《雲笈七籤》Vol. 47

Incantation for Calming the Hun and Po (the souls; from the Scripture of the Northern Emperor)

“Emperor who marks the end of the Zhou; Chenliang, servant of affairs; Gouzhong E; blazing like smoke amid the heavens, rising in splendor like radiant light; the divine blade girds Wucheng; tranquil illumination swallows the blue; E, the Gate of Heaven, stands over the cinnabar well; the Cloud Gate rises in towering splendor; the Seven Fei open a wondrous canopy; Lianwan, too, spreads out to subdue demons; the Six Heavens stretch across the northern road—here is the dwelling of ghosts and spirits. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the laws and ordinances!”

Incantation for Dressing

Each morning, when you rise, click your teeth together, then recite this as you dress:

“On my left, the Azure Youth Xuanling; on my right, the Azure Youth Yuying: please place a crown upon my head, fasten my belt, and protect my body; support my physical form. Let every kind of evil presence flee, and drive away ghosts, monsters, and malevolent spirits. If anyone dares attack me, Heaven and Earth will destroy his bodily form. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the laws and ordinances!”

Incantation for Combing the Hair

Before combing your hair, click your teeth together three times and recite:

“Supreme Clarity’s Vermilion Bird, do not move rashly; do not leave my body, and do not let me suffer harm from evil. Six Ding and Seven Stars, make the demons scatter and disperse. If anyone dares obstruct me, the Northern Emperor will allow him no place to remain. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the laws and ordinances!”

After reciting, close your eyes and visualize the hair spirit Canghua, whose courtesy name is Taiyuan. It looks like an infant and is seated in your hair. Then let your hair down and comb it, preferably three hundred to five hundred strokes. The scripture, however, says to comb it one thousand five hundred times. When you have finished, coil your hair into a bun, clasp your hands firmly, and rest them on your knees. Close your eyes and softly recite:

“Dark Radiance of the Muddy Pellet Palace, preserve my Jing and Qi and let them endure. Let the left be the Hidden Moon, the right the Root of the Sun. Purify and refine Heaven, Earth, and the four directions; let all the spirits receive your grace. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the laws and ordinances!”

The Ritual Code for Serving the Dao in the Three Caverns says to wash your hands and face before combing your hair. Do not let anyone see you while you comb it; this is said to extend your life by eight hundred and twenty years.

In addition, bury any hair you comb out and any nails you trim. Do not throw them into water or fire, or discard them carelessly. First, this shows respect for the body received from your parents. Second, it is said that a bird called “□liu” enters people’s homes at night and takes their nails and hair, thereby harming their Hun and Po. Diligently practicing this method is said to add six hundred and twenty years to your life.

After completing these practices, enter the quiet chamber, where Daoist practitioners meditate and perform rites, or the main hall, and pay reverence. Then burn incense in your sleeping quarters, click your teeth together twenty-four times on the left and right sides, and visualize the image shown below. As you get out of bed and put on your shoes, recite “Great fortune; may my wish be fulfilled” three times in a soft voice, so that no one else can hear…

When hearing this spell, visualize the Northern Dipper above your head, its handle pointing forward and aligned with the crown of your head. Let your mind and spirit settle into emptiness, stillness, and calm. When thoughts arise, think of performing meritorious deeds, practicing goodness, and helping all beings.

Before going to sleep, burn incense, kneel facing east, and click your teeth thirty-six times. Then recite the Divine Spell for Guarding the Spirit (a spell invoking the protection of the gods):

In the east, the blue heaven of nine Qi; the Great God of the Bright Star shines over the east, illuminating the ninefold gates of heaven. Turn the torchlight to sweep away filth and malign Qi. The Luminous Youth guards my carriage, subdues demons and binds evil spirits. I report above to the Imperial Lord and follow the right way. The vermilion writings and jade script (sacred Daoist talismans), together with the commands of the Nine Heavens, convey the order. Divine dragons are dispatched to carry the talismans and bring peace to all under heaven. I may ascend and become an immortal.

