《法海遺珠》Vol. 3

Volume Three, Part Three of The Pearls Left Behind in the Ocean of the Dao

Plain-Language Commentary

The Secret Method of the Supreme One’s Fire Bureau

Lineage of Transmission

Ritual authority: The Most High Celestial Worthy of the Dao and De, residing in the Palace of the Great Red Heaven of the Supreme Purity.

Founding Masters (realized masters who transmitted the teachings through the generations):

The Jade Purity Realized Master Chen Xiyi, Mystic Minister of the Jade Aspect; the Supreme Purity Realized Master Liu Tongxuan, Inner Minister; the Realized Master Xu, Central Heaven Pivot Minister and Subduer of Demons; the Realized Master Yang Qingyin, High Minister Who Parts the Clouds; and the Realized Master Huang of Cloud Manor.

Roster of Commanders

(The principal deities of the ritual assembly and the generals of the Thunder Department)

• Presiding officiants: Lady Li Yuanjun, Chief Superintendent and Presiding Officer of the Supreme One’s Fire Bureau; Lady Zhu Yuanjun, Chief Invocator of the Supreme One.
• Chief general: Qiu Qing; deputy general: Wang Chengzhi.
• Thunder deities: Chen Yiyan (Azure Thunder) and Li Deyong.
• Beheading and punishment (slaying evil): Kong Minghui; Fire Thunder: Cui Shi.
• Water Thunder: Zhou Mingjing; Flying Fire: Ji Maoqing.
• Black Thunder: Liu Daoming; Flying Thunder: Lin Qingzi.
• Thunder expellers: Bai Shenzhi and Fu Xieyou.
• Generals stationed at the four altars: Gao Dao, Tao Si, Cui Liang, and Zhao Gongming.
• Thunder deities of the five directions: Zhu Jing, Liu Hanxiang, Zhu Demao, Zhang Yonggong, and Yang Yuansheng.
• Lord of Thunder, Mother of Lightning, Earl of Wind, and Master of Rain: Meng Sheng, Huang Fazhang, Ma Que, and Chen Yuanqing.
• And the other thunder deities serving together in the Fire Bureau.

The Purpose of Writing Talismans

(The steps and intent involved in drawing a talisman)

Before drawing a talisman, first submit a memorial to the Celestial Emperor. Then guide the brush while reciting the Small Golden Light Incantation and the Thunder and Fire Incantation. Once the talisman is complete, establish the Fire Boundary, a protective perimeter that guards the altar against fire.

Visualization and invocation:

Focus the mind and return it to its aperture. Visualize your own Original Life—your innate, true essence—riding with the Realized Master on golden light and ancestral Qi, ascending to the Heart Palace and Dipper Court. Next, imagine the firelight spreading out and see the master. Explain the purpose of the ritual. Then travel with the master and the omen-sign to the Great Red Gate to submit a petition. After receiving the decree, return with the master, each to your proper place.

Applying the brush:

Exhale a breath of ancestral Qi. Golden light shoots onto the paper, turning it gold. Guide the brush with firelight and draw a circle, “○”. Let divine light enter the paper and recite inwardly: “I obey the commands of the Great Red Heavenly Emperor: ○.” Then write chi, the written command.

General Command Talisman

(Draws in the fire Qi of the south and takes it into the body, then breathes it out onto the talisman at the Wu position.)

Azure Rule Talisman

(Used to capture and subdue evil and impurity.)

Command Incantation

By decree of Jade Purity, let wind and fire carry out this command swiftly. On this day, a certain marshal shall follow these instructions and inscribe the jade text. Swiftly issue the command of fire and send forth the order—depart at the hour of Si, proceed at the hour of Mao—pursue and capture without delay; do not linger. Let baleful spirits and wood-demons of the forests each obey the Emperor’s decree. Should they defy the talisman’s command, let them be dealt with according to the law of Heaven. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the commands of the Great Red Heavenly Emperor!

