《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 45

The Celestial Person said: “The Great Lingbao Method is the fundamental source of Heaven and Earth, transformed from the wondrous primordial Qi. Phoenix scripts and dragon characters, the sacred writing of Daoism, come together to form the true texts, while numinous sounds and Brahma chants become incantations. The Supreme God of Primordial Beginning understood the principles of formlessness and absence of appearance, and transmitted essential methods to the Dao Lord so that he could save deluded beings and spread the Great Dao. These are not ordinary words of the world, but secret, veiled texts hidden in the heavens.

Those of the highest capacity who cultivate can ascend to the heavens and walk through Yujing, the celestial capital. Those of middling capacity can move to dwell in immortal chambers. Those of lesser capacity can remain in the human world and extend their years. Yet people of lesser capacity are often narrow in understanding and limited in good fortune. How could they glimpse these mysteries?

The patriarchs who transmitted these scriptures were all perfected immortals who cultivated the Great Elixir and accumulated merit. When they encountered subtle methods and found true teachers, the oral instructions, hand seals, talismans and registers, and diagrams they received were all complete and precise. Some gained the means of cultivation in dreams; others received essential teachings from divine beings. Their minds then opened clearly and their wisdom grew day by day. By contemplating secret sounds, they could reach the hidden realms and understand the principles of things; by summoning gods and generals, they could make the divine generals seem present before them. The Three Realms all revered and obeyed them, and the heavens looked up to them with admiration. This is what is meant by using the Dao to bring all things to life and using De to deliver the dead.

Most people in later generations who study the Dao do not meet true teachers. Some learn a little from scattered writings on paper; others can only recite scriptures and formulas and focus their minds in contemplation. Without encountering the essential methods, they claim to have mastered the teachings and even boast of their achievements. This is delusion and a failure to awaken. The cause is shallow cultivation, scant De, and insufficient good fortune. Even if they obtain scriptures with elegant wording or come across talismans and diagrams, if their incantations are incomplete, their talisman forms unclear, their ritual practice mistaken, or their invocations and visualizations insincere, the heavenly gods and divine officials cannot assist them. Such people leave the right path and turn toward illusion. Many undergo trials brought by demonic obstacles and come to resent the Great Dao.

They do not understand that the methods of the secret Lingbao texts have an order of transmission, that each talisman has its own key, and that incantations have secret verses. The methods also contain precious texts for subduing demons and evil forces, as well as a heart seal, a seal that transmits the intent of the teaching, for passing from death into life. Talismans worn on the body, elbow seals, the tablets and credentials used when paying respects, proclamations and written notices, ring diagrams, and vows and precepts for subduing demons all follow their own rules. Those who receive these methods can ascend beyond the Great Dao and fly to Xuanyuan, the primordial realm revered in Daoism. In an instant, they can deliver departed souls; they can even bring decayed bones back to life. The City God and local land deities are under their command, while wind, rain, thunder, and lightning are all within their grasp.”

Daoists who practice this method must first understand how to subdue and control demonic obstacles. There are ten kinds of demonic obstacles, all explained in this chapter. Students should study them deeply and not be shaken by demonic trials; then success in cultivating the Dao will not be difficult. Those who receive this method must keep it hidden and treasured like a precious jewel, and must not disclose it lightly. If they break their oath, they will fall into a place of darkness through countless kalpas, forever cut off from the light of the Numinous Treasure (the scriptures and methods revered in Daoism), bringing calamity upon seven generations of ancestors. If they diligently uphold their vows and precepts, carefully observe the rules, keep the teachings in mind at all times, and understand the principles of the mysterious, then even the Demon King will recommend them, and the myriad sages will descend together. Such people can not only aid beings through life and death, but also understand the way to endure through the ages.

Chapter on Illusory Manifestations

There are ten kinds of demonic obstacles: first, heavenly demons; second, earthly demons; third, human demons; fourth, ghost demons; fifth, spirit demons; sixth, Yang demons; seventh, Yin demons; eighth, illness demons; ninth, monster demons; and tenth, environmental demons.

