《太上三洞神咒》Vol. 10

This scripture records the incantations used in Daoism to summon various Thunder Department deities and the esoteric methods for exorcising demons and subduing evil forces. The content is divided into several key sections.

The first part contains invocations for five Thunder Generals, each governing different aspects of lightning power: General Liu commands Heavenly Thunder capable of capturing spirits and monsters; General Li controls Earthly Thunder that transforms its form to aid salvation; General Zhou governs Central Thunder (between heaven and earth), moving with wind-like swiftness; General Song commands Water Thunder with the power to ride clouds and mist; General Zhu oversees Human Thunder (related to human affairs), assisting practitioners in cultivation. Each incantation concludes with "ji ji ru lü ling" (immediately according to the celestial decree), a standard Daoist formula meaning "execute this command without delay."

Following this is the "Supreme Summoning Command Incantation," a complex Sanskrit-derived chant used to simultaneously summon all Thunder Department deities. Such mantras typically consist of specific syllables believed to possess extraordinary spiritual potency.

The "Commanding Generals Incantation" and supplementary thunder spells describe the awe-inspiring manifestations when Thunder Generals unleash their power: the Wind Lord and Thunder Deities roar as lightning crisscrosses the sky, shaking mountains and seas to eradicate evil forces. "Liu Ding" refers to the Six Ding Spirit Generals, common protective deities in Daoist tradition.

The concluding "Demon-Subduing Incantation" portrays the supreme authority of the Great Thunder Lord of Dutian (都天大雷公), who leads 300,000 celestial troops brandishing weapons amid flying sand and rolling stones, using thunderbolts to annihilate demonic hordes and devour pestilence. Here, "sha qi" denotes lethal energy currents, while "wolf fangs" metaphorically describe the deities' ferocity.

These incantations reflect the significant role of Thunder Magic (雷法) in Daoist practice—esoteric techniques harnessing lightning's power primarily used for exorcism, healing, and demon-subjugation rituals. Practitioners recite specific mantras to invoke Thunder Generals' assistance in ceremonial operations.

This scripture contains several commonly used exorcism incantations from Daoist Thunder Magic (Leifa), primarily employed to summon Thunder Department deities and suppress malevolent forces. In Daoism, Thunder Magic represents an advanced esoteric practice that views lightning as possessing immense purifying power against evil.

The first incantation, "Heavenly Thunder Drums Resound," depicts the awe-inspiring might of the Thunder Generals: celestial thunderclaps scatter countless ghosts, while divine commands reverberate through heaven and earth. From the highest celestial point—Kuigang Star (the Heavenly Pivot in the Big Dipper)—to the deepest Nine Springs below, all is purified by thunderfire, restoring purity to the cosmos. The concluding phrase "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" (急急如律令) is a standard Daoist incantation ending, signifying immediate enforcement of celestial law.

The "Summoning Edict" calls upon the Fire Department Lord of the South, commanding him to unleash towering bolts of lightning to terrify all directions and swiftly activate the talismanic power. The "Demon-Subduing Incantation" constructs an inescapable prison: using heaven and earth as its framework, it materializes iron beds, thousand-pound locks, and other instruments of punishment. Thunder Generals Pang Ling and Liu Tong are tasked with dragging malevolent entities into the great prison, where they are judged according to the severity of their sins.

The "Thunder Talisman Edict" manifests the overwhelming force of the thunderbolt: a killing aura surges skyward as the Five Thunder Emperors of the cardinal directions (the Eastern Heaven-Shaking Thunder Emperor, the Southern Crimson Heaven Firelight Thunder Emperor, etc.) each display their divine might. Venomous dragons, fierce beasts, lightning spirits, thunder gods, and celestial soldiers mobilize in unison, crushing demons with thunderfire, rain, and hail.

The "Thunder Talisman Ingestion Incantation" is recited when consuming thunder talismans, invoking the Five Directional Thunder Gods (Heaven Fire, Earth Fire, Yin Fire, Yang Fire, and Central Earth) to enter the body, expel internal pathogenic energies, and restore health. It emphasizes that this act is performed under the Celestial Emperor’s decree, permitting no leniency.

The "Demon-Capturing Incantation" outlines the complete Thunder Magic ritual process: beginning with the quaking of thunder, the eruption of thunderfire annihilates ghosts and spirits. The Six Jia and Six Ding (Daoist guardian generals), along with deities of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, mobilize to sever all escape routes for evil entities, executing them with blades of wind.

