《太上北極伏魔神咒殺鬼籙》

This passage records content from the Taoist scripture Taishang Beiji Fumo Shenzhou Shagui Lu (The Supreme Northern Pole Demon-Subduing Divine Incantation for Ghost-Slaying Registers), primarily describing the ritual through which devotees petition the Celestial Master (Tianshi) for exorcistic talismans (Fulu) and the numerous divine generals summoned for this purpose.

The text first depicts a Taoist devotee (referred to as a "faithful practitioner") who, after determining their personal guardian star among the Northern Dipper deities based on their birth date and time, makes a pilgrimage with offerings to Longhu Mountain (the ancestral seat of the Zhengyi Orthodox Unity tradition). There, they devoutly seek these demon-subduing and ghost-expelling talismans from the lineage of the Celestial Master Zhang (Zhang Tianshi). These sacred registers empower practitioners to act as agents of the Dao—relieving worldly suffering, vanquishing evil forces, and dispelling misfortunes. The text particularly warns that violating the sacred covenant will incur punishment from the underworld authorities.

The scripture then enumerates in detail the summoned divine generals of the Northern Pole pantheon, each commanding 300,000 celestial troops:

• Supreme commanders like Marshal Tianpeng and Marshal Heisha who guard the Northern Pole
• High-ranking Northern Pole deities such as the Eight Luminaries Great Spirits and Ten Celestial Great Spirits
• Demon-subduing powers including the Six Palaces Great Demon Kings
• Thunder ritual executors like the Lightning Messengers
• Northern Dipper generals including the Seven Primes Great Marshals
• Dharma-protecting warriors such as the Celestial Soldiers of Might and Great Power Warriors
• Celestial cavalry commanders like the Flying Dragon Riders and Flying Tiger Riders
• Specialized generals including the Demon-Shattering General and Disease-Healing General
• Temporal guardians like the Six Jia and Six Ding deities

The passage concludes by mentioning two supreme commanders overseeing these forces: the Grand Marshal of Divine Incantation Edict Supervision and the Grand Marshal of Divine Incantation Primordial Yang, each with 120 subordinate officers. Together, these divine generals form a complete Northern Pole demon-subduing system, showcasing Taoism's vast spiritual hierarchy and its militarized approach to exorcism.

(Note: In this context, "registers" [Lu] refer to secret Taoist texts conferred upon disciples, serving as both cultivation credentials and ritual implements for deity summoning; "Northern Pole" [Beiji] in Taoism denotes both a directional concept and the highest echelon of demon-subduing pantheons; "300,000" represents a symbolic number frequently used in Taoism to signify the formidable power of divine generals.)

This scripture documents the divine general system and talismanic functions within the Daoist Northern Pole Exorcism Method. It consists of two main sections:

The first section enumerates 26 Northern Pole Divine Generals, each commanding 120 celestial soldiers. These generals possess specialized domains:

• Pingtian ("Leveling Heaven") and Feitian ("Soaring Heaven") oversee celestial and terrestrial affairs
• Dantian ("Elixir Field") and Qi ("Vital Energy") govern human cultivation practices
• Shui ("Water") and Huo ("Fire") regulate natural elements
• Youshen ("Wandering Spirits") and Zhaohun ("Soul Summoning") manage spiritual entities
• Daobing ("Blade Troops") and Jianren ("Sword Edge") provide martial protection
• Gui ("Ghosts"), Feishi ("Flying Corpses"), Jingxie ("Essence Demons"), Chimèi ("Mountain Spirits"), and Wangliang ("Water Monsters") specialize in subduing various malevolent entities
• Bing ("Illness"), Wen ("Pestilence"), and Du ("Toxins") control epidemics and calamities
• Hu ("Tigers"), She ("Snakes"), and Feng ("Wasps") tame venomous creatures and beasts

The second section details three Supreme Purity (Shangqing) Divine Talismans (Fulu):

1. The First Divine Talisman: Wearing it extends lifespan and repels corpse-ghosts and demons; posted in homes, it blocks all supernatural entities

2. The Second Divine Talisman: Known as the "Fengdu Supreme Purity Divine Talisman" (Fengdu being the capital of the underworld in Daoist cosmology), this advanced talisman specifically subdues corpse-ghosts

3. The Third Divine Talisman: Cures all ailments when worn, ensuring safety and deliverance through tribulations

(Note: Daoist cosmology recognizes Fengdu as the underworld capital and Shangqing as an exalted celestial realm, while Fulu refers to graphic representations of divine power.)

