《法海遺珠》Vol. 46

The Pearl Left by the Dharma Ocean, Scroll 46, Section 13: “Mysterious Writ of the Purple Court: The Generals’ Ranks”—A Plain-Language Interpretation

This section describes the names and appearances of the generals summoned at the altar when driving out plague-related spirits, as well as how to use talismans in a household where someone is afflicted with consumptive disease, and how to “seal off the rear”—closing the altar rites and cutting off the spirits’ traces.

The Generals’ Ranks: Names and Appearances

• General-in-Chief Xiong Gui, Pursuer of Consumption: Three heads and six arms, with a red, fearsome face. He wears a purple robe, golden armor, and green boots, and holds a halberd, sword, bow, arrows, spear, and lance.
• General-in-Chief Liu Qi, Breaker of Corpse Possession: A green demon face with fangs, wearing a purple robe, golden armor, and green boots, and holding a large battle-axe. “Corpse possession” refers to a wasting illness believed in the past to be transmissible.
• General Zhou Ji, Commander of the Deaf Troops: A green face, fangs, and red hair. He carries a halberd and wears a skull around his neck.
• General Li Qi, the Mute Commander: A jujube-colored face and three tufts of beard, with one phoenix-shaped eye and one almond-shaped eye. He wears golden armor, carries a large saber, and is barefoot.
• General Zhao Ji, the Prominent-Foreheaded Commander: A round red face and a long beard. He wears a mountain-shaped crown, a green robe, and black boots.
• Others include the Fisher Master, Net Master, and Hunter Master; the General-in-Chief of the Blood Basin and the Marshal of the Fire Bell; the Great Sage of Chu Mountain, Who Leaves None Behind; the officials who seize and consume demons and ghosts; the officials who execute evil spirits and destroy temples, and those who seize and consume corpse-possession spirits; the subordinate Divine Kings of Drawing Up the Dipper, Calculating the Dipper, and Battle and Conquest; the troops and officials who wield talismans, seize ghosts, and erase their traces; the wondrous troops under the Jade Maidens; the messengers of the hawks and hounds of the Five Directions; and the officials and generals assigned to the inner court. All belong to this system of generals.

The Order of Ritual Actions for Sealing Off the Rear

When someone in a household is bedridden with consumptive disease—long-term illness and debility that leave them unable to rise—the talisman should be made from catalpa wood, a material commonly used for talismans. It should be six inches long. In a leap year, add half an inch, making it one and a half inches longer.

1. First submit a formal petition to the master, reporting to the altar and requesting leave. After making offerings to reward the spirits, give the talisman to the deceased to hold, in the left hand for a man and the right hand for a woman.

2. After burning the petitions in each room, go to the place where the coffin is kept, settle yourself, and focus the spirit.

3. Draw a well inside the coffin, envisioning it as a dry well. Declare that flying corpses, corpse worms, ghosts, corpse-possession poison, corpse-possession Qi, and other such forces are to be gathered into the well.

4. Use the Seven-Turn Thunder Spell and ritual design to drive them in; then use the Thunder-Fire incantation to expel them into the well, and close the coffin.

5. Choose an auspicious day and seal off the rear in accordance with the ritual procedure.

The Patriarchs gave this oath: Using the method casually will only bring blame upon oneself. It may be performed only after solemnly presenting the matter at the altar and acting with sincere intent. Only utmost sincerity can move the spirits to respond. This must be strictly observed; do not treat the text as ordinary writing to be handled carelessly.

Summoning and Joining the Spirits

The master draws in Qi from the center of Heaven and brings it into the central palace, then exhales toward the far northern and northwestern reaches. Envision the Purple Court Emperor Star—the star corresponding to the Celestial Emperor of the North Pole and Purple Tenuity—large as a wheel, its light shining upon the earth. With the axe hand, make a flicking gesture… The following details of visualization, pacing the star patterns, and hand gestures for summoning must be considered together with the complete incantation and the instructions transmitted by the master.

Note: The later phrases, such as “with the axe hand, make a flicking gesture,” may contain missing characters or copying errors. This plain-language interpretation translates the wording as it appears; to align the procedure fully with the ritual, consult a reliable edition of The Pearl Left by the Dharma Ocean and the instructions transmitted orally by a master.

The Northern Emperor issues his command: by edict the baleful qi is gathered, Kui and Gang resound, by edict the baleful is gathered (zi-wu / Dou).

The two Dippers break open the stellar enclosure, and the mind's intent perceives the Great Emperor within. The ritual master invokes Qi to deploy it through his body—I am myself the North Pole—and at once summons:

The Fire Emperor, Fierce Blood, Four Brightness Breaks the Corpse-Frame; Tianyou Exterminates the Ilk; the divine blade descends once, and ten thousand ghosts collapse of themselves. Respectfully I summon the Fierce-Blood Messenger of the Fire Emperor: hasten with all speed to the altar, for there are matters to command.

When the summoning is complete, the marshal appears in the south. The ritual master circulates the water of the kidneys upward to surge against the fire of the heart, thereby stirring the messenger, who passes from the double pass at the spine, traverses the Twelve-Storied Tower, and emerges from the Spirit Chamber, merging with the south to become one, instantly manifesting at Li. Uniting original Qi with his gaze, the master moves the characters "one, three, seven" onto the jade seal in his left hand—this too is golden light.

Since the Great General of Fierce Blood has now arrived at the altar, he looks up and bears the emperor's command, proceeding directly to the Ziwei Enclosure pass to summon:

Great General Who Pursues Consumption, Marshal Xiong; Great General Who Severs Wasting Possession, Marshal Liu; Great General of Deaf Soldiers, Marshal Zhou; Great General of Mute Commanders, Marshal Li; Great General of the Towering Brow, Marshal Zhao—together with the officers and generals of the assembled bureaus: hasten with all speed to the altar, for there are matters to command.

When the summoning is complete, the ritual master traces the sword mudra with his right hand toward the great general, issues the si breath and gives the watchword, and ascends straight to the Ziwei Enclosure pass to summon. Holding the seal of the Ziwei Enclosure, the master recites the Spell of the Black Emperor of the North:

Black Emperor of the North, honored among ten thousand sages, Taiwei and the Six Jia, spiritual lords of the Five Qi. Your radiance outshines sun and moon, your awe fills Qian and Kun. Flying talismans and seized registers cut off the ghost gate. You move the spirits and deploy Qi, repelling the Five Pestilences. Officers and soldiers to left and right, the Three-Five Generals. Thunder Lord's thunderbolts, lightning surging and clouds racing. Blades and swords like rain, ranks and banners like clouds. Holding the emperor's bell in hand, wearing Kunlun on your head, you circle the world, searching out and seizing demonic essences. The earth-god decrees of the Nine Provinces, the guests of blood offerings—none are permitted to resist. Should any dare to bristle their scales, Zhenxing binds their hands and the Northern Emperor collects their souls. The Three Terraces and the Seven Stars wield swords to cut their bodies; the punishment is not lightly applied, and disaster will reach your own person. Evil essences and sprites must not let their ears hear it—whoever hears my spell, head split and brains burst, shattered like fine dust.

