《道法會元》Vol. 160

This passage explains the principles and practical methods of "Yu Steps" (Yubu), a sacred Daoist walking technique. Yu Steps imitate the special gait Yu the Great allegedly acquired while controlling floods, used in cultivation, demon-subduing, and exorcism rituals.

The technique mirrors cosmic patterns: thirty days form a month (three ten-day periods), and four seasons each contain three months. Thus Yu Steps follow a "one step, three crossings" rhythm, with feet together symbolizing Heaven-Earth union. Starting with the left foot corresponds to spring/autumn, while the right initiates winter/summer steps. Yang seasons (spring/summer) suit spellcasting, while yin seasons (autumn/winter) accumulate energy.

Variations exist: three steps with nine traces represent the Three Luminaries (sun/moon/stars) and nine Qi types; twelve traces match musical tones; fifteen symbolize the numbers of Three Powers (Heaven-Earth-Humanity) and Five Phases. Legend says celestial beings taught Yu this step-pattern to control spirits during his flood works.

The practice involves stages: First is "spirit transformation" (bianshen)—shifting consciousness while visualizing protective deities like the Three Primes Generals and Five Virtues Generals. The text notes that with focused intent, strict step sequences aren't mandatory—chanting mantras sequentially also suffices.

Next comes the body purification incantation: "Moonlight cleanses my form, sunlight refines my true essence; immortals assist me, jade maidens guard my body, twenty-eight lunar mansions unite with me—all malign Qi and defilements are purged."

The concealment mantra follows: "My celestial eye (tianmu) connects to Heaven, my gaze like lightning illuminates all directions, penetrating every phenomenon." This accompanies mudras: left hand forms the Purple Tenuity seal (Ziwei Jue), right hand the Celestial Stem seal (Tiangang Jue), with breath circulated throughout the body.

Finally, the Three Hun and Seven Po chant: "Generals of Three Hun, youths of Seven Po, guard my Yu Steps through celestial passes—let no mishap occur." Here practitioners visualize the Northern Dipper's nine stars above their Niwan Palace (crown point), silently reciting the spell.

This scripture records several important incantations and ritual steps (Yu Steps and Bugang Tadou) used in Daoist cultivation and exorcism ceremonies. First is the incantation for wearing the "Treasure Seal of Upright Heart," where the practitioner claims to have received transmission from a Celestial Master (Tianshi). By wearing this seal, one can penetrate the Yin-Yang realms, ascend to the Nine Heavens, and through performing the specific "Yu Steps" (secret footsteps imitating Yu the Great's flood control movements) achieve immortality. The Three Hun and Seven Po souls provide protection, leading to the realm of longevity.

The text then details two types of Bugang (star-stepping rituals imitating celestial movements): "Jiji Dougang" is performed on Yang days, while "Weiji Dougang" is used on Yin days. These steps must be coordinated with the "Mountain Character Hand Seal" and the "Universal Protection Incantation." This chant summons power from the eight directions (represented by the Bagua trigrams—Qian, Kun, Zhen, Gen, Kan, Li, Xun, Dui) to invoke cosmic harmony and peace in all directions, granting divine protection and dispelling inauspicious forces.

Following this is a potent exorcism incantation where the practitioner, through Yu Steps, connects with the Tian Gang star (the handle of the Big Dipper) to command spirits and eliminate disasters. The chant enumerates various misfortunes to be expelled: the Five Sufferings and Eight Calamities, Nine Tribulations and Hundred Illnesses, along with malignant deities and ghosts—all to be delivered to the Kuai Gang stars (the first and last stars of the Big Dipper) for execution.

Next comes the specialized "Disassembling Dipper Incantation" addressing the Seven Stars of the Big Dipper, individually invoking each star lord (Tanlang, Jumen, Lucun, Wenqu, Lianzhen, Wuqu, Pojun) to manifest their power in subduing demons and bringing peace to the human realm. The text concludes with detailed instructions for the "Seven Stars Gang" footwork: begin with the left foot stepping sideways, then the right foot moving straight forward, alternating directions for nine steps to form a "Ding Gang" pattern. Then proceed sequentially from the first star (Kui) to the seventh (Piao) and back, repeating this cycle while coordinating with breath regulation to complete the ceremony.