Heavenly demons refer to what may happen to those who cultivate in the mountains: if even a trace of worldly thought arises in the heart, the Demon King may defeat them and prevent them from attaining the true Dao. Why does this happen? While refining the Elixir, cultivating the true, nurturing the vast Qi, or performing rites and entering stillness, practitioners may sometimes see manifested forms and shadows, canopies, banners, flowers, and other such sights; smell various strange fragrances; or see unusual clouds covering their rooms. They may also hear celestial music. These are all trials sent by heavenly demons, not visions that proper cultivation of the Dao should pursue. Practitioners may wear the Three Sovereigns’ Inner Writings (Daoist talismanic texts) and the Five Emperors’ Jade Talisman for Dispelling Demons, and place them before their seat. They should form the Chinese Hand Seal on the middle finger with the left hand, and use the Five Emperors’ Great Demon Seal in the right hand to shine upon the demonic vision. The vision will then naturally recede and transform into the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning.

Earthly demons refer to what may happen to those performing rites. When practitioners perform rites, tread the Dipper’s steps, transform their spirit, write talismans, recite incantations, or bless water, improper thoughts can make them vulnerable to trials from earthly demons. For example, they may intend to focus their visualization but suddenly grow doubtful; their minds may wander while treading the Dipper’s steps, forming hand seals, writing talismans, or reciting incantations; they may see a form but fail to recognize its name; or something may possess them, yet they cannot speak clearly. They may even resist the Daoist rites and revile the true texts. These are not evil ghosts taking possession of them, but trials from earthly demons. They should recite the Incantation of the Divine Empyrean Jade Clarity True King, Guardian Spirits of the Five Directions, and burn the twelve characters “Might Commands the Celestial Administration; Virtue Can Subdue the Earth Spirits” to drive the demons away.

Human demons are encountered by all who perform rites. Whether cultivating in the mountains or performing rites indoors, just as they are about to use a ritual technique while writing talismans, treading the Dipper’s steps, reciting incantations, forming hand seals, or performing rites, their thoughts may suddenly change, or…

If noisy commotion or foul, rank odors arise at the ritual altar, or if chickens, dogs, pregnant women, Buddhist monks or nuns, or laypeople intrude and disrupt the rite, causing the mind and spirit to become confused, visualization to go astray, talisman water to lose its efficacy, or incantations to fail, these are regarded as “human demons” testing the practitioner. Place the “Seal of the Hundred Gods in Union” on the altar, write the four characters “Bind and Subdue the Demonic Spirits,” stamp them with the seal, then burn them over the incense burner. At the same time, form the Zi and Hai hand signs with the left and right hands, and recite the Three Grades of the Demon King chapter. The human demons will then withdraw.

“Ghost demons” refers to what may happen when a practitioner performs rites for people in the countryside or sets up an altar in a place where corpses have been buried. If a thought strays even slightly, strange visions may appear in dreams at night: buildings echo hollowly, birds and rodents appear, or snakes and insects take on uncanny forms. These phenomena disrupt the orthodox method and defile the sacred altar, and are regarded as tests by ghost demons. Place the “Seal of the Pure Brightness Dharma Lord” on the altar, write the four characters “Primordial Beginning, Pacify and Stabilize,” stamp them with the seal, and post them where the altar is set up. Then recite the Numinous Book of Pure Brightness twice. The ghost demons will then withdraw.

“Spirit demons” refers to the tests practitioners may face while driving out evil, subduing harmful spirits, destroying illicit shrines and wicked essences, or summoning souls. If a thought becomes reckless and arrogant, spirit demons may appear as forms or shadows, speak, hurl stones, raise whirlwinds, or make cries and wails. Their manifestations vary greatly. They may also steal ritual offerings from the altar or take secret writings about the elixir, continually disturbing the practitioner. Wear the “Seal for Strictly Subduing the Northern Feng Capital” on the elbow and summon the assembled perfected beings of the Mysterious Model to capture and subdue them. Then write the eight characters “The Spirit Lord Receives the Mandate to Sweep Away All Ill Omens” and post them on all four sides of the altar. Afterward, burn the “Invoked Names of the Thirty-Two Heavenly Emperors” in front of the ritual chamber and send the spirit demons away. They will then withdraw.

