《道法會元》Vol. 158

This scripture records the specific ritual procedures for drawing talismans in the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition's "Great Method of Tianpeng Subduing Demons." The entire process requires the ritual master to perform specific incantations, visualization (cunxiang), and hand seals (shoujue).

First, the master silently recites purification mantras to cleanse the three karmic gates (body, speech, and mind), then reports to the ancestral masters. After lighting incense, he knocks his teeth seven times while visualizing the Big Dipper emerging from between his eyebrows (the "cavern chamber" or dongfang) to envelop his entire body. Next comes sequential visualization of the Five Directional Emperor-Generals: the Green Emperor-General of the East manifests from the liver through the left eye; the Red Emperor-General of the South emerges from the heart through the mouth; the White Emperor-General of the West appears from the lungs through the nostrils; the Black Emperor-General of the North materializes from the kidneys through the ears; and the Yellow Emperor-General of the Center arises from the spleen through the crown of the head. These divine beings arrange themselves on either side, accompanied by the Five Directional Sacred Beasts and countless celestial soldiers streaming from all body pores to form protective formations.

The master then recites the Tianpeng incantation up to the phrase "ten thousand ghosts shall crumble," synchronizing with specific hand seal movements. Holding ink in his right hand while forming the Purple Tenuity Seal (ziwei yin) with his left, he simultaneously visualizes his transformation into Marshal Tianpeng. When grinding ink, he rotates left forty-nine times while chanting, then right in correspondence with celestial phenomena like the twelve earthly branches and twenty-eight lunar mansions.

A series of consecration spells follows: the Paper Consecration Spell transforms the sheet into jade-colored iron; the Inkstone Consecration Spell summons four-directional deities for protection; the Ink Consecration Spell imbues the ink with divine power; the Brush Consecration Spell empowers the writing instrument with exorcistic might; finally, the Vermilion Inkstone Consecration Spell activates cinnabar's Yang energy. Each incantation coordinates with specific breathing techniques (drawing Eastern Qi) directed eastward, channeling energy into ritual implements through exhaled or whispered breath.

The entire ceremony emphasizes integrating internal visualization with external ritual protocols, mobilizing the power of directional deities and astral forces to empower talismans for demon-subjugation. Every step strictly follows the imperative formula "urgently, urgently, in accordance with statutes and ordinances" (jiji rulüling).

This scripture describes a Daoist practice known as "Marshal Tianpeng's Method," detailing the ritual process for summoning the power of Marshal Tianpeng (a guardian deity in Daoism) to exorcise evil spirits through specific incantations, hand seals (mudras), and visualization techniques (cunxiang).

The practice begins by reciting the mantra "Qi forms the Dipper, three qi form the platform" — an incantation believed to disperse malevolent forces. After chanting, face south and draw breath while visualizing a fiery pool manifesting before you. Next, consecrate a cinnabar brush by reciting the "Divine Brush's Supreme Power" mantra to imbue it with spiritual authority for banishing demons. Before using the brush, one must first gather Tian Gang qi (the energy of the Big Dipper in Daoist cosmology), blow it onto the brush, tap the brush three times, invoke the Jade Emperor's name, then swiftly inscribe the talisman.

During the ritual, maintain an expression of righteous fury while moving with the swiftness of wind and clouds. Simultaneously visualize the qi from your heart and kidneys flowing into the brush, inkstone, and cinnabar. In urgent situations, simply recite the "Tianpeng Mantra" three to seven times. Form the "Great Execution Seal" with the left hand while holding the brush in the right, gather Tian Gang qi to blow upon the brush, tap three times while chanting "Knock Heaven's Gate, Strike Earth's Door."

The practitioner then undergoes a ritual transformation into Marshal Tianpeng: first purify body and mind by clicking the teeth nine times, form the "Deity Transformation Seal," and recite the summoning mantra. Visualize Marshal Tianpeng descending from the northern direction as you inhale his essence into your abdomen. Perform the "Opening the Wisdom Eye" hand seal by pressing the middle finger between the eyebrows while imagining electric light radiating from the eyes. Next form the "Growing Fangs" seal by placing specific finger joints near the mouth. Finally execute the "Manifesting Three Heads" technique using specialized finger positions to visualize growing three heads.