These incantations and stepping patterns exemplify the Daoist practice of harmonizing specific movements, breathwork, and celestial patterns to commune with cosmic forces, expel evil, and invoke blessings.

This scripture primarily explains several important bugang (ritual steps in Daoist ceremonies) and their corresponding incantations in concrete operational methods.

The first is the "Yu Steps Nine Traces Gang," a footwork pattern imitating the strides of Great Yu when controlling floods. When performing this ritual, one must recite the accompanying incantation while stepping from the first to ninth position, finally returning to stand at the central point. The incantation's general meaning describes white primordial qi (vital energy) filling the body, ascending to luminous realms through Yu's steps, treading the seven-star constellations, borrowing divine power to vanquish demons, dispel calamities, and attain longevity.

Next is the "Nine Phoenix Thunderfire Purification Dipper Gang," specifically used for altar purification. Before performing, one must visualize the Nine Phoenix Perfected Being (a Daoist deity) dressed in red robes, black hat and red shoes, with nine fire-spitting crimson phoenixes circling overhead. The incantation summons celestial soldiers, thunder gods and wind masters to expel all filthy and evil energies. Special emphasis is placed on maintaining physical and mental purity during the ritual, with strict prohibition against looking backward.

Then comes the "Yin-Yang Opening Dipper" steps, primarily used after the winter solstice. The practitioner must first visualize deities, click teeth and form mudras (specific hand gestures), imagining divine generals guiding the way. The incantation describes traversing the twelve earthly branches directions, harnessing the power of the Tian Gang star to foresee auspicious and inauspicious transformations, ultimately attaining the mysterious process of connecting with the Dipper Way.

These bugang rituals all emphasize strict adherence to prescribed steps, hand gestures and visualization methods combined with specific incantations to achieve effects of exorcism, altar purification and divine communion. Each movement corresponds to particular stellar positions and divine powers, demonstrating the systematic rigor of Daoist ceremonial practice.

This passage describes the Daoist practice of "Bugang Tadou" (Pacing the Void and Treading the Dipper), a ritual movement used by Daoist priests to commune with heaven and earth. When performing the star-pacing (walking according to astral positions) accompanied by incantations and hand seals, one can summon celestial protection and expel malevolent influences.

The practitioner should visualize a five-colored halo above their head while transforming their body into that of a Zhenren (Perfected Person, an accomplished Daoist cultivator), treading the seven stars of the Northern Dipper. After the summer solstice, use the "Yang Dipper" pacing method with the mantra "Nine above, One below" (crown touching the ninth palace, feet on the first palace), moving according to specific positions: "elbows at three-seven, shoulders at two-four, knees at six-eight," while maintaining stability in the central yellow region (Dantian) like an infant sitting upright commanding all directions. The crisscrossing footwork contains profound mysteries.

The star-treading incantation states: when sunlight and moonlight harmonize with celestial movements, the human Dao flourishes while ghostly paths decline. The practitioner follows Marshal Tianpeng (the Northern Dipper deity) into the celestial realm, passing through stellar palaces like Tiannei and Tianchong, finally facing the Tianqin star while grasping the Tianzhu star, completing the astral circuit. This ensures unimpeded human pathways while obstructing ghostly ones, causing all evil influences to retreat naturally.

The pacing method divides into Yin-Yang phases: two steps in the Kan position (north), one in Gen (northeast), alternating progression; two steps in Zhen (east) and Dui (west) respectively; one step in Kun (southwest); alternating single/double steps in Li (south); three combined steps in Xun (southeast), culminating in celestial homage. The incantation "Qian Yuan Heng Li Zhen" (from the Yijing) conceals the physical form, repelling all calamities and granting merit equal to heaven's longevity.