Finally, the "Lightning Mother Incantation" and "Yin Mulang Incantation" are esoteric mantras containing extensive Sanskrit transliterations, representing core secret transmissions within Thunder Magic. The Lightning Mother (goddess of lightning) incantation channels thunderous power through specific syllabic combinations, while Yin Mulang is the name of a key Thunder Department general. Such secret mantras typically require direct oral transmission from master to disciple to manifest their efficacy.

This scripture records several potent Daoist divine incantations (spells with supernatural power), primarily related to summoning thunder deities and exorcising evil spirits for healing purposes.

The first section outlines the thunder pantheon system of the Shenxiao tradition (an important Daoist school). It describes the Divine Empyrean Palace as the supreme institution governing thunder, with deities like the Grand Mysterious Luminous Master overseeing various natural phenomena including rainfall, earth, lightning, and clouds. Thunder generals such as Han Boyuangong and Xiexian each have specific duties, while the Five Elderly Youths and the Six Jia-Six Ding (Daoist guardian deities) stand in protective attendance. The text employs five-colored Qi (blue, red, etc.) to depict cosmic energy transformations, with the Four Symbols (cardinal directional deities) like the Vermilion Bird and Dark Warrior safeguarding the ritual practitioner.

Subsequent passages present practical incantations:

The Date Kernel Spell for healing harnesses solar and lunar Yin-Yang forces to dispel pathogenic influences; the Primordial Chaos Spell visualizes the Southern Dipper's seven stars (important Daoist stellar deities) to channel primordial Qi for curing ailments; the Throat Incantation invokes Lord Lao (the Supreme Elder, highest Daoist deity) to bless sacred water; the Thunder Summoning Spell vividly depicts the Thunder True Lord leading celestial troops to subdue demons; the Seal Imprinting Spell emphasizes the supreme authority of the Jade Emperor (highest celestial deity); while the Thunder Rousing Spell invokes wind, rain, thunder and lightning through sacred names like the Azure Splendor Thearch.

These incantations all conclude with "urgently as the law commands" (a standard Daoist spell ending meaning immediate execution), reflecting the Daoist belief that incantations genuinely mobilize cosmic energies. The frequent numerical combinations like "two-five" and "four-seven" represent distinctive Daoist numerology.

This scripture records multiple Daoist Thunder Magic (rituals harnessing thunder's power) incantations, comprising several key sections:

The Central Thunder Command of the Zhenxing (one of the Five Directional Star Lords) describes eight divine dragons converging and the harmonization of Yin-Yang. The incantation summons the Six Poisons and Eight Malevolent Spirits, along with celestial deities like Tianyi and Taiyi (the Great Unity), invoking the power of Xuanyi (the primordial source of Dao) to activate the Dipper Formation (Big Dipper constellation array). The text sternly warns of heavenly axe punishments for disobedience, concluding with the standard Daoist imperative "ji ji ru lü ling" (immediately obey the celestial mandate).

The Western Thunder Incantation begins with "Seven Western Pure Ones," referring to seven perfected beings of the west. Phrases like "luminous moon essence" depict radiant moonlight, while "ten thousand golden hammer battalions" portray thunder department generals arrayed with golden mallets. This chant particularly emphasizes its power to incinerate demonic entities and shatter specters, concluding with a decree from the Jade Pure Emperor (Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun, one of the Three Pure Ones) commanding swift transmission by wind and fire.

The Thunder Talisman Command section succinctly summons celestial deities for ritual assistance. "Jiao, Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing" represent five of the twenty-eight lunar mansions, each governed by specific deities in Daoist cosmology.

The Cloud-Gathering Incantation employs numerous Sanskrit-derived syllables like "nian nian hong hong" and "an wu hong zha"—mystic sounds believed to facilitate divine communication. It depicts darkened heavens permeated with baleful energy, reinforcing the obscuration of celestial light through repeated "darkness zha" invocations.

The Dragon-Summoning and Water-Commanding chants both manipulate natural forces. The former calls a million thunder dragons into ritual talismans (fulu), while the latter commands marine deities like Cangbo (Sea God) and the Masters of Rain and Wind. The phrase "nine-five flying dragon" derives from the Qian hexagram of the Yijing (Book of Changes), symbolizing supreme yang power.

Though not fully elaborated, the Thunder God's Striking Incantation clearly invokes Leigong (Thunder Ministry's chief deity) for punitive purposes. "Striking and stripping" metaphorically represents thunderbolts purging malignant influences.

