Ritual for Repentance and Directional Offerings in the Golden Register Fast (Compiled by Du Guangting)

Compiled by Master Guangcheng, Du Guangting

Ritual for Repentance and Directional Offerings

Chief Officiant of Repentance

We have humbly heard that when Primordial Commencement opened the diagram, it opened the five directions and settled them; when the True Text evolved, it divided the ten extremes to condense light. It gathers all images in the divine mechanism and returns the many merits to the wondrous existence. It preserves and pacifies the state, and assists and protects the emperor. It prolongs the great mandate without limit and spreads vast prosperity to the boundaries. Now we carefully have the Emperor merging spirit with the Daoian realm, fixing thought on the mysterious stream. He contemplates opening the great sacrifice and sends down blessings to the ten thousand regions. We carefully offer golden dragons and jade discs, oil candles and fragrant flowers, and the implements of ritual trust and patterned silk as offerings, requesting to unroll the mysterious storehouse and manifest the True Text, bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the ten directions, the Tianjun of the ten extremes, and all the immortals and spiritual officials of the heavens, earth, the three lights, and the five peaks. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the ancestral temples, roaming their spirits in the Ultimate Palace, rest their light in the Highest Clarity. Be friends with the eight emperors at Cinnabar Mound, join the five august ones at the Crimson Palace. Let fragrance extend for ten thousand generations and blessings flow to the nine regions. May the emperor continue the sagely merit, brighten the traces of righteousness and purity. May the realm forever be at peace and culture and tracks be in great harmony. May the jade candles be harmonious through the four seasons, and the pearl bag accord with the five planets. May the myriad people be healthy and joyful, and the hundred grains flourish. May we long attain the wind of those who possess the Dao and fully realize the transformation of non-action. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.

East

We servants have humbly heard that Goumang’s pitch responds, dividing fine qi at the jade terrace; the Azure Emperor’s order is executed, fanning harmonious wind at the jade trees. The three lights nourish, the nine fields are misty. Birds all soar, fish all leap. Condensing radiance in the six directions, creatures awaken. Flowing blessings to the eight quarters, all living beings are at peace. Now we carefully have the Emperor offering ritual trust, reverently setting up the Daoian arena, unrolling the True Text, and practicing the pure fast. Bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the East, the Tianjun of Nine Qi, and the immortals and spiritual officials of the eastern quarter. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the ancestral sages, cloud-rise to the three realms and transform in the Nine Clarities. Meet the many emperors at the stellar pass, join the ranks on the heavenly road. May the emperor’s four august ones connect wheels, six emperors share enterprise. May grace deepen the Eastern Sea and life extend to the North Pole. Within the realm and beyond the seas, all bask in the mysterious rest. Those with awareness and life, forever receive the Daoian transformation. Weapons sheathed, winds and rains timely. Five planets regular, myriad people healthy. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.

South

We servants have humbly heard that the Vermilion Mound Fire Emperor opens the moon palace and flows radiance; the Dano Tianjun contains the sun’s essence and scatters color. Riding the crimson clouds to expound the teaching, the sage shines with the tally of the One; dwelling in Bright Clarity to spread the scriptures, the Son of Heaven opens the calendar that penetrates the Three. Greatly magnifying the mysterious instruction, setting a model for the future. For the state it is a bridge, truly a boat for dark and light. Now we carefully have the Emperor offering ritual trust, reverently setting up the Daoian arena, unrolling the True Text, and practicing the pure fast. Bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the South, the Tianjun of Three Qi, and the immortals and spiritual officials of the southern quarter. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the ancestral sages. Under five-flower parasol canopies, shade spirits in the court of flowing fire; on three-rosy-cloud carriages, roam and observe the palace of bright clouds. May the emperor hang his robes in transformation’s display, sit with upright hands in the realm. Open the watchtowers to receive the ten thousand directions, solidify the dragon map and pacify the nine domains. Three stars accord with the measure, four seasons regulate the year. Beacon fires not startled, auspicious blessings descend of themselves. Customs reach benevolence and longevity, transformation is harmonious and bright. Dark nights and deep springs, flying and crawling creatures, all receive bright protection and each keeps what is suitable. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.

