Taoist High Merit Ritual of Purification and Cleansing

 The "Daozang · Lingbao Yujian · Chi Shui Jin Tan Men" states: The Dao is supremely empty; without emptiness, it cannot respond to all things. Human nature is supremely good; without goodness, it cannot illuminate the Dao. Water's nature is likewise, for goodness enables it to benefit all things. The Lingbao Great Dharma has the ritual of commanding water and sealing the altar, drawing the righteous energy of the Three Luminaries, wielding the true essence of the Nine Winds, commanding all spirits, inhaling and exhaling the two energies, treading the celestial dipper and treading the stars, sealing the boundaries and purifying the altar. In small matters, it purifies the directions; in great matters, it cleanses heaven and earth, adorning the inner and outer ceremonial forms. It summons the upper and lower deities, thus purity and fasting come first, sincerity and clarity are the foundation. For evil can interfere with righteousness, and without righteous energy, one cannot avoid its wrongs; filth can corrupt truth, and without true energy, there is no way to wash away its defilement. Therefore, the righteous true vital energy is the wonder of transformation and flowing change." Also, the "Daozang · Shangqing Tianxin Zhengfa" takes the energy of the Three Luminaries: the energy of the Sun Lord, taken from the direction of the sun at the time of energy gathering, visualizing the sun's disk with rays like red fire. The energy of the Moon Lord, taken by the method of "daily add Mao, every five days the two palaces shift." For example, on the first day of each month, start from Mao position at Mao hour; at noon, it is exactly at Wu position. The second day is the same. On the third day, before noon, it retreats past Yin; at noon, start from Yin at Mao hour, and at Si position see noon, which means the Moon is at Si. Visualize the moon palace with rays like warm jade silver. The energy of the Heavenly Dipper, the Heavenly Dipper star is about three zhang or more from the handle of the Dipper. The poem says: "Month after month always add Xu, hour by hour see Pojun, to know the exact place, ask the reason for facing or turning away." Using the lunar day, if the general has passed, add Xu; if not passed, add Hai. Counting to the time of taking energy, that is where the Heavenly Dipper sees Pojun. Facing or turning away refers to the visualization of yin and yang." Also, the "Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu" states: "Wearing nine, treading one, left three, right seven, two and four as shoulders, six and eight as feet, five resides in the central palace to govern the fullness of the belly. This is the Huoluo Gang diagram. The "Yijing" says, 'Three and five transform once, interweaving their numbers.' It is also called the Nine Spirits Gang. The first position is called Youguang Ling, the second Tianlu Ling, the third Yutang Ling, the fourth Xufan Ling, the fifth Yuanhuang Ling, the sixth Ziguang Ling, the seventh Zongshen Ling, the eighth Youqi Ling, the ninth Shenquan Ling. The first five positions are the generating numbers of the Five Elements; their profound mystery is not easy to fully explain, so masters, when flying their spirits, mostly tread this gang. Treading the gang has three prohibitions: first, one may not hold the tablet; second, one may not walk backward; third, one may not use a single foot."

 

