Taishang Lingbao Hongfu Miezui Xiangming Jing — Spoken by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning

This is a Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) salvation scripture of the Daoist Canon. Nothing in the text itself fixes its date, and we have found no entry for it, under any of its titles, in the standard reference works on Daoist texts in Western translation (see the Colophon below); it is placed here on the Daoist shelf of the Good Works Library among the Lingbao salvation scriptures on the strength of its title, its frame story, and its content alone.

The scripture opens as a narrative: the crown prince of the kingdom of Anren, Taixu, renounces his throne to seek the Way, receives the Lingbao scriptures from a Perfected teacher, and after twelve years of retreat on Renniao Mountain attains realization. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning then descends in person, and in answer to a question from the immortal Xianwei — how are the beings of the lower world, bound by their own cruelty and unable to free themselves, to be delivered? — sets out what the title promises: salvation through 像名, "images and names." Three times over, the text leads the reader through a litany of names — Celestial Worthies by the hundred, the Daoist Canon's own Thirty-Six Divisions of scripture named division by division, immortals of history and legend — each cycle of naming followed by a formal confession of sin and a vow of merit. The second confession contains one of the fullest descriptions of Avīci Hell to appear in the Daoist Canon, its geography and its torments drawn almost entirely from Buddhist hell literature.

The text is prose and litany rather than verse; its five hundred and eighteen individual invocations are translated one to a line, in the text's own order, without omission or summary — a scale that is itself part of the text's claim, that sin as numerous as grains of sand is answered by names bowed to one by one, as many and as patiently.

Translated for the Good Works Library directly from the classical Chinese of the Daoist Canon, which is printed in full below the translation. A search of the standard bibliographies of Daoist texts in Western translation found no record of this scripture under any of its titles, and a live web search could not be completed at the time of preparation (see the Colophon); to our knowledge, no published English translation of this scripture exists.

Translation

Long ago, the crown prince of the kingdom of Anren, whose name was Taixu and whose courtesy-name was Haikong, set his heart wholly upon the Way and left his household to cultivate it. His royal father, moved by the boy's unbending resolve, saw that it could not be broken, and summoned the realm's Perfected sage, the Supreme Perfected One, to descend within the palace of Heaven. The prince crawled forward on his knees, knocking his head to the ground and begging his favor: "In a thousand ages Taixu is fortunate at last to meet a true teacher. I look up ashamed before all the spirits of heaven and earth, joyful and fearful together, not knowing how to give thanks. Your disciple has humbly heard of the Great Method of Numinous Treasure, the True Scriptures of the Three Origins, and the Purple Writings of Highest Clarity — golden tablets and jade registers, their characters a full measure square, their patterns ablaze with light. My cinnabar sincerity relies upon them; I look up hoping they are not kept hidden away. I beg that you set them forth, to comfort this dust-bound heart below."

The Supreme Perfected One answered him gladly: "Good, good indeed! That you should seek the Way with such a whole heart, bowing your crown to the ground in refuge — through kalpa upon kalpa, this has truly never happened before. I have heard that when my true scriptures descend into the world, they deliver the beings of every heaven; but their statutes and prohibitions are majestic, their numinous writings a treasured secret, the deepest mystery of the utmost Way — not something the middling immortals know. Though you hold the noble rank of crown prince, and have washed your heart clean in longing for the Dharma, still I dare not lightly transmit it where filth and defilement remain."

The prince then threw all five limbs to the ground and, moving with the wind upon his knees, addressed the Perfected One again: "Life in this world is a floating emptiness — nothing in it is truly real. Birth, old age, sickness, and death do not cease from kalpa to kalpa. However high one's rank, who can keep it forever? It is like a spark struck from stone, water flowing away, a floating bubble, a flash of lightning — nothing can be found to compare it to. Though your Dharma is of the highest secrecy, I hope only to glimpse the chapter-titles; I beg you, in your great compassion, grant me this revelation." Taixu then asked to resign the office of crown prince and withdraw into the hidden forest. His royal father, moved by him, granted his sincere wish.

The Perfected One, knowing that Taixu's sincerity of heart could be recorded, and that the time for the true Way had come, opened for him the Jade Casket of Purple Yang and the Bag of Cloud-Brocade, and, following the Dharma statutes in full, swore an oath to Heaven and transmitted to him the True Text of Numinous Treasure and the Ranked Precepts of the Three Origins. Taixu then knocked his head to the ground and struck his own cheeks, looking up in gratitude for this vast favor. From the moment he received the true scriptures, he firmly took leave of his royal father and entered Renniao Mountain ("Man-and-Bird Mountain"), where he purified himself in fasting and gave himself to study and reflection. Within twelve years, the Sovereign Lords of the Five Elders conferred the writs upon Taixu, and he became a Perfected One. On the day of the Middle Prime, within the main hall of the palace, adorned in solemn purity, with numinous banners and jeweled canopies, numinous fruits and famous flowers, every treasure and rare ornament the kingdom possessed, fine incense and precious things, a hundred flavors of food, all fresh, pure, and of the finest essence, he raised an offering-mound shaped like a mountain and distributed alms in every direction; and the fragrance, turned back by the wind, sped straight through the Nine Heavens, up to the very Palace of Heaven.

At that time the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, beholding that Taixu was fit to be transformed and delivered, came together with flying spirit-immortals, the sovereign lords of every heaven, jade youths and jade maidens, vajra spirit-kings, and the mighty guardians of Heaven — some leading the way before him, some following after — arriving from the northwest of Heaven, and, filling the very void, descended to take his seat. At that hour the Celestial Palace was thronged with clouds of high sages, yet none pressed forward out of turn. In an instant the Celestial Worthy's mouth breathed forth light of five colors, subtle and wondrous, illumining every heaven and the three-thousandfold great-thousand worlds through and through, seeing all as one, without the least obstruction, as clear as looking at one's own palm — a thing beyond all conceiving.

The Celestial Worthy addressed the fourfold assembly, saying: "I have heard that the people of this land, men and women alike, have through kalpa upon kalpa been unable to keep themselves pure; wanton and self-indulgent, they bind themselves in their own afflictions, so that their years are cut short and they have no way to be released. For the sake of all beings yet to come, I open a gate of skillful means, drawing out and healing every suffering, so that all may be brought to peace and joy, all turned toward the good path, and all together hastened toward the mystic ford." At that time the fourfold assembly received his words with joined hands raised, listening in reverence to the sound of the Dharma.

The Celestial Worthy proclaimed further: "The deeds of living beings do not spring from a single source. Good and evil, suffering and emptiness, spread throughout every dharma-realm. The manifold retributions for evil are measureless and without bound. For the sake of all beings yet to come, I shall set forth their statutes in brief," and thereupon he expounded the Twenty-Four Gates of Precepts and Restraints, to guide and exhort those upon the path of delusion, so that at the utmost place of practice each might obtain fruit according to his portion — a treasured sword to sever affliction, a Dharma-lamp to illumine the four delusions. Stilling worldly toil within, casting off every bond without, all the sense-roots made pure, one ascends the gate of right contemplation, and all beings alike are brought to the ground of liberation. At this the Supreme Perfected One and the whole assembly of immortals all received the precepts as shown, and bowed in homage to carry them out.

At that time, within the assembly, there was a Perfected One named Xianwei, who, beholding this wondrous gathering — a thing beyond all comparison — was filled with measureless joy. He addressed the sovereign lord of Heaven, asking: "I had heard before of the great assembly's proclaiming of the Dharma, its awesome light ablaze — but I never expected that today I myself would meet it in person, all the heavens and all the sages joined in a single voice of Dharma, this land and every other land as plain as looking at one's own palm. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, his awesome light blazing forth, astonishing every spirit and god; immortal ministers in attendance on his left, perfected officers guarding on his right, the vermilion phoenix and the dark tortoise, the azure dragon and the white tiger, heavenly men and heavenly women, a boundless multitude, floating through the void and filling it entirely — he has thrown open wide the treasury. At this the assembly advances into the high ranks of the Perfected, and even beginners in the study all enter the ranks of the immortals. Yet I have humbly heard that the beings of the lower world, steeped in the three evils, without kindness, without filial piety, without love, without benevolence, are bound fast by the Three Officials with no way to be released. To what should they turn? How may their transgressions be pardoned? And by what further practice may they obtain remission?"

The Celestial Worthy said: "You should receive this attentively. I shall now open to you what has not been heard, resolving affliction and severing the obstructions of delusion. I shall open the response-titles of the Celestial Worthies, the true text of the rose-gem tablets of the realm of the Mystic Capital, that beings yet to come may awaken by them. Let them take refuge with utmost sincerity, purify themselves in fasting, burn incense, light lamps, and fix their intent; let them, in faith, bow to the mystic titles of the Primal Honored Ones, the treasured secret numinous texts, and the whole assembly of immortals, worshipping and holding them in mind and vow — and their names shall be struck and erased from the registers of the long night, from the jade coffers of the Nine Darknesses; they shall be born among gods and men, released from suffering and set free, their transgressions numerous as the sands of the Ganges dissolved away, and they shall gain good conditions numerous as motes of dust. Therefore, with fixed intent, take refuge, and in faith bow."

