Spell) The Dao is learned through the mind; the mind is conveyed through incense. The incense burns in the jade furnace; the mind abides before the Emperor. True spirits look down with grace; immortal banners approach the hall. Let your servant report and declare, reaching directly to the Three (Six, Nine) Heavens. (Continuing with the Majestic Spirit Spell) Throughout this scripture recitation, every thought is held in sincerity. A thousand truths listen in reverence; ten thousand sages respond in spirit. Responding to the Primordial, uniting with the vital breath, transforming universally in all forms. The Nine Heavens have their decree; the Three Realms obey in practice. Eliminate calamities and repent transgressions; beseech blessings and prolong life. When merit is complete and conduct is full, the Great Dao bears witness. We, your servants, dedicate our lives, uniting in truth with the Dao.

 

    (High Priest kneels and proclaims) Prostrate in reverence, the azure void floats in emptiness, above arrayed the layered heavens and golden towers. The mortal realm transforms into a sacred ground, below opening the Jade Capital on level earth. Majestic rites are solemnly arrayed in the Ninefold Heights; attendants guard with utmost rigor around the hundred nobles. Respectfully we gaze, as the dragon-tail fans part, and He sits exalted at the celestial pole. The shrimp-whisker curtain is rolled aside, and we gaze in awe upon the heavenly countenance. Your servant presumes upon Heaven's majesty; our humble feelings cannot be contained, in fervent agitation and reverent awe. All the curtain-rolling talisman decrees are now respectfully proclaimed below. (The Declarant proclaims the talisman; the High Priest approaches the altar and offers incense. When the talisman proclamation is complete, the High Priest speaks) The talisman decree is proclaimed and revealed; the sage's mirror shines clearly. May the vast creation be abundant, answering our sincere devotion. Heaven's majesty is but a foot away, graciously bestowing the benevolence of the advancing path. The people's wishes support His might, fulfilling the vow of proclamation. The pearl curtain is rolled high; the emerald canopies are fully spread. We pray that the attendant immortals be summoned, to still the dust and smoke in the four directions. Let the unassembled be roused, to behold the renewed radiance of sun and moon. Bowing in reverence and sincerity, we roll the curtain for the court audience.

 

    (High Priest begins the Reverse Curtain-Rolling Chant) The jade altar sets forth the image of Jade Capital Mountain, facing the golden countenance within a foot's reach. The precious pearl hangs in the void, gazing upon the sun's visage; the pearl curtain is rolled high, revealing Heaven's countenance. The phoenix carriage and crane chariot descend to the golden hall; phoenix candles and dragon lanterns illuminate the precious altar. The Three Realms and Ten Directions all descend to witness; vast blessings flow throughout the mortal world. With incense we offer to the Golden Countenance and Jade Image Heavenly Lord.

 

    (High Priest's Outline) Heaven opens the Yellow Path with five-colored auspicious clouds, as if the jade altar connects to the imperial realm. (Assistant Priest, continuing the outline) Desiring to convey our sincere devotion to the celestial palace, we rely wholly on the Dao and its virtue in a single censer of incense. (Assistant Priest raises) Respectfully facing the jade altar, (Declarant responds) we humbly announce our titles and positions.

 

