《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 14

After offering incense and opening the burner (lighting the incense to begin the ritual; visualizing in accordance with the liturgy and forming the Supreme Emperor mudra):

“Supreme Lord Lao, Primordial Origin of the Three Qi of the Three Heavens beyond the Highest, summon forth the spirits within my body.”

(Move the mudra to the base of the middle finger, then trace upward along the base of the second finger and form the mudra beneath the second fingernail.) The Three-Five Meritorious Officers (divine officials who convey documents), the left and right messengers, the left and right attendants bearing incense, the courier dragon riders, the incense-attending golden youths, the jade maidens who convey messages and scatter flowers, the Five Emperors’ duty talismans, and the incense officials on duty today—thirty-six of each—appear at once. (Flick the mudra outward, then return it to the Supreme Emperor mudra and press it in place with the middle finger.) Report this swiftly to the throne.

“Supreme Jade Emperor, Most True One of Emptiness and Natural Spontaneity in the Three Heavens beyond the Highest: I now enter the quiet chamber (a serene place for spiritual cultivation) and burn incense. At this hour today, I devote myself to carrying out the rite within the altar precincts, opening the method that grants insight into the unseen realm and direct vision of the divine and true. I respectfully invite the True Spirits to descend and the numinous officers to answer the summons. All that I wish to state in confidence has been written in the memorial. May the true and upright Qi from the ten directions descend and flow into our bodies, so that the matter I present may swiftly reach the Heavenly Court.”

I present this memorial before the Most True, Limitless Great Dao, the Three Pure Ones and the Supreme Emperors, and the August Jade Emperor. I bow twice, kneel at length, and silently present the memorial.

“In the year of [heavenly stem and earthly branch], under the Grand Duke of Jupiter for [year], on the first day of [month], I, your servant, holder of a ritual rank, bow my head and pay homage twice.

Your servant submits this memorial: I was born among humankind and dwell in the dusty world. My sins and karmic burdens are deep; I had resigned myself to sinking into the realm of ghosts. I have no merit to redeem my offenses and can only await punishment from the Heavenly Court. Fortunately, the Dao’s fortune has flourished and the times are peaceful. Through karmic ties from past lives, I was able to receive the ritual registers, enter an alliance with the Mystery Gate, and be entrusted with precious scriptures through the grace of the Great Dao. By good fortune, I have been appointed to a pure office among the Three Caverns. Your servant looks up in gratitude to the Great Dao for its grace in restoring me to life. I hope that my withered and decaying body may once again be granted honor. Day and night I am grateful, yet anxious and ill at ease, regretting that I cannot repay even a fraction of this kindness.

Your servant vows to assist Heaven in advancing its teachings, to aid the state and relieve the people; to resolve offenses and pray for grace, avert calamities and seek blessings, root out evil and uphold the Orthodox Dao, and deliver the souls of the dead from the netherworld. My heart is wholly set on this, and I dare not slacken. I hope to contribute, however modestly, to the teachings of the Great Dao and thereby make amends for past wrongs. Your servant is filled with awe and fear, bows his head, and pays homage twice.

Your servant further reflects: although my heart is sincere, my resolve firm, and I do my utmost to observe the heavenly precepts, I fear that my daily conduct and every movement may not accord with the truth. I may be unable to communicate with the unseen realm and the human world, or to manifest wondrous efficacy. In truth, I am merely a defiled mortal body born from the womb, burdened by the afflictions of the dusty world, lingering among the living like a corpse, with Yin Qi accumulating and blazing fiercely…”

True Qi (vital energy) fills my whole body, but harmonizing Qi has not filled my limbs. The light in my eyes has therefore gradually faded, and I see things dimly and indistinctly. It is even harder for me to see the ghosts and spirits, let alone perceive the Three Realms. In this state, I can hardly bring evil spirits back to the right path, teach and transform them, or establish merit. What is more, my eyes are now like a blind person’s and my ears like a deaf person’s. In the past, my teacher of transmission bestowed on me the Hunyuan Jade Writs—Daoist talismanic documents—and I gathered the true taboos of the Three Sovereigns, the inner names of the numinous perfected beings, and the divine script for vision beyond sight. I should cultivate in accordance with these.

Now I carefully choose an auspicious day. From this day forward, I will observe a long fast and, following the ritual, swallow the talismanic script. I hope to cleanse the filth in my heart within and cultivate the vital essence of my eyes without, so that I may see ghosts and spirits and perceive the Three Realms in full. I respectfully pray:

Forefather, Jade Pure Emperor; patriarch, Highest Pure Emperor; perfected teacher, Great Emperor of Great Clarity; holy teacher, Jade Emperor of the Vast Heaven; and mysterious teacher, Great Emperor of the Eastern Pole and Azure Mystery; True Lords who teach the Lingbao scriptures, True Lords who guard the Lingbao registers, True Lords who transmit the Lingbao teachings, and Heavenly Lords who are the many teachers of Lingbao; sages above the Three Heavens, perfected ones of the highest rank, and revered gods of the Jade Steps: I beseech you to bestow divine grace and look kindly upon my ordinary heart. Please do not take offense at my presumptuous plea.

I respectfully ask you to grant me Heaven’s grace and hear my prayer. In particular, send down countless layers of Dao Qi, the pure Qi of the True Ones of the Ten Directions, the light of wisdom in accord with the Great Dao, the sacred power of the Three Treasures, and the divine wisdom of the Six Supernatural Powers. May these wondrous true lights enter my body, sweep away the dust from my mind, wash the turbidity from my eyes, and open the pathways of my organs so that light may shine forth. Forgive my sins and karmic hindrances; transform the blockages in my prenatal essence, which is bound to the root of life, and open my joints. Subdue the many demons, and let the perfected ones stand guard around me.

