《靈寶玉鑑》Vol. 37

This scripture describes the specific procedures of the "water refinement" segment in the Daoist "Lian Du" (refinement and deliverance) ritual. Lian Du is a crucial ceremonial practice for liberating departed souls, employing the dual refinement of water and fire to purify and elevate them.

First, the ritual master must summon General Wang Yan, the Water Marshal (northern water deity), to descend upon the altar. This divine general wears black robes with golden armor and a green immortal sash, arriving from the north upon clouds. The master visualizes inhaling the Daoist talismanic character "Jin Jie" into the water, causing the pool to radiate brilliant light like the moon in a clear azure sky. The departed souls are then guided into this lunar radiance for purification.

Next, the incantation is recited: "The dark waters of northern Xuanming are pure within and without; may their lunar-infused spiritual essence descend to cleanse the departed souls." The Water Marshal is again invoked to bestow true water for refining the souls. The master visualizes the moonlit divine waters transforming into a vast pool while chanting the Water Marshal's mantra: "The northern water deity harbors luminous essence, nurturing the origin of all things. These waters purify filth and generate radiance, allowing departed souls to shine with jeweled light, comprehend profound truths, and transcend their suffering, turbid forms."

The actual water refinement then proceeds: The master forms the Yin Dipper Hand Seal (a specific mudra) while moving ritual banners around the water pool, reciting the water refinement incantation: "From the boundless pool where divine dragons dwell, we draw the essence of the Eastern Well constellation (one of the 28 lunar mansions) to cleanse the hidden souls. The primordial Taihe Qi (primal energy) and the Mysterious Jade Maiden (water deity) jointly purify the departed, rendering their spirits clear and upright, eternally vibrant."

The entire process incorporates multiple water refinement talismans (Fulu), including the "True Water Descent Talisman," "Primary Water Refinement Talisman," and "Great Yin Water Refinement Talisman." These must be activated in harmony with the Qi currents of the northern Zi position (Bagua directional energy).

This scripture primarily describes the Daoist process of purification and cultivation through talismans (fulu) and rituals, involving multiple deities and the operation of Five Phases (Wuxing) energies.

The northern deities governing black qi (including the Mercury Star Messenger and Generals of Ren-Gui) possess the power to create and transform all things. The Celestial Emperor commands these deities to assist practitioners in cleansing impurities and purifying their forms. The "Mysterious Warrior Spirit" (Xuanwu Lingshen) mentioned here is the northern guardian deity, presiding over the water element.

The Water-Refined Blood-Corpse Talisman (using the "zi" hand seal in conjunction with northern qi) can extract bloody impurities from wandering souls, restoring radiance to the five viscera. The Yellow Blossom Cleansing Form Talisman (using the "you" hand seal with moonlight) employs yellow yin qi to stabilize the immortal body, bathing the hun and po souls to assist practitioners in initiating jade embryo cultivation.

The Moonlight Refining Form Talisman (combined with the lunar qi technique and twenty-four tooth-tappings) describes moonlight's transformative power, enabling cultivators to obtain eight kinds of radiance while receiving illumination from the Eastern Well constellation (one of the twenty-eight lunar mansions). Golden Blossom's spiritual qi will circulate throughout the body, filling the six bowels with brilliance.

The final Ninefold Water Refinement Revival Talisman consists of nine stages, with the first three being:

1. The "zi" seal combined with lunar qi summons supreme yin qi to cleanse wandering souls

2. The "chou" seal combined with moonlight utilizes the authentic qi of northern water sources to universally liberate sentient beings

3. The "yin" seal combined with moonlight achieves transformation through the stilling power of the Kan trigram (representing water)

All these talismans emphasize the phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances," indicating the immediate execution of divine will. The entire ritual employs yin forces such as water, moon, and supreme yin to accomplish purification and rebirth.

This scripture records the Lingbao School's ritual of talismanic incantations for redeeming departed souls. It describes the process of refining wandering spirits through the power of lunar essence (moonlight) and water elements, enabling their rebirth and liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.

