《金鎖流珠引》Vol. 26

This passage elucidates the essential techniques of the "Examination and Summons Method" (Kaozhao fa), an exorcistic ritual in Daoism, along with the practice of "Pacing the Dipper" (Budou) magic. The Supreme Elder Lord (Taishang Laojun, one of the highest deities in Daoism) instructed the Perfected Being of Limitlessness, Dingguang (a transcendent immortal surnamed Zhen with the given name Dingguang, traditionally said to have attained Dao during the Qin dynasty), that to master the art of Pacing the Dipper, one must first comprehend the Examination and Summons Method. Only then can practitioners save sentient beings in the mundane world, accumulate merit (De), and ultimately achieve the path of Perfected Being (Zhenren).

To become a qualified master of the Examination and Summons Method, one must first visualize in the mind the "Five Virtue Generals" (Wude jiangjun)—the four directional deities (Green Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise) along with the central Yellow Court deity. When the Elder Lord initially transmitted this method, it involved the Three Primes Generals (Sanyuan jiangjun), but it later evolved into the Five Virtues system. The scripture also mentions other divine hierarchies such as the "Six Jia" (Liujia, referring to the Six Ding and Six Jia celestial generals) and the "Six Cycles and Twelve Divine Officials" (Liuji shi'er shenguan). These deities must be visualized and summoned through specific methods.

The concrete practice is as follows: The ritual master must traverse the human realm according to the scripture's instructions, prohibiting malevolent spirits and harmful entities that plague humanity. When encountering malicious specters, the master first interrogates and expels them following liturgical procedures (Keyi). If the evil spirits refuse to submit, the master then employs the "Pacing the Dipper" technique—a magical practice involving celestial footsteps (gangbu) that connects heaven and earth—to submit a memorial to the celestial court, requesting the extermination of the malign forces. After accomplishing the task, the master must issue an official document to the local earth shrine (shemiao, the temple of the earth god), restricting the evil spirits from causing trouble for a specified number of years (the duration determined by the master), and provide the victims with protective talismans (Fulu).

Before practicing the Pacing the Dipper method, one must first perform the "Earthly Cycle Steps" (Diji, the foundational footsteps of the Pacing the Dipper technique) three times in a purified chamber. Only then can the formal ritual commence. This content reflects the rigorous liturgical procedures (Keyi) and divine hierarchies within Daoist magical systems, showcasing the religion's practical approach to exorcism and salvation.

This passage explains a Daoist practice called "Yu Steps" (Yubu), a special walking method traditionally attributed to the Great Yu who used it while taming the floods, later becoming an important ritual technique in Daoist cultivation.

Practitioners must walk fifteen specific Yu Steps while wearing special robes and making precise hand gestures, directing their movements toward the intended destination—be it a sick person's home in a village or county, or for the practice of "ascension with one's dwelling" (a Daoist technique where an entire household rises to immortality). During practice, one visualizes a specific diagram called the "Diagram of Wind and Moon Immortals" (Fengyue Xiantu), which aids in celestial ascension or household elevation. A crucial detail is visualizing one's master walking ahead while following behind—never imagining oneself stepping ahead of the master.

The scripture advises sincere seekers to perform this meditation every ten days. Practitioners should envision themselves leading celestial soldiers to patrol the world, much like a general deploying troops. Specifically, one visualizes the Upper Origin General (Tang Jiangjun) and Middle Origin General (Ge Jiangjun) flanking as protectors, with the Vermilion Bird General (Zhuque Jiangjun) guiding at the center. Generals Zhou and the Five Virtues Generals (Wude Jiangjun) guard the rear, forming an airborne battle formation with the Dark Warrior Six Records Generals (Xuanwu Liuji Jiangjun). The entire procession moves with banners unfurled in magnificent splendor.

