《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 34

The Xuanshi (Mysterious Master, the venerable teacher who transmits the Dao methods) says: When fog and vapors mix and grow heavy, and cold and heat lose their measure, then locusts and plague insects will breed between heaven and earth and gnaw at the hundred grains. Epidemics will spread one after another and harm the common people. Frost will fall in summer, thunder will sound in winter, grasses and trees will bloom in autumn, and the seasonal order of spring cannot be carried out. Rainbows will cross the sky, and hail, torrential rain, fierce winds, and swift thunder will injure the myriad things. Water monsters such as the jiao (scaled dragon) and the shen (sea creature said to form mirages) will come onto land, and tigers, xi (rhinoceros-like fierce beasts), long serpents, swarms of rats, demons, and yanggu (sorcery used to harm others) will also stir up trouble.

One should petition Huofu (the Fire Palace, a Daoist divine office governing fire and related calamities) for aid, and petition the Wudi (Five Emperors) to nourish the myriad things. One should ask the Spirit of the Western Peak to govern venomous insects, subdue locusts, and restrain serpents and tigers. One should ask the Spirit of Minzhi, the August Heaven (the compassionate, azure sky), to dispel epidemics and preserve life. One should ask the Tianguan (Heavenly Officials) to govern pestilence and relieve suffering. Using jade script, one subdues the great jiao, and using golden writing, one lifts the harm of yanggu. If there are no superior scriptures and methods, it is difficult to bring divine power to completion. With the aid of middle-grade scriptures and methods, one can strengthen their potency, so that petitions receive a swift response, practitioners may ascend to immortality and roam as spirits, and receive grace and blessings that extend to their Xuanzu (mysterious ancestors, the revered patriarchs of the Dao).

The verse text says: The Yuanshi Daozu (Primordial Ancestor of the Dao) divided and descended, transforming and nurturing the various kinds of living beings. The qi of the Three Pristine Essences (sansu zhi qi) gave birth to the gaozhen (exalted perfected beings, divine figures and realized immortals). The upright qi of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) gave birth to the hundred spirits. The fierce qi gave birth to the Liujia (Six Jia, the sexagenary cycle's heavenly officers), and the gentle qi gave birth to the Liuding (Six Ding). The qi of harmonious blending gave birth to the common people. The utmost yin qi became ghostly essences, the mixed qi became birds and beasts, and the fine residual qi became insects.

Each season has its own measures, and the Five Emperors nourish the myriad things in accordance with the seasons. In spring, the Qingdi (Azure Emperor) brings the mild, warm qi. By the fourth month, the Chidi (Vermilion Emperor) takes over the seasonal office and turns the mild qi into warm qi. If the Qingdi does not close the spring season on time, cold qi will weaken, the grains and fruits will fail to set, and fog will bring on epidemics. If the Chidi oversteps the season, swift thunder, fierce winds, and water demons will bring calamity and harm the myriad things, and the people will suffer from fevers, epidemics, carbuncles, scabies, and dysentery.

In summer, the Chidi governs the fire season and brings the myriad things to maturity. By the seventh month, the Baidi (White Emperor) takes over the seasonal office and turns the warm qi into cool qi. If the Chidi does not close the summer season on time, the sun will blaze fiercely, the water sources will dry up, and rainbows, hail, lightning, torrential rain, and fierce winds will appear, damaging the grasses and trees and bringing venomous serpents and noxious insects into the mountains and fields. If the Baidi oversteps the season, frost and fog will form in summer, the grasses and trees will wither yellow, the hundred grains will fail to ripen, and the people will suffer from malaria, coughs, and similar illnesses.

In autumn, the Baidi carries out the autumn season, bringing the five grains to fruition and the myriad things to harvest. By the tenth month, the Heidi (Black Emperor) takes over the seasonal office and turns the cool qi into wind qi. If the Baidi does not close the autumn season on time, grasses and trees will bloom in autumn, tigers and leopards will do harm, and rats will gnaw at the grains. The people will also suffer from sores and ulcers.

The Black Emperor (Heidi), ruler of the north who governs water and winter, if he violates the seasonal order, will cause rivers and mountains to flood and the coastlines to quake. The hundred grains will fail, birds and beasts will die, plants and trees will wither, and people will go hungry while sickness follows one after another. In winter the Black Emperor should administer the cold decrees, but if the Azure Emperor (Qingdi), ruler of the east who governs wood and spring, does not promptly take over the seasonal charge by the first month, there will be excessive rain, locusts, and broken trees. The old and the young will die suddenly, and the common people will be struck by severe pestilence.

