《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 10

The Scripture of Great Method for Delivering the Limitless (Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shang Jing Dafa), Volume Ten

(The original heading, “Frost Nine,” is thought to be a section or volume marker.)

The Chapter on Clairvoyant Vision and Summoning

The Lingbao method for summoning perfected spirits is a numinous text formed naturally from the subtle, transcendent Qi of the Three Caverns. It is used to summon the sages of the Three Origins, the myriad spirits, and the thousand perfected beings. To summon immortals and perfected beings from the ranks of the Azure Palace, or to command the hundred spirits, practitioners should use a piece of blue silk seven feet and two inches long as a base. In its center, they should write the cinnabar-script talisman for summoning the perfected and the yellow-register talisman for calling spirits, then place the talismans in a quiet chamber. The mat may be made of yellow brocade or silk.

When performing a Zhaijiao purification ritual, recite the secret names of the Five Emperors—the hidden names of the celestial emperors of the five directions—every nine days, and visualize the talismans in the palm. After nine rites, true Qi will gather in the palm and take shape. On the hundredth day, three messengers who summon the perfected and call spirits, three Jade Maidens, and three Golden Youths will descend with the rite to guard the numinous text. The perfected spirits summoned will also descend into the chamber. At that time, one may see the heavenly perfected with one’s own eyes and hear numinous sounds with one’s own ears. After three rites, one may perhaps glimpse their forms and shadows.

Those who practice this method must have steadfast faith; the Five Sacred Peaks will test the practitioner. If the secret method is disclosed carelessly, the summoned spirits will not manifest. The perfected beings of the various heavens all come before the practitioner in response to the numinous talisman. If one lacks such a talismanic text yet summons them recklessly, then no matter how earnestly one practices, there will be no response. Any manifestation is most likely a demonic or malign spirit testing the practitioner. Those who receive the method should follow the ritual rules and ordinances of the Mysterious Capital, take three pieces of plain silk, measure their length according to their own age, and go to their scripture master to receive the method. The instructions must be kept in mind through silent visualization, not written down, lest ghosts, spirits, birds, or beasts see them and reveal the secret.

This is a mysterious and secret method.

The Talisman of the Void Sovereign for Summoning the Perfected, and the Talisman of the Void Sovereign for Calling Spirits

Practitioners should submit a memorial to the Primordial Sovereign, the True King, and vow to request these two talismans. They may use them only after receiving approval; these two talismans are the key to the Lingbao method. Practicing and applying this great method helps one connect with primordial Qi and communicate with the spirits.

When performing the rite, the left hand must be clean and free of defilement. Form the hand seal of the Five Sacred Peaks, gather the Qi of the five directions, and breathe it into the left hand. Then have a boy and a girl, or a devout man and woman, breathe into the hand. Breathe three times and press three times. Only when the left hand appears blue-green or azure may one enter the ritual realm; if it appears any other color, one cannot enter.

Incantation of the Five Sacred Peaks’ True Names:

“Red apricot, black ink, grind the true sock, wax Lingbao.”

After reciting the incantation once, gather the Qi of the five directions and breathe it into the hand seal. Do not release the seal. Then use two fingers of the right hand to write the talisman for summoning the perfected in the air, while drawing in breath through the mouth, then blow it toward the left hand. Recite the incantation five times, gather the Qi of the five directions, and breathe it toward the ritual altar, so that the great person within the altar…

(“Forming a hand seal” and “visualizing a talisman” are terms for ritual practices in Daoism. They refer respectively to making a prescribed gesture with the fingers and concentrating on a talisman through inner visualization. The quoted incantation and the final sentence appear to contain textual errors or omissions in the original, so they have been retained as written.)

Have the child gaze steadily at his right hand. Ask those nearby to blow on his hand, then recite the incantation.

Take in and swallow the Qi of the Five Directions—the Daoist term for the Qi associated with the east, south, west, north, and center—and use the mind to press it down. Then have the person watching open his eyes and look at the center of his palm to see whether a blue-green color has appeared, like the deep blue sky. Begin the rite only after he sees it. If he does not, repeat the preceding method.

Choose a watcher who can see clearly. Once he sees the blue-green color, recite the incantation:

“With reverence, I invite the Void Sovereign to send down the True Talisman. I summon the emissary of the numinous talisman: at once, take up the talisman and reveal your form. Hasten in accordance with the Lingbao ordinances.”

