《贯斗忠孝五雷武侯秘法》

Preface to the Secret Methods of Marquis Wu of the Five Thunders of Loyalty and Filial Piety Linked to the Dipper

Written by Wu Sheng (style name: Xuyang Baoguang zhenshi, True Gentleman). This book was compiled by Zhang Huiqi of the Yuan dynasty, in one juan, and is included in the Various Arts category of the Dongxuan (Cavern of Mystery) section of the Zhengtong Daozang; the Zhonghua Daozang also includes this book. In the title of the scripture (jing), “guandou” refers to Daoist methods related to the stars of the Northern Dipper; “wulei” (Five Thunders) is a technical term in Daoist thunder rites.

Once Heaven and Earth have each been assigned their fixed positions, how do the transformations of the Classic of Changes (Yijing) proceed? Between Heaven and Earth there is the Dao (the Way), and its principles run on even beyond Heaven and Earth. The Two Modes and the Four Images depend upon one another, and Yin-Yang are each other’s foundation. The Bagua (Eight Trigrams) and the Nine Chapters (the ancient numerical system used to reckon the transformations of Heaven and Earth) are interlaced in their arrangement, and the changes are subtle and wondrous. The stirrings of Qi (vital energy) differ among the myriad things, and the thunder rites (leifa) likewise each have their own approaches. The good and ill fortune of the twelve directions are shown in the pointing of the handle of the Northern Dipper; the Nine Palaces and the Six Positions govern life and slaying. Only a person who truly possesses the Dao can grasp the pivot of Heaven and Earth’s creative fashioning and see clearly into the conditions of ghosts and spirits. Therefore, in performing the rites, one must cast off deviant thoughts, concentrate the mind with single intent, make one’s resolve firm, and return to the Great Dao.

During the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan dynasty, Master Zhang Huizhai, a presented scholar of Jingmen, was thoroughly versed in the classics (jing) and lectured in his native place. Once, the master of the school-lodge, while fishing in the river, obtained a round stone, crystalline and lovely, and placed it deep within the hall. Sitting quietly at night, Master Zhang saw the stone emit a dazzling light. He then used his stipend to buy it and took it home. When the round stone was split open, inside was a square stone like iron, with writing carved on both faces. He carefully cleaned it and made out the lines of the inscription, took rubbings from the carved text, and printed several hundred copies. He then set them alight, and dense smoke rose in thick billows. Master Zhang was astonished and grew dizzy. Not long after he had lain down, he dreamed of a deity, martial and refined in bearing, clad in a feathered robe and wearing a silk headcloth, who suddenly appeared before him holding an iron ruyi and said: “Have you heard of Zhuge Kongming (Zhuge Liang) of the Han dynasty? The Celestial Emperor appointed me Great Deity of Heaven-Penetrating Slaughter and Fierce Thunder. This is the divine seal of Yin-Yang. Since you have obtained it, you ought to assist the Daoist teaching in spreading its methods. If you encounter mountain goblins, stone monsters, or perverse essences of wood and earth that force their way into people’s homes and bring harm upon the common folk, use the divine seal to issue a proclamation and dispatch the thunder troops of loyalty and filial piety. Following the Luoshu of the Divine Yu (the numerical order of the Nine Palaces traditionally associated with the Great Yu’s control of the waters), and according to the positions—one Kan, two Kun, three Zhen, four Xun, five the Center, six Qian, seven Dui, eight Gen, and nine Li—burn talismans and perform the rites in concert with the seasonal nodes, with Yin-Yang, and with the forward and reverse sequences. One may begin at the position of Kan and end at Li, or begin at Li and end at Kan. This is what is meant by thunder, wind, water, and fire attacking one another; in this way the essence-monsters can be made to vanish. I entrust this book of the method to you; you must treasure it.”

When Master Zhang awoke, he rose in joy, bowed in homage, and reverently received the book of the method. Thereafter he abandoned secular life, entered Mount Wudang to cultivate the Dao, and investigated the Tianxin Zhengfa (the Daoist system of ritual methods grounded in the Heart of Heaven), praying that the state be peaceful and the people well. His fame spread through both the court and the countryside. During the Dade era he was granted the title Yinzhen Xuanyang Zhenren (Perfected One of Hidden Perfection and Mysterious Yang). Later, at Nanyan, he sat upright and ascended. His disciples built a shrine for him and offered solemn sacrifice, and they petitioned the court, receiving a plaque inscribed “Shengzhen Guan” (Abbey of Ascending to Perfection).

Two years later, amid thunder and lightning, the divine seal flew away. Zhao Zhenren of Huoling Quanyang (Fire-Bell and Complete Yang) recarved the seal from jujube wood struck by lightning, so that this body of ritual arts spread from place to place. Later, the Yuyang Zhenren underwent feathered transformation at Mount Yusi; when the transmission passed on to Huang Zhenren of Guyang, the arts became still more illustrious. During the Tianli era, Zhenren Huang came to Yin Shanyang. In the xinmao year of Zhizheng, warfare broke out in the regions of Qizhou and Yingzhou, and he withdrew into seclusion in the Western Mountains of Hongdu. On the Shangyuan Festival of the jiyou year, he sat upright and passed away. In my youth I had the good fortune to receive his instruction.