Respectfully I summon:

Great General Who Pursues Consumption, Marshal Xiong; Great General Who Severs Wasting Possession, Marshal Liu; Great General of Deaf Soldiers, Marshal Zhou; Great General of Mute Commanders, Marshal Li; Great General of the Towering Brow, Marshal Zhao—together with the officers and generals of the assembled bureaus of the Inner Court of Tianpeng: hasten with all speed to the altar, for there are matters to command.

Plain-Language Interpretation of Pearls Left Behind in the Dharma Sea

Extend the left hand forward in the Purple Qi seal. The master raises the Golden Light Eye and summons the generals, who appear clearly on the altar from within the Purple Qi enclosure, ready to be dispatched as needed.

Extend the left hand forward while forming the Purple Qi seal. The master raises the Golden Light Eye, visualizing golden light with the eye of inner vision, and summons the generals of the Thunder Bureau from the Purple Qi enclosure, one of the celestial star regions often visualized in thunder rites. He brings them onto the altar, where they appear clearly, and dispatches them as needed.

With the right hand, cut the talisman and write the Jade Talisman at the rear, reciting the Tianpeng incantation. Once the writing is complete, place it in the Commanding General position, for use against baleful corpse ghosts. If the Three-Seven sequence has not yet been entered, place the primary and auxiliary talismans over the evil essence and use the Northern Black Incantation. Write the names of the Five Generals in the Commanding General position, then press the talisman with Dark Qi according to the Three-Seven method. Used in the usual method of total command, it quickly subdues corpse ghosts and evil essences.

With the right hand, cut the talisman and write the Jade Talisman at the rear while reciting the Tianpeng incantation. When the writing is complete, place the talisman in the “Commanding General” position, the talisman position that directs the generals. For baleful corpse ghosts—spirits associated with misfortune and corpse Qi—use a form of writing that “enters the Commanding General.” If the “Three-Seven” sequence, a method of making three steps and seven presses in the talisman, has not yet been entered, write the primary and auxiliary talismans over the evil essence and use the Northern Black Incantation. Write the names of the Five Generals in the Commanding General position, then press the talisman with Dark Qi according to the Three-Seven method. Used in the customary method of total command, it quickly subdues corpse ghosts and evil essences.

Next, set the thunder in motion. Reverently summon: the Heavenly Thunder, the Celestial Emperor Shitian (in the Qian position); the Earth Thunder, shaking through the underworld (in the Kun position). On the left, poisonous thunder shines constantly; on the right, poisonous thunder flashes with lightning. Spring thunder strikes the flying sky ghosts; summer thunder destroys the evil spirits beneath the earth. Autumn thunder flashes and races with the clouds; winter thunder destroys all evil. The great tree that stills the thunder stands without obstruction, ever protecting the people and bringing good fortune.

Next, set the thunder in motion. Reverently summon the Heavenly Thunder, the Celestial Emperor Shitian, in the Qian position, and the Earth Thunder, which shakes the underworld, in the Kun position. On the left, poisonous thunder shines constantly; on the right, poisonous thunder flashes with lightning. Spring thunder strikes the flying sky ghosts; summer thunder destroys evil spirits beneath the earth. Autumn thunder flashes and races with the clouds; winter thunder destroys all evil. The great tree that stills the thunder, an image in thunder rites for halting thunder and suppressing evil, stands without obstruction, protecting the people and bringing good fortune.

Om, Dulu, Great Dulu, Flying Dulu: command the baleful forces to be seized and subdued (focus on the left hand position, beneath the left ribs). At the first turn, Heaven and Earth move (Zhen); at the second, the Sun and Moon grow dim (Xun); at the third, the Dipper’s handle moves (Li); at the fourth, thunder and fire break forth (center); at the fifth, thunderbolts shake the earth (Kun); at the sixth, the fierce and evil are destroyed (Dui); at the seventh, seize and subdue all rebellious, lawless spirits, including the transmitting corpse and linked afflictions. Let them die beneath my Five Thunders and the Dipper’s handle; let them neither move nor act (focus on the right hand position, below the waist).

Recite: “Om, Dulu, Great Dulu, Flying Dulu: command the baleful forces to be seized and subdued.” Focus on the left hand position, beneath the left ribs. At the first turn, Heaven and Earth move, corresponding to Zhen; at the second, the Sun and Moon grow dim, corresponding to Xun; at the third, the Dipper’s handle moves, corresponding to Li; at the fourth, thunder and fire break forth at the center; at the fifth, thunderbolts shake the earth, corresponding to Kun; at the sixth, the fierce and evil are destroyed, corresponding to Dui; at the seventh, seize and subdue all rebellious, lawless spirits, including the “transmitting corpse and linked afflictions,” evil associated with contagious corpse Qi and connected misfortune. Command them to die beneath my Five Thunders and the Dipper’s handle, the direction indicated by the Northern Dipper and a vital point in thunder rites. They must not move or act. Focus on the right hand position, below the waist.

Visualize the two hands as the Great Envoy of Direct Thunder, the two kidneys as the Thunder Province, the lower abdomen as the Water Bureau of Penglai, the heart as the Thunder Department, and the twenty-four vertebrae as the great tree that stills the thunder. Use the two hand positions to build the aperture. Raise Qi from the lower abdomen to the heart, return it to the abdomen, then send it straight up from both sides of the ribs to the ears, forming the “Thunder Cavern.” Strike it into the talisman in one breath. Visualize Heaven overturned and Earth upended, then use the two hand positions to guide Qi into the center.

Visualize the two hands as the Great Envoy of Direct Thunder, the two kidneys as the Thunder Province, the lower abdomen as the Water Bureau of Penglai, the heart as the Thunder Department, and the twenty-four vertebrae as the great tree that stills the thunder. Use the two hand positions to build the aperture: raise Qi from the lower abdomen to the heart, return it to the abdomen, then send it straight up from both sides of the ribs to the ears, forming the “Thunder Cavern.” In one breath, strike the Qi into the talisman. Visualize Heaven overturned and Earth upended, then use the two hand positions to guide Qi into the Dantian, the central energy center.

