《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 36

The Great Method of the Scripture of Limitless Deliverance through the Numinous Treasure says that practitioners of the Great Method must understand the “Three Modes” and the “Four Rewards,” observe the “Seven Prohibitions,” and heed the “Five Taboos.”

The “Three Modes” are three ways of putting the Great Method into practice: reciting incantations, using talismans, and performing ritual methods. Incantations are the secret language of Heaven. The perfected immortals and myriad spirits are summoned by them and descend in response to the movement of Qi. Fulu (talismans and registers) serve as credentials that accord with Heaven; the perfected immortals are summoned and come in response to them. In performing ritual methods, celestial offices responsible for the relevant duties take charge, while each perfected immortal and spirit official performs their assigned role. During the ritual, talismans and incantations are used to summon and dispatch them. These are called the “Three Modes.”

The “Four Rewards” are four benefits gained through cultivation. The first is the “Reward of Wisdom”: wisdom grows day by day. The second is the “Reward of Spirit”: one becomes attuned to spirits and able to communicate with them. The third is the “Reward of Intent”: one’s awareness rises above that of ordinary people. The fourth is the “Reward of Immortality”: one ultimately attains the state of an immortal.

The “Seven Prohibitions” require practitioners to restrain themselves in seven areas: the mouth, eyes, ears, hands, feet, intentions, and thoughts. The mouth must not utter abusive or filthy words, so that incantations and ritual methods can more readily connect with the spirits. The eyes must not look upon filthy things, so that one can see the true spirits. The ears must not listen to licentious or depraved sounds, so that one can hear the sounds of the Daoist teachings. The hands must not touch filthy things, so that the hand techniques one uses can communicate with the spirits. The feet must not tread on filthy or evil places, so that one can perform the ritual steps and ascend. The mind must not give rise to impure intentions, so that one can summon the perfected immortals. Thoughts must not be scattered, so that visualization can establish communion with the divine. Together, these are called the “Seven Prohibitions.” “Stepping the stars” is a form of movement in Daoist liturgy, generally performed by walking along prescribed positions.

The “Five Taboos” are five things to avoid. First, do not hold a baby or nurse a small child, lest the ritual powers be unable to take effect. Second, do not approach Heng’e, the legendary moon immortal, without cause, or this may invite demonic obstacles. Third, do not act violently or rebelliously and anger the divine perfected beings, causing them to withdraw. Fourth, do not be narrow-hearted or fail to extend merit universally, or you will not be entered into the register of immortals. Fifth, do not lack reverence and faith, lest the heterodox become mixed with the orthodox.

If one first understands the “Three Modes” and the “Four Rewards,” does not violate the “Seven Prohibitions,” and carefully observes the “Five Taboos,” one can seek out the profound gateways and wondrous realms of the Great Method.

The scripture also says that those who study and practice this Great Method are often harassed by hordes of demons, causing their efforts to fail just as they are nearing success and bringing them sin. They should therefore recite the “Wisdom Incantation of the Lord of the Dao, the Dark Origin, of the Golden Palace, for Destroying the Ninety-Six Heterodox Paths and the One Hundred Eighty Heavenly Demons.” It begins: “The disordered energies between Heaven and Earth give rise to all manner of demons and evil beings. One should constantly use the orthodox Dao to dispel baleful influences and evil energies. First, one should contemplate that there is no fixed, unchanging self and no ruler; all dharmas are empty and cannot transform one another…”

In the state of truth and freedom from delusion, flying demons, ghosts, and spirits all know where they should remain. One should understand the skillful method of truth.

Ideas such as illusion, emptiness, and existence may differ, but the principle of the nature of reality is clear and pure. It abides forever, without coming or going.

First, recognize truth; second, recognize the demons; third, recognize the forms of things; fourth, discern emptiness.

“Origin, success, benefit, and constancy: evil cannot overcome what is right. When facing the soldiers, fighters, and those who struggle, let the ranks array themselves and advance. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the law and command!”

When performing the arts above, first click the teeth together twelve times, then silently recite the incantation. It may be repeated as many times as needed. All demons will then immediately give rise to good thoughts and bow before the seat. To drive them away, recite the incantation more often; all the demons will flee and dissolve under its power.

The True Talisman of the Nine Dipper Yang Flames and Fire Bells of the Upper Origin’s Double Radiance.

Fire Bell, Flame Spirit; Flame Spirit, Fire Bell. Above, the Fire Bell reaches the purple essence of flame; below, it penetrates the Yellow Subtlety. It repels demons and refines souls. The divine spirit of the Red Emperor and the two divine generals…

(The Three Platforms stream with light; souls are refined; the myriad demons are made peaceful. The Upper Origin bestows blessings and refines the body, transforming its substance. The dead turn to smoke and dust and ascend to the heavens. The Earth Official of the Middle Origin pardons sins; the Water Official of the Lower Origin dispels calamities. Marshal Tianpeng, Deputy Marshal Tianyou, the True Lord Yisheng Baode, the True Lord Yousheng Zhenwu of numinous response…)

…The twelve double-hours, from Zi hour to Hai hour, the spirits presiding over each hour… Kui, Gui, He, Xing, Bi, Fu, Piao… enter the realm of fire, mingle the Nine Qi, and gather in their entirety the flowing metal and thunderous radiance of the Vast Heaven’s Nine Origins. Hasten to unite with the Void Sovereign. By command, sweep away evil spirits; may what is right and beneficial be boundless. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the law and command!

Sever the ties of evil spirits and return them to emptiness; the true Qi of the Brahma realm will arise of itself. The red-written jade characters and the Eight Awe-Inspiring Dragon Script can cure illness and cut down evil, bring peace to all things, and protect and subdue the cycles of calamity. By command of the Heavenly Worthy Who Protects and Controls the Cycles of Calamity, hasten, hasten, in accordance with the law and command!

When drawing the talisman, use yellow silk and face south as you write with cinnabar. With the left hand, form the Jade Emperor mudra, and recite the secret name of Xuanzhen. This is also called “using the Jade Voice to gather Qi.” The Numinous Writ says: “The Ancestral Dao is Xuanzhen.” Light incense and still the mind; use a cinnabar brush to draw down the Sun’s Nine Rays of Qi onto the paper. Then write with the brush according to the proper rules and sequence, without reversing the order.

The talismans above are used to deal with wood demons, stone spirits, red demons, and other fierce, evil, and grotesque beings that trouble the people and living creatures. One may inscribe the talisman in seal script with cinnabar on an iron plate, stamp it with the Fire Bell seal, and then bury it a little over a foot underground at the place where the trouble occurred. The demons will then disappear, ascend, and be transformed into Daoist immortals.

If flocks of feathered birds gather and defile the blessed mountains and forests, one should invoke the Red Emperor of Vermilion Brightness of Southern Mount Heng and make talismans to drive them away.

Note: Several passages in the text are missing characters, contain variant forms, or appear to include errors, especially the names of the divine generals and the incantations in parentheses. These passages are translated directly from the surviving text; ellipses mark places where the meaning cannot be determined with certainty.

This talisman may also be given to another person to swallow or wear. First write the two characters “Fire Bell.” Draw three vertical strokes across the characters while reciting the incantation, from “Flame Essence” through “Transforming Substance.” Then draw five horizontal strokes across the three vertical ones, reciting from “Refining the Po” through “Soaring Aloft.” Below and to the right of the five horizontal strokes, make nineteen circular turns, reciting from “Three Officials” through “Seven Stars.” Next, write three bent strokes, separating each stroke and beginning each one upward; then write the incantation on the talisman in sequence. Extend the end of the middle stroke to the left, reciting from “Entering the Cavern” through “Empty Sovereign.”

Afterward, write the character “Command” at the lower left of the talisman, carrying the end of the stroke outward as you recite, “The Vast Heaven issues a command.” Then draw three returning strokes, each beginning to the right, reciting from “Flowing Gold” through “Without Bounds.” Next, make two strokes from the top of the talisman and recite, “Urgent, urgent, urgent.” Finally, write the character “Slay” inside the endpoint of the strokes of “Command.”

After writing his own ritual rank, the ritual master makes an invocation and prayer to the powers above:

“One Qi Ancestral Spirit, Great Lord of Long Life (a Daoist high deity). I, your small servant, so-and-so (the ritual master’s self-designation), pray for True Qi and respectfully summon the assisting officials Wenxiu, Shuguang, and Yaoming of the Flying-Heaven Red-Qi Emperor of the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell. May they destroy demonic obstacles and subdue them with the seal.”

When the prayer is complete, draw in nine rays of purple sunlight and blow them over the cinnabar and the brush, once each. Then quiet the mind and sit upright; light incense and still the spirit. Focus the mind and visualize the Red Emperor in the Upper Palace of the Cinnabar Spirit—the inner palace of the body’s spirits—sending forth nine rays of red light. They enter through the crown of the ritual master’s head and pour down into the spirit palace, illuminating the whole body until it shines through like the sun. Next, visualize the Three Terraces and the Canopy Star in the Niwan Palace—the inner palace in the head—casting light over the whole body. Then visualize a Flame Essence spirit in each eye, each three inches tall, dressed in red and wearing a red cap. Each spirit breathes out a ray of fire from the mouth; the two rays shoot from the eyes, join with the light of the Three Terraces, and gather at the tip of the brush. Hold the breath and write the talisman swiftly. At the words “Urgent, urgent,” form the hand seal and blow onto the talisman. It is said that if the talisman is written with cinnabar refined nine times, it can restore a corpse to life and bring the dead back to life.