       The High Priest holds incense and speaks: "Refining the great elixir before Dragon Tiger Mountain, the six heavenly demons tremble in fear; since riding the crane back to the mysterious realm, clear wind and bright moon surround the crimson altar." The Incense Officer raises: "Three Pure Ones, Three Realms, Heavenly Venerable." The High Priest begins the hanging invocation: "The heavenly palace, majestic and vast, resides in the Mysterious Capital; bestowing blessings, holding sovereign power, wielding the pivot of transformation; above, regulating balance and enforcing celestial decrees; below, guiding principles and overseeing canonical plans; stopping transgressions, erasing the registers of three lifetimes; receiving salvation, should be recorded in the eternal chart. Only wishing that benevolence and compassion promote the Way; body and spirit never again fall into the three evil paths. With incense offering, Three Pure Ones, Three Realms, Heavenly Venerable." (Or use "True heart, pure and still, takes the Way as its foundation," or the "Sprinkling Purification Chant" is also acceptable.) The High Priest speaks: "Prostrate, the Dao's energy has various names, yet there must be a method to penetrate through. Gods and humans dwell in different places, yet can be summoned without limitation. Therefore, gather the subtle and essential, and reach sincerity to the boundless void. As for this incense, flying clouds form registers, bright virtue emits fragrance. Yang energy rises and ascends; the cinnabar furnace moves the fire of the primordial spirit; returning wind blends and mixes; the mysterious gate is veiled in the smoke of Great Simplicity. It is not the common rank of plants and trees with foul odor, but welcomes the descent of heavenly and earthly spirits. There is a verse for transmitting incense; proclaim the precious title." The Incense Officer raises: "Incense Cloud Reaching Faith, Heavenly Venerable." The High Priest outlines: "Only when the meridian hours are distinct is it true fire; when spirit and energy are refined together, then it is fragrant." The Attendant responds: "Borrowing this true incense to offer true fire, as vast as the Dharma realm, as fine as dust." The High Priest speaks: "Prostrate, the immortal realm is hard to reach; incense serves as the message. The mortal world is turbid and impure; without water, nothing can be cleansed. Try the merit of a single drop to purify the realms of the ten directions. As for this water, it is the true energy of the north, the true source of the Heavenly One. Jade fluid surges within; sweet dew steams through the cinnabar valley; golden essence wells up above; sweet spring dissolves and flows through the flowery pool. Internally applied, it expels the old and takes in the new; externally used, it washes away flaws and cleanses filth. It is called the true energy of Heaven and Earth, able to remove the foulness of the universe. The teachings have a true ritual; again intone the sacred title." The Attendant raises: "Dharma Rain Flowing Moisture, Heavenly Venerable." The High Priest begins the Great Invocation Chant: "Jade well light shines in the never-night sky; willow branches sprinkle rain, ever-springing. Now spreading throughout the Dharma feast, the five turbidities and six defilements are all purified. Wind and clouds stir, arraying the immortal ranks; dragon roars and tiger howls, guarding the precious altar. Your minister now silently moves the primordial energy; a thousand demons and ten thousand monsters tremble in fear." The High Priest raises: "Five Dragons Purifying Filth, Heavenly Venerable." The High Priest speaks: "Prostrate, pure and still virtue fundamentally has not a speck of dust. Above and below, the spirits, please break through the filth of the five directions. Whenever welcoming the true and inviting the sages, one must first purify the altar grounds, then according to the ritual, proclaim the wondrous Way. Now, at the Mixed Primordial Altar, this altar's central furnace burns incense, respectfully inviting the Lord of Heavenly Virtue, the Lord of Earthly Virtue, the Lords of Sun Essence and Moon Radiance. The Great Sage of the Big Dipper, the Star Lords of the Dipper. The Three True Lords Tang, Ge, and Zhou of the Three Origins, the Spirit Lords of the five directions' generating energy, flourishing energy, and Dao energy. The Five Emperors of the five directions, the Star Lords who remove filth. The Yellow Flower Jade Maiden, the Lady of Washing and Rinsing. The Five Dragons of the five directions, the Messengers of Water, the Southern Red Heaven World, the Nine Phoenix Jade Transformation Office, the Great General Who Breaks Filth, the Great Spirit of Flowing Essence and Fire Bells. The Western Great Simplicity Youth, the Spirit King of Vajra