《道法會元》Vol. 156

This scripture records the important esoteric method of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition known as the "Great Method of Tianpeng's Demon-Subduing Practice." It begins by describing cosmic formation: in the primordial undifferentiated chaos, the pre-celestial Qi (vital energy) gathered at the Dantian (elixir field, a sacred cultivation site). The clear Qi ascended to form heaven, while the turbid Qi descended to form earth, with the harmonized Qi condensing into human form. Thus celestial phenomena correspond to the human body, and practitioners who comprehend this principle can achieve longevity matching heaven and earth.

The text emphasizes that those who master the Tianpeng method receive divine protection, with malevolent forces unable to invade. During practice, one must preserve the "Three Ones" (Jing/essence, Qi/vital energy, and Shen/spirit), maintaining abundant primordial essence. The ultimate Dao isn't distant—it resides within the human body itself. Through refined cultivation, one may attain the realm of longevity. The mentioned "Jade Capital Mountain of Supreme Mystery" and "Kunlun" are both Daoist celestial realms, symbolizing crucial energy centers within the human body.

If practitioners understand that the human body is as precious as these immortal mountains, they can ensure unobstructed flow of the "Three Ones" (the three vital life elements). The stomach resembles a warm pond, while the upper Dantian (head region) remains empty and luminous—these are key aspects of cultivation. The scripture warns against seeking the Dao externally, as true practice lies within oneself. Finally, it reveals that Daoist cultivation not only nurtures body and life but also benefits the world. Those who perfect their virtue will be registered in the Southern Palace (celestial realm) and have their names erased from the Northern Office (underworld), becoming true immortals.

This scripture recounts an esoteric practice transmitted within the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) lineage, one of Daoism's major schools. Its essence lies in dispelling ignorance, accessible only to those with karmic connections to the Southern Palace (Nangong, the celestial abode of immortals in Daoist cosmology). The text depicts the Supreme Dao Ancestor (Taishang Daoju, the highest deity) radiating light while expounding the Dao in the Great Canopy Heaven (Daluo Tian, the supreme celestial realm), delivering salvation to all beings.

Central to the narrative is the True Lord Tianpeng (manifestation of the seventh star of the Northern Dipper), who transmitted these secret methods to Immortal Dong at Western Brilliance Mountain in Shu (ancient Sichuan). The practice comprises three sections: the upper section contains talismanic incantations (Fulu), the middle details star-stepping and mantra recitation techniques, while the lower teaches spirit-commanding arts. After twenty years of cultivation, Immortal Dong ascended on a crane, concealing the methods in the mountains for future generations.

Practitioners must belong to the "Orthodox Exorcism Academy under the Northern Pole Tianpeng Gate of Highest Clarity." Strict purification through fasting (Zhaijiao) and unwavering integrity are required. The text sternly warns that initial diligence followed by negligence will invite calamity.

The scripture concludes by describing two primary patriarchs: The Five Numinous Elder of the Northern Pole (surname Xia, given name Ming), depicted wearing a dark crown and feathered robe, radiating sunlight; and True Lord Tianpeng (surname Bian, given name Zhuang), portrayed with three heads and six arms wielding weapons, commanding 300,000 celestial troops. Revealing his past incarnations, Tianpeng was previously Golden-Browed Elder who reincarnated as the renowned warrior Bian Zhuangzi during the Zhou dynasty—a figure even Confucius praised.

Zhuangzi (here referring to the Daoist divinity) subdues demons and malevolent spirits through his divine might and Marshal Tianpeng's martial prowess. In the practice of Thunder Rites (Daoist thunder-summoning exorcism rituals), the thunder deities cannot be commanded without Marshal Tianpeng's involvement; even solitary thunder rituals will lack efficacy without his presence. Marshal Tianpeng is attended by youthful attendants, sometimes riding the mythical one-legged Kui Dragon, commanding a divine host including the "Great General of Unified Qi," the "Five Seasonal Generals," the "Falcon and Hound Messengers," as well as deities like the "Ruthless Divine King," "Sword of Authority Divine King," and "Warlord Divine King." His retinue also includes the "Deaf Soldiers and Mute Generals," the "300,000 Black Execution Troops from the Abyssal Cavern," "Thirty-Six Celestial Generals," and countless celestial soldiers and officials—all manifesting amidst radiant violet clouds and flames.