A Plain Language Interpretation of Fahai Yizhu

After Completing the Talisman, Write the Matter to Be Handled on It and Petition a Named Divine General to Carry It Out at Once

Once the talisman has been drawn, write on it what is to be done, then petition a named divine general to carry it out without delay. Visualize it as follows:

At the Thought of Flame, Fire Arises and Spreads Across the Paper; Then Recite the Heart Incantation

At the thought of flame, fire arises and fills the entire sheet of talisman paper. Then recite the incantation silently:

Om, hong hong, dou shu fan ying, lei hong she.

Visualize the General Entering the Talisman; Recite the Tianpeng Incantation, Issue the Command, and Add the Title

Visualize the divine general entering the talisman. Recite the Tianpeng Incantation, a spell used by Marshal Tianpeng to drive away evil, then issue the command to dispatch the general and add the general’s title.

By command of the Wind, Fire, and Thunder, the Celestial Emperor has issued an order. If the matter is urgent, add this line.

General Suppression Talisman

(Sha Qi—baleful energy; Mao script—the brush method associated with the Mao position, or east)

Om, great heavenly axe: cut down ghosts and the Five Forms; the Flame Emperor’s fierce blood makes the Northern Dipper’s bones burn.

(Kun—the Kun position, southwest) Haste, haste, in accordance with the statutes and commands: by decree, suppress and subdue.

For urgent matters, write in cinnabar on red paper and place it at the beginning of the register. For ordinary use, write in cinnabar on yellow paper and place it inside the register. It may be used for healing, destroying an evil temple, treating epidemics, summoning thunder, and other purposes.

Talisman for Subduing Wood Spirits and Mountain Demons

By decree of the Supreme Emperor: (Mao/Wei) execute and behead evil spirits; (Zi) the cinnabar Qi burns through the sky; (Wu) behead ghosts and destroy their forms; (Chou) the lightning’s radiance shines through all; (Wei) report the command to the Celestial Court; (Hai) on this day, [name] Marshal; (Si) in accordance with the decree, sweep them away; (Chen) haste, haste, by the statutes and commands of the Great Red Heaven Emperor: by decree.

(Wood spirits and mountain demons: spirits and ghosts dwelling in mountains and forests.)

Eight Thunder Talismans and the Azure Rules Talisman

Write the intention on the talisman, recite the heart incantation, summon the general, and send the general into the talisman.

Wind Talisman

(Insert He Yu—possibly a person’s or deity’s name.)

Commanding incantation:

The thunder host has its general, who commands the wind and clouds, captures and slays demons and monsters, and valiantly assists the thunder host. I now summon you, and winds rise over a thousand leagues. Haste, haste, by the statutes and commands of the Azure Emperor (Donghua Emperor).

Thunder Talisman

Add the six characters “By decree of the Thunderclap, Wind, Fire, and Thunder” at the top of this talisman. When using it to summon thunder, issue the command with the incantation. Then recite:

I now issue this summons: (Zhong) Heavenly Thunder Water Deity; (Zi) Earthly Thunder Fire Lord; (Wu) the Earth Altar’s command carries Qi through; (Si) on this day, [name] Marshal, acting in accordance with the Red Emperor’s talismanic command, let the thunder sound at the order and sweep away ghosts and bandits; (Mao) cut down and destroy evil spirits. Haste, haste, by the command of the Wind, Fire, Thunder, and Rain Bureau. (Wu: emerge.)

Lightning Talisman

(Above the clouds/for use—above the clouds; when putting it into practice)

Xu, xuan, xian, lun: by decree, suppress and subdue. (Zi/Wu/Dipper and Bi—according to the hour and the direction of the Dipper’s handle)

Commanding incantation:

The valiant Marshal Kang Bo acts by command; the thunder host carries it out. (Wu) By the command of thunder and rain, may the Thunder-Fire and Lightning Sun Duke and his aides act swiftly. Haste, haste, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Then recite: By command of the Wind, Fire, and Thunder: Thunderclap, Wind, Fire, and Thunder, by decree.

