《法海遺珠》Vol. 4

The Precious Bead of the Dharma Sea, Volume Four (A Plain-Language Reading)

Secret Method of the Taiyi Fire Bureau

Thunder-Raising Talisman for Striking Shrines

Face southeast, toward the Xun direction, and trace the talisman’s shape in empty space. Use the Heavenly Eye Gesture (visualizing it at the space between the eyebrows) or the Sword Gesture (shaping the hand like a sword) until brilliant golden light appears.

Inhale the golden light, then write the talisman and recite:

“Om. Four Luminaries, shatter the bones; Tianyou, destroy the kindred. With a single stroke of the divine blade, all ghosts collapse of their own accord. Let it be done at once, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

This talisman can punish spirits (subdue malign gods) and treat epidemics; it is suitable for almost any purpose.

Jade Emperor’s Azure Gui Talisman

Also called the Shattered Pearl Talisman, the Talisman for Capturing Mountain Goblins and Wood Spirits, and the Talisman for Capturing Malevolent Presences.

(Place Fire Qi and other elements on the talisman, and write at the positions marked “Chinese characters” in the diagram.)

Incantation:

“By command of the Jade Clarity [write in the center], a marshal of the Thunder Department [write at Si]; the Wind Earl’s divine might [write at Zi], swiftly come to my sides [write at Wu], and together slay the evil essence [write ‘Sha’]. I carry out the decree of the Great Red Heaven Emperor.”

Additional incantation for capture and interrogation:

“By the Red Emperor’s command to slay, the Jade Clarity records the name [write ‘Jade’ or ‘Text’]; today’s marshal [write at Chen], urgently take command and carry out the order, in obedience to the Supreme Emperor’s command [write at Mao]. Seize and destroy the evil essence [write at Zi]; cinnabar Qi burns through the sky [write at Wu]; cut down and annihilate the ghostly form [write at Chou]. Lightning shines through all things. Report the command to the Heavenly Court. Today’s marshal [write at Si], by decree, sweep away and eliminate [write at Chen]. Let it be done at once, in accordance with the statutes and command of the Great Red Heaven Emperor.”

Use: Ordinarily, write in red ink on yellow paper; for urgent use, write in red ink on blue-green paper; for extreme urgency, write in red ink on red paper. Write the reason for the matter on the front of the talisman, and on the back write: “Carry out the command swiftly and urgently.” Write the name of the marshal serving that day inside it. This talisman captures mountain goblins (spirits of the mountains), wood spirits (phantom people of the forests), and wild malevolent presences at cliffside shrines. One must know their rank and name, announce the order to execute and subdue them, then issue a formal notice and consign it to the local altar for burning. Do not use it lightly. When it is used, prepare two talismans of the same design: send one out from the altar and give the other to the person requesting the talisman, then burn them according to the method described above. Alternatively, attach one talisman to the front of the document; burn one at the local altar or one in the stove.

Thunder-Raising Talisman for Punishing Evil

Use only for serious matters. Insert two generals into the talisman.

Talisman for Burning Licentious Shrines

Incantation:

“Heaven is dark, Earth is dark; spirits, act with urgency. Whoever hears my command must swiftly burn it. Whoever violates the command, respectfully extinguish the spirit of the general. Act with urgency; go swiftly, go fast.”

Method: Set out the Thunder Bureau’s formation and guide Qi into the talisman.

Talisman for Expelling Earth Sha

It may be fumigated or taken internally; either method is suitable.

Plain-Language Interpretation of Pearls Left Behind in the Sea of Rites (Fahai Yizhu)

Drawing the talisman: First form the Mao hand seal, focus the mind and steady the will with the hands held before the heart, visualize the Earth Deity, and then recite the talismanic incantation.

Place the talisman according to the relevant direction, either upright or folded away.

Commanding incantation (for issuing orders):

By command of the Most High Venerable One, seize and capture the baleful forces that sweep through the air. Earth Deities of two thousand shi in the southeast; three thousand units of Earth Qi in the northwest; the star-borne poison flying through the center; Earth Lord and Earth Mother—all disasters of the year, afflictions of the month, baleful forces of the day, and Qi of the hour: let each settle in its proper direction, and let the afflicted person enjoy health and peace. Urgently, in accordance with the statutes of the Supreme Emperor!