After I swallow the inner taboos—the secret names of the perfected divine beings—today, may I sit quietly and contemplate the Three Realms, illuminate all directions, see into the hidden world, and perceive ghosts and spirits in full. May I silently know what has not yet appeared and clearly see the celestial signs. May I be forever free of the Eight Difficulties and the Three Calamities, and may countless misfortunes and the Nine Calamities be dispelled. May everything I do be auspicious, may my stated wishes be fulfilled, and may the Great Dao flourish and spread, with all beings believing in it and turning toward it.

I vow, life after life, to save living beings, deliver the dead, and subdue demons and spirits. Through myriad kalpas and cycles of fortune, may I forever remain a disciple of the Three Treasures. Should I receive the wondrous response of the mysterious powers, I would not dare reveal even half a word of Heaven’s secrets. With utmost reverence, I kneel and present this statement of my heart, setting forth my wishes before the gods. May it ascend to the gates of the Three Heavens. I beseech the gods to carry it upward with the incense smoke and present it before the supreme throne of the Great Dao and the Three Treasures. I, your servant, pray with utmost sincerity for grace and await your gracious assent.

I prostrate myself in reverent awe and offer this memorial once more.

Re-establishing the Incense Burner (the ritual stage in which the burner is settled again and the incense smoke is visualized as reaching the spirits)

Incense officials and messengers, Dragon Lords and Tiger Lords on the left and right, and all the spirit officials who attend the incense: at the place where I present my memorial, may auspicious energies such as golden liquid, cinnabar and jade green, and the blossoms of the divine fungus arise of their own accord, gathering the myriad spirits and perfected beings before this incense burner. May the method I perform perceive what is hidden and subtle, reach the realm of the Real, and communicate with the spirits. May the immortal youths and jade maidens of the ten directions receive and attend the incense smoke, conveying the memorial I submit straight to the presence of the Supreme and Boundless Great Dao, the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the High Sages of the Three Pure Ones, and the Great Jade Emperor of the Vast Heaven.

I prostrate myself again, leave the quiet chamber, enter the ritual altar, and begin the rite.

Burn incense and click the teeth twenty-four times to summon the spirits. Follow the steps used earlier to tread the Dipper and walk the stars, imitating their movement through a prescribed pattern of steps, while forming the Jade Clarity hand seal with both hands. Then recite the hidden taboo “Hong…” to summon the Three Qi, inhaling through the nose thirty-two times. Face the northwest, the direction of Qian, and use the eyes to visualize the talisman depicting the true forms of the Three Heavens; inhale the talisman into the body’s three palaces, the upper, middle, and lower Dantians. Visualize the talisman transforming into the Three Pure Ones, who dwell in the three palaces and emerge riding the two Qi, taking their places before and behind me.

Next, visualize myself taking the form of the Divine Lord: wearing a gold and jade green crown of carved cicadas from Jade Clarity, a crimson robe adorned with flying feathers, a broad belt, and vermilion shoes, seated amid clouds of three colors. With the right hand, make seven empty casts to form the Purple Tenuity seal; with the left hand, make three empty casts, then form the Jade Clarity hand seal. Recite the secret spell that communicates with the thirty-two heavens:

“Emperor of the Great August Huangzeng Heaven, Yulan Yuming; reaching the Emperor of the Great Ultimate Pingyu Jiayi Heaven, the Great Choice Dharma Gate. The thirty-two heavens and their thirty-two emperors: let the hidden taboo names of all the heavens be set forth one by one. May this be done swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning and the laws of the Lord of the Dao.”

Offer incense once more, recite the hand-seal formula, and use the middle finger to form the seal and establish its position. Hold the water bowl in the left hand and the water jar in the right. Pour the water into the bowl while reciting the spell of the Northern Dipper water that communicates with the spirits. Recite the spell once with each pour. Visualize the character “spirit” appearing in the water. Pour seven times and recite the spell seven times; then face the sky, inhale the Qi of the north, and blow it into the water. The spell says:

“Sacred method of the Most High Lord Lao, sacred method followed by the Dark Lady of the Nine Heavens. Spirit of the Dipper handle and the Dipper measure, sacred Dipper: when evil Qi is encountered, it must respond to the command and be subdued.”

Finally, form the Jade Clarity hand seal with both hands, bring them together before the chest, gaze at the water bowl, and recite:

“Qian: origin, success, benefit, and constancy. The sun and moon abide with me; I too am not hungry or thirsty, relying entirely on…”

Divine Water can purify the Qi of the Five Phases and the essence of the Six Jia. Send the numinous water into the five organs, and the ears, eyes, mouth, and tongue will become clear and bright; all malign influences will naturally return to the proper order. One’s lifespan can equal the length of Heaven and Earth, and one can stand alongside the immortals. In the end, one will ascend as a feathered immortal, able to discern what is hidden and see the realm of Highest Clarity. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Then recite this incantation:

Qian: Origination, Success, Advantage, Constancy (the hexagram judgment from the Book of Changes). The sun and moon unite with me, and I no longer hunger or thirst. May I obtain pure Divine Water, containing the numbers of the Five Phases—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—and the essence of the Six Jia. The turbid Qi of the Three True Celestial Granaries, where primordial Qi is stored, is ever abundant. The Yellow Father and the Red Child, deities or inner symbols in Daoist cultivation, guard the Central Palace so that it does not tilt. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Silently recite the incantation seven times. Then draw in the Qi of the northwest and breathe it into the water. Next, form the Jade Clarity hand seal with both hands and cross them at the waist. Silently recite the Great One Water Incantation. Visualize a wheel of solar fire suddenly flying in from the east and entering the water, where it spins and emits a brilliant light that illuminates the entire room.