Optimal practice times are before dawn or during the midnight Zi hour in purified spaces. Visualize starlight covering the earth while assuming a Zhenren's form. Pacing follows seasonal divisions: Yang Dipper (left foot leading) in spring/summer, Yin Dipper (right foot leading) in autumn/winter. Crucially, when treading one's birthstar position, only touch lightly with the toe—full contact may shorten lifespan. Conclude by kicking up a dipper-shaped seal, forming the Ziwei hand gesture, then mount a white crane to ascend directly to the Heavenly Gate and petition the Celestial Emperor (supreme Daoist deity).

This scripture records two Daoist cultivation methods: Treading the Gang-Star Steps and the Recumbent Dipper Method, both related to veneration of the Big Dipper constellation.

The Treading the Gang-Star Steps method is performed as follows: First firmly step on the position of the sixth star (referring to Kaiyang, the sixth star of the Big Dipper), facing the Gang-Star (alternative name for Pojun, the seventh star of the Dipper), while reciting the "Gang-Star Incantation" seven times. The incantation petitions the Great Sage Gang-Star and Venerable Pojun to eradicate malevolence, dispel calamities, and gather all diseases, disasters, and malignant spirits beneath the authority of Kuigang (the Dipper's power), restoring the practitioner's health. After recitation, visualize all pathogenic qi (energy) vanishing into the earth. Then turn around from the outer perimeter of the Dipper, step into the Three Platforms (referring to the three stars in the Dipper's handle), stand at the Dipper's mouth position, and finally withdraw from it, symbolizing return to the mundane world.

The Recumbent Dipper Method is practiced at night. As the hun (ethereal soul) and po (corporeal soul) tend to wander during sleep, one should sit quietly before bed and sequentially visualize the seven stars: First envision Tanlang (the first Dipper star) between the eyebrows, click the teeth once, silently recite an incantation praying for the souls to travel with Gang-Star, and visualize azure primordial qi entering and being swallowed. Then sequentially visualize: Jumen (second star) at the forehead, Lucun (third star) at the crown, Wenqu (fourth star) at the head, Lianzhen (fifth star) at the back, Wuqu (sixth star) at the waist - each with corresponding tooth-clicking, incantations, and visualization of differently colored qi entering the mouth. Finally envision Pojun (seventh star) at the feet with tooth-clicking and incantation. Each star has specific incantations and qi colors, using this visualization practice to anchor the souls and protect the five viscera.

This passage explains several important ritual pacing methods (步罡踏斗 bugang tadou, a ceremonial footwork) and incantations in Daoist practice, along with related visualization techniques.

The incantation concerning "malevolent ghosts of the five directions" states that wearing this talisman can disperse evil spirits, and with a single inhalation, the practitioner can make ten thousand ghosts vanish. The specific method involves visualizing crimson qi entering through the mouth and being swallowed, feeling radiant light illuminating the entire body to stabilize the hun and po souls while calming the shen spirit, after which one may rest peacefully.

Three types of ritual pacing are then introduced:

1. The Three-Step Ding Gang

2. The Fire Wheel Gang - Used with its corresponding incantation, which summons protective deities including the Emissary of Zhuling, the True Spirits of the Northern Dipper, the Six Jia Youths, and the Fire Wheel General, along with the Four Directional Generals (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Dark Warrior) guarding the body.

3. The Eight Trigrams Dipper Gang - Following the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) directions with specific step counts, embodying the celestial movements of heaven, earth, sun and moon, containing the primordial qi of the Great Dao.