Note: Terms such as (Mao), (Zi), and (Wu) refer to the twelve two-hour periods or the directions associated with the Eight Trigrams. When drawing talismans and reciting incantations, begin according to the relevant direction. The placeholders “[name]” and “[name] Marshal” should be filled with the name of the divine general on duty that day, as specified in the ritual manual.

Pearls Left Behind in the Sea of Dharma: A Plain Language Interpretation

I. The Character “Thunder” and the Names of the Five Thunder Deities

Add the character “thunder” above the character “cloud.”

Chant the names of the Thunder Deities: Thunder One, Thunder Two, Thunder Three, Thunder Four, Thunder Five, Lord of Thunder, Mother of Lightning, Earl of Wind, and Master of Rain, as well as the Thunder Deity of Celestial Fire, the Thunder Deity of Terrestrial Fire, the Thunder Deity of Yang Fire, and the Thunder Deity of Yin Fire. May the Five Thunders descend, seal the gates of the ghosts, and restrain spirits and monsters. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands. Recite once more.

II. The Turning of the Kui Deity and the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions

When the Kui Deity (the deity who presides over literary fortune and heads the Dipper mansions) turns once, the degrees of the celestial circuit begin to revolve. When Ji turns twice, the Purple Court comes to life. When Jiao turns three times, the Jade Pivot revolves and the Shen constellation responds. When Xing turns four times, Yin radiance stirs and the Biwu (an inauspicious influence) is subdued. When Zhen turns five times, the Great Void revolves. When Lou turns six times, thunder shakes the heavens and Guijing (an inauspicious mansion) responds. When Liu turns seven times, evil spirits, calamities, plagues, and ghosts are destroyed and swiftly eliminated. Swiftly, swiftly, by the statutes and commands of the Great Red Heaven Emperor.

(Each of these seven lines corresponds to one of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions. The mansion names follow the traditional order of the “Kui Star’s” rotations and are used to activate Thunder rites and cut down evil.)

III. The Ghost-Treating Talisman and the Pearl-Shattering Talisman

The talisman on the right (the talisman method described here): To use it for treating ghosts, add this trigrams figure above the character “thunder.” Arrange the Five Qi (the five energies of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) within the talisman through the Five Turns (the revolutions of the Five Phases).

The Pearl-Shattering Talisman (the principal talisman: following the preceding method, add the talisman and then the Eight Thunders): Arrange Fire Qi within the talisman.

After completing the talisman on the right in conjunction with the Tianpeng Incantation (the incantation of Marshal Tianpeng), write the Xuhuo Talisman (a talisman of swift fire) inside it. As you use it, hold Heart Fire in mind and bring down Kidney Water; raise and gather the Ancestral Qi (the primordial One Qi), send it out from the Heavenly Eye (between the eyebrows), and shoot it into the talisman to complete it. Add the three characters “Hengtianba” at the foot of the talisman. Stamp once to shake the earth, then dispatch it, declaring: “How shall retribution be brought?” If there is no response, write and dispatch the talisman again as before, bringing the Ancestral Qi out through the Heavenly Eye to complete it.

Add ▲▲▲ (three characters) to the talisman, and its Golden Radiance will shine brilliantly.

IV. Tree Spirits, Mountain Demons, and the Wutong

Wherever muke (tree spirits dwelling in the mountains), shanxiao (mountain demons), or wutong (demonic beings able to know the future) appear in visible and wanton form, write this talisman in vermilion ink and attach it to the beginning of a scroll or the top of a staff. Burn it in the stove and there will surely be a response. It makes a sound as soon as it is burned; its mystery is extraordinary, so it must not be used lightly.

V. Incantation of the Wind and Thunder Department

By command of the Jade Clarity (center), a certain Marshal of the Thunder Department (Si), mighty troops of wind and rain (Zi), swiftly come to my sides (Wu), and together cut down evil spirits (Sha). Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

(The Marshal and troops of the Thunder Department are summoned by direction and hour to join in cutting down evil.)

