《太上正一阅箓仪》

Those who receive the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) fa-lu (the official rank and talisman-register credentials conferred by the Zhengyi school) ordinarily choose days such as Jiazi, Gengshen, their natal day, as well as the Three Origins, Three Assemblies, Five La, Eight Festivals, and the new- and dark-moon days to hold the ceremony. These days are regarded as times when Heaven proclaims vitality, when yang Qi (vital energy) shines brightly and flourishes while yin darkness recedes, making them suitable for renewal and the practice of goodness. Celestial deities descend, earthly deities go forth, water deities all arrive, and Taiyi (a Daoist deity) is likewise in his place. The various gods search out those with affinity, examine merits and faults, determine life and death, and inscribe the names in the Golden Palaces (the palaces of the heavenly realm).

Daoist priests and those receiving the registers should observe a pure fast that day and enter the jingshi (the quiet chamber in which Daoists conduct cultivation and rituals). At the Mao hour or You hour they burn incense and prepare offerings of wine and fruit, divided into twenty-four, sixteen, twelve, or eight portions, which must be kept clean and solemn. First they unroll the fa-lu and place it on the table; after changing into clean new clothes, bathing, washing the hands and rinsing the mouth, they enter the chamber to offer incense and concentrate on visualization, everything proceeding strictly according to the ritual without omission.

The ritual proceeds in sequence: first the Incantation for Entering the Chamber is recited; incense is then offered to the Dong table (the altar table enshrining the relevant sacred items), followed by incense offered to the principal table (the main offering table); next the Incense-Offering Incantation is recited, homage is paid to the masters with visualization performed according to the rite, the ritual drum is struck twenty-four times, and then the Furnace-Igniting Incantation is recited (the spell used to invite the deities to descend to the altar).

The Furnace-Igniting Incantation in the text begins by addressing “Taishang Xuanyuan Wuling Laojun,” then prays that he summon the Merit Officer Messengers (divine clerks who transmit documents and execute summons), the Left and Right Dragon and Tiger Lords, the Incense-Bearing Messengers, and the Three Qi True Deities (deities who govern the three primordial Qi), so that they may swiftly report the petition upward to Heaven.

The latter half of the original text repeats the preceding ritual steps, and at the phrase “Taishang Xuanyuan Wuling que ye” there appears to be a possible lacuna or textual error; the passage is therefore interpreted according to the meaning of the more complete Furnace-Igniting Incantation that follows later.

I, the disciple so-and-so, today burn incense in the quiet chamber (the place where Daoists cultivate in stillness and perform rituals). According to the assembly periods, the seventh day of the first lunar month is the Upper Assembly, the seventh day of the seventh month the Middle Assembly, and the fifth day of the tenth month the Lower Assembly. I respectfully follow the model transmitted by the Celestial Master (Tianshi) and inspect the Zhengyi Mengwei Baolu (precious Fulu (talismans and registers) of the Orthodox Unity covenant of authority transmitted by the Zhengyi school) that I wear upon my body. I earnestly request that the orthodox true Qi (vital energy) of the eight directions descend and flow into the body of so-and-so; may the matters I report swiftly ascend, reaching directly before the Most High Ultimate True Infinite Great Dao Jade Emperor Honored Sovereign. Perform three salutes.

Then each respectively states their ritual office and title.

The disciple so-and-so of the Tai Xuandu Zhengyi Pingqi lineage of the Celestial Master, of such-and-such parish and such-and-such Qi, Red Heaven Three-Five Pacing the Guideline Original Destiny Perfected One, respectfully reports upward.

To the Most High Lord of the Dao, Most High Lord Lao, and Most High Elder of the Unsurpassed Three Heavens Infinite Great Dao of Mysterious Origin of Great Clarity, together with the Heavenly Emperor Lord and Heavenly Emperor Elder: The disciple so-and-so of the Tai Xuandu Zhengyi Pingqi lineage of the Celestial Master, of such-and-such parish and such-and-such Qi, Red Heaven Three-Five Pacing the Guideline Original Destiny Perfected One, respectfully reports upward.

To the Most High Lord of the Dao, Most High Lord Lao, and Most High Elder of the Unsurpassed Three Heavens Infinite Great Dao of Mysterious Origin of Great Clarity, the Heavenly Emperor Lord and Heavenly Emperor Elder, the Nine Elder Immortal Capital Lords and Nine Qi Elders, as well as the innumerable layers of Dao Qi, the twelve hundred official lords, and the Jade Throne of Great Clarity:

My endowment is ordinary and dull, yet I have had the fortune to receive the mysterious teaching. The Great Dao (the Way) has bestowed its laws and measures, allowing the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Way to flourish. I have received the gracious bestowal of my master and been transmitted the secret registers, the Yan Sheng Fei Hua San Wu Pin Wen and other Fulu. Internally they rectify body and mind, causing Shen (spirit) and Qi to be harmonious and peaceful; externally they resist disasters, avert inauspiciousness, and subdue evil Qi.

I humbly request the upper immortals and upper numina, the generals, officers, merit officials, and various functionaries within the Kui Cheng Bao Jue registers, each to fulfill their duties, preserving body and life, harmonizing the six viscera, and purifying the hundred passes, so that demonic and evil things cannot invade or harm and disasters cannot disturb; that the Three Corpses (spirits that Daoism holds reside in the human body, causing people to commit evil and diminishing lifespan) fall away and are eliminated, and the Nine Worms (harmful insects within the body according to Daoist cultivation concepts) perish; that the Nine Ancestors and Seven Mysteries (generally referring to successive generations of ancestors) may be born into heaven and realize the Dao; to open and save all beings, widely relieve both celestial beings and worldly people, assist the nation and accord with the times, establish meritorious deeds and benefit all things.

