The Numinous Treasure Merit Declaration Liturgy 太上灵宝玉匮明真大斋言功仪

Compiled by Taoist priest Du Guangting in the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties.

This work is recorded as Lingbao Yugui Mingzhen Grand Retreat Ritual for Presenting Merits (one scroll) by Du Guangting in Secret Catalog (Southern Song Dynasty) and Tongzhi·Bibliographic Survey, which refers to this very text.

The existing version is included in the Dongxuan Section (Mysterious Grotto Section) of the Daozang under the category of Rituals and Ceremonies. The ritual described herein was used at the conclusion of the Lingbao Yugui Mingzhen Grand Retreat for Rescuing the Departed: upon the completion of the retreat, this ritual was performed to disband the altar, present memorials to heaven, and invite all deities to return to their respective palaces. It emphasizes the merits of holding the sacrifice, ensuring that all those who contributed to the organization and conduct of the retreat would receive rewards and promotions. The ritual procedures are quite elaborate.