《法海遺珠》

Pearls Left Behind in the Sea of the Dao, Scroll One (Part One)

The Ten-Character Celestial Scripture of the Divine Empyrean · Blending and Refining the Hidden Mystery

Anyone intending to receive and uphold the Ten-Character Celestial Scripture and practice “blending and refining” at the preliminary level should sit cross-legged facing southeast at the hours of the Rat, Horse, Hare, and Rooster. Click the teeth to gather the spirit, then recite the honored title of the Celestial Worthy nine times. Gaze inward toward the Divine Empyrean and draw a breath of blue Qi into the body. Place the tongue against the upper palate and silently write the Celestial Scripture. Envision its blue radiance filling the mouth, then swallow it into the heart, where it circles without dispersing.

After a long while, open the Niwan (the inner aperture at the crown of the head). The blue Qi transforms into a sphere. Recite the honored title aloud without pause. Suddenly, a peal of thunder bursts forth from within the sphere. See Xuhuo and blue light merge. At once, offer a reverent prayer in the heart, stating what you seek. Xuhuo suddenly transforms into celestial fire, while the blue light descends straight from the Niwan through the Tower of Nine Passages to the Dantian (energy center), where it sits within the Cinnabar Origin. The gods of the upper, middle, and lower regions, along with the deities of the Eight Scenes, all come to pay homage and recite the Celestial Scripture together. In an instant, every sound falls silent and vanishes. Practice this morning and evening. After nine years, the poisons of the corpse will be dispelled; body and spirit will both be wondrous, and you will unite with the Dao and realize the True.

The Secret Use of Writing the Scripture

When writing the talismanic text of the Celestial Scripture, burn incense and sit quietly. Recite the Ten-Character Celestial Scripture in your heart as many times as you wish. Use these ten characters as a talisman, writing them either in a horizontal line or one atop another. After finishing, summon Zhang Shu, the Divine Talisman Envoy of the Nine Heavens, Responsive to the Origin, Swift in Command, and Spiritually Flying. Envision the envoy’s celestial soldier: wearing a blue crown, with a golden face, dark armor, green boots, and a wind-sash, holding a jade axe. See him descend through the southeast-facing doorway. Unite with him through ancestral Qi, and hold the image in the mind until it is sealed within a chamber. Then, according to what you seek, use the talisman for prayer, exorcism or healing, swallowing, fumigation, wearing, or suppression. Apply it as you wish, and it will always respond.

The Ten-Character Celestial Scripture · Talisman for Summoning the Talisman Envoy

“Your servant, [name], summons…”

When writing this talisman, recite the Celestial Scripture above, envision golden light entering the talisman, and use it for fumigation, ingestion, summoning, or dispatch. Nothing will be beyond its reach.

Fifteen Talismans of the Jade Pivot Scripture

When writing the fifteen talismans, sit silently by lamplight, hold the hands in the firm-grip mudra, and focus the spirit. Recite the honored title of the Celestial Worthy as many times as you wish. Envision the Celestial Worthy descending through the southeast-facing doorway. Offer a reverent prayer in the heart, envision golden light descending into the talisman, and then recite the relevant chapter for the matter you seek.

Verse on the Ten-Character Celestial Scripture (general meaning)

The Nine Heavens Respond to the Origin; Xuhuo is the true form.

Thunder opens the primordial kalpa; lightning illuminates the shadowed depths.

Divine powers reveal transformation; sacred Virtue crowns the host of spirits.

Wondrous are these ten characters—they surpass the recitation of ten thousand scrolls.

Note: This text belongs to the Divine Empyrean school of Thunder Method. It describes seated meditation, visualization, talisman writing, and summoning spirit generals while receiving and upholding the Ten-Character Celestial Scripture. Its language draws heavily on inner refinement and talismanic incantations. Readers should understand it as a historical Daoist cultivation text and should not attempt to practice its instructions on their own.