Then recite the Great One Heavenly Perfect Incantation:

I respectfully invite the Great One Heavenly Perfect, the Primordial Heavenly Perfect, the True Immortals and Perfected Beings, and the Six Ding assisting deities and Six Jia protecting generals, who correspond above to the stars of Heaven… to receive the heart of Heaven on my behalf and save all living beings. The Great One’s numinous incantation and the southern wheel of fire can drive away malign influences, heal illness, and discern all living beings. By this water of light, I command and hold them in its power.

Silently recite this seven times. Then draw in the red Qi of the south and breathe it into the water. Next, form the Jade Clarity hand seal with both hands, hold them together before the heart, and recite the incantation for receiving Qi:

This disciple receives Qi three times a year, taking in the Qi of Heaven.

Raise your head and face the Qian direction, the northwest, to draw in Qi, aligning it with the canopy at the crown of your head. First swallow a mouthful; then draw in another breath and swallow it. Visualize the breath winding around the five organs and filling the whole body. Then draw in another breath of Heaven’s Qi and blow it into the water; draw in one more breath and blow it into the mirror.

Earth Qi:

Lower your head and face the Kun direction, the southwest. Draw Qi upward from below, aligning it with the soles of your feet. Following the method above, draw in and swallow the breath, then blow it into the water and the mirror.

Sun Qi:

Determine the direction of the sun. Visualize red Qi in five colors in that direction, aligning it with the left eye. Following the method above, draw in and swallow the breath, then blow it into the water and the mirror.

Moon Qi:

Determine the direction of the moon. Visualize silver-colored Qi, aligning it with the right eye. Following the method above, draw in and swallow the breath, then blow it into the water and the mirror.

Qi of the Five Stars:

Face the five directions and draw in Qi, aligning it with the five organs respectively. Take in the Qi of the five colors from their corresponding directions, then follow the method above to draw in and swallow the breath, and blow it into the water and the mirror.

Qi of the Three Sovereigns…

At the Zi position, take in blue Qi; at the Si position, yellow Qi; and at the Yin position, black Qi. Qi—the primordial vitality and breath spoken of in Daoism—corresponds internally to the upper, middle, and lower Dantian (energy centers). Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow toward the mirror and into the water.

Qi of the Venerable Deities of the Southern Dipper

Take in red Qi from the south, directing it internally to correspond with the heart. Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow into the water mirror.

True Qi of the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper

Take in Qi in five colors according to the directions, directing it to correspond with the kidneys and also with the right hand, right elbow, right shoulder, heart palace, left shoulder, left elbow, and left hand. Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow into the water mirror.

Qi of the True Stars of the Three Terraces

At the end of the Northern Dipper’s handle are yellow, white, and blue Qi. Direct it internally to correspond with the lungs. Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow into the water mirror.

Qi of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions

Consult the almanac to find the lunar mansion governing that day. For example, when the Horn Mansion governs the day, if the day’s stem-branch designation is Yichou, take in the Qi of the Horn Star from the Chou direction. Proceed in the same way on other days, repeating the cycle. Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow into the water mirror.

True Qi of the Seven Yin Spirits of the Divine Tiger

Take in Qi from the yin direction of the Dipper, imagining black Qi entering the kidneys. Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow into the water mirror.

Inner Qi of the Three True Ones of the Three Heavens

Take in blue, yellow, and white Qi from the northwest, the Qian position, directing it to correspond with the three palaces at the crown of the body. Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow into the water mirror.

Qi of the Three Masters Who Guide Me

Take in Qi from the five directions, directing it internally to correspond with the heart. Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow into the water mirror.

Wondrous Qi of the Five Sacred Peaks That Supports the Body

Take in Qi in five colors from the five directions, directing it internally to correspond with the five organs. Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow into the water mirror.

Qi of the Chief Officials of the Three Paths

Take in black and red Qi from the Zi, Wu, and Qian positions, directing it to correspond with the kidneys and the area behind the bladder. Following the method described earlier, inhale, then blow into the water mirror.

Gentle and Harmonious Qi of the Six Ding

Take in Qi according to each of the six Ding ten-day cycles. Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow into the water mirror. The Dingmao cycle corresponds with the liver; take in blue Qi. The Dingchou and Dinghai cycles correspond with the kidneys; take in black Qi. The Dingyou cycle corresponds with the lungs; take in white Qi. The Dingwei and Dingsi cycles correspond with the heart; take in red Qi.

Martial Gang Qi of the Six Jia

Take in Qi according to each of the six Jia ten-day cycles. Following the method described earlier, inhale and swallow the Qi, then blow into the water mirror. The Jiazi cycle corresponds with the liver and is assigned to the kidneys; the Jiaxu cycle corresponds with the liver and is assigned to the spleen; the Jiashen cycle corresponds with the liver and is assigned to the lungs; the Jiawu cycle corresponds with the liver and is assigned to the heart; the Jiachen cycle corresponds with the liver and is assigned to the spleen; and the Jiayin cycle corresponds with the liver and is assigned to the liver.

Qi of the Divine Transformations of Taiyi

(The original text ends here and does not provide specific cultivation instructions.)

As the days turn, on a Zi day, visualize the Zi direction (north), then in sequence visualize the colors of each direction. Inhale the corresponding Qi, swallow it, then blow onto water and into a mirror.

Visualize the Xun direction (southeast), taking in Qi that is green with a tinge of pale red, and guide it into the five viscera. Inhale and swallow the Qi as before, then blow onto water and into a mirror.

Visualize the Qi governed by the “Four Directs.” The Four Directs are the Zi, Wu, Mao, and You directions. Take in, respectively, dark, red, green, and white Qi, and guide them into the kidneys, heart, liver, and lungs. Inhale and swallow the Qi as before, then blow onto water and into a mirror.