The Great Immortal Dong, leader of the celestial cohort from the Great Luo Heaven and titled "Jade Flower Patriarch," can condense the Nine Qi (cosmic essences) to manifest divine forms. Adorned with a Shangqing crown and purple robes, he sits upon a cloud throne: his left hand forms Marshal Tianpeng's mudra (ritual hand seal), while his right holds a divine ruler. Mounted on a white crane, he wields the jade registry and seal symbolizing the authority of the Three Purities (Jade Clarity, Upper Clarity, and Supreme Clarity realms).

The Great Sage Tiangang (personification of the Northern Dipper) stands a hundred zhang tall, clad in plain silk robes with disheveled hair and bare feet in a T-stance. His purplish-red face bears a third eye illuminating heaven and earth. His left hand forms a mudra at his waist while his right grips a sword. From his crown surge indigo and white vapors, which further divide into hair-thin strands of azure and crimson Qi, permeating all creation.

Among the divine generals:

• Commander-in-Chief Marshal Wang (named Yu) wears a sky-piercing crown and black gold armor, wielding bow, arrows, and halberd, titled "Great General of Primordial Unified Qi."
• Marshal Tao appears as an elder with four eyes, leaning on a staff, overseeing thunderous executions. To his left stands the violet-robed Judge Huang (fierce-faced with sword), and to his right, the yellow-garbed Thunder Envoy (gathering seasonal essences). During the Shangyuan Festival (15th night of the first lunar month), offerings include bean cakes, joy dumplings, jujube soup, cogongrass incense, and spirit money.

The Thirty-Six Divine Generals manifest diverse forms:

• Marshal Tianpeng (surname Luo, given name Rui) is the incarnation of the Northern Dipper's first star, the Greedy Wolf. With four faces and eight arms wielding axes, bows, swords, seals, and more, he commands myriad troops. His blazing radiance can annihilate millions of demons instantly.
• General Jiuyuan Shatong (surname Miao, given name Ji) specializes in eradicating malignant entities.

(Note: The term "Qi" denotes primordial energy; "mudras" are Daoist ritual hand seals; "diaodun boots" refer to ancient military boots; "Shangyuan night" marks the Lantern Festival on the 15th of the first lunar month.)

The Eighth Star of the Northern Dipper is actually the Celestial Execution Deity residing in the Three Pure Heavens: the Jade Clarity Heaven (Qingwei Tian), the Upper Clarity Heaven (Yu Yu Tian), and the Great Crimson Heaven (Dachi Tian). This divine general wears azure robes and a ceremonial cap, wields a long halberd, and commands tens of thousands of celestial soldiers. His sacred duty is to suppress all demonic entities that cause madness and chaos.

The Great General of the Five Ding Commanders (named Ehan) is the collective designation for the Six Celestial Kings and the Six Ding Deities. Attended by the Three Heavens' retinue and the Thirty-Six Bureaus—each bureau overseeing sixty thousand celestial troops—these generals wear yellow headbands and purple robes. With their left hands supporting sacred mountains and their right hands resting on their hips, they lead millions of celestial soldiers in patrolling the mortal realm, specifically capturing the vicious "Five Epilepsy Demons" that rage like tigers.

The Divine General of the High and Remote Northern Elder (named Qiyuan) is the Three Primordial Kings of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen) and the Great Execution Deity of the Northern Capital. Clad in a black robe with wide sleeves and a dark headwrap, he holds a golden bell in his left hand and a jade hammer in his right, commanding tens of thousands of celestial troops to subdue plague-spreading malevolent spirits.