I record these things so as not to let sink into obscurity his merit in benefiting the world without boasting of it, together with his good deeds of saving the people and benefiting the myriad things. Marquis Wu, Zhuge Liang, won fame through the Eightfold Array (the battle formation traditionally said to have been created by Zhuge Liang), and his achievements spanned the age when the realm was divided in three. He conducted himself fittingly toward his lord and toward the ministers, and his deeds shine in the historical records. He understood the principles of advance and withdrawal, of survival and perishing, and from beginning to end never lost the correct Dao. He also deeply comprehended the hidden meaning of the models and images set forth in the Classic of Changes. Even after a hundred generations, he was still, for his valor, ardor, and uprightness, commissioned by the Celestial Emperor, and his awe-inspiring name spread through the human world. By a solemn edict the Celestial Emperor set him to drive back demons and monsters. His divine majesty is clear, luminous, and resplendent, as though he still presided on high. Truly this inspires awe—how could one dare not to be reverent?

The principal deity of the method is the Yuanjun (Primordial Lady), the True Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens, Great Shuttle Who Regulates the Pattern.

The principal general is the Great Shen (spirit) of Violent Thunder who assists the Dao (the Way) of the Nine Heavens, exalts the method, is valorous and fierce, upright and correct, penetrates Heaven, and slays with lethal force; the Great General, Commander-in-Chief of the Armies; the Marquis of Nanyang, Loyal and Martial, Heroic and Fierce, Zhuge Kongming, whose personal name is Liang.

The deputy generals include the Deputy General of Yin Thunder, General of the Front Guan Yu; and the Deputy General of Yin Thunder, General of the Right, Great General and Commander-in-Chief of the Armies, Marquis of Nanyang, Loyal and Martial, Heroic and Fierce, Zhuge Kongming, whose personal name is Liang.

The deputy generals further include the Deputy General of Yin Thunder, General of the Front Guan Yu, General of the Right Zhang Fei, General of the Left Huang Zhong, Great General Campaigning in the West Ma Chao, and Tiger-Awe General Zhao Yun.

The cohort of generals includes the Thirty-six Great Thunder Generals of Tianpeng, the Seventy-two Great Generals of Yin Thunder, the Marshals of the Six Ding and the Six Jia, the Seventeen Shen-kings and the Five Tiger Fierce Generals, the thunder troops of the Nine Palaces, Eight Gates, and Eight Arrays, and the officers and generals of the Five Directions who rotate the jia stems and bear iron armor and iron seals; the Birth Qi (vital energy), Flourishing Qi, Killing Qi, and Death Qi of the Five Directions, together with the commanding generals of the Five Thunders of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth; the Year Dragon and the Shen-lords of the monthly generals; the Shen-lords of the Seventy-two Pentads and of the Twenty-four Qi; the Shen-generals and officials on duty over the year, month, day, and hour, charged with rooting out malign spirits and upholding the orthodox Dao; and the loyal and filial thunder troops of the crashing thunderbolts of the Eight Directions.

When these Shen-generals are summoned and pressed into service, the Three Purification Incantations should first be recited in the rite, and only then should one recite…

Heaven is clear and bright, and the earth is peaceful and at rest. The Six Ding and Six Jia (the guardian spirit-generals so called in Daoism) slay and annihilate demons and evil. Whoever dares to defy my methods of the Dao (the Way), the True Lord Tianpeng destroys his bodily form. A single stick of Daoist incense is burned, and the ten directions all grow solemn, still, and pure; the ritual drum is struck in three rounds, and the myriad spirits await their orders.

Incense is now burned to summon the messengers and talisman officers on duty, the divine officers of the Six Ding and Six Jia, the pure maidens who attend in stillness, and the local earth god on duty at the altar ground, that they may clear and purify the altar space for me. The incense of faith rises, and with sincere heart I submit a memorial to the Yuanjun who presides over the methods, the True Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens, Great Shuttle Who Orders the Patterns. I ask her swiftly to issue orders summoning the chief general, the Great God of Slaying and Fierce Thunder, Commander-in-Chief and Great General, together with the deputy generals of Yin (Yin) Thunder: Front General Guan Yu, Right General Zhang Fei, Left General Huang Zhong, Great General Who Campaigns in the West Ma Chao, and Tiger-Might General Zhao Yun. May all of you descend before the altar and await dispatch.

Transformation of the Spirit (the ritual master visualizes himself transforming into a spirit-general or a thunder god)

Great Thearch of the Celestial Sovereign, I ask you swiftly to cause me to transform. I become an envoy of thunder, commanding the thunder troops and employing the thunder officers, in accord above with the will of Heaven. Swiftly, swiftly, obey the command of the Celestial Sovereign Jiaye, the thunderbolt that seizes, flies, and transforms—the Celestial Sovereign.