Plain-Language Interpretation of Pearls Left Behind in the Ocean of the Dao

Chapter Titles

Chapter One: Studying the Dao and Seeking Immortality

Chapter Two: Invoking the Nine Numinous Ones and Three Essences

Chapter Three: Resolving the Calamities of the Five Phases and Nine Luminaries, and Overcoming Punishment, Clash, Conflict, and War

Chapter Four: Treating Chronic and Intractable Illnesses, and Lifting Curses, Grudges, and Transgressions

Chapter Five: Putting an End to Disputes and Slander

Chapter Six: Averting the Earth Emperor’s Malignant Spirits and Breaking Taboos

Chapter Seven: Praying for Children and Protecting Mothers and Infants

Chapter Eight: Driving Away Harmful Birds, Rats, and Other Demons, and Guarding Against Snakes and Insects

Chapter Nine: Dispelling Demons, Evil Spirits, and Ghostly Influences, and Suppressing Wicked Sorcery and Nightmare Incantations

Chapter Ten: Eliminating Epidemics, Insect Plagues, and Tuberculosis, and Delivering the Spirits of Deceased Ancestors

Chapter Eleven: Protecting Travelers on Land and Water

Chapter Twelve: Praying for Rain or Clear Skies, and Averting Disasters of Flood and Fire

Chapter Thirteen: Observing the Stars and Paying Homage to the Dipper

Chapter Fourteen: Hearing the Scriptures and Eradicating Sin

Chapter Fifteen: Wearing the Scriptures to Gain Blessings, Inspire Reverence, and Win the Respect of Spirits and Gods

Esoteric Principles of the Cavern Mystery

Register of Generals

(Names of the Divine Generals Who Protect the Dharma)

Commander of the Cavern Mystery: Celestial Lord Liu Ju, Nine Suns, Iron Face and Azure Fangs, Supreme General

His face is dark and black, and his iron features wear an angry expression. He wears a crimson robe, his red hair bristles upward, and he holds a golden whip while raising a wheel of fire. Clad in golden armor, he treads upon a water chariot.

Deputy Commander Lü Jin

His face is like water. He wears a black robe and golden armor, with boots properly fastened. A crown of fire sits on his head, and he raises a wheel of water.

Deputy Commander Zhang Hao

His face is blue-green. He wears a crimson robe and golden armor, with boots properly fastened. A crown of fire sits on his head, and he raises a wheel of fire.

Deputy Commander Liu Ju

His face is blue-black, and his aged features are fierce and fearsome. Wolf’s fangs thrust through his crown, and his vermilion hair streams in the wind. He wears a crimson robe, golden armor, and red boots. He holds a long halberd and rides a chariot of fire.

Assistant Commander: Ning Lie, Great God of Sunlight, Victorious Might, and Roaring Fire

His face is blue and red. He wears a crown of fire with wolf’s fangs, and his vermilion hair streams in the wind. Clad in a crimson robe and golden armor, he holds a thunder ax and an iron drill.

Deputy Commander: Ren Zhong, Great God of the Mysterious Essence, Fire Bell, and Black Law

His face is blue like a ghost’s, and his vermilion hair streams in the wind. He wears a crimson robe and holds a sword of fire. In another manifestation, his face is like water; he wears a crown of fire with wolf’s fangs, a black robe, golden armor, and red boots, and holds a thunder ax and an iron drill.

Poem on the Creation of the Cavern Mystery

Within the empty, undifferentiated chaos, there is a single character: “Mysterious.”

The place beyond the mysterious and the more mysterious is the root of the precelestial.

At midnight, the Black Tortoise (Xuanwu) faces the Golden Palace, the heavenly court;

at noon, the Cinnabar Phoenix (Zhuque) shines upon the Jade Abyss, its deep, emerald waters.

Treading and turning Heaven and Earth, all returns to a single, blended Qi.

A Plain Language Interpretation of Pearls Left Behind in the Ocean of Dharma

Opening Verse (Fragment)

Before primordial chaos had yet divided, one who can grasp the poetry within it may command wind and thunder and behold the immortal Way in the world. (This passage is often fragmentary in surviving editions; its punctuation should be checked against other versions.)

Lineage and Attribution

This section belongs to the Dongxuan lineage of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) and lists associated titles and names, including:

• True Person of Wondrous Practice, Master of the Dongxuan Teaching
• Celestial Lord of Thunder, the Jade Pivot of the Divine Empyrean, and the Azure Spirit: Xin Zhongyi
• Attendant of the Taiwei, Lord of Eminent Illumination of the Dongxuan: Bai Yuchan, a renowned Daoist of the Southern Song
• Lord of Original Illumination of the Dongxuan, Supported by the Purple Clouds of Fufeng: Ma Shiqing
• Senior Attendant and Minister of Penetrating Illumination of the Dongxuan: Weng Fajian
• Senior Attendant and Minister of Original Illumination of the Dongxuan: Xue Shichun
• Marshal of Shaoyang: Fu Qiao (with Marshal Liu Ju named within; followed by nine additional words of imperial command)

These titles appear in talismanic documents and ritual procedures. They indicate lineage and the names of divine beings, rather than an “author list” in the modern sense.

