《法海遺珠》Vol. 29

“Li Ba” (“Separation Eight”), from Fahai Yizhu, Scroll 29

Talisman Method of the Nine Dipper Flames of the Upper Origin, Chongming

Secret Incantations for Summoning the Generals

The following secret incantations summon the Fire Bell generals and commanders. Recite them according to the ritual instructions. The ▲ marks syllables to be stressed or held during the rite:

• Om huo ji ▲ zha na mo yan he he ni ji zhi suo he
• Om huo luo ▲ mo ni she
• Om chi ▲ huo li mi luo suo he
• Om mo ka luo na luo ka yu ▲ huo ▲ ni mo ni she

After reciting these, continue: With reverence, I summon the Great General of the Fire Bell. May he arrive swiftly and without delay. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

By command of the Great Emperor of Zhu Ling at the Southern Pole (indicating that this order issues from the Great Emperor’s command).

Deployment of the Fire Bell (Talisman Positions in the Dipper)

• “Fire Bell, Ye Ye, Red Wall, She” (used for the Dipper positions in the Wu and Zi palaces)
• “Fire Bell, Ye Ye, Red Wall, Zhuo” (used for the Dipper positions in the Yin and Wu palaces)

Here, “Dipper” refers to arranging the divine generals on the talisman according to the positions of the Nine Dippers of the Big Dipper or the twelve palaces.

Fire Bell Talisman (Inscribed Text and Positions)

The talisman is commonly divided into sections for writing. The positions or correspondences traditionally noted in parentheses—such as Wu, Zi, and Niu—vary according to the talisman design.

Also write the names of the Four Sages, each assigned to a Bagua direction, to summon them:

• True Lord Tianpeng, Chief Marshal (Zhen position, east)
• True Lord Tianyou, Deputy Marshal (Wu position, south)
• True Lord Yisheng Baode (Dui position, west)
• True Lord You Sheng Zhenwu (Kan position, north)

The ritual practitioner first makes this vow: May the true Qi descend and flow into the talisman. Thus, [the practitioner] enters the rite, visualizes the true Qi of the Three Officials and Four Sages, and solemnly inscribes the names of the twelve generals in the twelve directions.

Make fourteen turns with the brush to apply the markings. Then pass the hand through the twelve palaces twelve times, directing Qi into the talisman. Next recite: With reverence, I summon—

Summon the twelve Fire Bell generals according to the twelve earthly-branch palaces:

In accordance with the command, descend swiftly into the talisman (offer a prayer suited to the matter at hand). May the true lords of the Three Officials and Four Sages swiftly act in accordance with their statutes and commands.

The names Zhu Xuan and Song Can, among others, may also be written on the talisman. After visualizing the Fire Bell entering the talisman, recite the incantation.

Notes for reading the source

• Fire Bell refers to the bell and talisman used to summon deities in Daoist Thunder Rites and Fire Rites. It is often associated with the Fire Department of Zhu Ling and the teachings of the Great Emperor of the Southern Pole.
• Upper Origin refers to the Upper Origin Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month; the term also echoes the name “Upper Origin Chongming.”
• Three Officials are the Celestial Official of the Upper Origin, the Terrestrial Official of the Middle Origin, and the Water Official of the Lower Origin. They govern fortune and misfortune in the realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water.
• Four Sages refers to Tianpeng, Tianyou, Yisheng Baode, and Zhenwu, often summoned as protective deities and generals who subdue evil.
• The text presents a complete talismanic procedure: writing the talisman, visualization, reciting incantations, and arranging the generals according to the earthly branches. The incantations often use characters to represent Sanskrit sounds; their sounds and ritual use are central, so their wording should not be altered casually.

The Pearl Relics of the Dharma Sea: A Plain-Language Interpretation

I. Opening Incantation and Visualizing the Spirit Entering the Talisman

Incantation, with two transmitted versions: “Om, ti-lu-jia-tuo-po-he” / “Om, chi-huo-li-mi-luo-po-he.”

Purpose: Visualize the spirit (or, in another reading, fullness—meaning the Qi channels are brimming) as penetrating into the talisman (or, in another reading, simply “penetrating”—meaning passing through and permeating it).

Fire steps (or “xiang,” meaning a village or domain): “Blend the nine Qi” (or, in another reading, “unite in covenant with the Void Emperor”—joining and becoming one with the Void Emperor). Reflect upon the decree of the Vast Heaven; let streaming golden light shimmer and shine; may the radiance of the Nine Heavens descend, bringing benefit and rectitude.

