《無上玄元三天玉堂大法》Vol. 8

This scripture expounds Daoist methods of exorcism and calamity aversion (rangyan), techniques for dispelling malevolent influences and resolving ominous phenomena. It first explains that when the natural order of heaven and earth is disrupted, various abnormal signs manifest—such as celestial bodies deviating from their courses, springs drying up, or seasonal disorders—all serving as divine warnings to humanity. Common omens encountered by ordinary people include serpents blocking paths, wild beasts intruding into dwellings, birds crying ominously, or doors and windows opening by themselves.

The text emphasizes that for virtuous gentlemen (junzi) embodying De (Virtue), demonic forces cannot overcome their righteous Qi (vital energy). However, for petty individuals lacking moral cultivation, their own essence becomes inferior to malevolent spirits. When such ominous signs appear, rangyan methods must be employed to transform misfortune into blessing.

The scripture then details several exorcism techniques:

When encountering "dragons and serpents" (symbolizing anomalous creatures) entering wells, specific talismans (fulu) should be used. The "Talisman to Avert Dragons in Wells" must be inscribed while channeling the Gangqi (the potent energy of the Big Dipper constellation) before casting it into the water. The "Talisman to Avert Serpents in Wells" follows a similar procedure.

For overflowing wells, one writes incantations on yellow paper, burns them over the well while reciting: "By divine decree, the Dragon Gods shall abide in their posts, dispersing baleful influences, making subterranean anomalies conceal their forms. May the Pure Water Youth transmit this command, keeping the well neither dry nor overflowing, with blessings everlasting. May myriad deities jointly guard this immortal well."

When canines manifest as spiritual disturbances, one must form the "Xu-Wen Yin-Sha" hand seal while attuning to northern Qi, then inscribe four talismans—three to be nailed above the latrine while chanting: "By the Jade Emperor's mandate we exorcise demons, descending efficacious talismans. All rampaging spectral hounds and ghostly creatures shall perish beneath this incantation. Those defying these seals shall see their monstrosities hidden. Calamity cannot harm us, misfortune dare not approach. Guarded by ten thousand spirits, eternal auspiciousness prevails."

These methods systematically integrate mudras (ritual hand gestures), directional energies, incantations, and talismans, demonstrating the ceremonial sophistication of Daoist exorcism practices.

This records several exorcism and disaster-averting rituals from the Daoist scripture The Supreme Mysterious Primordial Three Heavens Jade Hall Great Method. Let me explain them one by one:

The first ritual dispels the inauspicious omen of crows cawing overhead. The practitioner faces south, forms the "Noon Mudra" (a Daoist hand seal), draws Qi from the southern direction, recites an incantation nine times, then draws a talisman in the air before burning it. The incantation essentially states: though the spiritual bird (referring to the crow) may caw, by the decree of the Divine Lord, its call shall bring blessings instead of harm for twelve hours. It concludes with "Urgently and swiftly, by the decree of the Vermilion Bird of the South Lingguang" (the Vermilion Bird being the southern divine avian, and "decree" indicating celestial command).

The second method repels wild beasts intruding into homes. The Daoist forms the "Shaking Dipper Mudra," invokes the power of the Tian Gang stars (the three stars at the handle of the Big Dipper), recites an incantation twelve times, and draws talismans on cypress wood slips and yellow paper. These talismans are nailed around the house while another is burned in the courtyard center. Simultaneously, the practitioner performs the "Pacing the Dipper" steps (walking according to Big Dipper constellations), sprinkles water, and performs the ritual. The incantation warns all spirits to depart immediately or face destruction by Tian Gang's divine power.

The third ritual addresses unexplained ringing or breaking of objects. Facing north, the practitioner paces the Dipper steps while turning, then draws three talismans: one hung in the yard, one burned indoors, and one pasted in the restroom. The incantation emphasizes Tian Gang's divine might to suppress demons and transform ill omens into auspicious signs.