This cultivation method can eradicate malevolent spirits, safeguard the practitioner's vital Qi (vital energy), and help others dispel calamities while protecting homes and nations. During military conflicts, the practitioner's spiritual power can make both armies withdraw. Regular practice accumulates hidden virtue (Yinde), and when merit reaches perfection, one may ascend to immortality. These profound methods must remain secret, never to be casually transmitted to unworthy recipients.

The passage concludes by explaining why the Golden Register Diagram (Jinlu Tu) depicts only the Five Virtues Generals without the Three Origin Generals (Sanyuan Jiangjun): the former handle external actions while the latter guard the body internally. These methods, transmitted by the Celestial Master (Tianshi) to later sage-kings, initially manifest modest power—primarily for self-protection against evil spirits. The Three Origin Gods (Sanyuan Shen) protect the body's three Dantian (energy centers): upper, middle, and lower. The Five Phases (Wuxing) power rescues others, the Three Origin Gods shield the body, and the Six Jia Generals (Liujia Jiangjiang) capture ghosts.

This passage describes a Daoist ritual technique called "Golden Lock and Flowing Pearl" (Jinsuo Liuzhu), primarily used for exorcism, healing, and disaster relief. It mentions how the Big Dipper (a crucial constellation deity in Daoism) and the Six Jia Generals (six guardian deities) dispatch celestial troops to patrol the human realm.

The specific method involves: When performing the ritual, the priest (the officiating Daoist) is guided by Jade Maidens and Noble Consorts (female celestial officials in Daoism). This technique has broad applications—it can heal illnesses of emperors and nobles, relieve wartime calamities, repel bandits and wild beasts, eliminate plagues and diseases, dispel malicious hauntings, and even resolve conflicts between Daoists caused by clashing magical practices. It can also address injustices such as government persecution or false accusations.

Laojun (i.e., Lord Lao, one of Daoism’s highest deities) states that to resolve these disasters, the priest must daily engage in visualization (meditation) to inspect the afflicted person’s home. The steps are as follows: First, enter a purified chamber (a ritually clean room), tread the Earthly Ruler steps (a specific footwork pattern) three times, then perform the Yu Steps (legendary steps used by Yu the Great to control floods)—three steps forming nine traces. Next, exhale purple clouds to first envelop oneself, then cover the afflicted person’s house and body. Following this, form the Left Overseer Hand Seal and Right Overseer Hand Seal (two mudras), then combine them with the Wandering Master Seal and Three Masters Seal (additional mudras), and finally don the Seven Stars Robe (a garment embroidered with the Big Dipper).

The scripture particularly emphasizes that this technique is profoundly subtle and must not be used or taught carelessly—utmost caution is required. When performed correctly, all disasters can be swiftly resolved, as all things respond to this divine power.

This scripture primarily expounds on the ritual techniques and cultivation principles of Daoist "Summoning and Judgment Masters" (exorcists with the power to interrogate spirits), particularly focusing on the "Earth Matrix Incantation."

The text first describes the ritual gestures: With hand extended toward the Yao Star (one of the seven stars of the Northern Dipper), point three times while reciting the Earth Matrix Incantation five times. The Later Sage (a revered Daoist deity) transmitted this oral formula to the Celestial Master (Zhang Daoling), instructing that for major affairs, one must recite the full incantation nineteen times—this ensures all petitions will be fulfilled. The triple pointing gesture instantly dispels misfortunes while granting requests, without causing harm to oneself or others.

The complete Earth Matrix Incantation follows: It declares the Supreme Elder Lord (Laozi) transmitted this teaching, with the Celestial Master personally commanding celestial troops to patrol the ten directions. The incantation possesses formidable power to distinguish good from evil—the left hand's three fingers dissolve calamities while the right hand's four fingers subdue demons. It emphasizes strict adherence to Daoist law: the guilty receive no leniency, while the innocent attain peace. The spell concludes with "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" (a standard Daoist incantation finale).