Next, recite the Five Fires incantation: “Heavenly Fire, Earthly Fire, Yang Fire, Yin Fire, the true fire of my heart, the true fire of the Sun, the true fire that roams in the Five Thunders through the four seasons. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes!”

Next, recite the Five Fires incantation: “Heavenly Fire, Earthly Fire, Yang Fire, Yin Fire, the true fire of my heart, the true fire of the Sun, the true fire that roams in the Five Thunders through the four seasons. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes!”

When the sound “Guang” is complete, the master hooks the little fingers of both hands together and releases the power from Yin to Wu. Visualize blazing flames burning through Heaven and into Earth, destroying ghosts and spirits of evil essence; those who behold them plunge ten thousand yards into the earth. According to the text, stamp the left foot three times and visualize the ghosts and spirits being seized and driven ten thousand yards beneath the ground.

When the sound “Guang” is complete, the master hooks the little fingers of both hands together and releases the power, moving from the Yin hour to the Wu hour. Visualize blazing flames burning through Heaven and into Earth, destroying ghosts and spirits of evil essence; the beings seen plunge ten thousand yards into the earth. Following the text’s instruction, stamp the left foot three times and visualize the ghosts and spirits being seized and driven ten thousand yards beneath the ground.

Reverently summon.

After setting the thunder in motion, invoking the Five Fires, and stamping the foot, make a further reverent summons. The following text may name the specific deity or generals being summoned; this section ends here.

Note: This section belongs to Daoist thunder rites for cutting down evil and subduing corpse spirits. It combines talismans, incantations, hand signs, the sequence of seven turns matched with the directions of the Eight Trigrams, visualization within the body (the kidneys, abdomen, heart, and spine as thunder departments), and the use of the Five Fires together with the Five Thunders. “Purple Qi,” “the Dipper’s handle,” “Tianpeng,” “Commanding General,” and “transmitting corpse and linked afflictions” are all terms used in ritual practice. The parentheses in the original book are marginal notes giving directions, trigrams, and bodily positions; their meaning has been incorporated into the translation to help readers follow the text while reciting and practicing it.

A Plain-Language Explanation of Fahai Yizhu (Pearls Left by the Dharma Ocean)

1. Inviting the Marshals of the Supreme Sovereign’s Bureau into the Talisman

Invite the generals under the command of the Great General who Unifies All Forces through the One Qi, of the Bureau of the Supreme Sovereign of Yuan Ying, a Daoist bureau:

• Great General Who Pursues Consumption
• Marshal Xiong, Great General Who Cuts Off Zhus
• Marshal Liu, Great General of the Deaf Soldiers
• Marshal Zhou, Great General of the Mute Troops
• Marshal Li, Great General of the Prominent Forehead
• Marshal Zhao, General Official of the Combined Bureau

Let them take up station with the talisman. Their duties are to destroy contagious corpse-spirits, flying corpse-spirits, corpse worms, and other ghosts; to contain zhu toxins and zhu Qi; to protect the household; and to put an end to the source of calamity forever.

I humbly ask the Great Marshal to lead the troops into this talisman and take up station there.

“Contagious corpse” refers to a corpse-spirit said to spread from one household to another. A “flying corpse” is a corpse-spirit that can fly. Zhu refers to a severe illness of the epidemic kind.

2. Inviting the Celestial Emperor Who Commands Thunder and Ordering the Generals

Next, invite the Celestial Emperor Who Commands Thunder, the Celestial Emperor who governs thunder.

The Celestial Emperor orders the generals to come at once. Whoever dares disobey shall have his head cut off and his roots destroyed. Let it be done swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

3. Quieting the Mind and Envisioning the Great Celestial Emperor Entering the Talisman

Quiet the mind and envision the divine presence: sit still, settle the mind, and hold the deity in awareness.

See the Great Celestial Emperor appear in the Southern Palace, the palace of the southern direction. Touch the tongue to the roof of the mouth and write the character huang. Shape the gaze as one circle and one dot, and use the gaze to welcome the Great Emperor into the talisman.

4. Writing the Ghost-Quelling Seal, Passing It Across the Forehead, and Cutting Off Zhu Three Times

Next, write the ni seal, a seal for suppressing ghosts. The generals place it on the right forehead, then pass it across to the left forehead.

Write the three cuttings:

• Upper cutting: flying corpse
• Middle cutting: person-to-person transmission
• Lower cutting: roaming zhu epidemic

Pass the left foot over the Gen position, the Gen direction among the Eight Trigrams, and stop.

5. The Golden Light Incantation and Visualization of Color Change

Recite the Golden Light Incantation once. The generals are all within the golden light, whose Qi spreads above them; its radiance is brilliant gold.

Next, envision the sky growing dim and the earth dark. Hold the breath and observe the response. Transform the deity into the Purple-Black Emperor, draw the great northern celestial Qi and spread it over the body, then write the character san inside the talisman.

6. The Incantation of Mysterious Emptiness Calls the Four Sages into the Talisman

Enter the talisman and recite the Incantation of Mysterious Emptiness, summoning Tianpeng, Tianyou, Yisheng, and Yousheng, the Four Sages of the Northern Pole, to lead their troops into the talisman.

Envision the Four Sages coming from the four directions and entering the talisman.

7. Reciting Incantations from the Four Directions, Each Leading Three Hundred Thousand Troops

Recite the Tianpeng Incantation and respectfully summon the three hundred thousand troops of the Tianpeng Emperor of the Bureau of the Supreme Sovereign of Yuan Ying to enter the talisman from the east.

Recite the Tianyou Incantation and respectfully summon the three hundred thousand troops of the Tianyou Emperor of the Bureau of the Elixir Heaven of Yuan Jing to enter the talisman from the south.

Recite the Yisheng Incantation and respectfully summon the three hundred thousand troops of the True Lord Yisheng of the Bureau of Purple Emptiness of Yuan Zhao to enter the talisman from the west.

Recite the Yousheng Incantation and respectfully summon the three hundred thousand troops of the True Lord Yousheng of the Bureau of Transfer and Inspection of Yuan He to enter the talisman from the north.

8. Baleful Qi, Submitting to Thunder, the Celestial Emperor’s Seal, and the Four Sages

Next, envision all the generals within the talisman, surrounded by baleful Qi. After submitting to thunder, do not use fire; draw only the character qing.

Apply the Celestial Emperor’s seal. Recite the Thunder Golden Light Incantation and envision the commanders and generals inside; then write the Four Sages.