“Yang demons” refers to the desires, resentments, and attachments that arise when a practitioner is about to cultivate inwardly in order to pass through the critical threshold between life and death. If the mind is not sincere, these disturbances arise, followed by distress, worry, disputes, and contention over right and wrong. Such inner turmoil is called the testing of yang demons. Steady the mind and silently repeat “Heavenly Worthy Who Subdues Demons and Destroys Evil” nine times, then click the teeth together three times. Next, write “The Qi of the Eight Radiances Mingles in the Mysterious Mystery,” burn the writing, and swallow it. Then wear the “Jade Script for Controlling Demons in the Five Directions,” recite the “Incantation for Controlling Demons in the Five Directions,” and perform the “Dipper-Whirling, Winnowing-Basket-Striding Astral Step”—a ritual sequence of steps aligned with the Dipper and Winnowing Basket constellations. The yang demons will then withdraw.

The term “yin demons” refers to disturbances that affect people practicing in the mountains when they study secret texts, engage in visualization, or enter a quiet chamber. A single errant thought may bring them on: they suddenly hear mournful songs all around and feel cold winds swirling; their minds and spirits become confused, giving rise to delusions, greed, and anger. They may speak incoherently or dwell on death and taboos. They may also encounter monks, corpses, or bloodstains on the road, disrupting the inner radiance cultivated in practice. All these are trials posed by yin demons.

When this happens, they should click their teeth seven times, form the Wu hour hand seal, and visualize the Qi of Xuanyuan—the primordial Qi described in Daoism—filling the whole body. Then they should perform the “Five Elders Opening the Way” method and visualize a host of immortals escorting a carriage. Next, they should empower themselves with the eight characters together with the Five Emperors’ Great Demon-Subduing Seal, wear the Jade Register of the Five Primordial Powers of Tongchu, recite the lower section of the Ling Shu, and burn dragon chapters and phoenix scripts, Daoist talismans and registers. In this way, the yin demons will retreat.

The term “disease demons” refers to physical disorders caused by a single errant thought in a practitioner. Eating at the wrong times and failing to regulate oneself properly in cold and heat can lead to persistent illness that does not heal for a long time, obstructing practice. This is regarded as a trial posed by disease demons.

When this happens, they should place the Five Demon-Dispelling Talismans in the room, empower them with the Five Emperors’ Great Demon-Subduing Seal, and recite the Jingming Ling Shu twice. They should take in the Qi of the Eight Sceneries in Hidden Union, silently recite the eight characters “Enter the Mysterious, Mysterious,” and wear the two Jingming Talismans for Prolonging Life and the Yuandong Jade Almanac Inscription. Then they should click their teeth, gather their spirit, confess their transgressions, and make amends for their offenses. Afterward, they should burn incense and pay respects to the sages, proclaim the Cloud Coffer Precious Register Ritual Code, and summon the Yin and Yang spirits to bring them into harmony. In this way, the disease demons will retreat.

The term “yao demons” refers to foxes, mountain spirits, stone monsters, and other uncanny beings commonly found in mountains and forests. When practitioners enter a quiet chamber to cultivate, a lack of sincerity in their thoughts can easily attract such beings. They take on seductive forms, enticing people to offer them lodging and food, and sing beautiful, alluring verses to make their shapes visible. Those who practice the Great Method therefore remain on guard. They should hold firm as metal and stone, dispel stray thoughts, and quiet their minds and spirits. They should recite the Three Chapters of the Demon King, take turns forming the Hand Seal of the Flying Heavenly Kings of the Ten Directions, and shine upon the scene with the seal of the Heavenly Treasure Lord. Then they should burn the Five Emperors’ Great Demon-Subduing Talisman in front of the chamber. After burning incense, they should ascend the ritual seat and proclaim the Lingbao Three Caverns Dharma Instructions. The yao demons will then retreat and will not return. They may also make an offering of food in a hu measure.

The term “environmental demons” refers to occurrences during practice when a person sees something on the road or in another room and consequently feels greed or anger; sees improper sights or hears harmful sounds; or enters a room and sees various signs in the forms of appearances and shadows. All these are trials posed by environmental demons…

When you encounter trials, gather your thoughts, clear away distracting concerns, hold fast to the Original Qi (the vital energy said to be the source of life in cultivation), and nourish the Original Spirit, so that your own being may unite with the true Qi of the Great Void (the vast expanse of empty space). Let both inner and outer realms become clear and transparent, like crystal, untouched by attachment to external things. Then visualize a precious orb in the sky, its radiance shining through the ten directions. When coming to pay homage, continue to swallow the hidden formulas of the heavens (secret words used in scripture to visualize and summon spirits), recite the Precious Scripture of Pure Brightness once, and wear the Seal of the Nine Elders of Shangqing for Subduing Demons (a seal used by the Shangqing school to suppress demons). The demons will then withdraw of their own accord.