If the Azure Emperor violates the seasonal order, the hundred flowers will bloom too early, sending up ears of grain that bear no fruit. Rivers will swell, dragons and water monsters will appear, and the people will likewise fall ill and die suddenly. The circulation of the four seasons and the qi of the four directions all depend on the assistance of earth's De (the virtue of Earth among the Five Phases). If the operation of Water loses its measure, Yin-Yang will fall out of harmony, and calamities of every kind will follow.

These calamities are all overseen by the Supreme Lord of Nanchang (a revered Daoist deity) together with Elder Lord Han of the Han Bureau of the Fire Palace. His command can unify the Five Emperors, nurture the myriad things, and carry out healing. It also ensures that the stars move in due order, that the Big Dipper (Xuanji) remains in harmony, and that the sun, moon, and five planets each follow their regular courses. Whenever such disasters occur, one should petition Elder Lord Han, who in turn transmits the orders to the Five Emperors.

Locust plagues, insect calamities, and the dangers of tigers and rhinoceroses are governed by the Lord of the Western Peak. Pestilence belongs to the Mysterious Azure Grand Clarity Jade Office of Eternal Life and Life-Preserving Palace, the Taiyi Yuansheng Palace, and the Four Marshal Courtyards that Assist Heaven. The Jade Text and Golden Book contain further related material, but one must still cultivate the Middle Scripture and recite the Upper-Grade Duren Scripture ten times before one can dispel the calamities of the four quarters and remove the demonic influences of the eight directions. Accumulating such profound merit benefits not only oneself but also extends blessings to one's distant ancestors.

The Five Emperors' Talisman for Nurturing Creatures

The Lingbao scriptures contain the "Talisman for Nurturing Creatures by the Five Emperors," a method from the Middle Grade of the Lingbao Duren (Salvation) scriptures. It concerns the transformative work of the Five Phases, which the Five Emperors of the five directions govern.

Those who practice and use these five talismans should first wear the Five Emperors' True Punishment Talisman (sic; this appears to be the name of a specific talisman). They should then visualize the Five Emperors, together with their attendants and the five planets, in the lofty and profound void, five chi away from themselves. Jupiter emits nine-pointed blue light, Mars (Yinghuo) emits three-pointed red light, Venus (Taibai) emits seven-pointed white light, Mercury (Chenxing) emits five-pointed black light, and Saturn emits twelve-pointed yellow light.

Next, facing east, one offers incense, performs nine bows, knocks the teeth nine times, holds the breath nine times, forms the Yuqing seal, and draws in the qi of the east to blow onto the talisman. Then, facing south, one performs three bows, knocks the teeth three times, holds the breath three times, writes the Red Emperor talisman, forms the Yuqing seal, and draws in the qi of the south to blow onto the talisman. Facing west, one performs seven bows, knocks the teeth seven times, holds the breath seven times, writes the White Emperor talisman, forms the Yuqing seal, and draws in the qi of the west to blow onto the talisman. Afterward, facing north, one performs five bows, knocks the teeth five times, holds the breath five times…… The original text breaks off here.

Compiling the Black Emperor Talisman: Following the Formula of Jade Clarity (Yuqing jue), draw in Qi from the north and blow it onto the talisman surface and at the Celestial Gate (tianmen). Perform twelve prostrations, click the teeth twelve times, and hold the breath twelve times. After the Yellow Emperor Talisman is written, follow the Formula of Jade Clarity again, draw in Qi from above, and blow it onto the talisman.

Eastern Azure Emperor Wood Merit Talisman (Dongfang Qingdi Mugong Fu)

Within the Nine Qi Azure Heaven are the Azure Numinous Ancient Lord and the Lord Emperor. Among them are the immortals and true numina, the Jupiter Star Lord, and the Eastern Dipper, which governs the allotted span of life.

The Azure Emperor of the East, the Azure Emperor of the Azure Heaven, and the Great Demon Bayuan Chou Bo guard the liver and preserve the soul. The Divine Kings who descend the Perfected and fly to Heaven receive the talisman and carry out its orders. The Azure Emperor's celestial officers, the Vajra soldiers, number 900,000 and command the seven lunar mansions of Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, and Ji. The celestial sovereigns and supreme numina of the Eight Heavens of the East send their correct Qi down into the talisman. The cryptic names of the Eight Emperors of the East, and the twelve great spirits of the stems Jia and Yi and the branches Yin and Mao, all serve directly by the talisman. The myriad spirits of the Eastern Peak (Dongyue) relay commands along the post roads.