Take in Qi from the southeast and blow it toward the left hand. Then have the watcher blow on the hand three times. Recite the incantation, blow three times, and press down with the mind three times; then have the watcher look again. At this point, he should be able to see two red places on the palm. Proceed with the invocation and blowing: on the left appears the talisman script for “Bringing Down the True,” and on the right the script for “Summoning the Numinous.” Both seal-script inscriptions should be clearly legible. Then summon the officials and attendants of Lingbao, the subordinate functionaries of the Lingbao deities. Once the inscriptions are clear, have someone gaze intently at the officials and attendants without shifting his eyes. The ritual master then moves his hands away and makes no further gestures. The officials and attendants will travel back and forth through the air, revealing their true forms.

This is the secret of the Lingbao method for communicating with primordial Qi, reaching the deities, and entering the divine realm. It is not written down, but passed from master to disciple through oral instruction and transmission from heart to heart; it must be kept carefully secret.

Summoning the Numinous Beings Who Bring Down the True into the Ritual Space

First burn incense and wash your hands. Then recite the secret names of the Five Sacred Peaks, names used in Daoist ritual, and sit quietly. With your right hand, write the upright floral seal-mark on the table. Then make a scooping gesture with your hand to draw the written mark into your palm, as though gathering the talismanic characters. Next, form the Five Sacred Peaks hand-seals in sequence, recite their secret names and the Qi of the Five Directions, and blow into your hand three times.

Then write the Taiqing seal-mark on the table and scoop it into your left hand. Form the Five Sacred Peaks hand-seals in sequence, recite their secret names, and blow into your hand. Repeat this three times. Then look to see whether your palm has turned blue-green. If it has not, recite the secret names of the Five Sacred Peaks again, take in Qi from the Five Directions, and blow it onto your palm until the color is like the deep blue sky.

Next, invite the beings who bring down the True and summon the emissaries of the numinous talisman, reciting:

“With reverence, I invite the Primordial Sovereign to send down the True Talisman. The Jade Emperor summons the emissary of the numinous talisman: descend swiftly.”

Take in Qi from the northwest and blow it toward both sides of the blue-green Qi in your left hand, until red appears on either side. If it does not appear, continue summoning the beings who bring down the True and the emissaries of the numinous talisman until the red becomes visible. Then look at the edges of your left and right palms. Two talismans should appear: one in upright seal script and one in horizontal seal script. If the inscriptions are still unclear, keep reciting the incantation for bringing down the True and summoning the emissaries of the numinous talisman until you can see them clearly. Then recite the “Lingbao Incantation for Gathering Smoke with the Numinous Wind.” The incantation reads as follows.

Jade-toned sounds gather and contain primordial Qi (vital energy), while numinous winds draw together smoke and clouds. In the midst of purple emptiness, refined energy gathers in abundance; the assembled immortals take their places in rows, and the myriad perfected beings and holy ones unite, naturally revealing their true forms.

Take Qi from the southeast and blow it toward the talisman. If you see the talisman move with the Qi, continue in the same way. If it does not move, recite the incantation and blow again, then summon the youths of the Five Directions. The incantation says:

I respectfully summon the Youth Who Opens the Way of the Azure Numen, Primordial Elder of the East. Come down swiftly and reveal your form at once. By command of the Heavenly Emperor, I summon you to descend swiftly. Blow toward the east.

I respectfully summon the Youth Who Opens the Way of the Vermilion Numen, True Elder of the South. Come down swiftly and reveal your form at once. By command of the Heavenly Emperor, I summon you to descend swiftly. Blow toward the south.

I respectfully summon the Youth Who Opens the Way of the Bright Numen, Yellow Elder of the West. Come down swiftly and reveal your form at once. By command of the Heavenly Emperor, I summon you to descend swiftly. Blow toward the west.

I respectfully summon the Youth Who Opens the Way of the Five Numinous Powers, Dark Elder of the North. Come down swiftly and reveal your form at once. By command of the Heavenly Emperor, I summon you to descend swiftly. Blow toward the north.

I respectfully summon the Youth Who Opens the Way of the Yellow Numen, Elder of the Center. Come down swiftly and reveal your form at once. By command of the Heavenly Emperor, I summon you to descend swiftly. Blow upward.

Wait until the youth of one direction has appeared before summoning the youth of a second direction. Do not summon them all at once. After blowing Qi toward each direction, if you see the shadow appear distinctly, recite the incantation and blow. Wait until the clothing is clearly visible, then examine the face carefully so that you do not mistake it. Once the youth’s form is fully revealed, summon the Jade Maidens of the Six Ding, the female deities among the Daoist divine generals.