West

We servants have humbly heard that the Yu Official, the Golden True, oversees the register of long life; the Fuluo Treasure View, the Jade Emperor, hangs the method of saving the world. Greatly opening the true lineage, illuminating the sage’s succession. Magnifying the fortune of turtle and tripod, adorning the honor of phoenix calendar. Guiding the many grades at the numinous terrace, riding rainbows across the vast desert; leading beings with life into the pure realm, feather-carriages to the Highest Clarity. Now we carefully have the Emperor offering ritual trust, reverently setting up the Daoian arena, unrolling the True Text, and practicing the pure fast. Bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the West, the Tianjun of Seven Qi, and the immortals and spiritual officials of the western quarter. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the ancestral sages, treading golden clouds and riding scenic light, mounting jade chariots to join truth. Ascend the heavenly steps in rank, prolong the fortune of the imperial enterprise. May the emperor compare life to Kunlun Hill, match purity to Dui Marsh. Grasp the three mirrors to rule, cover the ten thousand directions in governance. Five winds and ten rains, of themselves accord with agricultural omens; Shun’s sun and Yao’s clouds, fully display the august virtue. Weapon-edge sheathed, barbarians and Chinese awaken. Qian and Kun forever clear, myriads of people at peace. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.

North

We servants have humbly heard that the mountain-guardian marks the strange, occupying the yin direction and making firm; the Dark Mound rises in emerald, facing the northern land and dwelling in honor. Generating one qi to contain the primordial, dividing the Three Powers and meeting the Dao. Looking up to support heaven’s measure, above protecting the imperial dwelling. Thus governing the gate of sin and fortune, to manifest the stations of dark and light. Now we carefully have the Emperor offering ritual trust, reverently setting up the Daoian arena, unrolling the True Text, and practicing the pure fast. Bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the North, the Tianjun of Five Qi, and the immortals and spiritual officials of the northern quarter. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the high sages, draw numinous streams at the Purple Palace, ride jade phoenixes at the Dark Isle. Bestow blessings by the billions, transmit radiance to seas and mountains. May the emperor’s merit envelop the nine domains, sage-accord with the Three Nothings. Expand the deep seas to flow grace, together with the pole star to govern the multitude. Golden rays and jade crossbows, forever dispel the disaster of arms. Celestial signs and human culture, of themselves accord with the age of rising peace. Three borders quiet, nine harvests abundant. Moving and resting, flying and sinking, all receive the bright transformation. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.

Northeast

We servants have humbly heard that when the one qi first divided, the heavenly Dao operated without limit; when the three lights first shone, the ten thousand things took form with order. Presenting the jade appearance at the Yin direction, scattering golden radiance in the Gen region. Supporting the vermilion-silk mandate of destiny, thus blessing the imperial map; opening the green-tally auspicious text, to steady heaven’s steps. Now we carefully have the Emperor offering ritual trust, reverently setting up the Daoian arena, unrolling the True Text, and practicing the pure fast. Bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the Northeast, the Tianjun of Brahma Qi, and the immortals and spiritual officials of the northeastern quarter. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the line of sages. Fly-steps in the Azure Origin realm, ride truth at the Jade Canopy terrace. Latently spread divine merit, truly prosper good fortune. May the emperor’s six tallies respond to signs, ten thousand regions be at mind. August brightness match sun and moon, heavenly life equal Qian and Kun’s firmness. Outside proclaim civil virtue, beside shake martial might. Crops have years, beacon smoke ceases alarm. Nine dark and six destinies, together share the vast grace; distant domains and barren wastes, all bathe in cloud and thunder’s favor. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.

Southeast

We servants have humbly heard that the stone gate with upright tassels, solemn immortal bearing in the Xun region; the bronze steps tread the summit, condense the true appearance in the Brahma palace. Great waves float the never-night court, golden mists lock the long-life mountain. Three isles arranged in emerald, nine seas clear in radiance. Equal the imperial Dao in this direction, obey the court tribute of the hundred valleys. Now we carefully have the Emperor offering ritual trust, reverently setting up the Daoian arena, unrolling the True Text, and practicing the pure fast. Bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the Southeast, the Tianjun of Brahma Qi, and the immortals and spiritual officials of the southeastern quarter. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the ancestral sages. Wade the whale ford and forever gallop, feather guards uneven; point to the ao mountain and long roam, cloud roads ethereal. May the emperor’s light spread the great title, afar stir the imperial wind. Surpass Fuxi and Shennong to raise banners, cover the Yellow Emperor in releasing the sage. Three lights regulated, five planets regular. Customs reach peace, people climb to wealth and longevity. Dark and light, the many kinds, together harmonize mysterious grace. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.

