The Morning and Evening Liturgy (Zao Wan Ke) is an essential practice for Taoist aspirants to familiarize themselves with the scriptures, cultivate the mind, enter the gate of mystery, and realize the Tao. As the Taoist texts say: “The liturgy is the work of self-cultivation; it is the practice of cultivating one’s own path.” The Yuhuang Xin Yin Miao Jing (Wonderful Scripture of the Mind’s Seal of the Jade Emperor) also states: “Recite and uphold it ten thousand times, and the subtle principles will naturally become clear.”

The Morning Liturgy consists of three parts: various mantras (such as the Pure Mind Mantra), several scriptures (such as the Taishang Laojun Shuo Chang Qing Jing), and various invocations (such as the Yuqing Bao Gao).

The Evening Liturgy consists of two parts: several scriptures (such as the Taishang Dongxuan Lingbao Shifang Jiuku Miao Jing) and various invocations (such as the Doumu Bao Gao).

For lay disciples reciting the Eight Great Mantras at home, the usual procedure is as follows. Note that during recitation, one should maintain sincerity, quietude, and a steady pace:

Preparation Stage: Choose a quiet, clean room to avoid distractions. Wash hands and rinse the mouth to show respect. If possible, burn incense (such as jiangzhen incense) or light a stick of incense, symbolizing communication with the deities.

The Eight Great Mantras in order: Pure Mouth Mantra, Pure Body Mantra, Pure Mind Mantra, Pure Heaven and Earth Mantra, Golden Light Mantra, Peaceful Earth God Mantra, Incense Offering Mantra, and Xuan Yun Mantra — these eight mantras.

They purify the three karmas of body, speech, and mind. Then, with focused visualization, invite the Celestial Worthy to the point between your eyebrows. Visualize the Celestial Worthy’s majestic and compassionate appearance, radiating boundless light from the void, illuminating your body. Simultaneously, silently recite the holy name of the visualized Celestial Worthy, each word clear and each thought sincere. Over time, you will surely receive a response. Reciting with utmost sincerity can nourish the primordial harmony, open wisdom, eliminate calamities and repent sins, and seek blessings and prolong life.

Conclusion Stage: After reciting, sit quietly for a moment, visualize a golden light enveloping your body, or silently offer words of gratitude. If incense was lit, let it burn out naturally or extinguish it properly. Note that reciting the Eight Great Mantras is more of a spiritual practice; treat it with sincerity and reverence, without being overly rigid about form. If used for specific blessings or exorcism purposes, you may adjust the number of recitations and methods according to personal needs.

If you recite without sufficient faith, merely moving your lips without engaging the mind, such recitation is of no benefit.

Fire Thunder Hall · Morning and Evening Liturgy

[Chant]

Heaven has no defilement, Earth has no demonic dust.

Mysterious wisdom, profound clarity, vast and profound mystery.

Always pure, always still. Celestial Worthy.

All ailments vanish; the Three Sages bestow auspiciousness.

The Pacing the Void melody resounds; we recite the profound chapters.

Divine might is as if present. Celestial Worthy.

[Spoken]

All be reverent. All in the assembly, each with focused mind.

Before the hall, we reverently announce and invite as prescribed.

[Chant]

The Treasure of Tao, Scriptures, and Masters. Celestial Worthy.

Prelude Hymns

Jade tones resound, the ten directions are purified, rivers and seas are silent, mountains and peaks swallow mist. All spirits submit, gathering the immortals. Heaven has no defilement, Earth has no demonic dust. Mysterious wisdom, profound clarity, vast and profound mystery.

Diao Gua Hymn

Ascending the altar, we raise the Pacing the Void melody, praying for the nation’s auspiciousness with utmost sincerity. In the past, we presented our feelings within the Golden Palace; today, incense smoke rises from the jade furnace. The imperial domain is firm, mountains and rivers majestic; the emperor’s path flourishes, sun and moon shine bright. The people look up to the era of Yao and Shun, and the harvest is abundant, bringing peace and prosperity.

Incense offering, Always Pure and Still Celestial Worthy.

True mind, pure and still, the Tao is the foundation, like the precious moon in the sky. Sweep away the clouds of delusion without a speck, a full orb of light fills the great void. The supreme medicine within the body is spirit, qi, and essence; everyone possesses them fully, without deficiency. If one can know the method of mixing and returning the wind, the golden cauldron will sprout yellow buds daily.