The fourth talisman (using the Mao-hour hand mudra with moonlight) states: The Supreme Yin's true Qi (lunar essence) universally illuminates the departed souls, restoring their corporeal form and granting them rebirth to attain the Dao and achieve perfection. The Four Symbols (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise) converge as heaven and earth become interconnected—urgently execute this decree.

The fifth talisman (Chen-hour hand mudra with moonlight) explains: The Primordial Ancestral Qi from the void refines male departed souls, as the True Light (primordial energy) flows and the Qi of the Five Phases resides within their bodies. The souls thereby enter the Supreme Mystery realm to behold the Compassionate Lord (a Daoist deity).

The sixth talisman (Si-hour hand mudra with lunar Qi) describes: Pure Yang Qi revives vitality within the deceased, resurrecting lifeless bodies to transcend the northern demon realms. The Lingbao Mandate (highest Daoist talismanic command) refines the souls at the Vermilion Palace (southern refining site).

The seventh talisman (Wu-hour hand mudra with moonlight) declares: Celestial deities manifest to purify departed souls, as water and fire harmonize with seven types of primordial Qi jointly refining them. Dispersed souls and spirits reunite to ascend together to the celestial court.

The eighth talisman (Wei-hour hand mudra with moonlight) states: The water element nourishes all beings—after refinement, souls attain bodies luminous as gold. The cosmic patterns revolve as essence (Jing) and spirit (Shen) unite with the divine.

The ninth talisman (Shen-hour hand mudra with moonlight) explains: Water refinement reconstructs physical forms for soul rebirth. The talismanic mandate transforms Yin-Yang as the Heavenly River (Milky Way) contains nine-colored radiance—urgently obey the Supreme Yin Sovereign's decree.

Subsequently, the sacred name "Celestial Worthy of Yellow Splendor Purifying Forms" is recited, praising the essence of the Stone Radiance Water Mother (water deity) from the Yellow Splendor Pool of Eastern Well (one of the 28 constellations) for its power to cleanse souls and remove impurities. The Shangqing School's Jade Crystal Talisman of the Stone Radiance Water Mother (You-hour hand mudra) is employed, with the Qi of Five Phases circulating through nine cycles of solar-lunar refinement.

The final incantation describes: The stone jade crystals (immortal water essence) from Eastern Well's Yellow Splendor Pool and the golden nectar/jade liquid of the Flying Mystic Water Mother (water deity) flow endlessly. Nine dragons spew water for refining salvation while the Three Lights (sun, moon, stars) shine down. Immortals release sweet dew to refine departed souls, granting them fetal rebirth and liberation through water's flow.

Note: The phrase "urgently execute this decree" (急急如律令) is a standard Daoist incantation conclusion meaning "implement this command immediately." Various hand mudras (Mao-seal, Chen-seal etc.) refer to specific finger gestures corresponding to celestial hours. "Qi" (炁) denotes primordial energy, distinguished from ordinary "qi" (气).

This passage describes the talismanic rituals for redeeming departed souls and cultivating rebirth from the Lingbao Jade Mirror (Lingbao Yujian) in Daoist practice. It primarily involves two talismans: the Water Refinement Contract Talisman and the Jade Nectar Body Refinement Talisman.

The ritual process for the Water Refinement Contract Talisman unfolds as follows: the practitioner moves their left hand counterclockwise from the Shen position (southwest, symbolizing longevity) to the Zi position (due north, representing the flourishing of Water). This motion signifies the soul's return from a state of longevity to one of abundant Water Qi, where the essence and spirit are reunited through water refinement. The accompanying incantation, "The Moon’s radiance merges with the Qi of Mercury," invokes the brilliance of the Moon and Mercury (the Water Star), facilitating the convergence of the Three Lights (sun, moon, and stars) and the fusion of the Four Symbols (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise). This process elevates the seven earthly souls (po) of the deceased.