How to use the talisman above: Write the names of the spirits and baleful forces inside the talisman, and cover them with the words “arise swiftly” or “settle.” Use a peachwood board one chi and two cun long, and write the talisman on it. Alternatively, hang it on bamboo, or drive it into the ground in the direction of the affliction, to a depth of three to six cun.

Incantation for opening Heaven with the Five Thunders and restraining the Thunder Deities through the Yu Steps (also called the Great Unity Fire Court Summoning Incantation)

The nine Qi of azure numinous power, their might subduing the stars. Within Heaven and Earth, the Kui constellation shines brilliantly. Their power reaches far and near, radiant and blazing, flowing like molten gold. Pali streams forth and unfolds; wind and thunder beat and fall still. Hurling fire with fearsome force, they sweep away the blazing clouds. The Dipper’s handle is mysteriously arrayed; thunder and lightning cross and crisscross. The Thunder Lords of the three Qi, flying flames and blazing bells, scatter clouds and hurl rain, rescuing the dying and restoring life. Ancient Po, the Mother of Lightning, harmonizes with Xihe, the azure Yang. The Fire Court’s numinous might spreads over a pure and tranquil realm. Taking countless forms, they swallow the sun and devour the stars. The chamber and Li are complete in nine; Piao and Lu bring the heavens to stillness. The Thunder Duke flashes lightning; thunderbolts gleam with golden radiance. The Thunder Deities of the seven Qi, with golden essence, draw forth the hidden. Their awesome light commands and subdues; they gather their mounts and sweep away the dust. The thunderfire of the eight directions flies, its baleful power circling the hidden reaches. Swift winds hurl fire, coursing through the Three Realms. The generals of Geng and Xin behead and sever without cease. The water essence of the five Qi follows the Emperor’s dragon chariot. Lanli Nayou beats the drum and commands the Three Officials. Flying light responds everywhere; Tiwu Luoxian, in immortal robes bestowed by the Emperor, wears them upon his body and soars to Heaven. His years are prolonged, his youth restored, and his radiance illuminates the nine heavens. The two principles converge; flying fire blazes onward. Taking countless forms, all receive the Emperor’s command: thunder and lightning surge to Heaven. The Emperor Cheng and Shan Sheng, with loyalty and righteousness, bow toward the North Star palace. Mengluo Pingyi, Yao Tianma, and Changyang Yan spread clouds and rain. Mulang, the rising sun; Tianyou, Fu Nu, and Fuwang; the fierce generals of the Eight Heavens—I summon you by name.

The Supreme Emperor has issued a decree, granting you numinous might. When your deeds are accomplished, you shall ascend together to Jade Purity. I shall not betray you; my oath is clear. If you betray the Dao, your souls will die and never be reborn, and calamity will befall your descendants.

Note: “Earth Deities of two thousand shi,” “Earth Lord,” and “Earth Mother” are names for Earth Deities in Daoism who govern directions and seasonal disasters and baleful forces. The “Yu Steps” are ritual steps that imitate the legendary steps of Yu the Great. The “Five Thunders” and the “Fire Court” belong to the systems of thunder rites and Fire Court Thunder Generals. Several characters in the original may have been corrupted in transmission; this interpretation follows commonly used forms found in the Daoist Canon.

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

“The nine patriarchs fell into the netherworld, yet ever acted with uprightness. They shine as one with the sun and moon, rank among the immortals, and assist the Thunder Court. With utmost urgency, enact the command issued by the Primordial Descent of the Jade Emperor.”

(In brief: Though the nine patriarchs fell into the netherworld, they continued to act with uprightness. They shine as one with the sun and moon, hold ranks among the immortals, and assist the Thunder Court. With utmost urgency, enact the command issued by the Primordial Descent of the Jade Emperor.)

Sword-Tip Talisman (Petition for Healing)

Write the matter on the four corners and in four lines, in accordance with the person’s birth-year star, and perform the rite according to the prescribed method.