“Boundless” (or simply “without”): “Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the law.” The wu gesture (or “three flicks into the talisman”—flick the fingers three times so Qi enters the talisman).

This is accompanied by the names of the Kui star and various baleful spirits (the text uses variant characters for beings such as chimei), as well as the names Tanlang, Jumen, Lucun, Wenqu, Lianzhen, Wuqu, and Pojun, together with “zi” and “wu” and other names associated with the Northern Dipper and the cyclical hours.

Respectfully summon the Twelve Great Generals: the twelve generals of zi, chou, yin, mao, chen, si, wu, wei, shen, you, xu, and hai. By command, swiftly cut down evil.

II. Command Incantation: The Northern Dipper and the Fire Bell

The command incantation means: The Northern Dipper stands high and proud; the Dipper turns around Kui and Gang. When it strikes a mountain, the mountain splits; when it strikes water, the water runs dry. Calamities and misfortunes are swept away; transgressions and afflictions are utterly destroyed. Baleful spirits and evil ghosts dare not stand before it. Those who follow the Dipper’s course live; those who oppose it perish. Wherever the Heavenly Talisman arrives, water itself cannot conceal ill omens. The Earth Emperor issues a command to slay evil demons. When the Fire Bell shakes once, the souls of demons and spirits vanish. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the decrees of the True Lords of the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper: command the slaying of baleful forces.

III. Visualizing the Nine Sovereigns Entering the Talisman, Gradually Increasing the Practice

Next, visualize the Nine Sovereigns entering the talisman. This may be done once, twice, or three times. If it does not take effect, gradually increase the visualization or the number of repetitions.

First Dipper Step

“Fire Bell, Youye, Red Cliff, Tanlang, summon and gather.” This refers to methods of summoning and gathering through the Fire Bell incantation, Red Cliff, and Tanlang. Perform the Dipper steps according to the instructions of your own lineage.

Second Dipper Step

Visualize the Fire Bell inside the talisman and hold the Fire Bell in your hand. Imagine fire rising within the bell, illuminating the four directions with blazing light. Then invite the Sun’s Fire Qi into the talisman.

IV. Talisman-Command Incantation: The Southern Fire Bell Emperor

The incantation means: Supreme Fire Bell, essence of the Flame Emperor; rosy light flashes like lightning, illuminating the Three Pure Ones. Fire streams for ten thousand miles, leaving ghosts with nowhere to hide. Once the divine seal is applied, evil essences turn to ash. The Three-Five Generals (possibly officers of the fire department) and the Huo Luo officials and troops level heaven and strike the earth, ceaselessly destroying evil. Talismans fly and seals race; the head is crowned with the Five Stars. Hurl fire at the baleful forces ahead; consign the myriad ghosts and spirits and the Six Heavens’ ghost bandits to the Heavenly Soldiers.

The Five Numina, True Elder (the ritual master), possesses unobstructed spiritual power. All spirits return together, and evil ghosts are utterly destroyed; ill omens vanish. Swiftly pursue the Central Yellow Nine Paths—the central yellow Qi and its nine paths—and spread your might to the four quarters. Corpse spirits and stale Qi shall not escape, even in the smallest degree. The Five Pestilences and Seven Consumptions—I can slay them. What deity would dare resist? What ghost would dare look on? Wind blades cut down forms; the Northern Dipper beheads corpses. At a single stroke of the divine sword, the myriad ghosts vanish and are scattered. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the command of the Southern Fire Bell Emperor.

V. Notes on Use

“Slay”—used to treat hauntings and issue commands to the Earth spirits; it may be used for suppressing baleful forces below.

Reading Notes

The Fire Bell is a Daoist ritual bell associated with the fire department, the Sun’s Fire Qi, the Flame Emperor, and the Southern Fire Bell Emperor. It is used to slay evil and break baleful forces.

The Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper comprise the seven stars of the Northern Dipper together with the auxiliary stars. They govern life and death, beheading corpses, and dispelling misfortune.

A Dipper step is a set sequence of steps, hand gestures, and recitations performed during ritual practice.

“Visualize … entering the talisman” means imagining a deity or Qi entering the talisman’s central core. This is a key part of making and using talismans.

The names of the seven stars, such as Tanlang, are often used alongside the cyclical signs of days and hours and directional correspondences. They are invoked in liturgies to subdue baleful forces.