The Jade Nectar Body Refinement Talisman involves swallowing jade nectar (the refined saliva produced during cultivation) to purify the physical form. The incantation "Jade nectar refines the body, the golden steed speeds the journey" describes how the practitioner refines body and mind through the interplay of Water and Fire, ultimately achieving the state of "union with the Dao" (Yu Dao He Zhen). During the ritual, one visualizes jade light radiating within and without.

The phrase "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" (Ji Ji Ru Lü Ling) frequently concludes Daoist incantations, signifying immediate efficacy. The text also references "Three Purities" (azure, white, and yellow cloud-energies) and "Five Sprouts" (the true Qi of the five viscera)—technical terms denoting different energies within the body.

The final mention of "the Dongyang Elixir Refinement and the Flying Spirit to the Eight Luminaries" (Dongyang Danlian Feishen Bajing Zhi Dao) points to an advanced cultivation method. It requires seated meditation during the six Yang hours of the day (when solar energy is strongest), with teeth-tapping and breath retention to elevate the spirit to the Eight Luminaries (the eight highest celestial realms in Daoist cosmology). The entire ritual integrates talismanic magic, visualization, breathwork, and other Daoist cultivation techniques.

This scripture describes specific methods of Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy) cultivation and Fulu (talismanic) rituals. During practice, one should first sit quietly and visualize a fireball the size of a pellet in the lower Dantian (energy center located in the lower abdomen). Rotate it nine times to the left and right, then guide it upward along the body's central axis, passing through the Crimson Palace (heart area) and the Twelve-Storied Tower (trachea), until it reaches the Muddy Pellet Palace (upper Dantian) at the crown of the head. At this stage, imagine transforming into a Celestial Worthy, holding the sun in the left hand and the moon in the right, proclaiming the title "Great Cavern Emperor One."

Next, recite the following incantation three times: "May my hun and po souls be pure and upright, my primordial Qi eternally abundant, free from suffering and torment, my body radiating light. May deities from the Three Realms come to protect me, the Five Directional Emperors welcome me, all myriad spirits pay homage, and my name be registered in the celestial court. When merits are perfected, I shall ascend to the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) paradise." After chanting, swallow saliva three times, and gradually a halo will manifest above the head, illuminating all ten directions.

Continue with this prayer: "Supreme Lord of the Great Dao, summon the three righteous spirits within me—Taiyi, Siming, and Taokang—along with the Noble Youth Wuying and the Venerable Spirit Baiyuan. I am now refining my true essence internally, with radiance shining through the Nine Heavens, Yang Qi filling my body, illuminating all nine orifices. Even deceased souls undergoing this practice can return to embryonic rebirth, with form and spirit attaining profound states, merging completely with the Great Dao."

During cultivation, draw in nine mouthfuls of fiery Qi and swallow them to perceive divine light penetrating the underworld. Practice these methods repeatedly until the formal Lian Du (refinement and deliverance) ritual. For this, use cyan-green paper (4.5 inches wide, 5.5 inches tall) to draw talismans with a mixture of realgar and cinnabar. For water refinement, submerge the talisman in a pool; for fire refinement, transfer it from water to fire while chanting the "Dragon Han Vast Incantation" in unison, with the presiding priest sprinkling consecrated water.

Finally, the scripture details the method for drawing the "Yellow Qi Yang Crystal Talisman" and its accompanying incantation. The talisman must be inscribed while absorbing purple-yellow solar essence through the "Sun Essence Mudra." The chant invokes deities like the Fusang Flame Emperor and the Celestial Emperor, referencing the essence of sun and moon, the convergence of the Five Phases' dual energies. A secret verse speaks of the cyclical movement of Yin-Yang, the fusion of heaven and earth, and the resonance of the Three-Five Unity. By ingesting the Golden Elixir (Huanghua), one invites numinous energy into the body, shares radiance with the divine, and soars through the Nine Heavens. Conclude by emulating the meditative breathwork of the Primordial Celestial Worthy, practicing the "Embracing Purple and Holding Yellow" method to return to the primordial chaos before heaven and earth separated.