In the south, the three Qi of the Cinnabar Heaven flow and shine brightly. The Radiant Star turns its torchlight, illuminating the place of the sun. The Luminous Spirit Youth of Red Essence commands the fire troops, guards the Three Palaces, cuts down evil influences, binds demons, and destroys the demon kings. The wind and fire governed by the Northern Emperor surge forth; the Flowing Bells (Daoist ritual instruments) shine in unison, and nothing fails to obey. The right way prevails. I enjoy its merit and virtue, preserve heaven and earth for all time, and endure through countless kalpas without end.

In the west, the heaven of seven Qi; the Great White Star sends forth its essence-light, illuminating the Golden Gate and penetrating the realm of darkness. There dwells the Plain Emperor, known as the Imperial Spirit, who preserves the spirit and Qi, keeps watch in peace, and guards my body. He cuts off the roots of malign Qi and brings prosperity to the Kingly Way. The palaces are in order; the three radiances of sun, moon, and stars shine together, and the Dao accords with nature. I may ascend to the Purple Court. The commands of the Numinous Treasure extend their benefits to all beings; their merit and virtue reach everywhere, and heaven and earth are at peace.

In the north, the five Qi of the Dark Heaven circulate back and forth. The Morning Star shines brilliantly, illuminating the Supreme Subtlety (the celestial region where the Heavenly Emperor dwells). The Venerable Dark Spirit, clad in a feathered robe of flying mystery, guards the five gates, inspects spirits and monsters, and captures malign beings, allowing none to intrude. The Expansive and Fallen Divine General (a Daoist celestial general) destroys evil influences. The jade talisman issues its command; gods and perfected beings exert their power in all eight directions, closing evil gates and opening the right way. Their radiance illuminates my body. I shine alongside the three lights of sun, moon, and stars, soar through the air on clouds, and ascend bodily to become an immortal.

In the center, yellow Qi regulates the primordial Qi and gathers in the subtle, mysterious Qi. The Dipper Star shines forth, illuminating the Nine Heavens. Twelve Youths of Luminous Light, bearing primordial Qi and Yang essence, raise a red flame that illuminates all under heaven and reaches my body as well. All evil influences are destroyed, and countless ghosts and monsters are put to death. The Divine Spell of Central Mountain brings this about throughout the world. The numinous Qi of the five directions settles and guards; I then ascend and become an immortal.

This spell is used to summon and draw the true Qi of the five directions and five stars into the five viscera. Whenever you are in a frightening place, or are preparing to sleep, face east, stand upright with hands clasped, and click your teeth three… (The original text ends here unfinished.)

One of the sixteen recitations. When you wish to sleep, visualize the seven stars of the Northern Dipper arranged horizontally above your head, as described earlier.

Divine Incantation for Washing Hands and Face

When Daoist priests bathe or wash their hands and face, they first face the water, click their teeth three times, and then recite:

“The four quarters open wide and shine brightly; Heaven and Earth endure forever. With mysterious water, cleanse away filth and drive off ill omens. The Two Sovereigns guard the gate, and the Seven Perfected protect the chambers. Sacred fluids nourish body and mind, bringing the myriad Qi into harmony and well-being. May purity and rectitude fill both within and without, preserving this body in its yellow robe.”

After reciting, click the teeth three more times, then wash the hands and face or bathe. This is called the “Incantation Method of Washing Away Filth and Dispelling Harm in the Seven Chambers.” It is said that regular practice can brighten the eyes, purify Qi and blood, and ward off various baleful influences.

Prayer for Ringing in the Ears

When Daoist priests hear ringing in their ears, they may recite a prayer (from the middle scroll of the Wondrous Scripture of Great Being). Whenever ringing arises in the ears, cross the hands over them and recite:

“The Red Child dwells in the Palace; the Nine Perfected dwell in the chambers. Hear the divine command and discern what is inauspicious. Taiyi sends forth radiance, destroying all calamities.”

After reciting, pinch the ear openings seven times with the fingers. If the face feels warm afterward, this is a good sign. If waves of cold pass through the head and neck, it means baleful Qi has entered. Lie down at once, close the eyes, and visualize the Perfected One Taiyi in the Palace of the Mysterious Elixir. The Perfected One holds a bell of flowing fire; its light flashes as it casts the baleful Qi out of the body. The light also streams outward, shining brightly behind you. After a while, the body will return to calm.

