《靈寶玉鑑》Vol. 9

The "Divine Tiger Pursuit and Summoning Method" recorded in the ninth and first volumes of the Lingbao Jade Mirror describes an advanced esoteric practice system within Daoism.

This method of Divine Tiger Pursuit and Summoning can traverse the boundaries of Yin and Yang, capable of both summoning departed souls and capturing living spirits, representing the most profound aspect of Lingbao ritual practices. It operates through the movement of Yin and Yang energies (left as masculine, right as feminine), harmonizing with the power of the Northern Dipper (Big Dipper) to balance the primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth. Practitioners must circulate true Qi within the body, merging the three luminaries (sun, moon, and stars) through the cultivation method of "knowing the white yet guarding the black," ultimately forming golden light and jade talismans (Daoist Fulu) that manifest the Divine Tiger's sacred form.

The foundation of this method lies in the practitioner's ability to concentrate the spirit and calm the Qi, uniting with the primordial Qi at the Mysterious Pass (Dantian). At advanced stages, one can not only control souls and restrain spirits but also harmonize the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and circulate the transformations of all things. However, to set up the Divine Tiger ritual altar, one must follow the liturgical procedures of the "Five Sections of the Spread and Descent" to suppress the five directions, using the "Diagram of the Great Floating Li Earth" as the core. Without these preparations, the divine spirits will not respond.

Specific practices include reciting the "Three Chapters of the Demon King" incantation and burning the "Red Script Jade Characters and Eight Mighty Dragon Patterns" talismans. These sacred texts originate from the secret methods transmitted by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun), capable of summoning even celestial deities upon invocation. The key to mastering the highest Lingbao practices lies in refining Qi and preserving the Shen (spirit), ultimately achieving resonance with the Dharma-body of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. Without understanding this principle, efforts will be in vain and may even invite retribution from the underworld.

During the actual practice, one must knock the teeth twelve times, inhale twelve breaths of the primordial Hunyuan Qi, and hold the breath briefly. Visualize purple clouds descending from the Heavenly Gate, pouring into the crown of the head, while green, yellow, and white true Qi rises from the Central Palace (Middle Dantian) to merge with the purple clouds, imagining oneself transforming into the Dharma-body of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. Then, visualize the Celestial Worthy of Universal Salvation (Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun) descending, inhale the green-mysterious Qi to blend with the primordial Qi, and visualize it transforming into radiant light of a hundred treasures.

This scripture describes the complete ritual procedure of "Summoning the Generals" (Zhaojiang) as practiced by the Lingbao school (one of Daoism's major traditions). The ritual master invokes the assistance of Divine Tiger Officials (Daoist guardian generals) through specific footwork, hand seals (shoujue), and incantations.

At the ritual's commencement, purple clouds manifest above the master's head, while celestial attendants holding talismanic scepters and youthful acolytes appear in the surroundings. The procedure unfolds as follows: First, the master snaps their fingers to circulate Qi (vital energy), lightly taps their teeth (a sound-producing technique), and steps through the twelve-pace Gangbu (a ritual walking pattern). Facing north, they form a specialized hand seal (crossing the little and ring fingers while pressing the thumb against the middle finger) and recite the mantra: "Om, She Lu Qi Rong Zha Lu She."

The full summoning sequence then begins: The altar must first be purified, followed by the "Transformation into Divinity" (Bianshen) rite, where the master temporarily embodies a deity. The incantations invoke multiple celestial beings, including Tianyi Beizuo and Taiyi Ziyuan, petitioning them to "follow the flow of Qi" and swiftly come to assist.

The master forms the "Dipper Seal" hand gesture, assumes the sword-command posture at the waist, and visualizes their transformation into the Azure Mysterious Jade Visage (a divine Daoist form). The formal summoning then commences. While stepping through the "Divine Tiger Gang" pattern, three successive incantations are recited:

The first chant employs terms like "Golden Gate's Vast Radiance," emphasizing the harmonization of Yin-Yang to summon the Divine Tiger Officials. The second, "Jade Missive of the Mysterious Heaven," calls upon the Tiger Talisman Attendants (subordinates of the Divine Tiger Officials) to mediate between Yin and Yang. The third, "Great Demons of the Upper Numen," adopts a more commanding tone, demanding the generals' immediate presence.