Note: The text gives visualization, incantation, talisman-writing, and movement steps for a talisman method intended to cut off zhu illness and destroy contagious corpse-spirits. The names of incantations, written characters, steps such as passing over the Gen position, and shapes such as a circle, a dot, and a triangle must follow the oral instructions and models of the transmission. This translation gives only their meaning; the characters and sequence must not be changed arbitrarily.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of Fahai Yizhu

General meaning of the ritual text: This is a sequence of liturgies associated with the “Black Prison for Severing Divination.” It describes how to gather Qi, seal talismans, travel at night, invoke the holy ones and summon generals, ascend the altar and report to the master, invite the patriarchs and summon the Thunder Department generals to guard the prison. It also sets out steps involving visualization, talismanic documents, and the Fire Wheel formula to gather in and subdue evil spirits and plague ghosts.

1. Gathering Qi and the order of night practice

First, follow the ritual procedure to summon the required beings into place. Then gather the Qi of the Great Heavenly Sha—a kind of baleful energy used to suppress evil and dispel harmful influences—and put it to use. Afterward, write the talismanic document and seal it with an imprint.

After completing the Severing Divination rite—a rite for cutting off calamities and opening a prison to contain the evils revealed by divination—proceed in the following order with the night practice, performing the rites and reciting the incantations while carrying the talismans.

2. Invoking the holy ones, rewarding the generals, searching and capturing, and ascending the altar

1. Invoke the holy ones and summon the generals: Invite the holy beings and summon the commanders.

2. Reward and dispatch the generals: Offer ritual rewards to the commanders, then search for and capture evil influences once more. Make a covering summons talisman, used to cover over and contain them.

3. Assemble and take the seat: Everyone gathers, and the ritual master takes his seat.

4. Complete the dispatch of the dead: Finish sending off the deceased and performing rites to deliver them.

5. Ascend the altar: The ritual master mounts the altar. Following the prescribed form, place black water on it, a ritual water often associated with the directions of heaven and earth, corresponding to Heaven and Earth and the Five Locks—five forms of locking or confinement associated with the five directions, whose precise meaning depends on the transmitted teachings.

3. Reporting to the master and silent prayer with a collected mind

Report to the master who conducts the invocation and declaration, then collect the mind and pray silently, settling one’s attention and praying without speaking.

Visualize rosy light shining with golden radiance. Look up and behold the master’s imposing presence; the baleful Qi is fierce and solemn as ice and frost. Then gaze from afar at the commander’s banners and martial presence. The text is damaged at this point and contains missing characters. A disciple of the lineage, “So-and-so,” burns incense, bows twice, and earnestly asks the patriarch to descend.

4. Inviting the patriarchs for the Severing Divination Black Prison

I, disciple “So-and-so,” have established for “So-and-so” the Most High Severing Divination Black Prison, an altar of the Most High tradition for cutting off divination-related calamities and opening a black prison to contain evil. I look up in reverence to:

• The True Lord, Master of the Human and Heavenly Teachings, Who Aids the Worthy, Reveals the Numinous, Responds Beyond Measure, and Protects the Nation—usually identified as Lü Dongbin, Patriarch Lü.
• The True Lord, Master of the Wondrous Way, Who Righteously Aids, Reveals the Numinous, Responds to the Vast, and Embodies the Great Void.
• The True Lord, Master of Sincerity, Who Reveals Blessings, Inspires the Numinous, Responds to Sincerity, and Manifests the Wondrous and Far-Reaching.

I respectfully beseech the revered master to look clearly upon the altar established today by your disciple “So-and-so.” May the holy master take charge of the altar, preside over the teachings, and attend to the talismanic documents. May the family’s unconverted relatives and the ghosts associated with divination-related calamities be sent into the Golden Tower and Jade Chamber, a celestial prison chamber symbolizing confinement and refinement, so that they may be restrained and eliminated. I earnestly beseech the holy master to manifest a response.

5. Summoning the generals: gathering Qi and visualization

The ritual master gathers golden-light Qi and blows Qi into the “prison,” visualizing it transforming into a Golden Tower and Jade Chamber. Rare treasures, unusual flowers, and fine foods are arranged clearly within it, while the holy master waits in front to welcome the invited beings. Then summon Ze’e, a title for a northern commander whose spelling varies in different lineages.

The general sense of the incantation, spoken aloud, is:

“Command of the North: wind and fire never cease.

Great General Ze’e, swiftly reveal your true form.”

Then issue the order summoning the great general: have him descend from the northwest to the altar and guard the prison, awaiting further commands.

Then recite:

“By decree of the Heavenly Emperor, the Northern Emperor arrives.

Above, summon the Thunder Department; below, summon the gods of the mountains, city gods, village shrines, and the ritual pantheon.

Swiftly obey the imperial decree; take your positions and arrange the troops.

Hastily, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

After issuing the order, silently visualize the Thunder Gods and the gods of the ritual pantheon—those in charge of sacrifices, such as the gods of mountains and rivers, city gods, and village shrines—standing angrily as guards on all sides. Assign a trusted person to watch over the rite, and ensure that the ritual boundary and prohibitions are not disturbed. Then enter each room.

6. Talismanic documents, the Fire Wheel, and containment

1. Report to the catalpa-wood talisman, recite the official document for passing through barriers, and burn it.

2. Perform the Fire Wheel formula: visualize fierce flames burning the sky and the baleful quarter of the earth. Stamp the foot three times, and see the evil spirits and plague ghosts drawn down into the earth to a depth of ten thousand zhang.

3. Next, use Heavenly Thunder and the Heavenly Emperor—or a related title of the Heavenly Thunder and Heavenly Emperor—to form the ritual configuration. Set the thunder in motion to overturn Heaven and Earth, then gather the Qi.

4. Next recite: the incantation breaks off at this point in the text. In common practice, continue with the thunder incantation and the baleful-energy gathering incantation as transmitted by the lineage, drawing in and containing all remaining Qi and harmful spirits.

Notes on reading this text

The text interweaves ritual procedures with invocations and formulas. It contains many missing or unusual written forms, so consult the critical readings of the version you possess and the oral transmission of your lineage.

The Qi of the Great Heavenly Sha, black water, Five Locks, covering summons talisman, and Fire Wheel formula are all details of ritual practice. They should not be imitated outside the altar setting and its rules and lineage transmission.

This passage from the Fahai Yizhu describes a Daoist liturgy in which a priest uses talismans, Thunder methods, and divine generals to drive plague spirits and malign influences—such as “transmitted corpse” and “zhu toxins”—from a household. The following explanation gives the general meaning and ritual steps in the order of the original.