How to Judge Whether Ringing in the Ears Is Auspicious or Inauspicious

If the ears suddenly ring with sounds like rushing water, thunder, lightning, or drums, this indicates that the body is exhausted and the mind and spirit are weak. As a result, one cannot understand the true Dao; one’s conduct becomes unrestrained, body and mind fall into disorder, and the six viscera lose their harmony. This is regarded as a sign that the hun and po souls are crying out, that illness is about to take hold, and that life itself may be in danger.

The scripture also says that this happens when the divine Qi in the Muddy Pellet Palace disperses and the Nine Palaces fall into disorder. Grief and confusion mingle, like drums disrupting the ranks; the divine Qi is about to leave its dwelling, and the body will decline. Anyone who hears this kind of ringing should devote themselves to cultivation without slacking and gather the spirit back in. If their transgressions are not yet grave, they should heed the warning and correct themselves promptly. The scripture explains ringing in the ears as arising from the dispersal of divine Qi.

If the ears suddenly hear sounds like gold and jade striking together, this is regarded as a sign that true Qi has entered and that progress in cultivation is near. If one hears strings and singing, it means the Jade Maidens of the Six Ding, protective spirits in Daoist belief, have come to guard the cultivator. At such a time, avoid disturbance and devote yourself to cultivation with greater diligence and resolve; the Perfected One will gradually reveal signs of presence. Do not tell others about these matters, except your own master.

If the ears hear sounds like a flute or horn… (the original text ends here).

An auspicious omen is a sign that something honorable is about to happen. Hearing cries or wailing, however, signals misfortune and ruin. Smelling a foul odor means that one is certain to encounter something defiling; one should immediately bathe again, burn incense, and clean the sleeping quarters. These are the words of the Emperor Lord, a deity revered in Daoism, who warns people. The smell of blood, or the unexpected sight of blood pooled in one place, foretells calamity and disaster from warfare. One should quickly leave densely populated areas, carefully guard the Three Origins—the upper, middle, and lower origins of Daoist teaching—and pray to the Emperor Lord for help. One should also undertake a three-month purification retreat, after which the calamity will subside. These are all warnings from the Emperor Lord, who reveals auspicious and inauspicious signs in advance so that people may be alert and take precautions against disaster.

When confronted with danger or evil, one should secretly do good, show kindness, and save others. Perform good deeds that others cannot, and in this way escape signs of certain death. Strive to do good, do not violate the precepts, and simply hold fast to the constant Way.

When one cultivates the Dao, attains the Dao, and becomes a perfected being, Heaven sends Jade Maidens—female immortals from the celestial realm—to protect them. The Jade Maidens leave a mark on the person; the jade-like mark on a cultivator’s nose is such a sign. It looks like a grain of millet and is as white as jade.

Incantation Before Eating

When a Daoist priest faces a lavish meal, they should set their thoughts in order, focus on holding to the One, and visualize a deity in their mind. First take a drink; only then begin the meal properly. After eating, quietly recite inwardly:

“The hundred grains enter the stomach, unite with the spirit Qi, and transform into vital essence, replenishing the blood; corpse demons vanish and fall away. I ascend to the Golden Portal and live as long as Heaven and Earth, command the numinous youths of the Six Ding, and guard the true Qi. Let the true Qi come to my side, and let evil Qi retreat far away.”

The Meal Incantation Daoist Priests Recite at Their Three Daily Meals

(from the Scripture of the Northern Emperor)

“Jade nectar and liquid jade descend from the Northern Emperor. The Queen Mother herself gives the command, and the Jade Youth brings the wine cup. The Five Organs receive the true and upright breath, and the eyes grow bright; with just one backward glance, the hundred spirits turn to dust. Whoever dares offend me will be destroyed by the Highest One. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!”

A Method for Averting Misfortune When Seeing Inauspicious Things During a Purification Retreat

(from the Scripture of Forty-Four Methods)

When a Daoist priest enters a room to undertake a purification retreat and sees something inauspicious, they usually face south, recite the Northern Emperor’s incantation, and click their teeth thirty-six times. The incantation reads:

“The two forms of Heaven and Earth turn and shift; the essence of the Mysterious One protects life. The Seven Spirits guard life and ascend together to the Three Pure Ones. The Two Sovereigns drive out evil and defilement; their awe-inspiring radiance shines as their armies array themselves. Three hundred thousand guards protect the divine encampment; a million mighty beasts intimidate the thousand kinds of demons. Wielding swords, they drive out evil influences and cut down demonic spirits. By the incantation uttered by the divine beings, a thousand kinds of calamity and ill omen vanish without a trace.”