On every principal assembly day I state my merits and request promotion in rank, and I swear to abide by and cultivate for a long time, never failing the Fulu and the trust received. I respectfully pray:

May the Great Sages of the Three Heavens and the various Most High honored deities inspect my prayer, open and save all beings, widely relieve celestial beings and worldly people, assist the nation and accord with the times, establish meritorious deeds and benefit all things. On every principal assembly day I state merits and request promotion, swearing to follow and cultivate forever, never failing the received Fulu and trust. I respectfully pray.

Three Heavens Great Sage and the Most High Assembly of Honored Ones, I ask that you examine my sincere heart and constantly extend your grace and pardon. I, so-and-so, in fear and trepidation, kowtow and bow twice, and hereby respectfully report.

I then summon the officials and generals.

I hereby summon forth from within my body the Superior Immortals and Superior Spirits: the Northern One Most High Great General, the Most High Ten Generals, and the Superior Immortal One Hundred Fifty Generals, together with the Direct Envoy Merit Officers, the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Merit Officers, and the Healing Merit Officers, fifteen of each. I ask that they come forth to heed my commands and carry out their duties, to lead the soldiers, to patrol east, west, south, and north, to regulate the various forms of Qi (vital energy), and to eliminate the hundred illnesses.

I summon forth the Superior Immortal and Superior Spirit Left and Right Official Envoys, asking that they command the soldiers, patrol in all four directions, and drive away the Three Disasters and Nine Calamities—all manner of disasters and misfortunes—as well as the calamities arising from the Five Punishments and Six Harms. I summon forth the Chief Master Officials and Soldiers who command the clerks, troops, and generals, asking that they govern left and right so that the order of front and rear does not fall into confusion.

I summon forth the Superior Immortal and Superior Spirit Yin-Yang Divine Judgment Officials, fifteen of each, asking that they harmonize Yin-Yang for me, determine the registers of life (the ledgers that record the span of years), stabilize the Shen (spirit), and nourish the heart-nature, so that I may come into accord with the Way of the True Immortals.

I summon forth the Superior Immortal and Superior Spirit Yin-Yang Healing Merit Officers and the Yin-Yang Healing Heavenly Physician Officials, fifteen of each, asking that they regulate Yin-Yang for me, examine the five viscera, apply the wondrous medicines of the immortals, and dispel illness and disaster. I further summon forth the Superior Immortal and Superior Spirit Two Offices Healing Merit Officers and the Yin-Yang Healing Heavenly Physician Officials, fifteen of each, to perform the same offices: regulating Yin-Yang, examining the five viscera, applying immortal medicines, and dispelling illness and disaster.

I summon forth the Superior Immortal and Superior Spirit Two Offices One Hundred Fifty Generals to command the officials, generals, clerks, troops, and soldiers, encircling my body in three layers without leaving any gap.

I summon forth the Superior Immortal and Superior Spirit Court Officials, the Tiger-Brave Inspectors of Treachery and Hooked Cavalry, and the Three Offices Deputy Officials, one thousand two hundred of each, asking that they garrison my dwelling and guard me on left and right; whether east, west, south, or north, they accompany and protect. Standing one hundred paces from me, they array themselves facing outward on the periphery, campaigning against fierce and rebellious things, capturing the treacherous and evil and utterly destroying them, allowing none to escape, and constantly protecting my body.

I summon forth the Superior Immortal and Superior Spirit Heavenly Cavalry Armored Soldiers, one thousand two hundred of each, and the Heavenly Ding Strongmen, one hundred twenty of each, asking that they accompany me in patrolling all four directions; whenever summoned, they respond at once and arrive.

I summon forth the Superior Immortal and Superior Spirit Officials who Gather Qi and Consume Qi, Officials who Gather Shen and Consume Shen, Officials who Gather Ghosts and Consume Ghosts, Officials who Gather Evil and Consume Evil, and Officials who Gather Poison and Consume Poison, sixty of each, asking that they gather and devour for me the poisonous epidemic ghost-Qi of the world, the sprites and evil deities, cold-damage and malaria, poisonous lingering plague-evil, and the fierce harms brought by insects and beasts, so that all these malevolent influences completely disperse.

I summon forth the Superior Immortal and Superior Spirit Ordinance-Cart Red Fulu (talismans and registers) Officials and the Hard-Wind Relay-Horse Memorial-Presenting Officials, ten of each, asking that they capture for me the treacherous evil ghost-thieves and deviant Qi, and deliver the memorials and petitions so that they swiftly reach the realms above.

Next, following their ranks in order, the officials and troops listed in each register are proclaimed.

Cautiously proclaim the Taishang Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) One-General Register. The merit officers, generals, envoys, clerks and soldiers, jade maidens, and others listed in the register, please come to help me protect the nation, practice the Dao (the Way), educate and transform the people, eradicate the vicious and evil, and cause the Great Dao to flourish widely.

Cautiously proclaim the Taiyi General Register. The merit officers, generals, envoys, clerks and soldiers, jade maidens, and others listed in the register, please come to help me protect the nation, practice the Dao, educate and transform the people, eradicate the vicious and evil, and cause the Great Dao to flourish widely.

Cautiously proclaim the Taishang Zhengyi Ten-Generals Register. The generals, talisman clerks, merit officers, official generals, and others listed in the register, please come to help me cut down evil, reward good actions, and make every wish come true as desired.

Cautiously proclaim the Taishang Zhengyi One Hundred Fifty-Generals Register. The Left Superior Immortal, Right Superior Spirit, merit officers, generals, mounted clerks, envoys, armored soldiers, and others listed in the register, please come to help me drive out improper people and ghosts from the four directions, so that calamities dissipate forever.