Visualize the Qi of the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens: the dark Qi of the Zi direction, corresponding internally to the kidneys. Inhale and swallow the Qi as before, then blow onto water and into a mirror.

Visualize the baleful Qi of the Great Mystery Northern Emperor: the black Qi of the Zi direction, corresponding internally to the kidneys. Inhale and swallow the Qi as before, then blow onto water and into a mirror.

Visualize the restraining Qi of the Upper Clarity Fire Dipper: the red Qi of the Qian direction (northwest), corresponding internally to the heart. Inhale and swallow the Qi as before, then blow onto water and into a mirror.

Recite: “Heaven cannot cover me; earth cannot bear me. Whoever collides with me must die; whoever offends me must perish. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

After ingesting the Qi, begin again from the start and recite three times. Take the Qi of the ten directions and blow it into the water and the mirror. Then move both hands downward through the twelve earthly branches, starting from the patterned lines on the middle fingers, and recite the hundred characters on the jade slip mentioned earlier. Pinch the patterned lines on the middle fingers again. Breathe the Qi of the ten directions into the water. Then tip the jade slip from the right hand into the left and toss it into the mouth. Swallow it with the water just enchanted, then drink another mouthful of water.

Hold a sword in the right hand and spray water toward the northeast, shouting, “Seize!” Inhale once more the Qi of the northeast and blow it into the water. Release the hand seals with both hands and put them into the water. Then step the Dipper, supporting the water in the right hand and forming the Jade Clarity hand seal, while gazing at the Heavenly Worthy of Azure Mystery. Recite the spell for enchanting water:

“Azure Youth, numinous and luminous, divine radiance perfectly bright.”

Recite it forty-nine times, then take the Qi of the east and blow it into the water. Next recite the spell of the divine water of Azure Mystery:

“I reverently summon the numinous and responsive true youth of Azure Mystery, ascending and descending by the Mysterious Mandate. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Heavenly Worthy of Azure Mystery.”

Recite it nine times, then take in the green Qi of the east and blow it into the water. Wash both eyes with the water, then offer incense and recite the hidden names of the Three Heavens thirty times. Inhale green Qi through the nose, letting it enter through the crown of the head and reach the upper field (upper Dantian). Then recite the hidden names thirty times and inhale yellow Qi through the nose, letting it enter through the crown and mingle with the green Qi as both enter the middle field (middle Dantian). Recite the hidden names thirty times once more, then inhale white Qi through the nose, letting it enter through the crown and reach the crimson…

Mix the blue and yellow qi from within the palace, draw it into the lower Dantian (the internal alchemy practice area in the lower abdomen), then visualize the breath rising and descending, circulating throughout the body. Finally, gather it into a single whole and draw it back into the lower Dantian.

The Function of the Spirit of Penetrating Vision

Whenever you intend to practice the method of penetrating vision in a quiet chamber, first arrange the ranks of the immortal officials and divine attendants summoned to assist, in their proper order.

On the left, arrange the ranks according to the titles you have established for yourself. On the right, set a table with incense and pure water upon it. Place a paper mirror on the table at the right, with a surface at least nine inches wide. Beneath it, place a vessel of pure water, changing the water three times each day. Light three sticks of incense. With both hands, form the mudra at the middle joint of the middle finger, then use the middle finger to write the “True Form Talisman of the Jade Clarity Summoning Seal” in the air.

Write the characters “sun” and “moon” overlapping one another, then write “Yu Zhen Li” and “Jie Zhen Kan,” followed in a vertical line by the seven star names Kui, Gui, Yu, Xing, Bi, Zhi, and Piao. Then write the characters “heaven” and “earth.” Pair “sun” with “Yu Zhen Li” and “moon” with “Jie Zhen Kan”; arrange the names from Kui to Piao in order.

Next, recite the Five Emperors’ Incantation:

“Red apricot, black ink, grind the true socks and wax spirit treasure.”

Then draw in the qi of the five directions. Hold the breath and let it settle. Form the mudra with the left hand and trace it across the mirror. Then form the mudra again and recite the incantation to summon the immortal officials:

“I carry out the orders of the officials and attendants of this sanctuary of penetrating vision. Come forth and manifest your forms within the mirror; let all be carried out in accordance with the ordinances.”

Then recite:

“Jade Clarity Treasure Bureau, gather and command the true spirits; open the eyes, and see through to ghosts and spirits. Let the true spirits descend and reveal their actual forms. With utmost urgency, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!”

Reverently invite the Great Minister of Fate, Supreme Associate of the Golden Gate; the Emperor of Azure Radiance of the Eastern Pole; the Celestial Worthy, Old Lord of Azure Mystery, the Great One Who Relieves Suffering; the Celestial Worthy, the Great One Who Relieves Suffering and Delivers from Calamity; the True Youth of Azure Mystery and Spiritual Response; the Lord of Penetrating Vision; the Great God of the Left Divine Tiger, Who Sees Clearly; the Youth of the Right Divine Tiger, Who Sees Through; the Divine Officials Who Receive Petitions from the Jade Maidens of the Three Heavens; the Divine Officials Who Receive Petitions from the Jade Maidens of the Ten Heavens; the Petition-Receiving Divine Officials of the Great One; the Petition-Receiving Divine Officials of the Five Emperors; the Jade Maiden Who Observes from Within; the Jade Maiden Who Observes from Afar; the Immortal Officials Who Translate Talismans and Keep Their Records; the Immortal Officials Who Govern Cloud Script and Celestial Writings; and the Jade Maiden Who Discerns Demons. Invite them all to descend to the altar and communicate with me, so that I may see through things.

Offer incense again and recite the Great Incantation of the General Register:

“Heaven Most High…” (The complete incantation appears in “The Section on Descending and Summoning Through Penetrating Vision.”)