VI. Incantation for Seizing and Escorting

I obey the command of the Great Red Heaven Emperor (center). The jade document and formal writ (Zi), today’s appointed Marshal (Si), urgently pursue the hun-soul (Chou), and return the po-soul to the living person (Mao). By command, sweep away all evil (center). Whoever dares defy the command (Wu) shall be reported directly before the Emperor. Swiftly, swiftly, by the fiery command and decree.

(By command of the Heavenly Emperor, pursue the hun-soul and return the po-soul; anyone who disobeys is reported to the celestial court.)

VII. Incantation for Releasing Thunder

By command of Jade Clarity, summon (center) Heavenly Thunder (Zi), Terrestrial Thunder (Chou), Yin Thunder (Si), Yang Thunder (Wu).

(The four Thunders—Heavenly, Terrestrial, Yin, and Yang—are commanded to come forth and carry out the Thunder rite.)

Note: The original contains many talisman diagrams, trigram positions, and specific character forms. Here, ▲▲▲ represents the three characters or talisman core shown in the original and must be used with reference to its illustrations. “A certain Marshal” and the hours Zi, Chou, Wu, Si, among other details, must be filled in according to the deity presiding on that day and the liturgical manual in use.

This scripture records several methods of employing Daoist Thunder Magic (Leifa) talismans, primarily involving exorcism and rain-praying rituals. Let me explain section by section:

First is the incantation for summoning thunder deities. The mentioned "Commander Yuelei," "Thunder Soldiers," and "Thunder Officials" are hierarchical deities of the Thunder Department (the celestial bureaucracy governing thunder and lightning), with "Fierce Official True Lord" being a high-ranking divinity. The incantation essentially states: By the Jade Emperor's decree, these thunder gods are urgently summoned to turn mountain spirits (like hill goblins and tree demons) into dust, eliminate stone and earth essences (referring to monsters cultivated from rocks and soil), and eradicate all inauspicious entities. All spirits of the Three Realms must obey this command to exterminate demons. When merits are fulfilled, the deities may ascend together to the celestial court (Jade Court). The concluding phrase "Urgently, urgently, as commanded by the Jade Pure Emperor" emphasizes immediate execution akin to an order from the Jade Pure Sovereign (one of the Three Pure Ones).

Next describes specific talisman-drawing techniques. The talisman must incorporate eight thunder powers, with the type of thunder command (such as Wind-Fire Thunder Command) determined by the severity of the situation. For major exorcisms, one should use talismans beginning with the characters "Tianpeng" (Heavenly Commander, one of the Four Saints of the North Pole who governs exorcism). While drawing, silently recite the Tianpeng incantation and visualize flames emerging from the brush tip. The procedure involves: first burning white charcoal in a stove, then placing the completed earthenware talisman on the fire along with the written proclamation to be burned together.

Rain-praying and fire-extinguishing talismans must be drawn separately. Rain talismans should begin with the characters "Imperial Decree," while fire-suppression talismans are drawn on their reverse side. Rain talismans must specify the rainfall request and expected fulfillment time, with all rain rituals commencing from the Xun position (southeast direction). Accompanying incantations summon wind and rain deities like the Wind Earl and Rain Master, commanding them to immediately spread clouds and release rain. All incantations conclude with "By the Supreme Command of the Great Scarlet Heaven Emperor" to enhance efficacy (Great Scarlet Heaven being one of Daoism's Thirty-Six Heavens).

Finally, there are cloud-summoning talismans and incantations. After drawing, specialized spells are recited to activate the talismanic power. The frequently repeated phrase "Urgently, urgently, as law commands" serves as a common Daoist incantation ending, indicating immediate execution like a legal decree.