The symbols, variant forms, and paired readings in the text, such as “spirit/fullness,” reflect variant textual readings or two transmitted versions of ritual formulae, a common feature of the Daoist canon. In practice, one may choose according to the instructions of one’s lineage.

Related Passages from “Pearls of the Dharma Ocean”: A Plain-Language Reading

Note on the terms used by ritual masters and in soul-refining rites

The term used when a ritual master takes this for personal use, or during a soul-refining rite for the dead, is “repel evil.” If “repel demons” is used instead, then “the myriad evils” should be changed to “impure Qi”; the rest of the wording remains the same.

Soul-Refining Incantation

From emptiness, the sacred realm takes form; true Qi arises of itself. In vermilion script and jade characters, in the dragon script of the Eight Powers, it safeguards and restrains the cycles of calamity, enabling Heaven to endure forever. It cures illness, cuts down evil, and brings peace to all things. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Great Emperor of Long Life.

Talisman-Consecrating Incantation

The ancestral Dao is mysterious and true; the Orthodox Spirits shine brilliantly. Yu Yi refines the substance, and Ying Huo purifies the form. Vermilion radiance brings brightness and harmony; its ordered prohibitions command awe and spiritual power. Radiant and exalted, the lineage’s brilliance shines again. The essence of Wu and Ji, the central stabilizing star, sweeps away ghostly Qi and destroys licentious essences. Water boils at its touch, wood is reduced to embers, fire is extinguished, and metal melts. The Lord of Changli commands and governs all who fly and move through the air. Mi li na luo, om om hong hong; mi li na luo, om om hong hong. The Azure Youth of the Eastern Sea gathers and encompasses all. Mi li na luo, om om hong hong; mi li na luo, om om hong hong. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Southern Fire Virtue Emperor, by this decree.

Seizing

When capturing a major demon, send a document to the East to invite the Fire-Bell General. On a Yin day, use the Yin Dipper; on a Yang day, use the Yang Dipper.

Fire-Bell Crossed Spear: Seizing at the Red Wall

(Visualize a constellation of the Northern Dipper flying forth, and draw the true Qi of its seven stars into the talisman.)

Summoning

To pursue and summon Yin souls and living souls, use the secret name of the Northern Dipper in both cases.

Fire-Bell Crossed Spear: Summoning at the Red Wall

Illumination

Used during childbirth rites. Visualize the Southern Dipper flying forth and draw its Qi into the talisman. When writing the character “illumination” by day, do not let the brushstroke trail or connect to another stroke.

Within it is the Spirit Who Delivers People and Grants Immortality; within it is the Lord of Long Life at the Southern Pole; within it is the Great Spirit Sima, in charge of delivering people from the world; within it is the Elder Lord Han, who cherishes life; within it are the Southern Lord of Destiny and the Registrar of Destiny, together with the revered spirits who extend life, increase one’s allotted years, and deliver one from calamity. Their response is keen and unhindered; departure and return are as easy as loosening a belt.

Talisman for Beheading

Talisman for Seizing

Incantation for Decreeing Beheading and Seizing

Lord Bing and Ding of the South, cast forth the flowing metal and hurl the Fire Bell. Seize the evil demons and ghosts, and interrogate them until they reveal their names. If any resist or rebel, cut them to pieces without delay. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Southern Pole Fire-Bell Emperor.

Soul-Refining Talisman

Consecrating Incantation

Lord Bing and Ding of the South, cast forth the flowing metal and hurl the Fire Bell. Summon, refine, and transform the souls and spirits; in an instant, make them immortals. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Southern Pole Fire-Bell Emperor.

Brief explanations of terms for easier reading

“Soul-refining” refers to a ritual method for refining and settling the souls and spirits.

“True Qi,” “ghostly Qi,” and “impure Qi” refer respectively to primordial righteous energy, the energy of ghosts and evil spirits, and polluted, inauspicious energy.

“Dragon script of the Eight Powers” and “vermilion script and jade characters” refer to divine names and secret forms of writing used in talismans and incantations.

“Yu Yi” and “Ying Huo” are divine or stellar names often associated with the sun and moon, or with the Fire phase. Here they allude to refining and purifying the body.

“Wu and Ji” and “the central stabilizing star” refer to the central Earth virtue of the Five Phases and the planet Saturn, which is charged with suppressing evil spirits.

“Changli” symbolizes the virtue of Fire and the southern Li trigram.