Incantation of the High and Supreme True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean for Dispelling Demons and Guarding the Spirits

East

Xiaoren, Fusang, Fangzhu, Yuxia, Yuanhuang, and the assembled perfected ones gather numinous Qi and reveal nine rays of light. They unite the Qi of the Three Florescences, brandish the Celestial Sword, and command the divine tiger to drive away evil. The Great Emperor of Anyang governs the hosts of demons, causing the cultivator to ascend to the Divine Empyrean and wash the body clean in the Celestial River.

South

The fiery Qi rises like smoke and courses through the realm of Red Luminosity. The Original Sage of Long Life dwells high in the Jade Capital, sending down wondrous teachings to save all beings in the netherworld. He destroys the demonic obstacles encountered in cultivation, sets the fire bells flying, and guards the Upright Qi so it may endure for millions of kalpas.

West

The divine lights of Haojing, Jinhua, Chang Geng, Dongguang, and others spread far and wide, setting the primordial order in motion. Their radiance transforms through mutual exchange and rises into manifestation across the ten directions. They stabilize the Seven Passes and bring Yin and Yang into harmony. The Emperor’s Qi surges vast and strong, bringing me good fortune; jade writings are issued in proclamation, so that all beings may attain the Dao and flourish.

North

The Qi of Great Yin reaches upward to the dwelling of the Celestial Emperor, flowing and ascending until it becomes crystalline light and takes form in Jade Void. It supports and guards the Three Realms and examines the registers of the Primordial Beginning. The true talisman shines forth, securing names in the Pure Capital. Names are entered in the Golden Register, and all former offenses are erased. The spirits ascend through the azure heavens and rise beyond the Great Void.

Center

The Primordial Beginning, the Void Emperor, dwells at the center in the ancestral earth. The Three Qi penetrate the Primordial Beginning and open the Great Void. Seven cycles and seven transformations blend with the Returning Wind, dispersing the myriad spirits and linking Heaven and Earth. Choose an auspicious day for the rite, and the millions of heavenly realms will honor it as their ancestral source. May it protect those who have endured the ages of kalpas and grant people blessings without end.

Secret Taboo Names of the Inner Text of the Three Sovereigns

The Sovereign of Heaven summons Lord Han with the Talisman of Sima.

(The heavens chant from afar, and the myriad emperors bow in reverence.)

Hand seal: the middle finger is at the center.

(The hosts of demons bow their heads, and ghosts and spirits are annihilated.)

Hand seal: the middle finger is at the center.

(It causes corpses to rise again and white bones to become human.)

Hand seal: the middle finger is at the center. The Venerable Han comes from the position of Kan, summons and subdues the spirit of the position of Mao, and takes charge of the talismans and registers. From the position of Li, he summons the ten directions and brings them to the position of You.

(Protection and command over the Earth Spirits) Kun (myriad kinds of calamity cannot invade or disturb; the spirits guard and protect the gates) Zihai (the suffering and distress of wandering souls are all relieved)

(Receive on the four fingers, at the upper, middle, and lower points; measure three sections and lift to the middle) (The Celestial Emperor summons the heavens; the heavens all arrive together and obey the Jade Edict)

At each of the places above, raise your face and inhale the Qi of the Lingbao (the primordial Qi represented by Lingbao), then exhale and snap your fingers.

Write the talisman above in yellow characters on a base of blue silk, using seal script, at the zi hour (11 p.m. to 1 a.m.) on a jiazi day. Stamp it with a red jade-character seal, then wear it on the ritual master, the person presiding over a Daoist ceremony. When performing a ritual to deliver and transform yin corpses, or the souls of the dead, wear it over the chest. Silently summon Han Jun Zhangren, and he will arrive immediately.