This talisman governs the generation and transformation of all things, guards the Eastern Peak, and regulates the irregular motions of Jupiter. It harmonizes the seven eastern lunar mansions so that the Jade Armillary turns smoothly, corrects disruptions of the spring seasons, and subdues the furred-creature demons of the East. It commands the spirits of the East and summons the immortals of the Eastern Brilliance. For treating liver disease and sinew ailments, after the talisman has been taken for nine years, the Azure Emperor will send nine Azure Numinous Jade Youths and nine Azure Waist Jade Maidens to welcome the practitioner, raising them to the rank of the Nine Qi Azure Heaven and conferring on them the title True Person of the Azure Emperor.

Southern Vermilion Emperor Fire Merit Talisman

Within the Three Qi Vermilion Heaven are the Lord Emperor and the Vermilion Numinous Ancient Lord. Among them are the immortals and true numina, the Fire Star Yinghuo, and the Southern Dipper, which governs life and longevity.

The Southern Vermilion Emperor, the Vermilion Emperor of the Vermilion Heaven, and the Great Demon Descending the Perfected carry the power of the Dao on their backs, nourish the primordial qi (yuanqi), and preserve the shen. Shouldering stone, they protect life so that it endures. The Divine Kings who fly to Heaven receive the talisman and carry out its orders. The Vermilion Emperor's celestial officers, the Vajra soldiers, number 300,000 and command the seven lunar mansions of Dou, Niu, Nu, Xu, Wei, Shi, and Bi. The celestial sovereigns and supreme numina of the Eight Heavens of the South send their correct Qi down into the talisman. The cryptic names of the Eight Heavens of the South and of lords such as Bing and Ding, together with the twelve great spirits of the branches Si and Wu, all serve directly by the talisman, patrolling the Three Realms of the South and the Southern Peak.

Note: Some star symbols and characters in the original text appear to be damaged. The translation above follows what can be read from the surrounding context.

The Red Emperor (Chidi), ruler of the south and divinity of the Fire Virtue (Huode), assists the mandate of Heaven and oversees the Controller of Destiny (Siming) and the relay stations through which the gods of the south transmit their orders.

The talisman above governs the ripening of all things. It guards the Southern Peak (Nanyue) and corrects Yinghuo, the planet Mars (Huoxing), when it moves out of its proper course. It harmonizes the seven lunar mansions of the south with the Armillary Sphere (Xuanji), so that breath flows smoothly and the seasonal disorders of summer are dispelled. It governs the feathered demons of the south, commands the spirits and ghosts of that region, and summons the immortals of the Southern Pole. It is also used to treat diseases of the heart and of the vital channels. After three years of taking it, the Red Emperor sends three Danling Jade Youths and three Taidan Jade Maidens to receive the practitioner, lift them up to the station of the Three Qi Cinnabar Heaven (Sanqi Dantian), and confer upon them the title Perfected of the Red Emperor.

The talisman of the White Emperor of the West (Baidi), whose Virtue is Metal (Jinde).

The text of this talisman states that it belongs to the Seven Qi Pure Heaven (Qiqi Sutian) of the west, where the Lord Sovereign, the Elder of Brilliant Spirit (Haoling Yuanlao), and numerous immortals and spirits dwell. Venus (Taibai), the Western Dipper, and Venus are recorded as bearing its name. The White Emperor attends to the refinement of the Celestial Lord of the Day, subdues great demons, steadies the True Soul, and calms the lungs and their qi. The phrase "return to the mountain for six days" preserves the divine spirit forever. Flying Celestial Kings carry the talisman and carry out its orders, accompanied by the White Emperor's celestial officials and vajra soldiers, seventy myriad in all. The spiritual essence of the western lunar mansions, namely Kui, Lou, Wei, Mao, Bi, Zi, and Shen, flows into the upright qi and descends into the talisman. The Celestial Lord of the west issues commands in cryptic language, and twelve great spirits corresponding to Geng, Xin, Shen, and You execute the talisman.

The relay stations through which orders pass for the Three Realms of the West, the White Emperor of the Western Peak, and all spirits.

The talisman above governs the subjugation of all kinds of demons. It guards the Western Peak and corrects Taibai, the planet Venus (Jinxing), when it strays from its course. It harmonizes the western lunar mansions with the Armillary Sphere, so that breath flows smoothly and the seasonal disorders of autumn are dispelled. It governs the beetle-type demons of the west, commands the spirits and ghosts of that region, and summons the immortals of the western spirit realm. It is used to treat lung disease and disorders of the stomach and intestines. After seven years of taking it, the White Emperor sends seven Haoling Youths and seven Suhua Jade Maidens to receive the practitioner, raise them to the station of the Seven Qi Pure Heaven, and confer upon them the title Perfected of the White Emperor.

The talisman of the Black Emperor of the North (Heidi), whose Virtue is Water (Shuide).