This scripture discusses the Daoist "Supreme North Pole Demon-Subduing Divine Incantation and Ghost-Slaying Register" (Taishang Beiji Fumo Shenzhou Shagui Lu), a specialized ritual text for exorcising malevolent spirits. The content is divided into three main sections:

First are the functions of eight divine talismans (Fulu):

1. The Fourth Divine Talisman (Beiji Zhenshu Yuwen Pishi Shenlu) can cure illnesses, avert disasters, and slay evil spirits. Worn on the head, it prevents corpse possession; posted in areas haunted by supernatural beings, it eliminates them.

2. The Fifth Talisman specifically counters "flying corpse specters" (feishi guimei), ideal for family protection during bereavement.

3. The Sixth Talisman wards off flood and fire disasters, suitable for personal wear or doorpost placement to safeguard homes.

4. The Seventh Talisman prevents epidemic diseases and miasmic vapors, ensuring health and spiritual protection when worn.

5. The Eighth Talisman purifies defiled energies, repelling all malign influences when carried.

The text states these eight talismans were bestowed by the North Emperor (Beiji Ziwei Dadi, a major Daoist deity) to help humanity combat calamities. Wearing them collectively provides comprehensive protection.

The second section introduces three more potent ghost-slaying talismans:

• Great North Emperor Ghost-Slaying Talisman
• North Emperor Ghost-Expelling Demon-Destroying Talisman
• North Emperor Demon-Dispelling Talisman

All must be inscribed with cinnabar ink.

Finally, the scripture details the structure of Fengdu, the Daoist underworld:

Mount Fengdu lies in the northern Gui position (due north), serving as the Ghost Gate. This mountain spans 2,600 li in height and 30,000 li in circumference. Within are grotto-heavens (dongtian, abodes of immortals), and 15,000 li beneath the surface lie palaces of spirits. The mountain divides into upper and lower sections of twelve palaces each (totaling twenty-four), each governing a thousand-li territory.

The six upper palaces are named:

1. Zhoujue Yintian Palace

2. Taisha Liangshi Zongtian Palace

3. Mingchen Naifan Wucheng Palace

4. Tianzhao Zuiqi Palace

5. Zongling Qifei Palace

6. Gansi Lianwan Lü Palace

The first lower palace is called Xiuming Zongling Dongtian Palace (the remaining five are unnamed). These palaces serve as the North Emperor's primary domains for governing spirits and demons.

This scripture records Daoist incantations and rituals for exorcising evil spirits and controlling ghosts, divided into several key components:

It first introduces the six celestial palaces of Fengdu Mountain (the Daoist underworld), including the Second Palace - Mystic Office of the Orthodox Ancestral Numinous Heaven (Xuansi Chong Zhengzong Ling Tiangong) and the Third Palace - Unified Immortals' Ascendant Numinous Subtle Heaven (Tongxian Shengling Xiwei Tiangong). Practitioners who know these names of the ghostly palaces will be protected from all spectral disturbances.

The ritual procedure involves sitting facing north at night. The adept first taps their left teeth seven times and right teeth five times, then three times in the middle, followed by three recitations of prayers toward the palace gates. Next comes the "Six Palaces Ghost-Subduing Incantation," declaring oneself as a disciple of the Great High (Taishang) who commands the six heavens and six cavern palaces. Knowing these celestial palace names ensures that any offending ghosts will be executed by the Great High.

Subsequent recitations include the "North Pole Demon-Subduing Incantation" and the "Summoning Six Heavens Demon Kings Incantation," invoking the form of Marshal Tianpeng (Celestial Guardian of the North Pole) - depicted with three heads and six arms wielding six weapons, standing five hundred zhang tall (about 1,500 meters), clad in black robes with golden armor, commanding 360,000 divine troops. The ritual concludes with the "Marshal Tianpeng Incantation" describing his awe-inspiring demon-subduing powers.