The fourth method deals with ghostly sounds outside doors at midnight—considered in Daoism as an omen of impending death requiring immediate suppression. The incantation declares the subduing of spirits by the Heavenly Emperor's decree, sealing the Ghost Gate (passageway for spirits), and exorcising ghosts through the Northern Emperor's (the Purple Tenuity Emperor, ruler of the underworld) command.

Lastly, there's a ritual to prevent unexplained livestock deaths. Using "Sha patterns" (a type of talismanic design) combined with eastern Qi, the practitioner draws talismans to burn at the death site while fumigating with smoke. The incantation proclaims the subduing of disasters by heavenly mandate, with Tian Gang's power preventing spirit disturbances.

These rituals exemplify Daoist methods of invoking divine power through talismans, Dipper pacing, and hand seals to avert disasters. The frequent invocation of high deities like "Tian Gang" and "Northern Emperor" demonstrates their authoritative nature.

This scripture records several Daoist exorcism rituals primarily addressing common household anomalies. These practices require specific hand seals (jue), incantations, and ritual movements.

The first technique dispels abnormal door phenomena. When doors mysteriously close by themselves, the Daoist priest faces north, forms hand seals, and recites an incantation twelve times. Using the Qi (vital energy) of the northern direction, they draw a talisman (fulu) to burn at the affected area while posting another on the door. This not only eliminates the disturbance but also brings prosperity and blessings to the household. The incantation invokes: "May the Star of Fortune shine bright, with the Three Lights (sun, moon, stars) illuminating all directions, suppressing evil influences, resolving disasters, purifying the household with auspicious energy that naturally fosters family prosperity."

For abnormal rooster crowing, the second method involves drawing a talisman on cypress wood to nail in the eastern direction. Combining hand seals to channel Gangqi (astral energy) with water-spitting incantations neutralizes the anomaly. The chant states: "Roosters shouldn't crow before sunrise - such untimely cries signal mischief. By the decree of Lord Lao (Laojun), we capture these spirits, banishing evil ten thousand miles to ensure peace. This practice unfailingly brings good fortune."

The snake expulsion ritual requires forming hand seals to summon Gangqi while drawing a talisman. Witnesses must face a wall in crouching position as the priest sprays water. The talisman is then burned where the snake appeared, with witnesses carrying protective copies. Another engraved talisman is buried beneath the local Earth God shrine, transforming misfortune into blessing. The incantation commands: "Snake spirits must retreat immediately without harming humans - disobedience means dismemberment by talismanic power."

Rodent expulsion occurs on specific days (Zi, Chou days etc.) by channeling northern Qi through hand seals. The drawn talisman is nailed to bamboo poles in corresponding directions. The chant declares: "We know your rodent-spirit origins! By this decree, cease disturbances or face annihilation by the Celestial Gang's power."

All incantations conclude with "By [deity's] mandate," affirming divine authority. Key terms include "Dougang" (Big Dipper's astral energy) and "Beiqi" (northern Qi) - both considered potent exorcistic forces in Daoism. The rituals exemplify how Daoist cosmology operationalizes directional energies, astral influences, and talismanic writing for household protection.

This scripture explains the Daoist method of using talismans (fulu) to dispel evil and avert misfortune. Each day, specific talismans should be drawn according to the celestial stems (the ten Heavenly Stems: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, etc.) and earthly branches (the twelve Earthly Branches: Zi, Chou, Yin, etc.). For instance, if strange phenomena occur on a Jiazi day, one must inscribe the character "Jia" on the front of the talisman and "Zi" on the back. When drawing the talisman, specific hand seals (Doujue, a type of Daoist mudra) and Gangqi (a cultivated energy in Daoist practice) must be employed, written with cinnabar. The person experiencing the strange phenomena should wear the talisman to resolve the misfortune.