This comprehensive method combines mantras, mudras, visualization, and specialized breathing techniques — representing classic Daoist ritual magic. These practices are believed to harness Marshal Tianpeng's divine power for exorcising evil and protecting sentient beings.

This scripture describes the Daoist ritual practices of "shenbian" (divine transformation - temporarily assuming divine powers through specific ceremonies) and demon-subjugation techniques. The text is divided into two main sections:

The first part details the operational method of divine transformation: The practitioner forms specific hand seals (the Supreme Emperor Mudra and Mountain Character Seal) at the neck and shoulders while visualizing a three-headed, six-armed manifestation. Each arm holds ritual implements like bows, arrows, swords, and halberds. During the ritual, the mind must remain utterly focused without distraction. The left hand forms the "Huntai Mudra" as silent incantations are recited, imagining the cosmic Xuanhuang Qi (heaven-earth essence) entering through the crown of the head, warming the body like the radiance of the Golden Elixir (Jindan), ultimately achieving unity of form and spirit (Xingshen). The text particularly emphasizes the formidable power of this technique - it must never be transmitted to unworthy practitioners, lest severe karmic retribution follow.

The second section outlines the demon-subjugation procedure: First summoning the Marshal (Daoist guardian deity) to descend upon the altar, then the practitioner transforms into the Marshal's divine form. Specific steps include teeth-tapping seven times, pacing the Big Dipper steps (walking according to the seven stars of the Northern Dipper), reciting special mantras (such as "Li Zhi Duo Yi Qie Mo"), and walking backward while holding a ritual ruler. Throughout the process, one must continuously visualize celestial soldiers and generals forming protective formations. The ritual concludes with reciting the Tianpeng Incantation (a Daoist exorcism chant) and blowing Qi onto the body to enhance spiritual power. The entire ceremony emphasizes the harmony of internal and external practices - requiring both precise physical movements and unwavering mental concentration.

This scripture describes the detailed ritual procedures for Daoist priests to exorcise evil spirits and heal illnesses, recorded in the Compendium of Daoist Rituals as a practical guide for magical operations.

The priest first forms the hand seal of "Heavenly Net and Earthly Web," chanting incantations to summon Marshal Tianpeng (a guardian deity of Daoism) and his generals—including the Great General, General Zee, and the Righteousless Divine King—to form a spiritual formation encircling the malignant entities. Then, drawing Qi from the northwest direction into the seal, the priest exhales it toward the target area to create a protective boundary.

Upon arriving at the patient's doorstep, the priest employs the "Golden Knife Seal" to dispel baleful energies, assuming the form of a marshal while reciting the "Curtain-Raising Incantation" to seal the door. The chant invokes fundamental Daoist concepts like the "Three Powers" (heaven, earth, and humanity) and the Bagua (Eight Trigrams), mobilizing cosmic forces to suppress the evil influence.

When entering, the priest wields a ritual sword while pacing in the pattern of the Big Dipper, silently invoking the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper. Drawing Qi from the northern direction for protection, the priest visualizes the Dipper suspended above their head. Subsequently, the household's doors and windows are sealed with incantations listing various sha (malignant energies), such as "Heavenly Sha and Earthly Sha," to immobilize the evil spirits.

The entire ceremony integrates multiple elements of Daoist ritual magic—hand seals, footwork, incantations, and cunxiang (visualization)—harnessing celestial soldiers, divine generals, and the Northern Dipper's deities to expel pathogenic influences from the afflicted. References to the "Jade Emperor's Decree" signify that the ritual's authority derives from the supreme Daoist deity, the Jade Emperor.

This scripture describes a complete Daoist ritual process for exorcising evil spirits and healing illnesses, primarily utilizing the power of Tiangang (the deified Northern Dipper constellation). Here are the specific operational steps:

The ritual master must face north, inhale while reciting incantations, and visualize binding the evil spirits with chains. Then, holding a ritual sword or sacred ruler, the master proceeds to the patient's main hall to burn incense while silently visualizing celestial soldiers and generals descending. At this moment, the golden drum should be struck (in visualization), its vibrations shaking heaven and earth, followed by burning spirit money and official documents. The patient's family must clean the bedroom and light candles before the master, while forming hand seals and chanting, enters the sickroom.