The Great General of the Seven Regulators and Eight Spirits (named Gaihe) is the True Lord of the Northern Dipper's Star of Realized Beings, accompanied by eight celestial historians and 740,000 celestial soldiers. Dressed in immortal-feathered robes and a lotus crown, he wields a sacred sword while leading countless celestial troops to protect humanity, bestowing auspicious encounters with noble benefactors.

The Supreme Fierce Divine General (named Kaishou) is the folk-revered trio of Generals Tang, Ge, and Zhou, also known as the Fire Generals of the Three-Five Assembly. Commanding 300,000 celestial soldiers, he can deploy divine Qi (energy) to expel evil influences, subdue mountain spirits and battlefield ghosts, and ensure military victory.

The Great General of the Long-Skulled Colossal Beast (named Pisui) embodies the Four Heavenly Gate Kings and the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, leading 40,000 celestial troops. With a human face, a bird’s beak, a single horn, tiger-like claws, and dragon-like feet, he specializes in subduing mountain specters, shape-shifting demons, and venomous creatures transformed into ghosts.

The Mighty Guardian Holding the Imperial Bell (named Yijia) is the Great Deity of the Five Sacred Mountains and Four Waterways, commanding tens of thousands of celestial soldiers. He safeguards ritual altars, ensures prosperous trade, and grants reverence to those who carry his talismanic seals (Fulu).

The Three Divine Generals of the Pale Owl (named Leluan) manifest as the Great Demon Kings of the Three Heavens and the Eight Luminaries Deities, attended by 2,000 retainers and tens of thousands of cavalry. They perpetually observe human morality from the skies, acting as benevolent temple deities. These generals lead celestial troops in ringing sacred bells, and at midnight, they summon azure-robed youths bearing ritual implements to descend upon the mortal world.

This scripture describes the pantheon of Daoist divine generals specifically tasked with rewarding virtue, punishing evil, and exorcising malevolent forces. Each deity oversees distinct responsibilities, commanding celestial troops to patrol the human realm, suppress wickedness, and protect common people.

First mentioned is Zhai Mi the Great Divinity, revered as the Heavenly Gang Sage (Tiangang Dasheng). He governs the local guardian deities (Sheling) of the Nine Provinces and the patrolling celestial beings of sacred mountains and rivers, often attending the Celestial Sovereign. Leading over a hundred fierce divinities, he monitors human morality—confronting ghosts and demonic entities, which he slays upon manifestation.

Lu Dan the Great General, known as the Mighty Sword Divine King (Weijian Shenwang), commands wind masters (Fengbo), rain masters (Yushi), the Eight Wind Divinities, and other nature deities, along with the sacred mountain and river gods (Wuyue Sidu), the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, and the thunder deities (Leibu). With an army of eight thousand thunder soldiers, he summons storms and tempests. His iconography depicts him in dark-blue robes with wide sleeves, wearing a ceremonial cap, exhaling azure Qi. Wielding a sword in his left hand and a command tally in his right, he subdues wandering spirits that haunt plants and trees after dying far from home.

Jin Kang the Great General, titled the River Chief (Hekui Dashen) who annihilates evil traces, stands guard beside the Celestial Sovereign. Qu You the Great General, the Purple Aura Ascendant (Ziqi Chengtian), is the Northern Dipper’s Divine King (Beidou Dushenwang) leading ten million celestial troops to eradicate demons and venomous ghosts. Yao Guan the Great General, the Scarlet Radiance Blazing (Danxia Hechong), serves as the Mysterious Heaven Divine King (Xuantian Shenwang) who delivers celestial edicts (Nüqing Zhaoshu). Commanding countless soldiers, he heals plagues and slays water-dwelling monsters like flood dragons and mirage beasts.