The secret method of "flying shen into the dipper" involves: First pacing the shape of the Northern Dipper's seven stars, entering from the Dipper's handle to its mouth before returning to the handle, using the feet to "kick" the dipper for protection. Then re-entering the dipper's mouth, performing three bows while maintaining visualization. Imagine five-colored cloud qi lifting your body as your tongue transforms into a golden bridge directly connecting to the Dipper. At this moment, one may see jade towers and golden stairs within the Dipper while silently summoning the Four Direct Messengers for inspection. The appearance of purple clouds, unusual fragrances, or violet light indicates the descent of the Dipper's stellar deities. However, one must avoid contact with mourners, those with strong body odor, menstruating women, unclean objects, sorcerers, diviners, envious individuals, and animals like cats, dogs, chickens or geese, as these will nullify the ritual's efficacy.

The exiting-the-dipper incantation activates the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), manifests sword power, and invokes the protection of the Six Jia spirits and Three Platforms stars. Through rotating heaven and earth while pacing the gang and treading the dipper, one opens the Yin-Yang gate to attain longevity. During recitation, visualize true qi returning to heaven while forming the "Mao Wen" hand seal with the left hand, then hold the celestial gang with both hands toward the Heavenly Gate.

The concluding returning-gang incantation signifies ascending the dipper gang through Yu Steps (a special pacing method), causing demons to perish and evil to vanish, swiftly covering the Dipper's handle.

This scripture outlines a complete ritual procedure for Daoist cultivation and ritual practice, incorporating hand mudras, footwork, incantations, and other techniques. The process begins with several foundational movements: opening the Celestial Gate (portal to heavenly realms), closing the Earthly Door (portal to underworld), preserving the Human Gate (portal to mortal realm), and blocking the Ghost Path (channel for malevolent forces). These actions require specific finger mudras oriented to cardinal directions—such as gathering Gang Qi (heaven-earth righteous energy) by moving clockwise from the Yin position (northeast) to the Hai position (northwest).

Next comes the practice of Treading the Gang-Star Steps (a Daoist footwork pattern), initiating movement from the little toe while coordinating breath retention with mudra formations. This is followed by reciting the Great Unity (Taiyi) Incantation, wherein the practitioner identifies as the Divine Lord of Taiyi from the cavern realms, describing a celestial form crowned with the Seven Stars, standing upon the Four Auspicious Beasts' positions, and wielding a golden blade. Through Yu Steps (a sacred gait), one traverses the Eight Trigrams (Bagua) directions before paying homage to the Celestial Emperor at the Heavenly Gate. The incantation mentions how the Three-Step-Nine-Trace footwork can dispel calamities.

After the incantation, the practitioner steps through the Three Platforms (three primary stars of the Big Dipper) while facing the Celestial Gate in retreat. Then comes the Concealment and Dipper-Purging Gang Incantation, invoking the protection of Marshal Tianpeng, Perfected Lord Taiyi, and other divine generals, summoning thirty-six celestial officers to form a protective array before ascending to audience with the Celestial Emperor.

The subsequent Dipper Gang Incantation assigns each of the seven human souls (Po) to one of the seven stars of the Northern Dipper (Greedy Wolf, Giant Gate, etc.), while the three ethereal souls (Hun) attach to the Kui-Gang stars. In times of danger, one may take refuge within the Dipper constellation.

Finally, the Yu Steps Truth-Communion Method reveals the profound mechanics of the Northern Dipper's rotation, which corresponds to the twelve earthly branches and transforms through the Eight Gates (Bagua directions). At winter solstice—when Yang energy first emerges—the footwork progresses from the Tianying Star to Tianpeng Star; at summer solstice—with Yin energy's birth—the sequence reverses. For instance, when cultivating at the midnight hour (Zi) during winter solstice, visualize transforming into the White Crane Perfected Being: click teeth, suspend breath, step left foot on Tianying Star, right foot on Tianzhu Star, then shift positions accordingly.

These teachings represent esoteric Daoist rituals combining internal cultivation and external practice. Through astral veneration, directional symbolism, and somatic techniques, they achieve divine communion, exorcism, and spiritual refinement.

This scripture describes the Daoist ritual practice of "Pacing the Dipper and Treading the Constellations" (Bugang Tadou), which involves specific footwork and hand seals (shoujue). This ceremonial movement imitates the trajectory of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) and is performed by Daoist priests during purification rituals (zhaijiao) and liturgies (keyi) to commune with divine beings.