In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Empty Nothingness and Naturalness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Portal and Jade Chamber of Heaven, Empty Nothingness and Naturalness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Great Light Released within the Fragrant Grove Garden, Who Delivers All from Suffering.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Great Sovereign of Heaven.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Contemplation and Immortal Wisdom.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Way's Wisdom and True Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Long Joy in Empty Stillness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Equal Salvation of the Living.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Bridge for All.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the One Vehicle's Net of Clouds.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Golden Title of Wondrous Stillness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Utmost Virtue and Universal Compassion.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom's Brightness and Wisdom's Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Non-Action and Selfless Grace.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of True Emptiness and Wondrous Being.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma King of Undivided Unity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Redoubled Mystery and Wondrous Excellence.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Primal Sameness, Beyond Hindrance.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Primal Achievement of Brahma-Breath.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Gathered into Rose-Gem and Jade.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Splendor, Congealed at the Beginning.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Treasure Mountain of the Ocean of the Way.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Three Heavens Above the Cavern.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Carefree Wandering of the Three Realms.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Treasured Dharma of Treasured Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Hundred Treasures of Highest Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Vast Teaching and Skillful Means.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Great Mystery of Primal Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Eternal Stillness of the Central Mountain.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the High Sovereign of the Three Heavens.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Great Wonder, Redoubled Mystery.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Purity and Supreme Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Fragrant Light, Merged into Wholeness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Pure Emptiness in the Cloud Palace.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Government and Wisdom, Mystery and Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Brahma Conduct and Treasured Dharma.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Cause and Effect, Ever One.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Cause and Condition, Blessing's Flow.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Triumph, Light and Semblance.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Supreme Victory, Rescuer from Suffering.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Way's Fortune and Lofty Wisdom.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma-Government of the Three Heavens.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Great Truth, the Sagely King.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Mystic Chronicle, Precepts for Life.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Mystery's Assembly and the Dharma Wheel.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Eternal Conduct, Fortune's Salvation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma Sea of Sagely Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Spirit Way's Wise Movement.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Flying Immortal of Jade Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Pure Emptiness in the Cloud Palace.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Nine Sages of Purple Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Gathered into the Blue-Green Firmament.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Rightly Arisen, Empty Stillness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Carefree Wandering in Golden Light.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Countenance, Congealed in Honor.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Silver Tablet of Wondrous Joy.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Way's Fortune, Spirit Transformation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Still and Silent, Jade Light.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Precepts for Life, Naturally So.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Resolute and Constant Virtue.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Mystic Light, Wondrous Treasure.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Congealed Stillness, Golden Heaven.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Triumph, the Dharma-Lamp.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Opening Splendor, Highest Numen.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Moved by Cause, Opening the Way.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Spreading Light, a Hundred Transformations.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Cavernous Emptiness, Virtue Universal.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Moved to Respond, the Fragrant Grove.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Long Joy, Delivering the World.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Western Brightness, Wondrous Transformation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Plain Origin, Wondrous Joy.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Ten Thousand Ways, Bright and Shining.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Way's Origin, Vast Fortune.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Ten Thousand Purities, True Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Western Brightness, Wondrous Transformation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Western Brightness of the Bright Capital.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma King of the Southern Pole.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma Wheel of Eastern Flowering.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Wondrous Honor upon the Golden Terrace.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Dharma, Congealed Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Subtle and Faint, Unhindered.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Peerless, Great Compassion.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Skillful Means, Myriad Wonders.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Six Perfections, Three Vehicles.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Mystic Brightness, True Penetration.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Fortune's Brightness, Vast Conduct.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Bright Wisdom, the Utmost Way.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Rising to the Rank of Immortal in Due Season.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Non-Action, the Highest Rank.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Spirit Response, Skillful Means.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Vermilion Culmination, Opening Salvation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Sagehood, Wondrous Honor.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Three Flowers of Western Numen.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Wondrous Words, Ever Proclaimed.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Ever Dispelling Affliction.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Lofty Triumph, the Ferry-Boat.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Ascending the Mystery, the Dharma's Ferry.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Precepts for Life, Salvation from Peril.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Gathered in Purple Empyrean.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Eastern Flowering, Highest Rank.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Saving Life, Beyond Form.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Congealed Stillness, the Golden City.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Ten Flowers, Unhindered.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Way's Response, True Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Delivering from Suffering, True Salvation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Treasured Brightness, Purple Void.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Plain Countenance, Wondrous Joy.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Beyond Thought, Great Compassion.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom's Way, Lofty Fortune.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Jade Truth of the Upper Capital.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Peaceful Unfolding, the Palace of Clouds.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Mystic Rescue, Liberation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Great Way, Empty and Bright.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Empty Brightness, Lofty Triumph.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Mystic Brightness, the True Way.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Illumined Brightness, Utmost Fortune.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Wondrous Stillness, Skillful Means.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the True Way, Its Work Accomplished.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Deep and Still, Eternal Joy.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma King Who Rescues from Suffering.

In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the East, Universal Compassion and Salvation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the South, Great Compassion, Rescuer from Suffering.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the West, Compassionate Reverence, Guardian of Souls.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the North, Prolonging Life, Warding Off Death.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Northeast, Guardian of Souls, Preserver of Life.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Southeast, Ten Thousand Good Deeds, Compassionate Rescue.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Southwest, Prolonging Life, Deliverer of Humankind.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Northwest, Vast and Universal Salvation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Above, Great Compassion, Universal Rescue.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Below, Sustaining the Weak, Prolonging Life.

Next, in veneration: the Twelve Divisions of the Honored Scriptures of the Cavern of Perfection:

In faith I bow to the Scripture of Highest Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Wondrous Truth.
In faith I bow to the Immortal Scripture of the Great One.
In faith I bow to the Immortal Chronicle of the Wondrous Grove.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Opening Transformation.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Ranks of Immortals.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Master of the Yellow Grove.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of Truth.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Teaching of the Way.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of Refining Essence.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of Merit and Virtue.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Way and Its Virtue.

The above twelve divisions of scripture have the Lord of Heavenly Treasure as their teaching-master; they abide within the Palace of Jade Clarity, in the Heaven of Pure Subtlety, in the realm of Jade Clarity, numbering in all two hundred thirty-five thousand four hundred forty fascicles.

Next, in veneration: the Twelve Divisions of the Honored Scriptures of the Cavern of Mystery:

In faith I bow to the Most High Numinous Treasure Scripture of the Cavern of Mystery.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Primal Yang.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Primal Stars.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Great Kalpa.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the Opening of Mountains and Seas.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Inner Sounds of All Heavens.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the Eightfold Refining of the Living Corpse.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Numinous Harmony.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of Dispelling Demons.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of Measureless Life.
In faith I bow to Lord Lao's Scripture of Massage.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the Pervaded Body.

The above twelve divisions of scripture have the Lord of Numinous Treasure as their teaching-master; they abide within the Palace of Purple Tenuity of Primal Yang and the Seven Treasures, at the Mystic Capital, in the Heaven of Yuyu, in the realm of Highest Clarity, numbering in all eight hundred fifty-eight thousand one hundred twenty fascicles.

Next, in veneration: the Twelve Divisions of the Honored Scriptures of the Cavern of Spirit:

In faith I bow to the Scripture of Great Clarity.
In faith I bow to Lord Lao's Scripture of Piercing Sight.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the Gathered Ranks of Immortals.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Divine Spells of the Cavern Abyss.
In faith I bow to the Supreme Scripture of the Inner Secret.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Aspiration to the True One.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of Gathered Numen.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the Lesser and Middle Essence.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Ranks Established at the Origin.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Gathered Numen of the Yellow Emperor and Laozi.
In faith I bow to Lord Lao's Scripture of the Yellow Court.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Great and Small Kalpas.

The above twelve divisions of scripture have the Lord of Divine Treasure as their teaching-master; they abide within the Palace of the Great Ultimate of Great Clarity, in the Heaven of Great Redness, in the realm of Great Clarity, numbering in all seven hundred two thousand eighty fascicles.

The above Thirty-Six Divisions of Honored Scriptures and talisman-charts, written in golden script and characters of jade, are congealed from the flying, mystic breath of the Three Caverns; the five elements joined together to form their patterns, whose brilliance blazes forth, illumining the eight directions through and through. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, in the Yankang kalpa, in the first year of Yankang, within the Hall of Bright Rose-Clouds in the Golden-Gleaming Jade Palace amid the Great Web Heaven, transmitted them to the Most High Lord of the Great Way and to the Lord of the Great Plainness of the Three Origins, that they might teach the thirty-six heavens; each heaven gathered its portion into a single division, and so the Thirty-Six Divisions came to be, flowing forth and spreading through the boundless world within the Heaven of Great Brahma. The high Perfected and great sages honor and revere them, holding them to be the wondrous gate by which one is joined to the ranks of the immortals.

Next, in veneration: all the immortal sages of the ten directions who have attained the Way:

In faith I bow to the Perfected Yuluoqiao.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Guangmiaoyin.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Zhendingguang.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Pudemiaoxing.
In faith I bow to the Perfected of Orthodox Unity.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Guangchengzi.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Ruoshi.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Shen Wentai.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Daodang.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Baishi.
In faith I bow to the Perfected, the Lord of Yellow Mountain.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Huang Chuping.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Hua Ziqi.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Yue Zichang.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Wei Shuqing.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Wei Boyang.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Chen Anshi.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Li Babai.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Liu Rong, Master of the Southern Pole.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Wang Gang, Master of the Celestial Gate.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Huang Hua, Master of the Nine Numina.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Li Xiu, Master of the Sundered Cavern.

Having venerated the Three Treasures, next, with utmost mind, repent:

We disciples, each one, from measureless kalpas past down to this very day, in the karma of body, speech, and mind, have made evil into transgression, numerous as motes of dust and grains of sand, beyond all reckoning. Some of us, in the wantonness of our vigorous years, ran to every excess: adultery and theft, harm and injury, indulging the heart in every pleasure, favoring the violent and perverse, giving no thought to danger or ruin; in serving our sovereigns and our parents we were disloyal and unfilial; we acted with cruelty and violence, held murder and harm in our hearts, encroached upon and diminished the common people, and gave rise to envy without cause, so that the people of Heaven came to fear us, and high and low alike came to hate and despise us. If we hold such transgressions, we beg now to confess them first of all.

Some of us, in the three months of spring, set fires that burned and killed insects and snakes, hunted and encircled the wild creatures, and injured every kind of living thing — womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born, of water and of land, of the air and of the deep, hidden away in every direction — all of them slaughtered for our own pleasure and delight of the eye, with no heart ever turned to repentance. If we hold such transgressions, we beg now to confess them first of all.