White primordial Qi (vital energy) and the Qi of chaos pour into and fill my bodily form. I advance with the Yu Steps (a pacing method by which Daoist ritual masters tread the stars and pace the Dipper), ascending to Yangming. The heavens revolve and the earth wheels about; I tread across the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper, pacing the Gang and flying the Dipper, and rise to the nine ages. The wicked and rebellious are subdued, and demons and specters are overthrown; the myriad calamities cannot harm my long life. I attain long life and remain dwelling in the Court of Blessings; I reverse Heaven and Earth, causing the bodily forms of ghosts and monsters to perish. The myriad spirits assist me in slaying demons and evil. Swiftly, swiftly, obey the statutes and commands of the Great Thearch of the Celestial Sovereign.

Summoning, coordinated with the ritual performance: the left hand forms the Sha-script seal (a ritual hand gesture), and the right hand forms the sword mudra; visualize six golden stars above the crown of the head, covering and protecting the whole body, and visualize the Chen-Xu Dipper and the Xu-Chen Dipper. Recite the incantation:

The Jade Emperor moves and brings all into accord; through me, Heaven and Earth slay the demon-sprites. Swiftly, swiftly, obey the statutes and commands of the Great Thearch of the Celestial Sovereign.

Summoning, coordinated with the ritual performance: the left hand forms the Sha-script seal, and the right hand forms the sword mudra; visualize six golden stars above the crown of the head, covering and protecting the whole body, and visualize the Chen-Xu Dipper and the Xu-Chen Dipper. Recite the incantation:

When the Jade Emperor sets Heaven and Earth in transformative motion, Heaven and Earth are in a state of chaos. Five kinds of primordial Qi (vital energy) converge and congeal, transforming without end. Divine beings see clearly into the Three Realms—Heaven, Earth, and humanity, together with the various realms under their jurisdiction—including such divine generals as those of the Eight Bureaus and Nine Offices, the Young Lords of the Five Thunders, and the Four-Eyed Elder. The Thunder Marshal is now to be summoned at once and ordered to come soaring aloft astride the thunderbolt, with rushing thunder and lightning, hurling fire and riding the wind.

A hundred thousand soldiers and generals follow, riding fierce horses and leading venomous dragons; the Envoys of Black Venom set out together with them to hunt down demons, evil beings, and vicious creatures. Within the Nine Palaces, wind and cloud surge like boiling seawater, and precious swords flash their keen edges. The divine generals command the spirits of the mountains and rivers to cut away the traces of malign hauntings. Heavenly troops uphold the laws and decrees, while the divine generals to left and right put forth their divine power. Spirits such as the Nine Uglies and the Eight Ramparts answer from remote and secluded places, stirring when the wind is called. Mount Kunlun quakes; jade flutes and golden bells sound together; the Demon King is subdued, and fierce fire leaps into the air.

The Ten Gods of Taiyi (the ten divine generals of the Taiyi faith) come forward to slay the Yellow Slave. Yin-Yang is brought into harmony, and the Gang star together with the Northern Dipper stands solemnly ready to obey. The divinities of the ten directions all heed the command. Thunder and lightning roar, thunderclaps resound, and demonic, evil, and vicious beings are swept away. What follows, “啹嘘嘘坜喼□喗□,” is an incantatory sound imitating thunder or the voice used in ritual practice; some of the written forms have already been lost.

Urgently summon the chief general and the deputy generals of Yin Thunder: Front General Guan Yu, Right General Zhang Fei, Left General Huang Zhong, Grand General Who Campaigns in the West Ma Chao, and Tiger-Might General Zhao Yun. Come swiftly before the altar and await deployment.

At the moment of concentrating Shen (spirit), spiritual intent transcends the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate). Visualize golden light filling all above and below. The One Qi (the primordial vital energy that runs through Heaven and Earth) embraces Heaven and Earth, and the Miluo (the vast celestial realm spread far and wide) upholds the Jade Emperor. Settle the mind and Shen, and let the breath rise. Visualize a golden star appearing in the west, as large as a carriage wheel, its radiance illuminating the ten directions. Within the star, thunder resounds; light shoots toward the ritual altar, and within that thunder-light the chief commander appears.

The incantation says:

The essence of the Qi (vital energy) of Taixuan, the Great Mystery, courses through heaven and earth. Sun and moon conjoin, and the two Qi of Yin-Yang brim and flow. The myriad beings flourish, and stars of every kind stand arrayed in light. A divine wind surges vast and mighty, and the Great Shen (spirit) of Black Poison appears. By the command of thunder, an edict summons the thunder soldiers.