    (High merit and worthy office) Your servant is a disciple of the Supreme Ultimate Tao, the Jade Purity Golden Box Treasure Record, the Primordial Chaos Purple Mansion, selected as a superior immortal, inheriting the teachings of Eastern Florescence, the orthodox lineage of Dragon Gate, the top scholar of the Great Luo Heavenly Immortals, a descendant of the True Man Qiu, humbly serving as the ritual master ×××, together with the Taoist congregation below the altar, cultivating merit through reciting scriptures and performing repentance, for the purpose of eliminating disasters, bestowing blessings, and extending life. The faithful male (or female) disciple ×××, together with the entire household, all with utmost reverence and trepidation, bowing in prostration, burning true incense at the furnace, sincerely offering prayers. (The high merit officiant lifts incense and kneels to recite the holy roster) Your servant silently circulates true incense, sincerely offering prayers to: The Jade Purity Holy Realm, the Qingwei Heavenly Palace, the Void and Natural, the Great Luo Primordial Heavenly Worthy. The Upper Purity Holy Realm, the Yuyu Heavenly Palace, the Jade Chen Taoist Lord, the Great Luo Numinous Treasure Heavenly Worthy. The Taiqing Holy Realm, the Dachitian Heavenly Palace, the Supreme Elder Lord, the Great Luo Moral Heavenly Worthy, the Supreme Lord who opened heaven and held the talismans, who governs the calendar and embodies truth and the Tao, the Nine Heavens of the Golden Palace Cloud Palace, the Myriad Ways of Non-action, the Great Tongming Hall, the Haotian Golden Palace Supreme Jade Emperor who pardons sins, the Great Heavenly Worthy, the High Emperor of the Vast Sky, before Your Imperial Majesty. The Gouchen Upper Palace. The Heavenly Emperor the Great, the Lord of All Stars, the Infinite Primordial Sovereign, the Central Heaven Ziwei, the Great Emperor of the North Pole. The Earth Sovereign Emperor who inherits heaven's law. The Jade Purity True King, the Great Emperor of Southern Longevity, the Heavenly Worthy of Unified Heaven and Primordial Sage. The Nine Heavens Natural, the God of Life and the Supreme Emperor. The Ten Directions Supreme Numinous Treasure Heavenly Worthy. The Primordial Ancestors of Heaven and Earth, the Five Spirits and Five Elders Supreme Emperors. The Three Sovereigns of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. The Thirty-two Heaven Supreme Emperors who save beings without measure, the Heavenly Worthy of Saving Beings Without Measure. The Nine Heavens Responding to the Primordial, the Heavenly Worthy of Thunder Sound Universal Transformation. The Jade Void Master and Minister, the Dark Heaven Supreme Emperor, the Golden Palace Incarnation, the Heavenly Worthy Who Subdues Demons. The Primordial Chaos Lord, the Heavenly Worthy Who Ends Calamities and Relieves Suffering. The First Grade of the Upper Yuan, the Heavenly Official Who Bestows Blessings, the Great Emperor Ziwei. The Second Grade of the Middle Yuan, the Earth Official Who Pardons Sins, the Great Emperor Qingxu. The Third Grade of the Lower Yuan, the Water Official Who Resolves Calamities, the Great Emperor Dongyin. The Fourth Grade of the Qian Yuan, the Fire Official Who Examines and Judges, the Great Emperor Dongyang. The Three Officials of the Three Yuan and Three Grades, the Three Great Emperors, the Three Palaces and Nine Mansions, the Heavenly Worthy of Response and Sensation. The Father of the Dipper, the Heavenly Worthy of the Dragon Han Ancestral Kalpa, the King of Zhouyu. The Mother of the Dipper, the Great Sage Marici, the Heavenly Worthy of the Round and Bright Tao Mother. The Sun Palace's Blazing Light, the Sun Sovereign Lord, the Heavenly Worthy of True Light Universal Illumination. The Moon Mansion's Pure Radiance, the Moon Empress, the Heavenly Worthy of Wise Light Bright Illumination. The Six Offices of the Southern Dipper, the Star Lords Who Extend Life. The Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper, the Star Lords Who Resolve Calamities. The First of the Northern Dipper, the Great Star Lord Yangming Greedy Wolf. The Second of the Northern Dipper, the Primordial Star Lord Yinjing Giant Gate. The Third of the Northern Dipper, the True Star Lord Luncun. The Fourth of the Northern Dipper, the Star Lord Xuanming Wenqu. The Fifth of the Northern Dipper, the Star Lord Danyuan Lianzhen. The Sixth of the Northern Dipper, the Star Lord Beiji Wuqu. The Seventh of the Northern Dipper, the Star Lord Tianguan Pojun. The Eighth of the Northern Dipper, the Star Lord Dongming Waifu. The Ninth of the Northern Dipper, the Star Lord Yinguang Neibi. The Upper Terrace's Void Essence, the Star Lord Kaide. The Middle Terrace's Six Purity, the Star Lord Sikong. The Lower Terrace's Qu Sheng, the Star Lord Silu. The Great Sage of the Heavenly Pillar, the