Finally, the scripture details the "Divine Tiger Seal" technique: The left hand forms a specific gesture while the right hand points downward, drawing Qi from behind the elbow to command wind and thunder. Through meticulous steps and precise incantations, the ritual achieves its purpose of divine communication.

This passage describes the specific ritual procedures of the Daoist "Divine Tiger Soul Retrieval" ceremony. The "Divine Tiger" refers to a system of spirit generals in Daoism responsible for summoning departed souls, comprising the Divine Tiger Officials, Seven Jade Maidens, and Soul-Summoning Messengers.

At the ceremony's commencement, the ritual master inscribes talismanic writings (yuzha) on a fan surface, then performs specific Gang steps (forward Gang) while rhythmically waving the ritual fan. This is followed by chanting the "General Summons to the Divine Tiger Incantation," which sequentially invokes the spiritual powers of the Mysterious Heaven Jade Slips and Divine Tiger Talismanic Patterns, commanding various tiers of Divine Tiger generals (such as the Great Sage of Divine Tigers and Soul-Summoning Messengers) to swiftly descend to the ritual assembly.

The scripture details the Divine Tiger system's distribution: the Divine Tiger Officials reside below the left and right eyes (male on the left, female on the right), summoning messengers through nasal breath; the Seven Jade Maidens are distributed among the body's seven orifices; while spirit generals dwell at the Changxi acupoints near the kidneys. The ritual master must circulate internal spiritual Qi (seven rotations of the spiritual root) and visualize the Divine Tiger Officials arrayed solemnly before them to effectively command these spirit generals.

Specific techniques include: thirteen backward steps (a special footwork pattern), forming the Divine Tiger Soul-Lifting Mudra with both hands, and deploying Hua Gai spiritual energy. Through internal Qi connection, departed souls will follow this energy flow. The master visualizes the soul-summoning banner manifesting the deceased's likeness during their lifetime, using water-spitting and other techniques to establish yin-yang communion.

The passage emphasizes that the key to "Commanding the Divine Tiger" lies in activating heart-lung Qi to create phenomena of dark winds and mysterious mists. When mental focus and physical form harmonize, the spirit generals will respond immediately. Whether issuing jade slips, establishing the Divine Tiger altar, or summoning departed souls, all must follow this prescribed method.

This scripture records the cultivation methods and talismanic incantations from the Daoist "Inner Classic of the Seven Perfected Divine Tigers," primarily used for soul salvation and karmic resolution. The content is divided into several sections:

First is the incantation for summoning deities. Through sevenfold recitation, ten thousand deities descend, with the Five Sacred Peaks' mountain spirits coming to receive them. The Azure Dragon (Qinglong) guards the left, while the Vermilion Bird (Zhuque) arises from the underworld, as the Three Palaces (upper, middle, and lower Dantian) summon wandering souls. The White Tiger (Baihu) supports from the right, and the Dark Warrior (Xuanwu) dissolves karmic entanglements. This process elevates souls submerged in the Nine Springs of the underworld, registers them in the immortal records of Shangqing (Highest Clarity) realm, resolves grievances and retributions, clears accumulated sins across lifetimes, and liberates karmic knots formed over seven generations, preventing further loss of vital essence (Jing) and blood. The deceased souls thus return to their original purity, preparing for rebirth, with numerous deities safeguarding this sacred process.

Known alternatively as the "Soul-Absolving Capital Incantation," its sevenfold recitation resolves karmic debts and guides souls to rebirth. Practitioners must accompany the chant with specific hand seals (Yin-Yang Dipper Seal) to summon the Divine Tiger officers before issuing soul-summoning documents.

Next follows the explanation of the "Great Chariot Overseer Talisman," formed through the combined decree of the Three Pure Ones (Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing) and the mysterious Qi of the Central Dipper's Great Chariot, merging with solar and lunar essences to govern all spirits. Its primordial Qi resonates with infinite transformations, endlessly circulating souls while purifying stellar energies for ascension.

The commanding incantation states: "By the power of Three Lights (sun, moon, stars) and water-fire alchemy, through the dragon-script jade characters of the Divine Tiger's true name, we command souls to return, reviving divine spirits. The purple mysterious essence (primordial Qi) dissolves impurities, clarifying the spiritual consciousness." The phrase "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes" intensifies its efficacy.