The Fire-Bell General, Lord Bing and Ding, the Fire Virtue Emperor, and the Fire-Bell Emperor are titles of commanders and emperors of the southern Fire division, who preside over capturing evil, refining souls, and cutting down evil.

“To visualize the Northern Dipper” and “to visualize the Southern Dipper” refer to contemplating and drawing in the stellar Qi of the Northern or Southern Dipper, whether on a talisman or during a ritual.

“Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of …” is a closing formula for an incantation, expressing the urgent execution of a deity’s command.

Plain-Language Commentary on Related Passages from Fahai Yizhu

The “Seize” Character Talisman

General meaning of the command-incantation:

The True Lords Bing and Ding, associated with Fire in the South, wield the power of the Flowing-Gold, Hurling-Fire Bell. They can shake mountains and shatter the Five Sacred Peaks, with a force like Mount Tai collapsing. They open and close passes, clear roads, and swiftly seize the target from the netherworld. The closing phrase “Urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and commands” hastens the result.

The “Bright” Character Talisman

General meaning of the command-incantation:

This again invokes the Southern Lords Bing and Ding and the Flowing-Gold, Hurling-Fire Bell. They come and go as easily as untying a sash; the two forms, mother and child, are separated; the Six Spirits all show respect and obey; and the Director of Destiny, the deity who governs lifespan and death, descends to receive them. The text includes urging phrases such as “swiftly, swiftly.”

Five Fires: The original note says these are used to burn and refine ghostly beings and punish evildoers. In an emergency, “Nine Fires” may be added.

Heavenly Fire, Earthly Fire, and Thunder:

Heavenly Fire is warm, corresponding to the Kan trigram; Earthly Fire is red, corresponding to the Li trigram. The Thunder Lord is driven forth, corresponding to Zhen, and thunderbolts are unleashed, corresponding to Dui.

Procedure: Write the character “Fire,” recite the incantation, and make the flying hand-sign. Inwardly visualize thunder and lightning converging in the talisman.

The “Chariot” Character Talisman

The original note evokes images such as the Supreme One’s ten thousand fire chariots. Its uses are associated with Zi and Wu, the Dipper, and such matters as raising earth from the Earth Treasury.

After reciting the inherited Daoist incantation of the Mysterious and True, recite the Earth Treasury incantation, commanding all malign spirits to rise at once, followed by “Urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

Writing and visualization for the “Chariot” character talisman:

When the talisman reaches the phrase “By command of the Vast Heaven,” seeing this character is said to bring a heavenly command down into the talisman. Its firelight spreads in all ten directions. The accompanying correspondences include self-refinement at Yin, refinement and deliverance at Wu, and treatment of haunting at Zi; they are paired with the following trigram positions and directional meanings: Heaven at Yin, Earth at Dui, Sun at Qian, Moon at the center, Stars at Xun, Lightning at Zhen, Transcendent Ones of Acknowledgment at Kun, Thunderbolts at Zi, and Bing-Ding at Li.

Precelestial Generals and Postcelestial Generals

Precelestial Generals, names of the Dipper’s principal spirits:

Taiyi, Shengguang, Xiaoji, Chuansong, Congkui, Hekui, Dengming, Shenhou, Daji, Gongcao, Taichong, Tiangang, and others.

Postcelestial Generals:

The twelve palace generals: the Great General of the Zi Palace, the Heavenly Rat; the Ox of Chou; Tiger of Yin; Rabbit of Mao; Dragon of Chen; Snake of Si; Horse of Wu; Goat of Wei; Monkey of Shen; Rooster of You; Dog of Xu; and Pig of Hai.

Conclusion: This method depends on transmission from mind to mind and instruction from teacher to student. It is the marrow of the method and must be kept secret.

The Subtle Meaning of the Nine Dippers

This section presents diagrammed arrangements of the Dipper stars, Heaven, Earth, the Sun, and the Moon. The layouts include “first, Heaven and stars; Heaven, Heaven, stars, Earth; Sun and Moon; Earth, Heaven; postcelestial stars; Moon,” and so on. The specific arrangement should be taken from the diagrams in the original book.

Secret Incantation

Wind, Fire, Thunder, Lightning, and Thunderbolts; behead demons and seize them. The word “demon” may be replaced with targets such as essence beings, evil spirits, sorcerers, pestilence, or ghostly Qi.