Following this method, the ritual master may also cultivate Qi by himself: regulate the breath according to the method, gather and swallow the Qi visualized in the mind. At sunrise, form the Jade Emperor hand seal with both hands, close the eyes, join the palms, and face the sun. Recite the incantation once, then draw in Qi through the mouth and nose and swallow it. Repeat this nine times, directing the Qi with the mind to the Dantian (energy center). The number of repetitions may be increased gradually to eighteen, twenty-seven, and so on, up to eighty-one. Then recite the Sun Lord’s incantation:

“Sun Soul, Vermilion Radiance, shine; conceal the green and reflect the returning rosy clouds; Red Child, image of the dark flame storm.”

After the incantation, recite:

“Lush and true, Li.”

Then draw in Qi as before, swallow it, and send it to the Cinnabar Origin, the place of internal refinement within the Dantian. This practice should be performed before noon. The original text then turns to the method of the Moon.

The method for cultivating Qi is the same as described earlier, but Qi is gathered only after the first quarter of the moon, on or after the ninth day, and before the last quarter, on the sixteenth or seventeenth day. Cultivation ceases after the nineteenth day. After reciting the General Incantation, recite the Moon Lord’s Incantation:

“Moon’s soul, veiled and delicate; fragrance and beauty conceal the boundless void. Gracefully empty, its numinous threshold; luxuriant radiance gathers and rises. Pure, golden essence, luminous; its brilliant form marks the celestial terrace.”

After reciting the Moon Lord’s Incantation, recite: “Knot, prosperity, Kan.”

Then gather Qi as before, swallow it, and send it into the Cinnabar Origin (the lower Dantian). Next gather the Qi of the Celestial Dipper, cultivating as before: face due north, recite the General Incantation, and gather Qi. Afterward, recite the Celestial Dipper Incantation:

“Great Sage of the Celestial Dipper, honored stars of the sun and moon, let true Qi descend and infuse me, extending life and enhancing vitality. Kui, Kui, Gui, Yu, Xing, Bi, Zhu, Piao—swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!”

Gather and swallow Qi as before, sending it into the Cinnabar Origin. Then absorb the three lights—the Qi of the sun, moon, and stars. When the rite is complete, click the teeth nine times on each side, then withdraw and depart.

After a hundred days of uninterrupted cultivation, it is said that the room will fill with light at night while one sleeps, and divine light will appear even when one coughs. It is also said that this practice can bring forth numinous beings. After two hundred days, the true Cinnabar of the sun, moon, and stars will congeal in the Dantian. Reciting the incantations can make all things reveal their true forms and appear red. This may be used to heal illness and perform Fulu (talismans and registers). Blow true Qi onto a talisman and the illness will immediately subside. If the patient swallows the Qi of the talisman, they will feel warmth in the Dantian. Whether the practice proves efficacious is for the practitioner to experience firsthand.

Celestial Master Liu Hunkang said: When writing Fulu, recite the Moon Lord’s Incantation and the Celestial Dipper Incantation three times each. After gathering Qi, blow it toward the tip of the brush, then face southeast as you write. Once the talisman is complete, recite both incantations three more times, infusing the talisman with true Qi.

The Divine Seal of Flowing Golden Fire Bells

In the Southern Palace serves Han, Director of Fire. Within the Fire Bureau are concealed red texts of flowing flame. The Divine Seal of Golden Truth gathers the refined beauty of Cinnabar Rosy Clouds and brings together the red talismanic patterns of the sun, moon, and stars. It is called the “Divine Seal of Cinnabar Heaven’s Flowing Golden Fire Bells.” Cinnabar radiance reflects the light of the sun, and the splendor of golden fire rises aloft. This seal may be used to send proclamations to dragon spirits, summon thunder, refine souls and ascend to truehood, slay water demons, drive away Yin forces and evil influences, dispel calamities and pestilence, resolve misfortune and illness, burn away the Nine Deformities, and subdue the Five Demons.

Those who attend this seal include three thousand Senior Officers of One Qi and Cinnabar Radiance, six hundred Great Generals of the Fire Bells, and one hundred and twenty Divine Youths of Golden Light. They serve the Divine Seal directly and act in accordance with its commands. This seal is the General Register of the Red Emperor and the Fire Command of Lord Han. It is kept in secret within the Palace of Cinnabar Flames and the Terrace of Radiant Splendor. Made of fine crimson jade, it is sealed with the inscription “Seal of Primordial Illumination and Numinous Emptiness.” Every three hundred years, the Divine Seal is bestowed upon one of the Southern Palace’s officials who has cultivated merit in the Lower Origin (the human realm).

This ritual seal should be carved to a square of about two cun and one fen, and a thickness of seven fen, from sacred peachwood grown in a numinous place. Choose a branch from a peach tree facing south, and cut it on a Bing or Ding day. In the Five Phases, Bing and Ding correspond to Fire, so these are called “Wood-Fire days.” Have a craftsperson carve the wood into a seal, then bury it seven cun underground at the southeast corner of the dwelling.

While the seal is buried, burn one stick of incense each day at the place where it lies and perform three bows. Do not recite an invocation; then withdraw. On the seventh day, take out the seal and wash away the soil with flowing water. Bathe it in incense smoke, then fill the carved recesses on its face with genuine cinnabar. Place the seal in a yellow brocade pouch and tie it behind the elbow.

On a Ding day at a Ding hour, face the Ding direction and perform the “Fire-Bell Pace” (a prescribed sequence of ritual steps). Visualize six Jade Maidens appearing, and recite the spell:

“Kui, Gui, Yu, Xing, Bi, Xi, Piao—by command, … draw them into the seal. Swiftly, swiftly, as the Fire Bell draws them in!”

After each recitation, inhale and breathe out onto the seal. Recite the spell six times. For the next seven days, do not eat pork or any fishy, gamey, or spicy foods.

When the seven days have passed, on a Jia day at a Jia hour, face the Jia direction, perform the Fire-Bell Pace, visualize six Jia divine generals appearing, and recite the spell:

“Kui, Gui, Yu, Xing, Bi, Xi, Piao, … draw them into the seal and establish them there. Swiftly, swiftly, as the Fire Command draws them in!”

The original text has several missing characters here, marked by an ellipsis. Recite this spell six times, inhaling and blowing onto the seal after each recitation. For the following two days, do not eat the five flavors, vegetables, fruit, or oil. On the third day, a Bing day, face the Bing direction and perform the Fire-Bell Pace. Click the teeth together nine times, and visualize sunlight covering the ritual seal. Then make a sound with the teeth and imagine sunlight encircling the seal in nine layers, while reciting the spell:

“Xu, summon the Radiant Light with the Round Youth. Yu Yi, Red Emperor, shine through and appear; the southern radiance pours forth, and the many jade eyes become visible. All evils sink into submission. I, your servant, follow my master’s command and dare not delay. The light and Qi coil around in nine layers; the Ding and Jia divine generals accompany and uphold the seal. By the spoken command of the Primordial Emperor, Yin energy disperses.”

Recite this spell eighty-one times, inhaling once and blowing onto the seal after each recitation.

At the Xu hour on a Chen day, perform the Fire-Bell Pace, face the Northern Dipper, click the teeth together seven times, raise the face, and recite the spell:

“Tuoluo Yumiao, clear light of the Dipper at dawn; numinous youth of the Great One, Primordial Lord Kui Gang; wondrous Qi of the Primordial Emperor, nourish this ritual seal and enable it to reach the true Dao. Most numinous and most sacred, it responds whenever it encounters evil. Golden light of the Fire Bell, command, repel, and destroy demons and evils; the Dipper’s radiance and the energy of the Dipper’s handle drive away and extinguish all calamities. One seal brings blessings: Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen.”

Recite this spell forty-nine times, inhaling once and then blowing onto the seal after each recitation. The original text breaks off at “awaiting the presence of …”; the continuation is missing.

The ritual affairs for which one is responsible sometimes include sealing mountain gods, issuing proclamations to dragon deities, cutting down malevolent spirits, suppressing floods, calming turbulent waves, curing plagues, and eliminating disasters. When performing the rite, form the Fire-Bell Seal (Huoling yin) with the left hand, pace the Fire-Bell Gang Step (Huoling gangbu), and face south. Visualize the fire Qi in the heart entering the seal like white silk; then visualize the teeth of the seal piercing the fire Qi, with the fire Qi coiling around it in nine layers and giving off red light that illumines the four directions. When the visualization is complete, click the teeth nine times and recite:

“The petty servant, your subject so-and-so, respectfully declares: Lord Han, Sovereign of Long Life, Ancestral Spirit of the One Qi of the South Above, and the Great Spirit Sima, please descend true Qi and enter your servant’s ritual seal. As the true Qi descends, summon the Great Spirits of the Eight Scenes of Golden Truth and Jade Light, the Great General of the Fire Bell, the Numinous Youth of Opening Brightness, and Wenxiu Shuguang, Upper Officer of the Three Qi, to act according to the seal’s ordinances. May heavenly might be manifest and burn away malevolent spirits; the Fire Bell is cast forth before, the Flowing Bell runs behind, advancing with the force of wind driving fire. In the seal’s application, may all that is sought be auspicious. By the Jade Emperor’s supreme command, the Divine Lord immediately carries it out. Urgent, as by the Fire-Bell statute and command!”