Da Qi Qing Zan

True mind, pure and still, the Tao is the foundation, like the precious moon in the sky. Sweep away the clouds of delusion without a speck, a full orb of light fills the great void. The supreme medicine within the body is spirit, qi, and essence; everyone possesses them fully, without deficiency. If one can know the method of mixing and returning the wind, the golden cauldron will sprout yellow buds daily.

Xiao Qi Qing Zan

All in the assembly, each be reverent, before the Tao, recite the scriptures as prescribed.

The Eight Great Mantras

[Pure Mouth Mantra]

Red cinnabar mouth spirit, expel filth and remove defilement.

Tongue spirit of proper order, connect life and nourish spirit.

Luo Qian teeth spirits, repel evil and guard truth.

Throat spirit like a fierce tiger, qi spirit guides saliva.

Heart spirit Dan Yuan, let me connect with truth.

Think on spirits and refine fluids, may the Tao’s qi long endure.

[As swiftly as the law commands!]

[Pure Body Mantra]

Lingbao Celestial Worthy, comfort and stabilize the body.

Disciple’s soul and spirit, the five organs are dark and mysterious.

Azure Dragon and White Tiger, arrayed in splendor.

Vermilion Bird and Dark Warrior, guard my truth.

[As swiftly as the law commands!]

[Pure Mind Mantra]

Great High Lord of the Platform Star, responding without cease.

Dispel evil and bind demons, protect life and guard the body.

Wisdom is clear and bright, the mind-spirit is peaceful.

The three souls are eternal, the seven spirits never collapse.

[As swiftly as the law commands!]

[Pure Heaven and Earth and Remove Filth Mantra]

The natural heaven and earth, filth and defilement disperse.

Within the cave is dark and mysterious, shining brightly in the great origin.

The mighty spirits of the eight directions, let me be natural.

The talisman of Lingbao, announcing to the nine heavens.

Qian Luo Da Na, Dong Gang Tai Xuan.

Slay demons and bind evil, kill countless ghosts.

Zhongshan spirit mantra, the primal jade text.

Recite it once, dispel illness and prolong life.

Traveling through the five sacred mountains, the eight seas hear of it.

The demon kings bow their heads, guarding my chariot.

Fierce filth disperses, the Tao’s qi long endures.

[As swiftly as the law commands!]

[Golden Light Mantra]

The origin of heaven and earth, the root of all qi.

Cultivated extensively for eons, realizing my spiritual powers.

Within and beyond the three realms, only the Tao is supreme.

The body has golden light, covering and reflecting my form.

Invisible to the eye, inaudible to the ear.

Encompassing heaven and earth, nurturing all beings.

Reciting scriptures ten thousand times, the body becomes radiant.

The three realms guard, the five emperors welcome.

All spirits pay homage, commanding thunder and lightning.

Evil ghosts lose courage, demons forget their forms.

Within is thunderclap, the thunder god’s name hidden.

Cave wisdom interpenetrates, the five qi surge.

Golden light appears swiftly, covering and protecting the true person.

[As swiftly as the law commands!]

[Peaceful Earth God Mantra]

The Primordial Beginning pacifies and stabilizes, announcing to all spirits.

True officials of mountains and rivers, spirits of the earth.

Left altars and right shrines, do not be alarmed.

Turn toward the right path, inside and outside clear.

Each in their place, guarding the altar (at home, say “family”).

The Great High has commanded, to search and capture evil spirits.

Dharma-protecting spirit kings, protect the recitation of scriptures.

Take refuge in the great Tao, may all be auspicious and upright.

[As swiftly as the law commands!]

[Incense Offering Mantra]

The Tao is learned through the mind, the mind is transmitted through incense.

Incense burns in the jade furnace, the mind is before the Emperor.

True spirits look down, immortal banners approach the hall.

Let me announce, reaching directly to the nine heavens.

[As swiftly as the law commands!]

[Xuan Yun Mantra]

Cloud seals in the great void, at the beginning of the vast kalpa.

Now far, now near, now sinking, now floating.

Wandering in the five directions, more than a zhang in size.

The Heavenly King of True Men, with brush in hand, writes.

To expound the profound chapters, then write the spirit talismans.

The Primordial Beginning descends, the true text is widely proclaimed.

Clearly it exists, darkly it is nothing.

Chronic illnesses can heal themselves, the drowning in worldly dust can be rescued,

The dark realms will find support, and thus ascend to the immortal capital.