These incantations and rituals demonstrate Daoist cultivation methods combining specific mantras, visualization (of divine forms), and ritual actions like teeth-tapping for exorcism. The common concluding phrase "urgently as the law commands" (jiji rulüling) signifies immediate enforcement of the divine decree.

This scripture records Daoist exorcism incantations and ritual seals, comprising two main sections:

The first part presents two powerful ghost-banishing mantras. The "Four-Eyed Elder" incantation describes celestial warriors (such as the Four-Eyed Elder and Heavenly Soldiers) protecting the practitioner, wielding divine implements like the "Sky-Cleaving Axe" and "Spirit Blade" to vanquish demons—even their bones and blood being incinerated by the power of the Northern Dipper Star Lord and the Flame Emperor. The second "Fire Bell Mantra" declares the practitioner as an official of the Jade Pure Celestial Emperor, governing the underworld's ghostly realms. Wearing the "Fire Bell" talisman terrifies all specters, with resisters being immediately annihilated.

When chanting these mantras, one must maintain inner purity so that the deities of the North Star Palace will descend to offer protection, dispel calamities, and force evil spirits to manifest. Prolonged practice may lead to longevity.

The second section introduces six types of exorcism seals:

1. North Pole Ghost-Slaying Seal (3×2.1 inches): Specifically treats various illnesses

2. Fengdu Ghost-Summoning Seal (3×2.1 inches): Deals with mountain spirits and wild ghosts possessing humans—when pressed against a patient's chest, it compels the possessing entity to appear

3. Tianpeng Seal (3×2.1 inches): Subdues shadow demons and heals illnesses while dispelling evil

4. Heavenly Soldier Spirit Seal (3×2.1 inches): Eradicates ghostly disturbances and ensures safety when worn

5. North Pole Execution-Supervising Seal (1.2×1.2 inches): Governs all demons and malevolent spirits

6. Imperial Lord Seal (1.2×1.2 inches): Wearers receive reverence from all beings while remaining protected from demonic harassment

The text also mentions the Great Micro Imperial Lord Seal and Celestial Emperor Spirit Seal (both 1.2×1.2 inches) without detailed explanations. These ritual seals serve as crucial implements in Daoist exorcism ceremonies.

The Taishang Beiji Fumo Shenzhou Shagui Lu (Scripture of the Supreme North Pole Subduing Demons Divine Incantations for Slaying Ghosts) primarily explains the functions and crafting methods of several Daoist ritual seals, along with their accompanying divine incantations. Here’s a modern interpretation:

[Seals Section]

1. Taiwei Dijun Seal and Celestial Emperor Divine Seal:

• Taiwei Dijun Seal: Wearing this seal causes all malevolent spirits to fear and submit, and it can summon divine beings.
• Celestial Emperor Divine Seal: Wearing it grants longevity and protection from immortals.

2. North Pole Great General Seal and Healing Envoy Seal (both 1.2 inches square):

• North Pole Great General Seal: Wearing it subdues venomous creatures and aids in battle.
• Healing Envoy Seal: Wearing it prevents all illnesses and treats epilepsy and similar ailments (the seal’s inscription can also be ingested directly for healing).

3. Tiangang Seal and Tai Xuan Celestial Emperor Divine Seal (both 1.2 inches square):

• Tiangang Seal: On Jia-Yi days (first two of the Ten Heavenly Stems), imprint the seal on wax with ink and bury it in the earth aligned with the patient’s birth direction to cure illness.
• Tai Xuan Celestial Emperor Divine Seal: Used for petitions to the celestial court; it can cure all diseases (imprinting it on the patient’s chest brings immediate effect).

Crafting Method: All seals must be carved from the heartwood of a lightning-struck jujube tree. They must be consecrated three times on one of three auspicious days—Jiazi day (first of the 60-day cycle), the fifth day of the first lunar month, or the Bing-Wu day of summer—before use.