Star Lord Kuiguang, the Star Lord of One's Birth and Destiny, the Star Lords of the Twenty-eight Mansions, the Star Lords of the Arrayed Luminaries, the Stars of the Entire Heaven, and the Multitude of Immortals of the Milky Way. In the Eastern Pole Palace. The Great Compassionate One, Who Seeks Sounds and Responds to Sensations, the Taiyi Heavenly Worthy Who Rescues Suffering, the Green Mysterious Nine Yang Supreme Emperor. The Ten Directions Heavenly Worthies Who Rescue Suffering. The Heavenly Worthy Who Removes Sins from the Nine Abysses. The Heavenly Worthy Who Extensively Saves the Sunk and Drowned. The Eastern Mountain Tianqi, the Great Sage Renyuan Holy Emperor. The Great Spirit Cangguang, the True Lord of Destiny, the Heavenly Worthy of Majestic Authority and Ease. The Northern Yin Fengdu, the Ten Kings of the Underworld, the True Lords of Compassion. The Initiators of the Mysterious Gate, the Masters of All Academies. The Southern School and Northern Lineage, the Five Ancestors and Seven True Ones. (Compassionate and rescuing from suffering, the Patriarchs of Complete Perfection. The Eastern Florescence Purple Mansion, Assisting the Primordial and Establishing the Ultimate, the Great Tao Sovereign Lord. Zhengyang who awakened and opened understanding, who transmitted the Tao and established the teaching, the Sovereign Lord. Chunyang who manifested righteousness, awakened and transformed, and secretly assisted, the Sovereign Lord. Haichan who understood clearly, propagated the Tao and purely assisted, the Sovereign Lord. Chongyang who achieved Complete Perfection, opened transformation and assisted the Ultimate, the Sovereign Lord, the Five Ancestors who proclaimed the Tao, the Heavenly Worthy.) The Compassionate and Holy Patriarchs. (Wuzhen Ziyang True Person, Xinglin Cuixuan True Person, Daoguang Zixian True Person, Wancui Xu True Person, Qiongguan Ziqing True Person, the Five Ancestors who completed the Tao, the Heavenly Worthy.) Compassionate and rescuing from suffering, the Patriarchs of Complete Perfection. (Danyang Baoyi Wuwei Puhua True Lord, Changzhen Ningshen Xuanjing Yunde True Lord, Changsheng Fuhua Zongxuan Mingde True Lord, Changchun Quande Shenhua Mingying Zhujiao True Lord, Yuyang Tixuan Guangci Pudu True Lord, Taigu Guangning Tongxuan Miaojie True Lord, Qingjing Yuanzhen Xuanxu Shunhua Yuanjun, the Seven True Ones who transformed and evolved, the Heavenly Worthy.) The famous mountains and grotto heavens under heaven, the ancient and modern immortals who attained the Tao. The passing spirits of the clouds and sky, the inspectors and true arbiters. The troops of the jade forest courtyard, the divine officers who assist the Tao, the merit officers on duty, the incense officials and messengers. The city gods and earth lords, the revered spirits of the local realms. The protectors of scriptures and teachings, the protectors of the Dharma and the altar, the incense and fire of the household shrine, the six spirits who govern destiny, the responsive ones at the Dharma feast, the majestic spirits of the entire assembly, all rely on true incense for universal offering. (The high merit officiant kneels and prostrates to proclaim the text) The jade altar is solemn and still, the bells and drums cease their sound, the ritual standards are broadly proclaimed, facing the exalted true ones, proclaiming the wonderful standards, there is an intention text, respectfully presented for proclamation. (The announcer kneels and proclaims the intention text, reciting: "When the drum beats three times, the heavenly gate opens, the boy holding the memorial descends the jade steps, splitting open the three golden locks, inviting forth the blessing (or ××) intention text." After finishing, recites the intention text, reciting until "respectfully presented," the high merit officiant takes over) Respectfully presented to: The Supreme Lord who opened heaven and held the talismans, who governs the calendar and embodies truth and the Tao, the Nine Heavens of the Golden Palace Cloud Palace, the Great Tongming Hall, the Haotian Golden Palace Supreme Jade Emperor who pardons sins, the Great Heavenly Worthy, the High Emperor of the Vast Sky, before Your Imperial Majesty. (The announcer responds) Respectfully hoping for great compassion, the memorial is clearly received, there is a ×× memorial text, respectfully presented with a hundred prostrations. (The high merit officiant begins the invocation, and the congregation recites the Miluo invocation or bows to the Miluo invocation. After finishing, begins the chant to transform the memorial. After the memorial is transformed, stops the chant, and the high merit officiant speaks the text to send off the merit officer to conclude. If it is a great memorial, then the purification ritual and various other standards are performed.)

