《靈寶玉鑑》Vol. 38

This passage describes the fire refinement ritual from the Lingbao Jade Mirror (Lingbao Yujian) tradition of Daoism, where the presiding priest (gaogong) summons Marshal Zhao Zhongming, the Great General Who Governs Fire of the Southern Direction, to assist in the salvation of deceased souls through fiery purification.

The Great Fire Marshal manifests wearing crimson robes with golden armor, a green immortal sash tied at his waist, descending from the southern skies upon clouds. The priest must form specific hand seals (Yangdou Jue, the "Solar Dipper Mudra") while casting ritual talismans into the fire pool (huozhao), causing it to radiate dawn-like brilliance where souls undergo purification.

The incantation references the cosmological principles of "yang essence and yin radiance" within the Five Phases (Wuxing) framework, using true fire to refine yin souls. The priest draws the "True Fire Descent Talisman" inscribed with celestial deities' sacred names (including the Star Lords of Heavenly Prefecture and Heavenly Prime), aligned with specific orientations (the yin-mao direction) and breathing techniques (three cycles). Through visualization, solar golden light transforms into flowing flames to refine the souls.

The culminating Fire Command Incantation vividly portrays the Southern Fire Deity riding radiant flames and casting fiery bells, using true fire to refine souls back to their primordial Qi (Yuanshi Qi). The chant emphasizes how fire purification eliminates corruptions, granting souls purified forms for ultimate transcendence. The ritual concludes by moving ceremonial banners beside the fire pool to complete the process.

(Note: "Wuwen" refers to the noon-position hand seal; "Southern Qi" denotes the southern directional energy; "Yangdou Jue" is a mudra technique; "fire pool" (huozhao) is the ritual fire basin; "jade-eyed refinement of substance" describes souls attaining purified constitution through fiery alchemy.)

This scripture describes several fire-refining talismans (fulu) and cultivation methods from the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) tradition, one of Daoism's major schools, primarily used in rituals for purifying souls and liberating the deceased. The main content is as follows:

"The Southern Lü Cave's Floating Fire Court" refers to the sacred realm where the Fire Deity of the South resides, featuring "jade eyes gleaming brightly" (yumou shenshen) and "flowing fire essence" (liuhuo zhi gao). "Daoli, Chanyou, and Ponī Spirit Youths" are titles of fire department deities possessing "the substance of flowing flames" (liuhuo zhi zhi) and "true visages of jade eyes" (yumou zhenrong), capable of ascending to the "Palace of Cave Yang, the Hall of Blessings" (a celestial abode symbolizing illumination).

The text then presents several key fire-refining talismans:

The first is the "Great Yang Fire-Refining Talisman," which must be drawn during the noon hour (11 AM–1 PM), harmonized with the Li trigram (one of the Eight Trigrams/Bagua, representing fire). The incantation summons deities of the southern fire pantheon, including the "Emissary of Mars" (Yinghuo shizhe), "Generals Bing and Ding" (fire commanders), and "Vermilion Phoenix Flame Deity" (Zhuque yanshen), leveraging the generative power of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) to purify the underworld.

The second, "Blood-Corpse Fire-Refining Talisman," specifically cleanses the bloody impurities of the deceased. Its chant mentions "jade eyes refining substance" (yumou lianzhi), enabling souls to ascend. The third, "Jade-Eyes Refinement Talisman," references "Great One's purification" (Taiyi lianzhi), achieved through the "Nine Steps and Eight Leaders" (a specific ritual pacing method) and "Three Terraces aligning with noon" (coordinating the Big Dipper with temporal cycles).

The "Sunlight Spirit-Refining Talisman" requires visualizing unity with the "Solar Youth Lord" (Tongyang jun) while envisioning purple sunlight and tapping the teeth twenty-four times. The incantation depicts sunlight pervading all realms and jade light illuminating the body, with practitioners ascending to the solar palace via "Yu Steps" (mythical pacing patterns attributed to the Great Yu).

The final two, "Ninefold Fire-Refining Revival Talismans," emphasize using the True Fire of the Nine Heavens (Daoism's highest celestial realm) to refine the spirit, enabling souls to "emerge from darkness" (chuli youyin) and attain sublimation through "harmony of the Three Qi" (heaven-earth-human energies) and "revolving numinosity of the Five Planets" (wuxing hui ling), ultimately achieving liberation "unshaken through eternity" (yongjie wu qing).