After completing the talisman, recite the "Great Spell for Vanquishing Anomalies" seven times. The incantation essentially invokes the protection of Heaven, Earth, the sun, moon, and the Northern Dipper deities, declaring that evil spirits cannot cause harm and any malevolent force that violates the talisman will be destroyed. This should be accompanied by the Sword Hand Seal and spraying water (a ritual act called "Xunshui") toward the afflicted person.

Another incantation requires first summoning the Qi of the Three Radiances (sun, moon, and stars) to envelop the afflicted person's body. After reciting the spell seven times, the person should take nine steps backward while the handle of the Northern Dipper is pointed toward them. Then, spray water three times and have them wear the talisman, ensuring no strange phenomena will ever trouble them again. The incantation calls upon the Supreme Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun, the highest deity in Daoism) to command the elimination of ghosts and demons, invoking the protection of Heaven, Earth, and the Northern Dipper to transform inauspicious omens into blessings.

The scripture concludes by explaining the principle behind talismans: they serve as conduits for gathering the righteous Qi of Heaven and Earth. Humans are composed of the two Qi of Yin and Yang, combined with the Three Radiances (sun, moon, and stars), collectively called the "Three Lights." If harmed by external pathogenic factors like cold, heat, or wind, one loses this righteous Qi and becomes susceptible to evil influences. Talismans function by replenishing these Three Radiances. The sun, moon, and stars are the fundamental forces governing cosmic transformations—the sun as the source of Yang Qi, the stars as the source of Yin Qi, and the moon absorbing the sun's light to shine. Where the Three Radiances illuminate, even rain, snow, and gloomy mists naturally disperse.

(Note: The "Doujue" mentioned refers to a type of Daoist hand seal; "Gangqi" denotes the genuine Qi cultivated through practice; "Zhu Shu" means writing with cinnabar; and "Xunshui" is the ritual act of spraying water from the mouth.)

This scripture primarily elucidates the principles and practical methods of Daoist exorcism and demon-subduing arts. At its core lies the application of the "Three Radiances Talisman" (a Fulu empowered by the condensed energies of sun, moon, and stars) to vanquish malevolent entities.

The text explains that fox spirits and other Yin-based evil creatures naturally dissipate when encountering righteous Qi (vital energy). Ancient sages, through divine incantations and true words, could gather the quintessential energies of the Three Radiances, combining them with sincere intention and spiritual power to make hauntings vanish like snow under sunlight. Among all talismans, the Three Radiances Talisman holds supreme status, revered as the "Ancestor of Ten Thousand Methods."

For practical application, one must use cinnabar to draw three talismans (called "Demon-Subduing Evil-Quelling Talismans") on small, thin yellow paper squares, to be ingested with jujube tea. The key lies in the practitioner maintaining correct mindfulness, with consciousness focused on the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest Daoist deities), ensuring sufficient inner cultivation naturally subdues external evils.

The scripture meticulously details the incantations and rituals for talisman creation: including visualization (meditation) of the Five Emperors of the Solar Palace and Five Lunar Consorts descending into the talisman, coordinated with specific hand seals (mudras) and mantras (such as the esoteric chant "Om Vajra Hum Na Ri Svaha"). It also describes the method for drawing the "Heavenly Commander Golden-Browed Lord Lao Transformation Talisman": first visualize Lord Lao (deified Laozi) with golden eyebrows above one's head, silently recite the Heavenly Commander spell, and upon seeing Lord Lao transform into the true form of Marshal Tianpeng (a Daoist guardian deity), execute the talisman strokes with special brush techniques.

These mystical arts emphasize the principle of conquering evil with righteousness, asserting that one need not deliberately appease spirits and deities. With pure intention, profound cultivation, and proper talismanic techniques, practitioners can effectively dispel malignant influences.

This scripture documents the exorcism and healing talismanic rituals of the Daoist Northern Emperor tradition (a sect primarily venerating the Great Emperor of the North Star, Ziwei). The mentioned "Northern Emperor Hand Seal" (Beidi Jue) is a mudra for invoking the divine power of the Great Emperor Ziwei, while "Doukui" refers to the first star of the Big Dipper.