Names such as the Fire Bell, Chaye, Red Cliff, and Tanlang are used in conjunction with seizing. The original note lists applications involving the times or directions Si, Wu, Mao, Shen, You, Hai, the center, Gen, and Zi.

The general summoning phrase means: seize Heaven, Earth, the Sun, Moon, and Stars, together with Lightning, the Transcendent Ones of Acknowledgment, Thunderbolts, and Bing-Ding.

The text ends with a diagram of the Gang method. The pacing of the Gang steps, hand-signs, and diagrams must be practiced together, with reference to the figures in the original book.

Note: The entire text belongs to a practice tradition that combines talismans and incantations with methods of the Dipper, the names of divine generals, and trigram positions. A plain-language account can convey only its general meaning. Writing talismans, pacing the Gang steps, and visualization should be practiced under a teacher’s guidance and with the complete Fahai Yi and its diagrams and instructions; the translation alone should not be used for practice.

This scripture describes several esoteric Daoist thunder methods and fire-bell refinement techniques. The first is the Five Thunder Fire Formation method: the practitioner forms the "巳" hand mudra (a Daoist hand gesture), envisioning wind and fire filling the ten directions of the universe while visualizing an iron net covering the sky to capture malevolent spirits. Next comes the "煞" mudra, with heart-fire enveloping the world as one recites the six-syllable secret incantation: "Swift capture, swift drag, swift shackle, swift seize, swift behead, swift annihilate." All evil ghosts are suppressed beneath the left foot at the Kuigang position (corresponding to the Big Dipper's celestial stem and earthly branch stars) and reduced to dust. Finally, both hands form the thunder mudra, directed into the golden well at the Kuigang orientation.

The text particularly emphasizes that such secret methods may only be transmitted to two types of individuals: lineage disciples within the tradition, or those with genuine cultivation aptitude—and only after a solemn oath-taking ceremony before the celestial deities.

The Fire-Bell Refinement technique is an internal visualization practice: the cultivator visualizes nine stars of the Great Chariot (a Daoist constellation) shining at the Hua Gai point within the Yellow Tower and Purple Chamber (the upper Dantian region), each beam about one inch long. Among these, the Three Platforms stars (San Tai) align horizontally with the Dipper constellation, corresponding to specific positions atop the head. The practitioner then envisions these Three Platforms transforming into three yellow-robed, yellow-crowned perfected beings, between whom appear two three-inch-tall crimson deities holding fire-bells that radiate boundless light. Through sustained visualization, the starlight converges from three directions into the body, illuminating the five viscera. The two deities return before the heart, spewing fire that coils around the body. Holding the breath, one feels pervasive heat before exhaling and clicking the teeth nine times—whereupon the fire transforms into golden light, and the deities grow to nine feet tall, permanently accompanying the practitioner while warding with flowing-gold fire-bells.

Persistent practice yields progressive results: one year prevents calamities, two years averts weapon injuries, three years confers an indestructible body with face glowing purple and immunity to fire. After nine years, yin energies completely dissolve into pure yang, enabling flight on mist. Before drawing any refinement talisman, one must first perform this self-visualization, then form the Li Trigram mudra to channel upright qi from the upper Dantian onto the talisman with an exhalation.

Finally mentioned is Marshal Deng Bowen's (a thunder department general) Pungent Smoke Thunder Talisman, requiring invocation of the Swift-Fire Great Spirit Deng Bowen's emanation into the talisman, along with summoning the Pungent Smoke Emissary Cui Xuan for assistance.

A Vernacular Interpretation of The Precious Beads Left Behind by the Dharma Ocean

The following material comes from Daoist ritual traditions involving thunder methods and fire methods. Much of it consists of incantations and instructions for summoning thunder, dispatching generals, burning away evil, and driving off ghosts. The text often includes directions (east, southeast, west, north, and center), times (such as the hours of the Snake and Horse, or Tiger and Horse), and syllables used in talismans and incantations. These should be understood as commands issued according to direction and time, rather than interpreted rigidly word by word.

1. Commands and the Thunder Fire of the Five Directions

(Concerning messengers, confronting enemies, and unleashing thunder fire)

Command the messenger to face the enemy. Lightning fire must move swiftly and be unleashed during the hours of the Snake and Horse. Let the lightning fire surge into the sky and fly toward the directions of the Tiger and Horse. Open the ritual gate wide and seal off the paths of evil.

Block the Earth Gate, keep the living safe, and seal the roads of ghosts; mobilize the Eight Extremes Thunder Fire Chariots, the chariots of thunder fire from the eight directions. Thunder and fire roar as though eight million beings were unleashed at once.