Procedure for Writing a Talisman Within a Circular Diagram

Write the names listed above, each inside a circular diagram. Using “jade script” (cloud-form seal script), write it in a single, continuous flow:

1. First write the character for “thunder.”

2. Then write the two concealed characters and cover them over.

3. Turn the brush to the left and overlay the strokes.

4. Set the intention of the invocation according to the matter at hand.

Opening and Closing Li and Kan

This is intended to regulate clear and rainy weather, drought, and flooding:

• To pray for clear weather: Li symbolizes fire and clear skies. Do not close the circle around Li completely; deliberately leave a small gap.
• To pray for rain: Kan symbolizes water and rain. Do not close the circle around Kan completely; likewise, leave a small gap.
• In a severe drought, the character “control” may be added.
• This method should not be used casually for ordinary, minor matters.

Lesser Yang Talisman

• Seal inscription: A special seal is used; the talisman has about forty-five strokes.
• The talisman’s core inscription (the words concealed within it are given here by meaning only; in writing, the characters are split and layered according to ritual procedure) means:

Summon the gods of the Three Heavens; act swiftly, in accordance with the command. The three Qi unite with the perfected ones of Heaven. The Dark Emperor commands the capture of baleful forces. The Jade Emperor seizes demons and spirits. The generals of the Divine Empyrean restore the primordial state. True Qi sets thunder in motion (six strokes on the left, eight on the right). Earth Thunder returns; sun and moon shine bright. Primordial Yang stirs; True Qi rises. The great spirit descends and seizes malevolent spirits.

After completing the talisman, recite:

“Om” (with concealed characters added)—recite in one breath thirty-six times to empower it by command. Visualize the talisman as if the sun were rising within it, with the myriad spirits assembled there. The divine response is vast; its power may be brought forth at will.

In an urgent situation, cinnabar may be mixed with alum water for writing.

Nine Yang Talisman

• Seal inscription: A seal is used; the talisman has about sixteen strokes.
• The talisman’s core inscription means:

Summon the gods of the Nine Heavens; act swiftly, in accordance with the command. The three Qi unite with the perfected ones of Heaven. The Primordial Emperor commands the capture of baleful forces. Taiyi destroys malevolent spirits. The generals with blue fangs and iron faces. Ninefold flying thunder (write the character “nine” nine times, layering the characters).

It is accompanied by the intention of this heart mantra: “Heavenly fire and thunder spirits, essence of the Three and Five; one Yang and two Yin, primordial Qi soars upward.”

Reading Note

The original is a set of talismanic formulas and ritual procedures belonging to the Divine Empyrean Thunder Method. It specifies who is named, that “thunder” is written first inside the circular diagram and then covered with concealed characters, how to leave a gap in the circle for clear or rainy weather, and how to add “control” in a drought. It also gives the stroke counts, seals, talismanic core inscriptions, number of mantra repetitions, and the use of cinnabar in an emergency for the Lesser Yang and Nine Yang talismans. The characters in parentheses often appear in books as secret talismanic writing and cannot be read continuously like ordinary prose. This plain-language interpretation explains what the ritual does; it does not replace the actual brushwork or lineage transmission taught by a master.

A Plain-Language Reading of the Pearls Left Behind in the Sea of Dharma

1. Thunder-Incantation for Summoning Generals (Thunder Method Using Yang and Yin Numbers)

Four Yang, Yin: The heavenly thunder sounds. Five Yang, six Yin: Earthly thunder shakes the firmament. Seven Yang, eight Yin: Destroy evil spirits. Nine Yang: Old generals, swiftly set the thunder in motion.

Thunder deities, descend swiftly and reveal your true forms at once, with urgency, by the edict and command of the Jade Emperor.

After drawing the talisman, visualize the myriad deities gathering within it, like the rising sun. Then recite “Di [missing characters]” eleven times, sending a single Qi (vital energy) into the talisman, and consecrate it with a command. The spiritual response of the two talismans is immense; they may be used as needed.

2. Thirty-Two-Character Dongyin Summoning Incantation

“Hong, [pinyin uncertain], duo [missing character], duo [two missing characters], duo [missing character], pan, duo, jiu [missing character], duo [missing character], cha, duo, ka, [pinyin uncertain] [missing character], xi, yi, ti, da, [pinyin uncertain], li, duo [two missing characters], tan, jie, die”—all in accordance with the edict and command of the Thunder Court Emperor Lord of Yuanshi’s Cavern Mystery.