Reverse design of the Sword-Tip Talisman

The character “Xin” is numbered from one to eight, then repeated in sequence. To summon the Dipper, change the text to “Blazing fire crashes like thunder and captures.” To make thunder crash and the Dipper appear, adapt the wording to the matter at hand, use the four corners, and stamp it with the Unified Heaven Seal. Cut this talisman in half through the middle and attach one half to the front of the household petition; attach the other half before the petition to the Dipper, at the place where the petitioner’s title and position are written. For a minor matter, attach the whole talisman to the front of the household petition and proceed as appropriate, according to the matter’s seriousness.

Four True Immortals’ Signature Seals (Chen, Liu, Xu, and Yang)

Write the four signature-seal characters on the back of the talisman, adding them to the document where the parties’ agreement is recorded. Use the Unified Heaven Seal when summoning; stamp the person’s surname and write their name above it. Write the twenty-character secret incantation on both sides of the back of the talisman. The household petition’s matching talisman may be cut through the center into two pieces with scissors. Attach them before and after the written text where the name and petition details appear, with the inner sides facing one another; attach them before the petition, below the talisman. The dispatched generals must hurry to their destination without delay or missing the appointed time.

Thunder Command for the Joint Contract (Attach to the back of the household petition: year, month, and day / Summon the Thunder Command for the Joint Contract and carry it out)

Use the deity and general assigned to the day: Qiu for the zi day, Wang for the chou day (follow the order of positions), and Xie for the hai day. In the register of daily assignments, for minor matters it is sufficient to use only the deity assigned to that day.

The secret instructions for presenting the household petition contain the three characters “Om, Mi, Luo.” Recite them in secret.

Faith Talisman: Follow the master’s title and position. Attach it lengthwise along the edge of the household petition’s front cover, and use the Unified Heaven Seal. Sew the back of the talisman.

On the household petition, place the Faith Talisman first, followed by the Talisman for Breaking the Gale of the Dipper. At the place marked “sealed with reverence” and on the back of the household petition’s cover, stamp it with the Thunder Court’s Chief Office Seal. Above the person’s surname, stamp it with the Heavenly Treasure Household Petition Seal. Do not use the Three Treasures Writ casually.

Faith Talisman

Talisman for Breaking the Gale of the Dipper

Incantation for the Swift Transmission of Wind and Fire

“The talisman scribe presents the memorial” (chen), “to be heard at the Emperor’s Gate” (zi); “the fierce officer of the Dipper’s gale” (si), “has violated the imperial edict” (si). “Enforce the law accordingly. With utmost urgency, act in accordance with the statutes.”

Note: This chapter belongs to a Daoist ritual tradition of petitioning, healing, and urgent transmission by talismans and incantations. It includes objects and procedures such as the Sword-Tip Talisman, Thunder-Crashing Board, Thunder Command for the Joint Contract, household petition for presentation, Unified Heaven Seal, and Thunder Court’s Chief Office Seal. The Four True Immortals’ signature seals refer to Chen, Liu, Xu, and Yang. The daily assigned deities and generals take turns according to the earthly branches. The source text is often fragmentary, with lines and sections out of order. The explanation above follows a common reading; the specific ritual procedure should still be checked against the complete text and the instructions transmitted by a master.

This scripture primarily explains the methods of using Daoist talismans (fulu), detailing several types of talismans and their corresponding ritual procedures.

First, it describes the specifications for crafting a messenger talisman: one and two-tenths inches wide and four inches long, with the four corners bearing the heart seals (special marks of Daoist practitioners) of four masters. The talisman must clearly state a request for the Thunder Department's direct emissary deities Xie You and Ji Maoqing to swiftly deliver the "family letter" (a document for communication between Daoists and deities) to the Thunder Patriarch's abode without delay, and to return with the Patriarch's decree.

Depending on the purpose, additional content is inscribed:

• For message delivery: "Deliver the family letter"
• For healing: "Expel evil and cure illness"
• For rain prayers: "By the fierce decree of the Three Heavens' wind and fire, ghosts and spirits shall perish. We urgently summon the Five Thunder Deities to roar and pour down rain"
• For star veneration rituals (gaodou): "Swiftly thunder and manifest the Dipper"

Next, the scripture outlines the steps for drawing the talisman: It must be written during a specific hour (noon), using golden light Qi collected from the Heavenly Gate, and stamped with a "contract talisman" (a special seal). Two incantations are then listed: the "Dispatch to Heaven Talisman" and the "Spirit Emanation Chant," used to summon internal deities and Thunder Department generals, aiding the practitioner's spirit (shen) in leaving the body to deliver petitions to the celestial realm.