The text of this talisman states that it belongs to the Five Qi Mysterious Heaven (Wuqi Xuantian) of the north, where the Lord Sovereign of Mysterious Spirit (Xuanling Dijun), the Mysterious Elder (Xuanlao), and numerous immortals and spirits dwell. The True Lords of Mercury (Chenxing) and the Northern Dipper record its name and govern life and death. The Black Emperor of the north subdues great demons, opens the True Soul to clear penetration, keeps the blood vessels flowing, and fills the essence and qi. He oversees the direction of ugly, displays fragrance, expels evil influences, and protects the True Nature (Zhenxing).

The Flying Heavenly Lord (Feitian Shenzhu) carries out the command by holding the talisman (fulu). The star lords and spirit generals under the Black Emperor, including the Well, Ghost, and Willow lunar mansions, together with the celestial officials' troops and the Vajra guardians, fifty myriad in all, advance in formation.

The numinous qi (ling qi) of the Celestial Emperors of the Eight Northern Heavens gathers and descends into the talisman. The Heavenly Venerables of the North, the ghosts and spirits of the Six Northern Heavens, and the demon kings all join their hands and receive their orders within it. The twelve great deities governing the Ren, Gui, Hai, and Zi directions act in accordance with the talisman and transmit its commands to the Three Realms of the North, the Black Emperor, and all the spirits of the north.

Relay routes: the divine messengers who carry the talismanic commands, and the journeys they make.

This talisman governs the storage of all things and guards the Northern Peak. It can also regulate the planet Mercury when its motion becomes erratic or out of order. It summons the seven northern lunar mansions, bringing the constellations into harmony and the breath into balance. It removes the disturbances of winter, governs the fish-scale demons of the north, commands the northern ghosts and spirits, and calls down the true immortals of the north. The talisman can be used to treat diseases of the kidneys and of the blood and fat. After five years of practice with this talisman, the Northern Emperor will send five Mysterious Spirit Jade Youths and five Grand Mysterious Jade Maidens to welcome the practitioner, raise them to the station of the Five Qi Mysterious Heaven, and confer upon them the title of True Lord of the Black Emperor.

The Central Yellow Emperor's Earth Merit Talisman

The Central Yellow Emperor's Earth Merit talisman contains twelve kinds of qi, together with the qi of the celestial realms such as the Vast Heaven, the Azure Heaven, and the Sky of Heaven. Within it dwells the Lord Sovereign. The Yellow Numinous Venerable Elder, the Three Treasures Lord Sovereign, the Supreme Emperors of the Three Heavens of the Center, the Heavenly Venerables of the Three Heavens, the Saturn (Earth Star) and the spirits of the Earth Virtue are all stationed within it. The Nine Immortal Jade Maidens, the Three Nines Sages, the Nine Perfected, the Nine Numinous Ones, the Golden Youths, and the Great Heavenly Spirits also protect it together. The Central Dipper (the central star position of the seven stars of the Big Dipper) and the Great Leader oversee and inspect all the spirits.

The Central Yellow Emperor, as lord of the center, governs the Yellow Heaven Emperor and the myriad spirits, so that each spirit keeps its proper place and heaven and earth stay upright and balanced. He subdues demons and evil influences and summons true spirits from the ten directions.

The Great Spirit King of the Flying Heavens carries out the talisman's commands. The Heavenly Leader and the officials of the Yellow Emperor's domain, along with one thousand two hundred officials and clerks and one hundred and ten thousand spirit attendants, all obey and act on its orders. The seven stars of the Yellow Emperor's lineage, the High Sages of the Three Heavens, the True Lords of the Nine Heavens, the Thirty-Two Heavenly Emperors, the Nine Numinous Ones of the Nine Empyreans, the Spirit Consorts, the Supreme Venerables, the Supreme Sages, the Elders, the Original Lords, the Royal Mother, the Lord Sovereigns, and the True Lords all also infuse the talisman with their upright qi.

The talisman further contains the coded terms and jade characters of the Thirty-Two Heavens and of the directions of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei across the ten quarters, together with the guardian spirits and generals who serve the talisman, including the Wu and Ji spirits and the Six Jia and Six Ding deities. They act in accordance with the talisman, transmitting its commands to the heavenly, earthly, and water spirits, the Five Sacred Peaks, the Nine Provinces, and all spirits of the Three Realms in the ten directions, and the golden horse courier carries the talismanic orders along the way.

This talisman (fulu, the talismans and registers used in Daoist practice for supplication, protection, or the performance of rites) is not governed by the Three Realms or the Five Emperors (the heaven, earth, and water realms, and the emperors of the five directions in Daoist teaching), nor is it reported to the Upper Clarity (Shangqing, the higher heavens of Daoist cosmology).