This scripture outlines a complete Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy) practice, detailing how to cultivate the Golden Elixir through breath regulation, energy guidance, and visualization (mingxiang). The practitioner inhales pure Qi (vital energy) through the nose, first merging it with the azure energy at the Muddy Pellet Palace (upper Dantian) in the crown, then descending it to the Yellow Court (middle Dantian) to unite with golden energy, before finally gathering it at the lower Dantian's white energy—blending these three energies into the "Divine Elixir."

During cultivation, the energy circulates along the spine: rising from the coccyx at the Weilu point, passing through the Jiaji (mid-spine), reaching the Muddy Pellet Palace at the crown, until golden light erupts from the fontanel. At this stage, the practitioner visualizes the entire void filled with Dao-Qi (primordial cosmic energy), with Yuanshi Tianzun (the Supreme Daoist deity) seated majestically in the emptiness as the sun, moon, and stars illuminate heaven and earth.

The practice involves specific steps: first guiding the energy from the left kidney through the lungs to shoot out from the right eye, merging with the moon's white light; then directing the right kidney's energy through the liver to emit from the left eye, uniting with the sun's purple radiance; finally returning the heart's fire energy to the lower Dantian, ascending the spine to burst forth from the crown and fuse with the Big Dipper's stellar light. Each step requires accompanying talisman-writing (Fulu) and incantation recitation.

The text further instructs visualization of the Thirty-Two Heavens' Celestial Worthies (high-level deities) descending on golden light, as the practitioner's true nature is inherently connected to the Dharma Body (Dao-essence). The cultivation involves gathering energies from the Five Directions (Five Phases), inscribing the names of the Five Directional Emperors, and chanting specific mantras. Ultimately, one visualizes celestial youths and maidens, uniting spirit (Shen) with energy to gestate the "Sacred Embryo" (nascent form of the internal elixir) through the harmonious interplay of water and fire, Yin and Yang.

A crucial detail involves visualizing the Water Mansion General guiding wandering souls into a purification pool for refining transcendence (chaodu ritual), while simultaneously absorbing lunar essence. The practitioner visualizes an infant appearing in the water, translucent like crystal, with the entire process requiring repeated mantra recitation to complete the energy transformation.

This scripture describes the Daoist "Fire Refinement" ritual for the salvation of departed souls. The phrase "Longhan Dangdang" (Dragon Han Flowing) is a common purification incantation in Daoism, signifying the gradual purification and cleansing of the souls.

The presiding high-ranking Daoist priest (the chief ritual master) offers another prayer, inviting celestial officers to guide the souls into the fire refinement process. Here, the "Commander of the Fire Army" is mentioned as the divine general specifically in charge of the fire refinement. The souls are led into the Fire Marsh (symbolizing purifying flames) to undergo refinement. The priest traces a talismanic symbol over the character "Heaven" (Tian) with their right hand while reciting the incantation of the Fire Lord of the South.

With the left hand forming the "Mao Seal" (a specific Daoist mudra), the priest directs the essence of solar Qi (vital energy) into the flames, purifying the consciousness of the souls. As the "Longhan Dangdang" incantation continues its effect, the forms of the numerous souls gradually become whole and complete. Celestial robes (garments of immortals) descend from the heavens, and all the souls are clothed in these divine vestments.

Next, the priest presses their tongue against the upper palate and visualizes a bridge of Dharma (spiritual law), guiding the souls to ascend along the path of the talismanic brushstrokes until they reach the position of "Tiangang" (the Heavenly Stem, a name for the Big Dipper, which holds special significance in Daoism). At this moment, the priest recites the scripture of the "Primordial Command," meaning that by the decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the highest deity in Daoism), the souls are immediately elevated to the celestial realm.

Finally, the priest visualizes the Vermilion Palace of Fire (a southern paradise of fire refinement) appearing within golden light, where all the souls ascend and attain salvation. Through methods such as fire refinement, incantations, and visualization, this ritual aids the souls in purifying their karmic burdens and ascending to the immortal realms.