Talisman for the Celestial Emperor to Summon the Flying Divine Kings of the Ten Directions (a talisman for summoning the Flying Divine Kings from the ten directions)

(Primordial Azure) written in the center (Radiant Grotto) wu (the demon king’s secret name) zi

(Fuli) in the center (the hidden names of the hundred numina of the Great Void)

(Siming, Silu, Sigong, and Sisha: turn the corpses back and cause the dead to rise again) mao (the Flying Divine Kings: subdue demonic beings and call back the soul’s numinous essence) you

(The hun-soul and spirit are clarified and set aright; the myriad Qi endure forever) chouhai (Qi enters the wheel at the yin position; the perfected beings of the ten directions oversee the rites of deliverance; the two mysterious palaces preserve the lifespan originally allotted)

Gather the talisman into the middle finger, then draw it into the palm. Exhale and snap your fingers.

Write the talisman above in white characters on a base of crimson silk, using seal script, at the yin hour (3 a.m. to 5 a.m.) on a gengshen day. Stamp it with the Eight-Powers Dragon Script seal, then wear it on the ritual master. When summoning the Flying Divine Kings of the ten directions, invoke them according to the hand formulas corresponding to each direction, and they will arrive immediately.

Talisman for the Earth Emperor to Summon the Great Demons of the Three Realms (a talisman for summoning the great demons of the three realms)

(The Five Emperor Demons are the ancestors of the myriad spirits) (They proclaim themselves eminent and mighty, and all the heavens come to assist them)

(Golden Truth, radiant and glorious) you (assist and protect the myriad immortals) mao (the utmost Dao has no equal; it is the root by which the Great Dao subdues the demons)

(Enter nonbeing from being) shen (the pivot of the utmost Dao; enter being from nonbeing) si (I occupy the throne of the supreme ruler, setting the demons in order and governing them)

Write the talisman above in blue characters on a base of green silk, using seal script at noon on a liuding day. Stamp it with the Jade Seal of the Dao Lord, then wear it on the ritual master. When making an audience with the Flying Heavens or performing the method of pacing the astral circuit, the great demons of the three realms will come without being hindered by the Gate of Heaven.

Talisman of the Celestial Pivot for the Earth Emperor to Summon the Three Officials and the Stars and Constellations (a Celestial Pivot talisman for summoning the Three Officials and the stars and constellations)

(Mixed-Cavern Red Script, the supreme true Dao) you (the Five Elders open the way) shen (the vast, pervading Brahma-Qi extends throughout the ten directions) xu

(Hai: the Three Officials and Nine Offices; Zi: the source of the River; Chou: the Three Officials of Northern Fengdu, who clearly inspect the ghost encampments; Yin: the Golden Horse relay station submits its report, and all the myriad spirits listen; Mao: the returning wind blends together, opening communication between Heaven and Earth; Chen and Si: auspicious days for carrying out affairs; Wu: the ancestral earth lies at the center, where breath is blown and music played.)

Write the talisman above on yellow silk with cinnabar, using seal script, at the hour of Chen on a Bing day.

After stamping it with the Seal of the Eight Mighty Dragon Characters, a Daoist seal, wear it on the person who has received the teaching. It can avert calamities and summon the stars and lodges of the heavens to come together before the Sovereign Emperor.

Human Sovereign Lord’s Talisman for Binding Demonic Spirits

(Li: the Red Spirit Venerable Deity rules over the Cinnabar Heaven; Kan: thousands and myriad things unite, naturally becoming real; Qian: the Great One governs life, and Taokang joins in prolonging it; Kun: the eight gates open above, blending with the hundred spirits; bind and send away demons, refine, slay, and behead the six.)

The qi of the heavenly hosts of Ghost Blades sweeps away evil influences and greatly proclaims our Dao, causing it to flourish ever more.

Write the talisman above on plain silk with ink, using seal script, at the hour of You on a Xin day.

After stamping it with the Jade Seal of the Dao Lord, wear it on the person who has received the teaching. It can awe and subdue the host of demons.

Human Sovereign Lord’s Talisman for Escaping Death and Being Reborn

(Mao: the Nine Perfected Ones of Highest Clarity gather radiance in the spirit realm; Kan: the red characters of the Nine Yin spread out and shine forth, making life manifest; the rays of essence gleam and shimmer; Gen: the yellow origin of chaos; Si: flying blossoms transform into jade, while tigers roar and dragons cry; You: the dark truth of the myriad emperors commands the celestial patterns with awe-inspiring power; Li: escape death and prolong life; receive transformation and be reborn.)

