Salvation rituals

In Taoism, “transcendence” refers to a practice where Taoist masters, through their internal cultivation, connect with ancestral masters or Taoist immortals to rescue and deliver souls trapped in the netherworld or lingering in the mortal realm. Guided by these immortals, the aim is to help these souls ascend to the Eastern Qinghua Ultimate Bliss World at the earliest possible time. The primary deity worshipped in Taoist transcendence rituals is Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun (the Great One Who Saves from Suffering).

The forms of Taoist salvation rituals

The forms of transcendence can be categorized into three types:

The first type is ten – direction transcendence. What is ten – direction transcendence? It involves setting up altars in the ritual to gather all kinds of lonely ghosts and wild spirits in the surrounding area for unified transcendence. Generally, large – scale ceremonies include this kind of transcendence. Its main function is to transcend ten types of lonely spirits, which is a merit of boundless significance. This ensures that Taoist priests will not be disturbed by them when holding the ceremony. Taoist priests of the Zhengyi School usually adopt the Lingbao Jilian Ke (Numinous Treasure Salvation and Refining Ritual), while those of the Quanzhen School typically use the Qingxuan Jilian Yankou Tieguan Shishi Ke (Green Mystery Salvation and Refining, Flaming Mouth, Iron Pot Food Offering Ritual).

The second type is ancestor transcendence, also referred to as deceased transcendence. Usually, after ancestors pass away, they remain in the netherworld. Their descendants hope that the ancestors can escape the sufferings of hell and ascend to the blissful world as soon as possible. Therefore, they will invite Taoist priests to perform transcendence for such souls. For these souls, the Chaodu Ke (Transcendence Ritual) is commonly used.

The third type is resentful spirits, which include ghosts who died an unnatural death, aborted fetal spirits, and karmic creditors from previous lives. Transcending this kind of souls is more challenging because there are often various reasons causing them to linger in the human world. As a result, the rituals and ceremonies for this kind of souls are relatively diverse.

The role of Taoist salvation rituals

The roles of transcendence are as follows: The first type of transcendence generally originates from the kind intentions of Taoist priests. Transcending lonely spirits from all directions is a merit of boundless significance. The second type of transcendence mainly aims to help ancestors get rid of the sea of suffering in hell as soon as possible. As descendants, they also hope that their ancestors can ascend to the blissful world early, and naturally, this will have an impact on the future fortune of the descendants. The third type: Those entangled by ghosts who died an unnatural death, aborted fetal spirits, or karmic creditors from previous lives usually have bad luck. Therefore, they hope to change their fortune through transcendence.

The Rebirth Mantra in Taoist salvation rituals

Fasting and Purification: Typically, prior to conducting the ritual, one must observe fasting, bathe, and purify both mind and body. Only by doing so can the ritual’s intent reach the heavens during its performance.

Altar Setup: Usually, before setting up the altar, items like soul – calling banners and other flags are prepared beforehand. Meanwhile, a Yin – Yang altar needs to be established. On the Yin altar, a memorial tablet for the deceased, fresh flowers, fruit offerings, three types of tea, four kinds of wine, three meat dishes, four vegetarian dishes, incense, candles, rice, and steamed buns must be placed. Of course, some paper money to be burned should also be prepared.

Ascending the Altar to Conduct the Ritual: Upon ascending the altar, the Taoist priest first performs the altar – purifying ritual, and then proceeds with the transcendence ceremony.

Scripture Recitation: During the ritual, a number of scriptures are chanted. Common ones in Taoism include The Supreme Cavernous Mystery Numinous Treasure Wonderful Scripture for Relieving Suffering and Expelling Sins, The Primordial Celestial Worthy’s Scripture on Eliminating Sins in Fengdu, and The Supreme Three Lives Wonderful Scripture for Resolving Enmities. If the deceased is female, The Great One Savior of Suffering Celestial Worthy’s Wonderful Scripture on Delivering from the Blood Lake in Fengdu should be added.

Offering Food and Burning Treasures: After the Taoist priest completes the ritual, tea, wine, and rice are scattered around for the souls of the deceased to partake. At the same time, paper money is burned, and some people also burn various paper – mache figures.

Transcending the souls of the deceased and enabling their rebirth is a meritorious act of boundless significance for both the Taoist priest and the sponsor of the ritual. A proper understanding of transcendence allows us to choose a more appropriate way to perform good deeds.

The steps of Taoist salvation rituals

太上敕令，超汝孤魂，鬼魅一切，四生沾恩。

有头者超，无头者升，枪诛刀杀，跳水悬绳。

明死暗死，冤曲屈亡，债主冤家，讨命儿郎。

跪吾台前，八卦放光，站坎而出，超生他方。

为男为女，自身承当，富贵贫穷，由汝自招。

敕救等众，急急超生，敕救等众，急急超生。

By the Supreme Lord’s sacred decree,

We transcend you, lonely souls;

All ghosts and wandering spirits,

May the four realms of life partake of grace.

Those with heads shall be transcended,

Those headless shall ascend on high;

Those felled by spears or slashed by swords,

Those who drowned or met their end on ropes.

Those who died in light or shadow’s veil,

Those who perished wronged, their souls impaled;

Creditors, foes, and all who seek,

To claim the lives that once they reaped.

Kneel before my hallowed altar,

Where the Eight Trigrams cast their glow;

Pass through Kan (the northern quarter),

To be reborn in distant realms, I vow.

Be you male or female, bear your lot,

Wealth or woe, by your own hands wrought.

I decree salvation to you all—

Hasten to rebirth, before my call!

I decree salvation to you all—

Hasten to rebirth, before my call!