The fire chariots of the five directions set out together. Thunderclaps and foul smoke erupt, burning and striking ghostly evils and baleful forces, so that the human realm may be at peace.

Let the thunder fire of the east rise swiftly; let the thunder fire of the south rise swiftly; let the thunder fire of the west, north, and center all rise swiftly. Stars dart and lightning wheels, able to cut down shooting stars.

The Fire Emperor, the deity who governs fire, descends with the true Qi. Urgently command, urgently subdue, urgently seize—as swiftly as fire, as though a bell were sounding the order to capture.

Let fierce thunder issue forth at once, and urge on the Tiangang, the Qi of the Northern Dipper’s Celestial Dipper stars, often used in thunder rites. “Heng,” “hong,” “hua,” and “la” are incantatory syllables. Their purpose is to respectfully summon and command the divine generals and commune with the forces of thunder; they are not everyday words.

2. Secret Incantation (Visualization and Commands)

(Visualize the meanings of characters such as lightning, frost, thunderclap, flame, fire, form, and spirit on the talisman or in the mind, silently communing with Heaven.)

Heaven commands, Heaven seizes, Heaven destroys; Earth commands, Earth seizes, Earth destroys—commands from above and below together seize and destroy evil spirits.

The incantation says:

Om, Tianhuang Jiaye, thunderclap, seize (Chen, Xu, Dipper).

Thunderclap, golden light, descend swiftly.

Enter the command and, within the radiance of heavenly fire, commission Xuhuo Hengtian Ba, the august title of a swift fire general of the Thunder Bureau, Deng Bowen, to arrive at once.

3. Command Incantation: The Lord of Wind and Fire and Marshal Deng

Great deity of the divine ordinances, Lord of Wind and Fire, with enormous wings on both shoulders, flying throughout Heaven and Earth: slay demons, swallow evil, bind ghosts, and capture pestilence; bring rain, then suddenly clear the skies, making everything bright in an instant.

Holding the command of the Supreme Emperor, summon the Lord who governs fire and thunder. As soon as he hears the call, let him emerge and speed swiftly through the Xun Gate, the southeastern direction.

After reciting the incantation, take in the red golden-light Qi of the Xun direction and place it in the talisman. In the mind, visualize the Marshal’s true form.

4. Talisman of the Great Deity’s True Form and Its Use

This talisman is used by the Great Deity to command and control the numinous spirits. It is employed in rites to punish evil, destroy temples, and summon dragons to bring rain, among other purposes.

If a ritual master wears one talisman on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, they can command wind and thunder, and jade light will shine from their body. To summon the Great Deity to the altar, write the talisman in cinnabar on blue paper, wear it to make the invitation, then face the Xun Gate and burn the talisman. A response will follow at once.

5. Writing the Talisman and Visualization (Ritual Procedure)

When writing a talisman, wait until the Tiangang stars, the Qi of the Celestial Dipper stars, are oriented in the proper direction before performing the rite.

Form the thunder mudra with both hands and face southeast. Visualize the Celestial Worthy of Universal Transformation through Thunder in a round halo of nine colors, wearing crimson robes.

Draw in golden-light Qi through the nose nine times and swallow it into the heart. Imagine seeing the Celestial Worthy return to the numinous organs at the Si position, the southern position of fire, and transform into the Celestial Worthy.

Then face the direction of Marshal Xuhuo and recite:

I respectfully summon the southern Xuhuo Marshal of the Divine Ordinances, Deng Bowen. Come swiftly before me.

Note: Deng Bowen is a name commonly found among the generals of Daoist thunder and fire traditions. Xun is the southeast, corresponding to southern fire and the issuing of commands in thunder rites. The passage centers on drawing in Qi according to direction, writing and burning talismans to summon the deity, and transforming one’s form and spirit through visualization. It follows the typical sequence of practice in thunder rites rather than presenting a narrative scripture.

A Vernacular Interpretation of Relevant Passages from Fahai Yizhu

Thunder’s commands and laws; the great god who holds the command; thunder and fire burst forth; lightning follows at my side. Heavenly Virtue and Lunar Virtue; the seventy-two divisions; the Dragon Essence of the Water Emperor command the thunder gods. The gods of heavenly fire and flame must not delay; in response to my anger, they send wind and rain and flash lightning, in accord with the human order.