After the invocation, inhale the orthodox Qi of the Upper Palace (the true Qi of the upper Dantian) through mouth and nose, spread it into the seal, and then use the seal to perform the rite: one may stamp it on sand or stone and bury it in water or earth; or stamp it on white silk and then swallow it or wear it on one’s person; or stamp it on sealing clay, or use it to deal with dangerous and difficult places. At most three applications, and the matter should be settled. Avoid filthy Qi lest it offend the seal; if the seal is polluted or damaged, it will not be numinous.

Seal-use formula: from the base of the right middle finger to the Li pattern (the Li-position line on the palm), then lift upward from the Li pattern toward the area below the nail and send it into the ritual seal.

Besides being used for talismanic writing, the Northern Emperor Fire-Bell Seal (Beidi Huoling yin) can also treat conditions such as cold-pathogen invasion and Qi-stagnation pain. Pinch the Li pattern with the left hand, hold the seal in the right hand, stand two paces away from the afflicted person, turn the seal’s face toward the other, and then clearly state one’s ritual rank and address the deity: “Sovereign of Long Life, Ancestral Spirit of the One Qi, the petty servant so-and-so petitions true Qi for this person’s illness. I respectfully summon the Flowing Bell, Flying Mao, the Red-Qi Emperor Lord, and the assisting officer Wenxiu Shuguang Yaoming, to eliminate demonic obstructions and to control and heal by the seal.”

Then draw the Qi of the sun’s rays (the Qi symbolizing solar Jing) to spread throughout the heart and merge with one’s own Qi into one; then exhale it through the nose, causing the Qi to pass through the ritual seal, circle, and wrap around oneself three or four times. The ritual seal must not be rubbed in dust or dirt, or it will offend the orthodox Qi. If one dispatches assisting officers without personally visualizing (visualizing the deities in the heart), the assisting officers will not descend, and the effort will be in vain. Pinching the Li pattern with the left hand means pinching the middle joint of the middle finger; it is also called the “Sun Lord formula” (Rijun jue). Many editions treat the Chen position as the Sun formula, but in fact the Chen position is Tiangang. Yellow Qi and yang Jing can nourish the Hun and Po souls, penetrate the cavernous depths, and refine into the Three Qi of Bright Light; for this reason the Li position is taken as the Sun formula. When holding the seal in the right hand to perform the rite, one’s movements should be calm and careful; one must not ...

The meaning of the phrase “Qi jing fu fan xiang wu zhe quxiao suqing si ri mangrao zhao” is difficult to establish, as the text appears to be corrupt or incomplete.

The Fire-Bell Pace (a method of stepping used in Daoist rites and ritual practice) can eliminate major calamities. The world is troubled by various malevolent beings, including mad spirits, ghosts, and essence spirits; they should be distinguished from one another and subdued accordingly. The spirit left behind after a person dies is called a ghost. A spirit that inhabits an object is called an essence spirit. A divine being that has lost its proper nature is called an evil spirit. Calamities caused by the Four Forms of Birth—womb-born, egg-born, moisture-born, and transformation-born—are called demons. When baleful forces take visible form through change, they are called anomalies. Some mountain demons, great foxes, giant snakes, and long dragons harm the people.

To deal with such calamities, one may set up an Altar of the Three Heavens’ Total Qi (a ritual altar used in practice). Two people each carry a dou of ashes. Starting from the northwest, they spread the ashes in opposite directions to form a circle. The altar surface should be six feet square. Place seven piles of fire outside the altar, and fill an urn with water. Ascend the altar every six double-hours, holding a sword and reciting the “Incantation of the Divine Lord’s Mandate to Sweep Away All Inauspiciousness.” Recite the incantation as given in this scripture, from “the Thirty-Two Heavens” to “proclaiming the words above to Shangqing.” Within seven days, at most, the offending beings will be struck down and destroyed by the celestial gods. Then cast them into the altar, slash at them with the sword, and throw them into flowing water.

For minor ghosts and demons, there is no need to use the methods of water and fire. Spread ashes inside the altar and write the two characters Yanyou. Every six double-hours, walk around the altar while reciting the “Incantation for Sweeping Away.” Within three days, at most, the demons and evil spirits will be confined inside the altar. If they leave traces or reveal a visible form, make an invocation and command the celestial gods within the altar to bind them and escort them to the Northern Heaven for punishment.

To attack an anomalous tree or an evil shrine, encircle it with ashes and write the “Incantation for Sweeping Away.” Set it in the southeast and secretly recite the incantation ten times. Then draw in the Qi of the Gate of Heaven and cast it forth with the Jade Clarity mudra, blowing it toward the target. In fewer than ten days, heavenly thunder will destroy it. To deal with a dragon or water demon, write the incantation on a stone and sink it to the bottom of the water. Even if the stone has not yet sunk, recite the incantation according to the method above. Within seven days, at most, the dragon and other beings will be attacked and driven away. Then attack them with talismans and incantations, and the result will come at once.

When writing the two characters Yanyou, form the Jade Clarity mudra with the right hand and trace them with the second finger. None of the methods above require submitting a written petition. Building the altar from earth makes the method more effective, but in an emergency the ritual may be performed before the altar is completed.

Altar of the Three Heavens’ Total Qi

Yanyou

“Yan” is a courtyard that binds ghosts and evil spirits; “you” is a chamber that confines them. Used together, the two characters can confine ghosts and gods. Take one dou of ashes, write the two characters on yellow paper with cinnabar, and place the paper at the center of the ashes. If the demons, evil spirits, and ghosts are not subdued, sink the paper in water to make a water prison, or place it in fire to make a fire prison. The practitioner may decide how to adapt the method.

Whenever a prison for ghosts and gods is established, recite the following incantation:

This scripture describes Daoist ritual methods for dispelling fire demons and water monsters, primarily involving incantations, hand seals (shoujue), and talismans (fulu).

For banishing fire demons: During droughts or fires, one forms the Kan trigram hand seal (Kan representing water) and uses ink to draw five encircling black threads. Facing north, visualize the Water Star deity and azure Qi, inhaling through the nose while holding the breath five times. The incantation expresses how metal generates water and water overcomes fire, beseeching instant rainfall to form rivers and seas so flames may extinguish and fire demons be buried underground. Rapidly recite the spell five times, then exhale toward the fire demon's direction.

For subduing water monsters: During abnormal weather like dark fogs or crimson-yellow clouds, tread the Fire Bell Gang steps (a special footwork pattern) from the Xu position to the Chen position. Use cinnabar to draw talismans with three red thread coils while standing southward. Visualize the Primordial Heavenly Venerable (Yuanshi Tianzun) at the crown's Muddy Pellet Palace (upper Dantian), silently recoding the Great Brahma's hidden words ten times. Then form the Jade Purity hand seal while envisioning Mars' fiery radiance, inhaling and holding the breath thrice. The incantation summons the Fire God Scarlet Emperor to subdue water spirits. Exhale thrice toward the clouds, causing water monsters to fall and storms to cease harming creatures.

Two talismans are specified: The Six Ding Water Monster Slaying Talisman must be inscribed on square bricks/stones to command the Six Ding Divine Generals to execute monsters; the Six Jia Malevolence Dispelling Talisman uses cinnabar with the Yellow Supreme Purity hand seal. Both require coordinated hand seals and directional Qi manipulation.

These methods exemplify Daoist cultivation practices that harmonize natural forces through incantations, talismans, hand seals, and visualization—believing specific rituals can commune with deities to avert disasters.

In the world above are eight thousand soldiers and horses. Below are the four generals who hold up the earth and thirty-five officials and soldiers, charged with eliminating evil spirits. Six and four attendants guard your body. To the left is the Azure Dragon, to the right the White Tiger, above the Vermilion Bird, and below the Black Tortoise. Before you is the Merit Officer; behind you, the Registrar—officials serving in Daoist divine bureaus. If anyone is harmed by sorcery, send the evil force back to the one who performed it. If it does not depart at once, swiftly cut it down with the Heavenly Axe. With utmost urgency, by decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning.

Take the Qi of the Jia direction for the current ten-day cycle and blow it onto the talisman. Wear one talisman on your person, burn one at the center of the courtyard, and burn another to ash, mix the ash with water, and sprinkle it throughout the house. Then take one more talisman and simmer it with a dark plum and three inches of licorice root for several boils. Form the mixture into a pill and swallow it. The person afflicted by sorcery will then vomit up the bewitched object.