[Taishang Laojun Shuo Chang Qing Jing (Scripture of Constant Purity and Stillness)]

Laozi said: The great Tao has no form, yet gives birth to heaven and earth; the great Tao is without emotion, yet moves the sun and moon; the great Tao is nameless, yet nourishes all things. I do not know its name, so I call it Tao. The Tao has purity and turbidity, movement and stillness; heaven is pure, earth is turbid; heaven moves, earth is still. The male is pure, the female is turbid; the male moves, the female is still. From the root descends the branches, and all things are born. Purity is the source of turbidity; movement is the foundation of stillness. If one can always be pure and still, heaven and earth will both return. The human spirit loves purity, but the mind disturbs it; the human mind loves stillness, but desires pull it. If one can constantly banish desires, the mind will naturally be still; if the mind is clarified, the spirit will naturally be pure. Naturally, the six desires will not arise, and the three poisons will be eliminated. The reason some cannot achieve this is that the mind is not yet clarified and desires are not yet banished. For those who can banish them, when looking inward at the mind, there is no mind; when looking outward at the form, there is no form; when looking afar at things, there are no things. Once these three are understood, one sees only emptiness; observing emptiness, emptiness is also empty; what is empty is nothing, and nothing is also nothing; when nothing is nothing, it becomes serene and constantly still; when stillness is no longer stillness, how can desires arise? When desires no longer arise, that is true stillness. The true constant responds to things, the true constant attains nature; constantly responding and constantly still, one is always pure and still. With such purity and stillness, one gradually enters the true Tao; having entered the true Tao, it is called attaining the Tao. Although called attaining the Tao, in reality nothing is attained; for the sake of transforming sentient beings, it is called attaining the Tao. Those who can awaken to this may transmit the sacred Tao. Laozi said: The superior person does not contend; the inferior person loves to contend. The superior virtue is not virtuous; the inferior virtue clings to virtue. Those who cling do not deserve the name of virtue. The reason sentient beings do not attain the true Tao is that they have deluded minds. Having deluded minds, they startle their spirit; startling the spirit, they cling to all things; clinging to all things, they give rise to greed and seeking; greed and seeking give rise to affliction. Affliction and delusion bring suffering to body and mind. They then encounter defilement and disgrace, drift in birth and death, constantly sink in the sea of suffering, and forever lose the true Tao. The true constant Tao is attained by those who awaken; those who awaken to the Tao are always pure and still. Immortal Ge Weng said: I attained the true Tao after reciting this scripture ten thousand times. This scripture is practiced by heavenly beings and is not transmitted to inferior persons. I received it from the Eastern Flower Emperor, who received it from the Golden Palace Emperor, who received it from the Queen Mother of the West. The Queen Mother of the West transmitted it orally, without writing. Now I write it down for the world. The superior person who awakens to it ascends to become a heavenly official; the middle person who cultivates it becomes an immortal in the Southern Palace; the inferior person who obtains it lives long in the world, travels through the three realms, and ascends to the golden gate. Left Mysterious True Person said: Those who study the Tao and recite this scripture will be protected by the ten good spirits of heaven. Then jade talismans protect the spirit, and golden liquid refines the body. Body and spirit become wondrous, united with the Tao. True Person Zhengyi said: If a household has this scripture and someone awakens to it, calamities will not affect them, and all sages guard the door. The spirit ascends to the upper realm, paying homage to the high true ones. When merit is complete and virtue is achieved, one will be moved by the Emperor. If one recites without retreat, the body will ascend on purple clouds.

[Taishang Dongxuan Lingbao Shengxuan Xiaozai Huming Miao Jing (Wonderful Scripture of Ascending to Mystery, Eliminating Calamities, and Protecting Life)]