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

Messenger of Floating Clouds, Messenger of Azure Thunder, Messenger of Black Thunder (three divine generals of the Thunder Division, each in charge of floating clouds, azure thunder, or black thunder), request the Qi of the Eastern Azure Surge—

Ritual section thirty-eight

(At the hour of the Rabbit / guide the brush according to the talismanic script) (join the noon script / spread it with the Qi of the heart) (I obey the Emperor’s command / silently recite this in the heart, issuing the command in the Emperor’s name)

Command the Qi of Northern Yin’s Earth and Water (unite the original Jing / combine and distribute the Qi of the Five Directions), and the mist Qi of the Waterways (from the five / the Qi of the five organs / combine and distribute the Qi of the Five Directions). On this day, a certain Marshal (at noon), the Yin source is entirely black (at midnight). Swiftly, floating clouds and mist rise in the Five Directions (at midnight). Thunder Messenger (at dawn), fierce fire descends at once. The Emperor’s dispatch orders action (midnight); command: act (1–3 a.m.); command: act (1–3 a.m.); command: act (11 a.m.–1 p.m.); command.

Talisman for Raising Rain and Stirring Wind and Clouds

(Use the Rabbit script; bring it forth at noon / blow on the talisman with the Qi of Xun)

Commanding Incantation:

On this day, a certain Marshal (9–11 a.m.), let the mist roll swiftly. The wind wheel moves through the six realms; in an instant it extends without limit. Floating clouds rise and gather, and must not linger. Thunder crashes and splits the sky (7–9 a.m.); the north is shaken with might. Let it be exactly as this command decrees. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Great Red Heavenly Emperor Lord Taiyi.

Talismans for Taiyi’s Opening of Heaven

After completing the talisman, add ▲▲▲ beneath it, then recite:

Incantation for Raising Wind and Clouds:

Wind of Xun, mist arise (the Si script / return to Yin). Wind Master and floating clouds (7–9 p.m.); Rain Master, act swiftly. On this day, a certain Marshal purifies and sprinkles the lake water. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Great Red Emperor Lord (bring it forth at 9–11 a.m.); issue the command (9–11 a.m.).

Instructions for Using the Talisman Method

After drawing the talisman on the right, add the Kan trigram beneath it. Begin the stroke at the top, draw straight down in reverse, and break through the Kan trigram. Visualize Kan water flowing backward and transforming into rain. Then raise the ancestral Qi and draw straight upward again, speaking the two secret characters ▲▲. Visualize the Heavenly Dipper (the first star of the Northern Dipper, which governs thunder) appearing; draw on its stellar light to urge the Thunder Gods into action. Then add two general-purpose talismans for praying for rain and extinguishing fire:

• Rain-Prayer Talisman
• Fire-Extinguishing Talisman

Petitioning the Thunder Marshals

Then add the five talismans for wind, clouds, thunder, rain, and lightning. Write the names of the Thunder Marshals in the petition, along with the date, time, and place. May they drive thunder and wield lightning, whip the dragons and awaken the dormant forces, raise clouds and bring rain, bestow abundant sweet rain, rescue the scorched and withered, and fulfill the people’s hopes. Swiftly, swiftly.

Additional title: Command of the Heavenly Emperor over Clouds, Mist, and Thunder ▲▲▲

Note: This text contains talismanic spells from a Daoist rain-prayer ritual. The parentheses mostly give ritual annotations for the time of day (the Earthly Branches), the circulation and dispersal of Qi, and visualization steps. The symbols ▲▲▲ stand in for secret characters placed on the talisman; in actual practice, a ritual master fills them in according to their lineage.

Selected Passage from Fahai Yizhu (Pearls Left Behind in the Sea of Ritual Methods): A Plain-Language Rendering

Overview of the method

First recite such incantations as the Tianpeng Incantation, the Nine Qi Incantation, and the Incantation for Applying and Sending Away the Heart. Then, following the ritual procedures, summon the generals and enter the talisman.

Wind talisman (receiving the Qi of the Xun direction into the talisman)

Om—Azure-tongued, green-toothed elder with four eyes; celestial warriors and mighty champions, wielding power in the south to ward off calamity—swiftly, in accordance with the statutes, command!

Cloud talisman (receiving the Qi of the Qian direction)

Om—Celestial steeds surge in fury; their might roars northward, blades flashing. Three hundred thousand troops guard my ninefold heavens—swiftly, in accordance with the statutes, command!