All talismans conclude with the urgent command: "By the decree of the Solar Thearch, swiftly enacted!" The ritual system embodies Daoist cultivation principles of purification and transcendence through the fire element.

This scripture records the Nine Talismanic Formulas (from Shen to Yin positions) for refining the hun and po souls in the Lingbao tradition of Daoism. Each talisman corresponds to a specific two-hour period (from noon to pre-dawn) and stage of cultivation. The content primarily describes the process of refining the souls through the essence of sun and moon, and the Qi of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water).

The third talisman (Shen period/sunlight) incantation states: The Sacred True Imperial Lord who governs life receives the Daoist methods transmitted by the Three Sovereigns (Fuxi, Shennong, and the Yellow Emperor) to assist practitioners in refining their souls. The souls ascend to the Southern Dipper Star Lord, breaking free from the bonds of death as the light of true nature manifests, enabling worship of the Jade Dawn Celestial Worthy (one of Daoism's supreme deities). It concludes with "urgently as the law commands" to emphasize the spell's efficacy.

The fourth talisman (You period/sunlight) mentions: Deities from the four directions converge as pure Yang Qi is generated. The radiance of the Supreme Mystery (cosmic origin) circulates while sunlight transforms physical form. Practitioners ride celestial auroras to attain rebirth through refinement.

The fifth talisman (Xu period/sunlight) describes: Crystalline energy descends from southern celestial palaces as true fire transmutes spiritual nature. With the complete Five Phases of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth, all phenomena become luminous and transparent. After smelting, the souls attain jade-like purity, ascending on auroras into the formless realm.

The sixth talisman (Hai period/sunlight) emphasizes: The celestial mandate manifests brilliance through ninefold trials. The supreme Dao nurtures harmonious Yang Qi as six climatic energies (wind, cold, summer-heat, dampness, dryness, and fire) mutually stimulate to swiftly refine departed souls. The spirit soars to mysterious realms, merging completely with the Dao.

The seventh talisman (Zi period/sunlight) recounts: Creation manifests through seven primordial energies. The three lights (sun, moon, stars) return to their source as all darkness and obstructions sublimate into boundless cosmic radiance.

The eighth talisman (Chou period/fourfold light) explains: Lingbao talismans universally deliver the underworld. The Eight Luminosities (eight stages of Daoist cultivation) reflect each other with purified Qi mechanisms. After refinement, yin and yang harmonize to resolve karmic obstacles, restoring spiritual nature through ten transformations.

The ninth talisman (Yin period/sunlight) concludes: Ninefold divine light governs all things, making myriad phenomena flourish. Solar refinement renders the souls purified and tranquil. Rooted in the Dao and shining with solar radiance, they ascend directly to the Mud Ball Palace (crown point acupoint) into the halls of the Celestial Emperor.

The scripture concludes with the sacred name "Jade-Eyed Refiner of Substance Celestial Worthy" and the "Fire Refinement Contract Talisman" method: The left hand traces clockwise from noon to pre-dawn positions, symbolizing flame refinement through nine directions (from vibrant noon to nascent dawn). The incantation declares the Celestial Emperor's decree follows solar movement, and when the Northern Dipper's jade pivot rotates, deities from eight directions descend to offer protection.

This passage explains two Daoist cultivation methods: the "Fire Refinement Transcendence Talisman" (火炼变仙符) and the "Golden Liquid Body Refinement Talisman" (金液炼形符), used for liberating departed souls and self-cultivation.

The Fire Refinement Transcendence Talisman should be practiced during the noon hours (11 AM - 1 PM), facing south to absorb the solar essence (Jingqi). The practitioner visualizes sunlight purifying the deceased's spirit. The "Great Virtue Fire Bells" (大德火铃) refer to the Five Fire Department Star Lords (manifestations of Mars), along with the Nine Qi (九炁, nine primordial energies), the Celestial Fire Generals of the Five Directions and Five Sacred Peaks (五方五岳), and the transcendents from the Southern Chang Fire Palace (南昌火府, the southern divine realm overseeing liberation) - all collaborating to guide souls to rebirth.

The incantation describes using pure Yang fire from the fire pool to temper the soul, renewing the five viscera and meridians, ultimately enabling ascension to the Three Heavens (the highest Daoist celestial realm) to worship the Jade Dawn Celestial Worthy (an emanation of the Primordial Celestial Worthy).