Post-recitation requires visualization practices. The text mentions three accompanying contemplative images: First, the "Pacing the Dipper with Robe-Flowing Fist Technique Diagram"; second, the "Three-Five Three Primes Generals with Robe Attire Diagram" (visualizing three protector deities); third, the "Upper-Middle-Lower Three Primes Unified Diagram." These are recorded in Chapter Three of the upper scroll of Flowing Pearls.

Finally, the Elder Lord elucidates the cultivation essence for Summoning Masters: Roaming the world to deliver beings while maintaining impartial compassion, serving nation and people to accumulate merit. The text cites the ancient Human Sovereign (an ideal sage-king) who practiced goodness for fourteen years, secretly aiding the oppressed until his perfected virtue enabled celestial ascension. Practitioners must constantly nurture this salvific intent to rectify worldly injustices.

This scripture recounts two stories that demonstrate the miraculous efficacy of the Daoist "Golden Lock and Flowing Pearl" (Jinsuo Liuzhu) cultivation method.

The first story tells of many practitioners who, after diligent cultivation, were enlightened by the Human Sovereign (a revered Daoist deity) in their dreams. Upon awakening, they recognized their own transgressions. These individuals mutually reproached themselves for their faults, and after countless reflections, they finally achieved complete virtue and merit. The Great Supreme Elder Lord (Taishang Laojun) bestowed upon them longevity, with the Human Sovereign attaining a lifespan of eighteen thousand years before finally ascending to the Mysterious Mound Immortal Palace.

The second story concerns the famous Han dynasty Daoist master Luan Ba. Skilled in "thought retention" (a form of visualization practice), he traveled the world aiding the people and subduing ghosts and spirits. For decades, people remembered his kindness and erected temples in his honor. When a sudden disaster struck a certain region, the locals made offerings to Luan Ba, and the calamity naturally dissipated. This was not due to Luan Ba manifesting in person, but rather because his long-term cultivation of this method instilled awe in ghosts and spirits, allowing them to foresee and withdraw before harm occurred.

Laozi (Laojun) once descended in Shu Commandery and revealed to Luan Ba that this cultivation method possessed seven great powers: first, it could save people and accumulate merit; second, it could make ghosts and spirits revere the practitioner; third, it could lead to swift immortality; fourth, it granted invulnerability to blades and spears; fifth, it allowed one to enter fire and water unharmed and avoid plagues; sixth, it could dispel slander, disputes, and legal misfortunes; and seventh, it could subdue all venomous snakes and fierce beasts, preventing them from harming people.

The scripture concludes by detailing the rules for practicing the "Summoning and Examination Method" (a ritual for invoking spirits): one must first study the Original Scripture Register (i.e., the Golden Lock and Flowing Pearl) under a qualified master for three years, mastering its sacred diagrams (including images of deities such as the Three Primes Generals, Five Phases Generals, and the Six Jia and Seven Stars Jade Maidens). These diagrams are fully depicted in the "All-Encompassing Chart," which features a complete pantheon of celestial beings—the sun and moon, the Three Primes and Five Phases, the Six Jia, Seven Stars, Eight Trigrams, Nine Palaces, Thunder Deities, Rain Masters, and Wind Lords. Those who have not completed the three-year training are strictly forbidden from accessing this text, as it is a celestial scripture condensed from the primordial Qi of heaven and earth, later adapted into human-readable form by realized beings. From the Zhou and Qin dynasties to the Han, many have attained immortality, repelled poisons, subdued demons, and propagated the Dao through this method.

This passage recounts the secret transmission history of the methods recorded in the Jinsuo Liuzhu Yin (Golden Lock and Flowing Pearls Guide) and the miraculous powers of the celestial patrol techniques.

Originally, these methods were concealed by immortals due to conflicts among practitioners. It wasn't until the early Jin dynasty, seven hundred years later, that two immortals—Zuoci (from Jiangdong) and Xu Xun (originally from Qin territory, later residing in Jingyang County, Shu)—reintroduced them in the Jiangxi regions of Hongzhou and Jizhou. They trained ten disciples, all of whom attained immortality. These disciples employed the celestial patrol methods to aid the world and save lives, eventually ascending to immortality one by one. However, the methods were lost again for another century until the early Southern Qi dynasty, when figures like Ge Xuan and Zheng Siyuan partially revived the transmission. Unfortunately, later practitioners failed to meet the cultivation requirements, causing the immortal lineage to break.