Extinction of Traces, Qianluo Dana, the Messenger of the Great Mystery of the Cave Dipper, the Divine Officer Who Beheads Demons and Binds Evil. The Great Spirit of the Eastern Well, the Primordial Lord of the Stone Mirror Water Mother, the bronze-headed and iron-browed cavalry officer, the Great General Who Swallows Demons and Devours Ghosts, the Emissary of the Cangshui Brocade Robe, the Lady of Huachi Wen'ao. The Marshal Zhou of Wind and Thunder Who Expels Ghosts in the North, the Spirit Lords of Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Dark Warrior. The Spirit Lords of the Nine Heavens Who Transport, Remove, Collect, and Expel Filth, the Spirit Lords of the Nine Heavens Who Eliminate, Sever, Destroy, and Wash Filth. The Spirit Lords of the Nine Heavens Who Rinse and Purge Filth. The Office of Filth Removal, the Office of Filth Purification, and all the assembled officers, generals, and clerks. The celestial, earthly, and watery immortal troops and horses. The great mighty spirits who purify heaven, purify earth, and purify the eight directions. The reigning Year God, the Most Virtuous Venerable Spirit. The local City God, Earth God, and the venerable spirits of the precincts. All rely on the true incense for universal offering. Inviting each to hold axes and wield swords, to cast fire and flow gold, to descend true energy into the water, and to release auspicious light upon the jade altar. Brilliant and radiant, arriving from the Nine Phoenix Filth-Breaking; responding to the true immortals, descending from the five clouds floating through the air. Warding off calamities, what calamity is not extinguished; praying for blessings, what blessing does not arrive? By the imperial decree of the Supreme Emperor, the ten thousand sages reverently listen. Purify the filth, sweep away the demonic aura. There is a Filth-Purifying Proclamation text, which should now be read aloud." After the Attendant finishes reading the proclamation, the High Priest speaks: "The proclamation text having been fully recited, here at the jade altar, let it be transformed by fire." "With utmost sincerity, I bow in homage. Beneath the gate of the Three Heavens, commanding and governing all spirits. Descending into the mortal world, as the ancestor of the Dao, expounding the Dharma; personally dwelling in the precious scriptures, acting on behalf of the Dipper Mother to propagate the truth. The heart embraces the Three Teachings, the will pities the four forms of life. Great compassion, great vows, great filial piety, great benevolence, beneath the gate of the Three Heavens, the Heavenly Master who governs the teachings, saving the world and rescuing from calamities, the Lingbao Dragon Tiger Perfected One; eternally protecting the kalpa's destiny, the Heavenly Venerable of Broad Salvation and Boundless Compassion." (Or reciting "Originally from the southern land, tracing upstream to the Shu capital..." hymn is also acceptable.) After finishing, the Attendant raises: "Divine Might Far Guarding, Heavenly Venerable." The High Priest speaks: "Prostrate, dwelling in dust is the turbid realm, foul energy abounds; the mortal world ascends to the immortal capital, demonic aura rises in chaos. Without relying on expelling the turbid and raising the clear, how can one welcome the true and halt the imperial carriage? Now, at the opening of the altar, at the beginning of the ceremony. Considering that within and outside the altar grounds, people and things come and go, the mixed foul energy makes it difficult to summon the descent of the high true ones. First, invite the descent of the Five Dragons' Dharma water to sprinkle and purify the altar grounds, then according to the ritual, proclaim the wondrous Way. As for this water, it embodies the true energy of the five directions, combined with the radiance of the Nine Phoenixes, therefore it can expel the turbid and raise the clear, and can also remove dust and dissolve filth. One sprinkle, heaven has no foul mist; two sprinkles, earth has no demonic dust; three sprinkles, humanity enjoys longevity; four sprinkles, ghosts and spirits perish, souls ascend. The altar has pure and sacred spirit-grass; let the assembly proclaim it." The High Priest begins the Clarification Chant: "Heaven and earth naturally, foul energy disperses..." The High Priest holds incense and silently moves the "Three Pure Ones taboo," after holding the incense, with both hands holding the command, he steps the "Nine Phoenix Filth-Breaking Pace." Silently reciting: "Nine Phoenixes soar aloft, breaking filth in the ten directions; golden boys guide and receive, jade maidens attend beside; paying homage to the venerable emperors, worshiping the Jade Emperor; all evil severed, all inauspiciousness removed; urgently, urgently, as the law commands."