Zhu Hu Talisman for Driving Away Locusts

Take eight peachwood boards, each two feet four inches long and three inches wide, and write one talisman on each in orpiment, a yellow mineral pigment. Then make an offering of tea, wine, and three lengths of crimson silk, and worship Zhu Hu, the Responsive True Lord and emissary of the South. The emissary Zhu Hu is three hundred thousand zhang tall, with red eyes and singed hair. He wears a crimson robe and dark red skirt, a vermilion crown and red shoes. Flames ten thousand zhang high blaze around him. He holds the Three Samadhi, the name of a ritual implement or power, and rides upon the Qi of the Vermilion Bird of the Cinnabar Cavern, with myriads of birds following behind. Pray:

“By the teaching of the Primordial Beginning and the decree of the Jade Emperor, drive away the insect demons and destroy the locusts. I summon you now: you must obey this command. Locusts, your parents and descendants, depart at once and do not linger. If even one locust disobeys, let it be reduced to dust. With utmost urgency, by the command and decree of the Great High One!”

Then take Qi and blow it onto the talismans. Use a sword to bury them in the eight directions, more than three feet below the ground. The locusts will scatter immediately, the crops will be saved, and merit will be gained through helping the world.

Talismans of the Three Realms of the Upper Section

The Three Realms of the Upper Section are the Sacred Realm of Jade Clarity, the True Realm of Highest Clarity, and the Immortal Realm of Great Clarity. The talisman also names the Great Emperor of Heaven, the ghost-catching generals and officials of the Nine Heavens, the Jade Emperor, the Five Emperors of the Five Directions, and the True Lords of the Five Planets. Together they are called the Direct Generals Who Bind Ghosts. Pray that they swiftly send down True Qi and move in accordance with the talisman: the talisman is drawn in the form of the character tian, “field”; as the strokes move, the spirits and ghosts move with them, and when the strokes stop, the spirits and ghosts stop as well. Once the divine brush comes to rest, the spirits and ghosts must stop at once, without the slightest delay.

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman

I respectfully invoke the Mysterious August Sovereign of the Great High One and Wondrous Dao, the Elders of the Nine Heavens, the Attendants of the Immortal Palace, and the revered spirits of the Five Sacred Peaks. Swiftly send down True Qi into my talisman, and act in accordance with its commands.

“May ghosts and the dead be at peace; swiftly obey the command of the True Talisman of Samadhi.”

This talisman is used to drive away ghosts and malign spirits and bring peace to the dead. During the rite, form the “Three Pure Ones mudra” (a Daoist hand gesture), write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper, face the Gate of Heaven, and blow upon it. Then recite the incantation and blow the Qi of the five directions into the talisman. Burn it to ash, mix the ash with water, and drink it. The scripture says that for various illnesses, taking it three times a day will bring a rapid recovery.

Central Auxiliary Winged True Talisman

The talisman lists the names of divine generals, including the Great Marshal Tianpeng of the Purple Tenuity North Pole, the Deputy Assistant Sage Emperor Tianyou, the True Lord Shabaode, the True Lord Yousheng Lingying, the Great God of the Celestial Pass, and the Fire God of the Terrestrial Axis. It also bears phrases such as “Opening Heaven and dividing Earth, illuminating and destroying evil demons.” These names are used to summon the divine generals to protect the rite, drive away evil, and cure illness.

Incantation for Commanding the Talisman:

I respectfully summon Xu Laizhong, Jiang Juyuan, Zhai Shining, and Zhao Ziyu, the Great Marshals who pursue and capture on the Cloud Road of the Nine Heavens. In accordance with the talisman’s command, follow it and seize the ghosts and malign spirits, so that illness may be dispelled and body and mind brought to peace. Swiftly carry out the laws and commands sent down from Shangqing.

This talisman is written in black ink on yellow paper. Eight talismans are used each time: one is written larger and burned together with a coin; the other seven are written smaller, burned to ash, and taken with a decoction made from the heartwood of a peach tree. The scripture describes it as exceptionally efficacious.

Lower Five Emperors Talisman

In the talisman, the Five Emperors of the five directions and their associated divine generals govern the souls, Qi and blood, and the span of one’s life: the Azure Emperor protects the hun soul, while the Eastern Dipper governs the allotment of years; the White Emperor attends the po soul, while the Western Dipper governs the recording of names; the Red Emperor nourishes Qi, while the Southern Dipper governs birth; the Black Emperor circulates blood, while the Northern Dipper governs death; and the Yellow Emperor dwells at the center and commands the myriad spirits. The talisman also lists the demon kings of the five directions—azure, white, red, black, and yellow—and the divine generals who command ghost troops and patrol the vast reaches of space.

The talisman says that these divine generals, acting under orders, patrol Beifeng, the Daoist realm of the underworld, deliver departed souls, and sweep away ill omens. Their authority is fearsome: they carry banners, fire weapons, and bells, and open the way before them. If evil spirits offend or obstruct a perfected adept performing the rite, the divine generals punish them: wind and fire rage without cease, beheading and mutilating them so that ghosts and malign spirits cannot intrude.

Ghosts and demons may find nowhere to hide. The Three Officials, divine beings who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water, and Beifeng, the name of the underworld, keep close watch over the ghostly ranks and permit no concealment.

By means of the Golden Horse relay, the decree is carried throughout the boundless realms. All the gods come to hear and obey its command, while the Five Emperors of the Three Realms together make their report to Shangqing, the Daoist celestial realm.

We respectfully summon the true sovereigns of the Five Dippers, the appointed officials of the Five Directions and Five Emperors, and the senior officials of the Thirty-Two Heavens. Obeying the command of the High God, with wind and fire never ceasing, they are to turn back the dead and infuse them with life, bring the deceased back to life and return them, settle and harmonize their souls, and bring peace to all the gods. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Before using the talisman on the right, first recite the “Incantation of Mysterious Essence.” Then form the Yuqing hand seal, write the talisman in cinnabar, draw in the breath of the Gate of Heaven, and blow it into the talisman. Next, recite the incantation and offer a prayer. Draw in the breath of the southeast and take it with purified water. This talisman is said to ward off all manner of calamities and misfortunes and to cure all kinds of illness.

Rescue and Healing with Millet

On a Jia or Yi day, days associated with Wood in the sexagenary cycle, face east and buy one sheng of millet. Bring it home and place it before the image of a deity. Remove the dust and husks from the millet, select about one ge of clean grains, and place them on a clean plate. Beginning on an Yin or Mao day, expose the grains to sunlight for twelve days and to moonlight and dew for twelve nights. If they miss a full day’s exposure, make it up afterward.

Once the grains have absorbed the Qi of the sun and moon, choose an evening when red or purple clouds resembling fiery clouds appear in the four directions. This is regarded as the time when the Celestial Worthy goes forth on a journey. At that moment, sincerely and quickly burn incense, bow toward the four directions, and place the millet on an open-air altar table. First recite the “Millet Incantation” ten times, then the “Incantation for Deliverance of People in the Ten Directions” ten times and the “Great Divine Incantation of the Ten Directions” ten times. Following the prescribed method, visualize the power of the incantations entering the millet. Then recite the “Great Brahma Hidden Words” thirty-two times, draw in the Qi of the Thirty-Two Heavens, and blow it into the grains. Next recite the “Spirit Lord Incantation” ten times, draw in the Qi of the East, and blow it into the grains. Finally, store the millet in a watertight vessel made of gold or jade. Bow to the Ten Directions, then withdraw.

If someone falls ill, whatever the illness, take ten grains of millet. Following the method above, recite the incantation once over each grain, draw in the breath, and blow across it. Have the patient face east with a clean, unadorned face, and swallow the grains with fragrant water.

Millet Incantation

Thereupon, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning suspended a precious pearl, as small as a millet grain. It emerged from nonbeing.

Incantation for Deliverance of People in the Ten Directions

When the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning expounded the scripture once, all beings attained long life.

Great Divine Incantation of the Ten Directions

When the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning expounded the scripture once, the utmost true gods of the limitless ranks of the East came forth. By the time it had been recited ten times, they had all arrived together.

At the end of the scripture, only the title “Spirit Lord Incantation” is listed; its text is not included.

Thirty-two heavens and thirty-two Heavenly Emperors, listed in order in the Upper Clarity.

The jeweled pearls listed above are used to suppress places among mountains and rivers where demons gather, as well as ominous dwellings and places where strange beings and malign spirits congregate. If the Qi of such places falls out of balance, the stars move in disarray, the sun and moon grow dim, epidemics and toxins spread, warfare erupts, or floods and fires occur, take millet at dawn or sunset and recite the Great Brahma Incantation. Then cast the millet toward the ominous place.

Treasure Register for Subduing Malign Spirits

Whenever a Treasure Register is put into practice, the righteous Qi of the Five Phases comes first. This righteous Qi is the foundation; everything else is its application. Anyone wishing to cultivate penetrating vision—a Daoist practice of perceiving and seeing through things—should first put this Treasure Register into practice and notify the Great Gods Ding and Jia, protectors of the Dao, and the Four Worthy Lords, who preside over the year, month, day, and hour. Only then may it be used, in the hope of communing with the numinous and entering sagehood.

The Perfected One of Wondrous Practice of Jade Clarity issues the Treasure Register for Subduing Malign Spirits to a certain place:

[The following consists of talismanic text and diagrams, including symbols that cannot be read or are damaged. The original specifies writing on Yin days and Yang days.]