Upon entering, the master recites exorcism mantras with the general meaning: "With this sacred ruler I shake heaven and earth, expelling evil to protect the people. The Liuding and Liujia (Daoist guardian generals) wield fiery wheels and lightning, while the Tiangang Star Lords awe the eight directions, slaying demons and monsters. I tread the celestial steps with sword in hand—spirits retreat! Those who dare resist shall perish." After chanting, the master must inhale facing northeast and exhale toward the doorway (left side for male patients, right for female), then take three precise steps before entering to examine the patient.

During diagnosis, the master invokes the manifestation of the Great Sage Tiangang, silently visualizing his form, then inhales three mouthfuls of crimson Qi from between the eyebrows and exhales them toward the right side of the doorway. Another breath is swallowed while visualizing oneself transforming into the Great Sage Tiangang seated within a halo of light. Treatment varies according to the illness: either transmitting Qi (energy healing) or performing protective incantations with talismans. For madness caused by spiritual possession, the master forms the "Supreme Emperor Hand Seal," treads the celestial steps while silently reciting subjugation spells, and invokes the Jade Emperor and Marshal Tianpeng (one of the Dipper deities) to unleash their majesty.

Holding the ritual ruler in the right hand and forming the demon-subduing mudra with the left (thumb pressing the middle finger's center), the master draws Tiangang Qi from beneath the left ribcage while chanting, then blows it toward the patient. The ritual concludes with the "Banishing Misfortune Incantation": "Through mutual generation and restraint of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), this sacred ruler manifests power. With the Six Jia Generals' aid and the Three Platforms Stars' (three stars of the Dipper) protection, heaven and earth revolve, Yin-Yang separates—those who defy shall meet calamity." This series of ritual actions serves to expel pathogenic spiritual influences from the afflicted.

This scripture records the ritual procedures of Daoist Marshal Tianpeng (chief commander of the Northern Dipper's seven stellar generals) for exorcising malevolent forces. The practice consists of several key stages:

First, the ritual master silently recites Marshal Tianpeng's esoteric mantra "Om varasaya hūm vajra mahātejaya svāhā" seven times while drawing in the Gangqi (Northern Dipper's celestial energy) from the north. Pointing a ritual ruler toward the direction of the haunting, if the evil spirit refuses to confess its origin, the practitioner must gather breath from a frenzied person and blow it onto the demon-subduing seal before continuing interrogation.

Next comes the recitation of the "Heart Seal Mantra of Tianpeng," which extols the marshal's supreme authority as sovereign of myriad deities. The chant describes his command over celestial forces including the Purple Tenuity Emperor and twenty-eight lunar mansions, possessing power to devour the Five Sacred Mountains and awe the four directions. The mantra emphasizes absolute authority—life for those who comply, destruction for those who resist.

During practice, the master forms the "Great Execution Mudra" with the left hand while holding the "Marshal's Seal" in the right, simultaneously gripping the ritual ruler and chanting. After visualizing Marshal Tianpeng leading divine troops to expel the evil beyond the threshold, the practitioner recites the five-syllable secret phrase "Hōng" seven times before having the afflicted drink consecrated water.

When performing outdoor rituals, the master must align body and mind, clicking teeth seven times to channel the Tian'gang (Northern Dipper's pivot star) energy throughout the body. The visualization involves the seven stars of the Dipper above the crown, with Tian'gang pointing forward as the practitioner embodies either Marshal Tianpeng or a Celestial Master (Tianshi). Coordinating hand mudras with the incantation "Open heaven's gate, close earth's door," the ritual activates the Five Viscera's Qi: Liver-Qi transforms into the Azure Dragon, Lung-Qi into the White Tiger, Heart-Qi into the Vermilion Bird, and Kidney-Qi into the Dark Warrior (Daoism's four guardian beasts), completing the exorcism.

This integrated ritual combines mantras, mudras, visualizations, and Gangqi-stepping techniques, embodying the Daoist liturgical principle of "using divine forces to control spirits" in exorcism practices.