[Divine Incantations Section]

1. North Pole Command Seal Incantation:

This incantation summons the divine powers of the North Pole. Its main themes include:

• Praising the divine authority of Laozi (the "Essence of the Flame Emperor" refers to Laozi).
• Declaring the seal’s power to suppress evil and command celestial troops (such as the "Three-Five Generals").
• Emphasizing its ability to slay various ghosts and demons ("Six Heavens’ Ghost Thieves" and "Five Plagues and Seven Afflictions" refer to malevolent spirits and epidemics).
• Ending with "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances", a common closing phrase in Daoist incantations.

2. North Pole Celestial Warriors’ Incantation:

This incantation summons the North Pole’s celestial warriors:

• Describes a great deity named "Celestial Warrior" (Tian Ding), dispatched by the Three Pure Ones (Daoism’s highest deities) to eradicate demons.
• Depicts his might: when enraged, the Five Sacred Mountains tremble, and he can slaughter hordes of demons.
• Highlights the principle of rewarding good and punishing evil: "The wicked are slain; the virtuous are preserved."
• "Six Heavens’ Sunken Souls" refers to subduing underworld demons.

These elements reflect Daoist traditions of using seals and incantations for exorcism and healing. The North Pole series of divine generals are particularly adept at subduing demons. Crafting the seals requires specific materials (lightning-struck jujube wood) and timing, while their use must align with incantations and rituals, showcasing the systematic nature of Daoist magical practices.

This scripture expounds the cultivation methods and precautions for the Taishang Beiji Fumo Shenzhou Shagui Lu (Supreme North Pole Demon-Subduing Divine Incantation Ghost-Slaying Register). The main contents are as follows:

The scripture's power lies in its ability to bring calamity upon those who defy the Dao (the Way) while granting life to those who align with it. This Fulu (talismanic register, Daoist ritual document) can dispel wandering misfortunes and suppress ghosts from the underworld.

Originating as a precious method secretly transmitted by the Mysterious Sovereign of the North Pole (Xuantian Shangdi), it has been revered by immortals through the ages. Practitioners must enshrine an image of the True Lord of the North Pole and conduct offerings on specific dates:

• Three days during the Dragon Day (Chen day)
• Five days during the Horse Day (Wu day)
• Seven days during the Monkey Day (Shen day)
• Nine days during the Dog Day (Xu day)
• As well as on special occasions like the Jiazi and Gengshen days.

Cultivation requirements include:

• Reciting the divine incantations with a tranquil mind each dawn
• Completing 10,000 recitations before efficacy manifests
• Maintaining single-minded focus while chanting softly (loud recitations may disturb the deities)
• Avoiding contact with death-related impurities; if contaminated, immediate purification is necessary

The practice yields these effects:

• Eliminating malevolent spirits and subduing demons
• Upholding the Dao's principles to aid the nation and relieve suffering
• Achieving immortality and enrollment in the celestial registry upon merit completion
• Elevating seven generations of ancestors to heavenly realms

Key precautions:

• Never treat the scripture with disrespect, lest misfortune befall one's ancestors
• Prepare ritual offerings (Faxin) when receiving the Fulu
• Undergo formal ordination under a Celestial Master (Tianshi) at Longhu Mountain
• Take vows to observe precepts after ordination, accepting penalties for violations

The ordination ceremony requires:

• Submitting one's birth details and associated Big Dipper deity
• Presenting offerings at the Celestial Master's residence on Longhu Mountain
• Humbly requesting the Fulu through reverent prostration

This scripture emphasizes the potent exorcistic power of the North Pole Fulu, attainable only through devout practice, strict adherence to ritual protocols, and disciplined observance of precepts for divine protection and spiritual attainment.

This scripture describes the ordination liturgy (transmission ritual) and divine hierarchy system in the Daoist text Taishang Beiji Fumo Shenzhou Shagui Lu (The Supreme Northern Pole Demon-Subduing Divine Incantation Ghost-Slaying Register).

The text first depicts the vast spiritual bureaucracy under the command of the Northern Emperor (Beiji Ziwei Dadi, the Great Emperor of the North Pole). Thirty-six celestial generals stand ready for dispatch, while billions of heavenly soldiers provide escort and protection—their majestic virtue and merits transcend verbal description. Those who violate the precepts willingly accept infernal punishment, while sincere practitioners await their master's sacred instructions in quiet devotion.