For this incantation, recite it three times in a single breath, and the Marshal will descend at once. Recite it nine times across three breaths, and the myriad deities will all arrive.

(“One Qi” and “three Qi” mean reciting continuously in one breath or across three breaths, a common practice in thunder rites.)

3. Fire-Bell Fumigation Talisman for Treating Illness and Driving Out Demons

The characters on the talisman appear roughly as follows: “[pinyin uncertain] ke or de,” “fire bell or summon,” “mouth of the Dipper or general,” and “xuan [three missing characters] or li [missing character] chi,” among others.

This talisman was personally transmitted by Marshal Deng, one of the chief commanders of the Thunder Department. It may be used for any illness: place it in a warming iron, add incense, and burn it to fumigate the patient; it is said to bring a response from the Six Powers. It may also be used for healing by affixing it or for capturing and dispelling evil. Consecrate it with the Incantation of the Great Thunder Duke of the Celestial Capital.

4. Talisman for Swallowing the True Qi of Primordial Yang

The talisman’s phrases mean roughly: “The primordial Qi of the Three Heavens rises from the Kan Palace”; “the Five Emperors protect and keep things peaceful”; and “the Primordial Yang General of the Nine Heavens descends to the Great Abyss with the Fire Bell.” These phrases are written in nine layers and as nine characters, along with a name or secret characters such as “Liu Ju, Court Scribe” or “[missing characters].”

When the talisman is complete, recite “Chen ling she”, a short incantation for summoning and commanding, as many times as desired. Apply it to the Upper Origin, meaning the crown of the head or the area around the upper Dantian (energy center). If the illness is associated with the brush, it emerges from the brush; if inducing birth or opening the flow of Qi is called for, it emerges beneath the brush. For treating the eyes, the action is directed above; when treating Qi, it emerges from above. Then recite:

“Om, hong, yun, da, li, suo, he.”

5. The Combined Thunder Chapter of the Jade Pivot of Yuanshi

Inner Refinement

Settle the body and mind, forgetting both self and others. Visualize Yuanshi speaking the Thunder Chapter within the Golden Palace, each character shining with golden light. Then imagine every character filling the empty expanse and becoming golden script, glittering with radiance. Next, recite the Thunder Chapter, and Marshal Xin, a commander of the Thunder Department, will appear at once.

Refining Spirit Through the Joining of Qi

Gather the spirit and sit quietly; let Heaven and Earth become utterly empty. Press the tongue against the upper palate, wait for the mouth to fill with saliva from the Flowery Pool, and swallow it while focusing on the heart. Do this three times. Next, visualize the west… (The remainder is missing from the surviving manuscript.)

Note: The triangles, missing characters, and variant forms—such as “chē” and “xi”—often represent sounds transcribed during the copying process. Readings vary considerably among versions. These practices should be undertaken with a teacher’s transmission and the complete ritual instructions; one should not attempt them independently on the basis of fragments alone.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of Fahai Yizhu

(Internal Cultivation and Qi Circulation)

Imagine a deity above the black clouds of the north, with an appearance like that of a Persian. Inhale through the nose, drawing the breath into the heart. Then let it descend from the heart to the kidneys, and return from the kidneys to the heart. Repeat this cycle three times. Next, visualize this Qi sinking into the Dantian inside the navel, where it mingles with the spirit energy and transforms into a clear, complete image. Then use the “blowing” and “exhaling” breathing methods to breathe the Qi out from the Dantian, and employ it freely on the altar.

For quiet sitting and cultivation in daily practice, first settle into stillness for a while, forgetting both self and things. Simply keep your attention focused on the central palace.

Vow

May Heaven unite with my true nature, and Earth unite with my true nature; may the sun and moon unite with my true nature, and the twenty-eight lunar mansions unite with my true nature. Let my spirit enter the Master’s spirit, and the Master’s spirit enter my spirit, so that we may travel through the Three Realms and, in the Master’s stead, save and deliver all living beings. When my merit is complete, may my name be inscribed in the Jade Register, and may I attend the Master on his return to the Purple Court—all in accordance with the command issued by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning.

After reciting the incantation, offer prayers as you wish. When you have finished, bow once to Lord Xin, the Thunder Deity, and merge with him as one. Sit upright and still, keeping the Niwan Palace unmoving. My body is then Lord Xin, and Lord Xin is my body; thus I can summon the Thunder Deities. For visualization and cultivation, direct the mind into the central palace. Cultivate the inner and outer methods for eighty-one days each. Then continue nourishing the practice for three groups of nine days—twenty-seven days in all. After that, when putting the methods into practice, one will often receive clear signs of their efficacy.