Zhi Fang the Great General, the Demon-Devouring Ghost-Eater (Tunmo Shigui), heads the Twenty-Four Envoys (Ershisi Shizhe) and their ghost kings of the twenty-four seasonal energies (Ershisi Qi). His role includes dispelling epidemics, resolving legal disputes, and subduing specters. You Yin the Great General, the Sideways Wind-Drinker (Hengshen Yinfeng), leads the Twenty-Four Celestial Divinities (Ershisi Tianshen) to purge hauntings from abandoned temples and ancient trees. Hui Liang the Great General, the Azure-Tongued Green-Toothed (Cangshe Lüchi) Sun-Moon Marshal, discerns celestial omens, mobilizes troops to shift mountains and fill seas, and neutralizes baleful influences. Lastly, Chen Ru the Great General, the Four-Eyed Elder (Simu Laoweng), acts as a supreme solar-lunar divinity, vanquishing plague-spreading demons that cause tumors and diseases.

Each general embodies unique attributes—some govern natural phenomena, others enforce cosmic justice, while some specialize in curing epidemics. Together, they form Daoism’s vast guardian pantheon, reflecting ancient imaginations of righteous power.

This records the names and functions of multiple guardian deities in Daoism:

General Han You (Heavenly Warrior Commander) is a celestial general from the Three Pure Realms (Sanqing), commanding three hundred thousand heavenly soldiers. Simply chanting his incantation can summon immediate protection.

General Guo Mao (Mighty Southern Vanquisher of Evil) is a divine general from the Supreme Clarity Heaven (Shangqing), specializing in leading celestial troops to subdue disease-spreading demons and rescue ordinary people.

General Shi Ta (Heavenly Charger of Fierce Severity), also from the Supreme Clarity Heaven, is responsible for subduing rebellious spirits and dispelling all kinds of poisonous afflictions to safeguard humanity.

General Ren Yue (Mighty Northern Marshal), another Supreme Clarity general who embodies the Northern Dipper Star Lords (Beidou Xingjun), specializes in subduing demonic entities that spread venomous harm.

General He Ge (Commander of Three Hundred Thousand Troops) leads 170,000 celestial officials from the Six Heavens realm and the Six Ding Eight Jia divine soldiers. Through scripture recitation and transmission of ritual registers (Fulu), he dispels inauspicious forces and suppresses evil spirits.

General Jie Tao (Ninefold Guardian Divine General), chief of the Six Ding Eight Jia warriors, eliminates all malicious ghosts and bestows protection. Those who behold him receive blessings.

General Song Gan (Thousand-Mile Corpse Dispeller) specializes in driving away death-bringing corpse demons.

General Cheng Qiu (Banisher of Inauspiciousness) stabilizes households and protects the six spiritual aspects (Liu Shen) from disturbances.

General Xing Jue (Defier of Petty Ghosts) commands the Five Directional Celestial Emperors' troops, specializing in curing venomous bites, removing malignant boils, and neutralizing toxic influences.

General Fang He (Manifestation-Seer General), an official from the Three Pure Heavens, leads celestial soldiers to treat ghost-induced illnesses like heart/abdominal pains and bloating.

General Jia Xu (Heaven-Cleaving Axe General), another commander of the Five Directional Emperors' forces, specializes in executing vicious demons.

General Guo Cun (Five-Form Ghost Slayer), the Northern Dipper's elite tiger-warrior, exterminates mountain spirits and sandstorm-raising ghosts.

General Huai Hua (Flame Emperor's Fiery Blood General), emissary of the Southern Dipper (Nandou Xingjun), leads 3,600 patrol troops on standby—equally adept at destroying demons and assessing human virtue.

These generals form Daoism's protective pantheon, employing celestial armies to exorcise evils, heal afflictions, and safeguard all beings.

This scripture records multiple guardian deities in Daoism and their respective functions, primarily describing how they subdue demons and protect humanity. Each divine general oversees distinct domains of exorcism.