The Supreme Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun) once revealed to Master Yin Xi: "With sincere cultivation of the patrol method, one can attain omniscience—communicating with celestial realms above, the underworld below, and the human world in between, even conversing with divine beings." These techniques could exorcise ghosts and save lives with unfailing efficacy. In ancient times, Guangchengzi transmitted this method to the Yellow Emperor, who after nine years of cultivation could subdue ghosts and deities, even harnessing oxen and horses. The text also recounts anecdotes like Lady Fan encountering an immortal in her dream and Perfected Lord Wang Fangping paying homage to myriad deities, illustrating how practitioners at different levels employ the patrol method: Celestial Masters (Tianshi) patrol with celestial music, Perfected Ones (Zhenren) patrol to deliver sentient beings, the Supreme Lord Lao is greeted by myriad emperors when patrolling, and the Later Sage receives homage from all celestial realms when he patrols.

The latter section details the visualization method for invoking the Six Star Lords of Longevity in the "Summoning and Investigation" ritual: these six star lords are actually the six stars of the Southern Dipper. During practice, one visualizes them flying from east to west. Next, one visualizes twelve Perfected Ones flying from west to east, at which point the ritual master turns southward to observe left and right. One must further visualize deities like the Left Director of Fate and Right Recorder of Merits descending astride flying dragons and phoenixes, accompanied by immortal youths and jade maidens. This section provides concrete descriptions of the visualization protocols in Daoist Shen (spirit) cultivation rituals.

This passage describes an exorcism and healing ritual from the Daoist scripture Jinsuo Liuzhu Yin (Golden Lock and Flowing Pearl Guide). The method involves hanging ten spirit banners above the patient's bed and scattering fragrant flowers to cover the entire body, particularly the joints. Simultaneously, the Ritual Master petitions the Director of Destinies (Siming, the deity governing life and death) to examine the patient's life register. The Three Generals (Daoist guardian deities of households), the Kitchen God, the Well God, and deceased ancestors are all summoned and interrogated to trace the source of the illness.

The practitioner visualizes transforming into Laozi (Taishang Laojun, the supreme Daoist deity) seated majestically upon a thousand-petaled lotus throne. With stern authority, he demands why the Three Guardian Generals allowed malevolent spirits to infiltrate an upright household. Immediate recall of the patient's scattered hun and po souls is commanded, while the Director of Destinies, household deities, local earth gods, and mountain/water spirits are all questioned to identify which jurisdiction harbors the offending entities. The patient's lifespan document is then inspected, with a strict deadline set for recovery.

This ritual requires drafting official petitions (die) addressed to the household deities, Three Guardian Generals, Well God, Kitchen God, and myriad local temple deities. These "talismanic proclamations" (fuxi) function as ancient spirit-writings (analogous to modern official notices), containing stern warnings commanding ghosts to retreat in fear. Should the entities remain defiant, local temple gods are ordered to collaborate with the Three Generals, Door Gods, Well God, and Kitchen God to jointly capture and execute them using combined talismanic and incantatory power. Typically within 14 or 21 days, the patient achieves full recovery.

The Later Sage Sovereign (Housheng Jun) reveals to Celestial Master Zhang Daoling: Human life (xing, physical existence) and official fortune (ming, social standing) are governed by the mutual generation and restraint of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). Ghostly disturbances manifest when these phases conflict destructively. By anticipating such imbalances through Five Phase calculations and applying appropriate countermeasures, immediate resolution can be achieved. For persistently rebellious spirits, practitioners must employ the Treading the Earth Grid method (a Yu-step ritual technique) while harnessing the power of the Northern Dipper (Beidou) constellation to enforce submission.