The "Peerless Emperor Incantation" declares: "In the celestial blue expanse reside the Jia-Ding spirits (heavenly stem deities), through primordial inhalation the eastern vault holds hidden treasures (primordial Qi). The Celestial Emperor's mysterious traces form heavenly scriptures - today's drawn talisman becomes my vessel to heaven." The talisman must be drawn facing southeast, guiding Qi through the brushstroke.

Finally, two Shangqing (Highest Clarity) talismans:

The "Male Left Great Power Talisman" is governed by the Soul-Summoning Officer, overseeing the three Hun and seven Po souls, with Chief Registrar named He. Its incantation: "Covering Heavenly Qi (Mount Tai), swiftly shaking myriad spirits, at the talisman's descent, ghosts depart their camps. Covering and descending truth, formed by genuine Qi."

The "Female Right Martial Phoenix Talisman" is controlled by the Soul-Capturing Officer, capable of reversing life-death mysteries, with Chief Registrar named Qiao. Its incantation: "Northern Emperor's awesome power, Heavenly Qi resounds, Divine Tiger manifests amidst swirling cosmic patterns."

These talismans and incantations are primarily used in salvation rituals (Keyi) for summoning souls and resolving karmic knots, requiring specific hand seals, breathing techniques, and directional orientations for proper implementation.

This scripture records several Daoist talismans (fulu) and descriptions of soul-retrieving emissaries. The main contents include:

The "Divine Tiger Flying Talisman" is a type of charm under the command of the Northern Emperor (a revered Daoist deity), specifically used for summoning departed souls. The term "Tianqi" mentioned in the talismanic text is another title for the Northern Emperor, while "Jade Official Mysterious Elder" refers to the divine officer tasked with soul retrieval.

The text then describes two types of soul-summoning talismans: the first is executed by the "Jade Spirit Elder of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing)" and the "Golden Tiger Jade Slip," while the second is carried out by the "Jade Slip of the Three Sovereigns" and the "Chief Officer of the Dipper Bureau." Both talismans come with specific incantations, generally stating that these deities are commanded to break through the underworld and retrieve lost souls.

The scripture also provides detailed depictions of two ancient sage-kings: one with a beard, the other handsome in appearance, both wearing light red court robes, red shoes, carrying swords, and holding record books.

Finally, it meticulously records the appearances and duties of three tiers of soul-retrieving emissaries:

• The upper-tier emissary Hou [surname], responsible for harmonizing heaven-earth and yin-yang
• The middle-tier emissary Wei [surname], overseeing the gates of life and death
• The lower-tier emissary Zhang [surname], specializing in gathering dispersed souls

All wear green embroidered robes, green boots, jade-green belts, and fish-tailed knives, differing only in the colors of their headscarves.

The conclusion mentions reciting the general incantation of the "Purple Primordial Lord of Great Unity (Taiyi Ziyuan Jun)" three times, to be used in conjunction with the "Divine Tiger Mudra" hand gesture and the cultivation method of "Primordial Qi (Zuqi)." These talismans and rituals are primarily employed in religious ceremonies for soul salvation and breaking through the darkness of the underworld.

This scripture passage describes the talismanic rituals (Fulu) of the Lingbao tradition (one of Daoism's major schools), focusing on methods for summoning deities and exorcising illnesses.

The text begins by mentioning how the "Zhaoyao star" (one of the stars in the Big Dipper constellation) aligns with the arrival of the "jade document" (a Daoist ritual text), causing radiant energies from the ten directions (a Buddhist and Daoist concept referring to all spatial dimensions) to gather. The phrase "urgently, as by the law's command" (a common Daoist incantation) is used to signify immediate execution of the order.

It then describes the appearances of three divine envoys (Hou, Wei, and Zhang): dressed in yellow silk robes, holding a jade document in their left hand and a ritual mace (a ceremonial weapon) in their right, capable of riding clouds and mist. Originally, this ritual required fifteen participants, but here it is simplified to just three.