 

    (Purification: The high merit officiant speaks) In accordance with this, the Tao and qi have different names, but there must be a method to penetrate them. Gods and humans reside in different places, yet they can be moved and reached without fixed means. Therefore, gathering forms in the subtle and essential, one can reach the vast and empty. As for this incense, it flies like clouds and forms seals, its bright virtue is pure fragrance. Yang qi rises and ascends, the cinnabar furnace moves the fire of the primordial spirit. The returning wind mixes and blends, the mysterious gate is veiled in the smoke of great simplicity. It is not like the decaying smell of grass and trees, but welcomes the coming of the gods and spirits of heaven and earth. There is a verse for transmitting incense, proclaim the precious name; raise the incense cloud to reach the Heavenly Worthy of Faith. In accordance with this, the immortal realm is difficult to reach, so incense is used as a message. The dusty world is turbid and impure, and without water nothing can be purified. Your servant will use the merit of a single drop to solemnly purify the boundaries of the ten directions. As for this water, it is the correct qi of the north, the true source of the heavenly one. Jade fluid surges within, sweet dew steams and permeates the cinnabar valley. Golden essence rises and fumigates above, sweet spring dissolves and drains through the flowery pool. Internally applied, it expels the old and takes in the new; externally used, it cleanses filth and washes away defilement. It is the correct qi of heaven and earth, able to eliminate the demonic vapors of the universe. In accordance with the true standards of the teaching, proclaim the holy name. Raise the Heavenly Worthy of Dharma Rain Flowing and Moistening.

 