Cautiously proclaim the Taishang Zhengyi Three-Generals Register. The generals, merit officers, youths, jade maidens, and others listed in the register, please come to help me cultivate life, nourish the primordial Qi (vital energy), increase longevity and good fortune, and bring peace to every place I visit.

Cautiously proclaim the Taishang Zhengyi Right Superior Spirit Register for Summoning a Hundred Ghosts. The merit officers, body-protecting generals, jade youths, jade maidens, and others listed in the register, please come to help me subdue and eliminate the chimei wangliang (legendary mountain-and-forest spirits and all manner of ghosts and demons) that disturb my body and every place under heaven, so that they no longer harm people.

Cautiously proclaim the Taishang Zhengyi Hundun Primordial Mandate Red Register. The jade youths and jade maidens who dispel filth for the Three Heavens, the Dragon Kings of the Five Directions, clerks and soldiers, and others listed in the register, please come to help me eliminate the spectral hauntings that live on blood sacrifices, wander about, and harm people, sweeping them all away without exception.

Cautiously proclaim the Taishang Zhengyi Superior Immortal Register for Summoning a Hundred Ghosts. The Perfected Ones of the various bureaus, the merit officers of the spirits on duty that day, the Six Jia divine generals, and others listed in the register, please come to help me annihilate the three disasters and nine calamities (a general term for all kinds of disasters and misfortunes) that I encounter, so that no harm of any kind can draw near.

Cautiously proclaim the Taishang Zhengyi Nine Provinces Earth-God Command Register. The great generals of the various bureaus, merit officers, jade youths, jade maidens, duty-talisman envoys, and others listed in the register, please come to help me subdue evil spirits throughout the Nine Provinces, the Twelve Kingdoms, and their subordinate territories, mobilize divine power, and bestow primordial Qi. Wherever I travel, please accompany and guard me, welcome and protect me, so that I may finally ascend to the rank of immortality.

I respectfully invoke the Taishang Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Xinggang Wudou Lu, the Register of the Stellar Network and Five Dippers, a Fulu (talismans and registers) of the Zhengyi school associated with the stars and dippers. The Three Masters of the Taixuan, Xixuan, and Huxuan Forbidden Contracts listed in this register, together with the generals, officers, and spirit soldiers, shall deploy for me the nets of law and the prohibitions, blocking the fierce and wicked, and subduing all sprites, goblins, and evil spirits.

I respectfully invoke the Taishang Zhengyi Hetu Baoming Lu, the River Chart Life-Protecting Register, a Fulu used to protect the body and preserve life. The Three Masters of the Taixuan, Xixuan, and Huxuan Forbidden Contracts listed in this register, together with the generals, officers, and spirit soldiers, shall deploy for me the nets of law and the prohibitions, blocking the fierce and wicked, and subduing all sprites, goblins, and evil spirits.

I respectfully invoke the Taishang Zhengyi Hetu Baoming Lu. The Perfected Ones, Merit Officers, generals, and envoys listed in this register, along with the jade youths, jade maidens, and other spirits, shall protect my body and preserve my life; whenever I summon them, they shall all respond to the summons and manifest their efficacy.

I respectfully invoke the Taishang Zhengyi Jie Liuhai Shen Fulu, the Spirit Talisman Register for Dispelling the Six Harms, a Fulu used to relieve six kinds of disaster. Lord Taiyi, the Lord of the Sovereign Heavenly Thearch, the Most High Primordial Lord, and the Spirits Who Dispel the Six Harms listed in this register, together with the Merit Officers and generals who eliminate punishments and harms and other spirits, shall expel demons and wickedness for me and remove calamities; hundreds of kinds of sprites and goblins and thousands upon thousands of ghosts and specters shall all be captured and subdued together.

I respectfully invoke the Taishang Zhengyi Jiufeng Pohui Lu, the Nine Phoenixes Defilement-Breaking Register, a Fulu used to drive out filth and evil spirits. The Heavenly Spirit Red Official and the Evil-Beheading Merit Officers listed in this register, together with the generals of Slaying Evil, Seizing Evil, Breaking Evil, Campaigning Against Evil, Striking Evil, Intercepting Evil, Advancing Against Evil, Extinguishing Evil, and Capturing the Extraordinary, as well as the envoys, jade youths, and jade maidens, shall purge for me the evil deities not listed in the divine registers, so that they are all annihilated.

I respectfully invoke the Taishang Zhengyi Duzhang Biyin Lu, the Capital Chapter Completed Seal Register. The Heavenly Spirit Officials, Merit Officers, and generals listed in this register, together with the generals of Slaying Evil, Seizing Evil, Breaking Evil, Campaigning Against Evil, Striking Evil, Intercepting Evil, Advancing Against Evil, Extinguishing Evil, and Capturing the Extraordinary, as well as the envoys, jade youths, and jade maidens, shall purge for me the evil deities not listed in the divine registers, so that they are all annihilated.

I respectfully invoke the Taishang Zhengyi Duzhang Biyin Lu. The Heavenly Spirit Officials, Merit Officers, generals, immortals, Daoist masters, jade maidens, envoys, and other spirits listed in this register shall behead and extinguish for me all manner of evil spirits and calamities, so that they no longer harm people.

I respectfully invoke the Taishang Zhengyi Huagai Da Lu, the Great Floral Canopy Register, a Fulu of the kind that affords the protection of the floral canopy. The Merit Officers of the various departments, generals, officers and soldiers, jade youths, jade maidens, soldiers of the Five Clouds, and other spirits listed in this register shall slay for me the fierce, wicked, and rebellious, and eliminate matters of treachery, evil, and falsehood.