Some of us, with idle words and ornamented speech, slandered and defamed good people, stirred up strife among kin and friends, and incited discord among our neighbors, so that within and without, resentment was harbored, and near and far alike grew estranged, giving rise to enmities born of suspicion, each nursing thoughts of harm against the other. If we hold such transgressions, we beg now to confess them first of all.

Some of us, greedy to accumulate the wealth of this world, never knowing satisfaction, contrived by every means to shave and pare at others, cheating them to their very faces, cutting away from them to enrich ourselves, harming others to profit ourselves, giving no relief to the poor and suffering, and devoting ourselves entirely to stinginess and greed. If we hold such transgressions, we beg to confess them first of all.

Some of us, having received the Dharma precepts, were neither diligent nor devoted in keeping them, but longed after profit to nourish ourselves, giving no thought to kindness, contriving false pretenses to deceive gods and men, taking money offered as merit and spending it privately upon ourselves, without shame and without regret, with no fear of what is to come. If we hold such transgressions, today we bring forth utmost sincerity, and having sought, in sorrow, to repent, we take refuge and bow to the Three Treasures.

With utmost mind, set forth this vow:

We pray that we, your disciples, from this repentance onward, by the merit thus made, may in life after life and age after age be forever free of stinginess and greed, free of every thought of deceit and seizure; that we may ever practice charity and generosity, raise up hearts of compassion, build bridges far and wide, and bring the multitudes across to salvation; that the people of Heaven may have sufficiency, and high and low be joined in harmony. May the fruits of blessing and virtue adorn us life after life, and long life be ours in full measure. We pray that, together with all beings of the four modes of birth and the six destinies, we may all be joined to good conditions, together bear witness to the wondrous gate, and accomplish the supreme Way. Having set forth this vow, we take refuge and bow to the Three Treasures.

In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Highest Rank, Salvation and Deliverance.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Cinnabar Heaven, Ten Thousand Numina.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Northern Origin, Mystic Response.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Golden Light, the Dharma King.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Treasure, Wondrous Light.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Clarity, the Cavern of Perfection.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Treasure, Golden Countenance.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Mystic Understanding, the High Palace.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Highest Numen, Universal Salvation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Bright Transformation, the Ten Thousand Turnings.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Spirit Powers, Penetrating Understanding.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Void, Still Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Western Brightness, the Wondrous Way.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Highest Numen, Good Wisdom.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Clarity, the Cavern of Perfection.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Sovereign of Heaven, the True One.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Sovereign of Earth, the Five Lords.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Merged into Wholeness, Responsive Transformation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Highest Fortune, Universal Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Eastern Flowering, Wisdom.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Western Brightness, Wondrous Transformation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Multitude of the Perfected, Ranks of Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Treasured Dharma, Treasured Compassion.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Great Clarity, the Five Emperors.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Flying Chariot through the Nine Empties.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Spirit Way in Motion.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Transformed into True Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Way's Wisdom, the Cavern of Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Purple Clarity, Redoubled Awakening.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Skillful Means, Vast Instruction.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Peaceful Transformation, Wisdom's Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Wondrous Light of the Cinnabar Portal.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Sunlight of the Great Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Universal Brightness, Rescue from Peril.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Great Way's Mystic Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Rain and Dew of All Things.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Skillful Means, the Sun of Wisdom.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Pearl's Wondrous, Unadorned Light.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom's Contemplation, the High Palace.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Spreading Transformation from the Purple Pole.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Ten Thousand Wisdoms, Fortune's Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Universal Salvation through Non-Action.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Rightly Universal, Loftily Triumphant.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar Clouds, the Wondrous Fruit.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Wondrous Fruit of the True Dharma.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Flowing Bell of Naturalness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Truth Universal, Fortune's Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Mystic Assembly of the Wondrous Dharma.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Western Brightness, Universal Transformation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Wisdom of All Multitudes.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Delivering from Suffering, Compassionate Majesty.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Illumining the Mystic Way.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Vermilion Splendor, Wondrous Joy.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Delivering from Suffering, the True Immortal.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Fortune's Season, Lofty and Universal.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Congealed Honor in the Golden Realm.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Highest Way, Vast Fortune.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, True Understanding, Ascending the Mystery.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Opening Instruction, Preserving Life.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Mystic Origin of a Thousand Years.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Spirit's Fortune, Illumining Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the True Origin of All Wonders.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Accomplishment of the Great Mystery.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Three Vehicles, Mystic Stillness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Jade Dawn, Saving Life.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Supreme Victory over All Becoming.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma Sea, Rose-Gem Countenance.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Wondrous Treasure, Highest Rank.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Cinnabar and Purple, the Way's Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Treasured Dharma of Non-Action.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Spirit Powers, Wisdom's Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Floating Clouds, Purple and Plain.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Vermilion Light of the Great Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Highest Way, Bright Wisdom.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Three Karmas Made Good and Pure.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Mystic Response, Light Bestowed.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Heaven's Truth, Moonlight.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Congealed Light in the Golden Cavern.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Great Origin's Jade Voice.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Rose-Gem Dharma, Sea of Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Six Perfections, the One Vehicle.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the True Origin of the Myriad Lands.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the True Way, the Dharma Vehicle.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Treasured Numen, the Dharma Sea.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Transformed into Wondrous Countenance.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Majesty That Crushes Heterodox Ways.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Moved by Condition, the Great Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Seven Treasures, Redoubled Mystery.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Tenfold Turning, Adorned in Splendor.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Emerging from Being into Utter Stillness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Fruit of Transformation, Universal Compassion.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Treasure Gathered, Western Numen.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Eight Distances, the Northern Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Treasured Fortune of the Thousand Centers.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Great Clarity, Universal Brightness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma Bridge, Well Established.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Immortal Ranks, Highest Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Prior Cause, Jade Light.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Spirit and Truth, Unhindered.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Equanimity in the Palace of Clouds.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Responding to Condition, the Cavern of Yang.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Non-Action, Deliverance and Release.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Songs of Emptiness in the Azure Firmament.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Empty Boat of Vast Salvation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Cavern of Emptiness, the Way's Mystery.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Majesty and Clarity through the Nine Nights.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Conditions Arising in the Four Directions.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Ever Proclaiming the Way's Deep Mystery.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Turning Wheel of the Cinnabar Heaven.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Compassionate Ferry over the Sea of Suffering.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Gathered Breath, Merged into Wholeness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the One Vehicle, Still Concentration.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Wondrous Fruit, Plain Numen.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Ever Joyful Through Birth and Death.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the True Form, Ever Bright.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Golden Garden, Wondrous Treasure.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma King of Jade Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Way's Fortune, Mystic Conduct.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Lord of the Way, Vast Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Flowing Essence, Highest Rank.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Subduing Demons of the Three Heavens.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Transformation Spread Without Limit.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Six Destinies Made Universally One.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Opening the Way with Subtle Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Recording the Ranks of Immortals.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Redoubled Mystery, Silent Stillness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Sagely King, Net of Mystery.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Nine Sages of Naturalness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Wondrous Light, the Ten Titles.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Carefree Wandering, Wondrous Being.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Carefree Wandering in the Great Rose-Clouds.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Three Mysteries Gathered into Wholeness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Seven Treasures of the Great Mystery.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Way's Emptiness, the Gate of Wonders.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Redoubled Mystery, the Flowery Canopy.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Four Breaths' Generation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Still Concentration, Great Peace.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Highest Numen, Wafting Fragrance.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Mystic Assembly, Long Joy.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Square of Emptiness, Great Fortune.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, True Clarity, Equal to Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Moved to Remember the Dharma Bridge.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Immortal Cliff, the Cavern's Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Transformation Pervading the Three Palaces.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Treasured Brightness of the Four Heavens.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma Sea, Deep as Rose-Gem.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Sagely King Pouring Forth Light.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Brahma Conduct, Brocade of Clouds.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Primal Brahma Ascending in Glory.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Eight Directions Made Equally One.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Mystic Penetration of the Three States of Being.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Unhindered and Formless.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Wondrous Being, True Emptiness.

Next, in veneration: the Thirty-Six Divisions of Honored Scriptures:

In faith I bow to the Jade Scripture of the Great Cavern.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Highest Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Supreme Scripture of Secret Essentials.
In faith I bow to Lord Lao's Scripture of the Yellow Court.
In faith I bow to the Chronicle Scripture of the Wondrous Grove Immortals.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of Gathered Immortals.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of Heaven's Opening Transformation.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the Eight Scribes.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Master of the Yellow Grove.
In faith I bow to Lord Lao's Scripture of Refining Essence and Nourishing Life.
In faith I bow to Lord Lao's Yellow Book Scripture.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Teaching of the Way.

The above issue from the division of the Cavern of Perfection.

In faith I bow to the Most High Numinous Treasure Scripture.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Merit and Virtue.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Primal Yang.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Great and Small Kalpas.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the Opening of Mountains and Seas.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Inner Sounds of All Heavens.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the Sounding Treasure.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of Gathered Numen.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Measureless Life.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the Numinous Secret.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of Aiding the Multitude.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Great Peace.

The above issue from the division of the Cavern of Mystery.

In faith I bow to the Scripture of the High and Supreme Jade Emperor.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Great Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Orthodox Unity's Rites for Dispelling Demons.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of Laozi.
In faith I bow to the True Scripture of Mystic Wonder.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the Divine Spells of the Cavern Abyss.
In faith I bow to Lord Lao's Scripture of the Essence of the Mystic Center.
In faith I bow to the Chart-Scripture of the Yellow Emperor and Laozi's Palace Against Calamity.
In faith I bow to the Supreme Scripture of Golden Truth, Highest Wondrous Mystery.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the True One.
In faith I bow to the Most High Scripture of the One Vehicle, Sea of Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Scripture of the Way and Its Virtue, of the Mystic Gate.

The above issue from the division of the Cavern of Spirit.

