Section of state sacrifices
Any spirits not recorded in the state’s Sacrificial Register who cause disorderly spiritual retributions, deceive the people, and give unauthorized good or ill fortunes shall be exiled to a distance of three thousand li. Any who does injury to human life shall be annihilated. But for any spirits not recorded in the Sacrificial Register who are yet able to bring good fortune to the people, their accomplishments shall be investigated, and petitions shall be made for a grant of grace. (trans. adapted from Hymes, p. 37, fn. 39.)
Any spirits who boast of their merits, cause plagues among people with their unauthorized power, and refuse to retreat upon prayers shall be given three years’ penal servitude. Those who cause the loss of human lives shall be exiled to a distance of three thousand li. If the number of lost lives reaches ten, they shall be executed. Exceeding ten lives, they shall be annihilated.
Any spirit shrines in the local area, on land or on water, who show efficacy in the human world and are supposed to be included in the Sacrificial Register, should neither receive improper worship from the people nor receive some people’s prayers to harm other’s lives. Those who disobey shall be investigated and reported to the Three Offices for discussion of heavy punishment or demotion.
Any auspicious gods in the Sacrificial Register who do harm to the human world, their violations should be recorded in detail and reported in a memorial to obtain a judgment. (trans. adapted from Hymes, p. 37, fn. 40.)
Any meritorious ministers and worthies of previous dynasties who are worshipped in shrines but do harm to people shall be dismissed immediately. Those who refuse to leave shall be turned over to the Eastern Peak and their violations shall be reported to the court.