This scripture contains a thunder ritual incantation from Daoist practice, vividly depicting the summoning of thunder deities to subdue demons. The "Dutian Leigong" mentioned refers to the thunder god who commands lightning, while "Nine Palaces" denotes the cosmic directional divisions, and "Xuanfeng" represents the underworld realm in Daoist cosmology.

The incantation conveys that the thunder god summons wind and rain, filling the sky with multicolored lightning—azure, white, crimson, and more—wherever the thunderfire strikes, all ghosts must retreat. Any spirits or demons that resist will be shattered by the thunderbolts. Later, it invokes the "Celestial Sovereign Emperor" (a supreme Daoist deity) who governs all creation, commanding the thunder gods to vanquish demonic forces. Those who defy this decree will be pulverized by divine lightning.

The phrase "urgently, as by divine mandate" (急急如律令) commonly concludes Daoist incantations, emphasizing immediate execution of the command. Embedded syllables like "Om" (唵) and "Hum" (吽) are esoteric Daoist mantras with potent spiritual power. Such incantations are typically used in exorcism, rain-praying rituals, and other ceremonies, where priests recite them to invoke the aid of thunder deities.

It’s important to note that the incantation employs numerous special characters and Sanskrit-derived sounds, each carrying specific meanings in Daoist tradition. While their exact interpretations are often obscure to modern readers, they are preserved through oral transmission between masters and disciples.

This passage contains multiple thunder incantations recorded in the Taoist scripture Supreme Three Caverns Divine Spells, primarily used in rituals to summon thunder deities and exorcise evil spirits. These mantras retain their original transliterated forms, carrying unique rhythmic power.

The first segment summons thunder deities, concluding with the classic Taoist phrase "jíjí rúlǜlìng" (immediately as the law commands), meaning "execute the order at once." It invokes the Jade Emperor (Taoism's supreme deity), deities like Tianhuang Jiaya, and thunder generals referred to as "jūnzhā."

The "Veiling Sunlight Spell" in the second segment summons dark forces by calling upon deities such as Taiwei Tongzi and Rahu to create cosmic darkness. The repeated characters "hēi" (black) and "jiàn" (a mystical term) intensify the spell's obscuring power.

The "Thunder God Incantation" vividly describes the assembly of thunder deities: the Five Emperor Thunder Gods, Four Sage Wind Masters, and Three Platforms constellations, emphasizing their power to "eradicate demonic forces." "Liúlíng jízhào" refers to swiftly shaking ritual bells to summon thunder gods, while "sìmù jiǔchǒu" denotes distinctive features of thunder generals.

The "True King's Thunder Command" depicts the image of Jingzhong True King (a chief thunder deity): wielding three ritual implements, treading the Nine Mysteries (nine celestial layers), and guarded by divine beasts like golden tigers and flying dragons. The spell highlights his authority to "divide day and night" and "investigate ghosts to their origins."

The "Five Thunder Summoning Altar Spell" invokes the five directional thunder gods: Azure Emperor Thunder God of the East, White Emperor Thunder God of the West, Black Emperor Thunder God of the North, Fire Qi Thunder God of the South, and Central Earth Star Thunder God, forming a complete five-thunder formation. The number "twenty-six" likely corresponds to the central earth star's associated constellations.

These incantations hold significant status in Taoist thunder rituals. Practitioners recite these esoteric phrases while performing mudras (ritual hand gestures) and step patterns (bugang) to summon thunder forces and cure diseases. The abundant use of Sanskrit-derived mantras and special characters reflects the profound mysticism of Taoist magical practices.

These are several Daoist incantations for exorcism and deity summoning, imbued with mystical qualities, primarily used in rituals for rainmaking, demon subjugation, and invoking celestial generals.

The first segment is a rain prayer incantation that invokes water deities (Zhenshui Shen), constellations (Canbi, Jibao, Kanglong), and natural forces (wind, rain, clouds). It mentions the ascent of the Five Stars (Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Saturn) and the manifestation of thunder gods, commanding the expulsion of drought demons (Hanba) to bring abundant rainfall to nourish the earth.

The second passage, "Great Transformation Divine Incantation," depicts the awe-inspiring visage of Marshal Tianpeng (a principal Daoist guardian deity): his hair like dark clouds, eyebrows resembling centipedes, a nose shaped like an iron bell, ears like fiery chimes, and teeth sharp as swords. This celestial commander leads the demon armies of the Five Directions, capable of subduing all malevolent forces—those who disobey shall be devoured.