Nine Yang Inner-Cultivation Thunder Chapter

First clear away distracting thoughts and sit quietly until settled. Gather the Qi of the Five Phases into one place, bringing the Five Phases into harmony, with the spirit and souls collected in the central palace. A bright golden light appears, and within it Lord Xin manifests. Settle into stillness once more, and let the mind and spirit descend into the Yellow Chamber; Lord Liu, another Thunder Deity, then appears. Next, silently recite the four characters “Jiu Mu Yu Yu” nine times. Move the Qi upward to the Niwan Palace, sense Heaven and Earth joining, and then recite the vow and the thunder invocation.

The vow means: Before Heaven and Earth had separated and before Yin and Yang had been distinguished, I had neither head nor face. Once I came into being, the Five Phases were complete. You are now my spirit, and I dwell within you; you are born from me. I now invoke you: let your form resemble mine and your body be one with mine. (Visualize this silently first, then recite the incantation.) Recite the four characters “Cun Di Bu Lin” eighty-one times, ascending together with me to pay court in the Jade Clarity realm. You are the essence of Heaven, and I am the numinous power of Earth. Let your essence aid my numinous power. I beat the Heavenly Drum (striking the ritual drum thirty-six times). When the seas dry up and the rivers collapse, I shall be your brother forever. I send you up to Heaven to report to the Emperor, and send you down to Earth to carry out your duties. After the incantation, act as you wish.

Note: Lord Xin and Lord Liu are generals of the Thunder Ministry. The Niwan Palace, Yellow Chamber, and central palace are cultivation gateways associated with the upper and middle Dantian and the area between the heart and kidneys. “Blowing” and “exhaling” are names for breathing methods. The periods of eighty-one days for each of the two methods and the “three nines” are time periods commonly used in Daoist cultivation. The original text contains gaps and corrupted characters. In interpreting it, these have been clarified according to standard Neidan and thunder ritual contexts, without changing the central meaning of the teachings.

A Vernacular Explanation of The Precious Pearls of the Dharma Sea

(The preceding section is a formula of commands for summoning and directing protective spirit generals.)

I command you to enter the waters and search every cold, deep abyss of the vast sea. I command you to relieve drought and bring rain by means of true Qi.

Wield the power of thunder and lightning. I command you to seize the spirits and monsters, bind them, and make them reveal their forms. Work widely to relieve the world’s suffering, and together accumulate merit and virtue.

When your deeds are complete, you will ascend with me.

Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

The Celestial Lords of the Primordial Beginning’s Three Qi, the Great Celestial Worthy, Jade Emperor of the Vast Heaven, and the Supreme Emperor of the Mysterious Vault issue statutes and decrees to summon and command you.

Next (the following is a method of seated meditation and visualization):

Sit quietly and enter meditative stillness. Visualize a mass of golden light, with a secret character hidden within it—a mantra or Daoist talisman. Keep your attention fixed on it in the Yellow Court (Huangting), usually understood as the middle Dantian, about three inches above the navel, an essential point for refining Qi.

Throughout all twelve double-hours of the day, whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, recite and hold it silently in your mind, never letting go of this visualization.

Even when occupied with worldly affairs, make time to check your practice and resume it.

When you need to perform a ritual or recite a mantra, let your mind travel through the Great Void. As you move between looking up and looking down, your spirit follows your intention and acts freely.

Explanatory notes (to make the original easier to understand):

“Dark, cold depths” refers to deep, frigid waters, often the sea or the waters of the underworld.

“True Qi” is the innate or pure Qi used in cultivation; here it metaphorically refers to the power to relieve drought and bring rain.

“Spirits and monsters” refers to supernatural beings, demons, and other malevolent entities.

“Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands” is a closing formula in Daoist incantations, meaning “Carry out the command at once.”

“Settle and preserve the golden light … forever guard the Yellow Court” refers to an inward visualization method in which one keeps a formula written within the light fixed at the central palace. It belongs to the practices of visualization and guarding the One.

“The twelve double-hours” means the entire day, divided in ancient times into twelve periods.

“Look up and down through the Great Void; the spirit follows the intention” means that, once cultivation has matured, the mind can travel through empty space, and during ritual practice the practitioner’s spiritual intent acts according to the reciter’s will.