The Great General of Flaming Bones from the Northern Dipper (named Zhenwei) serves as the emissary of the Northern Dipper Star Lord, commanding celestial troops to eradicate curses, poisons, and baleful influences in the human realm. The Great General of Shattering Bones from the Four Luminaries (named Xihui), an envoy of the Four Luminaries Officers, specializes in dispelling calamities caused by pests and rodents. The Great General of Celestial Might Who Eradicates Evil (named Yongyuan) manifests awe-inspiring power, capable of subduing avian and terrestrial creatures transformed into monsters. The Great General of the Descending Divine Blade (named Cuiding), serving under the Great Sage of the Northern Dipper as the Flaming Golden Bell Black Fiery Marshal, leads a million celestial soldiers to execute malevolent ghosts, even eliminating troublesome spirits haunting temple grounds. The Great General of Ten Thousand Ghosts' Self-Destruction (named Daizhan), an incarnation of the Perfect Warrior Emperor (Zhenwu), can reduce countless evil spirits to dust.

The text further describes nine Original Baleful Youths divided into upper, middle, and lower triads, governing various celestial, terrestrial, and temporal baleful energies. The Five Directional Commanders oversee affairs in the east, west, south, north, and center. The Seven Regulators govern the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) along with solar and lunar essences. The Eight Numinous Powers represent the four directions of heaven and earth, along with natural forces like wind, thunder, and cosmic energies.

Finally, four specialized generals are mentioned: the Three Pale Owl Spirits, the Wind-Drinking Horizontals, the Demon-Devouring Ghost-Eaters, and the Four-Eyed Elder—all possessing unique abilities to consume demonic entities. Together, these divine generals form Daoism's protective pantheon dedicated to subduing various harmful ghosts, demons, and malevolent spirits that threaten the human world.

This scripture describes the Daoist pantheon of guardian deities, primarily divided into three groups of divine figures:

The first group consists of protective deities serving the Northern Emperor (Beiji Ziwei Dadi, the Great Emperor of the North Star):

• Celestial Warrior (Tian Ding Lishi): Clad entirely in golden armor with a battle helmet, radiating awe-inspiring majesty, responsible for escorting the Northern Emperor during cosmic patrols.
• Two Commanding Generals of Military Assistance (Tong Bing Zhu Fa Er Jiang): Standing thirty meters tall, both wearing golden armor and helmets—one wielding a spear, the other a broadsword.
• Fire Bell Imperial Lord (Huo Ling Dijun): Adorned with a nine-tasseled crown, his face crimson-purple, dressed in deep red robes, riding a fire dragon atop flaming clouds.
• Fire Bell General (Huo Ling Jiangjun): Equipped with golden armor and helmet, capable of hurling blazing golden fire bells.
• Guardian Ruler Deity (Hu Chi Shenwang): Wearing a sky-reaching crown and red robes, forming demon-subduing hand seals.
• Great Commander of Unified Qi (Yi Qi Du Tong Da Jiangjun): Donning a sky-reaching crown with black headscarf, dressed in black robes over golden armor, armed with bow and arrows, specializing in subduing spirits, capturing ghosts, and protecting common people.

The second group comprises the "Five Monthly Duty Generals" (Zhi Yue Wu Jiangjun), rotating monthly:

• General Zhongshi (serving January & April): Golden armor with black robes trimmed in blue, wielding a spear.
• General Baoyao (serving February & May): Silver armor with red robes trimmed in blue, carrying a broadsword.
• General Zibao (serving March, July, August & November): Iron armor with yellow robes trimmed in black, armed with a spiked mace.
• General Boju (serving September & December): Golden armor with white robes trimmed in black, bearing a spear.
• General Binghou (serving June & October): Golden armor with white robes trimmed in black, holding a broadsword.

These five were established by the Yuan Ying Fu (a celestial administrative bureau in Daoist theology).