 

    After completing the steps, give the command, take the water bowl and incense, pass it over three times, place it on the back of the tablet (known as the Golden Bridge Arching the Moon), raise both hands in the Jade Pattern, and write the "Golden Light Seal" with the Heavenly Eye. Silently recite: "Nine Phoenixes, Dispeller of Filth, appear in true form at once, carry the energy within my body, transform into the Six Ding Spirits, sweep away all filth and impurity, evil demons shall never invade, Om Hum Hum, all spirits bow in reverence, evil demons return to righteousness, if any dare disobey, be reduced to dust, urgently as the decree of the Great Emperor Ziwei." Put it down, take the command tablet and silently recite: "All spirits under heaven, none do not obey the command, the token is not moved lightly, when moved it shows no mercy, one strike opens the Heavenly Gate, two strikes splits the Earthly Door, three strikes summons all spirits, evil demons have nowhere to flee, urgently as the decree." Use the token to write the "Three Pure Ones讳" and "Golden Light Seal" over the water bowl, silently reciting: "Om Wei Fu Luo Fu Sa Li Lou He." After finishing, pace the "Eight Trigrams Gang," then stop the board and raise: "Ever Invited, Ever Still, Heavenly Venerable." Begin with "Pure and clear water, canopy of sun and moon, containing the Northern Dipper within, hiding the Three Terraces within, where the divine water sprinkles, filth quickly opens, once the divine water sprinkles, misfortune departs and fortune arrives" (pace the Five Constants Gang while sprinkling the altar). The above is the "Small Purification of Filth."

 

    The "Great Purification of Filth" begins after the Clarifying Chant, the high merit officiant holds the tablet and circulates the "Three Pure Ones讳," picking up three sticks of incense. Put down the tablet, use both hands in the White Crane Mudra to request the token, pass it over the incense three times, burn the paper and circle the token left and right three times, hold the token and pick up three sticks of incense, the left hand pinches the Jade Pattern, use the token to write an "Incense Cloud Seal" over the furnace, strike the token and release the Jade Pattern, pick up one stick of incense, the left hand passes over the incense once and pinches the Jade Pattern, use the token to write the "Heaven-Piercing Pillar讳" with an S on the table, strike the token and release the Jade Pattern over the furnace. Write a "Ziwei讳" in the void, after finishing, pick up one stick of incense, pinch the Sword Mudra and write "split" at the head of the token, write "grant" below the token, write "summon all spirits" on the back of the token, write the "Sun讳" on the left, write the "Moon讳" on the right, in front of the token on yang days write the Heavenly Master讳, on yin days write the Thunder Ancestor讳 (84). One may also write the True Martial讳 (85) or "Ziwei讳," covering it with the "Golden Light Seal," silently reciting: "Granted by the Jade Emperor, summoning all spirits, if any dare defy the command, be reduced to dust, one stick of Dao incense, the ten directions are purified, three rolls of the drum, all spirits hear and obey, all masters and generals, appear in true form at once, urgently as the decree of the Great Emperor Ziwei." Pick up three sticks of incense, use the token to write the "Thirty-Six Thunders General讳" on the table. After finishing, the left hand pinches the Jade Pattern, pass over the incense three times, strike the token three times, and release the Jade Pattern over the furnace three times. Silently recite: "The token is not moved lightly, when moved it shows no mercy, one strike opens the Heavenly Gate, two strikes splits the Earthly Door, three strikes summons all spirits, hearing the call they come at once." After finishing, use the token to write (20) on the sleeve, hold the token in the left hand, the right hand in the Sword Mudra on the hip, pace the "Eight Trigrams Gang," at Qian direction toward Xun write the "Heavenly Emperor讳," at Xun direction toward Qian write the "Three Pure Ones, Ziwei, Jade Emperor, Golden Light" etc. Three bows to the altar (receiving the three energies).

 

    Taking the Sun energy: Pick up three sticks of incense, the left hand pinches the Mao pattern and silently recites: "Respectfully inviting the Sun Palace Great Yang Sovereign, descend and spread the nine rays of true energy, enter into my water, assist the token in dispelling filth." Pace the "Southern Dipper Gang" facing east and chant: "The glorious sun's light, blazing and brilliant, eliminates evil and filth, preserves auspiciousness and good fortune, urgently as the decree." The left eye silently circulates (60), after finishing, silently recite the mantra one character per circle, "Zha Fu Ri Luo Jun Zha Li Po He," for a total of nine circles, visualize a sun wheel with nine rays shooting from the corner of the left eye, inhale through the mouth, silently recite: "Tai (Mao) Yang (Yin) Dong (Chou) Zhao (Yu) Liao (Li) Yang (Wu) Jing (Chu),," exhale into the water, and add (60) with the token.