Thunder talisman (dispersing the Qi of the Zhen direction)

Om—Tianpeng, Tianpeng, the Nine Primordial Slaughtering Youths, the Five Ding Commanders, the High-Bladed Northern Elder—swiftly, in accordance with the statutes, command!

Lightning talisman (dispersing the Qi of the Li direction)

Om—Purple Qi mounts the sky; vermilion clouds blaze and surge. Swallow demons and devour ghosts; sweep across the body and drink the wind—swiftly, in accordance with the statutes, command!

Rain talisman (receiving the Qi of the Kan direction)

Om—Drive corpses a thousand li away; dispel all ill fortune. If any petty ghost dares to appear in visible form—swiftly, in accordance with the statutes, command!

Yin talisman for darkening the sun

This talisman is used to “close the Four Darknesses and gather Yang while restraining Yin.” It is made according to the principles of transformation, while the practitioner visualizes Kidney Water within the body rising to the crown of the head. After writing the talisman, the practitioner must still recite the commanding incantation.

The incantation means, in brief: Darkness and mist arise in heaven at the Zi hour; darkness and mist arise on earth at the Mao hour. The sun darkens and gathers its light; the moon darkens and closes Yin—both correspond to the Kan position. When darkness and mist arise in heaven, the sun cannot be seen; when they arise on earth, the hidden spirits are shut away. When the sun darkens, the Wind Earl flies and scatters sand; when the moon darkens, the Rain Master drives the rain wheel—swiftly, in accordance with the statutes of the Great Red Heaven Emperor: command, command, command, command, command. (When writing, at the Kan position, press down toward Wu and draw outward, making the character “five”; recite “command” five times.)

Method for gathering Yang and releasing Yin

The ritual master first guides Kidney Water upward to the crown of the head, then recites “Close the Four Darknesses.” (When the sky is clear, open; when rain is desired, close.)

The meaning of the Seven Turns incantation proceeds as follows: At the first turn, the Kui spirit sets the courses of the heavens in motion. At the second, Ji turns, and life springs forth in the Purple Court. At the third, Jiao turns, and the Jade Pivot moves the stars. At the fourth, Dou turns; Yin light emerges, and the dark crow appears. At the fifth, Nü turns, setting the Great Void in motion. At the sixth, Lou turns, and thunder shakes the heavens. At the seventh, Jing turns, slaying evil spirits. If drought demons bring disaster, they must be destroyed at once—swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning!

After reciting the Seven Turns, add three more Thunder talismans to the back of the talisman. These are also called talismans for raising clouds and mist. Write the first, second, and third Thunder talismans on the back, each according to the prescribed form.

Notes

This passage belongs to Daoist ritual procedures for praying for clear skies, raising clouds and rain, darkening the sun, and gathering Yang. It describes the coordinated use of talismans and directional Qi: the Eight Trigrams’ directions—Xun for wind, Qian for heaven, Zhen for thunder, Li for lightning, and Kan for water—correspond to the names of the talismans. The times Zi, Mao, and Wu, together with the Kan position, are linked to “closing the Four Darknesses” and to the visualization of Kidney Water rising to the crown of the head. “Om … swiftly, in accordance with the statutes” is a commonly used opening and concluding formula when activating talismans. These instructions should be used according to oral transmission from a teacher and read alongside the surrounding chapters of the complete Fahai Yizhu; they should not be extracted from the ritual liturgy and used on their own.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of Fahai Yizhu

General Meaning of the Scripture

“For the three talismans on the right, when using them for a major assault, also add these three strokes to the back.”

If you use the three talismans on the right for a major assault—such as forcefully expelling evil or cutting through baleful influences—also add these three strokes or secret characters to the back of the talisman.

“Talisman for curing all illnesses”

A talisman for curing all illnesses.

“When the talisman is complete, add the appropriate hexagram strokes above the character ‘Thunder’ according to the purpose, as follows.”

After drawing the talisman, add the hexagram corresponding to its intended use above the character “Thunder.”

“For treating a particular matter, add the corresponding hexagram; it may also be added above the character ‘Zhen.’”