Such are the Treasured Scriptures of the Three Caverns. They arose out of the merging of primal wholeness, the accumulated radiance of mystic scenes, divided into the paired workings of yin and yang concealed in transformation; Heaven and Earth were arrayed to cover and to bear all things, the Three and the Five opened their first threads, and the Eight Assemblies bound them into text. Some were made in golden script, in phoenix seal-writing; some were fashioned in jade characters, in dragon patterns — clear and lustrous within the caverns, richly embroidered within the purple groves. Now they appeared at Fuli with rays hanging from eight corners; now, in the Great Void, they showed forth the Five Chapters in blazing splendor, their radiance shining throughout the Three Realms, their brightness reflected down into the Nine Shadows. Divided according to their measures, they were expounded through all the heavens — each heaven receiving one division — until together they made the Thirty-Six Divisions, set in place upon the jade terrace, on the mystic seat, within the Treasury of Seven Treasures. Nine-colored brocade clouds hang suspended over the scriptures; a golden lad stands at the left holding incense, a jade maiden at the right scattering flowers in offering. Some appear once every forty thousand kalpas; some are transmitted once every three thousand years. Therefore the celestial Perfected uphold them to rise in purity; the earthbound immortals receive them to find quiet peace; the sun and moon are polished by them into loftier brightness; the Five Sacred Peaks uphold them to anchor their numinous power; the Son of Heaven honors them for sagely transformation; dukes and kings revere them for great peace; gentlefolk and commoners show them reverence and are blessed and protected; scholars cultivate them and gain long life. If one is able to praise and proclaim them, blessing spreads without limit — therefore, with utmost mind, take refuge, and in faith bow.

Next, in veneration: all the immortal sages of the ten directions who have attained the Way.

In faith I bow to the Perfected Ma Mingsheng.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Zhang Daoling.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Li Shaojun.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Wang Zhen.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Lord Gourd.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Ji Zixun.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Dong Junyi.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Li Changzai.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Chen Yongbo.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Ge Xiaoxian.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Old Man Below Mount Tai.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Master of the River.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Lord Chirong.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Lord Qingwu.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Lord Xiumei.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Lord Lilou.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Wuguang.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Lord Gaoqiu.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Xianmenzi.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Lord Rongcheng.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Lingshouguang.
In faith I bow to the Perfected Master Who Would Not Come.

Having venerated the Three Treasures, next, with utmost mind, repent:

We disciples, each one, from measureless and boundless kalpas past down to this very day, our bodies and minds deranged, not recognizing cause and condition, our evil karma ever increasing, without awareness or understanding, deluded, deafened, our views inverted — this can hardly be told in full. Now, before the Three Treasures of this place of practice, we seek, in sorrow, to repent. We humbly pray that the Celestial Worthies of the ten directions in their compassion upon this place of practice, the Dharma Masters of the Mystic Center of the Thirty-Six Divisions of Honored Scriptures, all the true immortals, and the sacred multitude that fills empty space — those among them who possess the heavenly ear, those who possess the heavenly eye — may be willing to hear and know, and bear witness, that all the roots of our transgressions, once repented, may be wholly dissolved away. We confess that we disciples, throughout measureless lives down to this very day, have turned against the spirits and rebelled against the Way, unafraid of the bright numinous powers; have acted coarsely and spoken evil, slandering the true teaching; have seen the sacred images and heard the scriptures without a reverent heart; have found fault with others who cultivated merit and laughed at those who practiced good causes, never once amending or repenting, without a heart of shame. Today, in utmost sincerity, we repent of all of this.

Next we further repent that, not recognizing cause and effect, nor the kindness of father and mother, we did wrong and acted amiss; relying upon our own birth and standing, we behaved rebelliously and coarsely toward those above and below us in rank. While our parents lived within their halls, we never once, our whole lives long, brought them sweet and tender food; when they died in the open wilderness, we let the offerings owed them go unheard for an eternity of kalpas — so that in the dark world their spirits suffer the calamity of examination and arrest, while in the human world no response of goodness or blessing follows us. Such transgressions are measureless and without bound; in utmost sincerity we repent of all of this.

Next we further repent the sin of robbery and theft. The scriptures say: if a thing belongs to another, and another guards and keeps it, then not so much as a single hair or thread of it should be taken without being given — how much less should it be stolen outright. Yet living beings, unable to awaken to this, give rise to the intent to rob and seize, and go on acting without restraint, so that in time to come they must undergo every calamity and examination for it. If we hold such transgressions, we beg now to confess them first of all.

And again the scriptures say: ordinary people who commit sin in this way, all the more gravely, die and enter the dark world's Avīci Hell. Now this Avīci Hell measures eighty thousand yojanas in length and breadth alike, with a wall of iron seven layers thick; above the ground there is a net of iron seven layers deep, and below there are eighteen compartments, ringed about seven times over, all of them forests of knife-blades. Within these seven layers of wall there is further a forest of swords, and below it eighteen compartments, each compartment eighty-four thousand layers deep. At its four corners stand four great bronze dogs, their bodies four thousand yojanas in length, their eyes like flashes of lightning, their fangs like trees of swords, their teeth like mountains of blades, their tongues like iron hooks, their claws like iron tridents, their tails like iron pythons — from every tail bursts forth a fierce and mighty light, and their stench is foul beyond all comparison. At each of the hell's four gates, and beside each gate, stand eighteen wardens of the hell, every one like a rākṣasa demon, eighteen horns upon each head, iron tridents in hand, spearing the condemned and striking for the heart, so that the point comes out through the back. At every gate of every compartment there are, further, eighty-four thousand great iron pythons and serpents, spewing poisonous fire from their mouths, filling the whole city, their roaring like great thunder and storm-wind and rain. Great iron balls likewise fill the city — this city is suffering itself. And beyond each of the four gates in the four directions there burns a fierce fire, east, south, west, and north, crossing through and piercing every part, ringed about by walls of iron, overspread by nets of iron, fire reaching from above down to below and from below up to above, in all four corners and every direction at once — every torment arising together.

As has been told above, those who break the precepts, who commit the five heinous crimes, or who slander merit and virtue — if, though the scriptures teach repentance, they feel no shame and no remorse, then when their lives end they must certainly be wrapped in this suffering. Those who show contempt for the Three Treasures, or who steal the pure property set aside for the permanent use of a monastery, or who defile another's pure conduct — none of them escape this hell. When the condemned undergo this suffering, fierce fire enters their hearts, and they choke and die; in a single day and a single night they die ten thousand deaths and are reborn ten thousand times, undergoing every torment. As was said above, once they emerge from Avīci Hell, on account of their broken precepts and their false claims to the offerings of the faithful, they enter yet again into the various lesser Eighteen Hells — namely: the Hell of Freezing Ice, the Hell of Darkness, the Hell of Scorching Flame, the Hell of the Knife-Wheel, the Hell of the Sword-Wheel, the Hell of the Fire-Cart, the Hell of the Boiling Cauldron, the Hell of the Sword-Forest, the Hell of the Iron Bed, the Hell of the Bronze Pillar, the Hell of the Iron Loom, the Hell of the Iron Wheel, the Hell of the Iron Ball, the Hell of the Sharp Stones, and the Hell of Molten Bronze to Drink — in each of these, eight million years. Only then may they emerge, and even then they are reborn again and again in the lower places. For five hundred kalpas they do not know the Three Treasures; if they meet a good and wise guide, they may bring forth the mind set on the supreme Way — but those who do not meet such a guide have no time of release at all.

For this reason, we disciples, having in past lives met with this good condition, and now again hearing the scripture's teaching, leap up in body and mind, and with a single sincere intent, wash away in repentance every transgression of the past, and vow to cultivate the work of self-renewal. We pray that from our nine generations of ancestors down to those now living, none may hear of or see this evil condition, but be forever parted from this suffering. Having repented, we take refuge and bow to the Three Treasures.

With utmost mind, set forth this vow:

We pray that we, your disciples, upholding the merit cultivated through this repentance, may in life after life and age after age never walk the three evil destinies, but ever cultivate the Ten Good Deeds; may the fruits of cause and effect adorn us in full, and blessing and virtue be entirely perfected; may a thousand calamities be cast off from this time forward, and ten thousand blessings arrive from this time on. May wondrous wisdom nourish body and mind, and sagely merit increase our allotted years. May our departed ancestors of nine generations all be bathed in the grace of the Way, their intent washed clean at the numinous ford, their spirits wandering the shore of the Way, carefree in the realm of truth, at ease and free of striving. May all beings bound to us by karmic tie be delivered from suffering and set free. Having set forth this vow, we take refuge and bow.