The "Nine-Locked Mystic Pearl Chant" is an advanced incantation, invoking celestial ascent, mastery of thunderous power, and ultimate ascension to the Shangqing realm (one of Daoism's highest heavens). The chant mentions wearing jade pendants and golden bells as ritual implements, summoning celestial soldiers and generals for protection.

Finally, the "Sword-Tip Talisman" and its accompanying chant are used to command deities, demanding swift attendance from mountain, river, and lake spirits. All talismans must be activated with specific hand gestures (mudras) and directional orientations (e.g., center, east, north), recited three times to take effect.

These talismans exemplify the characteristics of Daoist Thunder Rituals (leifa), a practice centered on summoning thunder and lightning, emphasizing communication with deities through precise rituals to achieve healing, rainmaking, ascension, and other purposes.

Plain-language explanation

Order for writing the right-hand talisman

First draw the four sides—the frame around the talisman. Then write the inner “dǔn,” a single stroke at its heart, and add the strokes forming the talisman’s core, such as “sword” and “dipper.” In the Seven Stars design, write the matter being reported at the star position corresponding to the person’s birth-year fate star. The officiant then recites a petition suited to the matter. Its general meaning is:

“Your servant respectfully submits: On behalf of [person] concerning [matter], we humbly beseech Your Sacred Compassion to issue an edict and proclaim it to the offices of the Yin realm (Xuancao), directing that everything be carried out as requested. At the time of prayer and petition on [date and hour], we beg that the response be made clear. We humbly await Your edict.”

Visualization and use of fire

Visualize the Dipper Seat emerging from the space between the eyebrows, with flames and Qi spreading across the talisman. For the four characters meaning “fire,” visualize the fire Qi of the east, south, west, and north, and inhale it from each direction into the corresponding “fire” character.

Cut the talisman in half. Attach one half to the household letter—a document addressed to the deceased or household deity—and the other to the memorial submitted to Heaven. If the matter is urgent, first attach the half related to the person’s birth-year fate star to the household letter and burn it. When “summoning down the Dipper,” burn it at the crucial point. If the Dipper is not petitioned first, attach the entire talisman to the household letter. (According to another oral instruction,) write “Dipper-Mu” inside and check it against the matching talisman design.

Heavenly Treasure dispatch (written with a cinnabar brush on a full sheet of blue paper; used for praying for rain or clear skies, dispelling harmful influences, and general petitions)

Invocation of the honored deity: Heavenly Treasure Jade Clarity Great Cavern Honored Deity

Edict format (outline): “Command [the named] carriage, [the named] chariot, and [the named] retinue to attend [the named] presence… This dispatch now summons [a named] general from the Taiyi Fire Bureau, together with the officials and generals of this altar, to join [a named] general and carry out the matters set out in this dispatch as directed” (the wording may be expanded or shortened to suit the matter). “With reverence, we comply with the talismanic command previously bestowed and now formally proclaim this order.”

“When this talisman arrives, act in accordance with the edict above. Respectfully, this dispatch is issued.”

Issued in the [year] of the Grand Year, on [month, day, and hour]. The undersigned official, [surname], receives the command and carries it out. Patriarch: True Lord Xu, Celestial Pivot Minister of the Central Heaven, Subduer of Demons (in Heaven).

Numinous Treasure dispatch (written with a cinnabar brush on a full sheet of yellow paper)

Invocation of the honored deity: Numinous Treasure Profound Assembly Original Florescence Great Deity

The edict follows a format similar to the Heavenly Treasure dispatch: “Command the [named] carriages and retinues… This dispatch now summons [a named] general from the Taiyi Fire Bureau and the officials and generals of this altar to join [a named] general and carry out the matters set out in this dispatch as directed” (the wording may be expanded or shortened to suit the matter). “With reverence, we comply with the talismanic command previously bestowed and now formally proclaim this order.”

“When this talisman arrives, act in accordance with the edict above. Respectfully, this dispatch is issued.”