The third group consists of the "Five Tianpeng Generals" (Tian Peng Wu Jiang), subordinate commanders of Marshal Tianpeng (a manifestation of the Big Dipper deity):

• General Zibao Chen Shuzhen (serving February & August)
• Tiger-Head General Wei Yuan (serving January & July)
• Demon-Slaying General Jing Meng (serving April & October)
• Disheveled-Hair General Zeng Wen (serving March & September)
• Towering-Brow General You Shen (serving May, June, November & December)

All wear golden armor with yellow robes, armed with spears, swords, or maces, sporting distinctive headgear. Their titles and duty months differ from the Yuan Ying Fu generals, and their representation in Daoist talismanic script (Fulu) also varies—some using names like "Zhongshi" or "Baoyao," while others are designated by the Five Phases (Wuxing: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth).

This text documents Daoist ritual talismans (fulu) used in esoteric practices and the hierarchy of divine generals. The "Zibao Hutou" (Treasured Tiger Head) and other named talismans exist both as discrete graphic designs and as corresponding deity manifestations. Compiled according to the system of Master Yang Xizhen (a renowned Song Dynasty Daoist priest), these talismans align with the four seasons:

Each season's final eighteen days is governed by a principal deity, totaling seventy-two days annually. These seventy-two days are further divided into five groups of divine generals corresponding to the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), with matching talismanic patterns that harmonize with celestial and terrestrial cycles.

The text then details the iconography of several divine generals:

• The Righteousless Divine King (Wuwei Shenwang) wears crimson headgear and scarlet robes while wielding a great axe;
• The Soaring Hawk General Ling Tianying, clad in golden helmet and azure garments, holds a golden hawk in his left hand and a sword in his right, with a red face, short beard, large eyes, and square mouth, commanding a thousand troops;
• The Coursing Hound General Fei Zhenying wears white helmet and headscarf with a dark face and large eyes, carrying a halberd in his left hand while leading a hound with his right, his serpentine form presiding over a thousand soldiers.

The twelve Earthly Branches each have their daily guardian generals:

• Zi Day (rat-headed crown, black robes, spear)
• Chou Day (ox-headed crown, yellow robes, spear)
• Yin Day (tiger-headed crown, azure robes, lance)

Each general's iconography reflects their zodiac attributes through distinctive colors, garments, and weapons.

Two additional guardian groups appear:

• The Six Jia Generals (azure headscarves, golden armor, swords)
• The Six Ding Generals (crimson headscarves, golden armor, swords)

Finally, six ritual seals are described:

1. The Supreme Mystery Talisman Seal (also called Tianpeng Ghost-Slaying Seal or Army-Monitoring Seal)

2. The Evil-Dispelling Seal

3. The Celestial Capital Patrol Seal

4. The Fire Bell Seal

5. The Heavenly Soldier Seal

6. The Nine Heavens Treasure Seal

All seals measure 2.5 square inches and must be carved from sacred wood. Crafting occurs on Jiazi days, with consecration rituals performed on Gengshen days. For daily use, practitioners inscribe the talismans with cinnabar ink and store them in deep crimson silk pouches.

This scripture primarily explains the two methods of using Daoist ritual seals for exorcism and healing, along with the seal consecration ceremony.

Regarding the use of the Fire Bell Three Seals: When performing exorcism for a patient, the Daoist priest should approach the afflicted person holding the ritual seal in the left hand while forming the Marshal Hand Mudra (a specific gesture) with the right. In a commanding voice, the priest declares: "[Patient's name]'s [specific ailment] and [specific evil influence], disperse immediately and be vanquished!" After reciting the incantation, the left hand forms the Supervisor Mudra while the right holds the seal, visualizing the Big Dipper constellation above the head. Holding the breath and performing teeth-tapping (a Daoist cultivation technique), the priest presses the seal against the patient's heart area. Maintaining suspended breath for twenty-five cycles while reciting the Heavenly Canopy Mantra (an important Daoist chant), the priest prays for disaster relief. Finally, after two more teeth-taps, the priest raises the seal with Gangqi (a special cultivated energy) to complete the imprint.