This passage describes a Daoist ritual for exorcism and healing, comprising several key procedures:

The first step involves summoning the Yellow Dragon as protection. The practitioner must mobilize the yellow Qi (primordial energy) from the central spleen region through the crown of the head, visualizing its transformation into a Yellow Dragon. The left hand forms the Tiangang seal (a specific hand mudra corresponding to the Chen position), while the right hand makes the sword gesture to inscribe a Nine Dragons talisman on the ground. During this inscription, the practitioner walks seven steps in prescribed directions from the Piao star to the Kui star positions while holding the breath (bi qi). Simultaneously, one visualizes the four directional deities (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise) standing in solemn formation, with the Yellow Dragon moving ahead following the orientation of the Big Dipper's handle.

Next comes the technique of Qi distribution (bu qi). The ritual master first performs the Big Dipper stepping pattern (Three Platforms and Northern Dipper Gang), drawing a four-vertical-five-horizontal grid at the center. The incantation mentions the names of the Dipper Lords like Tanlang and Jumen. During the ritual, the left hand maintains a protective mudra while visualizing oneself transforming into the Supreme Commander leading thirty-six celestial generals, dispatching officers to expel pathogenic energies from the patient's body—clearing the nine orifices, four limbs, and internal organs—before finally binding and transporting these harmful influences to the altar.

The Qi distribution chant follows. This incantation praises the power of the Tiangang star (Pojun, the seventh star of the Dipper), beseeching it to eradicate demons and heal illnesses. If the patient shows no immediate response after chanting, they are instructed to cough once, whereupon the master absorbs this breath, blends it with Tiangang's righteous Qi, and redistributes it to the affected area—repeating this process three times.

Finally, a specialized method for treating madness and severe possession is described. This requires performing the Dipper stepping pattern while wearing a Dipper crown (symbolizing the Big Dipper) and forming the Tianding seal with both hands (an exorcism mudra). Throughout this process, one visualizes transforming into the image of a Zhengyi Perfected Being (high-ranking Daoist immortal). The entire procedure emphasizes the combined use of stepping patterns, hand seals, visualization (cunxiang), and the application of true Qi for exorcism and healing.

Note: The term "Qi" (炁) refers to the primordial energy in Daoist practice, distinct from postnatal "qi" (气). "Gang" denotes the Big Dipper, particularly its seventh star Pojun, which holds special significance in Daoist ritual methods.

This scripture describes the specific procedures and incantations used by Daoist priests in exorcism rituals. It first depicts five perfected beings (zhenren, accomplished Daoist practitioners) dressed in robes of different colors and wielding distinct weapons, representing the five directional deities commanding celestial troops to guard the four quarters. The priest holds a Tianpeng ruler (a Daoist ritual implement) and begins with the "body concealment method" (a form of invisibility technique), then visualizes transforming into the formidable appearance of a celestial marshal.

The priest then performs the Gangbu stepping (a special ritual footwork), divided into Yin steps and Yang steps variations. After visualizing the celestial generals in the ritual arena, the priest sprinkles water over the afflicted person while loudly rebuking: "By the command of the Northern Emperor Tianpeng, you haunting demons and malevolent spirits must submit immediately!"

Next comes specific hand gestures: the left hand placed horizontally while the right stands vertically, forming a T-shaped stance. Simultaneously, the priest forms mudras (ritual hand seals) and recites: "By decree of the Northern Emperor, swiftly transform me into a body of celestial purity." This sequence is repeated three times while blowing qi over both shoulders. Then grasping the Tianpeng ruler and forming the Marshal Seal (a specific hand seal), the priest silently recites demon-slaying incantations.

The incantation roughly states: "Open the celestial gate, close the earthly door, preserve the human portal, block the ghostly path, erect golden beams, raise jade pillars, encircle the four mountains, form the Dipper mudra, may all deities descend, and evil spirits be annihilated." This is followed by Yu Steps (an ancient ritual footwork), accompanied by invocations requesting divine assistance in vanquishing demons.

When confronting particularly fierce hauntings, the priest forms the Dipper Seal with the left hand and the Sword mudra with the right, chanting: "I summon the qi of primordial heaven, may sun and moon shine with me, blades and swords fall with me, harming not my person, swiftly sever this vicious obstacle, sparing the afflicted from harm, instantly separating human from ghost." This passage comprehensively presents the complete system of procedures and incantations in a Daoist exorcism ritual.