Form the Jade Clarity mudra with both hands, then click the teeth nine times and pray:

“I respectfully address all the immortal officials of penetrating vision who open the eyes. Communicate with me, so that I may swiftly and clearly see what appears in the mirror.”

Knock the teeth together nine more times, then recite “The Great Illumination Divine Spell of the First Passage of the Radiant Numinous Treasure Jade Mirror.” In the spell, recite the phrase “Hongxing mohei mo zhenwalala lingbao xingsheng zhuandu liqian kehan minggong ducheng qiejiao zheng ju hun shequ” according to the pronunciation of the original text.

Gather the Qi of the three realms—Heaven and Earth, the human world, and the underworld—and blow it onto the mirror. Then recite the spell: “Gather the souls through minggong. I summon the swift messengers of the eight directions, the celestial spirits and earth deities (the divine spirits of Heaven and Earth), and all numinous beings. May they all return together, unite with Heaven and Earth, and obey the command of the Bright Heaven Emperor and the Sun.” Recite “sulu” three times in succession, followed by “xili” three times, “qianluo” three times, and finally “sulai” three times.

Gather Qi from the five directions and blow it onto the mirror, then recite the spell once more. Next gather Qi from the five directions together with the Qi of the ghost gate, blow it onto the mirror, and recite the spell again. Inhale the Qi of the Xun direction (the southeast), then recite the spell once more. Inhale the Qi of the Gate of Heaven and blow it into the mirror as well. Then recite the “Spell for Summoning the Perfected from the Eight Directions”:

“I respectfully summon the eight great scribes of the trigrams Qian, Kan, Gen, Zhen, Xun, Li, Kun, and Dui. Urge the celestial spirits and earth deities of the eight directions to come and manifest within my mirror.”

Form the Yuqing mudra with the right hand. Starting at the Qian direction on the mirror, use the second finger to mark the eight points in sequence. Then blow the Qi of the eight directions into the mirror, summon the numinous spirits into it, and recite:

“Heaven and Earth rise and descend; the two Qi mingle and spread. The two Qi of Yin and Yang, the Sun and Moon, shine together. I now command and summon the numinous spirits who see through all things. Whether above or below, all divine spirits of Yin and Yang shall follow my precious mirror and immediately manifest their true forms.”

Inhale once each the Qi of the southeast and the northwest, then blow onto the mirror. This is called “Upper Mystery Qi.” Next recite the “Spell for Viewing the Celestial Spirits in the Mirror”:

“From where can I perform the rite that lets me see celestial spirits reflected in the mirror? Yin and Yang unite, and by the command of the Celestial Emperor, flying spirits are dispatched to carry it out. Lingbao Zhaowu, the Eastern Red Emperor Spirit—the power to summon and gather them cannot be spoken or heard. May the spirits of the Three Terraces enter the mirror together. The Sun and Moon stir with intent; the numinous spirits gather within. May all the spirit officials swiftly manifest in accordance with my will.”

Gather the Qi of the south and blow it onto the mirror, then recite the “Purple Pole Spell”:

“Your disciple and subject, so-and-so, respectfully petitions the Supreme Purple Pole Great Luo Primordial Heavenly Venerable, the Great Lord of the Dao, the Most High Lord Lao, the Great Master of the Mysterious Center, the Perfected One of the Left Mysterious Realm, and the Perfected One of the Right Mysterious Realm. Hear your disciple’s petition. Open the Golden Essence and activate the Jade Gate, so that I may behold the boundless realms of Heaven, Earth, and the human world, and gather a million divine spirits into the light, where they will swiftly manifest their forms.”

Take Qi (vital energy) from the southeast and blow it toward the mirror. Then recite the Divine Incantation for Moving Images and Opening the Light:

“Divine light, divine light, shine across the eight directions; above, reach the sun and moon, and below, penetrate the dark and frigid realms. East, west, south, and north—all are illuminated. Among the myriad lands, heavenly gods, perfected immortals, scenes of mountains and rivers, seas and river sources, ghosts, and hidden abysses all lie beneath the radiance of the Three Lights. Nothing can hide. Divine light is like a mirror, drawing in all things and missing not even the smallest detail. Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Three Lights of Shangqing, by the decree and command of the Lord of the Dao, Yuanshi.”

Recite the incantation once while visualizing the sun in the east, the moon in the west, and the Northern Dipper in the north.

Summon the Youth of Sunlight, the Youth of Moonlight, the Youth of Starlight, the Youth of Dongyang, and the Youth of Enlightenment. Set the Three Lights, the Dark Dipper, and the essences of the sun and moon in motion, so that the divine light of the six penetrations shines through the Three Realms in the ten directions. Let the myriad scenes and a thousand perfected immortals move into the mirror and reveal their forms. Through this, one may observe human affairs, divine signs from the forms of things, and understand omens of the future before they appear, causing the spirits to respond and manifest. I command the immortals of the Bureau, the Clear-Sighted Immortal Officers, and all their company to let me swiftly see forms within the mirror.

Look carefully into the mirror. At times, one may see clouds like incense smoke; at others, five-colored points of light, or points of gold and silver flashing like raindrops. If these signs appear, after seven days further omens will gradually become visible. Sometimes one hears people speaking; sometimes one sees the indistinct faces of gods and perfected beings. There may be patterns like impressions pressed onto paper, traces of perfected immortals, or the scent of a strange fragrance. At most, the spirits will reveal their forms within a month. If these signs appear in the mirror, recite the Incantation for the Descent of Qi from Heaven and Earth:

“Heaven and Earth send down Qi; sun and moon unite in brightness. Shine above and below Heaven and Earth, and let the numinous spirits reveal their forms within my mirror. Swiftly, in accordance with the decree.”