The elite of Taixuan, obedient to my edict, course through heaven and earth: sun and moon conjoin, and the two Qi of Yin-Yang brim and flow; the myriad beings flourish, the stars shine, the divine wind surges vast and mighty, and the Great Shen of Black Poison appears. Thunder gives the order and by edict calls the thunder soldiers. Hearing my summons, the thunder soldiers appear at once as commanded. They raise crashing thunder, lightning, and racing clouds, slay baleful influences, destroy heterodox shrines, and seize ghosts, monsters, and sprites. At the word of command, these are reduced to fine dust. Oṃ □ changshili—recite five times. Reverently observe the statutes of the True Lord, Upper Minister Who Subdues Demons by Thunder. Lightning flashes three times, and the practitioner then stands within the radiance of thunder-fire.

Visualize the chief commander appearing. He has the majestic form of a celestial being, with a long beard like the Five Marchmounts and apricot-shaped eyes. He wears a peach-red nine-leaf silk cap, holds an iron ruyi in his left hand and a white-feather fan in his right, and is dressed in white lined with crimson. Riding a white horse, he emerges from golden light. Five generals follow behind him, and divine officers await his direction. They descend from the west, come before the ritual altar, and stand ready to be deployed.

Incantation of the Triple Summons of the Seventeen Divine Kings

Xisahe pizhehe suibomen bopona; Niutoutuo, Jintoutuo Sadana; Moci poxipoli; Matoutuo Azheda botuoli; Lihetou moyouluo mohe moji zheluojia pina. Reverently observe the statutes of thunder-fire, and hasten forward at once.

Entering the Offering, Issuing the Seal, and Transforming the Proclamation

The notice of summons has just been sent; visualize that it has already reached the ritual altar. A proclamation is prepared here—in Daoist ritual, a document used to transmit orders and summon spirits. Great Commander Dituo Azheda botuoli; Lihetou moyouluo mohe moji zheluojia pina. Reverently observe the statutes of thunder-fire, and hasten forward at once.

Entering the Offering, Issuing the Seal, and Transforming the Proclamation

I first give formal notice and issue the summons; the commanders have surely already arrived at the altar ground. I now read out the proclamation and ask the chief commander to listen carefully to the order: I have issued the talismanic seal and respectfully invite the chief commander to put his ritual arts into effect—to shake the ritual bell and hurl thunder-fire, to drive the lightning and ride the clouds, to don armor and grasp a halberd, to release peals of thunder and gather clouds and mist, and to go to a certain place to carry out the task. Exactly how this is to be done is left to the chief commander’s judgment; it is to be completed by a certain day. We await the manifestation of a response, and this shall serve as proof that the ritual arts have taken effect.

Acting on the mandate of the Celestial Emperor, I have charge of the seals and talismans and hold the commands of thunder, with authority to judge cases in which ghosts and spirits have neglected their duties or acted improperly. Once the order is given, it is as urgent as flying sparks; once the arts are carried out, they are as swift as wind and thunder. Within the Three Realms there must be no delay; in a moment’s time retribution must be made plain.

When the lightning flashes three times, the marshal appears: his face is the color of blood, and he is clad in golden armor; in his right hand he holds an iron halberd, in his left an iron ruyi scepter, and riding an iron horse he comes upon black clouds. Black mist rises and lightning crisscrosses. One then recites the Incantation of the Seventeen Divine Kings, holds water in the mouth and sprays it forth, so that with the crash of thunder malign spirits are extinguished; one next forms the Thunder Bureau seal with both hands and intones the spell:

“Heng hong hua lian jiu jing she, Yin, Wu, and the Dipper: one clap of thunder startles the human world; a circle of light ten thousand zhang across illuminates the celestial demons, and Zi and Hai move in reverse; water is sprayed and thunder crashes as one advances, driving the lightning.”

Fire-Cover Incantation.] [.

Om, Hum, Hum. Santanna, Hannanyan, Qianyi—the command is given! The decree summons the Boundless Great-Power Divine King of the Chief Fire Department of the Nine Heavens (the divine general who presides over the fire department of the celestial realm), and further summons the thunder-fire, lightning-fire, flying fire, flowing fire, hurled fire, thunderbolt fire, seven-stars fire, Xiexian fire, and blazing thunderous wildfire of the Nine Heavens, together with the Chief Fire Kings of the Three Heavens.

The Fire Kings array their chariots in strict order, ride forth on the kui-dragon, and sit in command upon flying tigers. Lions, the Baize, the Xiezhi, the Qilin, fire-camels, fire-elephants, fire-eagles, and the like follow in hosts, bronze-headed and iron-faced, leading a million fire soldiers. The Five Emperors bear tallies and battle-axes and patrol the celestial realms of the four quarters. The imperial bell resounds, and demons and deviant ways are all struck with terror.

The grotto-heavens and blessed lands, the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, and the dark nether regions, together with the City Gods and the officers of the local altars, must all obey the command and must not allow illicit sprites to work their mischief. Mountains topple, trees are shattered, and the hundred valleys boil. No spirit of any kind dares to stand in the way; each can only yield and proceed. Those who defy me must die; those who obey me shall live.