Issued in the [year] of the Grand Year, on [month, day, and hour]. The undersigned official, [surname], receives the command and carries it out.

Note: The symbol “▲” marks a damaged passage in the original manuscript or a placeholder for a secret character. The names of the generals and retinues, as well as the dates and hours, must be filled in according to the liturgical manual used at the time. This passage presents the format and visualization procedures for talismans and dispatches in the Daoist Fire Bureau and Numinous Treasure traditions. It differs from the simple folk practice of “drawing talismans”: its emphasis is on coordinating with the Dipper stars, the person’s birth-year fate star, and visualized fire Qi, and on attaching the parts to the household letter and memorial so that the petition may be submitted to Heaven.

The Patriarch, the Celestial Pivot Chancellor at the Center of Heaven, the True Lord Who Subdues Demons, Xu Xun (a Daoist deity traditionally said to hold office in Heaven)

Spirit Treasure Proclamation (an official proclamation written throughout in white or vermilion on yellow silk)

Great Spirit Who Opens and Gathers the Cavern Origin and Unites the Brightness

By command: … This proclamation is hereby issued.

The general of the Taiyi Fire Palace and the officials and generals of this precinct shall, from this day onward,

carry out the matters set out in this proclamation (the titles may be changed to suit the specific matter), and respectfully obey

the talismanic command issued by the Primordial Beginning. They shall solemnly announce and put it into effect.

Upon receipt of this talisman, obey

the command as stated above. This proclamation is issued with due reverence.

Announced and issued at [hour], on [day], in [month] of [year] of the current sexagenary cycle.

The undersigned official, [surname], receives the edict and carries it out.

The Patriarch, the Celestial Pivot Chancellor at the Center of Heaven, the True Lord Who Subdues Demons, Xu Xun (in Heaven)

The three proclamations of the Three Treasures: Use one talisman each month. While writing its seal script, visualize golden light descending from Heaven into the talisman; summon the generals, offer a prayer, and dispatch them. Burn the spirit money and paper horses.

Format (yellow silk with a vermilion talisman and black writing)

Taiyi Fire Palace, Branch Office

This office respectfully submits the following, based on the petition of [person] at [place]: A family letter has already been formally presented to the Master’s court, requesting that it be submitted to the [Celestial Court / Dipper Court] and that

an edict be issued. In addition, we now include the talismans of the Patriarch, the True Lord Who Subdues Demons, for healing illness, destroying temples, slaying demons and sprites, and expelling troublesome spirits. They must now be compiled.

[Leave five inches blank here and write the compiled talisman.]

Compiled above.

To Marshal Qiu, chief general of the Taiyi Fire Palace; Marshal Wang, deputy general; Great Spirit Chen, Keeper of the Command; Great Spirit Li of the Azure Thunder; Great Spirit Kong, who Beheads and Destroys; Great Spirit Cui of the Fire Thunder; Great Spirit Zhou of the Water Thunder; Great Spirit Ji of the Flying Heaven; Great Spirit Liu of the Black Thunder; Great Spirit Lin, Keeper of the Laws; Great Spirit Bai, Driver of Thunder; Envoy Xie, Bearer of the Talisman; and the troops and horses of the various divisions of the Five Thunders (write the names of the generals of this method here):

Proceed to meet with the City God and command the local Earth God, the six household spirits, the god of destiny, and the others to carry out the matter described herein. Each shall obey the talismanic command originally issued by the Most High. For the afflicted person [name], may disasters from Heaven be dispelled above and calamities on Earth averted below. Or, if the person is burdened by curses and enmities from former lives, accusations from the deceased, or any other faults, may all be respectfully pardoned according to the original decree.

Now muster the thousand chariots and ten thousand cavalry of the Thunder troops under your command. Put your weapons in full order and conduct yourselves with solemn authority. Search far and wide through illicit shrines, demon strongholds, and lairs. Wherever evil spirits are found, drive them all out.