The Dao’s treasure and the Dharma’s treasure: by the command of the sage Zhenwu, capture and dispel evil Qi. Let the evil ghosts depart and the true Qi remain; let righteous Qi dwell in this place.

The Great General of the Net of Heaven is commanded to summon the Ghost King Guangming to subdue and restrain them in accordance with the edict.

The Perfected One of Wondrous Practice of Upper Clarity issues the Treasure Register for Subduing Malign Spirits to a certain place. Put it into practice in accordance with the prescribed rites, exactly as commanded.

Issued under the Grand Year, in a certain year, month, day, and hour.

With the ritual rank of [title], I, Minister [surname], carry out this command as instructed.

The Perfected One of the Descent of the Spring of Upper Clarity.

The Perfected One, Lord and Empress of Upper Clarity.

The Perfected One, Lord of Practice of Upper Clarity.

Cover

The Perfected One of Wondrous Practice of Upper Clarity issues the Treasure Register for Subduing Malign Spirits to a certain place.

With the ritual rank of [title], I, Minister [surname], respectfully seal it away.

Instructions for using the Treasure Register

Before writing the Treasure Register, burn incense and click the teeth together twenty-four times. Form the “Five Sacred Peaks and Three Crossings” hand seal with both hands and recite the Great Incantation of Numinous Treasure. Beginning with “Thirty-two heavens and thirty-two Heavenly Emperors, listed in order in the Upper Clarity,” summon the righteous Qi, form the hand seal, and blow onto the paper. Then form the Five Sacred Peaks seal with the left hand and trace along the talismanic writing, reciting the incantation until [it reaches] the middle finger…

Form a mudra at the center and recite the “Kui Gang Incantation,” then draw in the qi of the north and blow it into the water. Next recite the “Qian Yuan Incantation,” draw in the qi of the north again, and blow it into the water. Recite the “Heavenly Truth Incantation,” then draw in the qi of the north and blow it into the water. Next recite the “Tianjin Incantation”:

“The great truth of Tianjin preserves the fluid and clears the spirit. With one incantation, demons are cut down; evil spirits are banished forever.”

Draw in the qi of the north and exhale it into the water. Then recite the “True Qi Incantation”:

“Heavenly Dipper, True Warrior: cut down baleful forces and dispel demons and pestilence. Water of true Yang—evil spirits depart ten thousand li, never to return.”

After reciting the five incantations, offer incense again and recite the “Taiyi Incantation.” When grinding the ink, draw in the qi of the Five Directions and blow it into the inkstone. First grind forty-nine circles to the left, then forty-nine circles to the right. With each circle, recite the incantation once, naming the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, the Yang Dipper, the Yin Dipper, and the Central Dipper, and blow the qi of the Five Directions into the inkstone.

Hold the brush in the left hand and form the Twelve Wen mudra with the right. Recite the “Incantation for the Five Peaks to Guard the Body”:

“Your disciple receives qi once each year. Heaven cannot cover me; earth cannot bear me. Whoever collides with me must die; whoever offends me must perish. By the urgency of the law, swiftly—seize!”

Then begin forming the mudras, starting with the Mao Wen mudra.

Next recite this formula: “Red apricot, black chou ink; Dui grinds zhen, Li socks la-la [as in the original; the meaning of these characters is unclear], Lingbao…”

Form the mudra and recite the “Incantation of the Five Peaks and Three Routes”:

“Red apricot, black ink; grind zhen, socks la-la; Lingbao flourishes and gives life; turn, du, li—seize. Ke Han Ming Gong, all achievements complete; cut the horns, gather the souls, seize; all achievements gather souls, seize. The swift envoys of the eight directions, heavenly gods and earthly spirits, and the myriad numinous beings—all return together, in accordance with the command uniting Heaven and Earth. In accord with the bright Heavenly Emperor’s sun.”

After reciting the formula, release the mudra and blow once onto the paper. Form the mudra again as before, extending the middle finger in the Shen position without loosening it. Hold the brush in the right hand, with its tip three cun from the mouth. Silently recite the “Three Heavens’ sacred names,” draw in the azure, yellow, and white qi of Heaven, and blow it toward the brush. Then write the talismanic registers (Fulu).

For major ritual services, write the names of the Six Ding and Six Jia deities on the reverse: on a Yang day, write the first four Zhifu; on a Yin day, write the last four Zhifu. On a Yang day, write the sacred name of the Southern Dipper; on a Yin day, write that of the Northern Dipper. According to ritual procedure, two characters are written beneath the talisman: if it is for expelling and treating demonic disturbances, write “True Talisman”; if it is for a major ritual service, write “Northern Emperor.” Other characters in the talisman that are spoken aloud need not be written on the paper; instead, trace them in the air. For example, to write “seize evil qi,” recite “seize evil qi”; if it is for a sick person, recite “the qi of the patient.”

If the matter being addressed is caused by malign forces, write “malign forces” in the document. This category includes infestations of worms, locust plagues, wind and hail, floods, and droughts.

If the matter is caused by evil spirits, write “evil spirits.” This category includes malevolent gods, evil ghosts, and epidemics. Then, based on the petition submitted by the person who came, respectfully set down the divine mandate—the document by which a ritual issues a command from the gods. For matters involving evil spirits, you may write: “Summon at once the righteous Spirit of Fate, who governs the registers of life, together with the Six Ding, Six Jia, and Four Duty Messengers recorded in the registers, the divine generals who stand watch in their appointed periods. Heal the sick and afflicted, put an end to the evil spirits, and swiftly restore health and peace. Make retribution manifest, and carry out all matters according to this divine mandate.”

After writing this, specify the year, month, day, and hour, as well as the sequence in which the document is issued. At the end, write the officiant’s rank and the words: “I, your servant So-and-so, have received this divine mandate and will carry it out as commanded.” Here, “register” refers to the Fulu used in ritual. To prepare it, choose a Six Jia day—a day whose cyclical date includes the character “Jia”—and sit facing east, upright and composed. Form the Five Peaks hand seal, symbolizing the Five Sacred Peaks, and pinch the middle finger while silently reciting the Five Peaks Body-Protection Incantation three times. Then draw in Qi from the east, hold it in the mouth, rinse the mouth with saliva, and swallow. Only after the body’s turbid Qi has been expelled on the Six Jia day may the register ritual be performed.

Once the Fulu has been written, recite each incantation once from beginning to end. Look up at the sky, draw in a breath, and blow it onto the Fulu together with the hand seal. Then apply the seal and store it away, keeping it from others’ sight. After sealing its edges, burn incense and, facing the Northern Dipper, make nine prostrations. Silently report:

“I, your servant So-and-so, of the following rank, act on the petition submitted by So-and-so concerning this matter and request that the ritual be performed. I respectfully invite the Perfected Ones of Sublime Practice, the Lord and Lady of the Upper Clarity, the Perfected One of the Upper Clarity who descends at the Spring, the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper, the Six Lords of the Southern Dipper, and the Perfected Lords of the Four Saints to transmit the petition and present it to the Golden Palace of the Three Heavens. May they also issue commands to the Celestial Offices and Celestial Bureaus, dispatch the Great Gods of the Six Ding and Six Jia, the gods of wind, clouds, Qi, and rain, the Jade-Document Gods of the Four Duties, the Generals of the Net of Heaven, the Ghost King of Vast Light, the Eight Scriptural Lords of Numinous Treasure, the Emperors of the Nine Uglinesses, and the Immortal Officials of Numinous Treasure. Let them carry out the command according to the Fulu and make its efficacy manifest swiftly. I humbly await Heaven’s grace and make this report with reverence.”

Then recite the Three Heavens’ Hidden Names, a class of secret names, one hundred and twenty times. Draw in the three-colored Qi of the Three Heavens and blow it onto the Fulu, then make nine prostrations inwardly. After withdrawing, burn the Fulu in a fierce fire together with twenty-one pieces of gold paper and three cups of purified tea. Burn the credentials of the Four Duty Lords, used to transmit divine commands, along with them, then wait for a response.

For a rain-praying rite, the divine mandate should invite the Dragon Gods who govern rainfall through the four seasons, together with the Earl of Wind, Master of Rain, Lord of Thunder, Mother of Lightning, and the Dragon Gods dwelling in the local rivers, lakes, pools, and caverns. The rite is the same when praying for clear skies.

To counter locusts and the damage caused by spears, halberds, crabs, mice, and other pests, pray to the Silkworm Father, the Grain Mother, the Earth God (who oversees the land and local rites), the Millet God, the gods of the Three Fields, Seven Fields, and Nine Fields, and the gods of mountains, rivers, forests, trees, earth, and water:

“True gods in the mountain temples, quickly drive away and repel whatever is harming this place, whether a particular creature or pest, and make it vanish at once. Protect the local crops and grains, so that they grow in accordance with the Qi of Yin-Yang and suffer no harm. Once this is done, report the merit after three days and grant a title one rank higher in recognition of the deed.”