With bowed head, I take refuge in the myriad wondrous Tao, reverently honoring the Two Mysteries. Now I focus my mind on what is discussed, and roughly understand the cause of this scripture. Emptiness and form, form and emptiness have no nature; existence and non-existence, non-existence and existence, form and emptiness are equal. The wisdom wind arises from the Celestial Worthy’s power, sweeping away the mind’s realm without leaving dust. I only wish that divine light always protects, witnessing today’s mind-guarding person. What does today’s mind-guarding person witness? Not losing the mortal body, attaining the Tao body. At that time, the Primordial Celestial Worthy, in the Seven Treasure Forest, within the Five Luminance Palace, together with the limitless holy assembly, all emitted limitless light, illuminating the limitless world. Observing limitless sentient beings suffering limitless afflictions, turning in the world, cycling through birth and death, drifting in the river of love, flowing in the sea of desire, sinking in sounds and forms, confused by existence and non-existence. No emptiness has emptiness, no form has form, no non-existence has existence, existence has non-existence, from beginning to end dark and obscured, unable to be self-illumined, ultimately confused. The Celestial Worthy proclaimed: You sentient beings, from non-existence comes existence, from non-non-existence comes non-existence, from non-form comes form, from non-emptiness comes emptiness. Not existence is existence, not non-existence is non-existence, not form is form, not emptiness is emptiness. Emptiness is emptiness, but emptiness has no fixed emptiness; form is form, but form has no fixed form. Thus form is emptiness, emptiness is form. If one can know emptiness as not empty, and form as not form, this is called illumination, and one begins to reach the wondrous sound, recognizing the dharma of no emptiness, and seeing without obstruction. Entering the gate of all wonders, one naturally awakens, free from all nets of doubt, not attached to views of emptiness. Purifying the six senses, cutting off all evil obstacles, I (the Celestial Worthy) will proclaim for you this wondrous scripture, called Protecting Life, to save sentient beings, to teach the world, to circulate and recite. Then the Flying Spirit Heavenly Kings, the Vajra Destroyers of Evil, the Dharma-Protecting Spirit Youths, the True Persons Who Save Suffering, and the Golden Essence Fierce Beasts, each in hundreds of millions, all guard this scripture, protecting wherever it goes. They ward off misfortune and support the weak, saving all sentient beings from all attachments. At that time, the Celestial Worthy spoke this gatha: You cannot see me, you cannot hear me, departing from all extremes, this is called the wondrous Tao.

[Taishang Lingbao Tianzun Shuo Rangzai Duer Zhen Jing (True Scripture of the Lingbao Celestial Worthy on Averting Calamities and Crossing Adversity)]

At that time, the Celestial Worthy was in the land of Chanli, together with the great Tao true immortals, and countless great thousand spirits. All the Celestial Worthies and all the heavenly dragons and ghosts and spirits came to assemble, receiving my commands. In the world, if there are good men and good women, or those suffering from yearly calamities, monthly adversities, the calamity of roaming the city and red rats, the calamity of heaven’s net and earth’s snare, the calamity of life’s exhaustion and reckoning’s end, the calamity of lingering illness, the calamity of falling into waves, the calamity of tigers, wolves, and snakes, the calamity of water, fire, thieves, weapons, and childbirth, the calamity of mountains, forests, trees, and altars, the calamity of earth, stones, and bridges, the calamity of poison and curses — I only wish that now, before the Jade Emperor Celestial Worthy and the great Tao true sages, they repent, and seek to avert and cross over the calamities within their bodies. May they all be dissolved, without obstruction. I command all the heavenly spirit kings to descend with the power of sainthood and the power of the Tao, relying on the power of this scripture and grace, to protect the disciples. After receiving and reciting this scripture, one may avert the calamities of Yang Jiu and Bai Liu, the three declines, eight difficulties, nine crosswise, and five sufferings. As one wishes, so it is fulfilled; wherever one treads, peace; in all comings and goings, in all pursuits, benefit; in all wishes, the heart’s desire. Then the assembly, hearing this scripture, all rejoiced greatly, believed, received, and practiced it.

[Wushang Yuhuang Xin Yin Miao Jing (Wonderful Scripture of the Mind’s Seal of the Jade Emperor)]

The three supreme medicines are spirit, qi, and essence. Vague and indistinct, dark and obscure. Preserve nothingness and hold onto existence, and in an instant it is accomplished. When the wind returns and mixes, in a hundred days the merit is effective. Silently paying homage to the High Lord, in twelve years one ascends. The wise awaken easily; the deluded find it hard to practice. Treading the heavenly light, breathing nurtures clarity. Emerging from the mysterious and entering the female, as if gone, as if present. Continuous without end, firmly rooted with deep stems. Each person has essence; essence unites with spirit. Spirit unites with qi; qi unites with the true body. Without attaining the true, all are forced names. Spirit can enter stone, spirit can fly through form. Entering water, one does not drown; entering fire, one does not burn. Spirit relies on the body for birth; essence relies on qi for fullness. Never withering, never fading, like the green pine and cypress. The three grades are one principle, too subtle to hear. When gathered, they exist; when scattered, they fall to zero. The seven apertures connect, each aperture is luminous. The holy sun and holy moon shine upon the golden court. Once attained, forever attained, the body naturally becomes light. Great harmony fills and overflows, bones dissolve like cold jade. Attaining the elixir, one becomes spiritual; not attaining, one falls. The elixir is within the body, neither white nor green. Recite and uphold it ten thousand times, and the subtle principles will naturally become clear.