The specific method involves writing a 1.6-foot-long talisman with cinnabar on yellow paper. Before performing the ritual, the practitioner must visualize the seven stars of the Big Dipper arranged in their celestial formation. The master then performs the Gangbu Steps (Daoist ritual footsteps), imagining the spiritual energy of the seventh star of the Dipper (Tiangang) being drawn into the abdomen. Only after feeling this warmth should one begin writing. The incantation includes phrases like "The Great Sage of Tiangang's Flaming Wheel," believed to project awe-inspiring celestial fire that subdues demons and protects the living.

Three types of talismans are described:

1. The Three Origins Ding-Jia Retribution Talisman (Sanyuan Dingjia Baoying Fu): Must be drawn with cinnabar ground under sunlight on crimson paper, completed in one breath while forming hand seals. It invokes the Three Origins Generals (Tang, Ge, and Zhou - divine warriors responsible for slaying evil spirits, malevolent ghosts, and monstrous entities respectively), with the Six Ding Jade Maidens (female divine warriors) assisting in subduing malignant forces.

2. The Seven Killers Talisman (Qisha Fu): Written with ink on black paper while performing Gangbu Steps and exhaling ritual fire. This powerful talisman can suppress fierce evils and destroy demonic shrines, its efficacy being certified by the "Three Heavens" (the supreme Daoist triad of Sanqing).

A special note clarifies: Although many versions of the Seven Killers Talisman circulate in the world, most fail due to inaccurate forms. Now the sect leader has revitalized the authentic teachings - all Northern Emperor system talismans must be issued through the Jade Altar (sacred ritual platform) after proper petitioning, ensuring their power manifests as ethereal mystery when dispersed and formidable might when concentrated.

This scripture records the esoteric incantations and talismanic writings (fulu) used in Daoism for exorcism, healing, and protection. It begins by invoking the names of several major Daoist divine generals, including Marshal Tianpeng (chief commander of the Northern Dipper's seven stellar deities), Great Spirit Tianyou (deputy to the Purple Tenuity Emperor), and Great Spirit Xuanwu (guardian deity of the north), using the imperative phrase "urgently, urgently suppress" to command their immediate action against malevolent forces.

The text then enumerates the seven stars of the Northern Dipper (Ravishing Wolf, Giant Gate, Prosperity Store, Civil Chief, Pure and Upright, Martial Prime, and Army Breaker) along with six baleful stars (Kui, etc.), celestial beings who govern human fortune and misfortune in Daoist cosmology. It explains that specific mantras—such as the Solar Lord Incantation and Lunar Lord Incantation—can dispatch these divine generals, emphasizing that these decrees originate from the supreme Daoist deities: the Three Pure Ones (Jade Pure, Upper Pure, and Grand Pure) and the Purple Tenuity Emperor.

Particular attention is given to a talisman called the "Dipper Gang Talisman," described as simple to create yet extraordinarily potent. This talisman can be ingested as medicine, burned as incense, or worn as an amulet. Its activation requires the practitioner to form the Northern Dipper Mudra (a specific hand gesture) while channeling the Northern Qi (vital energy from the north), creating an impenetrable barrier against malevolent spirits.

The scripture concludes with the complete summoning incantation, which roughly translates as: "Treading the Kui Star's counter-rotating Gang Steps [a Daoist ritual footwork pattern], I summon blazing dragon-light to permeate heaven and earth, severing all inauspicious influences. Any demonic defiance shall be reduced to ashes, cast eternally into the abyss without hope of rebirth." The incantation sternly commands the celestial generals within the talisman to act in unison, warning that violators will be pulverized by heavenly thunder and scorched by flames spanning ten thousand li, leaving no refuge for evil spirits. The closing phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" serves as the standard Daoist formula indicating immediate, non-negotiable enforcement.