Opening the rite: severing the ghostly path and restraining spirits

According to the liturgy, recite: “The Way of Heaven is severed” (corresponding to the fu position); “the Way of Earth is severed” (Xun); “the Way of humanity flourishes” (Kun); “the Way of ghosts is severed” (Gen). May all spirits of “transmitted corpse” and zhai—plagues, wasting illnesses, and similar afflictions—be unseen for a thousand years and never encountered for ten thousand. Once this talisman severs their path, may the myriad ghosts be eradicated forever.

Next, embody the intent of “Thunder overturning Heaven”: hold the breath, form the “Mount Tai pressing down” mudra with the left hand, and cover it with the sleeve of the right. Close the nine apertures so that no breath escapes, as though the Yellow River were flowing backward. Observe how the Qi responds. Then respectfully summon:

The Great General, Commander of the One Qi, of the Primordial Response Imperial Palace, together with the Great General Who Pursues Wasting, Marshal Xiong; the Great General Who Cuts Off Zhu, Marshal Liu; the Great General of the Deaf Troops, Marshal Zhou; the Great General of the Mute, Marshal Li; the Great General Zu’e, Marshal Zhao; and the other officials and generals serving under them. May they lead their troops here today, following the talisman, and take up their station to destroy transmitted corpses, flying corpses, corpse worms, and ghostly beings; to capture and contain zhu toxins and zhu Qi; to protect the household and cut off the source of calamity. The rite relies on their awe-inspiring divine power to enforce its prohibitions.

Ritual procedures in each room

The ritual master proceeds from room to room according to the prescribed method. He visualizes light filling each room and streaming into the altar, until the whole house is illuminated, as though thunderfire were burning away and driving out every corpse spirit, which is sent into the “Jade Chamber,” a place of containment manifested within the altar. When performing the rite at the altar, the master blows out three breaths of baleful Qi to establish the altar. He visualizes baleful Qi gathering above and below, transforming the altar into the Northern Pole Palace for Subduing Demons and the Jade Chamber into the Northern Prison.

The master then uses the Great Emperor’s xi mudra to dispatch the generals and seize the spirits. Using the prescribed short-form gestures and the Luo mudra, he traces inward from the Gen position toward the prison, summons the celestial generals to capture the ghosts, and escorts them into the prison. He casts divination blocks to ask whether the gods approve the dispatch, then captures the spirits one by one. If they have not arrived, he secretly sends the Great Generals Who Pursue Wasting and Who Cut Off Zhu to pursue them. He now proclaims the Emperor’s decree aloud and orders the local City God’s Office, the underworld authority, to help apprehend the most malign ghost haunting a certain household: a ghost that brings wasting illness and death to the family’s relatives, defies Heaven and Earth, and disobeys the Imperial decree. It must be escorted into the prison so that its punishment may be made manifest.

After completing the invocation and obtaining an affirmative divination, the master uses the Kui-star ladle and the cock’s cry to complete the rite. He then extinguishes and destroys the baleful influence, seals the altar entrance, and puts out its light. At the Kui position, he recites the incantation while making seven turns, binds the spirit with a cord, and holds it down with the Mount Tai mudra of the left hand. He then commands that it be shown the Zu’e Flying Mountain blocking the prison. Next, he respectfully summons:

The Great General, Commander of the One Qi, of the Primordial Response Imperial Palace, leading Marshal Xiong, the Great General Who Pursues Wasting; Marshal Liu, the Great General Who Cuts Off Zhu; and the other officials and generals serving under them. May they now swiftly seize the ghost that has brought calamity to a certain household by causing wasting illness and death among its relatives, and bring it to the ritual altar.

Note: The forms fu and Zu’e in the text may reflect variant characters in the manuscript tradition or characters used in the marshals’ names. Ritual manuals often follow readings transmitted within a teacher’s lineage. Xun, Kun, and Gen in parentheses refer to directions associated with the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) and the ritual gestures; they are not modern geographical names. The passage’s central procedure is to sever the ghostly path, summon the marshals of the Primordial Response Imperial Palace to lead their troops, and use the imagery of thunderfire to capture ghosts in the “Jade Chamber of the Northern Prison,” completing the restraint through divination, sealing the altar, and binding the malign spirit.

This is a liturgy from Pearls Left Behind in the Sea of Dharma for cutting off corpse transmission and confining demons in the Black Prison. First, the officiant recites an incantation and issues commands, asking the Patriarch to supervise the generals and officials as they circle the altar, draw a well, and seal in the black water. Next, through fire and sword incantations, the officiant visualizes celestial fire and swords and halberds driving evil spirits into the “Supreme Black Prison.” After leaving the altar, the officiant raises a talisman and asks the Great General of the Palace of the Primordial Response and Supreme Sovereign to lead his forces in capturing and restraining corpse-transmission demons, flying corpses, and poison afflictions. The talisman is placed at the ankle, put into the well, and sealed with earth. The officiant strikes with an axe while reciting a spell of eradication, then summons the Four Marshals—Tianpeng, Tianyou, Yisheng, and Yousheng—from the four directions to receive their commands.

The Supreme One commands the guilty ghosts who are to be imprisoned forever in the Black Prison: “Seize them at once and take them away to suffer punishment.”

When the invocation is complete, the Patriarch issues his great command.

On the altar, the Patriarch supervises the generals and officials as they circle around once. He then draws a well on the ground, symbolizing the “prison” where evil ghosts are confined in the liturgy. He fills the well with the Five Locks of Heaven and Earth and the black water of northern Qi, recites the Peng incantation once, and the assembled generals obey. He then recites the fire incantation once, visualizing fierce flames blazing in heaven and on earth. Reciting the Peng incantation in reverse, he visualizes swords and halberds crossing through heaven and earth, and commands the celestial generals to drive the evil spirits below into the Supreme Black Prison, where they are to suffer death and annihilation.

After leaving the altar, he raises the talisman with the hand sword mudra, imagining the Patriarch dispatching generals through the air to seal off the gates of the ghosts, and respectfully summons:

The Great General, Commander of All under One Qi, of the Palace of the Primordial Response and Supreme Sovereign, lead your hundred billion officers, generals, clerks, and soldiers under your command. Descend to the place where I cast the talisman, circle it three times, and devote yourselves to capturing and restraining corpse-transmission demons, flying corpses, wandering corpse afflictions, insect ghosts, object-borne afflictions, poisonous Qi afflictions, and the vengeful ghosts of wasting sickness. Take them beneath the authority of this talisman to suffer death and annihilation.