Yuqing Bao Gao (Invocation to the Jade Purity)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

Above the three realms, the Brahma qi pervades, reaching the highest of the high, the heaven of heavens. The Jasper Terrace of Yuluo, the capital of the Jade Mountain. The vast golden palace, the deep and clear net. The primordial one qi, before chaos. Within the pearl, mysterious beyond mystery. Opening the three luminances, transforming into all heavens. Countless true ones, without number. Turning the Dipper and passing the Winnowing Basket, returning to the five constants. The majestic great model, the ancestor of all paths. The Great Luo Jade Purity, the void and natural. The most true and wondrous Tao, the Primordial Celestial Worthy.

Shangqing Bao Gao (Invocation to the Upper Purity)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

Dwelling in the Upper Purity realm, titled Lord Lingbao. Born from the ancestral kalpa, ninety-nine thousand and more Brahma qi. The red writings shine forth, six hundred sixty-eight true texts. Because of the chaotic red text, the nine heavens were opened. According to the Yuan Dong jade calendar, the five kalpas were divided. The heavenly warp and earthly weft, majestic as the ancestor of creation. The pivot of yin and the mechanism of yang, outstanding as the ancestor of thunder. Great compassion, great vows, great sage, great mercy. Lord Yuchen, Lingbao Celestial Worthy.

Taiqing Bao Gao (Invocation to the Great Purity)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

Following the directions, establishing teachings, crossing people through kalpas. Teacher of emperors, teacher of kings, teacher of sovereigns, with borrowed names and changed titles. Establishing the way of heaven, the way of earth, the way of man, hiding sagehood and manifesting ordinariness. Commanding the twelve hundred officials. Encompassing the trillion layers of Brahma qi. Transforming through past and present, writing the Daode Jing in five thousand words. Holding yin and yang, commanding thunder with the number nine and five. Great compassion, great vows, great sage, great mercy, Taishang Laojun, Moral Celestial Worthy.

Miluo Bao Gao (Invocation to the Miluo)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

The Supreme Miluo highest heaven, the wondrous realm of mysterious existence. The vast purple-gold palace, the Great Micro Jade Purity Palace. The limitless, supreme sage, vast and radiant. Silent and vast without ancestor, the mysterious model encompassing the ten directions. The deep and still true constant Tao, the vast and mighty great spiritual power. The Jade Emperor Great Celestial Worthy, the Mysterious Vault High Lord.

Tianhuang Bao Gao (Invocation to the Heavenly Emperor)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

Purple Micro, the pole of the heavens, the Gouchen celestial palace. Within the garden of nine lights, above the five qi mysterious capital. Embodying the primordial sovereign and assisting the mysterious transformation, commanding the two poles and jointly governing the three powers. Presiding over the balance of weapons, broadly extending great virtue. Controlling the circuits of stars, never losing the constant order. The upper image is majestic, the true origin vast. Great compassion, great vows, great sage, great mercy, Gouchen Upper Palace, Heavenly Emperor.

Xingzhu Bao Gao (Invocation to the Lord of Stars)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

The Great Luo heavenly palace, the Purple Micro star palace. Dwelling in the height of the North Pole, positioned in the center of the heavens above. The Buddha calls it the Golden Wheel Blazing, the Tao calls it the Jade Dipper Mysterious Lord. The Xuanji and Yuheng align the seven luminaries, commanding the heavenly warp and earthly weft, sun, moon, and stars, regulating the four seasons, traveling the Yellow Road and Purple Enclosure, the master of all phenomena. Commanding all heavens, great compassion, great vows, great sage, great mercy, Lord of all stars, limitless primordial sovereign, Central Heaven Purple Micro, North Pole Great Emperor.

Houtu Bao Gao (Invocation to the Earth Goddess)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

Nine-flower jade palace, seven-treasure imperial chamber. At the time of receiving heaven’s mandate, holding the handle of yin and yang. The Tao is honored for its vastness and brilliance; virtue is stored in gentleness, compliance, and chastity. Modeling after the vast heaven, rooted in the beauty of the earth’s virtue. Flowing into all things, giving birth with the benevolence of the mother’s way. Mountains and rivers rely on it, all depend on it. Great compassion, great vows, great sage, great mercy. Modeling heaven and earth, Houtu, the Earth Goddess.