Write the talisman above on blue paper with cinnabar, using seal script, at the hour of Zi on a Ren or Gui day.

After stamping it with the Jade Seal of the Dao Lord, wear it on the person who has received the teaching. It can prolong life and increase longevity.

Incantation of the Eastern Azure Spirit, the Beginning Elder, the Blue Emperor of the Nine Qi, Who Quells the Demon King

The incantation says:

The luminous cavern shines forth and nurtures the primal essence; azure radiance opens into great brightness. Spread the qi of the Nine Heavens and bring life into being. Recommend Wuying and support Yang qi, opening the way to command and govern. The Cinnabar Grove gathers the perfected ones and accumulates the qi of the cloud heights. The rising radiance spreads upward; Yulei and bright clouds appear. At dawn, numinous light shines forth, circling and guarding, preserving body and soul. Let the myriad things blend and transform, in accord with the wondrous scene of the Mystery. With benevolence and wisdom, destroy the host of demons. Through ten thousand rounds of cultivation, one’s Dao practice surpasses ordinary achievement. It should be written in the scriptures of Highest Clarity.

Incantation of the Southern Cinnabar Spirit, the Elder Lord, the Red Emperor of the Three Qi, Who Quells the Demon King

The incantation says:

The Three Qi gather, and the numinous palace—the dwelling of divine spirits—becomes bright, pure, and empty. The Jade Elixir illuminates the Vermilion Mausoleum, where the Imperial Perfected dwell. Splendid cloud chariots take flight; crimson carriages command the myriad realms, pacify the workings of the Dao, and transcend thousands upon thousands of kalpas.

They hold authority over the ritual statutes, inspect the jade tablets, and record the Cavern Chapters, the sacred writings of Daoism. They proclaim the chapters of the divine beings, undo bonds, and disperse the roots of calamity. With the might of flowing gold, they destroy violence, evil, and treachery. Those who set their minds on cultivating this Dao can keep demonic trials from disturbing them. It protects living beings as they pass through the calamities of the netherworld, allowing them to enjoy endless years in peace.

Incantation of the Demon-Quelling King, White Emperor of the Western Seven Qi, Radiant Spirit, Yellow Venerable

The numinous Qi of the West moves through seven degrees, deep and vast, its radiance brilliant and bright. Baiyuan is my divine spirit; the Imperial Perfected descends amid rosy clouds. The Three Pure Ones shine with clear, brilliant light, able to dispel a hundred kinds of evil. Gather in the breath and sustain the purest Qi; golden essence nourishes the Three Yangs, refining and congealing them until they are firm as jade.

Precious light shines forth, its brilliance clear as fine jade. Demonic essence must be destroyed, and demonic trials promptly removed, so that people no longer sink into the earth. Ride in a comfortable carriage to a lofty, tranquil immortal lodge, and travel alongside the immortals of the Great High One.

Incantation of the Demon-Quelling King, Black Emperor of the Northern Five Qi, Five Spirits, and Mysterious Venerable

The Three Blossoms of the North—the numinous essence of the northern region—gather and mingle. The Great High One’s Purple August Lord governs primordial Qi, holding the pivot of transformations in the netherworld. Creation spreads forth numinous laws, governing below the stars Xu and Wei; the essence and precious Qi give rise to the Celestial Origin’s palace.

The spirit-power of the numinous Great Dao reaches throughout the body’s hundred passes and dispels demonic trials. Misfortune can never again intrude. The Great Dao protects life and preserves its original nature. The lifespan suffers no diminishment; after enduring myriad kalpas, one may still take part in the great assembly and ascend to the heavens by cloud chariot in broad daylight.

Incantation of the Demon-Quelling King, Yellow Emperor of the Center, One Qi, and Primordial Spirit

The transformation and nurturing of all things return to the mysterious subtlety of balanced harmony; the Primordial August One gathers the spirits of the emperors under his authority. The Perfected Venerable seals the Yellow Palace, while the emperors of the four directions jointly harmonize the mysterious Qi. Perfect radiance spreads everywhere, joining with the Lord of Firm Jade to gather numinous fluids and protect the hundred bones. The lustre of precious jade guards the embryonic immortal—the perfected form attained through inner refinement—and the morning light illuminates the radiant scene.