The third segment, "Summoning Gongchao Incantation," calls upon the Gongchao (celestial messengers responsible for delivering documents in Daoist cosmology). It references the efficacious talismans (Fulu) of the Purple Tenuity Star (Polaris) and commands obedience from the demonic hosts of the Six Palaces and mountain-sea spirits. Disobedient entities shall be delivered to the Northern Yin (netherworld), while the Gongchao are urgently summoned to descend upon the ritual altar to transmit petitions to the celestial court.

The final passage, "Great Summoning of Generals Incantation," portrays Marshal Tianpeng leading celestial troops in a majestic procession: black banners fluttering, halberds dense as clouds, the Six Palaces exhaling dark mists, and the Five Sacred Mountains' deities paying reverent homage. The scene shakes heaven and earth with its overwhelming majesty.

Each incantation concludes with the standard formula "ji ji ru lü ling" (urgently as by divine decree), a common closing phrase in Daoist spells indicating immediate execution of commands. These incantations employ extensive hyperbolic metaphors and parallel structures, amplifying their potency through vivid depictions of the deities' formidable appearances and overwhelming power.

This scripture records Daoist incantations for exorcism and demon suppression, primarily drawn from the Fengdu (Daoist underworld) series in the Divine Incantations of the Three Caverns. These spells are used to summon underworld generals and subdue malevolent forces.

The first segment, the "Earth Overturns and Mountains Collapse" incantation, is an urgent summons to divine generals. Its meaning conveys: those who violate underworld laws shall face punishment as severe as crumbling mountains and sinking earth, immediately delivered to the Northern Yin Fengdu. It calls upon a specific general to arrive with utmost haste—disobedience equates to defying the supreme Dao (the Way).

The "Pursuit and Capture Incantation" describes the ritual master descending from Mount Fengdu, using cinnabar to draw talismans (Fulu) that summon the troops of the Great Emperor of Northern Yin (ruler of the underworld). These divine generals command wind and rain, weaving celestial nets to capture evil spirits. Holding the mysterious registers of the Star Lord of Purple Tenuity (a major Daoist deity), they record merits and faults while dispelling calamities.

The "Summoning Fengdu’s Fierce Generals Incantation" employs the spiritual talismans of the Black Emperor (deity of the north) to command generals who make rivers and mountains tremble. Demons who hear the summons will have their souls shattered, as celestial soldiers swiftly arrive to expel evil.

The "Summoning Mighty Envoys Incantation" calls upon Marshal Tianpeng (a Daoist guardian deity) and his warriors from the Northern Emperor’s palace. These divine troops devour demons; violators of cosmic law are dragged to bronze prisons for eternal punishment.

The "Summoning Eight Sky-Soaring Generals Incantation" invokes eight revered underworld officials clad in black regalia, who traverse heaven and earth to capture ghosts, descending to the altar at a moment’s notice.

The "Summoning Fengdu’s Talisman Envoys Incantation" issues commands through Marshal Tianpeng’s edicts, dispatching talisman envoys to subdue spirits in the dark realms and swiftly deliver divine decrees.

Each incantation concludes with the phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances," demanding immediate execution like binding law. This reflects the Daoist ritual system where sacred spells mobilize celestial armies to maintain the balance between Yin-Yang realms.

This scripture records several important Daoist incantations for exorcising evil spirits and subduing demons, primarily invoking various divine generals to assist in vanquishing malevolent forces. The term "Black Statutes" mentioned in the text refers to the special legal code of the Northern Emperor (the Great Emperor of the North Star, Ziwei) system in Daoism, specifically designed to govern spirits and deities.

The first incantation summons General Black Armor (the war deity of the north), describing how he commands the black and baleful Qi (vital energy) of dark waters and rains to descend. The incantation emphasizes that this divine general manifests his true form immediately upon hearing the command, swiftly aiding the ritual master in capturing evil entities. The phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes" is a common concluding formula in Daoist incantations, signifying immediate execution.

The second incantation invokes the four deities of Jingyang Palace (Generals Gou, Bi, Tian, and Sun), who possess the ability to appear and disappear without form or shadow, materializing their true shapes by gathering Qi (vital energy) with the wind. These divine generals follow the Black Statutes, leading demonic troops in formation, and all evil spirits must bow in submission upon hearing the summons. The ritual master declares himself as one who wears the Black Statutes, commanding authority over all spirits and deities.