The Black Register of the Northern Numen and the Purple Lad of the Nine Uglies, the Earl of Wind and the Master of Rain, drive thunder and lightning and swallow the rainbows. The Great-Mouthed Wind King, the fire lads, the fire maidens, the fire dragons, and the fire horses descend from heaven all together. The fire gods of the stems Bing and Ding throng forth; fire serpents breathe out, fire clouds rise on every side, and fire dragons race. The Five Generals of All Heaven devour the thunderbolts and send forth their awesome numinous power, whirling up flying sand and racing stones and tearing trees out by the root.

The wind-wheel turns to the left and the fire-chariot follows to the right; their light shines over the world and turns it into a city of fire. From the base of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) and the Dipper, the divine generals of the four quarters of the Thunder Department cast their majesty over all under heaven. Fierce winds blaze. Ghosts, monsters, and sprites, the moment they see them, flee a myriad zhang beneath the earth and are reduced to flying ash. Ancient trees and temples that work mischief will likewise be turned to dust forever.

Quickly, quickly, in accordance with the statutes of wind, fire, thunder, and lightning of the Boundless Great-Power Divine King of the Chief Fire Department of the Nine Heavens and of the Great Marshal of Great Majestic Virtue—carry out the decree at once, seize and restrain the evil hauntings!

The Slaying Spell of Tianpeng.

Om hum zhali shen, zhali om zhali zhali jixi: by the edict of the Thunderbolt, I seize and absorb the sha.

This is an incantation made up of syllables such as “om hum zhali,” followed by the declaration: I, acting on the command of the Thunderbolt, gather in and restrain baleful Qi (vital energy).

Om—Grand Marshals of the Three Heavens, progenitors of the Four Saints. Tianpeng, Tianpeng, Sha Lads of the Nine Mysteries. Five Stalwarts of the Metropolitan Office, Gaodiao Beixi. Seven Governors and Eight Numina, the Supreme White Ferocity. The long-skulled great beast holds the Emperor’s Bell in its hand. The measured passes and the axis of the earth lie in my palm…

“Om” invokes the Grand Marshals of the Three Heavens, the divine commanders who lead the troops and generals of the celestial realm, together with the progenitors of the Four Saints. Tianpeng—Tianpeng, a divine general in the Daoist rites of thunder—and with him the Sha Lads of the Nine Mysteries, the Five Stalwarts of the Metropolitan Office, Gaodiao Beixi, the Seven Governors and Eight Numina, and the Supreme White Ferocity are asked to descend together. The long-skulled great beast, holding the Emperor’s Bell and mastering the axis of the earth and its passes, is entirely within my palm.

Standing within the Southern Dipper, seated amid the Northern Dipper. Thunder flies and lightning races; streaming bells charge the eight directions. Sudden-Fire Lüling, commander-in-chief of the Thunderbolt. By the edict of Yuanshi, the Jade Emperor himself carries it out.

One stands within the Southern Dipper and holds one’s seat in the Northern Dipper, setting thunder and lightning in motion so that the might of the thunder bells reaches all eight directions. Sudden-Fire Lüling, a fire-and-thunder divine general in the thunder rites, commands the thunderbolts. This is an edict of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, personally enacted by the Jade Emperor.

The Three Spirits of the White Owl solemnly harness the kui dragon. The Divine King of the Awesome Sword cuts down evil and leaves no trace. Purple Qi mounts the heavens; cinnabar-red clouds blaze and surge. Demons are swallowed and ghosts devoured; the body stretches across the void and drinks the wind. Azure tongue, green teeth—the four-eyed old man.

The Three Spirits of the White Owl make ready and ride the kui dragon. The Divine King of the Awesome Sword slays perverse influences and leaves no trace. Purple Qi ascends to heaven, and cinnabar-red clouds surge upward in fierce light. Divine generals swallow demons and eat ghosts, their forms spanning the sky as they travel by drinking the wind. Other spirits appear as well, among them an old man with an azure tongue, green teeth, and four eyes.

Celestial stalwarts and strongmen awe the south and resist the baleful. Tianzhou Jili stirs in violence, awes the north, and grips the blade’s edge. Three hundred thousand troops guard my ninefold enclosure. Flame spirits, jade maidens, the iron-spined demon king. They drive corpse-qi a thousand li away and remove what is inauspicious.

The dingjia strongmen of the heavens overawe the south and ward off baleful evil; Tianzhou Jili garrisons the north with a keen blade in hand. Three hundred thousand troops and generals protect my place in all its layers. Flame spirits, jade maidens, and the iron-spined demon king expel corpse-evil and inauspiciousness within a thousand li.

Should any petty ghost dare to come and show itself, the heaven-cleaving great axe will sever the ghost’s five forms. The Blazing Emperor’s fierce blood; the Northern Dipper burning the bones. Siming shatters the skeleton; Tianyou exterminates their kind. One stroke of the divine blade, and the ten thousand ghosts collapse of themselves.

If any petty ghost dares to manifest and work harm, a great axe raised on high will cut down its bodily form. The divine might of the Blazing Emperor’s fierce blood, of the Northern Dipper incinerating the bones, of Siming breaking the corpse, and of Tianyou annihilating their kind will destroy the evil beings. At one sweep of the divine blade, the myriad ghosts scatter of themselves.