Take Qi from Heaven and Earth and blow it into the mirror. Then still the mind, fix the gaze on the mirror, and concentrate as carefully as if discerning the tip of an embroidery needle. Gather the spirit and focus on what appears in the mirror. At first, scenes like incense smoke and clouds will spread across its surface. After several days, five-colored golden stars will flicker in disorder, dazzling the eyes. Several days later, clouds and human figures will be seen moving back and forth. After further days, five-colored clouds will pass to and fro, and the heavenly perfected immortals will gradually appear. Then recite the Incantation for the Joining of the Qi of Heaven and Earth:

“Heaven and Earth join their Qi; sun and moon unite in brightness. I respectfully summon the descent of true Qi; swiftly reveal its form in the mirror.”

After reciting the incantation three times, respectfully summon the talisman that brings perfected beings down, and make it appear; carefully summon the numinous talisman to manifest. Then summon the numinous talisman to appear, and then summon the Youth King to reveal his form… a yang day.

First summon the Golden Youth (a boy who serves the deities) to appear, then summon the Jade Youth. Next summon the Jade Maiden. After that, summon the Jade Maiden who is on duty during the current ten-day period of the month. Only after completing these steps may you summon deities to appear as you wish.

First, see the images one by one in the mirror. Then make them appear one by one in the paper mirror, where they should be clearly and distinctly visible. Next, make the images appear on the ground, and finally reach the point where you can speak with them. Once you have achieved this, you should carefully observe the prescribed rules. You must still make offerings of the Talisman for Summoning the Perfected and Inviting the Spirits before the deities; on the first and fifteenth of each month, offer incense and fruit.

Incantation for summoning the hundred spirits and bringing the Qi of Heaven and Earth into union:

“The Qi of Heaven and Earth unites; the radiance of the sun and moon unites. As for a certain matter in the world...” (For example, if you wish to see ghosts and spirits, say, “spirits of the aggrieved, ghostly spirits.”)

After reciting the incantation, you will quickly see images in the mirror.

Incantation for Shifting the Scene and Opening the Light:

“Heaven and Earth send down numinous Qi; the radiance of the sun and moon unites, revealing the deities throughout the world. Let an image appear at a certain place.”

Form the Jade Purity hand seal, one of the Daoist hand gestures. Gather the Qi of Heaven and Earth, then blow it toward the place where you are. When finished, say, “The Talisman for Summoning the Perfected takes form.” Then use these methods in sequence. If the images are still not clear enough, wash your eyes again with incantation water and gaze intently. As you wash your eyes, recite:

“Numinous and clear Azure Youth, your spirit light is perfectly bright.”

After reciting this nine times, gather Qi from the east and blow it into the incantation water prepared earlier. Wash your eyes with this water nine times. Then wash your ears with the incantation water nine times while reciting:

“I respectfully invite the responsive Perfected Youth of Azure Mystery to ascend and descend through the primordial mandate of life. Urgently obey the command of the Celestial Venerable of Azure Mystery.”

Face east and recite this incantation silently eighty-one times, then gather Qi from the east and blow it into the water. With the left hand, form the Jade Purity hand seal; with the right, form the hand gesture called “Zhongzhi Zhongwen.” Then use the right middle finger to wash each eye twenty-one times, and wipe them dry. Next recite the incantation “Heaven and Earth send down Qi” to activate the rite. Hold the hand seals firmly, gaze intently into the mirror, summon the figures to appear in sequence, and direct and assign them as you wish.

After practicing in this way for twenty-one days, if you still cannot see the images, carefully maintain the observance, work gradually each day, and perform the “Seven Urgent Promptings” great incantations in sequence.

The sequence of the Seven Urgent Promptings

First Urgent Prompting Incantation:

“Cloud-script characters appeared in the Great Void at the beginning of the kalpa. They shifted between far and near, sinking and rising, and wandered among the Five Directions, within a range of no more than one zhang. The August Heavenly Perfected One took up his brush and wrote; the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning sent down the Perfected Text. It then spread out: first came the expounding of the Cavern Chapters, then the writing of numinous talismans. What could be seen appeared plainly; what could not be seen was still present in hidden subtlety. Thus stagnant things were healed, and those trapped in worldly toil and hardship were set free; those on the verge of sinking into the netherworld were thereby raised to the Immortal Capital. Now I open both eyes and see through to the Void.”

The celestial text, a Daoist ritual text written in talismanic script, is one zhang long. When it appears, it looks like tiny, densely packed characters. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

The Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure (Lingbao Tianzun), a revered Daoist deity, issues a command through the Heart of Heaven.

Second Urging Incantation

Open and reveal the Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars, the three lights in the heavens. They are the foundation of Heaven. Without writing, there can be no deliverance; without writing, there can be no generation and transformation. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

By command of the Primordial Beginning.

True Talisman for Penetrating Sight

Great God of the Heavenly Eye, Lord of the Earthly Eye, Demon King of a Hundred Eyes, Celestial Worthy of All-Penetrating Vision:

Illuminate the eight directions. Look upward and see the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and look downward to peer deeply through the eighty-one layers of the heavens, discerning even the finest particles of dust. Let the ghosts, spirits, soldiers, and officials all see my manifest form. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

By command of Jade Clarity.

Third Urging Incantation

The sun rises in the east and illuminates the eight directions, revealing the forms of all things. The celestial text sends forth golden light, enabling me to see clearly; above, I join with the Celestial Dipper. Let demons, malign forces, and ghostly Qi retreat far away. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Talisman for Urging Penetrating Sight

(Open and close / retain and block) (Sun Lord / incantation) (Moon Lord / incantation)

O numinous ears, O numinous ears; O sacred ears, O sacred ears. May my seeing and hearing be clear and precise. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Beginning at the character “Mingyu” at the foot of the text above, turn as you recite the incantation ten times, then stop. When lifting the brush, point its tip upward and write with cinnabar.