To subdue water demons, pray to the local presiding gods, the Dragon Gods, the Great Gods of the Six Ding, the Great Gods of the Six Jia, the Thunder God, the Lightning Goddess, and the holy assembly of the Five Thunders:

“Come quickly, seize the water demon causing harm, confine it strictly, and escort it at once to the Heavenly Prison to be punished according to the law.”

If the stars move out of order, the sun and moon behave abnormally, or a comet appears, pray to the Three Masters and High Perfected Ones, the Three Heavens’ High Sages, the Southern and Northern Dippers, and the Lords of the Five Stars. Ask them to submit a memorial to the Perfected Lord Han Jun Zhangren, asking him to set the celestial pivot in order—the instrument or stellar marker used in ancient times to observe the heavens and measure the movements of celestial bodies—and correct the degrees of Heaven’s movement. May he prevent baleful Qi from invading the stellar palaces, bring it to an end, and allow auspicious signs to appear one after another. May the family and state be secure and the world at peace, free from warfare, banditry, floods, and fires. May we look up to the protection of the holy grace.

If the seasons fall out of order and Yin-Yang become unbalanced, pray to the Dark Elder Emperor, the Five Emperors of the Five Directions—the Azure Emperor Goumang of the East, the Red Emperor Zhurong of the South, the White Emperor Rushou of the West, the Black Emperor Xuanning of the North, and the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan at the Center—as well as the Empress Mother of the Earth, the Great Gods of the Eight Seasonal Nodes, the Gods of the Twenty-Four Qi, and the Gods of the Seventy-Two Pentads. May they mercifully restore the seasons: let the heat subside and the killing chill become mild and clear; spread the harmony of spring so that all things may grow; bring an end to the ravages of frost and snow and let harmonious Qi descend; let epidemics gradually fade and keep baleful forces from invading.

If there are bandits, pray to the Great Gods of the Five Sacred Peaks, the Earth Officials of the Nine Provinces, the Lords of the Nine Foundations of Taiyi, and the True Gods who preside over the city walls and local earth rites in each place. May they each command their Yin soldiers, guard the cities, and keep the people safe. If the forces of soldiers and bandits grow powerful, violent, and rebellious, rampaging at will and even diverting water or setting fires, seize their leaders, bind their Three Souls and Seven Po, and escort them to the Heavenly Prison for day-and-night examination and punishment. May they mend their ways and turn toward goodness, while their malicious Qi quietly dissipates and is utterly broken, restoring peace to the region.

The “True Samadhi Fire Incantation,” used to subdue evil through incanting over water, says:

Fire Bell Emperor, Fire Bell Lord, Fire Bell Spirit, Fire Bell General,

Fire Bell Youth, Lord Yinghuo (the spirit of the Yinghuo star), and Lords Bing and Ding (deities representing the two kinds of Fire Qi, Bing and Ding) hold a fire chariot and ride upon a wheel of fire.

The Fire Qi is warm and bright; the earth is soft and the heavens firm. The Qi of the Nine Truths (the true Qi spoken of in Daoism) gathers in and dispels inauspicious influences. The True Fire of Samadhi (the true fire spoken of in Daoism) shines out across ten thousand miles, illuminating heaven and earth and radiating in all directions. Rivers and seas boil and churn; demons and apparitions hide themselves. The Southern Dipper sends down true Qi. The True Fire of Samadhi shines forth, refining the embryo and transforming the body, refining the Po and Hun souls, and destroying all demons.

Ascend through the smoke. Quickly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Incantation of the Ancestral Dao and Mysterious Truth:

Ancestral Dao, Mysterious Truth.

Practice Method:

Begin this practice on a Wuwu or Bingwu day, or on a Wuchen or Wuxu day. Each day, after the hour of the Rabbit and before the hour of the Horse, face the sun and recite the incantation. Recite it ten times each day, draw in a mouthful of the sun’s Qi, and swallow it; when swallowing the Qi, you need not count the number of recitations. If you cannot practice before the hour of the Horse, face south after that hour, visualize the sun’s Qi, bow your head several hundred times, and recite the incantation. For every ten recitations, swallow once the sun’s Qi you have visualized. You need not insist on doing this after every set of recitations; ideally, accumulate ten thousand recitations in all.

After completing the practice, take water in a copper or iron vessel and face the sun. First recite the two incantations given above, then recite the Taiyi Incantation (an incantation invoking the deity Taiyi), while visualizing the wheel of fire turning in the water. Then test the water with your hand. If it has grown warm, continue holding the incantation for one hundred recitations. When the water boils and bubbles rise like fish eyes, this indicates that the efficacy has begun to manifest. Continue reciting the earlier incantations until the practice is complete. Then test the water again; reciting fewer than one hundred times is sufficient for the practice to be considered successful.

Taiyi Incantation:

I respectfully invoke Taiyi, the Heavenly Perfected; the Heavenly Perfected of the Great Beginning; and the perfected immortals and true persons, who correspond above to the Qian position. The Six Ding, the left-hand spirits; the Six Jia, the right-hand lords. I receive the Heart of Heaven and universally save and protect the myriad spirits. Taiyi’s numinous incantation: the southern wheel of fire, dispel evil and drive out illness; take this water and command it to subdue and serve.

The water empowered by the incantation above can be used to treat every illness and drive away every evil influence.

Pacifying and Securing the Five Sacred Peaks

Pacifying and Securing the Eight Trigrams

If a household experiences a pot that rings, well water that boils, chickens crowing at night, dogs behaving strangely, doors and windows opening on their own, or strange occurrences such as blood being scattered, fires being set, objects moving by themselves, or mountain spirits appearing; or if the dwelling is inauspicious, its foundations are haunted, a shrine for spirits and gods is disturbed, or spirits and malign beings have taken up residence in the home, offer tea, wine, fruit, money, cloud horses, and incense to the Five Emperors of the five directions and the spirits of the Five Sacred Peaks. Then take a square brick, heat it and immerse it in water, and polish it smooth. Write the talisman mentioned above on the brick in cinnabar, place it at the center of the spot where the strange occurrences happen, and bury it. The disturbances will then subside and disappear.

Misfortune Transformed into Good Fortune

Pacifying the Nine Palaces

(Three Terraces give rise to me / I come) (The Three Terraces protect the three of me / the coming Terrace nourishes me)

(Kui, Po, He, Xing / Bi, Ji, Piao) (Heavenly Spirit Festival / Prosperity Incantation)

When someone suffers misfortune associated with the year or month, choose a day when the Five Blessings and Great Unity are in position. At the hour of the Rooster on a Ding, Mao, or You day, face the appropriate direction and write two talismans in cinnabar. Conceal one in a bottle and wear the other on your person. For a major matter requiring ritual action, use nine bottles and bury them in the shape of the Northern Dipper in the Jing chamber, the quiet room where a Daoist priest sets up an altar and performs rites. Pray morning and evening, burning incense as you make your petition. Once the period of misfortune has passed, set up the nine positions of the Northern Dipper, recite scriptures, and offer money, a horse, wine, and fruit in thanks. The talisman may also be worn. For a minor misfortune, write it beneath the Northern Dipper when the stars and moon are visible.

Establishing the Fiery Prison

When mountain spirits, one-legged demons, or poisonous dragons harass living beings, set fires, spill blood, steal property, or pursue people’s lives—and when the local earth deities dare not stop them and the community gods cannot keep them in check—a Fiery Prison should be established to discipline them. The circumstances should also be set out in detail in a memorial to the Heavenly Office. Wait for an edict to issue the prohibition of the Southern Dipper’s Fire Officials; the prison may be established only after the prohibition reaches the relevant direction.

To establish a Fiery Prison, take three dou of clean ash and make an ash altar in a purified room. The altar surface should be round and nine chi across, or three chi and six cun, and the ash should be smoothed flat. Place a vessel containing fire in the center of the altar. Burn thirty-six stalks of reed and cast three talismans into the fire while reciting the Incantation for Establishing the Fiery Prison:

Red qi, flames and smoke burn through the cavern. The iron city confines the guilty ghosts; investigate and interrogate them without pause. The Southern Dipper burns their bones; the Fire Emperor incinerates their forms. Quickly confess the truth, so that the people may live in peace. The fire troops seize and inspect them, burning their ghostly encampments to ashes. Those who dare disobey shall have their names recorded and be handed over to the Office of Prohibitions for punishment. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Then recite:

By command of the Most High Jade Clarity King.

Fiery Prison Talisman

Press the place beneath the middle fingernail, and draw qi from the southeast to write the talisman.

Recite the incantation:

Six-handed Mountain Lord, born in a hidden valley; in the morning, take in the qi of Geng Metal; at dusk, return to the direction of Jia and Yi; at night, guard the position of Bing and Ding. Four-eyed Great Sea, rest your head at the Northern Cinnabar position and set your feet upon the Dipper stars. Thirty-six Heavenly Gods, swiftly establish the Fiery Prison. (When establishing a Watery Prison, replace the word “fire” with “water.”) Swiftly, by command of the Supreme Lord.