After reciting the incantation, click the teeth thirty-six times again.

What to Do When Seeing a Corpse While Traveling on the Dao

(from the Essential Teachings Scripture)

The Purple Book Instructions say: Whenever someone newly begins cultivating the Dao and suddenly sees a corpse or something defiling while out walking…

If polluted qi (vital energy) has entered the body, the adept—who refers to himself as a “兆”—should walk twenty-four steps, stop, face north, and click his teeth nine times. Then he should visualize three Jade Youths arriving to escort the male corpse, and seven Jade Maidens arriving to escort the female corpse.

Next, he should visualize himself within a valley of jade, pouring imperial lingzhi and pure water over the corpse. Before long, he should visualize the corpse transforming into a living person, then silently recite the incantation:

“What has withered shall flourish again; what has perished shall be reborn. Receive new life, ascend to the heavens, and once more receive the qi of Great Numinous Power. Pass through the tribulations of the nine heavens, undergo birth from the womb anew, and wash away accumulated filth. The white corpse returns to life.”

Then he should rub his eyes with his hands fourteen times and stop. In this way, the polluted qi will disperse, and the deceased will undergo transformation once more, ultimately becoming a numinous being. If the adept performs this practice twenty-four times, the refinement method and incantation will be complete. Once his merit is fulfilled, he may receive an added name and be enrolled among the Shangqing. After twenty-four years, he will be able to ascend to the Plain Void and fly through the Nine Mysteries.

When Daoists encounter a corpse, they should perform the method for dispelling corpse pollution as recorded in the scripture. (This method comes from the Scripture of Forty-Four Methods.)

Whenever Daoists encounter a corpse or something contaminated by blood, they should take one zhu of cinnabar, scatter it into water, and use the water to wash their eyes, rinse their mouths, and wash their hands and feet. Then they should enter a room, lie on their backs with their bodies straight, place their hands one over the other on their chests, click their teeth twenty-four times, and recite the incantation:

“The Way above, of the Three Origins; Great Unity protects my form. Lord of Destiny, the Five Spirits, Yellow Tranquility. Blood and corpse disperse and vanish; polluted qi streams away. The seven fluids wind through me; the Five Viscera blossom. Make me an immortal, that I may long enjoy good fortune and constancy.”

When finished, they should close their eyes and briefly regulate their breathing by drawing the qi in reverse. A feeling of warmth in the body indicates that the method has taken effect. Then they should click their teeth fourteen times and swallow their saliva twenty-one times. This is the inner method of the Three Origins for dispelling pollution.

The Method of Refining and Invoking over a Corpse (from the Purple Book of the Azure Essential and the Many Scriptures of the Golden Root)

The Instructions of the Purple Book say: Anyone cultivating the Shangqing Way whose parents, uncles, or brothers die in the world, while the adept has not yet left the dust of the world and still lives among people, may come into contact with the polluted qi of the corpse. On the third day, the adept should take a basin of clear water and add one liang of genuine cinnabar. Then, in the center of the courtyard, facing south and bending over the water, he should click his teeth nine times and recite the incantation:

“Qi transforms and forms spirit; the corpse changes and enters the mystery. Pass through three transformations and five refinements, and ascend to the nine heavens. When the tribulations of the nine heavens are past, attain the body of the jia once more. Let the body of the jia transform anew, and become a Perfected One.”

He should visualize three Jade Youths beside a male corpse, and seven Jade Maidens beside a female corpse. He should pour the water from the basin over the deceased, then use some of it to wash his own hands and face. Tilting his head back, he should spray the water toward the sky. Then he should silently recite the incantation:

The weather has cleared, and the person has been transformed into new life. The deceased may ascend to Heaven, undergo nine transformations and take five forms, escape the Three Paths (the three realms of suffering described in Daoism), and no longer be entered in the register of the dead. Even impoverished wandering souls may be delivered and return to the palace of the Celestial Emperor. The deceased may thus be reborn above the Nine Heavens and, after nine years, ascend to the Jade Clear Palace.