Quickly, quickly, as the Venerable Numinous Chief of the Nine Heavens, Metropolitan Marshal Tianpeng, and Flying-Pursuit Nezha: fly, seize, urgently bind—swiftly, in hosts, swiftly take them.

One prays that the Venerable Divine Numinous Chief of the Nine Heavens, Grand Marshal Tianpeng, Nezha, and the other divine generals will swiftly pursue, capture, and bind the evil influences, and carry out the command at once.

The Formula of the Taiyi Direct Commissioner

Following the sequence of the sixty jiazi, one determines “xiu” (rest) and the “direct commissioner”—the spirit on duty and the divine general then in charge, as used in the numerological arts.

On a zi day, wu, ren, and jia are paired with one, and bing and geng with six; on a chou day, yi, ji, and gui are paired with one, and ding and xin with six. On a yin day, wu, ren, and jia are paired with six, and bing and geng with one; on a mao day, yi, ding, and xin are paired with two, and gui and ji with seven.

On a chen day, wu, ren, and bing are paired with two; from geng and jia, xiu and the direct commissioner begin.

On a zi day, wu, ren, and jia are paired with one, and bing and geng with six; on a chou day, yi, ji, and gui are paired with one, and ding and xin with six. On a yin day, wu, ren, and jia are paired with six, and bing and geng with one; on a mao day, yi, ding, and xin are paired with two, and gui and ji with seven.

In the earthly-branch position Chen the sequence is Wu, Ren, Bing, two, Geng, Jia, and seven; in the Si position it is Ji, Gui, Ding, two, Xin, Yi, and seven. In the Wu position it is Wu, Jia, Geng, three, Ren, Bing, and eight; in the Wei position it is Xin, Yi, Ji, three, Gui, Ding, and eight.

In the Shen position the sequence is Ren, Bing, Geng, three, Jia, Wu, and eight; in the You position it is Gui, Ding, Xin, four, Yi, Ji, and nine. In the Xu position it is Jia, Wu, Ren, four, Bing, Geng, and nine; in the Hai position it is Yi, Ji, Gui, four, Ding, Xin, and nine.

Essentials of the Martial Marquis

The Iron Seal, the seal used in working the rite, is divided into Yin and Yang (Yinyang) faces. It symbolizes the Great White Star and is also called the Yin-Yang Pass.

On Yang days, write the character yi (“intention”) in the positions corresponding to the days Jia, Ji, Ding, Ren, Wu, and Gui; on Yin days, write the character yi in the positions corresponding to the days Yi, Bing, Geng, and Xin. When the writing is finished, authorize the seal with a five-character mantra: first write it straight, then write it across, and the third time write it inverted. Before the seal is sent forth, first mark out upon the ground the Eight Gates, the eight directions laid out in the rite. Then declare, “I myself am the Martial Marquis,” and dispatch the Five Generals to carry out the task. After the brush has traced out and released the form of the talisman, visualize oneself departing beyond the ritual realm. Cultivated over a long time, this allows the Shen (spirit) to roam to the farthest places in all eight directions.

When the rite is performed, choose the corresponding combination of the Five Phases (Wuxing) according to the phase of the day’s stem: on a Metal day use Metal and Earth; on a Wood day use Wood and Earth; on an Earth day use Earth; on a Fire day use Fire and Earth; on a Water day use Water and Earth. Recite the mantra:

“Metal, Wood, Earth, Water, Fire; Wood, Earth, Water, Fire, Metal; Earth, Water, Fire, Metal, Wood; Water, Fire, Metal, Wood, Earth; Fire, Metal, Wood, Earth, Water.”

Then recite the Returning-Light Mantra:

“Returning light, shining back; light returns, shining again. Shining back, the light returns; the shine brings the light back. Quickly, quickly, in accordance with the Thunder-Fire statutes of Jade Clarity (Yuqing): decree the sha and seize them.”

Then use the Taixuan mantra to dispatch the generals and commanders, painting with the brush and tracing out the talisman form. Recite the six-character “Om” mantra six times, and afterward write the authorizing characters. Next recite the Tianpeng mantra, and at the Gen gate, the portal of the northeast, arrange the sha-qi, the Qi (vital energy) used in the rite to drive and to subdue. When the Tianpeng method is used, proceed in the order of the lesser concordant sequence and the greater contrary sequence. Then recite the mantra of the Seventeen Shen Kings, and use the Shen-King Seal and the Dipper-Piercing Seal.