At this point, recite the Divine Incantation of Penetrating Light and Great Illumination, summoning the Jade Maidens of the Six Ding and Six Jia to reveal their forms. Focus your mind on the maidens’ appearance and gaze steadily at them. The ritual master draws a hand into the sleeve and recites the Divine Incantation of Penetrating Light and Great Illumination:

Red apricot (Mao hand sign), ink black (Kan hand sign), grind the true (Dui hand sign), sock wax (Li hand sign), Numinous Treasure (center of the middle finger), arise, be born, turn (Yin hand sign, using the Duli method), move (Mao hand sign), ke han ming (Chen hand sign), complete the work (Si hand sign), rectify the work (move from the upper part of the middle finger to its center and hold the hand sign firm), gather the soul and draw it in.

The parentheses here indicate the corresponding direction, finger position, or method of forming a hand sign. A hand sign is a configuration of the fingers used in ritual practice. Next, form the hand signs in sequence with the left hand while reciting the incantation. Draw Qi from Heaven, Earth, and humanity, and blow it into the mirror; then recite the incantation:

Gather the soul and draw it in, complete the work. Summon the swift messengers of the Eight Directions, the heavenly spirits, the earthly deities, and all numinous beings to return together and obey the Heavenly Emperor’s command.

Recite, “Supreme Emperor of Harmonious Brightness … come swiftly,” then gather Qi from the eight directions. Form the hand seal and blow onto the mirror to summon the Six Ding and Six Jia jade maidens, Daoist guardian deities and goddesses. Then recite the invocation:

I respectfully summon the Left-Flying and Right-Spirit Maidens, along with the six jade maidens of Jiazi, Jiaxu, Jiashen, Jiawu, Jiachen, and Jiayin, and the six jade maidens of Dingchou, Dinghai, Dingyou, Dingwei, Dingsi, and Dingmao.

Gather Qi from the Five Directions and blow it toward the mirror. First perceive the Qi, then the forms and shadows; next discern the shades of their garments, and finally make out their faces. If they remain unclear, recite the invocation again, gather Qi, and blow onto the mirror. Only after completing all these steps may you summon the other Immortals and perfected beings. If you do not follow the sequence, they will often fail to respond; even if they do, summoning them will be difficult. The Five Emperors, Six Ding, and Six Jia are considered the source from which all Qi originates, so they must be summoned first.

Summoning the Immortals of the Azure Mystery Court into the ritual space

“Ritual space” refers to the altar or ceremonial space established for carrying out a rite.

I respectfully beseech the Greatly Compassionate One, the Celestial Worthy Taiyi Who Saves from Suffering, dwelling in the Hall of Eternal Joy at the Eastern Pole Palace. Hearing this invocation, may he descend and bestow true Qi, helping his disciple strengthen the power of sight.

Gather Qi from the east and blow it out, then recite the incantation:

I respectfully summon the responsive spirit youth of the Azure Mystery, who ascends and descends through the primal life force. May he swiftly carry out the command of the Celestial Worthy of the Azure Mystery.

Maintain the visualization until a sky-blue color appears. Only then may you summon the Immortal officials of the Azure Mystery Court, revealing them one by one. During the summoning, first perceive the Qi, then the shadows, and finally their garments and faces.

Summoning the Immortal officials of the Palace of Great Yin into the ritual space

Recite, “The Emperor of Great Yin, by his power, descends,” then recite the incantation to the Lord of the Moon:

The moon’s essence is gentle and bright, fragrant and lovely, its light and shadow deep and still. Spiritual Qi gathers, splendor rises, and golden, pure radiance glimmers brilliantly. The pavilions and towers of the lunar palace appear in shining color.

Gather Qi from Great Yin and the west, then blow it out. Observe whether the hand appears bright as the moon. If it does, you may summon the Jade Youths, Jade Maidens, Spirit Officials, and Meritorious Officers, Daoist divine functionaries.

Summoning the Immortal officials of the Palace of Great Yang into the ritual space

Recite, “The Emperor of Great Yang, by his power, descends,” then recite the incantation to the Lord of the Sun:

The sun’s essence shines like a luminous pearl. Its radiance illuminates and reveals an emerald hue; amid swirling rosy clouds, a red youth appears, bearing the gleam of dark flames.

