《太上老君說解釋咒詛經》

This scripture records the teachings of Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun, one of the Three Pure Ones/Sanqing in Daoism) to the Perfected Yin Xi (disciple of Laozi) during his celestial journey to the ancient Western Region kingdom of Tian.

Lord Lao said: In ancient times, people's hearts were pure and virtuous, but in these latter days, human nature has become deceitful. Instead of cultivating goodness, many commit evil deeds. Some even harness the power of malevolent spirits, using incantations to curse and harm others' lives.

The Perfected Yin Xi inquired: "Many innocent people now suffer from malicious curses, their souls in torment. Please reveal the method of deliverance."

Lord Lao instructed: "In antiquity, certain individuals frequented temples of wicked spirits to draw human figures and inscribe names, then trampled upon them or spat water while cursing—all cruel methods to harm others. Whether one casts curses personally or incites others to do so, the retribution will return to the perpetrator."

Methods of Deliverance:

1. Devotees afflicted by curses should bathe in fragrant water.

2. Establish a ritual space (Daoist ceremonial altar).

3. Invite Daoist priests well-versed in the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) scriptures to recite this sacred text.

4. Such meritorious deeds bring boundless virtue (De), and ailments will be healed.

Specific Ritual:

Summon the Five Emperors (guardian deities of the five directions), each commanding nine million celestial soldiers, to expel malignant forces from the eight directions and the center of heaven and earth. Recite the curse-breaking incantation:

"Heaven and earth stand upon nine pillars and beams; those who curse others shall reap their own harm. Spirits of the Six Jia and Six Yi, swiftly dissolve these curses! Spirits of the Six Bing and Six Ding, halt their power!" (The incantation enumerates twelve groups of divine generals—from Six Jia to Six Gui—each neutralizing a specific curse.)

Conclude with "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!" (a common Daoist ritual phrase commanding immediate execution). Additionally, invoke the protection of deities such as the Three and Five Generals (Daoist guardian spirits), Eight Wind Messengers (rulers of the eight winds), Nine Provinces' Earth Gods (local protectors), and the Eternal Generals (timeless guardians).

This scripture recounts how the Supreme Lao Jun (Taishang Laojun) transmitted methods for dispelling curses and malevolent sorcery:

When someone falls victim to hexes and curses, their hun and po souls (the "three hun and seven po" representing the complete human spiritual essence) scatter, causing madness and suffering as intense as having one's head split seven ways. Lao Jun declares that this Scripture for Resolving Curses can aid practitioners: if recited with sincere devotion, it can heal illnesses, avert disasters, strengthen the body, prolong life, resolve karmic entanglements with "creditor enemies" (past grievances and debts), and expel demonic disturbances (the "three corpse spirits" representing three destructive energies within the body), ultimately leading to Dao-realization.

Lao Jun recounts his own experience in verse: having attained the Dao in the Central Plains (the "Supreme Heaven" representing the highest spiritual achievement), he now travels to Tianzhu (ancient India) to deliver beings. Though ninety-six heterodox paths exist, all who practice with sincere faith and diligence will receive protection. Wherever this scripture is recited, people will enjoy longevity and health, guarded by a hundred spirits, with myriad illnesses cured and bodies fortified like metal and stone.

Lao Jun emphasizes: since ancient times, immortals and sages have used these methods to deliver beings, exorcising demons, neutralizing curses, transforming calamities into blessings. The assembled celestial beings joyfully received these teachings, bowing reverently before withdrawing.

(Note: "Five-Tone Curses" refers to malevolent spellcasting; "Northern Yin Prison" is a Daoist netherworld concept; "creditor enemies" denotes karmic debts from past and present lives.)