I respectfully invoke the Taishang Zhengyi Jiutian Bingfu Lu, the Nine Heavens Military Talisman Register, a Fulu for dispatching heavenly troops to stand guard. The Merit Officers, generals, officers and soldiers, envoys, armored soldiers, and other spirits listed in this register shall guard my dwelling and strengthen my defenses; they shall arrive immediately upon being summoned.

With careful reverence I invoke and issue the Taishang Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Jiugong Han'e Lu (the Fulu (talismans and registers) used to avert disasters and calamities). To the Gongcao, Superior Immortals, Superior Numina, Generals, and Envoys listed in this Fulu, together with the Heavenly Grooms, Armored Troops, and other spirit generals: I ask that you protect and assist the nation on my behalf and rescue the common people. In every matter for which you are summoned, you must come in answer to the command.

With careful reverence I invoke and issue the Taishang Zhengyi Bagua (Eight Trigrams) Hushen Lu (the Fulu used for bodily protection). To the Ghost-Summoning Generals of the Five Directions, the Left and Right Pushe, the clerks and soldiers, and others listed in this Fulu: I ask that you protect and assist the nation on my behalf and rescue the common people. In every matter for which you are summoned, you must come in answer to the command.

With careful reverence I invoke and issue the Taishang Zhengyi Bagua Hushen Lu. To the Ghost-Summoning Generals of the Five Directions, the Left and Right Pushe, and the clerks and soldiers listed in this Fulu: I ask that you deploy forces on my behalf. Station one soldier within every chi of space, and establish one encampment within every li. Wielding swords and halberds, cut down and sever evil influences and goblin-spirits.

With careful reverence I invoke and issue the Taishang Zhengyi Sanwu Kaozhao Lu (the Fulu used for investigating-summoning and commanding spirit generals). To the Three Origins Generals, the Five Dippers Gongcao, the Five Stars Gongcao, the Youth Envoys, and others listed in this Fulu: I ask that you stir the stars into motion on my behalf and dispatch the Dipper lodges, bind and restrain the baleful spirits and wicked beings attached to human bodies, so that they are all brought under subjugation.

With careful reverence I invoke and issue the Taishang Zhengyi Longhu Zhanxie Lu (the Fulu used for cutting down evil influences). To the Gongcao, Generals, Envoys, Jade Youths, Jade Maidens, and others listed in this Fulu: I ask that you resist and drive out essence-evils on my behalf. After I hold them in visualization and recite, may the divine might manifest its response at once.

With careful reverence I invoke and issue the Taishang Zhengyi Bixie Miao Lu (the wondrous Fulu used to ward off evil influences). To the Mysterious Elder Generals, the Five Covers Generals, the Taishang Generals, Gongcao, Envoys, and others listed in this Fulu: I ask that you suppress on my behalf those heavenly gods and earthly spirits (the deities of heaven and earth) that harm the ten thousand things, as well as the wangliang (goblins of mountains, streams, trees, and rocks) and essence-specters, so that they never again harm people.

With careful reverence I invoke and issue the Taishang Zhengyi Sibu Jinqi Lu (the Fulu used to restrain evil Qi (vital energy)). To the Gongcao of the various divisions of the Red Officials, the Generals, clerks and soldiers, Jade Youths, Jade Maidens, and others listed in this Fulu: I ask that you pace the Guideline and tread the Dipper on my behalf, walk the directional positions of the stellar lodges, and visualize the spirits. May the rite take effect in accordance with what I seek in my heart, so that I do not fall ill.

With careful reverence I invoke and issue the Taishang Zhengyi Dazhan Hexie Lu (the Fulu used to cut down river-evils with great force). To the fifty generals listed in this Fulu, as well as Laojun’s tiger-warrior troops of the Hu, Yue, Di, Qiang, Cang and other tribes, and also the Generals Who Deploy Heaven and Unleash Earth, the Generals Who Shake Heaven and Move Earth, and others: I ask that you display your power and shake heaven and earth on my behalf. The spirits of the Five Colors and Five Covers must also act in accordance with what I seek in my heart, so that I do not fall ill.

Respectfully take out the Taishang Zhengyi Great River-Cutting Evil-Expelling Register (the name of the Fulu (talismans and registers) used by the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) school to drive out evil spirits). Within the register are fifty generals, together with Laojun’s tiger-brave warriors of the Hu, Yue, Di, Qiang, Cang and other ethnic groups; also generals capable of shaking heaven and earth, soldiers and horses of the five colors and five canopies, as well as the Supreme Mysterious Elder Generals, officers, soldiers and messengers, jade youths and jade maidens, and others. Request that they brandish spears and turn the blade-wheels on my behalf, search out and drive away goblins and evil spirits, guard the dwelling, and render everything peaceful and secure.

Respectfully take out the Taishang Zhengyi Three-Five Gongcao Register (the name of the Fulu for enshrining the Gongcao spirit-generals). Within the register are soldiers and horses capable of concealing the bodily form, hiding traces, and sequestering oneself, and the like. Request that they guard the Three Palaces within on my behalf (three important sites inside the body) and govern the Three Realms without (the celestial realm, the earthly realm, and the human world). All celestial deities, earthly spirits (deities of the earth), and evil demons that destroy the orthodox Dao, please sweep them away together; as soon as the invocation is recited in the heart, it takes effect at once.

Respectfully take out the Taishang Zhengyi Life-Preserving Longevity Register (the name of the Fulu for praying to preserve life and extend years). Within the register are the Kui Gang (divine offices associated with the Northern Dipper stars), Gongcao of the left and right divisions, generals, officers, soldiers and messengers, and others. Request that they regulate the five viscera within on my behalf and drive back all manner of evil spirits without, so that the Three Corpses (spirits said in Daoism to dwell in the human body and obstruct cultivation) are extinguished and the passes and orifices throughout the body are unobstructed. When meritorious virtue is accomplished and cultivation is complete, one may ascend to heaven in broad daylight and receive the mysterious grace from on high.