Gather Qi from the south. After reciting, draw a circle and visualize the sun. Recite the incantation again, gather Qi, and blow it toward the hand. Stop when the hand begins to shine like the sun. If the light has not appeared, recite the incantation again.

This scripture describes the ritual procedures for summoning celestial beings in Daoist practice, comprising several key stages:

First, the practitioner must await the manifestation of spiritual light, then gather southern Qi (Nanqi) and summon immortal officials like Jade Maidens and Jade Youths through breath techniques. These celestial attendants initially appear as ethereal Qi before gradually revealing their complete forms with robes and crowns. Next comes the invitation of immortal officials from the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper (Beidou) to enter the ritual space (entering the "ju" formation), specifically summoning the seven spiritual youths of the Dipper including Kuixing, who respond immediately when called.

During the ritual, the practitioner snaps fingers over a mirror while gathering northern Qi (Beiqi) and exhales it toward the mirror until the seven stars manifest. If unsuccessful, incantations are repeated with further exhalations until the stars appear. The absence of one's destiny star (the astral body governing personal fate) among the seven constitutes an extremely inauspicious sign. Only when all seven stars are present may the practitioner proceed to summon Northern Dipper deities and celestial generals.

Subsequently, the practitioner recites the sacred names of the Five Directional Emperors (Wudi Hui) to summon Jade Directional Youths and the Six Ding-Six Jia spirit generals. The "Transformation Purification Incantation" follows - its essence invoking the mysterious powers of heaven and earth through eight-directional divinities to unite the practitioner with nature. The spell mentions effects like demon-slaying, evil-banishing, ghost-expelling and life-prolonging, concluding with the standard Daoist phrase "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes" indicating immediate efficacy.

After another gathering and exhalation of northern Qi, ethereal towers and palaces appear first as Qi formations before materializing completely. This enables the summoning of Jade Youths and Maidens. The ritual culminates with the "Summoning True Spirits from the Sacred Capital Incantation" - a specialized spell for invoking immortals from the Jade Mansion of Divine Empyrean (a supreme Daoist celestial realm), containing sacred proclamations about unlocking celestial mechanisms and broadcasting across the Three Realms.

Key ritual notes: Incantations are recited three times, with specific spells used according to the rank of summoned immortals - from Golden Pass Attendants to Right Hall Generals and other hierarchical positions. The ceremony concludes with three to four tooth-tappings (kouchi), burning the summoning talisman in the incense burner while forming the Jade Purity Hand Seal (Yuqing Jue).

Lord of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, true kings, immortal officials of civil and military rank, and the immortal officials of the Eastern and Western Flower Terraces: you wear cloud-brocade jade robes, adorn yourselves with jade ornaments and golden pendants, tread in vermilion shoes, wear jeweled crowns, and carry seals. I now reverently summon you: descend swiftly to the altar. Act at once in accordance with the ordinances of the True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

The method is as follows: silently recite the incantation once, draw in the Qi of the Divine Empyrean from the southeast, and blow it toward the altar to purify it. Alternatively, in a mirror, summon the immortal official suited to the task at hand. Reverently invite the chosen immortal official to descend swiftly: “I act under the command of the Celestial Emperor. You must not linger or delay. Act at once in accordance with the ordinances of the True King of the Divine Empyrean.”

If someone has met with calamity, summon the Lord Who Dispels Misfortune. To pray for longevity, summon the Lord Who Extends Life. To inquire about one’s lifespan or official rank and emoluments, summon the Lords in Charge of Fate and Records. To perform a Zhaijiao purification ritual for blessings and the averting of disaster, summon the Lords of Music on the left and right. Choose whom to summon according to the task, and focus your attention intently. When you are about to summon an immortal official, burn the corresponding talisman in the incense burner.

The incantation for summoning the Jade Youths is:

“The Jade Emperor has issued his command and summoned the numinous youths. Blue-feathered youths in embroidered robes, rosy-feathered youths in embroidered robes, green-feathered youths in embroidered robes, deep-blue-feathered youths in embroidered robes, crimson-feathered youths in embroidered robes, dark-feathered youths in embroidered robes, purple-feathered youths in embroidered robes, and yellow-feathered youths in embroidered robes: come swiftly down for me. I act under the command of the Celestial Emperor. Come at once.”

The incantation for summoning the Divine Empyrean Jade Youths is:

“Reverently I invite all the youths in the halls of the Divine Empyrean, whose title is Jade Rosy Cloud. I act under the command of the Celestial Emperor; descend swiftly. Most holy and most numinous, reveal your forms clearly. I act in accordance with the ordinances of the True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.”