Note: This text gives the format for proclamations and compiled talismans used by the Taiyi Fire Palace branch of Daoism. Its language imitates court documents: terms such as “command,” “proclamation,” and “carry out” are used to issue orders to the Thunder Division generals, including Marshals Qiu and Wang and the various gods of the Five Thunders. They join forces with the City God, local Earth Gods, and the six household spirits to heal the sick, destroy shrines to evil powers, slay demons and sprites, and expel troublesome spirits, dispatching them through the burning of talismans. “The three proclamations of the Three Treasures,” “one talisman each month,” “golden light entering the talisman,” and “burning spirit money and paper horses” are ritual instructions for using the talismans.

As for those who bring calamity and cause mischief, all deities who have received an imperial command are to be seized one by one, whether they are near or far, within or beyond.

If any refuse to submit and prove difficult to capture, then rely on the Great Thunder Deity to display his mighty authority, cut them down and destroy them, and carry out the law.

At once drive away the illness and settle the patient’s hun and po souls; only then will the rite take effect. If the illness is caused by the stars’ movements going awry—such as an offense against Tai Sui or Sui Po—then a method of release and appeasement is to be performed specifically for this purpose. That very night, the deities must also be summoned to dispel baleful influences and usher in good fortune, so that wind and rain grow calm, the qi of the four seasons clears, the clouds part, and the stars of the Dipper appear. When sincere intent reaches Heaven and the Perfected Ones of the Dipper Court are informed, the patient will recover and the household will be at peace. May the petitions and prayers of this office be answered as desired, so that the true Way may spread, Daoist methods flourish, and a great, manifest response be bestowed. Carry this out with all speed.

Respectfully compiled in the year, month, day, and hour of Tai Sui [specified].

Your servant, [name], of [rank], receives the edict and carries it out.

The Ancestral Master, the Celestial Pivot Minister of the Central Heaven, the True Lord Who Subdues Demons, Xu [present in Heaven].

Included: talisman for the compilation.

Also included: thunder compilation talisman.

Incantation for commanding the compilation:

Thunder Marshals of Heaven, Fire Marshals of Earth, holy officials of the Three Realms—hear the command and descend. Let thunderbolts shatter the demons and monsters; when merit is complete and De is fulfilled, ascend to the Heavenly Court. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands of the Jade Clarity realm!

Also included: command incantation.

On this day, Marshal [name] (Mao hour), the Talisman Officer on duty, Xie [name] (Chen hour), shall follow the Emperor’s command (Si hour) and swiftly communicate with the spirits (Wu hour). The fierce officers of the bright wind (Zi hour) must not obstruct or delay (Wu hour). Should anyone disobey the command (Chou hour), a report shall be submitted to the Imperial Court. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Seven compiled petitions and three dispatches.

Enter the generals.

Secret text in the Thunder Department’s internal alchemical jade sound:

Om ling hong (Zi) … (Recite according to the twelve earthly branches and their corresponding hours, following the original phonetic incantation. Its general meaning is to summon wind and thunder, thunderbolts, rain, and hail; shake the Thunder Gate with power; and make golden light appear swiftly.)

One-Qi numinous chapter talisman (used for major supplications, with a response said to follow as swiftly as an echo; issue the dispatches three days beforehand).

Take golden-light Qi and apply it to the brush. Recite the preceding secret text of the Thunder Department’s jade sound, then write the talisman.

Notes for reading the original:

Bian and xi: Daoist petitionary documents, functioning like reports combined with commands. “Seven compiled petitions and three dispatches” refers to a set of seven compiled texts and three dispatches.

Deities who have received an imperial command: Divine generals who have received an edict from the Jade Emperor or the Supreme Perfected Ones and are responsible for capturing evil spirits.

Thunder Marshals of Heaven and Fire Marshals of Earth: Two groups of thunder generals associated with the waters above and the earth below, often named together.

Dipper Perfected Ones and informing the Dipper Court: Reporting to the Perfected Ones of the Northern Dipper Court, in prayer for release from adversity and longevity.

Marshals and the Talisman Officer assigned by earthly branches: Generals are assigned to serve on particular days and at particular hours. The Zi, Chou, and other branches in parentheses indicate a secret method activated according to the hour.

Xu [present in Heaven]: Refers to Xu Xun, the Celestial Master of the Tang dynasty, known as the True Lord Who Subdues Demons and the Celestial Pivot Minister of the Central Heaven.