The third incantation calls upon the two divine officers Ma and Song (guardian deities in Daoism), describing their thunderous roars that shake heaven and earth, as well as their ability to multiply into countless manifestations. The incantation commands them to search mountains and valleys for malevolent beings, acting without delay upon hearing the order.

The fourth incantation summons the two perfected lords Jiao and Zeng (divine generals under the Black Emperor of the north), depicting their majestic forms with golden eyes, iron faces, black armor, and dark robes. They govern the demonic hordes of Fengdu (the Daoist underworld). The incantation highlights their power to traverse mountains and fire, penetrating heaven and earth, with any disobedient spirits facing lightning-like punishment.

Finally, the incantation invokes the Imperial Censor of the Northern Emperor (the supreme judicial deity of Fengdu), portrayed with a stern blue face, wielding the Nine Springs Decree and the sword inscribed with the Mysterious Origin's True Script. This great deity can command river and sea spirits to stir winds and waves, specializing in eradicating vicious evil forces.

These incantations exemplify the characteristics of Daoist exorcism rituals: summoning specific deities through prescribed ceremonies to suppress malevolent entities with divine authority. The recurring phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes" functions like a modern administrative command for immediate execution.

Here are several Daoist exorcism incantations that depict the majestic scene of summoning celestial soldiers and divine generals to subdue demons and evil spirits.

The first passage, "Summoning the Entire Battalion of Generals and Soldiers Incantation," describes: When heaven and earth darken, the Marshal of the Host descends with nine divine serpents, wielding thunderous might. He commands all deities to swiftly descend through the celestial gate and rally at the ritual altar. The closing phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" (jiji rulüling) is a common Daoist incantation formula indicating immediate execution.

The second passage, "Summoning the Six Palaces' Demon Kings Incantation," declares the speaker as an envoy sent by the Celestial Emperor, carrying out decrees in the Nine Springs underworld by command of the Great Emperor of the Purple Tenuity (a revered Daoist deity). It mobilizes the four seasonal duty officers (deities overseeing year, month, day, and hour) and spirits under the jurisdiction of the Three Officials' (Heavenly Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official) nine bureaus and four offices, ordering underworld officials like the Directors of Fate and Records to lead celestial troops from the netherworld to assist.

The third passage focuses on summoning Marshal Tianpeng (a Daoist guardian deity), hailed as chief of all spirits who commands the six palaces' demon kings. It portrays him leading a hundred thousand divine troops with boundless supernatural power to traverse heaven and earth. The incantation vividly depicts cosmic upheaval: black qi (energy) filling the sky, stars falling, mountains and rivers shaking—all demons annihilated under divine might.

The final passage, "Great Oath of the Divine Mandate," swears before the Great Emperor of Fengdu (ruler of the underworld), declaring that from the nine heavenly layers to the nine nether regions, any demonic beings daring to defy orthodox law—whether hiding in mountains, ancient temples, caves, or tombs, or masquerading as buddhas and deities—shall be captured and punished by celestial forces.

These incantations showcase the grand momentum of Daoist exorcism rituals, harnessing cosmic powers by summoning various deities. Recurring terms like "black qi" (dark energy) and "nine yin" (ultimate yin realms) exemplify Daoist manipulation of yin-yang forces.

These passages describe several Daoist incantations for exorcising evil spirits and subduing demons, primarily used to summon divine generals, purify ritual altars, and vanquish malevolent forces. Each incantation serves specific functions and invokes particular deities.

The first incantation summons marshals to suppress demons. It describes how these marshals command the forces of the underworld, leading the Six Cavern Demon Kings into the celestial palace's hell realm. There, amidst towering mountains of blades and forests of swords in the oppressive darkness, the incantation orders the swift capture of vicious demons.

The second, titled "Incantation to Gather Deities and Return to Palaces," invokes Marshal Wei Boxian (one of Daoism's guardian generals). It commands him to arrive with countless divine troops and ghostly battalions capable of summoning wind and rain, all obedient to the ritual master's orders. The closing emphasizes this is done by decree of the Five Numinous Elders (high-ranking Daoist deities).

The third, "Incantation to Summon Fengdu's Transformative Deities," calls upon the gods of Fengdu (Daoism's underworld capital). It depicts the True Lord of the Northern Dipper (the Purple Tenuity Emperor of the North Pole) leading Fengdu's pantheon—including the Six Jia and Six Ding generals, the Four Directional Guardians (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Dark Warrior), along with the Nine Springs' Demon Kings—all coming to protect the Dharma. Any who dare disobey will be arrested and punished by the divine kings.

