《道法會元》Vol. 191

This scripture primarily expounds the esoteric methods of the Supreme Unity Fire Palace's Divine Inner Chamber, encompassing cultivation techniques, talisman-drawing skills, and specific incantation applications.

The introductory section reveals essential Daoist cultivation principles: The Great Dao (Dao) resides in formless emptiness, requiring both internal and external purity while relinquishing worldly attachments. Through specific cultivation methods—such as the "One-Page Family Letter Returning to the Dipper" talisman or the "Half-Sheet Decree Merging with Celestial Palaces" technique—practitioners can elevate both body and spirit (Shen) to mystical states, achieving resonance with the primordial Qi (vital energy) of heaven and earth.

Regarding talisman-drawing secrets: One must maintain focused mental stillness during the process, embodying the interplay of Kan (Water) and Li (Fire)—the two energies of Yin-Yang. While the primordial Qi remains elusive, specialized methods can mobilize the power of wind and thunder. When drawing talismans (Fulu), the spirits of the Five Viscera need no deliberate activation; the key lies in harnessing the transformative mystery of the Golden Elixir (Jindan, internal alchemy).

The talisman-writing口诀 (formula) transmitted by Huang Yunzhuang emphasizes: All Fire Palace talismans originate from the Grand Pure Realm (Taiqing), with the imperative character "敕" (decree) as their foundational command. When inscribing, the "敕" character must stand one inch taller than the main talisman text. At brushstroke turns, steady the tip to infuse spiritual light—ascend directly in one stroke to connect with "敕," a technique called "Proclaiming the Decree to Receive Orders." The entire process demands concentrated stillness and single-minded focus.

The purification altar talisman's incantation states:

"By the Primordial Lord's decree,

Defilements dissolve instantly.

Who dares defy this command,

Shall face thunderbolts in an instant.

Urgently, urgently, as ordained by Supreme Unity Thunder Commander Li Yuanjun!"

This talisman purifies ritual spaces.

The General Summons of All Spirits incantation proclaims:

"By the Jade Pure Decree,

All spirits assemble swiftly!

Above, it reaches the Boundless;

Below, it penetrates the Netherworld.

Majestic radiance blazing bright,

Transformations manifest divine might.

Hearing this call, all generals

Must descend like fire alight!

By the Supreme Crimson Heavenly Emperor's decree—execute!"

When using this, the talisman must specify its purpose, requesting duty-bound thunder deities like Xie You to immediately deliver documents to the Thunder Ancestral Masters without delay. The talisman requires two seals: "Three Heavens' Wind-Fire Fierce Mandate" and five arcane characters (蝀缝降瓮憃). These characters must synergize with Golden Light Qi from the Celestial Gate and specific mudra techniques.

This scripture records a complete Daoist talismanic ritual, primarily detailing methods for drawing specific Fulu (talismans) and their accompanying incantations. Let's examine it in several parts:

First are the key points for drawing the "Descending Dipper Sword-tip Talisman." The timing must align with Yin-Yang days: on Yang days (Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, Ren) during the Zi or Wu hours, while Yin days (Yi, Ding, Ji, Xin, Gui) require the Wu or Zi hours. Before drawing, recite the incantation: "By decree of Shangqing (one of the Three Pure Ones), I command all deities. Hear my edict—mountain and river spirits must part the clouds. I summon you to descend swiftly, appearing immediately upon hearing my call. Urgently, by the Supreme Talismanic Mandate, this decree is enacted."

The drawing procedure involves: first outlining the talisman's borders and internal structure, then sketching the sword-dipper shape while chanting the aforementioned incantation with accompanying mudras (ritual hand gestures). Upon completion, add seven special characters to the talisman and inscribe the petitioner's request at their natal star position. Conclude by humbly petitioning as a subject: "May the Sacred Majesty in compassion issue edicts to inform the relevant underworld departments to manifest clear signs in response to the petition at the specified date and hour."

Regarding the "Dipper Incantation" usage: visualize a starry dipper emerging from between the eyebrows, its fiery Qi enveloping the talisman. Write four "fire" characters representing the four cardinal directions to absorb their energies. The talisman should be cut in half—one half attached to family documents, the other to memorials. In emergencies, burn half of the natal talisman first, then the remainder during the Dipper descent ritual. Without preparatory rites, affix the entire talisman to family correspondence.

Additional supporting talismans include:

1. Doumu Verification Talisman (for Doumu Yuanjun's authentication) attached to dipper talismans

2. Sword-tip Inner Talisman

3. Summoning Talisman for Qingyang and Tuoluo Messengers

4. Jade-descending Method Talisman for Xiuyi and Lingtong Messengers

5. Lamp-lighting Talisman with accompanying incantation: "Brilliant lamplight illuminates, granting longevity; the Three Hun (Tai'guang, Shuangling, Youjing) stay healthy, the Seven Po (Shigou, etc.) remain tranquil. Urgently, by the Great Red Heavenly Emperor's decree."