The talisman above can assist the Four Emperors (the celestial sovereigns of the four directions) in transforming and giving life to the myriad things, guard the Central Peak (the mountain at the center), stabilize Zhenxing (the ancient name for the planet Saturn), and regulate the seven lunar mansions of the Central Dipper (the constellations near the Big Dipper) and the Xuanji (the armillary sphere, or the turning of the celestial bodies), so that the qi (vital energy) of heaven and earth is harmonized and the four seasons keep their proper order. If the seasons fall out of balance, it can be used to subdue the Luo Insects of the center (a class of malevolent beings that ancient taxonomies counted among humans), to command the spirits and ghosts of the center, and to summon the immortals of the upper, middle, and lower realms of the center. It can also treat illnesses of the spleen and stomach and of the skin and flesh. Once you have worn this talisman for twelve years, the Yellow Emperor will send the Jade Youths of Yellow Numen and the Jade Maidens of Yellow Silk to welcome you, raise you to the rank of One Qi Heavenly Position (a stage of rank within the Daoist heavens), and confer upon you the title Perfected of the Yellow Emperor.

The Azure Emperor talisman is used to ward off epidemics, the Vermilion Emperor talisman to suppress fires, the White Emperor talisman to suppress warfare, the Black Emperor talisman to suppress floods, and the Yellow Emperor talisman to suppress all manner of calamities. The true talismans of the four emperors of east, south, west, and north may all be used interchangeably. The central Yellow Emperor talisman, however, is restricted: none but kings and marquises may wear or use it.

Five Emperors Talismans

Azure Emperor Talisman: It is said to cure liver disease and conditions in which the hun (ethereal soul) cannot settle in the body. Write the talisman in blue ink on a yellow ground, form the Zhen hand-seal (the gesture corresponding to the Zhen trigram), and recite: "Azure Emperor, protect the hun, and secure the Three Offices." Then rapidly draw in the qi of the east, blow it into the talisman, and swallow and wear one copy of it. Avoid sour foods for nine days and pungent foods for seven days. If this is carried out, the hun will be settled and the liver disease will heal.

White Emperor Talisman: It is said to cure lung disease and conditions in which the po (corporeal soul) is unsettled and restless. Write the talisman in white ink on a red ground, form the Dui hand-seal, and recite: "White Emperor, attend the po, and smelt away the yin evils." Then rapidly draw in the qi of the west, blow it into the talisman, and swallow and wear one copy of it. For seven days avoid bitter foods, and for three days avoid pungent foods. If this is carried out, the seven po (one of the bodily souls in Daoist teaching) will return to their places and the lung disease will be calmed.

Vermilion Emperor Talisman: It is said to cure heart disease and insufficiency of qi. Write the talisman in vermilion ink on a black ground, form the Li hand-seal, and recite: "Vermilion Emperor, nourish the qi, and let the myriad spirits return to the body." Then rapidly draw in the qi of the south, blow it into the talisman, and swallow and wear one copy of it. For five days avoid sweet foods, and for three days avoid bitter foods. If this is carried out, the shen (spirit) will be settled, the qi will be full, and the heart disease will heal.

Black Emperor Talisman: It is said to cure kidney disease, as well as conditions of congealed jing (essence) and blood and bodily decline with age. Write the talisman in black ink on a yellow ground, form the Kan hand-seal, and recite: "Black Emperor, open the blood, and the myriad spirits will preserve the jing." Then rapidly draw in the qi of the north, blow it into the talisman, and swallow and wear one copy of it. For three days avoid sweet foods, and for five days eat salty foods. If this is carried out, the jing and blood will circulate and the kidney disease will heal.

Yellow Emperor Talisman: It is said to cure spleen disease, the loss of the soul and spirit, emaciation of the skin and flesh, and disturbances of appetite. Form the hand-seal of the center of the middle finger, write the talisman in yellow ink on a blue ground, and recite: "Yellow Emperor……" The original text breaks off here, and the incantation is incomplete.

The Central Lord (zhongzhu) governs the myriad spirits, and none may exceed its authority. Quickly draw in the qi (qi) from above, blow it onto the talisman, and then swallow the talisman or wear it on the body.

Every method of the Dao carries its taboos: one must avoid sour foods for twelve days and sweet foods for five days.

Chapter on the Great Brahman's Flight Through the Void

The Mysterious Master says: when a cultivator encounters the Three Primes (sanyuan), the Eight Seasonal Divisions (bajie), or his own birth day, and finds the state afflicted by calamity, famine, or failed seasons, or himself ill and stupefied, cursed, under the direct glare of malevolent stars, or beset by baleful influences; or when the common people suffer unjust wrongs that cannot be redressed, when men and women cannot bear children, or when fierce and violent evil creatures dwell in the mountain forests, or when spirits and demonic mountain sprites (xiao) that fly through the air, enter the earth, or dwell in mid-air bring disaster that cannot be remedied, then one should constantly practice the "Way of Flight Through the Void."