Southwest

We servants have humbly heard that the Golden True caresses fortune, brightening the golden mirror at the Shen suburbs; the Jade Sage governs the time, illuminating the jade candle in the Kun region. Dark merit secretly assists, preserving the grand plan for a hundred million years; ultimate virtue latently accords, spreading seven hundred years of distant fortune. Divine rest fully bestowed, bright mandate ever renewed. Now we carefully have the Emperor offering ritual trust, reverently setting up the altar, unrolling the True Text, and practicing the pure fast. Bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the Southwest, the Tianjun of Brahma Qi, and the immortals and spiritual officials of the southwestern quarter. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the ancestral temples. Ascend the Great Brightness palace, exit the silent region. Extend good fortune to grandchildren’s plans, pour mysterious nourishment on the imperial house. May the emperor compare life to Song and Heng, match brilliance to sun and moon. Ride Qian’s virtue to rule, pair with Kun’s earth in quietness. The divine altar and imperial fields, of themselves show in good years; sheath blades and hide bows, forever reach the ultimate principle. All living beings fulfill their natures, ten thousand countries again at peace. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.

Northwest

We servants have humbly heard that the golden wall of a thousand li, arches to the polar star and dwells high; the jade gate of ninefold, stands at the Qian suburb and makes firm. Looking up to the threefold at Kunlun peaks, controlling the six periods at the Xu direction. Truly the capital of numinous spirits, truly the model of the imperial way. Now we carefully have the Emperor offering patterned silk as ritual trust, dragon discs and fragrant flowers, unrolling the True Text, and practicing the pure fast. Bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the Northwest, the Tianjun of Brahma Qi, and the immortals and spiritual officials of the northwestern quarter. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the high sages. Ride the dragon-coach on the heavenly road, solemnize feather guards on the cloud road. Freely enjoy the Nine Clarities, transmit brilliance for ten thousand generations. May the emperor condense flow and embody Dao, point to the Dark Orchard in long reverence; carry the screen and ride Qian, with the pearl balance forever upright. Transformation returns to purity and stillness, years and seasons abundant. Arrowheads not fly, auspicious signs truly gather. Beings with life and awareness, all accord with the true steps. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.

Above

We servants have humbly heard that the ultimate Dao melts essence; only heaven is great. Covering three thousand without governing, containing five hundred million and looking down from on high. Hanging images without partiality, operating without rest. Fully prospering the bright transformation, blessing the imperial map. Now we carefully have the Emperor offering ritual trust, spreading out the altar, unrolling the True Text, and practicing the pure fast. Bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the above, the Jade Capital Dark Capital Purple Tenuity Golden Gate Three Pure Three Realms high sages and august ones, and the immortals and spiritual officials of the upper quarter. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the ancestral sages. Rainbow banners high-raised, carefree within the three realms; crane chariots return and ascend, free above the six voids. May the emperor embody the primordial and establish the pole, ride the Dao to inherit the map. Surpass the wind of Three and Five, transmit for a thousand million and far and great; with sun and moon jointly shine, pair with nine and six forever pure. Ten thousand regions all at peace, myriad people healthy. Weapon-edge not tried, civil virtue truly believed. Whether dark or light, together ascend the Daoian realm. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.

Below

We servants have humbly heard that the merit of thick bearing is truly Kun’s virtue. Expanding the eight hemispheres without limit, generating the ten thousand kinds without partiality. Ao pool and peng marsh, side-divided and firmly guarded. Ten mountains and five peaks, afar spreading numinous might. Magnify the great mandate in the central capital, gather the many rests in the upper state. Now we carefully have the Emperor offering ritual trust, reverently setting up the Daoian arena, unrolling the True Text, and practicing the pure fast. Bowing in submission to the Limitless Supreme Numen Treasure Tianzun of the below, the twelve immortal lords, the true persons of the nine palaces, and the immortals and spiritual officials of the limitlessly world-systemed mountains and rivers. We humbly hope that the honored spirits of the state and the ancestral sages. Three mountains and eight caves, afar receive the imperial visit; Dano and Azure Mound, continue to mount the true ranks. May the emperor fully clarify august virtue, forever govern the central sky. Ride the jade dipper to govern and pacify, open the jade map in upright solemnity. Three stars bright, forever circle the North Pole’s honor; nine earths vast, truly bless South Mountain’s life. Weapons not used, only harvests abundant. Moving and planting, dark and light, forever attain Daoian transformation. After attaining the Dao, ascend into formlessness and unite with the Dao in truth.