The visualization (Cunxiang) section involves: imagining five-colored auspicious clouds rising within the chamber as the Northern Dipper True Lord descends. Also described is the usage of "Seven Primordial True Talismans," each corresponding to the Dipper's seven star lords like Tanlang, activated through specific mudras and visualization of black Qi to summon their presence.

This scripture records several important talismans (fulu) and invocation rituals from Daoist Thunder Magic (Leifa), a practice that summons thunder deities through incantations. The text contains the following key components:

First are the incantations for summoning the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper (Beidou) - the stellar lords including Jumen, Lucun, Wenqu, Lianzhen, Wuqu, and Pojun. Each chant begins with the Sanskrit mantra "Om" and combines specific hand seals (shoujue) corresponding to celestial hours (such as Chou-Hai or Yin-Xu configurations) with differently colored Qi energies (yellow, azure, crimson). Each stellar lord governs distinct celestial palaces (like Zhenyuan Palace or You Palace), reflecting core Daoist astral beliefs.

Next is the "Twin Dippers Summoning Truth Talisman," which simultaneously invokes both the Southern and Northern Dippers. Practitioners must inscribe it with ink on red paper and display it at the Beidou constellation position during star-offering ceremonies. The ritual requires forming the Chen-hour hand seal, followed by burning the talisman after obeisance, then adopting the Zi-Wu Dipper seal to draw the complementary southern and northern Qi energies into the talisman.

The "Thunder Envoy Ji's Talisman" summons thunder general Ji Maoqing. The adept must form the Thunder Mudra (Leiju), circulate Fire Qi, and use the Wu-hour seal to breathe energy into the talisman. During inscription, one visualizes the Thunder God flanking both sides as the spirit ascends directly to the Heavenly Gate. The mantra "Heng hong hua la jiu jing she" represents unique Sanskrit-derived Thunder Magic syllables.

Finally, the "Golden Light Talisman" is used for memorials burned in celestial petitions. Its incantation incorporates classic Daoist phrases like "splitting heaven and cleaving earth" and "the Five Stars of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth gather," mobilizing Five Phase (wuxing) energies. The concluding Sanskrit syllables "Om he xi ju ning duo po xi qie ye qie ye" demonstrate Daoism's assimilation of esoteric Buddhist mantras into its ritual lexicon.

This scripture primarily documents several types of Daoist talismans (Fulu) and their corresponding incantations, covering rituals for exorcism, dispelling malignant forces, and stopping rainfall. The "Great Scarlet Celestial Emperor Lord" mentioned in the text is a revered Daoist deity, and these talismans are executed by his divine decree.

The first section describes the "Talisman for Breaking Through the Celestial Winds to Submit Memorials," used when burning memorials to dispatch celestial generals for delivery. The incantation commands the talisman-bearing officers (divine generals executing the order) to carry the memorial directly to the celestial realm, forbidding the Fierce Officers of the Celestial Winds (divine generals governing heavenly winds) from obstructing them, with violators to be punished according to celestial law. This is followed by a purification talisman's incantation, emphasizing the urgency of flying talismans by imperial decree to capture malevolent entities.

The second section, the "Talisman for Halting Winds and Stopping Rain," is used in rituals to clear skies and cease rainfall. It must be written with cinnabar on red paper. The incantation summons solar deities, the Marshal of Primordial Cycles, and other divine beings to halt the rain wheels, commanding the Northern Majestic Spirits and the Fierce Officers of the Celestial Winds to immediately stop the downpour. Three emphatic "By decree!" characters at the end amplify its spiritual efficacy.

The third section, the "Talisman for Parting Clouds to Reveal the Dipper," is comparatively brief. It references the Supreme Clarity (Shangqing) commandments for exorcism, stating that compliant spirits will not be slain—only rebellious ghosts will be vanquished. All these talismans conclude with "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances," signifying immediate execution of the divine command.

The directional terms (Zi, Wu, Mao, etc.) represent positions in Daoist star-stepping rituals (Tagan Budou), with "center" indicating the central orientation. These talismans require specific directional alignments, hand gestures, and burning rituals for proper activation.

This scripture outlines a complete Daoist ritual for petitioning the Northern Dipper deities (告斗), along with accompanying talismanic formulas. The content is divided into three main sections:

The first part contains an incantation for summoning divine beings, using phrases like "bearing witness to our sacred decree" to invoke celestial protection. It employs specialized Daoist terminology such as "the descent of the seven Qi (七炁, seven primordial energies)" and "the radiance of Taiyi (太乙) illuminating the chamber," describing celestial manifestations like dispersing clouds and brightening stars. The incantation concludes with the authoritative seal "By the decree of the Crimson Emperor of the South (南方丹天帝君律令敕)."

Next comes specific timing regulations for the ritual: spring ceremonies at the first watch's third mark (approx. 8:45 PM), summer at the second watch (approx. 10 PM), autumn at the third watch (midnight), and winter at the fourth watch (approx. 2 AM). This section includes a partially damaged diagram of the Northern Dipper Talisman (降斗符) with instructions for its use in conjunction with the "Golden Light Incantation" (金光咒).