The scripture particularly notes that this ritual seal belongs to the Purple Dawn Cloud Script (an advanced type of talismanic seal). If used with impartial compassion toward all beings, even the deities recording merits and faults in the cosmic ledger will elevate their regard.

Concerning the consecration ceremony: First select an auspicious day—such as the Jiazi or Gengshen days, the midnight hour during the Three Primes and Eight Festivals (important Daoist holidays), or the fifth day of the fifth month and the Bingwu day of summer. Prepare an incense altar beneath the Big Dipper with offerings of incense, tea, wine, fruits, and three memorial documents (official petitions to deities). Visualize the descent of the Three Great Generals Tang, Ge, and Zhou along with the Heavenly Physician's healing emissaries (deities from the Daoist pantheon specialized in healing). After offering incense and prostrations, announce to the Nine August Dippers of the Central Heaven, the Celestial Warriors, and the Three Perfected Lords: "Disciple [name] sincerely cultivates the Orthodox Method of the Northern Pole's Heavenly Canopy (an important Daoist practice), vowing to assist celestial justice and aid humanity. Following proper methods to create this ritual seal, I have selected this auspicious day for solemn consecration, praying that the Perfected Ones may infuse the seal with authentic Qi, empowering it to exorcise evils and cure illnesses with perfect efficacy." Conclude by burning the memorials and spirit money as offerings to the Dipper's True Marshals and other deities.

The entire ceremony demonstrates the complete Daoist process of exorcism and healing through ritual seals, incantations, visualization, and sacrificial offerings—emphasizing the cultivation principles of sincerity producing efficacy and compassionate service to humanity.

This scripture primarily explains the Daoist methods and incantations for crafting and using ritual seals (Fayin, sacred implements resembling stamps). To make such a seal, one must use jujube wood struck by lightning, completing the carving within a single day—either on a Jiazi or Bingwu date—without allowing the work to span overnight. During creation, the practitioner must form hand mudras (specific finger gestures) and recite spells while blowing Gangqi (energy cultivated through Daoist practice) onto the seal.

When using the seal, it should be pointed toward the heart center of the afflicted person or evil-doer while chanting the incantation. The spell essentially declares: "This seal carries the power of the Supreme Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun) and the Fire God Emperor Yan (Yandi), capable of slaying malicious ghosts, dispelling pathogenic influences, and bringing immediate relief and tranquility to the patient." The text mentions several specialized seals: the Exorcism Court Seal for official documents, the Tianpeng Seal for edicts, the Tianding Seal for petitions, the Omnipotent Command Seal for dispatches, and the Fire Bell Seal for salvation rituals.

Usage requires coordinating with specific mudras: on yang days (odd-numbered dates), the Dipper Mudra is employed, while on yin days (even-numbered dates), the Golden Spike Mudra is used. The Seal Activation Spell invokes Marshal Tianpeng and the Guardian Deity Tianding to empower the seal, terrifying malignant entities and healing the sick. The Seal Execution Spell proclaims the seal’s overwhelming might—pointing it skyward causes heaven to tremble, pointing earthward splits the ground, and aiming at ghosts annihilates them. Finally, the Seal Application Spell states that with one imprint, all specters perish.

Each incantation concludes with the phrase "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!" (急急如律令), emphasizing immediate enforcement akin to a legal decree. The entire process exemplifies the Daoist ritual approach to exorcism and healing, integrating sacred implements, spells, and mudras into a unified practice.