Next, dispatch the generals and soldiers of each division.

Respectfully take out the Taishang Zhengyi Mysterious Elder Five Marquis Great Generals of the various divisions, who command five hundred thousand soldiers and horses. May “Wushang Xuanliu Dachang” (original wording whose precise meaning is unclear) be realized; after meritorious virtue is accomplished and cultivation is complete, ascend to heaven in broad daylight and receive the mysterious grace from on high.

Next, dispatch the generals and soldiers of each division.

We respectfully summon the Mysterious Elders, the Five Marquises, and the Great Generals of all departments of the Most High Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity), five hundred thousand in all, to come forth. We respectfully summon the Unsurpassed Mysterious-Remaining Great General, the All-Encompassing Heaven Great General, the Heaven-Covering Great General, the Heaven-Establishing Great General, the Central Yue Great General, the Central Martial Great General, the Central Imperial Great General, and the Central Pavilion Great General, each to lead one hundred thousand troops forth.

We respectfully summon the Most High Five-Covers Great General, the Heavenly Camp Great General, the Nine-Kinds Great General, the Heaven-Piercing Great General, the Nine-Passes Great General, the Northern Watchtower Great General, the Nine-Pearls Great General, the Nine-Paths Great General, the Heaven-Rectifying Great General, the Heaven-Pacifying Great General, the Gate-Crossing Great General, and the Central High Sovereign Spirit-Commanding Great General, together with the Azure-Collared, Vermilion-Collared, Yellow-Collared, White-Collared, and Black-Collared Great Generals, each to lead one hundred thousand troops forth. Let every commander bring the forces under his charge and, according to their proper directions, take station before, behind, and to the left and right of this servant, to sweep away the malevolent and the wicked and to still all evil affairs.

We respectfully summon the Unsurpassed Five Kinds of Troops, five hundred and fifty thousand in all; the Commandant Troops of the Five Camps of the Central Palace, one hundred thousand; the City-Gate Commandant Troops, four hundred thousand; the Central Great Army, four million; the Central Wilderness Great Army of the Nine-Rectifier Elders, one million; the Most High City-Gate Great Army, four hundred thousand; and the Heavenly Warrior Great Army, four hundred thousand, to come forth.

We respectfully summon the Former Emperor’s Eastern Camp Great Army of four hundred thousand, the Heaven-Supervising Great Army of four hundred thousand, the Heaven-Dispatching Great Army of four hundred thousand, the Northern Five-Qin Troops of four hundred thousand, and the Five-Covers Great Armies of four hundred thousand each, to come forth. We respectfully summon the Annihilating Troops of the Left and Right Generals, twenty each, and the Rampaging Troops of the Left and Right Generals, sixty each, to come forth.

We respectfully summon the Reverse-Armor Inverse-Scale Troops of the Eastern Hu Elder Lord, nine hundred thousand; the Fire-Camp Cavalry Officers and Fire-Torch Troops of the Southern Yue Elder Lord, one hundred thousand; the Refined-Staff Golden-Essence Troops of the Western Di Elder Lord, six hundred thousand; the Bianque Wuhuan Troops of the Northern Qiang Elder Lord, five hundred thousand; and the two hundred fifty thousand official-lords together with one million two hundred thousand soldiers of the Central Three-Qin Cang Elder Lord, to come forth. We respectfully summon six hundred thousand from the East, together with the Bianque Wuhuan Troops of the Northern Qiang Elder Lord, five hundred thousand, and the two hundred fifty thousand official-lords together with one million two hundred thousand soldiers of the Central Three-Qin Cang Elder Lord, to come forth.

We respectfully summon the Eastern Azure-Beginning Jia-Yi Lord, the Southern Vermilion-Beginning Bing-Ding Lord, the Western White-Beginning Geng-Xin Lord, the Northern Black-Beginning Ren-Gui Lord, and the Central Yellow-Beginning Wu-Ji Heavenly-Pillar Director-of-Destinies Lord, each to lead one thousand two hundred chariot and cavalry troops forth. We respectfully summon the King among the Hundred Ghosts of the Myriad-Zhang High Heaven, leading twelve thousand, together with six hundred thousand soldiers, to come forth.

We respectfully summon the High-Merit Marshal Central Cavalry Great General, the Gentleman-Officials, Tiger Braves, and Treachery-Inspecting Hooked Cavalry, and the Deputies of the Three Officials, each to lead one thousand two hundred forth. We further respectfully summon the Heavenly Zou Armored Infantry, the Heavenly Warrior Strongmen, and the clerks who seize and devour Qi (vital energy), the clerks who seize and devour Shen (spirit), the clerks who seize and devour evil, the clerks who seize and devour ghosts, the clerks who seize and devour Jing (essence), the clerks who seize and devour poison, and the clerks who slay by Fulu (talismans and registers) and demolish temples, twelve thousand of each, to come forth.

We respectfully summon all divisions of soldiers who attend and guard this servant before and behind, to ready the weapons and insignia that display the majesty of Heaven, to campaign against the fierce, the wicked, and the rebellious, to eradicate sprites, specters, and evil influences, and to protect this servant’s body and mind. When called, they come at once.

Here “Qi” (炁) is the Daoist designation for vital energy. The passage as a whole is an invocatory text used in ritual, summoning divine generals and their hosts by direction, title, and office to come forth for protection and the expulsion of evil.