Nanjing Bao Gao (Invocation to the Southern Pole)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

High Upper Spirit Mansion, the palace of condensed spirit and radiant illumination. Meeting the ancestral qi of the Primordial Beginning to divide the true, responding to the wondrous Tao of the void to open transformation. Positioned above the nine heavens, governing all heavens. Commanding the ten extremes, controlling all transformations. Proclaiming the golden talismans to radiate light and relieve suffering, bestowing grace and nurturing all people. Grace extends to the primal, benevolence covers the vast kalpas. Great compassion, great vows, great sage, great mercy. Jade Purity True King, Southern Pole Longevity Great Emperor, Commander of Heaven Primordial Sage Celestial Worthy.

Bei Wu Zu Bao Gao (Invocation to the Five Northern Patriarchs)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

The great Tao opens the beginning, the Mysterious Origin unfolds transformation. Teachings extend through past and present, posthumously titled Eastern Flower. Succeeding the general of the Han dynasty, hiding in Zhongnan and forming immortal bonds, transforming beyond kalpas. Manifesting always in the mortal world, awakening the worthy of the Tang dynasty, realizing the secret of immortality, flying swords and selling medicine. Warning and transforming without limit, the high standard of the Jin court minister, the brave decision to decline the treasure seal. Ascending in cloud robes, uniting the north and south traditions, heaven again raises heroes, the Tao pervades the four seas. Opening the seven golden lotuses, spreading the immortal lineage to the ten directions, the principle of longevity covers past and present. The mysterious wonders hang over all lands, expanding the great Tao, broadly saving the confused, compassionate and relieving suffering, the patriarchs of Complete Perfection. Eastern Flower Purple Mansion, Assistant Origin and Establishing the Ultimate Great Emperor, Zhengyang Awakening and Transmitting the Tao and Teaching Emperor, Chunyang Manifesting and Transforming and Assisting Emperor, Haichan Mingwu Hongdao Chunyou Emperor, Chongyang Quanzhen Kaihua Jidian Emperor, the Five Patriarchs Expounding the Tao Celestial Worthy.

Nan Wu Zu Bao Gao (Invocation to the Five Southern Patriarchs)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

Bright true and right path, transforming in the southern heaven, the nine emperors descended traces at Tiantai, one lineage flowed through Patriarch Liu. Gathering the immortal marvels of the qionghua flower, writing the alchemical books of awakening. The Tao was passed to Xinglin, compiling the return to origin. The method connected to Jizu, completing the book of returning to life. The true person emerged from Huizhou, awakening beyond the mundane. The medicine entered the mouth, transforming without limit. Sending thunder and rain from the palm, reviving the people beyond the world. Virtue shines in the South Sea, obtaining the jade standard, the Tao pervades distant lands. Enjoying the spiritual marvels of the dharma, traces of Longhu and Luofu, the books of Wuyi and Yulong, transforming in many ways. The true texts are complete, the crown of all immortals. Gathering the models of former generations, with vast vows, compassionate and benevolent holy patriarchs. Awakening to the Truth, Purple Yang True Person, Xinglin Cui Xuan True Person. Daoguang Zi Xian True Person, Niwan Cui Xu True Person, Qiongguan Zi Qing True Person, the Five Patriarchs Perfecting the Tao Celestial Worthy.

Qi Zhen Bao Gao (Invocation to the Seven True Ones)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

The Tao precedes the one qi, the world manifests the Seven True Ones. Awakening to the words beyond the five elements, attaining the secret of the nine-fold elixir. Sweet springs moisten all things, transforming decay into spring. Golden bones and immortal bearing, attaining the four words and uniting with the Tao. Transforming in Weizhou, sitting for ten years to become true. The ink traces on the wall are extraordinary, the snow bamboo and moon pine are unique. The three wells have records of many lives, at once manifesting the merit of transformation. Six years at Panxi, seven years at Longmen. When the Tao merit is complete, the name is heard by the ruler; the jade talisman is granted, and one holds the immortals. Discussing mystery on the rock, flying canopies in the air. The Yuan ruler repeatedly summoned to ask the Tao, and timely rain came to save the people. Early in life, they exhausted the words of the Yijing; late, they attained the secrets of immortality, and the hexagrams were thus extended. The great Tao is accomplished, the pure and quiet scatterer, exploring the mystery and attaining the Tao. On the Penglai immortal path, holding alone through eons. Compassionate and saving suffering, the patriarchs of Complete Perfection. Danyang Baoyi, Wuwei Puhua True Lord, Changzhen Ningshen Xuanjing Yunde True Lord. Changsheng Fuhua Zongxuan Mingde True Lord, Changchun Quande Shenhua Mingying Zhujiao True Lord. Yuyang Tixuan Guangci Pudu True Lord, Taigu Guangning Tongxuan Miaojie True Lord. Qingjing Yuanzhen Xuanxu Shunhua Yuanjun, the Seven True Ones Evolving the Tao Celestial Worthy.