The Golden Liquid Body Refinement method involves swallowing saliva and guiding it through the lungs to the "golden homeland" (the lungs), finally gathering in the Central Palace (Dantian). The chant speaks of refining the body with golden liquid (vital essence), uniting with the Dao, and opening the Three Luminaries (upper, middle, and lower Dantian) - the foundation of cultivation. Practitioners visualize purple Qi ascending as their bodies ride six dragons (symbolizing Yang energy), with water and fire merging in the Three Palaces (the Dantians), returning the spirit to radiant Yang purity.

The Celestial Pole Jade Character Formula (天罡玉字诀) directs the energy of the Big Dipper: visualizing the upright Qi of the Dipper's handle penetrating bones and tendons, reaching the Muddy Pellet Palace (crown point) to activate Yang energy. The left hand forms mudras pointing to the Dipper while inhaling Qi to the Dantian, rising through the coccyx to the crown, merging with the talisman.

Finally, the Supreme Purity Nine Dippers Solar Radiance Fire Bells True Talisman (上清九斗阳芒火铃真符) requires first inscribing the name of the Vermilion Mound Imperial Lord (southern fire deity), then drawing the talisman. The incantation mentions the "Blazing Spirit" connecting the Purple Ultimate (celestial realm) above and the Yellow Springs (underworld) below, with fire bells capable of exorcising demons and refining souls. The Three Platforms stars' radiance disperses myriad demons as practitioners ride smoke to ascend. It also invokes the protection of the Three Officials (celestial, terrestrial, water deities) and the Four Saints of the North Pole (including Marshal Tianpeng and other guardian deities).

All these talismans are ultimately burned in a Qi-gathering furnace, symbolizing the transference of cultivated energy to departed souls or celestial deities.

This scripture records the esoteric method used by the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) school, one of Daoism's major lineages, for the salvation of departed souls. The content is divided into three main sections:

The first section contains incantations for the Twelve Time Lords (deities governing the twelve two-hour periods in Daoist cosmology) to refine and deliver souls. The chants describe using divine fire from the Nine Heavens (the highest celestial realm in Daoism) to purify departed spirits, blending them with the Nine Primordial Qi (fundamental energies constituting the cosmos) to facilitate rebirth through fiery transformation. The repeated phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" is a standard Daoist incantation conclusion indicating immediate execution of divine will.

The middle portion presents two crucial mantras. The "Flame Essence Twin Deities Incantation" depicts two fire gods (Yu Yi and Ying Huo) refining souls' forms with sacred flames to expel malevolent influences. The "Mysterious Truth Concealed Incantation of the Primordial Dao" invokes five directional deities (including the Azure Lad of the East and the Central Earth Star) to jointly suppress evil forces, containing the secret syllables "mi ni nu na ong ong hong hong" – potent sound formulas with special spiritual efficacy.

The final section details ritual procedures: The priest must first engage in visualization (neiguan meditation), guiding internal Qi up to the Muddy Pellet Palace (upper Dantian) at the crown of the head, then draw talismans with cinnabar. During inscription, the practitioner visualizes solar fire flowing through the brush tip while imagining two three-inch-tall crimson-robed deities (representing fire gods) appearing between the eyebrows, channeling divine power into the talisman through focused gaze.

When burning the talisman, specific visualizations accompany the act: The priest envisions the space between the eyebrows dividing into left and right pathways. On the left vermilion terrace and azure chamber resides a deity called "Righteous Heart," while the right yellow tower and purple abode houses "Serene Calm." These deities grow in stature, wielding flowing-gold fire bells (ritual implements) to smelt souls with sacred flames.

The scripture concludes with mention of the "Supreme Brahma Qi Talisman" – the most advanced Daoist charm requiring coordination with Primordial Qi (the most fundamental energy). The entire ceremony demonstrates Daoism's complete ritual process for soul salvation through talismans, visualization, and sacred fire.

This passage describes the "Jiaolian Method," a cultivation ritual from the Lingbao tradition (one of Daoism's major schools). The ritual master holds a ceremonial banner (fǎfān) while performing esoteric practices, reciting incantations to guide internal energy circulation.

The practice begins with the Five Phases Generation Incantation: "Heaven generates Water (corresponding to the earthly branches Hài and Zǐ directions), Earth generates Fire (corresponding to Sì and Wǔ directions)." Through the natural principle of water-fire refinement (the cyclical interaction between Zǐ and Wǔ directions), one attains the True Dao. This mantra is recited three times, with additional content appended during the third recitation.