First write the character “fire” on the ash altar. Recite the incantation and blow toward it, drawing qi from the south. Then begin at the right side of the “fire” and draw a circle toward the left, turning back toward the right…

Write the two “fire” characters as a pair and recite the spell once; then write one “fire” character in the middle and recite the spell once more. Then recite the Fire Official Spell:

Reverently summon the Samadhi Fire Officials (the deities who govern fire): Juhuo Yan, Juhuo Xing, Juhuo Liu. Quickly establish the fire prison; seize and detain ghosts and spirits; respond immediately and manifest signs! Swiftly heed my words, swiftly answer my voice—urgent as the statutes and commands!

Then recite:

Thunder-Fire General of the Fire Bell of the High God, let fierce fire descend swiftly and burn through the hearts of ghosts. Reverently summon the Fire Bell Strongmen, Fire Bell Generals, Fire Bell Divine Lords, and Fire Bell Youths: descend swiftly together with true fire and set it ablaze. Urgent, urgent, urgent!

After reciting, take the Qi of the South and blow forward ten times; then hold a mouthful of Southern Qi and blow it into the prison. If one wishes to seize and detain fierce, evil ghosts and spirits or malignant hauntings, summon the Fengdu prison officials; if various prodigies and spirits are causing trouble, affix a plaque reading “Jade Purity Heavenly Fire Prison” over the prison where it is located, then summon the Five Emperors’ Examining Officials (deities of examination and punishment belonging to the Five Directional Heaven Emperors). Arrange the fire-prison divine generals below and make offerings of incense, flowers, wine, and fruit. There is no need to issue documents or official reports; simply order the fire-prison heaven deities and generals and officials to seize, capture, and deal with them, then await the retribution.

Then recite:

Great Spirit of Fengdu, reverently summon the Fengdu Mysterious Corpse Envoys and divine generals; come swiftly to carry out punishment and severely chastise. Quickly, quickly, as the statutes and commands!

Form the Jade Purity mudra and blow the Qi of the North.

Then recite the Lingbao Spell of the Five Emperors’ Examining Officials:

Red Apricot, Wing Mansion… (This line in the original appears to contain an error or omission, and its meaning is difficult to determine.) Strike with the whip of the Five Phases, which can also break evil spirits. The Lingbao is in my hand; evil ghosts come rushing and cannot escape.

Form the mudra of the Five Directions and Five Emperors, take Qi from the five directions, and blow it out. If venomous dragons or prodigies and hauntings cause trouble, use the Miaoxing Zhenren’s Talisman for Breaking Hauntings (a talisman for breaking evil hauntings), dispatch the Six Ding and Six Jia (divine generals in Daoism commissioned to expel evil) to seize them, cast them into the prison for thorough punishment, and bind them off to Fengdu.

Establishing the Water Prison

Next, with the left hand pinch the base of the ring finger, take Northern Qi to write the talisman and spell, and recite:

The dark underworld sea is ninety thousand li deep; within it is a stone city, where evil demons guard the passes and venomous dragons swallow Jing and Qi. The Water Official pursues from the east, restraining ghosts and spirits. Whoever dares violate heavenly law, cause them to drift and overturn, to suffer swiftly for wickedness and harming people, and report their names one by one. If any do not submit, hand them over to the heavenly soldiers. Quickly, quickly, as the command of the High Jade Purity King!

With the right hand form the Kan trigram pattern, with the left hand form the Jade Purity mudra; after writing the Water Prison Talisman, cast it into water. Use a large vessel to hold water, place it on an ash altar, and arrange it into “Six Heavens Water…”.

A bar is laid across the ritual vessel. Write the “Water Prison Talisman” on its surface, then place the talisman in water.

Next, present the written petition and dispatch the Water Prison officials to seize the ghosts and demons, making them take visible form in the ash basin.

The ghost-expelling incantation says:

“Ten thousand celestial troops of the Jade Clarity of Divine Empyrean, pursue the wronged souls at once and make them appear in the water.” For use in a Fire Prison, replace “appear in the water” with “appear in the fire.” “Carry out this command at once under the decree of the High Sovereign Jade King of Jade Clarity!”

The divine generals of the Fire Prison are General Fire Bell, Lord Fire Bell, the Fire Bell Strongman, and the Fire Bell Youth. The divine generals of the Water Prison are the Great General of Ice, the Ice Strongman, the Five Streams Messenger, and the Swift Messenger.

The following is the talismanic script of the “Divine Empyrean Talisman for Governing Demons, Commanding the Demonic, and Slaying Ghosts as Vanguard.” Its text lists the honored divine names of the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Numinous Treasure and Daoist Virtue Divine Empyrean True Heavenly Worthy, and other gods. It also forms an incantatory text from the names of the sun and moon, the Northern Dipper, the kings of demons in the heavens, ghosts and demons, celestial troops, and officials of the divine offices. In essence, the talisman declares that, by decree of the Divine Empyrean, celestial troops and divine generals are sent to cut down ghosts and eliminate evil, so that demons and ghosts dare not approach. With wind, thunder, and blazing fire, they are to shatter the ghosts’ bodies; the celestial troops are ordered to carry out the command. Once the talisman arrives, it must be obeyed at once, with all haste, as though by the divine decree of the Divine Empyrean.

When confronted by fierce ghosts or gods that are difficult to subdue, write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper, burn it to ash, and blow the ashes away. It is said that this will immediately seize them and drive them far away. Form the Divine Empyrean hand sign, blow on the talisman, and point the sword fingers toward the place where the evil presence is found; it will then be driven away for ten thousand li. During the ritual, also gather Qi from the Five Directions and abstain from meat and pungent foods. This method is chiefly used to subdue malevolent spirits such as mountain sprites and the Wutong spirits. Using talismanic methods carelessly or disrespectfully may instead bring calamity. After writing the talisman, make an invocation for the afflicted…

Human affairs are directed by divine generals. The generals should go ahead one by one and naturally put everything in order first.

Once the ritual master arrives, the divine envoys are sent forth to carry out the commands.

Sea-Calming Talisman

If you encounter wind and waves while crossing a river or sea, and the boat is about to capsize, write the “Sea-Calming Talisman.” Visualize the mouth of the Big Dipper and its guiding star pointing ahead, with the tip of your nose aligned with the bow. Recite the “Disaster-Dispelling Incantation” seven times and place it in the Sea-Calming Talisman. Then recite the “Pacifying Incantation” once and blow toward the boat. The wind and waves will immediately subside.

Disaster-Dispelling Incantation:

Roll up the reeds, roll up the reeds. Let the River Earl lead the way ahead; make the dragons stop and dispel every disaster, so the sky is clear and bright. Urgently, as…

By command of the Primordial Beginning Emperor.

Wave-Stilling Incantation:

Water spirits and wave spirits, along with Fengyi, who oversees affairs, and Lord Zixu, the legendary water deity: calm the waves and quiet the waters. Celestials, earth spirits, and the Jade Emperor travel forth; dragons lie low and tigers hide. May the Water Official carry out the command and keep us safe and unharmed. Urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

Pacifying Incantation:

The Primordial Beginning brings peace and guards this place, spreading the Five Chapters of Perfect Writ (sacred writings in Daoist scriptures), red script and jade characters, and the Eight Majestic Dragon Writings. May they preserve and govern the cycles of calamity, keeping Heaven and Earth in existence for ages to come.

Lingbao Five Dipper Talismans

(The following lists the Lords of the Five Dippers and their respective duties in the five directions: east, west, north, south, and center.)

The Eastern Dipper governs lifespan. Its listed stars are Jiao and Kang; also listed are the names Men, Zhoushi, Fang, Xin, Wei, and Ji. The Western Dipper records names in the registers. Its listed stars are Kui, Lou, Wei, Mao, Bi, Zui, and Shen. The Northern Dipper governs death. Its listed stars are Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing, Zhang, Yi, and Zhen. The Southern Dipper governs the forces of life. Its listed stars are Dou, Niu, Nü, Xu, Wei, Shi, and Bi. The Central Dipper is the Great Kui, who oversees and inspects all the gods.

The Eastern Dipper governs lifespan; the Western Dipper keeps the registers; the Southern Dipper governs the forces of life; the Northern Dipper governs death; and the Great Kui of the Central Dipper oversees all spirits. The Azure Emperor protects the hun soul, the White Emperor attends to the po soul, the Red Emperor nourishes primordial Qi, the Black Emperor circulates the blood vessels, and the Yellow Emperor rules from the center over the myriad gods, keeping them from exceeding their duties. Urgently, by command of the Primordial Beginning Emperor.

(The passage “Danchie Awei arrives at the deep stillness to deliver people” appears to contain a proper name or corrupted and missing text; its meaning is difficult to determine.) Urgently, by command of the Primordial Beginning Emperor.

Talisman-Activating Incantation:

The numinous writings of the Primordial Beginning deliver people without limit. Without writing there is no radiance; without writing there is no brightness. Without writing, nothing can be established or brought to life. Nothing cannot be used to drive away and ward off evil, to avert misfortune and dispel disaster, to deliver and transform, or to bring to completion.

The flying heavens look down below; the Emperor chants from afar. The myriad gods come to pay court, and the spirits of the Three Realms attend the imperial procession. The assembled demons bow their heads and bind their hands; ghosts, monsters, and spirits vanish of their own accord. The ritual instrument rings out, and the ten directions grow still and clear. Rivers and seas fall silent; mists disperse from the mountains. The myriad spirits are awed and submit, and the following are summoned…

After assembling the gathered immortals, there is no foul or turbid Qi in heaven, no demonic evil or defiling dust on earth, and even the netherworld receives grace. All things are clear and unobstructed, and the power of the Dao is vast and boundless.