The fourth, "Purification Incantation," cleanses the ritual altar. The Four-Eyed Elder (a Daoist deity) and the Celestial Origin's divine power employ the force of the Heavenly Stem to sweep away demonic miasmas. With but a glance from the ritual master, mountains tremble; with a spray of water, heaven and earth are purified—all evil influences scatter as mountains and seas become pristine, leaving demonic spirits no place to hide.

The fifth, "Pacing the Stars Incantation," is chanted while performing the ritual Pacing the Gang and Dou steps (a Daoist ceremonial footwork). The practitioner declares themselves an incarnation of the Azure Thearch of the East (one of the Five Directional Thearchs), harmonizing with all creation to command celestial troops. It invokes the assistance of stellar mansions Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Wei, and Ji from the Twenty-Eight Lunar Lodges, harnessing the power of sun, moon, and stars to lead divine battalions of wind, thunder, water, and fire as protectors.

The final two passages respectively summon divine generals for immediate response and invoke terrestrial deities (local earth gods), both demanding the spirits' prompt appearance and assistance.

This scripture records several Daoist exorcism incantations (magical spells) and depicts scenes of divine generals capturing demonic entities.

The first section describes the righteous Thunder Ministry deities Zhang Xun and Xu Yuan, divine generals of Mount Tai (Eastern Peak), who specialize in apprehending mountain spirits and ghosts that harm people. Whether it be one-legged mountain goblins, spirits of metal, wood, or stone, or demonic forces beyond the orthodox path, these entities are all shackled and escorted away. The incantation summons the Five Numinous Lords of the Eastern Peak and Generals Zhang and Xu to manifest swiftly.

The second part speaks of the Central Palace Earth Mansion General, the Tiger-Headed Commander, who carries out the Celestial Emperor’s decree to execute evil spirits. He specializes in eliminating plague demons and vengeful ghosts, acting with such urgency that no delay is permitted.

The third section depicts General Wu Dong, a fierce warrior with a blue face and golden eyes, leading ghostly troops to set up an inescapable celestial net. Using iron chains and bells, they capture mountain spirits and demons, ensuring none can escape.

The Green Numen Incantation mentions the Nine Qi (primordial energies of heaven and earth) nourishing all things, summoning the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions deities such as the Tiger and Dragon of Yin-Chen, the Yin-Yang of Mao-You, as well as the Fire God and the Dark Warrior (Xuanwu), a divine fusion of tortoise and snake, along with three thousand divine soldiers. These deities descend from Mount Tai to the ritual altar to assist Daoist priests in subduing rampant ghosts. The incantation emphasizes strict adherence to divine law, warning of celestial punishment for disobedience.

The final Summoning Incantation of Grand Guardian Wen describes Wen Qiong, a fierce general under the Eastern Peak Emperor, with purple hair, golden eyes, and clad in iron armor. When he leads three thousand divine troops, heaven and earth tremble. Wielding black banners and iron axes, he commands the power of the Twenty-Eight Mansions. He can both subdue spirits and venomous creatures and revive the dead. The incantation orders Grand Guardian Wen to immediately execute the Eastern Peak Emperor’s decree.

These incantations all conclude with the phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances," emphasizing immediate enforcement like legal decrees and highlighting the solemn authority of Daoist rituals. The frequent mention of iron ritual implements reflects the Daoist symbolism of metal as an unyielding force that destroys evil.

This scripture contains multiple Daoist divine incantations (spells with supernatural power), primarily divided into four sections: the Thunderbolt Incantation, the Jade Blossom Incantation, the Fengdu (Daoist underworld) General Incantation, and the Command Issuance Incantation.

The Thunderbolt Incantation begins with "Om," a common opening syllable in mantras, followed by a series of esoteric Sanskrit-derived sounds meant to summon the power of thunder and lightning. Such incantations are typically used for exorcism or to amplify the potency of rituals, with each syllable representing a specific deity or force.

The Jade Blossom Incantation is more elaborate, first invoking the goddess Taisu Xuanping and the Five Primordial Lords (protective deities). It then employs mystical phrases to mobilize divine power, concluding with a declaration of the spell’s functions: enabling ascension to heaven or descent into the earth, eradicating plagues, vanquishing malevolent spirits, and carrying out the will of Heaven to dispel calamities. The closing phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" (jiji rulüling) is a standard Daoist ending, commanding immediate execution.