This passage details the ritual methods for crafting and using Daoist ritual seals and bells in the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) tradition. The process for creating the "Heavenly Commander Seal" (Tianpeng Yin), one of Daoism's most significant ritual seals, involves carving the seal from sacred wood in a square measuring 2.5 cun (approximately 3 inches). The crafting must occur on auspicious days—specifically the first day of the sexagenary cycle (Jiazi) or the 57th day (Gengshen)—after which the seal is consecrated with yang essence Qi (vital energy) and stored in a crimson silk pouch. Other important seals mentioned include the Northern Emperor Fire Bell Seal and the North Pole Exorcism Bureau Seal.

The text then describes the crafting of the "Imperial Bell" (Di Zhong), a ritual bronze bell said to have been transmitted by white-haired immortals to the Five Sacred Peaks deities. This powerful instrument can command mountains and seas, relocate dwellings, and subdue mountain spirits. The bell must be cast from bronze during the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu) or Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang), with talismanic inscriptions on all four sides. After casting, it must be rung precisely nine times.

Several incantations for bell usage follow, explaining that when the ritual bell sounds, it stirs mountain and river deities while invoking the eternal radiance of sun and moon. The peals command obedience from all nature spirits and terrify malevolent ghosts, forcing demons to reveal themselves and perish. The phrase "By decree of the North Pole Emperor" indicates these rituals operate under the authority of the Great Emperor of the Purple Subtlety (Ziwei Dadi), a paramount Daoist deity.

The final section details talismanic inscription methods (Fulu). Practitioners must gather Gang Qi (celestial energy) through cultivation, visualizing their transformation into a celestial marshal riding a mythic Kui dragon, flanked by the Thirty-Six Heavenly Generals and the Six Ding-Six Jia protector deities amid fiery clouds. This exemplifies the Daoist mystical practice of "Cunxiang" (visualization meditation), where ritual efficacy depends on the adept's ability to embody divine forces through concentrated imagination.

This passage describes a Thunder Rite (Leifa) ritual in Daoist practice, featuring Marshal Tianpeng (chief among the Four Saints of the North Pole and a guardian deity) mobilizing celestial troops. The practitioner first visualizes 300,000 heavenly soldiers surrounding them. While reciting powerful incantations, they envision Marshal Tianpeng wielding a fiery bell ritual implement.

The practitioner forms the Pure Yang Hand Seal (representing unadulterated yang energy) with the left hand and the Demon-Subduing Seal with the right, again dispatching the celestial troops to surround the Ghost Gate (a portal for yin energies). Then they perform the Twelve Earthly Branches Paces (a ritual stepping pattern following zodiacal directions), and upon reaching the Ghost Gate position, visualize Marshal Tianpeng leading heavenly soldiers filling the entire cosmos. Here they imagine the mythical one-legged dragon Kui spewing flames to devour evil spirits, while Marshal Tianpeng strikes the dragon's horn three times with his left hand, causing the beast to roar thunderously and force all ghosts to prostrate.

Next, using Marshal Tianpeng's exclusive mudra, the practitioner commands the celestial troops to establish nine concentric encirclements, then inscribes a Zhong Kui talisman (a ghost-subduing fu). Drawing true fire from the dragon's mouth, they swiftly inhale it into the talisman and seal it with a ritual stamp. This talisman specifically treats madness caused by spirit possession, expels disasters from ancient and recent demonic disturbances, and can even subdue the drought-causing demon Hanba. At this stage, the visualization includes Tianpeng's messengers and the Four-Eyed Elder (another protector deity) wielding swords to command the celestial troops, making spirits powerless to resist.

The final protective incantation translates as: "May the Divine Officials shield me completely, may heavenly demons augment my power, may mountain deities clear my path, may Marshal Tianpeng provide protection, may the Perfected Warrior Emperor (Northern Di) ensure my safety, keeping tigers and wolves at bay, driving wicked men afar, and drawing noble helpers near." The concluding phrase "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!" (Jiji rulü ling chi) is a standard Daoist incantation ending, signifying immediate efficacy.