Next, place the talisman on the patient, directly below the body beside the outer ankle of the left foot. Send it into the well at the altar, then seal it with earth, reciting:

The Way of Heaven is sealed; the Way of Earth is sealed. The human way is open; the way of ghosts is sealed.

Then strike with the axe—a symbolic blow to the ground or altar that severs the ghosts’ path—and recite:

The Way of Heaven is cut off; the Way of Earth is cut off. The human way is open; the way of ghosts is cut off. All corpse-transmission demons, flying corpses, corpse worms, and wasting-sickness ghosts are severed forever. For a thousand years we shall not meet; for ten thousand years we shall not encounter one another. With one stroke, my talisman cuts them off; the roots of ten thousand ghosts are forever removed.

Then recite a binding spell of heavenly severance and earthly destruction: “Heaven is severed, heaven is destroyed—bind them; earth is severed, earth is destroyed—bind them…” The general sense is that the collapse and destruction of heaven and earth bind and restrain the evil spirits, leaving them nowhere to hide.

The ritual master takes three steps in the Ding constellation and draws upon the Great Heavenly Sha to empower himself, visualizing, “I am the Emperor.” Facing east, he recites the Mysterious Void incantation and respectfully summons Marshal Tianpeng: “Come quickly before me; I have business to direct.” He visualizes the marshal arriving.

Then, facing south, he recites the Mysterious Void incantation and respectfully summons Marshal Tianyou: “Come quickly before me; I have business to direct.” He visualizes the marshal arriving.

Next, facing west, he respectfully summons the True Lord Yisheng: “Come quickly before me; I have business to direct.” He visualizes the marshal arriving.

Next, facing north, he respectfully summons the True Lord Yousheng: “Come quickly before me; I have business to direct.”

Brief background: “Corpse transmission,” “flying corpses,” and “afflictions” in this text refer broadly to epidemic illnesses and corpse-related conditions that were believed in ancient times to spread or move between people. The liturgy uses the drawn well, the Black Prison, and the Four Sacred Marshals as symbols for cutting off the ghosts’ path, capturing evil spirits, and protecting the human body. It belongs to Daoist rites for averting calamity and treating illness. Its specific ritual steps are best understood in the context of the whole work, rather than apart from the liturgy as a whole.

Plain-Language Interpretation of Fahai Yizhu

The Troop-Summoning Ritual

The ritual master sits upright in meditation, facing east, and recites the Tianpeng Incantation, respectfully summoning the three hundred thousand celestial troops of the Yuanying Taihuang Prefecture to descend swiftly before him.

Next, he recites the Tianyou Incantation, respectfully summoning the three hundred thousand celestial troops of the Yuanjing Dantian Prefecture to descend swiftly before him.

Then he recites the Northern Incantation, respectfully summoning the three hundred thousand celestial troops of the Yuanzhao Zixu Prefecture to descend swiftly before him.

Then he recites the Yousheng Incantation, respectfully summoning the three hundred thousand celestial troops of the Yuanhe Qianxiao Prefecture to descend swiftly before him.

When the incantation reaches the words “the Five Sacred Peaks collapse,” he envisions the heavens and earth already threatened by landslides and ruptures. Officers and commanders gather in clouds, and the troops mass in such numbers that they nearly fill half the country. He then draws on the qi of the far northwestern pole, coordinating it with his gaze, and performs the “Ni” sword gesture, tracing a sword-shaped talisman with his fingers. He orders each officer and commander to obey, destroy the cities on the spot, and cut away corruption—that is, eliminate evil and defilement.

The ritual master activates the technique, kicks over the wooden stand on the altar, then falls to the ground. Reaching behind himself, he swings an axe three times and recites:

Pestilence severed, ghosts destroyed; sunk in darkness and obscurity. With a single glance from my eyes, heaven collapses and earth splits apart.

When the incantation ends, heaven and earth turn upside down. All things and the self, ghosts and spirits, vanish into a vast, undifferentiated void. He then focuses his spirit and sets his intention in motion; heaven and earth begin to divide into the Two Principles, Yin and Yang. With a further concentration, he sees only this:

Above are the Three True Ones of the Holy Master. Golden light shines through the Eight Directions, clear and radiant amid the great crimson-golden light of the myriad abodes. The ritual master rises, performs the thunder offering, gives thanks to the masters, and withdraws.

The Hunshi Method

First, settle into stillness and focus the spirit. With his gaze, the practitioner writes the three characters “Shang Luo Gai” in gold before his chest, then recites the proclamation and bows three times. He does not see the golden characters; he sees only the Three Immortals.

He recites the Proclamation of the Three Immortals, respectfully inviting the three perfected immortals to descend:

• The Jade Clarity High Saint, Sovereign Void, Most Perfect Primordial Immortal Lord: “Manifesting in response and dividing the spirit, embracing truth and embodying the Dao, completing merit and practice, driving thunder and commanding lightning, bringing blessing to the state and peace to its people, assisting the loyal and filial, erasing offenses and extending lifespans—the Patriarch of the Flower Canopy, the Teacher of Heaven and Humanity.”
• The Golden Palace Great Immortal, Fuyou, Manifest and Responsive Protector of the State, Supreme Minister of the Three Offices of Thunder, Who Signs the Registers: “The High Minister Who Controls the Registers of the Nine Heavens, the High and Mysterious Supreme Emperor, the Teacher of the Wondrous Dao, the True Lord of the Three and Five, Who Flies and Treads with Correct Blessing, Wondrous Spirit, Responsive to the Void.”
• The Southern Pole Immortal Minister Who Records Births, the Mysterious and Luminous Supreme Emperor: “The True Lord Guo, Teacher Who Overcomes Sincerity, Revealed and Blessed in the Upper Clarity of the Nine and One, Spiritually Responsive, Sincere, and Wondrously Far-Reaching.”
• The Northern Pole Immortal Minister Who Examines and Assesses, the Great Luminous Supreme Emperor: “The Heavenly Worthy Who Transforms into Bodies across the Three Realms.”

Note: This text records the procedures for a troop-summoning ritual in Daoist thunder rites. It describes summoning the commanders of the Four Northern Saints, including Tianpeng and Tianyou, and paying homage to the Three Primordial True Ones, including Lu Dongbin, Wang Lingguan, and the True Lord Guo. It concerns advanced thunder-rite practice.

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

This passage belongs to Daoist rituals for prayer and warding off calamity, involving talismans and incantations. It is associated mainly with Marshal Tianpeng and his lineage, the Five Thunders, the treatment of “transmitted corpse” consumption (chronic contagious illness and wasting disorders), and beliefs about corpse worms and other malign spirits. The following explanation follows the order of the original.