Demonic trials and calamities disappear of themselves. The myriad Dao protect the body from harm, restoring youth and the vitality of an infant. The Qi of the five directions unite as one Qi. Ride a flying carriage beyond the clouds and travel to the Celestial Capital.

Jade Text for the Great Demon of the Azure Heaven, Subduing Evil

The deep, bright essence of the blue-green heavens illuminates the myriad scenes. Open the luminous light, gather and stabilize the Nine Qi of the Initial Yang, and nourish the souls. Numinous essence flows through the wondrous palace. The Numinous Perfected, the High God, wears a cloud crown of blue-green jade and a radiant feather robe. The Jade Maiden of the Azure Waist and the Perfected of the Great High One protect the immortal registers for transcending the world, dispelling demonic trials and evil influences.

This talismanic text is linked to the Great Talisman of the Azure Emperor. It responds numinously and can be applied through transformation; its methods and effects are the same.

Jade Text for the Great Demon of the Crimson Heaven, Subduing Evil

The Perfected Venerable Changyang is the exalted spirit of crimson numinosity. He governs the Cinnabar Heaven, inspecting and subduing the hosts of demons. In solemn dignity, he rides a vermilion phoenix and a three-horned qilin, reaching the Upper Dao, the Great Clarity, and the source of the Mysterious Origin.

Scarlet flames of light circle and swirl with the Three Original Qi (vital energies in their most refined form between Heaven and Earth). Crimson clouds (deep red cloud-like energy) give rise to and nourish the Cinnabar Palace (the practitioner’s inner Dantian chamber), protecting it so that it may endure for a long time.

The talismanic text above corresponds to the Great Talisman of the Red Emperor (the red emperor of the South). It can communicate with spirits and respond to change, and its function and ritual regulations are the same.

Jade Text for Subduing Evil Demons by Day (the jade text under the White Emperor’s authority, used to subdue evil demons)

The bright, pure Qi of the Seven Spirits joins with the Original Truth of the Three Primordial Essences (the three refined forms of Original Qi spoken of in Daoism). Within it, the Yellow Elder (an honorific for the Yellow Emperor and Laozi in Daoism) governs the essence of demons.

The generals of Geng and Xin (the Heavenly Stems associated with the West in the Five Phases system) lead seven hundred thousand troops, bearing feathered banners, dragon tallies, and golden tigers, as they race across the clouds.

They cut down demons and delusions, refine and nourish the flower-like essence of vital energy, and endure with the Dao through the passing of kalpas without being overturned.

The talismanic text above corresponds to the Great Talisman of the White Emperor (the white emperor of the West). It can communicate with spirits and respond to change, and its function and ritual regulations are the same.

Jade Text for Subduing Evil Demons by Day under the Black Emperor

In the palace of the dense, dark Qi of Yudan in the Northern Yin (the netherworld in the North), the imperial perfected beings and spirit officials gather. They command the divine spirits and travel in dragon chariots.

In the palace are Jade Maidens and Luminous Night Youths. They oversee the registers and charts (records of spirits and divine mandates), governing and suppressing the traces of demons and evil forces.

The Qi of Xu and Wei (northern constellations) converges and transforms into purple smoke, stirring up wind. Through refining and nourishing with precious crystal, the acquired constitution is made to continue without end.

The talismanic text above corresponds to the Great Talisman of the Black Emperor (the dark-colored emperor of the North). It can communicate with spirits and respond to change, and its function and ritual regulations are the same.

Jade Text for Subduing Evil Demons under the Yellow Heaven

The Primordial Sovereign’s Supreme Spirit (the highest primordial divine spirit) is exalted and mysterious. Joined with the Qi of true simplicity, it becomes the source of creation and transformation.

It reaches into the hidden and subtle, brings forth the great gods, and summons the myriad Qi, gathering them all together in splendid palaces.

It sweeps away the hundred demons and causes the Daoist teachings to flourish. It protects living beings through calamities, dispels trials of the kalpas, and removes misfortune.

The talismanic text above corresponds to the Great Talisman of the Yellow Emperor (the yellow emperor of the Center). It can communicate with spirits and respond to change, and its function and ritual regulations are the same.