    (The high merit officiant begins the purification verse) The jade well's light leaps forth in the never-night sky, the willow sprinkles rain of eternal spring. Now it is spread throughout the Dharma feast, the five turbidities and six defilements are all purified. Midnight and noon clearly distinguish the fire, spirit and breath unite to form the fragrance. By this true incense and true fire, entering the vast Dharma realm of subtle dust (or beginning the sprinkling verse: The true mind is pure, the Dao is the ancestral source, and so on). Prostrating, I gaze upon the celestial dipper, drawing in the righteous energy, proceeding to the Dipper Pavilion, establishing the altar of jade. Holding the hundred-refined sword of Taiqing, washing with the myriad streams of the Milky Way. Enforcing the heavenly statutes of solemn prohibition, wielding the authority of the celestial Dharma system. In silent operation, the three mountains boil; in breathing, thunder and lightning give rise to wind. In speech, ghosts wail and spirits grieve; when the command is issued, soldiers follow the turning of fate, generals follow the command. Om hum hum, Hunyuan Ancestral Altar, this altar's central furnace burns incense, I issue the command to summon, the eight trigram great spirits of Qian, Kan, Gen, Zhen, Xun, Li, Kun, Dui. I invite the Heavenly Virtue Lord, Earthly Virtue Lord, Sun Essence and Moon Radiance Lords. The Great Sage of the Celestial Dipper, the Star Lord of Kui Light. I respectfully invite each to wield axes and bear swords, to cast fire and flow with gold. To descend true energy into the water, to release auspicious light within the altar. Brilliant and radiant, coming from the nine-phoenix purification of defilement. The procession resounds, arriving from the five clouds floating through the void. Averting calamities, no calamity is not extinguished. Seeking blessings, no blessing is not attained. The Supreme Emperor's decree, all spirits reverently listen. Quickly purify the filth and defilement, sweep away the demonic aura. The altar has a purification document, which shall now be read aloud. (After the reader finishes the proclamation, the high merit officiant continues) The document just proclaimed has been fully recited, and here before the altar, it shall be committed to fire. (All recite the Earth Spirit Mantra) The Earth Spirit of the altar, most spiritual of spirits, ascends to heaven and reaches the earth, emerges from the netherworld, for us proclaim without delay, on the day of merit, your name is recorded in the Upper Purity. (The high merit officiant continues) Now at the time of presenting the memorial, at the beginning of the ceremony, we consider that within and outside the altar, people and things coming and going, the turbid and defiled qi, makes it difficult to descend the high true ones. First, I am commanded to bring forth the hundred-refined sword, the Supreme Five-Dragon Spirit Mantra, and the sacred water to sprinkle and purify the jade altar. Then, according to the ritual, we shall proclaim the wondrous Dao. As for water, it embodies the true qi of the five dragons, combined with the radiance of the nine phoenixes, therefore it can stir the turbid and raise the clear, and can also dissolve defilement and wash away filth. First sprinkling, heaven has no miasmic defilement; second sprinkling, earth has no demonic dust; third sprinkling, humanity enjoys longevity; fourth sprinkling, within and outside the altar is completely purified. The spiritual chapter of the water mantra, all shall now recite (The high merit officiant begins the Purification Verse: "Heaven and earth are naturally so, defiled qi disperses, within the cave is profound mystery..." This is the Pure Heaven and Earth Mantra. Incense is held, silent operations are performed, etc.). (The high merit officiant, wielding the sword, steps in the forbidden altar pace to purify the four corners, then steps the Nine-Phoenix Defilement-Breaking Pace while all chant: "The water of purity, the sun and moon canopy..." After the sprinkling purification is complete, he speaks) The Dao incense, one stick, sincerely knocks upon the ten directions, beneath the Golden Gate, three rolls of the drum are sounded. (After the drum sounds, he speaks the memorial protection document) Thunder and lightning proclaim the commands, stars and constellations shine forth in splendor, with one sound of thunder, the officers and soldiers proceed to the Dharma site. Om hum hum, Hunyuan Ancestral Altar, this altar's central furnace burns incense, I issue the command to summon, the duty officer of the day, swiftly come forth, receive the document, transmit the memorial, there is a memorial protection document which shall now be read aloud. (After the reader reads the "Memorial Protection Document," the high merit officiant speaks) The document just proclaimed has been fully recited, the Spirit Tiger officers and soldiers are surely able to receive it. I humbly pray to the Great Marshal, wielding the three-foot Tai'a sword, to slay the host of demons. Treading the nine-spirit flying-step pace, traveling through the three realms. Generals and officers hold banners on left and right, soldiers bear axes and halberds before and behind. Let me ascend the Golden Gate, step upon the Jade Hall, and from here proceed. Severing the rigid wind, removing the vast qi, this is the accomplishment. Commanding wind and thunder, soaring through the celestial heights, at once heaven opens the Yellow Path. Raise the Heavens Open the Yellow Path Heavenly Venerable.

 

    (The high merit officiant speaks) The memorial has not yet been presented, the Yellow Path opens first. (The assistant responds) The Golden Boy and Jade Maiden offer the case. (The reader responds) There is a verse for fumigating the memorial, all the feather-clad ones give support. (The high merit officiant begins the "Memorial Fumigation Verse," holding the case over the incense to fumigate the memorial. When finished, wielding the sword, he steps back one pace and trims the memorial) The smoke of five colors fumigates the memorial to heaven, the qi of five colors fumigates the memorial to the Emperor. Errors are corrected, missing characters are added above, the dragon-sword precious blade trims the memorial to full majesty. The stale qi of inferior officers shall not dare to interfere, all defilement and filth, sink ten thousand zhang into the earth.