Fourth Method of Urging

Child Lord of Penetrating Sight on the left, Jade Maiden of Penetrating Sight on the right, Great God of Unobstructed Vision: please blend pure, unified true Qi and pour it into my eyes, so that I may see through ten thousand li and perceive all spirits. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

For this method, face south, hold water in your hand, and recite the incantation nine times. Then blow onto the water and use it to wash your ears and eyes.

Talisman for Urging Penetrating Sight

(Shangqing Supreme Emperor / General of Clear Sight) (Kaiming / Child) (Yuqing / Supreme Emperor) (General Lord of Clear Sight) (Kaiguang / Child) (Taiqing Supreme Emperor receives / Spirit-Lord of Brightness) (Five Viscera / Seek Afar)

Turn to the right and recite nine times: “Eye spirit Ying Yunjiao, fluttering, with the clear, ringing tones of jade.”

Turn to the left and recite nine times: “The light of both eyes is bright as the sun and moon, radiant as the heavenly glow; its brilliance moves and streams like a shooting star, like the Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars—in their courses. With spirit I move the pearl, penetrate the Celestial Gate, and pay my respects at the imperial court.”

Write one talisman in cinnabar and swallow another. After washing the eyes, place one or two drops of water at the corners of the eyes.

Fifth Method of Urging

The secret incantation of Taiyi patrols the body and sets the hun and shen in motion. Bow five times, return to the spirit, and gather it within.

Following the method listed at right, silently recite the incantation seven times, draw in a breath of Northern Qi (炁, the Qi taken from a specific direction in Daoist practice), turn the lower lip outward, and blow the breath onto the face. In this way the heart-spirit (Shen) will manifest, and great spiritual powers will be obtained.

The incantation for urging the talisman is:

"Lord Shendan Yuanjun (神丹元君) of my heart, three inches tall and seven fen wide, dressed in a vermilion robe and tied with a crimson skirt, you appear through your majestic virtue (De), your efficacy penetrates everywhere, you create and transform the myriad things, and you reach the utmost truth. Dwell securely within my heart and do not leave it. If there is urgent business, come quickly and inform me. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!"

Recite the incantation seven times while forming the Shangqing Gesture (上清诀, a Daoist hand seal), draw in the Northern Qi and blow it out. Then recite the incantation thirty more times, and swallow.

The incantation for the Shangqing Gesture and the Northern Qi blowing method listed at right is:

"By the decree of the Celestial Worthy of Lingbao, I command and dispatch the Heavenly Kings, Spirit Kings, Dragon Kings, and Ghost Kings to guard my intent, that it may respond to every change without limit. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!"

The Sixth Method of Urging

The diagram lists the names of the Great Sage of the Left Divine Tiger, the Great General of the Right Divine Tiger, the Divine Tiger Jade Maiden Jiang Rengui, and the Divine Tiger Envoys Hou Di, Wei Kui, Zhang Xin, Liu Yang, and others. Then face the northeast, standing, hold the talisman in hand, and pray:

"The Divine Tiger's halberd flies, circulating through Zhaoyao, with all following in unity."

Then recite the incantation:

"By the decree of the Great Sage of the Divine Tiger, the essential light of the ten directions is absorbed in its entirety."

Next, recite the Eye-Opening Incantation of the Celestial Worthy of Qingxuan, and wash the eyes with incantation water.

The Seventh Method of Urging

First recite the personal names of the Thirty-Two Heavenly Emperors. When you reach the phrase "Lie Yan Shangqing" (列言上清), proceed to swallow the Jade Characters of the Thirty-Two Heavens, while forming the Yuqing Gesture (玉清诀, a Daoist hand seal).

Before swallowing the Jade Characters, first visualize the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) in the Niwan Palace (泥丸宫, a cultivation site in the head), and recite the Great Brahma Hidden Language once. Visualize the Celestial Worthy entering the heart and recite it once more, then visualize the Celestial Worthy clearly dwelling within the Dantian (energy center). In the Dantian, the Azure Dragon is on the left and the White Tiger on the right; above is red, below is white, and in the center is yellow. Next, visualize the Celestial Worthy entering the Lower Dantian, seated upon a five-colored lion. After reciting once more, swallow the Jade Characters into the Lower Dantian and visualize them as red.

Then recite the incantation:

"Supreme Mysterious Origin." (Visualize the Dao Lord sitting face to face with yourself.) "The Supreme Dao Lord summons forth from within my body the Three-Five Merit Officers (三五功曹, divine clerks responsible for delivering documents and reporting memorials), the left and right official envoys, the incense-bearing Golden Youths, the message-carrying Jade Maidens, the Five Emperors' Duty Talismans, and the Duty-Day Incense Officials, thirty-two of each. Report that today is auspicious and celebratory, that I observe the fast and cultivate the Great Lingbao Method, discerning the myriad spirits and seeing through gods and ghosts. May the matters I have submitted ascend and be received."

Before the throne of the Supreme Lord Yuanshi of the Thirty-Two Heavens, dress in ritual vestments according to the prescribed rites. Swallow the jade characters of the Thirty-Two Heavens, silently recite the incantation in your heart, and visualize all the spirits entering the Dantian to attend you. The attendants at the Heavenly Worthy’s sides also rise together and enter the Niwan Palace, the site of cultivation in the head. Then visualize the spirits emerging from the Niwan Palace and appearing in the mirror, where you can view the scene within.

Next, recite the secret names of the Thirty-Two Heavens, the Thirty-Two Emperors, and the various heavens. Finally, say, “By the urgent command of Shangqing, as if spoken by the Golden Mouth of the Heavenly Worthy Yuanshi.” After viewing the scene, visualize all the spirits entering the Niwan Palace through your eyes.