Mystery upon mystery—hasten, in accordance with the laws!

By decree of the Primordial Heavenly Lord.

These Fulu (talismans and registers) should be used on the Ten Fasting Days, the Daoist days for regular fasting and purification. Observe the fast, burn incense, and then write the talisman in cinnabar on blue paper. Visualize the Jade Clarity hand seal, one of the Three Pure Ones’ seals, gather the orthodox Qi of the Three Heavens, and breathe onto the talisman with your intention. Then swallow it, wear it, or place it as a protective ward.

Secretly Transmitted Talisman of Jupiter

The Nine Wood Star Lord, the True Lord of Wood Virtue, carries a heart of benevolence and compassion in all his conduct. Lord of Qi and virtue, may I enjoy a thousand springs of long life! Hasten, in accordance with the laws!

By decree of the Primordial Heavenly Lord.

This talisman is used to treat liver and eye ailments caused by weakened Wood Qi. It is also used to extend life, calm the Hun soul, and summon vital energy. Write it in cinnabar on blue paper. It may be swallowed, worn, or used in bathing, or posted at the Mao position (east) while visualizing the Qi of the east.

Secretly Transmitted Talisman of Mars

The Three Fire Star Lord, the True Lord of Mars, governs the subduing of all evils and the expulsion of noxious Qi. Lord of Qi and virtue, protect the orthodox path; take care not to let the orthodox and the heterodox become mixed. Hasten, in accordance with the laws!

By decree of the Primordial Heavenly Lord.

This talisman is used to treat heart and mouth ailments caused by weakened Fire Qi. It is also used to extend life, calm the Shen (spirit), drive out evil and wrongdoing, and summon vital energy. Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper. It may be swallowed, worn, or used in bathing, or posted at the Li position (south) while visualizing the Qi of the south.

Secretly Transmitted Talisman of Venus

The Seven Metal Star Lord, the True Lord of Venus, brings fortune and misfortune unpredictably, with changes that are difficult to fathom. Lord of Qi and virtue, when all things move and take form, one should respond with tolerance and forbearance. Hasten, in accordance with the laws!

By decree of the Primordial Heavenly Lord.

This talisman is used to treat lung and nose ailments caused by weakened Metal Qi. It is also used to increase strength, settle the Hun and Po souls, and summon celestial Qi. Write it in cinnabar on white paper. It may be swallowed, worn, or used in bathing, or posted at the You position (west) while visualizing the Qi of the west.

Secretly Transmitted Talisman of Mercury

The Five Water Star Lord, the True Lord of Mercury, nurtures all things. Lord of Qi and virtue, fortune and misfortune each have their signs, and their workings are without limit. Hasten, in accordance with the laws!

By decree of the Primordial Seven Lords.

This talisman is used to treat kidney and ear ailments caused by weakened Water Qi. It is also used to replenish Jing and Qi, nourish original Qi, summon orthodox Qi, and promote the production of fluids to relieve dryness and thirst. Write it in black ink on blue paper. It may be swallowed, worn, or used in bathing, or posted at the Kan position (north) while visualizing the Qi of the north.

Secretly Transmitted Talisman of Saturn

The Two Earth Star Lord, the True Lord of Saturn, broadly spreads supreme virtue and bestows blessings on living beings. Lord of Qi and virtue, may we, the people of the world, enjoy long life and good health! Hasten, in accordance with the laws!

By decree of the Primordial Heavenly Lord.

This talisman is used to treat withered plants and stunted crops caused by weakened Earth Qi, as well as ailments of the spleen, stomach, lips, and face. It is also used to stabilize and protect the land from disturbance, summon harmonious Qi, promote the circulation of blood, and nourish the mind and will. Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper. It may be swallowed or worn, or posted at the center of the middle finger while visualizing the Qi of the Central Dipper.

The incantation recited when issuing the talisman is:

The Five Stars align and shine; their radiance spreads throughout the five directions. Mercury drives away calamity, and the virtue of Jupiter brings prosperity. Mars (Yinghuo) dispels misfortune; Venus (Taibai) wards off the calamities of war; Saturn (Zhenxing) guards the four directions, bringing peace and good fortune to households and the state.

Hasten, in accordance with the command of the Primordial Supreme Emperor!

The method described here is to visualize the five planets arranged in the five directions, shining with radiance. While reciting the incantation, draw in the Qi of the corresponding stars, then blow while making the Yuqing hand mudra.

Talisman of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions and the Celestial Pivot

Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, Ji, Dou, Niu, Nü, Xu, Wei, Shi, Bi; Kui, Lou, Wei, Mao, Bi, Zui, Shen, Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing, Zhang, Yi, Zhen.

As you draw the twenty-eight talisman strokes, recite the names of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions and visualize the stars radiating light as they encircle and protect the Purple Pole, the celestial region where the North Star is found. Recite the names of the stars in the four directions, draw in the Qi of those directions, then blow the Qi, so that people throughout the world may always uphold virtue.

Hasten, in accordance with the command of the Primordial Supreme Emperor!

This talisman is used to harmonize nutritive Qi and defensive Qi, the Qi circulating inside and outside the body; protect the body and stabilize its form; dispel calamities and resolve adversity; ward off evil, subdue demons, and summon true spirits. Practicing this method can sharpen the ears and eyes; prolonged use is said to grant insight into ghosts and spirits. Write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper, make the Yuqing hand mudra, and draw in the Qi of the four directions.

Talisman for the Central Dipper’s Complete Spiritual Power

Kui, [characters illegible], [characters illegible], [character illegible], Bi, [characters illegible], Piao; Tanlang, Jumen, Lucun, Wenqu, Lianzheng, Wuqu, Pojun; Shu, Xuanji, Quan, Heng, Kaiyang, Yaoguang.

As you draw the twenty-one talisman strokes, recite the names of the Star Lords of the Central Dipper and draw in the Qi of the Central Dipper.

The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper shine brilliantly… Hasten, in accordance with the command of the Primordial Supreme Emperor!

This talisman is used to treat various illnesses. Write it in cinnabar on white paper, draw in the Qi of the Northern Dipper, and blow it onto the talisman. Ask the patient where they feel pain, numbness, or swelling. Make a needle from clean bamboo, recite the incantation “The sun rises in the east,” draw in the Qi of the Northern Dipper, and blow it onto the needle. Then have the patient blow three times toward the talisman bearing the sacred character, and press a hand over the affected area. According to the patient’s condition, the ritual master uses the needle to prick the corresponding hand, foot, head, or body part depicted on the talisman, and has the patient blow again. After reciting the incantation, blow and press on the area until the patient coughs, then remove the needle. This is done three times and is said to bring a cure. Afterwards, burn the original talisman to ash and mix the ash with water for the patient to drink. Avoid spicy foods and abstain from “things one dislikes” (the precise meaning of the original phrase “avoid spicy foods and dislikes” is unclear).

Lingbao Talisman for Treating All Illnesses

Recite the preceding incantation twice:

By the Lingbao talismanic command, grace is bestowed everywhere upon all living beings; merit and virtue extend to all, and Heaven and Earth alike find peace. Hasten, in accordance with the command of the Primordial Supreme Emperor!

For this talisman, make the Yuqing hand mudra and draw in the Qi of the southeast. Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper. It may be swallowed, carried on one’s person, or burned to ash and taken with clean water. It is used to treat all illnesses.

Secretly Transmitted Talisman of the Sun’s Essence

(The Secret Incantation of the Sun Sovereign) The Sun Sovereign’s radiance is bright and far-reaching; all things look up to it, and all beings depend upon it. Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Supreme Deity of the Primordial Beginning.

(Sixteen characters: turn to the left, recite the incantation, draw in the Sun’s Qi, then set brush to paper and write the talisman.)

Talisman Secretly Transmitted by the Moon’s Radiance

(The Secret Incantation of the Lunar Sovereign) The Lunar Sovereign ceaselessly proclaims the Great Dao and bestows benefits upon people through hidden virtue. If you are sincere and reverent, its blessings will extend to countless millions of beings. Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Supreme Deity of the Primordial Beginning.

(Twenty-four characters: turn to the right, draw in the Moon’s Qi, then set brush to paper and write the talisman. After reciting the incantation, form the Kan hand-seal, draw in the Qi of moonlight, and blow it toward various ailments caused by Yin deficiency to dispel them.)

The talisman for expelling malevolent influences associated with depleted Yang essence is written in black and then taken with plain water.

The two talismans above should be written together so that they combine into a single form. They are used to treat depletion of Yin and Yang, essence and blood; replenish deficient and weakened Qi and Shen; and dispel “transmitted corpse” consumptive disease—a term used in antiquity for certain chronic, wasting illnesses. They also calm the hun and po souls and increase wisdom. Men who take them may attain longevity; for women, they may help with bearing children.

The Great Method of the Scripture of Limitless Salvation of the Numinous Treasure, volume 36