 

    (The high merit officiant speaks) The Heavenly Emperor's command, urgent as fire and stars, the ten directions and three realms, heard in an instant from afar. Now there is the Heaven-Opening Talisman Mandate, which shall now be proclaimed. (The reader announces the Heaven-Opening Talisman, the high merit officiant faces the Heavenly Gate and silently performs the mystical work to proclaim the talisman. When finished, the high merit officiant holds the command flag, steps the pace, and speaks) Dark and obscure, heaven and earth sound as one, hearing the call, they arrive; hearing the summons, they come. Scattered, they become qi; gathered, they take form. Spirit unites with qi, qi unites with spirit, spirit and qi intermingle, officers and generals manifest their forms. I command: the Azure Dragon Meng Zhang on the left, the White Tiger Jian Bing on the right, the Vermilion Bird Ling Guang in front, the Dark Warrior Zhi Ming behind, the Central Messenger Jiao, swiftly ascend to the blue clouds. The command circulates the spirit mantra, primal yang pervades heaven and earth. Om hum hum, the Qian palace opens the Heavenly Gate, Dui marsh leads the mighty troops, Gen mountain seals the ghost door, Li palace drives the fiery wheel, Kan water surges with waves, Kun earth detains the traveler's path, Zhen thunder roars with thunderbolts, Xun wind blows the mountains to collapse. I stand in the central palace, the eight trigrams protect my body, urgently, urgently, as the statute commands. Raise the Golden Light Scattering Radiance Heavenly Venerable.

 

    (The high merit officiant puts down the command flag and raises the outline) Raising my steps toward the Golden Gate, flying my body to visit the Jade Capital. (The assistant responds) The jade sounds resound beyond heaven, all together raise the empty-step voice. (The high merit officiant continues) Ascend to the Jade Capital Mountain. (The reader responds) The empty-step circumambulation. (The high merit officiant speaks) Play the music. Starting from the east, the high merit officiant steps the pace and presents the memorial. The rigid wind pace is begun. Or the North-South Dipper ladle, the Three Terraces, the Five Elements, the Court-Ascent paces, etc. Or walking the ten directions to worship the memorial, then stepping the Court-Ascent pace to present the memorial). [Note from the Daoist Yinfu School: Pay attention to this passage]

 

    (With high merit, prostrating in the Yellow Path, circulating the mysterious power, treading on colorful clouds to present the memorial. Or visualizing the five-colored clouds protecting the memorial, with the bell and staff presenting it. The cantor begins the Great Praise, and the斋主 burns the memorial) In the Qingwei Palace, divine power is manifested, and the natural incense fills the entire void. Manifesting in transformation at the White Jade Capital, gazing toward the Golden Gate, adorned with seven treasures. Universally emitting the seventeen great lights, with phoenixes and cranes singing, and harmonious songs resounding. All heavens and all earth praise without end, wishing all beings to revere and worship the golden countenance. (If dispatching the merit officer to present the memorial, the high merit officiant rises and may begin the "Sending Transformation Praise": With fragrant flowers sent off, the envoy should soon set forth on the journey...)(After the memorial is burned, the high merit officiant speaks) The Supreme Emperor bestows compassion and grace, and thunder commands Deng, Xin, and the celestial beings who receive the edict, shining universally over the entire universe. Thus, we, your servants, reverently present a vermilion memorial in one envelope, humbly requesting the attending merit officer to carry the memorial text and present it to the Heavenly Court of Universal Brightness in the High Heaven. We humbly pray that the memorial may reach above, and that grace and commands may be issued below. Relying on the power of the Dao, for the good cause above, we sincerely invoke the Heavenly Lord Who Carries the Clouds Aloft to Present, with inconceivable merit and virtue.