The footwork section details the sequence of steps: First, place the left foot on the position of Tianzhu (Celestial Pillar Star), then stand with the right foot on Tianxin (Celestial Heart Star). Next, move the left foot to close the stance. Then, stand with the left foot on Tianqin (Celestial Fowl Star) and the right foot on Tianfu (Celestial Support Star), followed by moving the left foot to close the stance. These three steps create a harmonious interaction between the Water (Kan) and Fire (Li) trigrams. The practitioner continues stepping through positions like Tianchong (Celestial Charge), Tiannei (Celestial Inner), and Tianpeng (Celestial Canopy), completing nine steps to finish the entire sequence.

The accompanying incantation, the "Treading the Dipper Chant," conveys: By walking the nine celestial positions of the Heavenly Dipper and treading the nine constellations, one may ascend to immortality. Receiving the true transmission from Tianxin brings joy to ten thousand spirits, enabling concealment and infinite transformations. Those who dare oppose shall be bound at the Dipper Gate, with inauspicious energies swept away as one turns toward the true path. Waving the Fire Bell and Spirit Banner shakes ghosts and deities, radiating brilliant light. Singing aloud, the Jade Emperor's decree descends, commanding obedience from all spirits across the Three Realms.

The specific method involves: At midnight during the summer solstice, first perform "transforming into divine form" (bianshen), then recite the chant while stepping. Place the left foot on Tianpeng and right foot on Tiannei, moving the left to close the stance for the first step. Next, left foot on Tianchong and right on Tianfu, closing with the left for the second step. Then left on Tianqin and right on Tianxin, closing for the third step. This alternation of Yin-Yang without complete merging continues for nine steps. Finally, stand with left foot on Tianzhu and right on Tianren, then left on Tianying, before completing the ritual by teeth-knocking (kouchi) and finishing the constellation pacing.

The text notes that adepts deeply versed in the Three Marvels and Nine Truths (sanqi jiuzhen) need not strictly follow the Tianpeng and Tianying positions—simply standing where the Heavenly Dipper points and pacing the Sevenfold Dipper Steps toward that direction can sever ghostly disturbances.

Three hand seals are described:

1. Jade Purity Seal (Yuqingjue, also called Jade Emperor Seal or Celestial Master Seal): Press the left thumb against the middle knuckle of the middle finger.

2. Upper Purity Seal (Shangqingjue): Press the left thumb against the upper knuckle of the middle finger.

3. Great Purity Seal (Taiqingjue): Press the left thumb against the lower knuckle of the middle finger.

(The Northern Emperor Seal is mentioned without details.)

These footwork patterns and hand seals represent secret methods transmitted from master to disciple, capable of penetrating cosmic mysteries and summoning spirits. The key lies in correctly forming the seals while silently circulating internal Qi (vital energy). As these techniques manifest through finger movements, they are called "secrets" (jue).

This scripture meticulously documents several commonly used hand seals (also known as juefa) and finger techniques in Daoist ritual practice, primarily employed for summoning deities and subduing malevolent spirits. Below are the specific methods for performing these hand seals:

Master Seal (Benshi Jue): Press the left thumb against the left side of the middle finger's middle joint while visualizing one's master. The Purple Tenuity Seal (Ziwei Yin), also called the Subduing Evil Seal or Prison Seal, is formed by wrapping the little finger behind the ring finger, hooking the middle finger, pressing the thumb against the ring finger's third segment, placing the middle finger on the palm's transverse crease, and extending the index finger. This seal embodies the Northern Emperor (Beiji Ziwei Dadi) to command spirits and summon the Thirty-Six Heavenly Generals. When used with the Santai Hui (a type of talismanic inscription), it can subdue malevolent ghosts.