This scripture describes several Daoist ritual techniques for exorcising evil spirits and healing illnesses, particularly addressing madness and spirit possession.

The practitioner begins by silently reciting incantations while forming hand seals (either the Golden Knife Seal or Divine Ruler Seal) and making slashing motions toward the evil presence. Visualize blades falling automatically, then inhale a breath of Gang Qi (the pure Yang energy in Daoist cosmology) and exhale it toward the patient with a commanding shout to make them collapse. For patients laughing hysterically or running wildly, face the Gang position (direction indicated by the Big Dipper's handle), click the teeth three times, and press the left thumb below the index fingernail. Visualize the Tian Gang deity (divinity of the Big Dipper) with disheveled hair and bare feet, holding a fiery sword amid nine-colored divine light. With the right hand, trace the "Three Lights Talisman" in the air while directing Qi energy toward the patient.

Next, chant incantations to summon Tian Gang's Pojun Star Lord to slay malignant spirits and protect the patient's returning soul. Another exhale of Gang Qi should calm the madness. The healing process includes using the "Water Commanding Spell" - forming the Dipper Seal (hand gesture mimicking the Big Dipper) over water while reciting seven repetitions of the spell, then sprinkling the water on the patient.

Specialized techniques involve sealing evil spirits' eyes and mouths: face north while reciting twenty-one incantations and exhale Gang Qi to blind the spirit; or visualize the Yellow-Striped Tiger (a Daoist divine beast) to seal the patient's mouth and stop delirious speech. The text concludes with the "Madness-Binding Seal," a specific hand gesture to restrain evil movements.

All these techniques emphasize execution under the command of the Great Emperor of the North Pole (supreme deity of Big Dipper worship), demonstrating the Daoist tradition of exorcism and healing through talismans, visualization, and Gang Qi manipulation.

When someone exhibits symptoms of madness and aggression, chasing after people, the "Tripping Evil Spirits" method should be employed. The specific procedure is as follows: With the left hand, form the "Beidou Subduing Evil Mudra" (a hand seal), wrapping the little finger around the back of the ring finger and inserting it into the middle finger, then hooking it with the middle finger while the thumb presses into the palm, concealed between the fingers, with the index finger extended. With the right hand, the thumb presses the middle segment of the middle finger while drawing three talismanic strokes in the air, simultaneously reciting the "Great Tianpeng Mantra" seven times. Then, facing the northwest, draw in the essence of heaven and earth (Qi) and exhale three times. Close the eyes and visualize three streams of azure energy forming a barrier across the path, so that when the evil spirit charges, it will trip itself. At this moment, command: "Divine Generals, swiftly bind it and bring it before me for questioning."

Next, use the "Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) Interrogation of Madness and Evil" mudra and incantation:

"Great General Zeng Anchang of Fengdu, swiftly aid me in interrogating this evil force.

Before the altar, quickly reveal your name,

Separate human from ghost, dispel calamity and woe.

By the decree of the Great Emperor of Fengdu!"

Form the "Mountain-Splitting Mudra" with both hands, face north, recite the incantation, inhale the northern essence (Qi) three times, and exhale onto the mudra. Command the divine generals to assist in interrogation and binding, demanding a swift response.

There is also the "Subjugation Mudra" (a subduing technique):

"Respectfully summon General Hu Zicheng of the Scarlet Cavern, wielder of the halberd, and Hu Luweixu,

Come swiftly to help repel the wind-madness demon,

Restore the afflicted to health.

By the decree of the Great Crimson Emperor of the Supreme Clarity!"

With the left hand, form the "Beidou Seal" (a hand seal of the Big Dipper deities), and with the right hand, form the "Thunder Mudra" (a thunder ritual hand seal). Recite the "Demon-Slaying Mantra" once, inhale facing the Big Dipper, and exhale onto the afflicted person. Command the divine generals to swiftly subdue the evil. Visualize a divine being descending on a white tiger, striking down the evil spirit for interrogation. Once the patient recovers, purify them with sacred water, draw cleansing talismans, remove impurities, set up protective boundaries, dispatch divine guardians, offer incense, and affix talismans for continued protection.