In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Azure Splendor, Prolonging Life.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Skillful in Proclaiming the Wondrous Dharma.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Mystic Penetration, Still Conduct.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Illumining the Way's Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Floating in Emptiness, Rank of Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Compassionate Majesty, Delivering from Suffering.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Cinnabar Heaven.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Way's Light, Wondrous Fortune.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Ten Thousand Lights, the Way's Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Opening Wisdom, Preserving Life.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of Universal Awakening, the True Scripture.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Five Elders, the Great Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Saving Life, Guarding Destiny.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Lofty Triumph over Gods and Men.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the High Immortal, True Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Palace of Clouds, Empty and Pure.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Lofty Fortune, Transforming Passage.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Vast Fortune, Great Wisdom.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Cinnabar Elder, the Way's Origin.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Way's Essential, Fortune's Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Wondrous Light, the Ten Titles.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Mystic Capital's Three Origins.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Realm of Emptiness, Merged into Wholeness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Rank of Truth, Mystic Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Long Joy Through Ten Thousand Changes.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Sagely and True, the Jade Chamber.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, True Intent, Redoubled Awakening.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the August Sovereign, Preserving Clarity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Opening the Path, Delivering Destiny.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Empty Nothingness, Contemplating Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the True Way, Clarity of Salvation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Universal Illumination, the Mystic Assembly.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Radiant Form, Mystic Penetration.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Pearl's Form, Wondrous Light.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Heaven's Truth, Auspicious Joy.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Radiance That Mirrors the Perfected.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy of the Yankang Era, Highest Rank.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Subduing Demons of the Three Heavens.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Saving Life, the Realm of Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Yellow Tier, Fortune's Emptiness.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Sagely King, Deliverer of Humankind.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Plain Elder, Sovereign of Heaven.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Numinous Truth, Hidden Light.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Great Thousandfold World, Spirit Transformation.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Cinnabar Elder, Sovereign of Earth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Still Emptiness, Charioteer of the Sun.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Wondrous Light, Radiance Reflected.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Phoenix Script, Immortal Simplicity.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma King Who Adds to the Life-Count.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Dharma Wheel of Non-Action.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Golden Numen, Deep and One.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Phoenix Terrace, High Cavern.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Mystic Assembly, Cultivated in Reverence.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Merged Origin, Long Life.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Mystic Wind, Widely Fanned.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Still Concentration, Great Peace.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the One Vehicle, Highest and Supreme.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Utmost Fortune, Bright Compassion.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Mystic Origin, the True One.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Awakening the Mind Set on the Way.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, Spirit Powers, Sovereign Freedom.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy, the Eternal Candle Through the Long Night.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi, of the Mystic Titles of All Heavens.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Great Mystery, Whose Name Encompasses All.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Eight Brightnesses.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi, Mystic Charioteer of the Flowing Rose-Clouds.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Great Elixir, the Three Truths.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Yellow Court, the Great One.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi, Sovereign of the North, the Great August One.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of Heaven's Majesty, Vast Breath.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Purple Pole, Who Returns to Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of Tortoise Mountain, the Five Breaths.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of Perfect Conduct, Who Guards the Refining.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi Who Pervades the Way, Attending upon Virtue.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Thousand Pervasions, Who Returns to the Way.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Four Thrones, Attending Every Birth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of Dharma-Joy, the Cloud's Light.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi Who Wanders in Discourse, the Highest Prospect.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of Treasured Measure, the Primal Elder.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of Grand Subtlety, the Threefold Crossing.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Nine Extremities, a Hundred Proclamations.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi, the Great August One, Who Rejoices in Life.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of Purple Solar-Light, Nourisher of Spirit.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of Settled Form, Who Flies Through the Air.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of Lofty Works, Who Watches over Heaven.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi, Flying and Golden, the Nine Lights.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Great Dharma, the Mystic Utmost.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi, the Primal Descendant, Plain and Golden.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi Who Returns to the Origin, the Threefold Crossing.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Six Cardinal Points, the Eight Hours.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Purple Crossing, the Flowing Infant.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi Who Grants Form, the True Breath.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi Who Beholds Transformation, of Utmost Countenance.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of a Hundred Immortals, Who Prolongs Truth.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Kalpa's Fathom, the Five Breaths.
In faith I bow to the Celestial Worthy Laozi of the Nine Transformations, Pure to This Day.

Next, in veneration: the most profound treasuries of the Thirty-Six Divisions of Scriptures:

In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text of the Cloud-Tortoise, the Western Chamber upon the Southern Peak of Mount Wangwu.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text of the Cloud-Seal Script, Congealed in Emptiness, Eight-Cornered, Its Rays Hanging Down.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text of the Fragrant Grove, Written in Purple Brush upon Jade Tablets in Golden Script.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text of the Phoenix Script, Purple Splendor, within the Terrace of Seven Treasures.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text within Renniao Mountain, the Immortal Realm of Great Clarity.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text within Mount Xuandu, the Sacred Realm of Jade Clarity.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text of the Secret Tablets of the Three Heavens, the Jade Chapters of the Five Elders.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text of the August Immortal's Jade Instructions, the Mystic Elder's Golden Writ.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text of the Great Mystery, the True One, the Rose-Gem Chapters of Nine Lights.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text of Orthodox Unity's Covenant of Majestic Power, the Treasured Register of Divine Talismans.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text of the Secret Instructions for Long Life, the Numinous Chart for Summoning and Command.
In faith I bow to the most profound treasury of the Treasured Secret True Text of the Realm of Stillness and Opening Transformation, the Nine-Colored Net of Clouds.

Next, in veneration: all the immortal sages of the ten directions who have attained the Way:

In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center upon Mount Penglai, the Perfected and Illumined One, Yellow-Robed Master of the Black Kerchief.
In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center atop the Summit of Mount Tiantai, Who Bears a Halo of Perfect Light, Overseer of the Deliverance of the Three Truths.
In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center, Lord of the Teaching for Gods and Men, the Perfected One Who Has Attained the Way.
In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center, the Perfected of Orthodox Unity, Dharma Master of the Three Heavens, the Perfected Daoling.
In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center within the Terrace of Seven Treasures in the Land of Wondrous Joy, the Perfected One of Good Karmic Cause.
In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center, the Perfected Disciple Who Attends upon the Scriptures, the Perfected One of Universally Attained Wondrous Conduct.
In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center Who Transmits the Scriptures and Expounds the Teaching, Delivering the Multitudes from Delusion, the Perfected of the Great Ultimate.
In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center, the High and Supreme Laozi, the Perfected Master of the Riverbank, Master of Letters and Learning.
In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center Who Beholds Past and Future, Ever Abiding in the World, Rescuing and Delivering All from Suffering and Peril.
In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center Who Attained the Way Amid Dust and Sand Beyond Counting, Following the World and Answering Every Condition, Bringing Abundant Benefit to All Beings.
In faith I bow to the Dharma Master of the Mystic Center Who Brings to Fulfillment the Beings of the Ten Directions, Numerous as the Sands of the Ganges, Awakening Them to Their True Nature.

To all the Three Treasures that fill empty space and pervade the dharma-realm, we thus take refuge and repent. We disciples, from measureless kalpas past down to this very day, whether in former lives or in this present life, not recognizing cause and condition, have met every matter with contrariness, our conduct turned upside down, mingled indistinguishably with the common dust, without a heart of equanimity; among ordinary people we have practiced what is crooked and perverse, grown cold and distant toward our own kin and clan, while favoring strangers with our affection; we have falsely claimed another's lineage and name, falsely called ourselves men of stature, indulged in lust and desire, given way to greed beyond our due, frightened and plundered the simple and ignorant, encroached upon and seized good governance, treated the old and the sick with contempt, and oppressed the orphaned and the widowed. Some of us, in our own households, day and night abused and drove our servants and concubines, beating them unjustly with the whip, riding horses and driving oxen without a thought for their hunger and exhaustion; our hearts harbored evil thoughts, our mouths spoke wild words, we gave offense to the spirits and gods, cursed the wind and railed at the rain, uttered curses without cause, and wrongfully created transgressions against others, so that in this life and lives to come we bear their calamitous burden. Such transgressions are measureless and without bound; today, in utmost sincerity, we repent of all of this.

We disciples, burdened with obstruction and affliction, have made transgression of our very conduct: some of us, drunk with wine and lost in stupor, have shown insolence to high and low alike, spoken wild and deluded words, deceived and lied beyond all measure, sought out others' faults and failings, and grown crooked and flattering in feeling, betraying the two great debts of gratitude, and habitually practicing fraud. Some of us, having set up scriptures and installed sacred images, let the incense and lamps go out entirely; with unwashed hands we opened and read the numinous texts, or, our bodies yet defiled, we came before the Dharma altar; gathering offerings for the fast, we were unable to give in turn to others, and received offerings without a heart of shame; taking loans, we broke our word and did not repay them, and when we ourselves lent out money, we doubled the interest upon it. Such transgressions are measureless and without bound; today, in utmost sincerity, we repent of all of this.

We disciples, bound by conditions to both the living and the dead, are ourselves but ordinary people, obstructed and darkened by ignorance, not knowing compassion and forbearance, our nature inclined toward harm. Some of us have offered improper sacrifice to ghosts and spirits, flattering and entertaining our guests; and at weddings and rites of passage, at seasonal festivals throughout the year, we have provided lavishly from the kitchen, indulging our appetites in the slaughter and cooking of flesh and blood, filling our tables with rich delicacies, feeding the fat that keeps the lamp burning through the endless night — and the calamitous consequences are without limit, past all reckoning or measure. Our enemies and our creditors, along the hidden roads of the dark world, pursue their lawsuits against us without rest, dragging us on through birth and death; and so our cloud-soul is imprisoned through the nine nights, our earth-soul bound within the three paths of woe, with no door by which to wash it clean, no road by which to beg for mercy. We now humbly arrange this fast and make these sacred images, laying bare our sincere hearts, and turn over whatever merit and good karma we thereby obtain to those we have wronged and to our old debts, hoping to rely upon its power of blessing to find shelter among gods and men, forever cast off every evil bond, and hold no more enmity against one another; and further, to all beings of the four modes of birth and the six destinies, we extend this compassion and grace widely: if any are seen facing danger and distress, every evil and every suffering, may they be rescued and delivered by skillful means, and brought to liberation. And thereafter may the subtle and wondrous true Dharma be proclaimed to them, opening the causes and conditions of their deliverance, so that seeing the form and its shadow, hearing the name and its sound, all their terror is entirely removed and every affliction dissolved and scattered. Those who attain this shall know peace and joy to the very end. Having repented, we take refuge and bow to the Three Treasures.

With utmost mind, set forth this vow:

We pray that we, your disciples, both the living and the dead of our two generations, upholding the merit built through this repentance, may in life after life and age after age be forever parted from the three paths of woe, and take our leave for good of the eight sufferings; may we never be seized by our enemies from former lives, nor see any evil form come before us; may we wander free in the land of liberation, roam at ease in the realm of effortless action, rejoice together in the offerings made to gods and men, and ever hear the sound of elegant music. In this present life, may we keep peace and harmony, untouched by affliction; may our gate know many good omens, our household have abundance and plenty, our blessings and joys ever renewed — though calamity is not yet destroyed. Having set forth this vow, we take refuge and bow to the Three Treasures.

