Page 59 - The Encyclopedia of Taoism v1_A-L

OVERVIEW 19

jing and a set of ten precepts, subdivided into three levels, beginning with the
status of "disciples of unsullied belief" (qingxin dizi ~~1~ $i'-; Bokenkamp
1989, 18~20; see also under *jie).
The integrated ordination system that was dominant throughout the Tang
dynasty had eight ranks, which are listed below from lowest to highest:
1. Orthodox Unity (Zhengyi lE -; Celestial Masters)
2. Divine Spells (Shenzhou f$ ~)
3. Exalted Mystery (Gaoxuan l'io.',f~.n
4. Cavern of Spirit (Dongshen 1I"J;f$)
5. Ascension to the Mystery (Shengxuan ¥f. -~n
6. Cavern of Mystery (Dongxuan 1I"J ~)
7. Cavern of Perfection (Dongzhen ?roJ;Jl;)
8. Three Caverns (*Sandong _.: ilo 1)
As ordinands passed on to higher levels, the requirements became more rig-
orous, monastic status was essential, and ceremonies grew more intricate.
One example of a Cavern of Mystery (i.e., *Lingbao) ceremony is described
in great detail in the Chuanshou sandongjingjie falu lUeshuo (see Benn 1991), on
the occasion of the ordination of the two Tang princesses Gold-Immortal and
Jade-Perfected, held in February, 711.
Typically, candidates for ordination were carefully chosen and underwent
extended periods of ritual and scriptural training under the guidance of an
Ordination Master (dushi 11t Bm) with the active support of their families and
sponsors from the community. At the time of ordination they would present
themselves before three masters-the Ordination Master, the Registration
Master (jishi ~N f,rli) and the Scripture Master (jingshi ~Jli Bm), five to ten wit-
nesses, a group of officiating priests, and representatives of their families and
the community. In various formal rituals, they bid farewell to their fathers and
lords, to whom they bowed for the last time; surrendered themselves fully
to the Three Treasures of Dao, scriptures, and masters; delivered extensive
material pledges to benefit the Taoist community; and vowed to uphold the
precepts and faithfully carry out their religious responsibilities.
In return they were equipped with the insignia of their new status: re-
ligious names as well as formal titles, vestments (see under *guanfo), and
headdresses. They also received the scriptures and precepts relevant to their
new ranks (which they copied within three days of the ceremony, in order to
keep one copy with them at all times even to take them to the grave), as well
as empowering tokens such as contracts (to identify themselves among the
celestial officers), talismans and registers (to control the gods, gain protection,
and ensure the correct delivery of memorials; see *pu and *LU), ordinances