 

    Taking the Moon energy: "Pick up three sticks of incense, the left hand pinches the You pattern and silently recites: 'Respectfully inviting the Moon Palace Great Yin Star Sovereign, descend and spread the ten rays of true energy, enter into my water, assist the token in dispelling filth.' Pace the 'Northern Dipper Gang' facing west and chant: 'The bright moon gives birth to light, most pure and most spiritual, adds essence and protects the soul, evil perishes and righteousness arises, urgently as the decree.' The right eye silently circulates (61), after finishing, silently recite the mantra one character per circle, 'Zha Fu Yue Luo Jun Fa Nu Li Po He,' for a total of ten circles, visualize a moon wheel with ten rays shooting from the corner of the right eye, inhale through the mouth, silently recite: 'Tai (You) Yin (Shen) Guang (Wei) Hua (Kun) Yu (Dui) Zhou (Zi) She (Chu)' swallow into the water and add (61) with the token.

 

    Taking the Heavenly Gang Qi: Light three incense sticks, close your eyes and silently write (86), silently recite the incantation: "Heavenly Gang, Heavenly Gang, Supreme Emperor's True King, Polo Heavenly Lord, governing the North, body ten thousand zhang tall, wearing purple silk robes, hair disheveled and barefoot, holding divine light in hand, calling to the Big Dipper in the morning, observing inauspiciousness at night, I now take the Qi, all evil perishes, urgently as the decree commands." Then recite: "Om (Mao) Hum (Yin) Hum (Chou) Jun (Yu) Da (Li) Zha (Wu) Li Po He (Chu)" Humbly invite the descent of the seven-ray true Qi into my water, assisting in dispelling defilement, exhale Qi into the water, and add (86). [Note from the Daoist Yinfu School: Pay attention to taking the Heavenly Gang Qi]

 

    After the Three Radiances Qi is complete, place the decree obliquely at the Heavenly Gate, form the White Crane Mudra with both hands, request the water bowl to be fumigated over incense, silently recite: "Heaven and Earth naturally, all evil returns to righteousness, command and subdue." After fumigation, place it on the back of the tablet, called "Golden Bridge Arching the Moon": write the "Golden Light Seal Script" in the void with the Heavenly Eye. Place down the tablet and hold the decree, pinch the Jade Pattern with the left hand, and write on the water bowl: "Three Pure Ones Taboo," on yang days: "Heavenly Master Taboo," on yin days write "True Warrior Taboo," seal with "Golden Light Seal Script," upon completion, recite: "Om Wei Fu Luo Fu Sa Li Po He." After completion, hold a willow branch and dot three points on the left palm, take a mouthful of water, hold the decree in the left hand, place the right hand in sword mudra at the waist, turn outward and spit toward the "Moon Yawn Direction" and write an Old Dragon Taboo (87) (Moon Yawn Direction: 1st month (Xu) 2nd (You) 3rd (Shen) 4th (Wei) 5th (Wu) 6th (Si) 7th (Chen) 8th (Mao) 9th (Yin) 10th (Chou) 11th (Zi) 12th (Hai). Upon completion, hold the decree in the left hand, right hand in sword mudra, on yang days sever the rain head, on yin days sever the ghost feet. Holding the decree, silently recite: "Pure Heaven and Earth Defilement Removal Incantation," "Heaven and Earth naturally, defiled Qi disperses..." One phrase, one stroke, write one (88) character, until "Dao Qi eternally remains" draw (89) three small circles (this is called severing the shoals and breaking defilement), upon completion, bow once to the altar, light three incense sticks, step back one pace, with the decree write the Li trigram and "Five Thunder Taboo," "Golden Light Seal Script" on the left sleeve, hold the decree in the left hand, right hand in sword mudra at the waist, walk the "Forbidden Altar Gang" (i.e., Sealing Door Gang), while walking the gang silently recite: "I lead all spirits down to Kun Palace. Following Zhen and Li, thunder fire blazes, at Xun Door I command and summon all spirits, stepping Li to Qian I ascend to Yangming, at Kan Direction I capture evil demons, westward to Dui Palace the eight trigrams divide, commanded to Gen Palace to seal the ghost path, in the center I invite all generals to protect the Mysterious Ancestor."