The scripture further details the talismanic invocations for the Upper, Middle, and Lower Primordial Jade Maidens (three goddesses governing heaven, earth, and water in Daoism). Each talisman includes:

1. An appeal for assistance from the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest Daoist deities) and the Big Dipper stars

2. The Northern Emperor (an important Daoist divinity) manifesting in ten directions to save sentient beings

3. The use of primordial true Qi (the foundational energy of Daoist cultivation) to illuminate the underworld and retrieve lost souls

4. Specific instructions for healing illnesses and dispelling evil influences

Each talisman has corresponding incantations, such as "When the Divine Tiger arrives, swift as lightning," emphasizing rapid execution. The text also mentions the "Stretching Tiger Jade Maiden Talisman," which similarly requires the aid of the Three Pure Ones and the Big Dipper.

These talismans were primarily used for healing, warding off epidemics, and recovering lost souls—reflecting Daoist religious practices that employ ritual texts to communicate with deities and assist humanity.

This scripture records the four Jade Maiden talismans (Fulu) used by the Lingbao tradition (one of Daoism's major schools) for redeeming lost souls and healing diseases. Each talisman follows a similar ritual structure and divine power source:

The text first describes the Northern Emperor (Beidi, a revered Daoist deity governing the underworld) manifesting across the ten directions to deliver beings, emphasizing how "primal true Qi" (the innate pure energy) can penetrate the underworld realms. It then details each talisman's specific functions: some cure stubborn illnesses and recall dispersed souls; others purify corrupt energies and regenerate flesh and bone; while certain talismans enable rebirth for the deceased and dissolve karmic obstructions of fetal spirits (unborn souls' karmic burdens).

Each talisman requires specific ritual activation: mandates must be transmitted through the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, Daoism's highest deities), coordinated with the power of the Big Dipper (sacred stellar deities), accompanied by seven recitations of true mantras, and inscribed with the Northern Star Lord's name in seven concentric circles. The incantations employ imperative phrases like "shall not linger" and "swiftly appear before this court," showcasing Daoist talismans' authoritative nature.

The mentioned "Divine Tiger Mandate" represents a key Daoist command for summoning celestial generals, while "Six Armor Jade Maidens" refer to protector deities. The closing phrase "urgently as the law commands" (a standard Daoist incantation finale) conveys the divine decree's immediate enforcement. These talismans primarily serve in rituals for soul redemption and disease healing, embodying Daoism's salvific function of aiding the world and delivering beings.

This scripture records the talismanic rituals and summoning ceremonies of the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) school, a major Daoist tradition. The content is divided into two main sections:

The first part concerns the talismans of the Seven True Jade Maidens (Qizhen Yunü), seven female Daoist immortals with names like Fuying and Panlan Dingshu. When inscribing these talismans, one must follow specific brushstroke techniques with seven rotations, using different talismans on yin days (even-numbered lunar dates) and yang days (odd-numbered). These maidens originate from the Lingbao Ancestral Qi (the primordial vital energy in Daoist cosmology) and require the Jade Purity Hand Seal (Yuqing Jue) for activation. The summoning incantations state that merely chanting these spells will immediately invoke the seven maidens, whose power can shake the Five Sacred Mountains and startle the Nine Netherworlds, illuminating the underworld to deliver departed souls. They are described wearing purple celestial robes with fishtail sleeves, phoenix crowns, vermilion shoes, and holding the Registers of Life and Death.

The second section details seven types of Messanger Officials (Gongcao), divine functionaries responsible for communication across different realms: the Way of Heaven, Earth, Immortals, Spirits, Humanity, and Ghosts. Each Gongcao talisman has corresponding summoning formulas following a similar structure: first invoking the Jade Emperor's (Yuhuang Shangdi) decree, then calling upon the Lingbao Ancestral Qi, before summoning specific Gongcao. For example, the Heavenly Way Gongcao talisman summons "Gao Tianzhen" to bring illumination; the Earth Way Gongcao calls "Ran Wenshen" to govern yin-yang transformations; the Immortal Way Gongcao invites "Suo ▲" to assist cultivation, etc. Each incantation emphasizes the official's function - like Ghost Way Gongcao "Zhai Shang" who specializes in managing spectral affairs.

Used in Daoist rituals for divine communication, yin-yang harmonization, and soul salvation, these talismans embody the Daoist cosmology of "resonance between heaven and humanity." Their inscription requires strict adherence to prescribed forms, combined with verbal incantations and hand seals for proper efficacy.