Colophon

This Good Works Translation was prepared for the Lingbao Salvation Scriptures shelf of the Good Works Library. The English was translated independently from the classical Chinese text printed below, in full and without omission — including all five hundred and eighteen individual invocations of its four litany cycles, none of them summarized or compressed. The frame narrative and the three confession-and-vow sequences are rendered as continuous prose; the litanies are rendered one invocation to one line, in the source's own order, including its exact repetitions (several titles recur verbatim, both within a single litany and across the two full recitations of the Thirty-Six Divisions of scripture) — the repetition is the source's own, not an editorial error.

Before the claim below was written, a genuine translation-status check was performed. The two standard bibliographies of Daoist texts in Western translation consulted for this shelf — Komjathy's Daoist Texts in Translation and the 2023 Purple Cloud update of the same — were searched for this scripture's title in full and in its shortened forms (dropping 太上, 靈寶, and other honorific prefixes), for its pinyin, and for any Daozang canon number; neither reference contains any entry for it under any form of its name. Two web searches were then attempted, for the Chinese title and for the pinyin title, each paired with "English translation"; a live web search could not be completed at the time of preparation. No Daozang canon number for this scripture was found in the course of this research, so none is claimed. Given this — a clean negative result from the print bibliographies, but no completed live search — we make no claim of firstness. To our knowledge, no published English translation of this scripture exists; we say this as the limit of what the two bibliographies above can show, not as a claim verified against the wider web.

A note on terms. 天尊 is rendered "Celestial Worthy" throughout, and 真人 as "the Perfected," both following established usage on this shelf and the Good Works Glossary; 玄中法師, a clerical rank distinct from either, is rendered "Dharma Master of the Mystic Center." 像名 in the title — "images and names" — names the devotional mechanism the whole text enacts: bowing before the icon and pronouncing the name, entry by entry, is the practice the scripture teaches, and the translation's line-by-line litany form is chosen to keep that visible in English rather than to summarize it away. Sanskrit loanwords already present in the Chinese (kalpa, yojana, rākṣasa) are kept as loanwords, consistent with this scripture family's openly borrowed Buddhist vocabulary — most visible in the extended description of Avīci Hell, translated here in full rather than abridged, as the source gives it. Three small apparent scribal variants in the underlying transcription were resolved toward the plainly intended reading rather than reproduced as errors in the English: one invocation reads 禾尊 where every other instance of the formula reads 天尊, and two scripture-division colophons read 教生 and 太極官 where the parallel phrases elsewhere read 教主 and (by evident sense) a palace-name; all three are preserved exactly as transcribed in the Source Text below. The scripture's closing clause — "灾殃未滅," literally "calamity not yet destroyed," sitting oddly after a run of otherwise unclouded blessings — is translated literally rather than silently emended; it may be a textual corruption or simply the transcription's abrupt ending, and we do not know which.

Prepared for the Good Work Library by the Tianmu Anglican Church with AI-assisted translation and editorial work.

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Source Text: 太上靈寶洪福滅罪像名經

Classical Chinese text of the Daoist Canon, in the Chinese Wikisource transcription. Presented complete for reference, study, and verification alongside the English translation above.

昔時安忍國王太子，名太虛，字海空，行心至願，出家修道。父王愍其執心秉直，非可斷遏，乃召國中真士無上真人，降天宮內。太子匍匐膝行前進，叩頭頓首乞恩：太虛千載有幸，得遇真師，仰愧天地一切神靈，喜懼屏營，不知所謝。弟子伏聞靈寶大法、三元真經、上清紫書，金簡玉籙，字方一丈，文彩煥明。丹誠所依，仰希韜蘊，願垂敷演，下慰塵心。無上真人欣然答曰：善哉善哉。汝精心求道，頂拜歸依，累劫以來，實未曾有。聞吾真經下世，度諸天人，科禁威嚴，靈文寶祕，至道之奧，非中仙所知。雖位貴儲君，洗心慕法，而臭滓濁穢，莫敢輕傳。太子於是五體頓地，順風膝行，上啟真人曰：在世浮虛，無一真實，生老病死，劫劫不停，位雖居高，誰能長保，石火逝水，浮泡電光，莫有喻也。雖至法高祕，希眄篇題，幸願弘慈，賜垂開示。太虛請辭儲位，栖託幽林，父王愍之，允其誠願。真人知太虛誠心可錄，真道有期，為開紫陽玉笈，雲錦之囊，具依法科，盟天而傳靈寶真文三元品戒。太虛於是叩頭搏頰，仰謝鴻恩。自稟受真經，固辭父王，入人鳥山中，清齋研思。十二年中，五老帝君為太虛受書，得為真人。以中元之日，於宮正殿嚴净粧飾，神旛寶蓋，靈果名花，國中所有珍玩之彩，名香貴寶，百味飲食，鮮潔精華，建立山盤，隨方布施，反風名香，徑衝九天，上至天宮。

時元始天尊照見太虛堪可化度，與飛天神仙、諸天帝君、玉童玉女、金剛神王、天丁力士，前導後從，自天西北而來，隘空降席。是時天宮之中，上聖雲集，亦無迫進。俄頃之間，天尊口吐五色，微妙光明，照徹諸天三千大千世界，洞視如一，無有障閡，如觀指掌，不可思議。

天尊告四眾曰：我聞國人若男若女，累劫已來，不能清净，驕奢自恣，煩惱自纏，年命短促，無由解脫。吾為諸來生開方便門，拔治眾苦，普使安樂，咸歸善道，同趨玄津。爾時四眾擎奉，敬聽法音。

天尊告曰：眾生行業，非只一源。善惡苦空，徧諸法界。雜惡報對，無量無邊。為諸來生，略示科簡，遂演二十四門戒約，誘勸迷途，究竟道場，隨分獲果，作斷煩惱之寶劍，為照四迷之法燈。內靜塵勞，外除纏縛，諸根咸净，登正觀門，並令眾生，到解脫地。於是無上真人，及諸仙眾，咸受戒示，作禮奉行。

爾時會中有一真人，名曰仙威，見是妙會，難可譬喻，歡喜無量。上問天帝君曰：昔聞大會說法，威光煥明，不謂於今親得遭遇，諸天諸聖，同一法音。此土他方，明如指掌。元始天尊，威光赫奕，驚駭神祇，左侍仙卿，右衛真伯，朱鳳玄龜，青龍白虎，天男天女，無鞅之眾，浮空隘然，大開寶藏。是時會眾，進高真位，其初學者，咸入仙階。伏聞下界眾生，染習三惡，不慈不孝，不愛不仁，累繫三官，無由解脫，當何歸向，可得原愆，復何修行，而得赦貸。

天尊曰：汝宜諦受。吾今為汝開示未聞，解釋煩惱，斷除惑障，當開玄都之境瓊簡真文天尊應號，以悟來生，皈命至誠，清齋燒香，然燈志心，信禮元尊玄號，寶秘靈文，及諸仙眾，禮拜願念，削落明真九幽玉匱長夜之函，得生人天，離苦解脫，消恒沙罪累，獲塵數善緣。是故志心，歸命信禮。