When performing the method, bow low and worship with full concentration. Visualize the memorial document clearly, tread the Dipper-turning and Lodge-measuring steps (gangbu), which are stepping patterns that follow the positions of the stars, and apply the principle of the union of Kan and Li (kanli jiaogou), a practice that uses Kan and Li to symbolize water and fire and brings them into union. Silently pay homage to the Supreme Thearch. Direct the mind to circulate according to the principle of the Niwan Palace (Mud Pellet Palace, the inner cultivation site in the head), so that the inner principle penetrates to the deepest recesses. In this way, ghosts and spirits will be awed and subdued, the various breaths will endure, one will be free from suffering, the body will shine with light, and the myriad qi will gather until one attains immortality, while calamities are removed, disasters dispelled, and transgressions ended. This is what is called the supreme wondrous Dao of the Numinous Treasure (Lingbao).

When performing the method, one should enter a quiet chamber and sit upright before dawn during the hour of Yin (3–5 a.m.) on a day of purification fast. Place both hands in the Numinous Treasure seal, resting them separately on the left and right knees. Let body and mind be at ease and natural, so that no outside thoughts enter and no inner thoughts scatter outward, and concentrate to settle the shen (spirit). Visualize the five viscera and six bowels within the body, all clear and transparent. Next, visualize the sun on the left and the moon on the right, about nine cun (roughly 30 cm) from the face. At the crown of the head, a round luminous form of five colors appears, and within it lies a precious pearl, seemingly suspended in the air and slowly revolving.

Next, visualize the lords of the thirty-two heavens riding together in a chariot of the five colors and eight scenic views. Each comes from his own direction to the crown of the head. Each emits the true qi of his direction's color, and these threads interweave like silk, transforming into ten thousand streams of precious light that merge with one's own true qi.

When the visualization is complete, strike the Dharma drum twenty-four times to summon the twenty-four qi. At this time, perceive the mysterious qi of the lower dantian rising and circling, merging and flowing through the heart, gently spiraling and turning. Then let it rise from between the eyebrows to the hairline and emerge, transforming into twenty-four spirits.

Then visualize a pair of chambers along the two sides of the spine, like halls of glazed tile. Within the halls lies a crystal-like mysterious pearl, bright within, whose light shines all the way down to the weilü (the lower end of the spinal column). The original qi of the kidneys rises in reverse, and turquoise spring water surges upward until it reaches the Niwan Palace. Within the palace, sun and moon shine upon each other, forming a terrace-pavilion of golden and jade-blue flowing light. Upon the terrace, the Lord of the Primordial Azure descends to purple…

Five colors of qi (yellow, white, azure, and others) pass straight through the crown of your head and gather there into a jeweled platform. Visualize your mysterious qi transforming into a Perfected Being seated upright on that platform. The myriad qi descend together and circle your body, while the hundred treasures send out light, so that you see clearly the ten directions and the Three Realms, inside and out, as if everything were right before your eyes.

Then silently recite the sixty-four lines of the Great Brahman Hidden Words (Dafan Yinyu). With each line, use your fingers to form mudras (jue) as you move through the twelve palaces, Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, and Hai, while you inhale, then exhale toward your body and snap your fingers. When you reach the four lines beginning with "Kan, Li, Qian, Kun," click your teeth thirty-six times. Visualize the qi of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and the Northern Mystery meeting, with sun and moon shining in alternation. Inhale, rinse your mouth with saliva, and swallow it. Repeat this nine times. Then chant the incantation:

The dark and yellow qi and the white light shine brilliantly together. The Purple Forbidden (the celestial palace of the stars) first appears in blue, and the jade-like Brahmic qi flashes in harmony. The golden fungus of immortality arises from non-being and returns to emptiness; the deep, mysterious gate of the spirit is revealed. The sacred embryo forms and becomes an infant; flowing bells flash and fly, and the qi of the Cang Mei transforms in richness. Myriad heavenly spirits stand in solemn attendance, appearing from afar, drawing near in their robes. The upper, middle, and lower Dantians are filled with radiance, and auspicious light rises like a rainbow. The Venerable Huang Lao (a revered Daoist deity) transforms into an immortal and frees people from suffering and peril. Wuwei is the highest virtue, uniting with the Great Dao without loss.

After the recitation, take the talisman (fu), rise, and leave the room without looking back. Practice in this way for sixty-four days, and the myriad spirits will submit to you and the immortals will gather. No foul qi will remain in heaven, and no demonic dust will remain on earth. Your mind will become dark and deep yet luminously clear, your realm will be pure and transparent, and you will be able to enter the ever more profound Great Cavern of Immeasurable Grades (a lofty cultivation state in Daoist teaching).