With reverence I summon forth the Direct Envoy Merit Officers, fifteen of each, commanded by the Red Register of the Primordial Destiny Chaos Perfected Ones of the Three-Five Front, Rear, and Central sections of the Upper Three Heavens that I wear (the red-colored Fulu related to heavenly offices and the registers of life). I ask them to come forth and act on my behalf, to take their stations in the east, west, south, and north, to establish the Zhengqi (correct Qi), to heal all kinds of illnesses, and to increase lifespan and extend years. The Left and Right Official Envoys, together with the Direct Envoy Merit Officers commanded by the Red Register of the Primordial Destiny Chaos Perfected Ones of the Front, Rear, and Central sections, fifteen of each, I likewise invite to come forth, to communicate for me with the netherworld (the yin realm and dark regions), to jointly set affairs in order, and not allow Yin-Yang to lose their proper sequence. The Yin-Yang Spirit Judgment Officials, fifteen of each, I invite to come forth to harmonize Yin-Yang for me, to adjudicate the registers of life (the name-lists recording birth, death, and allotted lifespan), and to cause the Qi of vitality to flow and spread. The Two Officials of Yin-Yang and the Heavenly Physician Officials who treat illness, fifteen of each, I invite to come forth to attune needles and medicines for me and to cure all manner of diseases.

With reverence I summon forth the Merit Officer Envoys who capture evil and expel the false, fifteen of each, asking them to subdue malevolent spirits and exclude falsehoods for me; the Officials of Destiny, fifteen, to come forth to extinguish evil deeds and execute the fierce and wicked; the Officials of Records, fifteen, to come forth to increase my years of life; the Officials of Peril, fifteen, to come forth to confer official rank and augment emoluments; the Officials of Campaign, fifteen, to come forth to govern affairs so that they do not become disordered. Again I invite the Officials of Campaign, fifteen, to come forth to capture evil and expel the false, to destroy evil and execute the fierce; the Officials of Destiny, fifteen, to come forth to increase lifespan and add to the count of years; the Officials of Records, fifteen, to come forth to confer noble rank and increase emoluments; the Officials of Peril, fifteen, to come forth to set affairs in proper order so they do not fall into chaos; the Officials of Rectitude, fifteen, to come forth to slay demons and monsters; the Officials of Treachery, fifteen, to come forth to remove grievances and cut away excesses; the Officials of Inspection, fifteen, to come forth to halt the intrusion of wickedness; the Supervisory Officials, fifteen, to come forth to distinguish right from wrong and to uphold what is proper. Finally, I invite the fifteen Lords of Destiny of the Nine Paths of Central Yellow of the Wenchang Central Palace of the Upper Three Heavens to come forth to subdue the rebellious and restore order, to remove the registers of death and correct the names of the living, to firmly guard the Dantian (energy center, the place within the body where Jing and Qi gather according to Daoist teaching), to eliminate calamities, and to avert illness.

Here the word “chu” (“to come forth”) is a ritual formula of invocation, meaning to invite the spirit officials belonging to the Fulu to appear and carry out their assigned tasks.

With reverence we invite forth the Dou Gang Grand General of the Red Heaven Three-Five Chaos Generating the Body and Concealing the Spirit lineage, together with nine left generals and nine right generals; we invite forth the Dou Kui Grand General, together with nine left generals and nine right generals; we invite forth the Dou □ Grand General, together with nine left generals and nine right generals. We invite forth the Nine Department Generals to jointly preside over the left kidney of the minister (the ritual performer). Dou Gang stabilizes life, Dou Kui generates the liver’s Qi (vital energy), and Dou □ generates the hun and po; they must not be disobeyed.

With reverence we invite forth the Dou □ Grand General of the Red Heaven Three-Five Chaos Generating the Form and Concealing the Shadow lineage, together with nine left generals and nine right generals; we invite forth the Dou □ Grand General, together with nine left generals and nine right generals; we invite forth the Dou Bi Grand General, together with nine left generals and nine right generals; we invite forth the Dou □ Grand General, together with nine left generals and nine right generals; and once more we invite forth the Dou Bi Grand General, together with nine left generals and nine right generals. We invite forth the Nine Department Generals to jointly preside over the right kidney of the minister. Dou □ causes the physical form to be generated, Dou □ generates the lungs’ Qi, and Dou Bi generates the po; they must not be disobeyed.

With reverence we invite forth the Dou □ Grand General of the Red Heaven Three-Five Chaos Generating the Torso and Concealing the Body lineage, together with nine left generals and nine right generals; we invite forth the Dou Piao Grand General, together with nine left generals and nine right generals; we invite forth the Dou Ji Grand General, together with nine left generals and nine right generals. We invite forth the Nine Department Generals to jointly preside over the heart of the minister. Dou □ causes the person to be generated, Dou Piao generates the sinews and vessels, and Dou Ji generates Shen (spirit) and Qi; they must not be disobeyed.

With reverence we invite forth the Dou Ji Grand General of the Red Heaven Three-Five Assisting the Body lineage, together with nine left generals and nine right generals; we invite forth the Dou Fa Grand General, together with nine left generals and nine right generals; we invite forth the Dou Sha Grand General, together with nine left generals and nine right generals. We invite forth the Nine Department Generals to jointly preside over the liver of the minister. Dou Ji stabilizes the hun, Dou Fa tranquilizes the po, and Dou Sha stabilizes the immortal hun; they must not be disordered.

Here “minister” refers to the Daoist priest or the one performing the ritual; “invite forth” is the liturgical expression used to summon the spirit generals to appear and carry out their appointed tasks. The “□” marks indicate characters missing from the original text, so that the precise star names or titles of the spirit generals cannot be determined.