This scripture records Daoist talismans (Fulu) and rituals for summoning divine generals and retrieving souls. It contains several key talismanic inscriptions and their corresponding incantations:

The first is the "Ye Dao Gong Cao Fu" (Merit Official Talisman), used to summon the divine officials who record merits and faults (Gong Cao). The incantation invokes the "Jade Emperor" (Yuhuang Shangdi), the supreme deity in Daoism, and the "Primordial Qi of Lingbao" (Lingbao Zuqi), referring to the primordial vital energy. The spell commands the deities to descend swiftly and execute orders using "True Fire" (a cultivation term denoting pure Yang Qi).

The "Shen Hu Da Yuan Zhui Hun Da Jiangjun Fu" (Great Divine Tiger Primordial Soul-Retrieving General Talisman) summons a specialized general responsible for soul retrieval. The talisman's design embodies the harmonization of Yin-Yang principles: the left side represents Yang Qi for summoning souls, while the right side embodies Yin Qi for containing them. It calls upon the assistance of the "Six Ding and Six Jia" (Liuding Liujia, Daoist guardian generals), using the fusion of light and Qi to coalesce dispersed souls.

The "Jin Que Xuan Du Nei Tai Zhui Hun Zong She Fu" (Golden Tower Mystic Capital Inner Platform Soul-Retrieving Master Talisman) represents a more advanced soul-retrieving method. "Golden Tower Mystic Capital" refers to the celestial court, while the incantation names Tang Hong, Ge Yong, and Zhou Wu—three generals governing souls across the upper, middle, and lower realms. This talisman emphasizes the power of "True Light" (Zhenguang), believed capable of penetrating the Three Realms to retrieve souls.

The final incantations are urgent summons invoking cosmic principles. "Heaven's circle and Earth's square" (Tianyuan Difang) symbolizes universal order, while the "Three Heavens" (Santian) denote the celestial realms of Qingwei, Yuyu, and Dachi. The "Nu Qing Imperial Edict" (Nüqing Zhaoshu) represents the highest underworld decree. Syllables like "Om" (An) are esoteric Daoist mantras possessing special spiritual potency.

These talismans are primarily used in rituals for salvation of the deceased and healing illnesses, embodying the Daoist practice of communicating with celestial forces through Fulu and incantations. The standard closing phrase "urgently as the law commands" (Jiji rulüling) signifies immediate enforcement of divine will.

This passage describes a Daoist ritual document called the "Hunyuan Jade Tablet," specifically used for the salvation of deceased souls. The Mysterious Master (Daoist priest) explains that this jade tablet serves as a covenant between the Divine Tiger Generals of the highest Daoist heaven (Jade Pure Realm) and earthly priests, containing the arcane methods of the Three Sovereigns (Fuxi, Shennong, and the Yellow Emperor) for summoning deities. It possesses the transformative power to revive the dead.

The specific procedure involves crafting the document on white silk or paper, measuring either three chi six cun or seven chi in length and one chi two cun in height. The front is inscribed with vermilion ink detailing the tablet's contents, while the back bears the petition in black ink. The deceased's name and circumstances of death should be written below their corresponding astral position—for multiple names, only the first is written followed by "et al." The document is lined with yellow silk, housed in a blue silk case, with vermilion characters on the cover and sealed with the "Supervisor of All Spirits Seal."

Usage requires coordinating with the true form diagrams of the Three Messengers (divine envoys) and official dispatches, to be burned in flames. This Jade Tablet is reserved for large-scale salvation rituals and must not be used casually.

When inscribing, the priest must burn incense while facing east, praying to the Great Dao and invoking the Mysterious Dark Lady (goddess of the underworld). The priest forms the "Divine Tiger Mudra" (left thumb pressing the second joints of the ring and little fingers), taps teeth nine times, summons the generals through specific methods, and silently recites esoteric incantations. During inscription, Qi from the northwest direction must be drawn in.

The method of concentrating the spirit (Cunshen) involves: sitting in stillness with a purified mind, visualizing the radiance of the Northern Dipper merging with one's primordial Qi, ascending to the Niwan Palace (upper Dantian) at the crown, where the "True Being of Original Nature" (primordial spirit) petitions the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. Upon receiving approval, imagine celestial officials opening a treasure case to retrieve the Hunyuan Jade Tablet for execution. Inhale deeply, visualizing the celestial tablet merging with the physical document. See the names of the Seven Perfected (high-ranking deities) glowing, illuminating the underworld as the Divine Tiger Generals assemble their troops to receive orders.