The Fengdu General Incantation specifically summons underworld deities. It describes a blue-faced, four-armed general of Fengdu (the Daoist netherworld) leading spectral troops, capable of making demons wail in terror. The incantation emphasizes the stern authority of underworld law, ordering the swift capture of evil entities while promising rewards to the divine enforcers who carry out the command.

The Command Issuance Incantation demonstrates the practitioner’s authority: flanked by the sun and moon, preceded and followed by thunder, wind, and clouds, capable of commanding dragon gods, the Six Jia Generals (guardian deities), and countless divine troops. The incantation demands the immediate appearance of these spirits to subdue ghosts and demons, again concluding with "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances."

These incantations exemplify the characteristics of Daoist ritual magic: invoking divine power through specific phonetic combinations, accompanied by vivid descriptions of deity manifestations, and asserting absolute authority in enforcement. Practitioners must use them in conjunction with corresponding rituals and talismans (fulu, Daoist ritual documents).

The Six Palaces Malevolent Ghosts Mantra describes the vicious spirits dwelling in the Six Palaces (Daoist term for the six regions of Fengdu, the underworld). Names like Zhòujué and Biāodìchén refer to the hellish palaces of Fengdu, where swirling mists conceal an atmosphere of lethal severity. The Seven Non-Beings (referring to seven types of evil ghosts) roam the Northern Path—this is the abode of spirits and demons.

The Eight Generals Mantra summons Fengdu's eight divine commanders. The practitioner invokes the powers of heaven, earth, sun, moon, and stars to compel these underworld deities to manifest their true forms. No matter what ghosts or supernatural beings are encountered, the eight generals will swiftly appear upon hearing the summons.

The Fengdu Assembly Altar Capture Mantra consists of esoteric syllables like "Jialouchā," used to mobilize natural forces such as wind, thunder, and fire. Names like Wūtú and Píliúlé refer to Fengdu’s divine beings—reciting these secret incantations ensures the swift apprehension of malevolent spirits.

The Tin Mace of Great Might passage depicts a majestic figure wielding sacred weapons. Righteous energy connects heaven and earth, while divine authority ascends to the celestial court. The eight generals unleash their supernatural powers, leaving no escape for demonic forces—first seizing the Nightlight Ghost (a specter that haunts after dark), then executing lawless evil deities. The mantra concludes by emphasizing that these actions are carried out by the decree of the Heavenly Emperor.

The Summoning Marshal Sang Mantra specifically calls upon Marshal Sang Tong, a fierce general under the Northern Emperor’s command. Upon hearing the invocation, Marshal Sang rushes to the ritual altar with the speed of wind and fire, riding tigers and dragons. The chant warns that any delay in response will result in eternal imprisonment in Fengdu’s hells.

The Fengdu Oath Mantra declares the practitioner’s authority, granted by the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity (a major Daoist deity), to govern Fengdu’s Six Palaces. Marshal Tianpeng (the Northern Dipper’s divine general) stands guard, while the Bronze Serpent and Iron Hound (mythic beasts of the underworld) remain ready for action. The oath promises severe punishment for disobedience and heavenly rewards for merit, concluding with an urgent command to seize wandering souls without delay.

This is a set of powerful exorcism incantations from the Daoist scripture Taishang Sandong Shenzhou (Divine Incantations of the Three Caverns), primarily invoking the divine power of Marshal Tianpeng (a guardian deity in Daoism) to subdue demons and evil spirits. Each incantation concludes with "ji ji ru lü ling" (immediately as decreed), a standard phrase in Daoist invocations signifying immediate execution.

The first section, "The Great Mysterious Black Writ Tianpeng Command Talisman," depicts Marshal Tianpeng leading celestial generals to capture malevolent entities: Marshal Tianpeng wields a black ritual text, summoning fierce generals to establish an altar specifically for apprehending rebellious sorcerers and malicious spirits. Rampant ghosts and violent offenders will all be swiftly pursued by the divine troops of the Three Caverns (upper, middle, and lower realms) and the five divisions of celestial soldiers, leaving none behind. Those who dare resist will be executed with iron axes, restoring purity to the world. The overseeing Censor (a Daoist divine official) patrols the four directions—any evil spirits violating the Black Law (Marshal Tianpeng’s decrees) shall be annihilated in both form and spirit.