Opening: visualization and assignments

Visualize Tianpeng and Tianyou, the two marshals, along with Yisheng and Yousheng, revered protectors. Associate them with the Five Phases—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—and recite names such as “Fire of the Li Command” and “Heavenly Worthy Victorious” to settle the spirit and gather Qi (vital energy).

General Ding Song, the Fiery-Blooded General of the Flame Emperor

The leading general under the Flame Emperor’s Fiery Blood—understood as the fire of the Flame Emperor’s lineage and its fierce blood—is named Ding Song. He is charged specifically with pursuing and treating consumption disorders and displaying divine power. His deputy commands Geng Jiujiu, who hurls fire ten thousand li and destroys corpse worms. On the left are flying generals such as the Eagle; they cut off every trace of malign spirits in all directions, above and below. True Qi penetrates directly to the patient’s Gaohuang, a deep and vital point, then searches urgently through the pores, leaving the malign spirits nowhere to escape. The command “Urgently receive the Heavenly Emperor’s order and assist Tianpeng” is the kind of phrase used to summon generals and issue orders.

The text often ends with: “By the command of the Ancestor, Lord of the Teachings of Heaven and Humanity, the True Lord of the Three Spirits, Three Blessings, and Three Responses, I respectfully summon you”—that is, the generals are respectfully summoned under the Ancestor’s command.

It then summons the Flame Emperor’s Fiery Blood, the heavenly generals in charge of the “Four Bright Ones Who Shatter Bones,” the two marshals, and the Five Thunder Envoys. Names such as “Fiery Fiend,” “Demon Brightness,” “Blended Lightning,” “Evil Thunder,” and “Majestic Ferocity” evoke the awesome power of thunder and fire.

Essentials of the ritual: thunder, lightning, and rain

When reciting the generals’ names, covering the ears represents the sound of thunder, flashing the eyes represents lightning, and swallowing saliva represents rain. The intent of thunderbolts is placed into the talisman. The practitioner settles into stillness, gathers the gaze into a single circle of light (“form one ○”), and then “enters the general”—that is, directs the spirit’s intent toward the summoned general.

Next, inhale the fierce Fire Qi of the South into the Dantian (energy center) and blend it with one’s own Qi. Assume an expression of great anger, seal and hold the breath, and recite:

At the first turn, the Thunder Duke sounds; at the second, thunderbolts break forth; at the third, the Dipper and the Celestial Stems move; at the fourth, the Four Fiends thunder; at the fifth, the Five Sacred Peaks stir; at the sixth, the Six Spirits hide; at the seventh, gather and draw them in. This brings those “who defy Heaven and lack the Way”—transmitted corpse, consumption, flying corpse, corpse-possession poison, corpse worms, ghosts, and all malign essences—under the authority of the Five Thunder talismanic command. At the seventh turn, continue holding the breath without releasing Qi, until the whole body grows warm.

Then use the left-hand mudra to stir the Dantian’s true fire. Guide Kidney Water upward to surge against Heart Fire, and draw forth the true Fiery Blood through the gaze, entering it into the talisman through the Three Eyes, including the Heavenly Eye. Within, one sees only blazing Fiery Blood and hears rolling thunder.

Next recite the Nine Fiends, Written Fiend, and Dark Fiend, along with names such as “Feng (Feng) Shun-Ni Peng Nu.” “Draw in and add by the forward and reverse methods” means applying Qi or focused intent to the talisman from inside outward and from outside inward. “Zhuang Xuan Liao” means visualizing dark fire and inner Qi. Set the inner Celestial Dipper in motion, look outward and draw it in, and write swiftly and tightly.

Talisman for Settling the Soul and Fixing the Po

The talisman’s meaning is often paired with these two lines:

“The spirit of the One Qi of primordial chaos; within this are the gates of the myriad spirits”—the spirit of primordial unity, in which lie the keys to all spirits.

“Ever protect the body and preserve its life; ghosts and spirits submit and move away of their own accord”—protect the body and life at all times, so that ghosts and spirits submit and dare not act rashly.

Note

The original contains many details of ritual practice, including incantations, talismanic formulae, visualization, and seven rounds of breath retention. These are to be used by Daoist priests with an established lineage as part of a complete liturgy. This plain-language explanation is intended only to help readers understand the text; it should not be followed independently to treat illness or expel malign spirits. For research on the structure of the liturgy, consult the full text’s volume sequence and commentaries.

An Explanatory Reading of a Passage from Fahai Yizhu

This section is a Daoist ritual text for calming the hun and po souls and drawing back those that have strayed. It first invokes the commands of the Most High Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun), then calls upon the Celestial Official of the Upper Origin, the Earth Official of the Middle Origin, and the Water Official of the Lower Origin—together known as the Three Officials or Three Origins—as well as protective deities and generals. They summon into a talisman the “true hun and po souls” corresponding to a person’s birth year, month, day, and hour. The passage also includes three old-style exorcistic incantations associated with Tianpeng, Tianyou, and Yisheng, to be recited during the ritual.

Invocation and Soul-Calling

(Return to the altar; light enters the netherworld; essence advances and the numinous soul is refreshed—swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Most High Lord Lao to calm the hun and po souls.)

(Marshal Tianpeng stands at the altar, sword in hand.)

With the hand-seal text, cut through obstacles; invite Yisheng to descend with true Qi. May the Celestial Official of the Upper Origin, Tang Gong and others, grant protection.

May the Sacred Worthy who blesses the sacred, whose name is Jing (or perhaps Ling), descend with true numinous power; may the Earth Official of the Middle Origin be present.

May Ge Yong, the Water Official of the Lower Origin, Zhou Wu, and others attend. May the Qi of the chief and deputy commanders of the six hand-seals all enter the talisman.

Summoning the celestial generals: Gather and draw in the true hun and po souls of “so-and-so,” born in such-and-such a year, month, day, and hour. Make them hasten into the talisman without delay.

Numinous Presence in the Talisman, Pacing the Dipper, and Signs of Efficacy

Place “hua” (the talisman’s core or numinous light) at its center and still the mind.

Point the Dipper position of Tanlang upward and the Dipper of Kui downward. This is an instruction for pacing the astral steps and visualizing the stars’ positions; follow the specific transmission of one’s teacher.

Let baleful Qi enter the Mystery, moving either with or against the current. Draw it in and hold it twice, keeping it at the central palace to seek an omen, then burn incense and verify the result.

(Again:) Enter Tianyi and Dier; all things are complete. The source of Water and Fire, the primal undivided true Qi—

Spirits, heed my command; ghosts, submit to my control. In movement or stillness, sitting or lying down, may all undertakings be auspicious. May Heaven be clear and Earth tranquil; may numinous beings meet one another. Quickly attach yourselves to my person.