Talismans for Penetrating Vision and Cleansing the Ears and Eyes

These two talismans are called “Divine Talismans for Opening the Ears and Eyes.” Write them in cinnabar by lamplight and place them in a bowl of clean water. Wash your eyes with the talisman water, and at night you will be able to see various ghosts and spirits. Wash your ears with it, and you will be able to hear the spirits speaking. The scripture says that without using these talismans to wash the ears and eyes, other talismanic methods will be difficult to make effective, and you will not be able to see spirits. The efficacy of these talismans is beyond words. The incantation says:

“Heaven is my father, Earth is my mother, the Sun is my elder brother, the Moon is my elder sister, and Taiyi, a Daoist deity, is my friend. All ghosts and spirits are under my command. Now I seek to perceive things clearly; heed my orders. By the urgent command, in accordance with the statutes.”

A Method for Hastening Penetrating Vision

Visualize the Green Youth, a Daoist spirit, receiving an order to issue a decree to me, so that I may swiftly connect with the spirits, see clearly, divine human affairs, and inquire into the forms of things, responding with efficacy and drawing in information. Face east and visualize the Green Youth holding a yellow decree and descending into the water. Recite the incantation nine times, blowing once after each recitation.

Another Method for Hastening the Practice

Visualize a person inside your left eye, with the bearing of an emperor and dressed in green. In your right eye, visualize another person, with the bearing of an empress and also dressed in green. See them standing in your eyes as you recite:

“Azure Emperor and Queen Mother, your divine light shines through. Looking outward, you see the myriad spirits; looking inward, you discern the viscera.”

When you have finished, view the scene and visualize the two figures entering your breasts.

Another Method for Hastening the Practice

Swallow the jade characters of the Thirty-Two Heavens every day, and recite one scroll of the Scripture of the Yellow Court morning and evening. Then, in a clean, quiet room, press and rub around your eyes with both hands until a round halo of light appears around each eye. Do this nine times while reciting:

“The round light spreads out, revealing clouds of crimson, azure, and violet. The three Qi revolve, protecting the root of your eyes so you may perceive the hundred spirits and behold the myriad deities. The child within the eye clearly discerns the spirits of the worthy and the perfected. If you can commune with the spirits, then travel with me through Shangqing. By the urgent command, in accordance with the statutes.”

After the incantation, gently warm your eyes with your palms.

Ritual Instructions

Enter the ritual chamber—that is, regulate the breath and enter the quiet room—and sit before the table. Place a mirror on the table. Hang another mirror on the altar, and set a basin of water in front of it.

The Yang spirit is in the mirror; the Yin spirit is in the water. The Perfected of Lingbao respectfully petitions a certain deity to manifest its form here without delay.

Masters of the Great Lingbao Method:

Lingbao Lord Tian Yun, the True One Who Inherits the Void; Lingbao Perfected Lu Shangzhen; and Shangqing Perfected of Wondrous Practice.

Placard for Summoning the Perfected Within the Ritual Chamber (must be written by hand)

Placard for the Lingbao Cave-Seeing Ritual Chamber

Now I respectfully invite the celestial officials listed in the registers and attached to the offices of the immortals, the golden boys and jade girls of the numinous palaces, the merit officers, generals, messengers, clerks, soldiers, and all the true sovereigns. Once the court’s ceremony of paying homage to the Perfected has concluded and each has declared their duties, come to this pure room and await summons. Please manifest your forms clearly, one by one; let all be carried out in accordance with the commands of the True Sovereigns.

Use a tablet, writing “Entering the Chamber Today” on one side and “Not Entering the Chamber Today” on the other. After the cave-seeing ritual is complete, click the teeth nine times and recite the “Returning to Office Incantation”:

“Officials and clerks summoned earlier, each return to your own office. When summoned again, come at once. Let everything proceed according to established precedent.”

Enter the room to perform the ritual twice each day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Gathering the Spirits for Cave-Seeing

Face east and sit upright. Form the Xu seal with the left hand, click the teeth twenty-four times, and silently report:

“Heart spirit Cui Xuan and intention spirit Yang Dexing, quickly summon the Three Departments, Eight Radiances, and Twenty-Four Spirits within my body; the spirits of the five viscera and six bowels; the spirits of the four limbs and nine apertures; and all the spirits of the twelve hundred forms and shadows, the twelve thousand glimmers of essence, and the thirty-six thousand pores. Gather them all within my body; let none be scattered.”

Then click the teeth again and recite silently:

“The Great Spirit of the Nine Palaces and Taiyi guard the palace chambers. May the hundred spirits each rest in their proper place, and may the hun and po souls be harmonized as one. Grant people long life and enduring vision; dispel evil, misfortune, and calamity. Urgently obey the statutes of Shangqing.”

Use this method if ghosts or spirits appear frightening during cave-seeing.

These methods require fasting and observance of the prescribed practice periods; through this, one may become a Perfected. By practicing in this way repeatedly, one may also command immortal spirits and devote oneself to pure pursuits. The Lingbao Way has three categories: the highest is the Way of the Emperor One’s Returning Wind, transmitted to Wang Chen; the middle is the Method of Harmonizing the Five Qi in Central Principle, transmitted to the Five Emperors; and the lowest is the Writ of the Ten Turns of Returning the Spirits, transmitted to the Perfected. Beyond these three categories are also some collateral methods…

They regard aiding the living and guiding the dead to transcendence as meritorious deeds, and summoning perfected immortals and communicating with spirits as their methods. All who study the highest Way and aspire to become immortals begin here.

The Great Scripture of the Limitless Deliverance of Humanity, Lingbao Supreme Method, Volume Fourteen