Purifying Water Incantation:

"In the depths of the unseen,

Heaven and earth unite in creation.

The Five Dragons' dharma water appears,

The Qian and Yuan merge in radiant light.

The divine manifests power through water,

Talismans reveal their might through water.

First sprinkle—the heavens are cleansed,

Second sprinkle—the earth is pacified,

Third sprinkle—all demonic dust disperses,

Fourth sprinkle—the sick are restored to health,

Fifth sprinkle—the altar returns to solemnity,

Sixth sprinkle—demons vanish without trace,

Seventh sprinkle—prosperity flourishes,

Henceforth, all affairs proceed smoothly.

Swiftly, as commanded by the law!"

Impurity-Dispelling Talisman Incantation:

"Yin and Yang unite in birth,

Purity without defilement.

When the talisman is inscribed,

All spirits heed its command.

Ghost..." This is used to purify filth and dispel evil energies, employing specific talismanic strokes to invoke divine power.

This scripture records several Daoist talismans (fulu) and rituals for exorcising evil and curing illnesses. The phrase "The spirits withdraw, heaven and earth are purified" is a common concluding formula in Daoist incantations, signifying the retreat of divine beings and the purification of the cosmic realm.

The Pollution-Dispelling Talisman, Filth-Cleansing Talisman, and Defilement-Purging Talisman are three specialized talismans designed to eliminate impure qi. The Brush-Consecration Incantation is chanted before drawing talismans, declaring that this divine brush possesses the power to alter life and death—once the talisman is drawn, all malevolent ghosts shall be punished.

The Talisman-Drawing Incantation details the ritual process: the practitioner identifies as a disciple of the Celestial Master (Tianshi, referring to Daoism's founder Zhang Daoling) and descendant of the Northern Emperor (Zhenwu the Perfected Warrior). At sunrise in the east, the brush dipped in ink becomes an instrument of divine power, while the ink symbolizes sacred medicine. Once completed, the talisman can disperse evil spirits and cure diseases. Wherever the talisman reaches, all under heaven must obey—the perfected talismans of the Most High Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun) can heal all living beings.

For healing, the practitioner draws the talisman directly on the patient's afflicted area while invoking the assistance of divine officials like the True Officers of the Registers and the Messengers of Direct Correspondence. These deities will expel possessing ghostly qi and evil jing (essences), allowing upright qi to circulate through the patient's five viscera and six bowels, restoring health.

The Talisman-Consecration Incantation further emphasizes the talisman's potency: the divine light of Taishang Laojun enters the human body through the talisman, circulating through the internal organs to dispel pathogenic qi. It simultaneously summons the Six Ding and Six Jia divine generals (Daoist protector deities) and the Three Platforms and Canopy Star Lords to enhance the talisman's efficacy.

In the Fire-Bell Incantation, the practitioner claims allegiance to the Northern Emperor, with their name registered in the Jade Pure Realm (the highest Daoist heaven), granting authority over the Six Heavens and jurisdiction over the underworld. This demonstrates the practitioner's divine mandate. These incantations collectively embody the Daoist approach to healing through talismanic power and celestial intervention.

This passage describes a Daoist exorcism incantation for warding off evil spirits and subduing ghosts. It conveys: All ghostly palaces in the northern netherworld fall under my jurisdiction—with my troops assembled here, what demon dares cause chaos?

On my left I wear the "Huoluo" (a Daoist ritual implement), on my right hangs the "Fire Bell" (an implement that emits flames), capable of hurling fire ten thousand miles away, awing a thousand kinds of spirits. Any offending ghosts shall face cosmic justice, all transgressors will suffer punishment. The Imperial Lord (referring to the North Pole Purple Tenuity Emperor) has issued the decree—these ghosts must be captured immediately.

When the "Tiangang" (one of the Big Dipper stars representing yang righteousness) is activated, all demons and monsters shall be bound in form, ghosts and evil creatures utterly annihilated, while I attain longevity. It concludes with the standard Daoist incantation phrase "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with statutes and ordinances!" indicating immediate effect.

This incantation demonstrates the power and authority of Daoist exorcism rituals, employing ritual implements, stellar deities, and cosmic decrees to subdue malevolent spirits and protect practitioners.