This method surpasses the “Method of Delivering the Seven Generations of Ancestors” in the Great Cavern. It is a secret teaching preserved by the Jade Emperor and is not readily passed on. Only those who truly bear a “golden name”—that is, whose names are entered in the registers of Heaven—and who have been admitted to the imperial chart and received purple script (celestial talismanic writing) may see this scripture. Even after seeing it, they must not use it lightly or pass it on indiscriminately. Otherwise, their parents and ancestors for seven generations will remain imprisoned for a long time in the offices of the ghosts, enduring ten thousand kalpas of the Three Paths and the Five Sufferings without pardon. The heavens in all four directions have jointly proclaimed this prohibition: only after seven hundred years may a truly qualified person hear and receive the teaching.

Incantations and Instructions for Cultivation

The human body is the dwelling place of the spirits, and the spirits govern the body. If one cannot settle the body and preserve the Great Dao, nor cultivate the body to nurture the spirit, then Jing and Qi will gather and take form, while wandering souls will transform and circulate, eventually giving rise to the myriad things. One should therefore regularly use incantations and instructions to discipline body and mind. Focus the mind and guard the One (concentrate the spirit on unity); study the divine apparatus and the heart of the Dao deeply, so that all the spirits are present and evil Qi recedes.

The Taishang Baoshen Jing says: Each morning after rising—here, “morning” means at cockcrow—sit facing east. You may also choose your direction according to the season: face southeast in spring and summer, and northwest in autumn and winter. First rub your face and eyes with both hands. Then, with the index and middle fingers of both hands, massage horizontally beneath the eyes twenty-one times. Next, use the middle finger of your left hand to stroke upward from between the eyebrows to the hairline, again twenty-one times. This is called “paying court to the Three Origins with the hands.” Then massage the hollows behind the eyes twenty-one times with the index and middle fingers of both hands. This is called “the True Person’s flourishing and radiant palace.” Next, insert the index and middle fingers of your left hand into your nostrils and massage twenty-one times. This is called “opening the mountain source.” Afterward, stroke both ears, then tap the teeth thirty-six times, and softly recite:

“Supreme One of the Four Brightnesses and Nine Gates, the essence of your radiance courses through ears and eyes, reaching into the depths and penetrating to the true realm, opening the way to numinous clarity. The breath of the celestial platform flows smoothly and evenly. The Proud Maiden of Clouded Ceremony (a spirit named in this scripture), the eyes’ bright essence, and keen hearing shine with clear light; every subtle hidden thing becomes visible. Nurture the Qi of the Upper Origin, letting it move back and forth through the ninefold heights; the foundations of the Five Organs grow firm, and ears and eyes naturally become clear. The Celestial Terrace of Yu Su is lofty, its beams and pillars never falling. Purify and refine the Seven Po, and let the Three Hun be at peace. The Crimson Child carries the radiance and distant scenes, keeping me company from afar. If anyone dares to obscure my ears and eyes, the Supreme One will destroy it with the flowing bell (a ritual implement carried by celestial generals). Let every kind of baleful force be destroyed; whatever I pray for shall surely come to pass.”

When the moon reaches the position called the “Heart of the Gate,” recite the “Incantation of the True Sovereigns of the Five Planets” and respectfully listen for the response of the assembled gods. (“The Moon Guarding the Heart of the Gate” is the name of this incantation ritual.)

This is the way of cultivation by which perfected beings abide permanently. Thus the Zhengao says: “If you wish to write at night, you should first cultivate the way of abiding permanently.” When cultivating Heavenly Perfection—that is, preserving and nurturing innate True Qi—swallow the saliva twenty-seven times in the morning and evening (three times nine, or three multiplied by nine). Then raise your hands and quickly press the “Heavenly Perfection” points. The Heavenly Perfection points are at the inner ends of the eyebrows; the “Mountain Source” is at the philtrum beneath the nose; the “Human Valley” is inside the nasal passages; and the “Flowery Court” is in the hollows beneath the eyebrows. Press each point twenty-seven times while reciting:

“Open the Heavenly Court and grant me long life; let my gaze pierce ten thousand miles. Let my hun and po return to the infant’s original state. Destroy ghosts and demons, drive back obstacles, and summon a thousand spirits. Raise me to the realm of the Most High, so that I may shine with the sun and moon. Admit me to the ranks of perfected beings and enter my name in the registers of the Mystery.”