Depending on the finger segment pressed, this seal has different names: pressing the second segment is called the Heavenly Stem Seal (Tiangang Yin), pressing the first segment is the Dipper Seal (Dou Yin), pressing the outer side of the second segment is the True Warrior Seal (Zhenwu Yin), and pressing the sha-wen (a specific acupoint) is the Demon-Subduing Seal (Fumo Yin).

Ding-Jia Seal (Dingjia Yin): Press the thumb over the middle finger onto the qian position (a specific spot on the palm), with the ring finger pressing over the thumb. The Supervisor Seal (Dujian Jue) is similar but requires the thumb to press over both the index and middle fingers. The Divine Transformation Seal (Bianshen Jue) involves wrapping the little finger behind the ring finger, hooking the middle finger, pressing the thumb to the middle segment of the middle finger, and extending the index finger. When used, it is moved upward from the chest in alternating left-right motions.

The Marshal Seal (Yuanshuai Jue) is more complex: with the left hand, the thumb sequentially presses the four segments of the index finger while silently reciting the four characters "Kui, Nao, Xing, Heng." Then, the index finger presses the three segments of the thumb while silently reciting "Bi, Mo, Piao." Finally, the thumb presses the sha-wen position.

Fire Bell Seal (Huoling Yin): Wrap the little finger behind the ring finger, hook the middle finger, press the thumb to the middle segment of the ring finger, reverse-hook the ring finger over the thumb, bend the middle finger, and press the index finger to the tiger's mouth (the webbed area between thumb and index finger).

Heavenly Net and Earthly Web Seal (Tianluo Diwang Jue): Interlock the third, fourth, and fifth fingers of both hands, press the right thumb below the left thumb's nail, separate the index fingers, and after reciting the incantation, join the two index fingers to point at the target of the ritual.

The Soul-Confusing Platform Seal (Mihun Tai Jue), also known as the Three Truths Seal, lacks detailed instructions. Each of these hand seals serves specific purposes in Daoist ritual magic and must be used in conjunction with incantations, visualizations, and other techniques.

This passage documents several Daoist hand seals (known as "jue" or "yin," specific finger formations used by priests during rituals):

Crossed Ring Finger Seal: Cross the ring fingers behind the middle fingers, hook the index fingers for stability, keep the middle finger bases straight and touching, interlock the thumbs while simultaneously pressing the "You" position (Daoism divides fingers into twelve earthly branch positions; "You" corresponds to a specific spot on the little finger).

Eagle Seal: Press the thumb over the index finger while keeping the middle finger straight, then use the thumb to pinch the base of the ring finger while extending both the ring and little fingers.

Dog Seal: Use the ring finger to pinch the base of the thumb while the thumb presses the middle joint of the little finger.

Two Luminaries Seal (symbolizing sun and moon): Insert each middle finger into the thumb's base circle, cross the index fingers, and extend the ring and little fingers—used for inscribing talismans invoking solar and lunar radiance.

Commander-in-Chief Seal: The left thumb presses the middle joint of the middle finger, employed when issuing commands to mobilize celestial troops.

Deaf-Soldier-Mute-General Seal: The left thumb presses the transverse crease of the middle finger while the bent index finger rests beneath the thumb—used when painting talismans, with commands issued through the middle finger during troop deployment.

Five Generals of the Direct Moon Method: Records five divine generals with corresponding hours and finger positions: General Zhong (Mao hour/little finger's Mao position), Baoyao (Wu hour/middle finger's Wu position), Boju (You hour/ring finger's You position), Binghou (Zi hour/index finger's Zi position), and Zibao (Sha position).

Supreme Command Talisman Seal: Interlock the middle fingers while both thumbs press the upper segments of the ring fingers, extending index and little fingers—used for inscribing destiny talismans (fulu).

These hand seals are primarily employed in Daoist ritual contexts for marshaling divine generals and inscribing talismans, each possessing specific symbolic meanings and functions. The intricate finger formations embody Daoist cosmological principles, with earthly branch positions on the hands corresponding to temporal and spatial configurations in ritual practice.