信禮虛無自然元始天尊。

信禮天上金闕玉房虛無自然天尊。

信禮香林園內放大光明拔度諸苦天尊。
信禮天皇大帝天尊。

信禮妙觀仙慧天尊。
信禮道慧真空天尊。

信禮長樂空寂天尊。
信禮救生平等天尊。

信禮橋梁一切天尊。
信禮一乘雲羅天尊。

信禮金號妙寂天尊。
信禮至德普慈天尊。

信禮慧明慧空天尊。
信禮無為無惠天尊。

信禮真空妙有天尊。
信禮法王混同天尊。

信禮重玄妙勝天尊。
信禮元同無礙天尊。

信禮梵氣元功天尊。
信禮結成瓊瑤天尊。

信禮金華凝始天尊。
信禮道海寶山天尊。

信禮上洞三天天尊。
信禮三境逍遙天尊。

信禮寶真法寶天尊。
信禮百寶太清天尊。

信禮廣訓方便天尊。
信禮太玄元真天尊。

信禮中山常寂天尊。
信禮三天高皇天尊。

信禮太妙重玄天尊。
信禮仙素上真天尊。

信禮香光混成天尊。
信禮净空雲宮天尊。

信禮政智玄元天尊。
信禮梵行法寶天尊。

信禮因果常一天尊。
信禮因緣慶流天尊。

信禮高勝光相天尊。
信禮最勝救苦天尊。

信禮道運高慧天尊。
信禮法政三天天尊。

信禮太真聖王天尊。
信禮玄紀戒生天尊。

信禮玄會法輪天尊。
信禮常行運度天尊。

信禮法海聖真天尊。
信禮神道智運天尊。

信禮玉真飛天天尊。
信禮空净雲宮天尊。

信禮紫清九聖天尊。
信禮碧落結成天尊。

信禮正啟空寂天尊。
信禮逍遙金光天尊。

信禮金姿凝尊天尊。
信禮銀簡妙樂天尊。

信禮道運神化天尊。
信禮寂然玉光天尊。

信禮戒生自然天尊。
信禮决定常德天尊。

信禮玄光妙寶天尊。
信禮凝寂金天天尊。

信禮高勝法燈天尊。
信禮上靈開輝天尊。

信禮感因開導天尊。
信禮光敷百變天尊。

信禮空洞德徧天尊。
信禮感赴香林天尊。

信禮度世長樂天尊。
信禮西明妙化天尊。

信禮素元妙樂天尊。
信禮萬道光明天尊。

信禮道元廣運天尊。
信禮萬清真元天尊。

信禮西明妙化天尊。
信禮明都西明天尊。

信禮法王南極天尊。
信禮法輪東華天尊。

信禮金臺妙尊天尊。
信禮金法凝空天尊。

信禮希微無滯天尊。
信禮無等大慈天尊。

信禮方便眾妙天尊。
信禮六度三乘天尊。

信禮玄明真通天尊。
信禮運明廣行天尊。

信禮明慧至道天尊。
信禮應期仙階天尊。

信禮無為上品天尊。
信禮神應方便天尊。

信禮朱極開度天尊。
信禮金聖妙尊天尊。

信禮西靈三華天尊。
信禮妙言常宣天尊。

信禮常除煩惱天尊。
信禮高勝舟航天尊。

信禮升玄法濟天尊。
信禮戒生度厄天尊。

信禮紫霄結成天尊。
信禮東華上品天尊。

信禮救生無色天尊。
信禮凝寂金城天尊。

信禮十華無滯天尊。
信禮道應真空天尊。

信禮拔苦真濟天尊。
信禮寶明紫虛天尊。

信禮素顏妙樂天尊。
信禮難思普慈天尊。

信禮慧道高運天尊。
信禮上京玉真天尊。

信禮安演雲宮天尊。
信禮玄救解脫天尊。

信禮大道虛明天尊。
信禮空明高勝天尊。

信禮玄明真道天尊。
信禮照明至運天尊。

信禮妙靜方便天尊。
信禮真道業成天尊。

信禮湛然常樂天尊。
信禮救苦法王天尊。

爾時一百二十應號、三十六部尊經，一切賢聖天尊等，俱在妙樂真境，化度三界羣生，使普入樂境，契道合真。若百姓男女，至心徧禮此天尊慈悲應號，即得無極世界靈官之府玉匱之函，下考酆都諸惡地獄，歷劫辛苦，無由解脫，萬惡備履，望返何期。如此之罪，咸乞滅除，三塗並解，五道清閑，長離幽夜，更生天堂，逍遙無為，衣食自然。上賴天尊慈悲廣被，下副男女歸命之誠。

信禮東方普慈救度天尊。
信禮南方大慈救苦天尊。
信禮西方慈敬護魂天尊。
信禮北方延生卻死天尊。
信禮東北方護魂保命天尊。
信禮東南方萬善慈救天尊。
信禮西南方延壽度人天尊。
信禮西北方弘普救度天尊。
信禮上方大慈普救天尊。
信禮下方扶衰延命天尊。

次禮洞真十二部尊經：

信禮上清經。
信禮妙真經。
信禮太一仙經。
信禮妙林仙記經。
信禮開化經。
信禮仙人品經。
信禮黃林先生經。
信禮太上真經。
信禮道教經。
信禮太上練精經。
信禮太上功德經。
信禮道德經。

右經十二部，天寶君為教主，在玉清境清微天玉清宮中，計二十三萬五千四百四十卷。

次禮洞玄十二部尊經：

信禮太上洞玄靈寶經。
信禮元陽經。
信禮原辰經。
信禮太劫經。
信禮太上開山海經。
信禮諸天內音經。
信禮太上八練生尸經。
信禮靈惒經。
信禮太上消魔經。
信禮太上無量壽經。
信禮老君按摩經。
信禮太上通身經。

右十二部經，靈寶君為教主，在上清境禹餘天玄都元陽七寶紫微宮，計八十五萬八千一百二十卷。

次禮洞神十二部尊經：

信禮太清經。
信禮老君徹視經。
信禮太上集仙品經。
信禮洞淵神呪經。
信禮無上內祕經。
信禮真一志經。
信禮太上集靈經。
信禮太上小中精經。
信禮元置品經。
信禮黃老集靈經。
信禮老君黃庭經。
信禮大小劫經。

右十二部經，神寶君為教生，在太清境大赤天太清太極官，計七十萬二千八十卷。

右三十六部尊經符圖，金書玉字，凝結三洞飛玄之氣，五合成文，文彩煥耀，洞照八方。元始天尊以延康劫延康元年，於大羅天中金耀玉殿明霞之館，傳授太上大道君、三元太素君，以教三十六天，各攢成一部，遂成三十六部，流演大梵天中無極世界。高真大士宗奉敬禮，以為契仙之妙門。

次禮十方一切得道諸仙聖眾：

信禮鬱羅翹真人。
信禮光妙音真人。
信禮真定光真人。
信禮普德妙行真人。
信禮正一真人。
信禮廣成子真人。
信禮若士真人。
信禮沈文泰真人。
信禮道當真人。
信禮白石真人。
信禮黃山君真人。
信禮皇初平真人。
信禮華子期真人。
信禮樂子長真人。
信禮衛叔卿真人。
信禮魏伯陽真人。
信禮陳安世真人。
信禮李八百真人。
信禮南極子柳融真人。
信禮天門子王剛真人。
信禮九靈子黃化真人。
信禮絕洞子李修真人。

禮三寶已，次復至心懺悔：

弟子等各從無量劫來，至于今日，身口意業，造惡為愆，數若塵沙，不可臆測。或盛年放逸，馳騁百端，姦盜損傷，恣心快意，寵用凶悖，不顧顛危，奉上事親，不忠不孝，酷虐為行，謀害係懷，侵削平人，妄生相妬，遂使天民畏懼，上下憎嫌。若有此愆，請從首謝。或三春放火燒殺蟲蛇，畋獵捕圍，害諸物命，胎卵濕化，水陸飛沈，潛竄無方，悉被屠戮，快情悅目，無改悔心。若有此愆，請從首謝。或浮詞綺語，讒毀善人，鬬亂親朋，扇惑鄰里，遂使內外懷恨，遠近輕疏，致生嫌隙之讎，各起謀害之意。若有此愆，請從首謝。或貪積世財，不知厭足，方便刻削，對面侵欺，割他自饒，損人益己，不濟貧苦，專事慳貪。若有此愆，請為首謝。或受法誡，不精不勤，慕利資身，無惠念想，假設方便，誑惑人天，取功德錢，私己破用，無慙無耿，不懼當來。若有此愆，今日運上至誠，求哀懺悔已，歸命禮三寶。

至心啟願：

願弟子等從今懺悔已後，所造功德，願生生世世永離慳貪，無欺奪想，常行施惠，起慈悲心，廣造橋梁，濟度羣品，天民足用，上下和同。福德果報，世世莊嚴，長生具足。願共四生六趣，俱契良緣，同證妙門，成無上道。啟願已，皈命禮三寶。

信禮上品濟度天尊。
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信禮玉清洞真天尊。
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信禮拔苦慈威天尊。
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信禮法海瓊顏天尊。
信禮妙寶上品天尊。
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信禮法寶無為天尊。
信禮神通慧明天尊。
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信禮道運玄行天尊。
信禮道君廣明天尊。
信禮流精上品天尊。
信禮三天降魔天尊。
信禮化被無垠天尊。
信禮六道普同天尊。
信禮開道微明天尊。
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信禮重玄靜默天尊。
信禮羅玄聖王天尊。
信禮自然九聖天尊。
信禮妙光十號天尊。
信禮逍遙妙有天尊。
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信禮三玄結成天尊。
信禮七寶太玄天尊。
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信禮真清等真天尊。
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信禮法海瓊湛天尊。
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信禮元梵升軒天尊。
信禮八方等一天尊。
信禮玄通三有天尊。
信禮無滯無形天尊。
信禮妙有真空天尊。

次禮三十六部尊經：

信禮大洞玉經。
信禮上清經。
信禮無上祕要經。
信禮老君黃庭經。
信禮妙林仙記傳經。
信禮太上集仙經。
信禮太上開天化經。
信禮太上八史經。
信禮黃林先生經。
信禮老君鍊精養生經。
信禮老君黃書經。
信禮道教經。

右出洞真部。

信禮太上靈寶經。
信禮功德經。
信禮元陽經。
信禮大小劫經。
信禮太上開山海經。
信禮諸天內音經。
信禮太上鳴寶經。
信禮太上集靈經。
信禮無量壽經。
信禮太上靈祕經。
信禮太上濟眾經。
信禮太平經。

右出洞玄部。

信禮高上玉皇經。
信禮太清經。
信禮正一消魔章儀經。
信禮老子經。
信禮玄妙真經。
信禮太上洞淵神呪經。
信禮老君玄中精經。
信禮黃老集宮捍厄圖經。
信禮無上金真上妙玄經。
信禮太上真一經。
信禮太上一乘海空經。
信禮玄門道德經。

右出洞神部。

如是三洞寶經，蓋以混成，鬱積玄景，分以兩參，陰陽濳化，乾坤列而覆載，三五啟緒，八會結文。或作金書鳳篆，或造玉字龍章，洞治瑩鮮，紫林繡豔，或浮黎而現八角垂芒，太虛而呈五篇煥爛，光輝耀於三界，映朗照於九冥。分其分度，演教諸天，天各一部，合為三十六部，置安玉臺玄座七寶藏中。九色錦雲懸覆經上，金童在左捧香，玉女在右散花供養。或四萬劫一出，三千載一傳。是以天真奉之以清升，地仙受之以謐寧，日月磨之以高明，五嶽捧之以鎮靈，天子崇之以聖化，公王敬之以太平，士庶恭而福佑，學士修而長生。若能稱揚禮唱，福被無邊，是故至心歸依信禮。

次禮十方一切得道諸仙聖。

信禮馬明生真人。
信禮張道陵真人。
信禮李少君真人。
信禮王真真人。
信禮壺公真人。
信禮薊子訓真人。
信禮董君異真人。
信禮李常在真人。
信禮陳永伯真人。
信禮葛孝先真人。
信禮泰山下老人真人。
信禮河上公真人。
信禮赤容公真人。
信禮青烏公真人。
信禮秀眉公真人。
信禮離婁公真人。
信禮務光真人。
信禮高丘公真人。
信禮羨門子真人。
信禮容成公真人。
信禮靈壽光真人。
信禮不肯來子真人。