The method is as follows: knock the teeth together three times, form the Jade Clarity mudra, draw in Qi from the southeast, then blow and burn the talisman as before. To make them appear, first reveal their light, then their shadows and forms.

The incantation for summoning the Jade Maidens is:

“In the divine mansion of Jade Clarity dwell true immortals, clad in five-colored brocade robes, their sleeves like clouds, holding feather fans, tally tablets, and talismans and registers. They soar through the nine heavens, arrayed in a ceremonial guard. I now summon the celestial immortals under the command of the Celestial Emperor: descend swiftly to the altar. Act at once in accordance with the command of the True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.”

Another incantation is:

“Reverently I invite the gentle Qi to gather: the Nine Numinous Female Immortals, titled the Jade Maidens. Clad in phoenix robes and light skirts, they act at the command of the True King. I summon them to descend to the divine court; let all proceed in accordance with the ordinances.” (Their attire is five-colored robes embroidered with feathers.)

The method is as follows: knock the teeth together, write the talisman, then burn it in the incense burner to summon them.

The incantation for summoning the Jade Maiden is:

I respectfully summon the Left Spirit and Right Flyer, the Jade Maidens of the Jiazi cycle, of Supreme Mystery, Yellow Silk, Crimson Palace, Green Waist, Constant Yang, Direct Seal, Direct Form, Direct Sword, Direct Flower, and Direct Incense, along with the Jade Maidens Who Serve the Ten Heavens and the Jade Maiden Who Distinguishes Demons. Come swiftly and heed my commands. By order of the Celestial Emperor, I summon you to descend at once!

Summoning the Officers of the Jade Clarity Divine Empyrean, who carry messages

When performing the rite, first click the teeth nine times, form the Jade Clarity hand seal, and face east to blow out breath. This summons the Divine Empyrean Jade Document Officer.

I respectfully summon the officers of the Jade Clarity Divine Palace who govern the immortal way, the heavenly way, the earthly way, the divine way, the ghostly way, and the way of karma, along with their retinues. I summon you now: descend at once to the ritual altar. By order of the Celestial Emperor, you must not linger or delay. Heal every illness, cut down baleful influences, and carry memorials up to the Celestial Court. Execute this command at once, without delay!

When performing the rite, click the teeth nine times, write a Fulu (talisman and register), and burn it in the incense burner to summon the officers.

Incantation for Summoning the Officers

Officers of the Mysterious Bureau’s Jade Document, commissioned by Jade Clarity and charged with carrying memorials up to the Three Heavens, hear my summons and descend at once to the ritual altar. By order of the Celestial Emperor, I summon you to descend swiftly!

When performing the rite, form the Jade Clarity hand seal, draw in breath from the southeast, and blow it out.

Summoning the Divine Empyrean Great General

The hundred thousand celestial troops of the Divine Empyrean and Jade Clarity wear armor of gold and jade, gird themselves with dragon-patterned sashes, and wear tiger-patterned headscarves. Capture the myriad demons and subdue ghosts and spirits; act according to the commands of the Fulu. With the Dao’s Qi, perform the rite unseen and draw back the souls, so that life may remain secure and undiminished. Execute this command at once, in accordance with the decree of the True King of the Divine Empyrean and Jade Clarity!

I respectfully summon a certain general of the Divine Empyrean and his retinue. Come swiftly and heed my commands. By order of the Celestial Emperor, I summon you to descend at once!

When performing the rite, form the Jade Clarity hand seal, click the teeth nine times, write a Fulu and burn it in the incense burner to summon them, while drawing in breath from the southeast and blowing it out.

Incantation for Summoning the Divine Empyrean Thunderbolts to Destroy Demons

In the exalted realm of the Divine Empyrean and Jade Clarity, within Jade Clarity are the gods who govern thunder and lightning, along with celestial troops and mighty warriors. They drive the wind and marshal the clouds, using thunderbolts to destroy the demons and punish the baleful spirits. With their left hands they hurl bolts of lightning; with their right, they cast wheels of fire to punish the violent and wicked. Thunder booms, and the thunder troops number in the thousands upon thousands; fire and smoke fill the air. I summon you now: come at once to the ritual altar without delay and protect the people. Execute this command at once, in accordance with the decree of the Jade Clarity King’s palace of the Divine Empyrean!