The general meaning is this: Under the protection of thunder’s commands and laws and the great god who holds the command, thunder and fire burst forth, and lightning stays at my side. Heavenly Virtue, Lunar Virtue, the divine commanders of the seventy-two divisions, and the Dragon Essence of the Water Emperor command the thunder gods. The gods of heavenly fire and flame must not delay. In response to my anger, they bring wind and rain and flash lightning, in keeping with the order of the human world.

The Silent Invocation of the Divine Empyrean Method

Within the Divine Empyrean tradition, the following method is recited at the altar during the rite known as “silent invocation,” a form of silent reverence.

The Divine Empyrean Feathered Invocation

The realm of the Divine Empyrean occupies the center, gathering and rectifying the myriad forms and invigorating the fundamental principle of the cosmos. The Most High’s Primordial Origin—Qi that has differentiated from the Primordial Beginning—divides and orders the eight directions. Above, it governs the nine heavens; below, it commands the eight regions. It maintains the completion of things and holds the Three Luminaries in its grasp. Not even the slightest trace of evil spirits dares to stir recklessly. The True King of Jade Purity subdues demons and spirits; what evil could stand against him? The Heavenly Hero’s crossbeam stands firm, soaring above the Dipper. Divine light surges forth, and thunder spreads in all directions. The Eight Powers exhale venom to destroy what is inauspicious. Fierce officers of the Heavenly Fiend wield knives and swallow spears, protecting my pursuit of the Dao and ensuring the eternal flourishing of the Immortal Way. The Brahma Qi of the Vast Encompassing permeates the borders of the realm; a thousand gods and ten thousand spirits follow my Feathered Invocation.

The True King of Yu-yu Inspects the Myriad Gods, Establishes Laws Engraved in Jade, and Enforces the Five Punishments

The True King of Yu-yu inspects the myriad gods, establishes laws engraved in jade, and strictly enforces the Five Punishments. Whoever dares to undergo a thousand trials and disrupt the heavenly canon will be torn apart by wind-knives. In the Nine Depths of the City of Luofeng, the seat of the underworld government, a man of letters, draped in a brocade scarf, rides a golden horse and ascends the Jade Capital; holding the register of sins in his hand, he beheads ghosts and gods. He commands the Five Emperors to come and examine souls. Cauldrons of boiling water and fiery furnaces send up foul smoke; ten thousand soldiers on horseback guard Ququan. The primordial prisoner suffers a great punishment and cries out in agony. If rebellious ministers and treacherous sons of Heaven hear these words and do not mend their ways, they will violate the Jade Law and fall headlong into ruin. The myriad gods uphold the law and guard the dark scriptures. Fairness, loyalty, and filial piety are the gate of the Dao. Why insist on one’s own views and remain in an empty mountain? Why not perform meritorious deeds and save the world? Then the Heavenly Emperor will naturally grant you immortality; your seven generations of ancestors will be released and ascend to the heavenly court, and the people will receive blessings.

Notes for comparison with the original

• Divine Empyrean (Shenxiao): An important thunder-magic and talismanic tradition that emerged from the Northern Song onward, closely associated with the Shenxiao school, the True King of Jade Purity, and the commanders of thunder.
• Feathered Invocation (Yuzhang): Here, a spell or liturgical text within the Divine Empyrean tradition. When recited, it causes a thousand gods and ten thousand spirits to follow the practitioner’s commands.
• True King of Yu-yu: A high-ranking Daoist deity, often associated with inspecting and supervising the myriad gods, establishing laws, and conducting investigations and judgments in the underworld.
• Silent invocation (Mochao): A form of reverent invocation conducted quietly at the altar or inwardly, without outward display. It is one stage of ritual practice, alongside such procedures as “summoning thunder” and “carrying out the method.”

The passages above are explained in the order of the original. Specialized terms are glossed at their first appearance or explained briefly in context. For details of cultivation and ritual procedure, consult the relevant entries in the complete Fahai Yizhu and specialist works on Divine Empyrean thunder rites, alongside the specific altar diagrams and ritual manuals.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of Pearls Left Behind in the Sea of the Dao

Daily Practice

Recite these two scriptures inwardly each day, then burn the talisman and dispatch its power.

The hundred thousand celestial troops of the Jade Purity Heaven of the Divine Empyrean, clad in golden and jade armor, with dragon-striped sashes and tiger-patterned headcloths, subdue the myriad demons and seize the baleful spirits. They follow my incantation and command. The Qi of the Dao secretly takes up its post, gathers the hun and returns the po, and keeps the lifespan from decline. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the command of the True King of the Divine Empyrean.