禮三寶已，次復至心懺悔：

弟子等各從無量曠劫己來，至于今日，身心狂亂，不識因緣，惡業彌多，無所知覺，迷聾倒見，難可具陳。今對道場三寶前，求哀懺悔。伏願十方天尊慈悲道場，三十六部尊經玄中法師，一切真仙，虛空聖眾，有天耳者，有天眼者，願使知聞證明，懺悔所有罪根，願皆消滅。懺悔弟子無量生中至于今日，或違神背道，不懼明靈，麤行惡言，誹謗正教，見像聞經，無恭敬心，怪他修功德，笑人習善因，未曾改悔，無廉恥心。今日至誠，悉皆懺悔。

次復懺悔不識因果，及父母恩，造作非為，自恃種性，悖逆麤行，對於尊卑，父母在生堂中，甘脆終身不見，死於曠野，祭享永劫不聞，遂使冥靈有考逮之殃，人世無善福之應。如此之罪，無量無邊，至誠悉皆懺悔。

次復懺悔劫盜之罪。經中說言，若物屬他，他所守護，一毫一線，不與不取，何況盜竊。但自眾生不能覺悟，興意劫奪，仍作縱橫，致使未來受諸殃考。若有此愆，請從首謝。又復經中說言凡夫之人，造罪尤甚，死入冥靈阿鼻地獄。然阿鼻地獄者，縱廣正等八萬由旬，七重鐵城，地上有七重鐵網，下有十八隔，周匝七重，皆是刀林。其七重城內，復有劍林，下有十八隔。其一隔八萬四千重。於其四角，復有四大銅狗，其身長大四千由旬，眼如電光，牙如劍樹，齒如刀山，舌如鐵鉤，爪似鐵叉，尾如鐵蟒，一一尾光，皆出猛大，其煙臰斃惡，無有比者。其獄四門，一一門邊，復有十八獄卒，一如羅剎，頭上十八角，手把鐵叉，叉著罪人，望心而撞，從背而出。一一隔門，復有八萬四千鐵蟒大蛇，口吐毒火，徧滿城中，其聲哮吼，如大雷風雨。大鐵丸亦滿城中，此城甚苦。又四方門，一一門外各有猛火，東南西北，交過通徹，周匝鐵牆，鐵網彌覆，上火徹下，下火徹上，四維上下，周匝一時，苦事俱起。如上所說，犯戒五逆，及毀謗功德，若依經文懺悔，而不慚愧，其人命終，必嬰此苦。有輕三寶、偷盜常住净財，污他梵行，不出此獄。罪人受苦之時，猛火入心，悶絕而死。一日一夜，萬死萬生，受諸苦惱。如上所說，從阿鼻地獄出，以破戒因緣，虛稱信施，復入於諸小十八地獄。所謂寒冰地獄，黑暗地獄，焦然地獄，刀輪地獄，劍輪地獄，火車地獄，鑊湯地獄，劍林地獄，鐵牀地獄，銅柱地獄，鐵機地獄，鐵輪地獄，鐵丸地獄，尖石地獄，飲銅地獄，各八百萬歲。然後得出，常生下處。五百劫中，不識三寶，值善知識，得發無上道心。不值善知識者，無復出期。是故弟子宿值良緣，今復聞經教，身心踴躍，一意虔誠，懺洗已往之愆，願修自新之業。願從九祖下至見存，不聞不見此之惡緣，永離此苦。懺悔已，歸命禮三寶。

至心發願：

願弟子等承此懺悔所修功德，願生生世世不行三惡趣，常修十善，因果報具莊嚴，福德皆圓滿，千殃從此捨，萬慶自斯臻。妙慧資身心，聖功增壽筭，先亡九祖，咸沐道恩，洗志靈津，遊神道岸，逍遙真境，散誕無為，一切有緣，離苦解脫。發願已，歸命禮。

信禮青華延壽天尊。
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信禮真道度明天尊。
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信禮丹老地皇天尊。
信禮靜空日馭天尊。
信禮妙光光映天尊。
信禮鳳文仙素天尊。
信禮益筭法王天尊。
信禮法輪無為天尊。
信禮金靈湛一天尊。
信禮鳳臺上洞天尊。
信禮玄會奉修天尊。
信禮混元長生天尊。
信禮玄風廣扇天尊。
信禮靜定太平天尊。
信禮一乘高上天尊。
信禮至運明慈天尊。
信禮玄元真一天尊。
信禮啟悟道心天尊。
信禮神通自在天尊。
信禮常燭長夜天尊。
信禮諸天玄號老子天尊。
信禮太玄老子總謂天尊。
信禮老子八明天尊。
信禮玄御老子流霞天尊。
信禮太丹老子三真天尊。
信禮黃庭老子太一天尊。
信禮北帝老子太皇天尊。
信禮天威老子浩氣天尊。
信禮紫極老子迴真天尊。
信禮龜山老子五氣天尊。
信禮圓行老子保練天尊。
信禮道通老子侍德天尊。
信禮千通老子迴道天尊。
信禮四座老子隨生天尊。
信禮曇慶老子雲光天尊。
信禮遊言老子上景天尊。
信禮寶量老子元老天尊。
信禮太微老子三度天尊。
信禮九極老子百唱天尊。
信禮太皇老子慶生天尊。
信禮紫陽老子養神天尊。
信禮定相老子飛行天尊。
信禮高業老子觀天天尊。
信禮飛黃老子九光天尊。
信禮大法老子玄極天尊。
信禮元孫老子素黃天尊。
信禮迴元老子三度天尊。
信禮六合老子八辰天尊。
信禮紫度老子流嬰天尊。
信禮與相老子真氣天尊。
信禮觀化老子至容天尊。
信禮百仙老子延真天尊。
信禮劫仞老子五氣天尊。
信禮九變老子清今天尊。

次禮三十六部尊經甚深法藏：

信禮雲龜西室王屋南山寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮凝空雲篆八角垂芒寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮香林紫筆玉簡金書寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮鳳文紫蘊七寶臺中寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮太清仙境人鳥山中寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮玉清聖境玄都山中寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮三天祕策五老玉篇寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮皇人玉訣玄老金書寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮太玄真一九光瓊章寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮正一盟威神符寶錄寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮長生祕訣召制靈圖寶祕真文甚深法藏。
信禮寂境開化九色雲羅寶祕真文甚深法藏。

次禮十方一切得道諸仙聖眾：

信禮蓬萊山上黃褐玄巾子明真人玄中法師。
信禮天台山上頂負圓光監度三真玄中法師。
信禮人天教主得道真人玄中法師。
信禮正一真人三天法師道陵真人玄中法師。
信禮妙樂國土七寶臺中善緣真人玄中法師。
信禮弟子侍經真人普得妙行真人玄中法師。
信禮傳經演教拔度羣迷太極真人玄中法師。
信禮高上老子河上真人文儒先生玄中法師。
信禮過見未來常住世間救度苦厄玄中法師。
信禮塵沙得道隨世應緣饒益眾生玄中法師。
信禮成就十方恒沙眾生解悟真性玄中法師。

如是盡虛空徧法界一切三寶，皈命懺悔。弟子等自從無量劫來，至于今日，或前生今世，不識因緣，觸事乖違，所行顛倒，混同塵俗，無平等心，既於凡倫，有邪僻行，疏薄門族，親眄他人，假繼身名，詐稱豪傑，淫行色慾，非分慳貪，嚇掠愚蒙，侵奪善政，輕欺老病，抑壓孤寡。或自處於家，日夜凌辱驅役僕妾，枉加鞭笞，乘馬駕牛，不料飢困，心懷惡想，口出狂言，觸突神祇，訶風罵雨，無故呪詛，橫造人愆，此世來生，受諸殃累。如此之罪，無量無邊，今日至誠，悉皆懺悔。

弟子等稟受障惱，舉止成愆，或醉酒昏酗，凌突尊卑，妖言荒語，詐妄無度，求人過惡，諂曲生情，違負二恩，常行欺冒。或安經置像，闕絕香火，以不净手，披讀靈文，將觸穢體，而臨法席，掇齋不能行施，受供而無愧心，取債負約，不還放錢，倍生子利。如此等罪，無量無邊，今日至誠，悉皆懺悔。

弟子等存歿二緣，身是凡夫，無明障蔽，不識慈忍，性好損傷。或邪祀鬼神，諂延賓侶，及有男婚女禮，社節歲時，廣致庖廚，恣情烹宰血肉，充羞之味，脂膏可繼，永夜明燈，殃對無窮，難可計測，冤家債主，冥密道中，逮訟無休，牽引生死，所以魂囚九夜，魄繫三塗，洗雪無門，求哀無路。謹當設齋造像，披露誠心，所獲功德善緣，迴奉前冤宿債。願承福力，託蔭人天，永捨惡緣，不相執對，重於四生六趣，廣施慈恩，若見臨危迫難，諸惡苦惱，方便救解，令得解脫。然後為說微妙正法，開度因緣，使覩形見影，聞名聽聲，恐怖悉除，煩惱釋散。得如是者，畢竟安樂。懺悔已，皈命禮三寶。

至心發願：

願弟子等存亡兩代，承是懺悔，所建功德，願生生世世，永離三塗，長辭八苦，不為冤家所執，不見惡相來前，逍遙解脫鄉，遊翫無為境，隨喜人天供，常聞雅樂音。見世保安和，不為煩惱著。門多善瑞，宅足豐饒，福慶自新，灾殃未滅。發願已，皈命禮三寶。

Source Colophon

The Chinese text follows the Chinese Wikisource transcription of the Daoist Canon edition of this scripture (article 太上靈寶洪福滅罪像名經, revision of 27 January 2025), inspected from a witness copy captured on 8 August 2026. Chinese Wikisource transcriptions are published under CC BY-SA 4.0 and the GFDL; the text itself is ancient and in the public domain. The wiki header and license templates have been removed; the text is otherwise complete and unaltered.

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