Incantation for Summoning the Divine Officers of the Divine Empyrean Thunder Department

The Southern Office of the Fire Ministry, the upper palace of Lord Han, the Dragon Enclosure of the Rain Department, the divine court of the Thunder House—

The five directional lords of lightning and the divine attendants of thunder and lightning, acting under orders, take charge of the true talismans and summon the governing spirits from above.

The Heavenly Worthy issues his command. Wind and fire surge without pause; swiftly ride to the ten directions and send down the Dharma rain and clouds of compassion.

Swift thunder hunts down and captures the flood dragons. Fierce winds, thunder, and fire sweep away ill omens and destroy the demon host.

The heavenly prison subdues demons and evil spirits; may the true spirits descend swiftly. Haste, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

This is the command of the Jade Emperor Han and the Samadhi of the Cavernous Abyss.

For this rite: click the teeth nine times, form the Jade Clarity hand seal, write the talisman, burn it in the incense burner, then draw in the Qi of the southeast and blow it forth.

Incantation for Summoning Immortal Officials

Above the high heavens, Jade Clarity is supreme. The Three Qi of Lingbao and the two provincial pivots are governed by the Supreme Emperor.

The offices of Heaven and the palaces of the kings each have their appointed duties, assisting the Jade Palace below. The immortal officials, ranked by grade and position, descend when summoned; all act in accordance with the imperial seal—the Heavenly Emperor’s talismanic command.

Haste, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

For this rite: click the teeth nine times, form the Jade Clarity hand seal, write the talisman, burn it in the incense burner, then draw in the Qi of the southeast and blow it forth.

Incantation for Summoning the Hundred Divine Spirits of the Great Cavern

Jade Clarity’s True King, sages and perfected beings of the Great Cavern: your true names are hidden within the Dao. The Youthful Lords of the Yellow Chamber, the male and female Jade Maidens, and the Generals of Harmony—all swiftly appear within my body when summoned.

Through cultivating the methods of the Great Cavern, I ascend to Jade Clarity. Let the descending true Qi unite with my body and grant me my true form, so that I may perceive through the myriad kalpas without falling into peril.

Haste, in accordance with the commands of the True King of Jade Clarity, High Sovereign of the Divine Empyrean!

For this rite: click the teeth nine times, form the Jade Clarity hand seal, write the talisman, burn it in the incense burner, and draw in the Qi of the southeast and blow it forth.

General Incantation for Summoning the Registers of the Immortal Offices

Above the high heavens, Jade Clarity is supreme. Within the Dark Celestial Dipper and the palace where the Great Mystery takes form, the Lords of Heaven and the Queen Mother of the Precious Void hold authority. They chant the Jade Writs, carry golden talismans, and oversee the prohibitions of the immortal realm.

The Golden Youths and Jade Maidens investigate spirits and monsters, discern demons and evil beings, and command the officials. They report to the Three Heavens, manifest, and carry out recommendations, transmissions of memorials, and the issuing of commands.

They dispel calamities and relieve suffering, protect the Great Dao, and bind ghosts and spirits. They travel through the heavens, aid the living and deliver the dead, release those in distress, subdue anomalies, and gain access to the Purple Palace.

The ten heavens, under command, summon the immortal officials responsible for each domain to descend.

Haste, in accordance with the commands and edict of the Supreme Emperor, Lingming Yuanshi of Shangqing!

For this rite: click the teeth nine times, form the Jade Clarity hand seal, write the talisman, and burn it in the incense burner.

The Jade Clarity liturgy says: fast for ninety days, then summon the immortal spirits to descend at the eastern side of the Jade Clarity altar…

Among the Qi of the south—the vital energy that Daoism regards as the source of life—when a divine being descends, one can seemingly perceive it with one’s own senses: first the Qi appears, then a shadow, colors, clothing, and features. After these, one sees in order the Three Nurturings, the Level Balance, a mirror, a ruyi scepter, and emptiness.

Utter a single incantation, and gold and blue-green appear separately. If this vision is lost, it can never be regained; lose it three times, and it is gone forever. Unless someone has bones of gold and the substance of jade, sincerely longs for the Great Dao as a thirsty infant seeks its mother’s milk, and can cast away wealth as readily as one avoids a host of venomous snakes, this method must not be passed on to those who seek widely but have only a shallow grasp of the arts.

The Great Method of the Upper Scripture of Limitless Salvation through the Numinous Treasure, juan 10