This method can summon spiritual responses, clarify the vision, and ward off every kind of trouble. You may press each point in turn or press them all at once, reciting the incantation as you do so.

When a Daoist is tested by Celestial Demons—obstacles or disruptive forces that arise during cultivation—recite the “Incantation for Repelling Demons” (from the Jing of Dispelling Demons). First visualize a circle of light above your head, bright as the sun. On your left is the Vermilion Phoenix, on your right the Dark Warrior, and above your head is a canopy of purple clouds. Visualize your own body shining with light, with immortal youths and jade maidens holding five-colored banners and streamers at your sides. The myriad gods of the Three Realms roar before you, and the Nine Phoenixes cry out behind you. The White Emperor, god of the West, clears the way, while Taiji joins in your protection. Then click your left teeth thirty-six times and your right teeth twenty-four times. Next, beat the “Heavenly Drum” twelve times—a guiding practice in which you cover your ears with your hands and gently tap the back of your head—and recite softly:

“The poisonous beasts of the vast heavens are assembled, guarding the four great gates. They swallow streams and cleave gall; ugly creatures swarm in the mountains. They open their jaws, and the fierce jué beasts soar to the heavens. Brave guards cry out; venomous dragons brandish their claws, their golden heads devouring all. Ten thousand mighty soldiers, bearing talismans and carrying out their commands, guard the mountains in unbroken ranks; even the gods of the Six Heavens dare not disobey. The jade writs converge; the demons and their surging miasma scatter in every direction, and foul vapors churn. The gods of the Empty Cavern sing and pay homage to the Celestial Emperor, veiling the clouds. Water ghosts reveal themselves. The god-king of the Gate of Human Life has proclaimed: there is no place so dark that the command cannot be heard. Above, he gathers the Six Qi; below, he surveys the river sources. The good and evil of the Five Sacred Peaks and the Four Great Rivers are swiftly made clear. Thousands upon thousands of demons come before me to await judgment. The Five Emperors examine the registers: those who have done good are pardoned, while the wicked demons are restrained. How could the Lord Emperor fail to obey the command? Those sentenced to destruction shall receive no pardon: slaughtered, disemboweled, beheaded, their roots cut off; boiled in cauldrons in the north and burned in the fires of the southern mound. The Qi of the Golden Perfected circulates; the bell’s sound seizes their souls. No demon or evil spirit escapes, until body and primordial spirit are utterly destroyed. Bear the Heavenly Books, proclaim the Orthodox Law, and cleanse all defilement…”

As the nine Qi are purified and clear, the Three Origins (the upper, middle, and lower origins in Daoist teaching) rise high. The celestial perfected beings unite above with the natural order, and nothing can disturb them.

Try changing this to: “Listen above, draw in Qi, and stop after twelve swallows.”

The Jade Emperor’s Spell for Guarding the Spirits and Driving Away Demons (from the Scripture for Dispelling Demons)

The Jade Emperor’s spell says:

The Nine Heavens uphold the Mandate of Heaven and report above to Jade Clarity, the realm where the honored Daoist deities dwell. They summon a thousand perfected immortals to gather together at the imperial court. Taiyi looks down to inspect the world; the Two Emperors spread their wings and keep watch over the myriad evils. They regulate the breath and protect life. If anything inauspicious offends the spirits or intrudes upon the Way of purity, the divine troops are organized and dispatched. The Seven Spirits bear great axes; the Heavenly Edge strikes to the right, while swords are wielded ahead to clear the way. The Fire Bells flash as they are cast forth, and orders are sent to the armored cavalry, warrior troops, and heavenly soldiers. Wind and fire go forth together to battle, punishing evil and cunning spirits. The commands of Heaven’s authority reach throughout the Six Heavens, while below, demons and spirits are taken into custody. Once their power has been displayed and they have been subdued, all fierce and evil beings will vanish without a trace. Divine spears sweep away treachery and monstrous apparitions like lightning. The Deathless Immortal Emperor, a revered deity of the immortal realm, bears the tally and carries out the command. Whoever dares to stand in the way, halt its progress, or defy the order of the tally shall have their form destroyed. All of you must be awestruck and vigilant, guarding this peace. The Nine Heavens send down their command, and the myriad spirits respectfully obey. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!