The Decree Mantra (the commanding spell used when the rite is performed)

By the command of the Lord on High, I subdue those spirits who do not abide by the orthodox Dao (the Way). All subordinate officials, soldiers, and generals are to adhere swiftly to my person: at the call they come at once, and at the summons they descend without delay. Whoever dares defy the order I shall punish severely, with no leniency whatever. Offenders are to be taken beneath Kuigang—a name for constellations of the Northern Dipper, and also for stellar positions possessed of the power to suppress and subdue—and transformed into a pure, clear wind. With all urgency let this be obeyed: adhere swiftly to my person; at the call come at once, and at the summons descend without delay. Whoever dares defy the order I shall punish severely, with no leniency whatever. Offenders are to be taken beneath Kuigang and transformed into a pure, clear wind. With all urgency, carry this out in accordance with the edict of the Jade Emperor, the Lord on High.

Form of the First Time-Limit Proclamation

Office caption: Fill in the name of the responsible ritual Office of the Law.

This office, on the basis of the native place of so-and-so and the matter as stated, now issues a proclamation according to regulation, requesting the parties concerned to examine it and determine how it is to be carried out. The proclamation is issued expressly for this purpose.

Seal: Place for affixing the seal.

By this talismanic proclamation, the commanding general, the Loyal and Martial Illustrious Marquis of Nanyang—that is, the Marquis of Nanyang, Zhuge Liang, the renowned general of the Three Kingdoms—is invited to take command of the troops of the Grand Marshal and to lead the deputy generals of Yin Thunder, Guan, Zhang, Ma, Huang, and Zhao, the Five Great Thunder Lords and the Five Tiger Fierce Generals, together with the thunder soldiers of the combined loyal and filial divisions belonging to the Nine Palaces, the Eight Gates, and the Eight Arrays, to proceed at once to oversee the City Gods, the presiding spirits of the local wards, the commanders of the soil altars, and the Thunder Gods, and to attend exclusively to such-and-such a matter. By such-and-such a day, the retribution must without fail be made plainly manifest. This proclamation is respectfully issued.

Form of the Second Time-Limit Proclamation

Office caption: Fill in the name of the responsible ritual Office of the Law.

On the basis of the native place of so-and-so and the matter as stated, after this office received the case it had already, in accordance with the sealed proclamation previously issued, fixed a time limit, imposed a prohibition, and pressed for compliance. Contrary to expectation, the wicked and obstinate have slighted the laws and ordinances of the Heavenly Dao and to the end refuse to repent. A document must now be issued to urge the matter on and to commission the divine generals concerned to carry out the command with all speed.

Tracing matters back to the beginning of Heaven and Earth, in the age of Taichu and Taiyi there was one thing that formed out of undivided chaos. Fuxi, a sage-king of ancient legend, first delineated the Four Images, and from these arose the Bagua (Eight Trigrams). The Eight Trigrams, elaborated in mutual succession, formed the Nine Palaces, which as warp and weft hold Heaven and Earth in their grasp, settle wind and thunder, cause mountains and rivers to show their forms, and thereby bring ghosts and spirits alike to peace. When the reckoning of the cycles reaches the final Jia, grievance and wickedness run rampant. Should demons poison the people, these foolish and obstinate offenders violate the statutes of Heaven and are to be cut down by the thunder-axe, not suffered to remain for even a moment. The proclamation is specially drawn up for this purpose, to press for its execution.

Seal: Place for affixing the seal.

This is a proclamation addressed to the commanding general, the Loyal and Martial Heroic Marquis of Nanyang—that is, the Loyal and Martial Heroic Marquis of Nanyang, the chief commander charged with leading the troops—appointing him Grand Marshal of the army. He is to command the five deputy generals of Yin Thunder, Guan, Zhang, Ma, Huang, and Zhao, namely the Five Great Thunder Lords and the Five Tiger Fierce Generals, together with the loyal and filial thunder soldiers. With one heart and united effort they are to travel the golden-horse relay route, hasten swiftly to that place, protect it with all their strength, and cause their divine majesty to be made manifest.

They are ordered to fly through the clouds and race through the mists, to swallow thunder and give forth its roar, to display a force that overturns heaven and earth, to summon the wind and lash the thunderbolts; to send thunder-fire and crashing thunderclaps, to make flashes of lightning soar, to shake the Five Sacred Peaks, and to roll up the waters of the four directions. The thunder soldiers mass like clouds and press on like mist, moving at once to strike in every quarter; they are also like serpents coiling and dragons leaping, and like tiger generals donning armor and marching to war. Demons and evil spirits of heterodox ways must be subdued and slain in an instant; humans and ghosts are to be separated, and evil essences (Jing) swept away.

The Dao (the Way) of Heaven is thereby made clear and bright, and the Dao of Earth made peaceful and secure; the Dao of the human world treasures life, while the Dao of ghosts and specters is the destruction of their forms. The imperial bell resounds, causing demonic beings to lose heart and tremble with fear. Then, with the force of a great axe hewing heaven, the ghost encampments are to be clearly inspected, and none may remain hidden; all the gods must carry out the Tianpeng incantation written in vermilion. Swiftly, in accordance with the commands of Nezha, Flying Pursuer of the Nine Heavens, and of Grand Marshal Tianpeng, and according to the celestial law for the execution of baleful spirits, the baleful ghosts are decreed to submit and be put to death.