The passage concludes with the tablet's incantation: "By decree of the Mysterious Pivot Lord of the Northern Dipper, we dispatch the Left Soul-Summoning Officer to urgently summon the Six Jia Spirits (guardian deities of the day) to command the Hundred Joint Lords (deities governing the body). Holding the Jade Tablet's talismanic spell, we send pure Yang Qi to the underworld—all souls, virtuous or wicked, shall be judged clearly. Let starlight serve as the underworld's law; whether guilty or innocent, all spirits shall obey reverently, without favoritism. May the Dark Law Lady (goddess of souls) swiftly bring the spirits to the altar, returning them to their original truth. May the Lord of the Netherworld manifest swiftly." The note "(Yang day)" indicates this incantation is for use on odd-numbered days.

This passage documents the usage of a talismanic document called the "Jade Slip" (yuzha) from the Daoist scripture Lingbao Jade Mirror, primarily employed in rituals for the salvation of departed souls.

The opening incantations such as "He Qiao receives the mandate to urgently implement" are secret phrases for summoning deities, specifically calling upon the Six Ding Spirits (Daoist guardian generals) to retrieve the souls of the deceased. It mentions divine beings like the "Dark Mysterious Lady" (a goddess governing the underworld) and the "Divine Tiger Officials" (spiritual officers tasked with escorting souls), instructing them to act according to the directives of the Jade Slip.

The text elaborates on the precise requirements for crafting this talisman: it must be drawn on specific days (divided into yin and yang days) using the luminous Qi of the Big Dipper combined with Primordial Qi (the innate vital energy). The talisman must bear sacred invocations such as "Heavenly One, Northern Blessing Spirit, Supreme Unity Purple Radiance," and be stamped with the Celestial Seal (divine script) of the "Jade Slip of the Heavenly Emperor."

When used in the Yellow Register Retreat (a ritual for the salvation of souls), the Daoist priest must first petition the celestial court before employing this Jade Slip. The document must record the deceased's name, age, and other details, allowing the "Divine Tiger Officers" to escort the soul to the ritual space for salvation in accordance with divine law.

The concluding section provides the complete talismanic format: first, the Big Dipper constellation is drawn, followed by 41 celestial script characters, and finally, the proclamation text. The entire talisman must bear the seal inscription: "Heavenly One Northern Blessing, Supreme Unity Purple Radiance, Big Dipper Dark Mysterious, Primordial Chaos Jade Slip Spirit."

This passage reflects the complete Daoist ritual process for saving departed souls through talismanic practices, illustrating the religious belief that specific ceremonies can bridge the realms of yin (the underworld) and yang (the living world).

This is a soul-summoning talismanic decree (fulu) recorded in the Daoist scripture Lingbao Yujian, primarily used in rituals for the salvation of deceased souls. The "Divine Tiger" mentioned refers to a mythological beast in Daoist tradition responsible for retrieving wandering souls.

The decree essentially issues commands to the Three Realms (heaven, earth, and the underworld), the Ten Directions (the eight cardinal points plus above and below), and the various administrative offices of the underworld (such as the Northern Capital Luofeng and the Six Caverns and Ten Palaces of the netherworld). It demands that these underworld officials immediately release the soul of the deceased (named) and swiftly escort it beyond the jurisdiction of the underworld to the ritual altar, where it may pay homage to the Celestial Emperor and receive the grace of salvation. The phrase "The Divine Tiger acts upon this command, and all spirits heed its authority" underscores that this is a supreme directive conveyed through the Divine Tiger emissary.

The document follows a strict format: it begins by noting the year according to the Tai Sui calendar (a Daoist calendrical system) and the precise time, followed by the rank and surname of the presiding priest, and is then sealed with the official stamp of the "Supreme Primordial Divine Tiger Jade Edict." The end of the decree specifies the summoned soul (name of the deceased) and the destination (the ritual altar), repeating the sealing procedure.

Typically, three copies of this decree are prepared: one is burned to send it to the celestial court, one is buried to reach the underworld, and one is retained by the priest for meditation (cunsī, a practice of visualizing and communing with deities). The entire ritual embodies the Daoist cosmology of "resonance between heaven and humanity," asserting that specific ceremonial protocols can bridge the realms of yin and yang.