If you feel afraid at night, or dream that demons come to test and disturb you, damaging your true Qi and perhaps even making you ill, immediately recite this spell silently. Hold the Ultimate Way in your mind and pray to the Emperor. Then face north, click your teeth thirty-six times, hold your breath, and silently recite the spell above. When you have finished, click your teeth another thirty-six times and swallow the saliva in your mouth ten times. In this way, all manner of evil demons and malign influences will be subdued and destroyed; the Seven Spirits will remain peacefully within you, Taiyi will watch over and protect you, and the myriad numinous beings will guard your true body. You may also recite it every day, silently before sleep, to ward off all kinds of evil influences.

A Method for Treating Sudden Illness

Those who uphold the Three-and-Five Method should visualize and remember the true names of the Three Heavens (the Upper Subtle Heaven of Shangqing, the Heaven of Yu Yu, and the Great Red Heaven), as well as the names of the Three Masters, the perfected ones. When faced with sudden danger, hardship, or illness, call aloud the names of the Three Heavens, then secretly recite the names of the Three Masters. It is said that this will dispel calamities and illness.

The true name of the Upper Subtle Heaven of Shangqing: Fangzhong

The true name of the middle Heaven of Yu Yu: Yuan

The true name of the lower Great Red Heaven: Deqiu

These are the names of the Three Heavens.

The true name of the Left Master, the Supreme Perfected One: Yan

The true name of the Right Master, the Mysterious Ancient One: Zhong

The true name of the Central Master, the Most High One: Yan

These are the names of the Three Masters.

The Method of Turning Back the Tongue and Closing the Throat

Those who practice Guarding the One, a method of cultivation in which one visualizes and protects the original spirit within the body, can often keep the spirits in the body at peace. If you feel unwell, press your tongue back against your throat and fill your mouth with sweet saliva as though rinsing it. Then swallow the saliva. Afterward, continue swallowing saliva as described above, as many times as you wish.

When you feel somewhat settled, stop. If you are not yet fully at peace, repeat the practice once more. In a short while, the symptoms of agitation and unease will fade, and you will recover naturally. During the practice, if you feel your insides become relaxed and soft, and your whole body calm and comfortable, you may quietly and freely return to your usual state. The perfected beings of Taiji, the Perfected One of Great Vacuity, the Red Lord of Mount Heng, and the Perfected One of Wondrous Practice all practiced this method and attained sagehood.

The Inner Method of the Golden Immortals

Practicing this method enables you to commune with and welcome a numinous carriage. At midnight on the fifth day of each month, visualize the Golden Crow in the sun—the mythical bird said to dwell there—entering your body through your mouth and settling in your heart, where its light illuminates the whole heart. Envision your heart shining as brightly as the sun, their radiance joining in blazing brilliance. Then feel warmth in your heart, as though it were bathed in rosy clouds, gentle and luminous. Sustain this state for a long while. If a response appears, silently recite this invocation:

“The Great Brightness nourishes Jing and Qi; within, it tempers the cinnabar heart. Their radiances shine upon one another, and the divine perfected beings come to seek you.”

When you have finished, swallow your saliva nine times, then knock your teeth together nine times, and the practice is complete. Repeat it on the fifteenth, twenty-fifth, and twenty-ninth days. Practice a total of four times each month. This can bring clarity of mind, keen hearing and sight, unobstructed passages throughout the body, and heightened spiritual sensitivity. The face will glow with the luster of jade, and the body will show a golden radiance. After fifteen years of practice, Taiyi, a great deity revered in Daoism, will send a jeweled carriage to receive you. You will ascend to the Highest Empyrean and roam and feast in the Purple Pole. Practice as diligently as you can; you need not restrict yourself to only four sessions each month.