Cautiously summon the various generals of “Red Heaven Three-Five Xuanji Repelling Enemies”: nine Great Generals, nine Left Generals, and nine Right Generals; summon the various generals of “Dipper-Balance Breaking Enemies”: nine Great Generals, nine Left Generals, and nine Right Generals; summon the various generals of “Collecting and Striking”: nine Great Generals, nine Left Generals, and nine Right Generals; and also summon the Nine Division Generals, to garrison separately within this minister’s lungs. The “Repelling Enemies” generals stabilize the hun and po souls, the “Breaking Enemies” generals quiet the hun soul, and the “Collecting and Striking” generals gather and restrain the immortal po. The above generals may not be substituted by anyone else.

Cautiously summon the various generals of “Red Heaven Three-Five Central Yellow Director of Destiny”: nine Great Generals, nine Left Generals, and nine Right Generals; summon the various generals of “Determining Longevity” and the various generals of “Determining Immortality,” likewise nine Great Generals, nine Left Generals, and nine Right Generals each; and also summon the Nine Division Generals, to garrison together within this minister’s spleen. The “Director of Destiny” generals stabilize the heart-spirit, the “Determining Longevity” generals quiet the Shen (spirit), and the “Determining Immortality” generals stabilize the hundred spirits. These generals must not be offended.

Cautiously summon the high-ranking spirit officials of the Central Palace of the Upper Immortal Capital’s Supreme Divine Upper Spirit Officials (the senior divine spirit official subordinates belonging to the Upper Immortal Capital’s Central Palace), together with the Fierce-Seizing Lang Officials, the Tiger-Brave Warriors, the Enemy-Breaking and Traitor-Inspecting Officers, the Hook-Cavalry Puye Warriors, and the Evil-Slaying Three Officers Capital Official Puye Warriors, two hundred forty of each. They are commanded to guard the dwelling on behalf of this minister, to arrest the fierce and rebellious, to campaign against and seize the treacherous and evil, causing them all to be annihilated together without omission.

Cautiously summon the Intercepting Capital Official Puye of the Central Palace of the Upper Immortal Capital’s Supreme Divine Upper Spirit Officials, two hundred forty of each, and dispatch them to the south, north, east, and west of this minister to be at his disposal and await his commands; as soon as this minister calls them, they arrive immediately.

Cautiously summon the various clerks of the Central Palace of the Upper Immortal Capital’s Supreme Divine Upper Spirit Officials: the Kui-Riding Qi-Collecting and Qi-Devouring Clerks, the Dou-Riding Shen-Collecting and Shen-Devouring Clerks, the Star-Riding Ghost-Collecting and Ghost-Devouring Clerks, the Xuanji-Riding Jing-Collecting and Jing-Devouring Clerks, and the Yuheng-Riding Evil-Collecting and Evil-Devouring Clerks, one hundred of each, to be at this minister’s disposal; as soon as this minister calls them, they arrive immediately.

Cautiously summon the aforementioned various clerks, one hundred twenty of each, commanded to collect and devour on behalf of this minister the Qi (vital energy) of the fierce and vicious zhu-ghosts throughout the world, as well as the evil Jing (essence) monsters and the demonic spirits.

I respectfully request the Red Talisman Officials who ride the Three-Five Ritual Chariots of the Sun, together with the Ghost-Capturing Envoys who ride the Ritual Chariots of the Moon, all under the command of the Central Palace of the Supreme Divine Spirit Officials of the Most High (a spirit official bureau within the Daoist divine administrative system), each numbering one million two hundred thousand, to mobilize on my behalf in order to slay the ferocious and rebellious, to search out and seize spirits, monsters and evil influences, and to send forth the Red Talismans to pursue, bind and utterly annihilate them.

I respectfully request the Officials who ride the Fierce-Wind post-horses to submit memorials, together with the Three-Five Officials who erase the Registers of Death and establish the Names of Life, all under the command of the Central Palace of the Supreme Divine Spirit Officials of the Most High, each numbering one hundred thousand, to mobilize on my behalf in order to present memorials and petitions that swiftly reach the Heavenly Court, requesting the erasure of the death registers and the inscription of the life-name upon the Jade Calendar (the heavenly ledger that records lifespans and name registers).

I respectfully request the Officials of the Central Yellow Nine Paths who stabilize the will, stabilize the intention, stabilize the gallbladder, stabilize wisdom, stabilize intelligence and stabilize courage, together with the warriors, all under the command of the Central Palace of the Supreme Divine Spirit Officials of the Most High of the Upper Immortal Capital, each numbering one hundred twenty thousand, to mobilize in order to open and enlighten my heart-spirit so that I may thoroughly penetrate the mysterious, subtle and profound principles.

I respectfully request the Officials of the Six Yin and Six Yang who Accomplish the Body, under the command of the Central Palace of the Supreme Divine Spirit Officials of the Most High, each numbering one hundred twenty thousand, to mobilize on my behalf in order to harmonize Yin-Yang, extend years and protect life, so that the bodily form may be perfected and united with the Dao (the Way) and may communicate with the spirits and connect with the True.

I respectfully request the Eight-Spirit Vajra Warriors, the High-Chariot Direct-Affairs Envoys, the Red-Chariot Direct-Talisman Envoys, the Ritual-Chariot Inspection-and-Capture Envoys and the Ritual-Chariot Combat Warriors, all under the command of the Central Palace of the Supreme Divine Spirit Officials of the Most High, each numbering seven thousand two hundred, to mobilize on my behalf in order to campaign against the ferocious and rebellious, to behead and eliminate evil hauntings, spirits and monsters, to alleviate misfortunes and avert calamities, and to expel ghosts, demons and evil thieves.