The Yuangang Liuyan Gang

When pacing the Gang (a Daoist ritual walk following a specific step pattern), chant the incantation with each step. Begin at the Xu position and stop at the Hai position. Visualize yourself transforming into a Perfected Being of Shangqing (the Highest Clarity). Wear the Great Cavern crown and ritual robes, hold a jade tablet (gui), ride a chariot drawn by five dragons, and fly to the realm of Shangqing to pay homage.

Whenever you present a "heart memorial" (xin zhang, a memorial submitted to the deities), make an envelope from fragrant incense of descended perfection (jiangzhen xiang) that measures three cun and seven fen in length and one cun and two fen in width. Place inside it a sheet of yellow silk measuring one chi and two cun in length and three cun and six fen in height. Grind cinnabar and write carefully, with no limit on the number of lines. Leave about three fen of blank space above the text and one fen below. At the beginning, state the year, month, and day, or the new moon or hour, followed by the petitioner's name, along with respectful phrases such as "fasting and bathing, trembling with reverence, bowing with hands and head to the ground, kowtowing with a clear heart, and offering a hundred bows as I address you." When the body of the text is complete, write only "respectfully submitted" (jin yan) at the end.

Seal the memorial with the seal of the "Sanyuan Feiqi Wangzhang" (Royal Seal of the Three Primordials' Flying Qi). Stamp the seal at the beginning and end of the text on both the inside and outside of the memorial, bow twice toward the deities at each place, and stamp your surname seal. When dispatching the memorial, recite the Lingbao Heart Incantation, light a fierce fire and burn incense, and visualize and bow as described above.

(The true qi of the Three Terraces and the Eight Directions blends with the primordial sunlight, shining through to open the Eight Gates and condense breath into form.)

Passing through the Three Palaces, the Two Qi (the Yin and Yang Qi) return and unite, penetrating the subtle and the hidden. The Five Qi come to pay homage to the Origin (the Qi of the Five Phases return to their primal source), turning in cycles until perfection is attained, and outwardly they penetrate the myriad realms.

The Wondrous Gates and the Mysterious Gang Qi (the profound gang Qi) join like two halves of a jade tablet, pierce through the Three Heavens, and are unbound. The Heavenly Gate opens at once: ji ji ru lü ling (urgent, urgent, in accordance with the statute).

Talisman at the Base of the Case (the characters at the base of the talisman case)

The Three Qi, Yang Light and Jade Perfection, receive the decree of the Heavenly Perfected. The heavenly command appears in full clarity, the True Sovereign breaks through the numinous Gang, and the Two Qi return to the constant Way.

The Nine Turnings and Nine Qi revolve without cease, silently subduing the Demon King of the Centre, who submits and obeys the summons. Myriad Qi gather, the dragon-chariot rises, and with jade pendants and girdle-ornaments he flies before the Numinous Treasure to receive his orders.

The Hall of Flowers swiftly answers the command of the Primordial Beginning. The Heavenly Origin and the Heavenly Gang stir the Nine Yang Numinous Spirits, which rush like swift wind straight up to the celestial court and meet at the seal.

Through profound resonance, the Qi responds to the stirring. The Five Origins strike and break the Gang winds, and the Vast and Flowing Qi (haoran zhi qi) condenses firm and solid. The Three Dawns (the three realms of the celestial world) and the Three Frontiers (the three classes of domains in the Daoist heavens) reach the True Realm; following the calendar of days and months, the Five Dippers (the Big Dipper and other stellar spirits) all come together to manifest.

The Numinous Qi surges through and reaches everywhere, passing swiftly through. The Demon King escorts and welcomes them, returning swiftly to the balancing position and reverting to the Origin. In accordance with the Primordial Beginning's universal decree, the talismanic token is transmitted, and the order is carried out.

Talisman at the Bag (the characters at the top of the talisman bag)

Before Taiji (the Supreme Ultimate) had divided, the Yang Qi had already begun to sprout. Without Ultimate and beyond all supremacy, the Four Images (the four basic forms that arise from the unfolding of Yin and Yang) began to move, revealing the principles of Origin, Penetration, Benefit, and Constancy, and returning to the Realm of Great Luo and Jade Clarity.

At the time of the Primordial Ancestral Kalpa, the cavernous scenes opened and brightened. The Yang Ninefold Heaven issued its decree, halting the nurturing of the hun and po souls.

The Eight Gates are deep and still, without form or appearance. The Golden Dragon tripod-cap and the fire-bell are cast forward; the White Tiger races swift as lightning, and the thunder-light shines.