The Divine Empyrean Inner Recitation Method

The perfected person (the practitioner) follows the method described above, enters the three gates of Heaven (the three portals of the celestial realm), and descends directly to the southeast, the Imperial Xun position (the Xun direction in the Bagua, associated with the southeast). There they see green woods and emerald mists, with cascades winding through them. A great palace stands there: the dwelling of the Great Emperor of Long Life, one of the revered deities of the Divine Empyrean school. Its guards and attendants are arrayed in strict order, just as in the court of the Great Luo Heaven.

From the Crimson Palace (the Dantian or heart palace, where spirit and Qi gather in practice), the perfected person passes through the layered towers to the Rainbow Bridge, enters the central gate of Heaven, and descends into the three gates of Heaven. They see a palace complex under strict guard, with a golden plaque bearing jade characters that read “Jade Bureau of the Divine Empyrean.” The perfected person enters the bureau to pay audience and recites the scripture to make a request, either on behalf of another or for themselves. After reciting it seven times, they repent of their sins and pray for grace as before. Then they bow twice, take their leave, pass back through the three gates of Heaven and across the Rainbow Bridge, descend through the layered towers, and return to the Crimson Palace. They swallow the gathered saliva, and the practice ends.

The scripture recited is the Jade Chapters of the Divine Empyrean, a core scripture of the Divine Empyrean school.

The Divine Empyrean Silent Audience Method

During the silent audience, when you reach the three gates of Heaven marked by the golden plaque and jade characters, do not enter. Instead, look directly toward the southeast and pay audience at the palace of the Divine Empyrean. Wearing red robes, recite the Feathered Chapters (talismanic scriptures of the Divine Empyrean school composed with imagery of flying birds). See the True King and all the perfected beings on either side reciting together in one voice. The True King’s golden light and upright Qi join with my body. Then bow twice, kneel, and present your petition. For a request for rain, ask that a certain general be sent to bring rain. The request is granted.

If you wish to pay homage at the Golden Palace and take leave of the True King, return directly to the three gates of Heaven. Address the gatekeeper according to the prescribed form and present your petition in person. Recite the middle section to report your request and seek approval. The Supreme Emperor has already granted permission and issued an edict summoning the Divine Empyrean. Then see the True King facing the palace and personally receiving the Supreme Emperor’s edict: summon the Thunder and bring rain. The True King receives the command and exits through the three gates of Heaven; the practitioner follows him out.

See the True King summon the three commanders, five generals, and the various thunder deities. The True King gives this spoken command: “In obedience to the Supreme Emperor’s edict, a certain place has suffered a prolonged drought. I now command you, thunder deities, to bring rain and relieve the drought.” Then see clouds gather, lightning flash, thunder roar, and rain fall. After seeing the rain, conclude the ritual.

Note: This text belongs to the Divine Empyrean school’s inner transmission of cultivation methods. It includes inner visualization—entering the three gates of Heaven, crossing the Rainbow Bridge, and reaching the Crimson Palace—as well as the ritual of silently paying audience and praying for rain. The practice requires oral instruction from a teacher; this translation is offered only as a reading of the text.

A Plain-Language Commentary on The Pearls Left Behind in the Sea of Dharma

The Perfected One and the True King once again pay court at the Golden Gate, the palace gate where the Celestial Emperor resides. After giving thanks for the imperial favor, they withdraw; the Perfected One, too, gives thanks and withdraws.

They return to the Crimson Palace, the red halls within the palace—here, the ritual practitioner’s inner landscape or the site of the altar—and proceed according to the usual rites. If they do not go to the Golden Gate to pay court, they may also meet the True King elsewhere.

They proceed beneath the Three Heavenly Gates, the three tiers of gates in the celestial realm, summon thunder and bring rain, then complete the rite according to the usual procedure.

The heavens are divided into nine firmaments, with the Divine Empyrean, the firmament governed by the Thunder Gods, at the center. The others are the Azure Empyrean, Cinnabar Empyrean, Jade-Green Empyrean, Lang Empyrean, Radiant Empyrean, Purple Empyrean, and Jade Empyrean. The Great Emperor, the deity who governs Heaven, resembles the figure manifested in the Shangqing realm. The Thunder City, the seat of the Thunder Gods, lies in the southeast.