Qingci, also known as "Qingci" (another written form) or "Lvzhang", is a kind of memorial prayer text presented to celestial beings during Taoist fasting and sacrificial rituals (zhaijiao). It generally adopts the parallel prose style, consisting of four-character and six-character sentences, with neat antithesis and magnificent diction.
Some Qingci also combine parallel and prose styles. At the beginning, it states the name of the person offering the prayer, the honorific title of the deity being prayed to, and the reason for the memorial. The last part uses humble and supplicatory expressions such as "yi wen" (to let [the deity] know) and "jin ci" (respectfully present this text). During the Tang and Song dynasties, many literati and government officials participated in Taoist rituals and composed Qingci under imperial orders.
Definition and Structure of Green Prayers
The Green Prayer, or Qingci, is a liturgical text used in Daoist zhai (purification) and jiao (offering) rituals to communicate with heavenly deities. Typically written in a parallel prose style known as pianwen, it features balanced, four- or six-character phrases that create a rhythmic and ornate effect. The structure begins with the supplicant’s name, the titles of the deities addressed, and the purpose of the prayer, concluding with humble expressions like “thus presented” or “respectfully submitted.” This formal composition reflects the reverence and precision of Daoist ritual practice.
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Historical Context: A Literary Tradition
During the Tang and Song dynasties, Green Prayers became a prominent feature of Daoist ceremonies, often composed by scholar-officials at the behest of the imperial court. These literati, skilled in classical Chinese poetry and prose, brought their expertise to the zhai and jiao rituals, crafting prayers that blended spiritual devotion with literary artistry. The involvement of such figures elevated the Green Prayer to a respected form of religious literature, reflecting the deep integration of Daoism into Chinese cultural and intellectual life.
Spiritual Significance: A Bridge to the Divine
In Daoist practice, Green Prayers serve as a formal means of addressing the heavens, conveying the supplicant’s intentions, gratitude, or requests for blessings. The ornate language and structured format reflect the harmony and order of the cosmos, aligning the ritual with Daoist principles of balance and reverence. By presenting these prayers during ceremonies, practitioners seek to invoke divine favor and strengthen the connection between the earthly and celestial realms, making the Green Prayer a vital expression of spiritual devotion.
The Daoist Green Prayer is a testament to the fusion of spirituality and literary artistry, weaving together ornate prose and profound devotion. As a cornerstone of Daoist rituals, it reflects the elegance and harmony of the tradition, inviting worshippers to connect with the divine through words that resonate with celestial grace. By exploring the Green Prayer, we deepen our appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Daoism and the timeless beauty of its sacred practices.