It then documents the formal procedure for disciples seeking the "Demon-Subduing Ghost-Slaying Register": The aspirant must prepare ritual offerings, petition the Daoist order with a personal declaration of intent, request the sacred register's transmission, and reverently invoke the true masters' (including Zhang Daoling's) honorific titles for lifelong veneration. Before heaven, earth, and the divine assembly, they must swear sacred oaths, burn covenant documents to the Three Officials (Tian'guan, Diguan, Shuiguan), and receive the register through proper liturgical rites (Keyi).

The text details the Daoist priestly hierarchy:

1. The Three Masters of Ancestor, Mystery, and Truth: including Patriarch Zhang Daoling (founder of Zhengyi Daoism), Mysterious Master Zhang Heng, and True Master Zhang Lu (Zhang Daoling's grandson)

2. The Three Masters of Scripture, Register, and Salvation: celestial masters responsible for transmitting scriptures, registering immortal lineages, and delivering souls

3. The Three Altar Masters: the Witnessing Master (certifying the ceremony), Supervising Master (overseeing the rites), and Recommending Master (sponsoring the initiate)

Finally, the Celestial Master (Tianshi) instructs: This method originates from the Azure Empyrean and Purple Ultimate (highest celestial realms), containing power to subdue demonic hordes. Those who treat it lightly or reveal it carelessly will invite calamity, while sincere cultivators will surely receive auspicious signs. Both visible and invisible realms must observe these teachings, revered by humans and spirits alike. Thus the Supreme (Taishang, highest Daoist deity) established this teaching, transmitted through generations of patriarchs to this day.

Note: The lu (register) is a key ritual implement in Daoist Fulu (talismanic) traditions, recording celestial deities' names, forms, and functions while authorizing priests to summon divine officers and perform rituals. The "Ghost-Slaying Register" specializes in exorcism and spirit pacification.

This passage serves as the preface to the Daoist scripture Taishang Beiji Fumo Shenzhou Shagui Lu (The Supreme Northern Pole Demon-Subduing Divine Incantation for Slaying Ghosts), detailing the transmission history and significance of these Fulu (talismans and registers) – ritual documents used for exorcism and blessings in Daoist practice.

The essence conveys: This precious Fulu lineage remains unbroken. Having received the ancestral teachings, I bear the responsibility to revitalize the Celestial Master tradition (Zhengyi Daoism). Given the ancient origins of these talismans, master artisans were specially commissioned to carve woodblocks for permanent preservation. Since antiquity, true practitioners must uphold precepts with compassionate hearts, while devotees participating in rituals should purify their minds and accumulate merit – only thus can aspirations be fulfilled and transcendence achieved.

The Celestial Master Guangweizi states: Our lineage has employed the Fulu of Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun) to aid humanity and protect the state for over 1,500 years. The ancestral teachings are clear beyond elaboration. During the unification by the sagely dynasty, my predecessors received imperial honors, overseeing all Daoist affairs south of the Yangtze. Since inheriting this tradition, three successive emperors have bestowed exceptional favors – granting honorific titles comparing my rigorous practice to the venerable Celestial Master Xujing (the 30th-generation Celestial Master Zhang Jixian of Song Dynasty), and my devotion akin to the Virtuous Master Chonghe. The court revived Tang-dynasty protocols to confer official positions and fiefdoms.

Now we must continue transmitting these talismans to glorify ancestral achievements, praying for the people's welfare. Humbly receiving the imperial decree, I supplicate heaven's protection for enduring state prosperity. Henceforth, I shall diligently propagate these Fulu to spread Daoist teachings – above, honoring the emperor's illustrious appointment; below, securing peace for the populace. May all devotees cultivate with sincere hearts to jointly invoke supreme blessings.

(Note: "Xujing" refers to the 30th-generation Celestial Master Zhang Jixian of the Song Dynasty, while "Chonghe" likely denotes a Daoist perfected master of exemplary virtue. Fulu constitute specialized ritual documents for exorcism, healing, and blessings, administered exclusively by properly trained Daoist priests.)