Qi surges upward, gathers and rushes forth. The sun and moon, together with the Dark Qi, penetrate into the Purple Essence, merging with the radiance, and the light of the Three Dawns appears.

Breaking through the Gang spirits, it reaches directly through the Three Heavens and rises into the formless realm.

The Three Births and myriad Qi, the Celestial Spirit Festivals flourish; the Three Qi endure forever and blend with my bodily form. The Supreme Mystery guards the gate, and passes freely to and fro through the numinous realms.

This section was written on a certain day, month, and year of the Grand Duke, and is used when the rite is performed within a certain jiao altar.

At that time, the Tongjin Dianguan of the Three Heavens' gate-disciples shall carry it out swiftly, without delay, and immediately await its fulfillment. Ji ji ru lü ling.

Numinous Treasure Heart Incantation

Harmonize the Primordial Yang and gather the Three Numinous Ones; gather and govern the hun and po souls, so that the inner world is brilliantly and silently illuminated.

The mysterious traces are like sprouting shoots, the Way pierces through the Primordial Azure; the Qi of the Three Sections and Eight Vistas (the system of Daoist numinous Qi within the human body) pervades the fragrant and dark realms.

The mind-spirit turns between north and south, and Kan and Li join in union; the True Qi spreads through the Net-Heavens, and even the deepest recesses are fully penetrated, opening the Eight Gates.

Flying beyond the Three Heavens, they unite to govern Qian and Kun (Heaven and Earth).

Great Brahmic Thunder Section for Stirring the Numinous

The Mysterious Master says: when the sun and moon are eclipsed (the heavenly phenomena in which their light is obscured), when mountains and rivers quake and roar, when pestilence spreads, or when yin and yang fall into disorder and cold and heat fail to keep their seasons, the practitioner should enter a quiet chamber, sit upright, recite the Great Brahmic Correct Sound Section (Dafan Zhengyin Zhang), and wear the Great Brahmic Thunder-Stirring Talisman (Dafan Zhenling Fu). In this way disasters are dispelled, harmonizing qi is gathered, the practitioner is protected, and the dwelling place is made peaceful.

When making this talisman, write it in cinnabar on yellow silk, and carry or bear it so that the qi of the talismanic script can take effect. Through this, the Five Emperors will be moved to assist, the assembled sages will descend, the Dharma body will ascend, the practitioner will become a Perfected (zhenren), and calamities will be avoided. When writing the talisman, visualize yourself becoming a Lord of the Dao, form the Shangqing hand seal (a Daoist mudra), and draw upon the correct methods of the Nine Heavens. Move the brush around the silk, silently recite the incantation, click the teeth three times, and then write. The incantation reads:

The Brahmic qi (the pure qi of primordial heaven) fills the Luo Heaven, and the great light of Brahma flows out to the four quarters. It spreads out to become a true support, and its mysterious response rises like the morning sun. Its splendid radiance shines brightly, protecting the Central Yellow (the center of the body, where the Yellow Court lies). It moves the Kui and Gang stars (the constellations) and makes the Northern Dipper shine clear. It leads the vast Brahmic qi to circulate and takes the Mysterious Gang as the unifying measure of the Dharma. Its great numinous sound resounds and harmonizes yin and yang. It commands the myriad spirits and returns them to the constant and true; it rectifies and guards against the countless demons, and I dwell in the position of the Supreme King. Swiftly, swiftly, act in accordance with the Lingbao decrees!

Great Brahmic Thunder-Stirring Talisman

(The characters of the talisman, in sequence, express the following: opening the eight gates; borrowing the two radiances of flying heaven and the Dharma wheel to conceal one's traces and restore the dead to life; moving the qi of the Central Yellow so that the upper, middle, and lower Cinnabar Fields (Dantian) are naturally filled and pervade the ten directions; relieving life and restoring youth; causing the Five Phases, the four qi, and the ancestral qi (benyuan zhi qi, the source qi) to shine brightly, circulate in order, and remain abundant for long, with clear and limpid scenes without end; Brahmic qi winding about like jade-stone rays of light against the clouds, with jade dragons soaring; the hundred spirits nurturing all things and merging with the True Youth; the Lord of Flowers receiving the mandate and gathering the mysterious essentials; majestic radiance and equal merit, so that all qi arrive together at the immortal realm, and the numinous efficacy ascends to the Vast Heaven, the Five Stars interpenetrating in their great expanse; receiving the jade decree, pacifying and guarding; the true talisman shining clearly and in harmony, dwelling at peace in the middle two eras; together accomplishing joy and fundamental merit; causing me to return to the primordial chaos and endure without end.)