Respectfully I invite the Tianling Chiguan Zhishi Gongcao (celestial officials responsible for conveying commands in the heavenly realm), the Sheshen Jishen Duhu Sheyu Dali, the Shexie Shizhe, as well as the officers charged with suppressing spirits, transmitting talismanic commands, slaying evil influences, and investigating wickedness, two of each, to come forth. I invite one hundred twenty each of immortals, Daoist priests, and jade maidens; the seven body-protecting deities together with fourteen generals and officers who must not leave the body; two each of the Gongcao who treat illness and the body-protecting generals; and one hundred twenty each of the Bingma Cao officers and female officers. I again invite the seven body-protecting deities, fourteen generals and officers who must not leave the body, two each of the illness-treating Gongcao and body-protecting generals, nine Bingma Cao officers, and two each of the Bianque officers and heavenly physician officers.

May all who have come act according to the majestic rites, annihilate evil spirits, eliminate falsehood, cause the dead to recede and vitality to arrive, assist my person, and bring the respiration into harmonious correspondence.

I, so-and-so, am merely a humble mortal of lowly origin, yet I have been fortunate, at this rare moment that comes but once in a thousand years, to receive from my revered teacher the precious Fulu (the ritual register transmitted in the Daoist conferral of registers). My teacher has instructed me to gather my mind-spirit and cultivate myself, enabling me to protect and preserve my person; this kindness is truly beyond repayment. The generals, Gongcao, envoys, true officials, lord-generals, jade youths, jade maidens, soldiers, and officer-troops belonging to the Fulu of the Supreme Immortals, Supreme Spirits, and so on that I wear and have received, I earnestly request that they all perform their duties according to their respective offices, convey the true revelations as commanded, proclaim the essential teachings of the Dao (the Way), establish meritorious deeds and assist the state, implement transformation and rescue the people, instruct the ignorant and deluded, and exhort people toward goodness.

If there should be malevolent Qi from officials of the lower realm, wicked and evil persons, slanderous disputes from government offices, or schemes of evildoers attempting to harm me, so-and-so, I request that the officers and envoys at my side report directly to the Heavenly Bureau (Tiancao, the celestial office that administers registers and affairs), reporting the facts without concealment. From the beginning of the year to its end, from the beginning of the month to its end, from the beginning of the day to its end, from the start of the hour to its close, cycling repeatedly, all must be carried out according to the law.

I request that the various deities protect my body, that I may be spared disaster and calamity, attain long life and enduring vision (prolonged existence and extended longevity), with mind and spirit at peace, and true Qi present wherever I go. Whether entering or exiting, coming or going, wherever I proceed, may hard metal and stone split open, and water and fire become aids. Wherever August Heaven covers, thick Earth bears, sun and moon shine, and mountains and rivers connect, may all manner of evil spirits be crushed and subdued, and the myriad deities respectfully follow; may all the body's passes and orifices be unobstructed and moistened, the five viscera generate fluids, and true Qi descend upon the body; may the physical form be refined and cultivated, the constitution transformed, until finally merit and virtue are complete and one ascends to heaven in broad daylight. At that time meritorious achievements shall be reported according to schedule, without failing the received tokens of the law.

I, so-and-so, entered the Dao rather late, my learning is shallow, and I am ignorant and unclear. In just now selecting and inspecting the generals, officer-troops, official generals, soldiers, and so forth, I fear it may not accord with the ritual or be improperly arranged. I earnestly request forgiveness for all my faults; if there is any point not yet grasped, please do not impose guilt or punishment. I, so-and-so, am truly fearful and apprehensive, and kowtow repeatedly in homage. The rite concluded, swallow Qi three times.

This passage describes the closing ritual performed after a Daoist priest has finished reviewing his register (yuelu), that is, examining and inspecting the Fulu (talismans and registers) he has received, which record the names and offices of the spirits.

In the first section, the priest knocks his teeth together three times (upper and lower teeth struck together three times, a practice for gathering the Shen, or spirit). He then kneels upright and silently recites: "My review of the register is complete. The Superior Immortals, Superior Spirits, Officers of Merit (gongcao), messengers (spirit officials who deliver documents), generals, and soldiers who were summoned forth are now invited to return into my body. Let them enter through the 'Gate of All Wonders' (a metaphor for the mysterious portal through which the spirits within the body come and go), each resuming its original order and position." Next he bows his head to the ground on the left side and performs one more obeisance. When the obeisance is finished, he swallows Qi three times (slowly swallowing the breath in order to nourish the Qi within the body).

In the second section, he again knocks his teeth three times, kneels upright, and silently recites: "My review of the register is complete. May all the spirits and officials who came forth now return into my body, those on the left to the left, those on the right to the right, and dwell in peace in the 'Golden Hall and Jade Chamber' (the pure place within the body where the spirits are lodged). Let the Officers of Merit command them, checking and restraining them, so that the many spirits are not thrown into disorder or confusion. Let them encircle and guard me, complete within and without, extending throughout the whole body, never contravening the laws of Heaven and Earth. When I need to summon you in the future, come again to assist me, in all things as before."

In the third section, he performs the "restoration of the censer" (fulu), which means formally petitioning the incense burner anew. The invocation says: "Incense Officials and Messengers, Lords of the Dragon and Tiger on the left and right, and all the spirit officials who tend the incense and flame: cause the place of my register review in this quiet chamber to bring forth, of its own accord, golden liquid, cinnabar jade, and numinous mushroom blossoms (all precious things symbolizing immortal treasures). Let the hundred spirits and the many Perfected gather before this censer, and let what I have submitted reach directly the presence of the Most High Jade Emperor, the Venerable Sovereign." Afterward he performs three obeisances.

In the fourth section, he chants the "Hymn of Studying Immortality" (a verse exhorting people to study immortality and cultivate the Dao), and then recites the "Spell for Leaving the Chamber" (a spell spoken on leaving the quiet chamber, used to protect the body and conclude the rite).