Lei Zu Bao Gao (Invocation to the Thunder Ancestor, also known as Puhua Bao Gao)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge and pay homage.

In the Nine Heavens Responding to the Origin Mansion, the Supreme Jade Purity King, transforming to fill the ten directions, discoursing on the Tao while seated on the nine phoenixes. Above the thirty-six heavens, reading the precious scriptures and examining the jade books. Before the fifteen hundred kalpas, holding the true position and wielding great transformation. Raising the golden light ruyi, proclaiming the Yushu Bao Jing. Those who do not submit are turned to dust, issuing commands swift as wind and fire. With a pure and still mind, he makes great vows; with the power of wisdom, he subdues all demons. Commanding the five thunders, moving the mind through the three realms. Father of all beings, teacher of all spirits. Great sage, great mercy, ultimate sovereign, ultimate Tao. Nine Heavens Responding to the Origin Thunder Sound Puhua Celestial Worthy.

Zhi Biao Yin (Announcement Chant)

Gatha: The human mind is scattered, but one thought becomes pure truth.

If you seek the supreme Tao, assembly,

Turn to the Celestial Worthy (lay practitioners at home may say “disciple turns to the Celestial Worthy”).

Nine Heavens Responding to the Origin Thunder Sound Puhua Celestial Worthy.

Zhong Tang Zan (Central Hall Praise)

Throughout the recitation, every thought is sincere. A thousand true ones listen, ten thousand sages respond. Responding to the origin, uniting qi, Puhua divides forms. The nine heavens have commands, the three realms obey. Eliminate calamities and repent sins, seek blessings and prolong life. When merit is complete and practice is full, the great Tao bears witness.

Qiu Zu Chanhui Wen (Patriarch Qiu’s Repentance Text)

The merit of the scriptures is vast and inconceivable, dedicated to all the sages of the ten directions. I wish to see the true mind seeking repentance, may all sins like river sands be eliminated. Repenting beings (at home, one may say “disciples”), from countless kalpas until this life, borrowing fire, wind, earth, and water to form the body, clinging to fragrance, flavor, sound, and form, and touching the dharma. Thoughts of anger, jealousy, malice, harsh words, false speech, killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, indulging in passions. Disrespecting parents, betraying rulers and teachers. Not revering heaven, earth, and spirits, cursing the wind and rain. Not believing in sin, blessing, and cause and effect, obscuring reason and deceiving the mind. Thus, they face retribution, rising and sinking. Cycling through rebirth, suffering all kinds of afflictions, without rest. All due to a single thought of error, obscuring and deluding one’s own nature, falsely recognizing the illusions of the six dusts, drowning in the river of love. Now that one has obtained a human body and been graced to approach the true teaching, is this not a blessing of a thousand lives? Once encountered, one should reflect and seek deliverance early. If one continues to drift as before, ultimately losing the original nature, once fallen into the dark paths, one becomes a different species. Therefore, thinking of the suffering of sinking, one should develop a pure mind to take refuge in the holy true ones, specially seeking repentance, begging for compassion for ignorance. May sins be forgiven, retributions be dissolved, demonic obstacles be eliminated, and may one meet auspicious times and have one’s name recorded in the cinnabar terrace. Encountering true teachers, personally hearing the supreme Tao, cultivating wondrous practices, increasing the sprouts of goodness, devoting oneself to the Mysterious Gate, and delighting in the true realm. In the future, when the time of passing comes, one’s own nature will not be confused. Directly born into a family of ten good deeds, able to understand past lives, and further realize the supreme vehicle of the Tao. Serving the Void Sovereign. I also wish that the nation be peaceful, the people prosperous, the seasons harmonious, and the harvest abundant; that the true wind be widely proclaimed and the Tao’s transformation flourish; that evil ones become virtuous and heretics return to the right; that weapons and punishments be unused and prisons empty; that the stagnant be promoted and grievances be reconciled; that those who study the profound awaken to the Tao and become true; that relatives of all kalpas be liberated; that teachers and friends of all lives attain true constancy; that all dependents increase in blessings and wisdom; that all harmed creatures be reborn in heaven; that one abstain from meat, alcohol, and killing; that one maintain an upright body and not engage in sexual misconduct; that one break greed and remove arrogance; that one’s words be not reckless and actions be sincere; that one be humble and forgiving, enduring anger and resentment; that one be compassionate and humble, respecting all; that one not fall into barbarism or follow heretical views; that one befriend immortals and dwell in clarity and emptiness; that wisdom be clear and spiritual powers vast; that one widely practice expedient means to save all beings; that one forever cut off delusion and return to the supreme Tao. Though kalpas of dust may end, my vows are endless (three times). Earnestly looking up, may the Emperor and True Ones graciously cross over and save. With reverence, I take refuge and thank the Supreme Void Sovereign, the True Three Treasures.