The "Incantation to Open the Command Pouch" activates ritual implements: Marshal Tianpeng disperses the black mist, revealing Mount Fengdu (the Daoist underworld). The six layers of subterranean caverns blaze with light as the gates of the netherworld reopen. The great demon kings stand ready, awaiting my orders.

The "Incantation to Open the Celestial Gate" unseals the passage to the heavenly realm: By the command of Marshal Tianpeng, the Dark Warrior Emperor (deity of the north) unlocks the barriers of the underworld. Torturers pause their interrogations as spectral soldiers encircle in protection. The Demon King grips his sword in wrath, suppressing barbaric demons across six caverns. Hear my decree—the Celestial Gate opens to gaze upon the Black Mountain.

The "Incantation to Open the Hell Realms" specifically targets the underworld: O potent hells! Lords of the Five Directions’ vital Qi (energy), lead a million soldiers to amplify my authority. Patrol the eight directions and capture demons alive. Golden-headed and iron-headed fiends—all shall be imprisoned in the netherworld, never to attain liberation.

The "Life-Preservation Incantation" serves as a protective charm: Marshal Tianpeng and the Nine Mysteries Slayer Youth (guardian generals) can shapeshift with peerless might. They penetrate heaven and earth, command water and fire, and bridge Yin-Yang. Limitless in transformation, they gather scattered souls. The Kui Star (first star of the Big Dipper) shines bright; the Qi Star rides dragons, the Piao Star brings great fortune, the Xu Star soars aloft—auspicious light illuminates all. The Bi and Piao constellations wield vast divine power, safeguarding life and stabilizing the spirit. Essence (Jing) is refined, breath (Qi) flows unimpeded, the heart-mind (Shen) is pacified, and the four elements (earth, water, fire, wind) of the body harmonize.

The "Incantation to Summon the Four-Eyed Elder" calls upon an ancient immortal with four eyes: As the supreme commander of ten thousand spirits, Marshal Tianpeng empowers this awe-inspiring Four-Eyed Elder to perceive all directions. Roaming the world, he swiftly subdues perverse winds—those who disobey are instantly delivered to Northern Fengdu (the ghost city of the north). Arriving like the wind, answering every summons, he manifests his true power without delay.

The "Incantation to Summon the Crimson-Haired Demon King" invokes the Great Sage of Nine Ugliness, the Crimson-Haired Demon King, who terrifies legions of demons and sends monsters into hiding. The demon kings of the Six Heavens (the desire realm’s six celestial layers) submit to his authority, while all manner of shape-shifting spirits revert to their true forms.

This scripture records several important Daoist incantations for exorcising evil spirits and subduing demons, primarily used in ritual ceremonies to summon deities and control malevolent forces. The phrase "urgently as the law commands" (jiji rulüling) concludes each incantation, representing the standard Daoist formula for commanding spirits to act swiftly.

The first is the "Demon-Subduing Incantation," where the priest declares himself appointed by the Northern Emperor (Beiji Ziwei Dadi, a major Daoist deity) to oversee affairs of Fengdu (the Daoist underworld). It asserts authority to control demons and judge spirits, demanding their immediate obedience—commanding them to arrive like meteors and lightning, execute orders with the speed of wind and thunder, and submit to the priest's authority whether in heaven or earth.

The second, the "Stellar Combat Incantation," summons Marshal Tianpeng (a Daoist guardian general), describing his dominion over heaven and earth, governance of the Five Sacred Mountains, and control even over the Nine Heavens and Eight Solar Terms (important Daoist calendrical divisions). The incantation emphasizes Tianpeng's command of mighty generals like the Heavenly Gang King and Black Killer King, his ability to ride dragons and tigers while patrolling all directions, and how even the mightiest demons tremble before him. It concludes by invoking overwhelming celestial force to permanently eradicate evil.

The third, the "Messenger Officers Incantation," calls upon the Registrar Officials under Marshal Tianpeng's command, demanding they arrive instantly at the ritual altar accompanied by local earth gods (tudi shen). It warns of Tianpeng's punishment for disobedience.

The final "General Sang's Mighty Incantation" summons a special group of martial deities: General Weilie, General Ganying, and General Sangtong. It commands them to rush from the Nine Yin Realms (areas of extreme yin energy) to perform soul-capturing magic with wind-and-thunder speed. A stern warning threatens eternal punishment under Fengdu's laws for any delay in obedience.

These incantations demonstrate the Daoist ritual practice of invoking divine power through specific linguistic formulas to suppress malign forces, reflecting the tradition's understanding and methods of regulating cosmic order.