This scripture describes Daoist methods for dispelling malevolent influences and healing illnesses. Practitioners must select the six Jia days (specifically Jiazi, Jiaxu, etc.) and follow precise ritual steps: first stamping the Earthly Sequence three times, then performing Yu Steps (a special three-step pattern forming nine footprints). This must be accompanied by specific ritual attire and visualization of the Two Luminaries (sun and moon), the Three Originals (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials), and the seasonal deities (Azure Dragon governing spring, Vermilion Bird summer, White Tiger autumn, Black Tortoise winter).

The Five Phases here refer to these four seasonal deities plus the Yellow Court General, making five divine manifestations. The text explains how the Five Phases manifest across different realms: as the Five Planets in heaven, the Five Forms on earth, and the Five Virtues (titles conferred by Lord Laozi) in humans. The Six Jia represent the day's presiding deities and the Jade Maiden rulers, while the Seven Stars signify the Big Dipper, the Eight Trigrams the cardinal directions, and the Nine Palaces (including the central palace) symbolize the Nine Provinces and the era of human sovereigns.

Practitioners must further combine these practices with visualizations of thunder and lightning (detailed methods are recorded in the Hanging Nation diagram) and hand seals like the Six Stars of Life Master. After six years of such cultivation, one gains the ability to heal oneself, family members, and even strangers—even reviving the dead. At this stage, the Six Lords of the Southern Dipper, the Director of Fate, and the Keeper of Records will manifest to converse with the practitioner, elevating them to the Upper Clarity realm in recognition of their merit in healing.

Lord Laozi reveals to the Celestial Emperor nine merits from this practice: first, dispelling one's own misfortunes and illnesses; second, healing family members; third, curing rulers and ministers. Among these, the supreme merit lies in healing the Son of Heaven himself.

This scripture describes a Daoist ritual procedure for healing illnesses and dispelling calamities, primarily involving the summoning of various divine generals and stellar deities to assist in the process.

The practitioner must first visualize (cunsi) the three Upper Origin Generals in sequence: the Upper Tang General, Middle Li General, and Lower Xu General. Next come the three Middle Origin Generals: the Upper Tang General (this Tang General, named Tang Hong, is distinct from his Upper Origin counterpart - a divine commander who attained the Dao during the era of the Ancient Celestial Sovereign, standing ninety million zhang tall), Middle Ge General (who attained the Dao during King Mu of Zhou's reign), and Lower Zhou General (also a minister from King Mu's time). Finally, the three Lower Origin Generals: Li, Huang, and Wang (who attained the Dao during the Warring States period, with General Li named Li Lizhi from Kuaiji Mountain, attaining the Dao during Qin Shi Huang's reign and appointed by Lord Lao to govern the Lower Origin).

The visualization continues with the Six Longevity Star Lords (stellar deities governing lifespan), the Twelve Southern Dipper Perfected Beings, the Nine Northern Dipper Star Lords, along with five other deities: the Lord of Fate, Lord of Records, Keeper of Registers, and Guardian of Calculations. Simultaneously, one must summon the Southern Dipper Life-Registering Official (responsible for recording births and deaths) and the Northern Dipper Death-Dispatching Official (overseeing mortality), all descending with their entourages of thousands of officers and soldiers.

The ritual must be performed in a specially prepared altar space: the ground covered with yellow earth, arranged with thirty-four seating positions (seven each in the east, south, west and north; eight central positions representing the Bagua (Eight Trigrams); two each for the Sun Palace and Moon Palace; the remaining nine for seven generations of ancestors - totaling forty-nine positions). These seats require blue dew mats and cushions, with all arrangements conforming to ritual specifications.

Finally, through specific sacrificial documents (memorial texts) and focused visualization of the Six Longevity Star Lords along with the Lords of Fate and Records, the healing ceremony proceeds according to established liturgy. The scripture particularly notes that when treating feudal lords or high officials, one must first summon the Middle Li General of Upper Origin, Middle Ge General of Middle Origin, and Middle Huang General of Lower Origin.