First, one person has blessings; second, the two luminaries shine together; third, the three farmers rejoice in their work; fourth, the four seasons are harmonious; fifth, the five shrines are firm; sixth, the six directions are clear; seventh, the seven stars shine upon; eighth, the eight festivals are peaceful; ninth, the nine springs are open and prosperous; tenth, the ten kinds of beings are generated; eleventh, blessings remain with the faithful; twelfth, the great Tao flourishes. All divine light shines universally, all sages leave grace, all sentient beings rely on goodness, all true fruits are realized. All under heaven rejoice, the four seas share spring. Hearing the scriptures and awakening to the Tao, sins are extinguished and blessings arise (three times).

Xiao Zan (Small Praise)

The merit of reciting scriptures is inconceivable; all heavens and earths turn the mysterious mechanism. The emperor’s life is as long as heaven; the great Tao is compassionate, all transformations rejoice in harmony (repeat).

Throughout, the merits of reverence and recitation rely entirely on compassion as the master. Looking up, the immortal procession is hidden in the void; the dharma assembly’s true spirits always protect.

Lingguan Zhou (Mantra of the Spirit Official)

I respectfully invoke the mighty and majestic general, the Great Spirit Official who inspects all heavens. The train of fire, the three-five great thunder dukes, commanded by the Three Pure Ones to subdue ghosts and demons. Holding a golden whip, he patrols the world; clad in golden armor, he displays his might. Green boots and wind belt protect his form; his eyes blaze like fire, illuminating heaven and earth. In an instant, he ascends to the three heavens to pay homage to the High Lord; in a moment, he descends to the nine earths to save living beings. Silver-toothed, phoenix-mouthed generals in their thousands; tiger-headed, pixiu soldiers in their millions. Walking fire and riding wind, he guards front and rear; piercing mountains and breaking stones, he captures demons. Praying for clear skies and rain to aid the world, attaching to bodies and radiating light to communicate affairs. Healing illness and expelling evil like lightning, collecting plague and absorbing poison to subdue all demons. Flying through clouds and mist, filling the void, commanding thunder and lightning with crashing sounds. The great demons of the three realms all bow; the heretics of the ten directions all take refuge. The disciple respectfully invites your presence, greatly bestowing the might of thunder for protection. Taiyi Thunder Sound Responding and Transforming Celestial Worthy.

Tudi Zhou (Mantra of the Earth God)

Earth god of this altar, most spiritual of spirits, ascending to heaven and reaching earth, emerging from the dark and entering the profound. For me, announce and report, do not delay. On the day of merit, your name will be recorded in the Upper Purity. Throughout, the merits of reciting scriptures are offered to the high true ones above, and below, to ensure peace, bestow blessings, and eliminate calamities, all relying on good merit. Witness the supreme Tao; all with faith, with utmost sincerity, recite: Always Pure and Still Celestial Worthy. Inconceivable merit.

San Guiyi (Three Refuges)

With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the supreme Treasure of Tao. May all beings always serve the Celestial Worthy and be forever freed from the cycle of rebirth. With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the supreme Treasure of Scriptures. May all beings, life after life, hear the true dharma. With utmost sincerity, I take refuge in the supreme Treasure of Masters. May all beings learn the supreme vehicle and not fall into heretical views.

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