The above command is issued once more: inspect the ghost encampments clearly and permit no concealment; the gods are to carry out the Tianpeng incantation in vermilion script and, swiftly following the orders of Nezha and Grand Marshal Tianpeng, exterminate the baleful ghosts according to celestial law.

The “Three-Limit Proclamation Form” is the name of the format used for proclamations of this kind. “Si’e” should be the heading or the entry text that follows; the original passage ends here.

After their native places and the offenses they have committed have been ascertained, punishment should be carried out decisively. These foolish, obstinate, and wicked persons steal and stir up disorder, doing wrong again and again. Counting on the belief that they will in the end never be punished, they openly defy the laws of Heaven and offend against Heaven’s penalties. Their evils have accumulated and cannot be concealed; their crimes are grave and admit of no pardon. Heaven will exterminate them, slay the chief offenders, and sweep away their followers.

We now carry out the Great Dao (the Way) of Taichu and Taiyi—the primordial Way of the cosmos, as Daoism describes it. In the nameless era of Longhan, Heaven and Earth were opened and the cycles of destiny turned. In the time of Chiming Yuqing, the Shiqing Jade Talisman, a Daoist Fulu (talismans and registers), was presented to the Celestial Emperor, who thereupon made his command known. This command takes the firm vigor of the trigram Qian as its guiding principle, and gives form to the stirring movement of Zhen, the clear discernment of Li, and the upright magnanimity of Kun. Dui leads the valiant hosts; the Qi (vital energy) of mountain and marsh communicates; Kan, through sincerity and good faith, attains free passage; and Xun exercises expedient adaptation according to the circumstances of the time. The Bagua (Eight Trigrams) are applied in mutual alternation, and thereby the power of thunder is marshaled.

The Yijing (Classic of Changes) says that what the hexagram Shike sets forth is this: the former kings clearly discerned punishments and promulgated laws, so that an awe like thunder and lightning appeared together. In hearing cases and carrying out punishments, one must be decisive. Ghosts, specters, and evil spirits are cut down, and the might of wind and fire does not cease.

Seal

This call to arms—a document for transmitting orders and summoning forces—commands the chief general, the Loyal and Martial, Heroic and Ardent Marquis of Nanyang, to lead the troops and serve as Grand Commander-in-Chief, directing the deputy generals of the Yin Thunder, the five Great Thunder Lords Guan, Zhang, Ma, Huang, and Zhao, together with the Five Tiger fierce generals and the thunder soldiers of loyalty and filial piety. Their might is resplendent as they set forth in wrath: they shake Heaven and Earth, and thunder crashes; spears and halberds whirl amid fierce wind and swift lightning; clouds and mists gather, and dragons and tigers surge; like eagles striking, they smash the encampments of demons. They annihilate ghostly essences and evil spirits, erase the traces of monsters and anomalies, separate human beings from ghosts, and restore house and courtyard to clarity, stillness, and peace. Should any dare to resist or defy, they shall be punished according to the statutes, and the “Ni Tianpeng Incantation” shall be written in Nüqing vermilion script—Daoist talismanic writing executed in cinnabar. Quickly, quickly, as Nezha, Flying Pursuer of the Nine Heavens, and Grand Marshal Tianpeng: in accordance with the statutes and ordinances of Hengtian, slay the ghostly evil. Let the command be carried out.

The foregoing is the Guandou Five Thunders Great Method, a Daoist ritual art for dispatching the divine generals of thunder. Tradition holds that it is a secret method left by Marquis Wu, Zhuge, the Sleeping Dragon of Shu-Han, and that it prizes valor, stern fortitude, and uprightness. In accordance with the statutes, the “Ni Tianpeng Incantation” is written in Nüqing vermilion script. Quickly, quickly, as Nezha, Flying Pursuer of the Nine Heavens, and Grand Marshal Tianpeng: in accordance with the statutes and ordinances of Hengtian, slay the ghostly evil. Let the command be carried out.

This Great Method of Linking the Dipper and the Five Thunders (a Daoist ritual art centered on the Northern Dipper and thunder rites) is said to be the secret transmission of Zhuge, Marquis Wu, the Crouching Dragon of Shu-Han (Zhuge Liang). It values courage and upright firmness; its contents are concise and easy to put into practice.

From my youth I revered the learning of the school of the Dao (the Way). After obtaining this secret text, I dared not be in the least remiss and kept it constantly in mind. I used it to heal illness and drive out evil, to protect myself and settle the household; once performed, it often took effect as promptly as an echo answers a sound. This method is wondrous and its power conspicuous, its radiance vast and grand, its force clear and resounding. Its De (Virtue/Power) accords with Heaven and Earth, its light corresponds with the sun and moon, and it can also discern the conditions of ghosts and spirits; its subtlety is unfathomably deep. It is truly a method wondrous within the wondrous, and mysterious within the mysterious.

All who share my aspirations should receive it with care and practice it with reverence. How could a method such as this be compared with the vulgar arts of the age of the decline of the Dharma?