This passage describes Daoist cultivation methods involving cunsi (visualization meditation) and incantations for healing, prolonging life, and attaining supernatural abilities.

Healing is divided into three hierarchical levels: The highest level involves summoning the Six Star Lords of Longevity (deities governing lifespan), the Lord of Fate (Siming Jun, who oversees life and death), and the Lord of Records (Silu Jun, who documents good and evil deeds). The middle level calls upon county-level officials, while common practitioners must first visualize Generals Xu (from the Upper Primordial Ding Division), Zhou (from the Middle Primordial Lower Division), and Wang (from the Lower Primordial Lower Division) before inviting the Six Star Lords of Longevity. The text claims all diseases can be cured by following these three-tiered protocols, with corresponding incantations recorded in the Scripture of Miscellaneous Talismans from Three Divisions (Sanbu Za Fu).

Five extraordinary abilities are detailed: The fourth enables battlefield invisibility for self-preservation. The fifth allows entering water to capture flood dragons and aquatic creatures through specific methods—stepping on the Earthly Net seven times and treading the Celestial Guideline seven times (beginners perform physical steps while advanced practitioners achieve this through visualization alone), combined with Yu Steps (a ritual walking pattern) and the Six Wu Hand Seal (Liuyu Jue) to command water deities. The sixth grants immunity to poisonous snakes and wild beasts in mountains, and protection from fire. The seventh involves frequent visualization of the Six Star Lords of Longevity from the Southern Dipper on one's birth stem-branch day (benming ri), which can lead to attaining middle-grade immortality (zhongxian) and deathless longevity.

The text cites practitioner Zhao Rui who, after fourteen years of training, could walk on water effortlessly through visualization and hand seals alone. These methods emphasize the primacy of mental concentration—at advanced stages, physical movements become unnecessary as visualization alone produces effects.

As depicted in the illustrated method (detailed diagrams are recorded in the middle volume of Jinsuo Liuzhu), one must first tread specific step patterns—known as "Flying Gang Steps" (comprising Earth Gang Steps, Heaven Gang Steps, etc.). Next, proceed with scattered steps, coordinating specific robe gestures while reciting nineteen incantations. Upon completion, form the "Siming Jun Hand Seal" (this mudra is documented in the later volume of Jinsuo Liuzhu and also mentioned in the middle scroll), then finish reciting the remaining nineteen incantations to conclude the practice.

Persisting in this cultivation for four years will enable one to become an Earth Immortal (referring to a transcendent who attains longevity in the human realm). By the eighth year, one may achieve the status of a Great Immortal (Great Immortals are divided into Celestial Immortals and Earth Immortals, dwelling either in heavenly realms or secluded in sacred mountains). With prolonged practice, one may ultimately attain the rank of a Supreme True Immortal (Shangzhen, an exalted title for high-ranking celestial officials in the Supreme Purity's Taiji Palace, such as the ancient perfected beings like Guangchengzi who achieved this attainment).

The "Clothing the Dipper" mentioned here refers to the Big Dipper (actually comprising nine stars, with two hidden stars invisible to ordinary people, hence commonly called the Seven Star Lords). "Contemplating the Dipper" refers to the Southern Dipper (comprising eight stars, with two hidden stars not manifesting, thus popularly known as the Six Star Lords of the Southern Dipper). These stars each have distinct duties: the Longevity Lord and the Siming Jun govern lifespan, while the other star lords oversee recording merits and faults, calculating destiny, and determining life, death, and spiritual ascension. Those who truly master this stellar cultivation method can attain the achievement of immortality.

The key lies in focused mind and unwavering perseverance in practice, ultimately enabling ascension to become a Celestial Immortal. This passage is derived from the twenty-eighth volume of Jinsuo Liuzhu Yin, documenting the concrete method of achieving immortality through Gang-step walking and contemplation of the star lords.