 

     Reciting to "Commanded to Gen Palace to seal the ghost path, stand at Dui facing Gen and break a ghost character, silently recite "Commanded to seal the ghost path, with the decree write "Open the Heavenly Gate, close the Earthly Door, leave passage for humans, seal the ghost path, urgently as the decree commands" (91) turn and step on Gen to the center palace. Bow once to the altar, light three incense sticks, with the decree write in the water bowl "He Ming Tian Di Ri," silently recite: "Jade Pivot Azure Flower Realm, Primordial Beginning Supreme Emperor's decree, Nine Phoenix True Qi descends, He Ming Tian Di Ri, I wash my heart with the sun, refine my form with the moon, true people support me, jade maidens assist my journey, a thousand demons and ten thousand monsters, clear away with the water, urgently as the decree commands." Pinch the Zi pattern with the left hand, with the decree write three { in the bowl, silently recite: "Om (Zi) Lie (Chou) Ti (Yu) Nu (Li) She (Wu), cut down into the bowl, with the decree circle once over the incense, put down the decree, hold the water bowl with the left hand in Three Mountains Mudra, with the right hand willow branch write a "heart" character toward the main altar, recite: "One sprinkle and the sky becomes clear, two sprinkles and the earth rises in peace, three sprinkles and people live long, four sprinkles and ghosts transcend, Heaven is round and Earth is square, the decree law in nine chapters, dharma water reaches the altar, ten thousand evils are hidden and destroyed (90) walk the Five Constants Gang circling the altar to sprinkle purification, upon completion, holding the sword walk the Nine Phoenix Gang, upon completion, turn and return to the center position, with the willow branch write a circle upward 2 silently recite: "Respectfully command the altar to store the eight trigrams" add two dots inside the circle, "concealing the mysterious mechanism," for pure matters write "Zi Wei Taboo" with the twenty-eight mansions distributed in the four corners, also write: "(91) one phrase one stroke to break it: "Above open the Heavenly Gate, below close the Earthly Door, first leave passage for humans, then seal the ghost path, demonic Qi utterly extinguished, Dao Qi distributed everywhere, all filth and defilement, quickly eliminated, urgently as the Nine Phoenix Defilement-Breaking Ancestral Master's decree commands." For dark matters write: (92) the twenty-eight mansions distributed in the four corners, silently recite: "Numinous Treasure Golden Light, shining through the long night, command and pardon the deceased souls, come to the altar to receive liberation; (raise the Qi ascending to the Supreme Subtlety) urgently respectfully invite Azure Mystery Nine Yang Liberation decree, lower the sword into the bowl, the high merit officiant begins: "Pure and clear water, sun and moon canopy, containing the Big Dipper within, concealing the Three Terraces within, where divine water sprinkles, filth quickly opens, with one sprinkle of divine water, misfortune departs and fortune arrives." The announcer proclaims: "Divine Water Defilement-Removing Heavenly Lord." The high merit officiant speaks: "Whenever facing the court and inviting the sages, one must first purify body and mind, causing demonic tests to silently dissipate, and the various true ones to descend and inspect. Now I command all Daoists here, within your bodies hold primordial Qi, above your heads arrives numinous light, the true persons within the six Jia, attendants descending to bring blessings and benefits, a thousand demons dare not withstand, specters all avoid, with this dharma water on your bodies, you shall attain longevity and eternal vision, urgently as the Southern Pole Longevity Great Emperor's decree commands." The announcer proclaims: "Longevity Life-Protecting Heavenly Lord." The high merit officiant speaks: "Prostrating, with the dharma water of the Three Radiances, Heaven and Earth are without dust, burning the true incense of a hundred blends, auspicious clouds form seal script, the mortal realm transforms into the immortal realm, sincerity can move the Heavenly heart, to convey earnest devotion, silently transport one sincerity, first recite the three bows, proclaim the holy name. Dharma Lord Dao Lord Heavenly Lord, inconceivable merit and virtue.