Add the hexagram that matches the matter being treated. It may also be placed above the character “Zhen.”

“The applications of the Eight Trigrams”

The Eight Trigrams are used on the talisman as follows:

“The talisman is used together with the names of the Northern Dipper stars. After turning them, write them behind the character ‘Thunder,’ then write the year…”

When writing the talisman, use the names of the Northern Dipper stars. After turning through them, write them behind the character “Thunder.” Then write the year, month, day, and hour, together with the ritual title of the practitioner, and seal it.

“Write the year, month, day, hour, and ritual title in full before sealing it. When treating illness or expelling evil, carry out the practice carefully.”

Write the date and the practitioner’s ritual title in full before sealing the talisman. When treating illness or expelling evil, perform the rite carefully and with integrity, without deception.

“Maintain integrity and make no mistakes. For treating madness, restoring consciousness, or dispelling impurity, face the sky and draw in Qi.”

When treating madness, restoring consciousness, or dispelling impurity, draw in Qi from the sky.

“Blow one breath into the talisman; fumigating it with vinegar and charcoal is effective.”

Blow one breath into the talisman, then fumigate it with vinegar and charcoal. This is said to be effective.

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman

“Om bu ▲ shen qian zha kui liao she.”

These characters are phonetic transcriptions of the incantation. Recite them according to the instructions passed down by one’s teacher; do not change them at will.

“When the incantation is finished, recite the Northern Dipper’s hidden names seven times over the character ‘Thunder,’ and write them over ‘Zhen’ or ‘Thunder.’”

After reciting the incantation, recite the Northern Dipper’s secret names seven times over the character “Thunder,” then write them over “Zhen” or “Thunder.”

“Next, turn through the hexagrams five times and use the Dipper incantation to command the Qi of the Five Directions into the talisman. Write the person’s name…”

Then turn through the hexagrams five times. Use the Dipper incantation to command the Qi of the Five Directions into the talisman, and write the person’s name…

“…and the matter being sought, then seal it. To treat madness or restore consciousness, draw in Fire Qi, breathe it into the talisman, then burn and fumigate it.”

Write in what is being sought, then seal the talisman. To treat madness or restore consciousness, draw in Fire Qi, breathe it into the talisman, and burn it to produce smoke.

“Directing the smoke of oil and vinegar at the patient will bring them to their senses at once. To treat strange beings, pray for rain, or strike a dragon well…”

Direct the smoke of oil and vinegar toward the patient; they are said to regain consciousness immediately. To deal with strange beings, pray for rain, or strike a dragon well to subdue a water spirit…

“…use an iron tablet to suppress it. When writing any talisman, draw in one breath of Fire Qi and hold your breath.”

Use an iron tablet to suppress it. Whenever you write a talisman, draw in one breath of Fire Qi and hold your breath.

“Complete the talisman in a single breath, then write the Dipper’s secret names and the hexagram.”

Complete the talisman in one breath, then write the Dipper’s secret names and the hexagram.

Notes

• The characters “Thunder” and “Zhen”: These are characters associated with the Thunder deity and the Zhen trigram, and mark the central positions on a Thunder Method talisman.
• The names of the Northern Dipper and its secret names: The Northern Dipper’s seven stars have hidden names used in Daoist incantations and talismans. They are recited according to a transmitted tradition and are not to be disclosed casually.
• Qi of the Five Directions: The Qi of the east, south, west, north, and center, used in commanding and distributing Qi.
• Major assault: In talisman practice, this refers to forcefully cutting down evil and breaking baleful influences. It is a more potent application than an ordinary healing talisman.
• The original’s “Gui Mei” is generally understood as the Book of Changes hexagram Thunder over Lake, Gui Mei. “Striking a dragon well” usually refers to subduing a spirit in a well or to a well-striking rite performed when praying for rain; its meaning depends on the particular tradition.

The above is a faithful paraphrase of the text. Cultivation and talisman practice should be undertaken under the guidance of an accomplished teacher and in accordance with the ritual liturgy; the text alone is not a basis for attempting them.