Next comes the invocation of key deities: the Great Lord of Longevity (Chángshēng Dàjūn), the Immaculate Youth (Wúyīng Gōngzǐ), the Venerable Spirit of White Origin (Báiyuán Zūnshén), the Director of Fate (Tàiyī Sīmìng), and the Peach Health Guardian (Táokāng Héyán). These deities hold the sacred registers (fúlù) of life, capable of preserving destiny and prolonging existence. They traverse the Shangqing Heaven (one of Daoism's highest celestial realms), descending into the underworld while simultaneously guarding vital bodily regions—the Muddy Pellet (níwán, crown of the head) and Crimson Palace (jiàngōng, heart). They harmonize the Qi of the five viscera and integrate the hundred spirits.

The cultivation process unfolds as follows: The master presses the tongue against the palate, guiding Primordial Ancestral Qi from the lower Dantian through the coccyx (wěilǘ) up to the Niwan Palace, visualizing its transformation into the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn). Simultaneously, the heart and kidney energies undergo purification through water-fire refinement within the body. The practitioner visualizes immersion in the Flowing Fire of Dongyang (symbolizing pure Yang energy), where the acquired physical form is completely refined away, leaving only the innate luminous nature intact.

The ritual concludes with salvation incantations summoning deities like the Longevity Lord of the South Pole (Nánjí Chángshēng Jūn), the Great Sima Spirit (Sīmǎ Dàshén), and Elder Han Jun (Hán Jūn Zhàngrén)—beings possessing powers of resurrection, life extension, and calamity prevention. These mantras incorporate correspondences between the Five Phases (Water 1-6, Fire 2-7, Wood 3-8, Metal 4-9, Earth 5-10) and earthly branches (Zǐ, Wǔ, Mǎo, Yǒu etc.), with specific hand seals (shǒujué) directing energy circulation.

Through water-fire refinement, deity visualization, and microcosmic orbit circulation, the entire ritual achieves the cultivation goals of purifying body-mind and returning to primordial origins.

This scripture elucidates the core principles of "refinement and deliverance" (liandu) in Daoist practice—the ritual for liberating departed souls and facilitating their rebirth. Here, "corporeal soul" (poling) refers to the yin energy within the human body, while "Central Yellow Primordial Qi" (zhonghuang zhengqi) represents the purest innate energy within us.

The creative processes of heaven and earth follow the principle of water and fire complementing each other (yin-yang balance), and only when the Five Phases (wuxing: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth) are complete can a full life be formed. Departed souls can be transformed into immortal bodies through cultivation, a process governed by the yin-yang law of "Heaven One, Earth Two" (tian yi di er)—where Heaven is the yang number one, and Earth is the yin number two. When "Heaven Three, Earth Four" (tian san di si) is reached—three being the peak of yang and four the height of yin—spirit (shen) and vital energy (qi) merge, the energies of Metal and Wood resonate, and the hun (ethereal soul) and po (corporeal soul) naturally return to their proper places.

"Heaven Five, Earth Ten" (tian wu di shi) represents the Earth Phase (central direction) governing the four seasons. When the Five Phases are complete, departed souls can attain rebirth through cultivation. Yang ascends while yin descends, each returning to its rightful position, and rebirth is recorded in the registers of the Southern Chang Palace (Nanchang Gong, the Daoist hall overseeing deliverance). The Great Deity of Life Supervision from the Nine Heavens mobilizes the myriad spirits to their proper stations—a process that must strictly follow the decrees of the Lingbao Duren Jing (Scripture of Salvation).

The silent incantation states: By the decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity of Daoism), departed souls gain new life through the interaction of sun and moon and the harmony of yin and yang. Metal bestows heroic qi, Wood confers spiritual nature, Water forms subtle substance, Fire shapes consciousness, and Earth molds the physical form—ultimately resulting in rebirth as pure as an infant. The five viscera (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys) become distinct within the Primordial Chaos Qi (hunyuan zhi qi), aligning with the Dao (Dao) and communicating with the divine. This transformation must be completed swiftly.

The ritual master concludes: At this stage of cultivation, one must dissolve the tangible forms of water and fire and return to the pure, natural essence to achieve true rebirth. This process requires gathering primordial qi (yuanqi) and recalling the spiritual nature (lingxing), and must be performed strictly in sequence without deviation.

(This passage is from the 40th volume of Lingbao Yujian, a core text in Daoist zhaijiao rituals for refining and delivering souls. It integrates yin-yang and Five Phases theory with the principles of internal alchemy (neidan).)