Then direct the light of the Celestial Eye onto the talisman and draw a circle, holding the brush still to settle the mind.

Perform the rite at the hour of Wei using the “three, seven, nine” method (or the “Wei fumigation” rite). Wash your hands and cleanse yourself before reciting the incantation.

Reversed Tianpeng Incantation

Incantations of the Tianpeng lineage often proclaim the might of the Northern Emperor: slaying ghosts, wielding the sword, and riding through mist. The passage’s general meaning is as follows:

All ghosts prostrate themselves and the traces of the spirits vanish; the Bright King’s four bloods, the Fiery Emperor’s blazing punishments. The Five Ghosts are beheaded beneath the Great Heaven’s axe and pick; where evil appears, it is cut down.

Even the slightest ill omen dares not approach. Drive away the thousand corpses within and ward off the nine great calamities. Ten thousand mounted guards stand watch, their blades pointed toward the might of the North.

Names of deities appear in succession, including baleful Qi, fierce charioteers, Southern Might, strongmen, and Ding Tianweng. The old-eyed, four-toothed figure, with green tongue and blue wind, devours ghosts and demons wholesale.

Riding black clouds and purple Qi, these forces destroy evil and behead kings. The divine sword is a mighty dragon; the owl bell is held by the Emperor; the beast has a huge skull and a long head. These images portray the terrifying might of the protective generals, who specialize in destroying evil spirits.

The final lines often trace the incantation back to Northern commanders named Jiupeng, Tianpeng, and others, invoking them to secure the altar and subdue baleful forces.

Many characters in the original incantation are written in colloquial forms or have become corrupted. Recitation should follow the oral transmission of one’s lineage; the characters should not be altered without authorization.

Tianyou Incantation

Marshal Tianyou commands fierce lords, serves the North Pole above, and looks down upon the nine provinces below.

Clad in golden armor, he holds a spear and lance. His eyes flash like lightning, his claws curve like hooks. He rides the clouds and breathes out mist; ghosts fear him and spirits tremble.

When he meets a demon, he cuts it down at once; when he meets a ghost, he captures and binds it. He cuts away evil and returns it to the orthodox path, commanding the celestial riders.

Ghosts that submit are spared; those that resist are beheaded. Wherever the Celestial Talisman arrives, none may linger.

Yisheng Incantation

The Black Emperor of the North, foremost among the myriad sages, and the Six Jia and Five Qi Numinous Lords of Taiwei (or Taiyi)—

These belong to the protective lineage of Yisheng. The prayer asks them to descend, protect the altar, settle the hun and po souls, and drive away evil.

Reading Notes

Overall, this is a collection of practical incantations and ritual instructions, rather than a discursive essay explaining Daoist principles. Read alongside other parts of the complete text, it illustrates how Fahai Yizhu gathers talismans, incantations, purification rites, and ritual writings from multiple Daoist lineages.

Pearls Bequeathed from the Sea of the Dao, Volume 46 (Modern Interpretation)

Its radiance shines like the sun and moon, and its might fills Heaven and Earth. Flying talismans seize and bind; registers cut off the gates of the ghosts. Spirit generals move out and Qi spreads forth, driving away the Five Plagues—the five kinds of pestilence ghosts. The officers and soldiers on the left and right, together with the Three-Five Generals, arrive in full force: the Thunder Lord thunders and crashes, lightning flashes fiercely, and clouds surge and roll. Blades and swords fall like rain; ranks and banners gather like clouds. Holding the Emperor’s Bell and wearing Kunlun upon the head, they travel throughout the world, hunting down demons and spirits. The local gods of the nine provinces and the spirits who receive blood offerings must not disobey or resist. Should any grow scales and defy the command, the Star of Suppression will bind its hands, the Northern Emperor will seize its soul, and the Three Terraces and Seven Stars will take up swords and cut down its body. Its crime will bring severe punishment, and calamity will fall upon you. Evil spirits and ghosts must not hear this; whoever hears my incantation will have their skull shattered and brain split, crumbling into specks of dust.

Incantation for Blessing and Protection

The Great Yin gives rise to form and becomes the essence of the Water position. The two lunar lodges, Xu and Wei, correspond to it above, while the tortoise and serpent unite as one. It moves throughout the Six Directions, its might commanding the myriad spirits. Nothing hidden escapes its notice; no wish goes unfulfilled. At the end of a kalpa and at its beginning, it cuts down demons and spirits, rescues and protects all beings, and brings peace to families and states. If petty ghosts dare to appear, one glance from my eyes will crush the Five Sacred Peaks and make them collapse.

Incantation of Great Might and Virtue

Om, Hum, Hum… [esoteric sounds] San tan na ju zhi di na zha han nan yan qian yi chi. By command, rouse the boundless, mighty spirits of the Great Fire and Thunder Bureau of the Nine Heavens: the Five-Nine Heavenly Fire, Thunder Fire, Lightning Fire, Flying Fire, Sudden Fire, Seven-Star Fire, Thunderclap Fire, and Blazing Thunder Fire. The thunderfire of the Nine Heavens comes forth, the Thunder King in solemn procession, riding a Kui-dragon and mounted upon flying tigers, lions, white marsh-creatures, Xiezhi, qilin, fire dragons, fire elephants, and fire eagles. Countless ranks have copper heads and iron brows; a million divine troops march with the Five Emperors in full splendor, patrolling beyond the Four Heavens.

The Emperor’s Bell rings out, and all demonic paths tremble. In grotto-heavens and blessed lands, among the hidden spirits of mountains and rivers, mountains collapse and trees quake; the hundred valleys boil. What spirit would dare stand against them? Those who do not submit will be put to flight: fire dragons, fire horses, fire wolves, and fire maidens descend from Heaven, while Bing and Ding surge forth. Fire tigers spread Qi, and fire dragons race through the sky. The Five Generals of the Celestial Capital roar with thunder; flying sand and rolling stones uproot trees and shift their roots. The wind wheel turns to the left, the fire chariot travels to the right. Their light shines through the Three Realms, transforming them into a red citadel. Beneath the Dipper at the base of the Bagua, they array themselves across the four quarters. Their might covers the world, and their blazing power flies forth. Any ghost or demon spirit that sees them sinks ten thousand zhang into the earth and turns to flying ash. Ancient trees and wicked temples sink forever into the mud of the kalpas. Let it be done swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

By command of the Primordial Lord of Great Unity (Taiyi Yuanjun).