Statutes and commands of the Jade Clarity realm: The supreme urgent command of the sovereign of the Jade Clarity realm.

One-Qi numinous chapter talisman: A numinous talisman used for major petitions and rites of appeasement. It is said to be used three days before the dispatches are issued and to bring a rapid response.

A Gloss of the Vernacular Interpretation

“Wu you shou gui hui chang, zong wan qi ru yuan gong she chi”

(These are secret characters written on the talisman according to ritual procedure; they are not translated separately.)

“Taiyi of the Fire Bureau, whose name is Returning Wind, gathers the malign and restores it to the righteous. In accord with the lineage of Kongtong, it turns and transforms the myriad things, penetrates and transforms the Nine Palaces, and answers the commands of all under Heaven. The Dao’s work flourishes day by day. Act at once, in accordance with the law!”

Taiyi of the Fire Bureau, named “Returning Wind,” can gather the malign and restore it to the righteous. It accords with the lineage of Kongtong, turns and transforms the myriad things, penetrates and transforms the Nine Palaces, and answers the commands of all under Heaven. The Dao’s work grows ever more prosperous. Act at once, in accordance with the law!

(Form the hand seal of the Three Pure Ones and draw in Qi through the Gate of Heaven.)

This talisman is the bodily form of Taiyi and the source of the myriad Qi. Practitioners who copy it according to the prescribed form can turn the primal pivot, gather the malign and restore it to the righteous, return to the root and source, and command the myriad spirits to respond as circumstances call. Through unceasing practice, numinous power descends from the Nine Heavens; when the returning chariot completes its course, one soars through the air and attains the highest rank of Taiyi.

Restrictions: Anyone who has not attained true realization, pledged faith, and made a covenant before the sacred beings must not disclose this casually. Doing so would violate the hidden laws of Heaven. It should be guarded and treasured with care.

When writing the talisman of the Fire Bureau, one must always hold one’s breath. To deal with a severe haunting, add three more characters, ▲▲▲, and then write:

“Let the thunder command proceed swiftly; command of wind, fire, and thunder; command of thunder and fire; urgent command of thunder; the Red Heaven Emperor has issued a command; command of the Thunder Master Ancestor; command of cloud, mist, and thunder; ao shu xu kui ▲▲ ling, concealed.”

Afterward, stamp “Edict of the Great Red Heaven Emperor of the Fire Bureau” over the top.

Three Heavens dispatches: divine treasure, numinous treasure, and heavenly treasure

The Numinous Treasure and Divine Treasure forms of the Three Heavens dispatch follow the same format as the Heavenly Treasure dispatch. Only the talisman and secret characters are changed; the character “chariot” is placed to one side.

When using a Three Heavens dispatch, one must submit a memorial to the Great Red Heaven Emperor, the Divine Empyrean, or the Supreme Lord of the Taiyi ritual, Lady Zhuyuan. Only then may it be used. Begin with the Divine Treasure dispatch, followed by the Numinous Treasure and then the Heavenly Treasure, performing the sequence three times. These dispatches are for serious matters and must not be used casually.

Another form: the thunder dispatch (the inner talisman is shown earlier; use vermilion ink in clear weather and black ink in rain)

Branch Office of the Taiyi Fire Bureau

This office respectfully submits the following, based on … (the intention is the same as above; complete the form through “the compiler must submit”).

(Blank talisman space)

The dispatch above is issued by Marshal [name] and Direct Talisman Officer Xie [name] on this day. In accordance with the Emperor’s command, they urgently carry it out. Act at once, in accordance with the Edict and Command of the Great Red Heaven Emperor.

Dispatch prepared for the cyclical year, month, day, and hour.

The undersigned official, [surname] [name], acts upon receiving the decree.

The founding master, the Celestial Pivot Chancellor of the Central Heaven, True Lord Who Subdues Demons, Xu [name] (in Heaven).

Another form: dispatch talisman for praying for rain

(The format follows the thunder dispatch above and is used specifically for praying for rain.)

Brief glossary of terms

Upon arrival, it must be obeyed at once without delay or hesitation; this is the Five Thunder Heavenly Decree (in Daoist thunder rites (leifa), a command symbolizing heaven's majesty that must be carried out with all speed).