The final portion details the activation method for the Petition-Urging Talisman (催降符), describing the visualization process: the ritual master must hold breath, focus spirit, and wield the brush to inscribe the talisman while visualizing the radiance of the Nine Emperor Stars (北斗九皇, the seven stars of the Northern Dipper plus two assistant stars) descending upon the altar. Practitioners must imagine themselves transforming into starlight, merging with divine messengers, and crossing a rainbow bridge to celestial realms to present petitions to the Northern Dipper deities. The incantation references the Five Directional Emperors (五方天帝), including the Red Emperor (赤帝) and Green Emperor (青帝). The ritual concludes with the powerful seal "By the decree of the Great Crimson Celestial Emperor (大赤天帝君律令敕)," affirming its sacred authority.

This scripture describes a complete Daoist ritual for summoning deities and communing with the Dipper, consisting of two main components: the use of talismanic commands and incantation practice.

First is the method for employing a deity-summoning talismanic command (Fulu): Under the decree of the Supreme Clarity (Shangqing, the highest Daoist celestial realm), all deities are commanded to assemble, and upon hearing the divine edict, even mountains, rivers, and valleys must respond. To use it, half of the talisman is burned in an incense burner while visualizing the divine messenger (Tongshi Sheren) holding the talisman to present it to the Dipper Palace (the celestial abode of the Northern Dipper). The ritual master forms the Yin-Yang Dipper Mudra (a special hand seal), mentally constructs a divine bridge, performs three bows, and then rests briefly, either in seated meditation or silently reciting the subsequent incantation.

Next is the "Flight of the Spirit to Commune with the Dipper Incantation," a secret chant for communicating with the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper. The incantation details the distinct characteristics and powers of each star—Greedy Wolf (Tanlang), Giant Gate (Jumen), Prosperity Preserver (Lucun), Literary Curves (Wenqu), Pure and Upright (Lianzhen), Martial Excellence (Wuqu), and Army Breaker (Pojun)—as well as the roles of the two auxiliary stars, Left Support (Zuofu) and Right Assistance (Youbi). By reciting this incantation, one can beseech the blessings of the Nine Mystical Parents (Daoist revered deities), eliminate karmic debts from past lives, obtain the elixir of longevity, and ultimately achieve the ascent of the original spirit (Yuanshen) and eternal vision of immortality.

After completing the incantation, the master steps into the ritual altar, walking in alignment with the Three Platforms of the Dipper before finally standing and bowing toward the Dipper’s opening (Doukou). At this point, the practitioner visualizes their vital energy (Qi) surging from the heart cavity, resonating with the seven facial orifices, while pressing the tongue against the upper palate to construct the Hundred Flowers Bridge (a visualized divine bridge). The mind envisions the Dipper Emperor (Douhuang, the Northern Dipper deity) descending amid golden radiance and multicolored clouds to merge with the practitioner. Finally, the master performs the Dipper’s Nine Palaces Steps (Bugang), aligning each step with the Eight Trigrams (Bagua) and the Seven Stars: the Kan position corresponds to the Kui star, Qian to the Gui star, Zhen to the Fu star, Dui to the Xing star, Xun to the Bi star, Kun to the Wei star, Li to the Piao star, and the center corresponds to the Celestial Pivot Star (Tiangang).

Through talismans, incantations, visualization (Cunxiang), and ritual steps (Bugang), the entire ceremony facilitates communion with the Dipper deities, achieving the dual cultivation goals of dispelling calamities, prolonging life, and enabling the spirit’s flight to the celestial realms.

This describes the Daoist liturgical ritual (Keyi) for invoking the Big Dipper (Beidou) to avert calamities and seek blessings. The ritual master summons the Nine Stars of the Dipper (the seven primary stars plus the two auxiliary stars of Left Support and Right Assistance) through Yu Steps (the Daoist cosmic pacing technique) and incantations.

First, the names of the Nine Dipper Lords are enumerated: Lord Yangming the Greedy Wolf, Lord Yinjing the Giant Gate, Lord Zhenren the Prosperous Store, Lord Xuanming the Cultured Curve, Lord Danyuan the Pure and Chaste, Lord Beiji the Martial Song, Lord Tianguan the Army Breaker, along with Lord Left Support the Cave Illuminator and Lord Right Assistance the Hidden Origin. Additionally included are the Three Platforms Lords: Upper Platform Void Essence, Middle Platform Sixfold Purity, and Lower Platform Crooked Life.

Visualizing within golden light, the ritual master merges his being with the Dipper Lords, attaining the state of "forgetting the distinction between body and Dipper," entering the mysterious void between heaven and earth where all is indistinct and numinous. He then declares his place of origin and petitions, beseeching the Dipper Palace to pardon transgressions, harmonize his life force (Qi), and extend longevity with increased blessings. Special supplications are made to dispatch celestial physicians like the Heavenly Medical Officers (Tianyi Gongcao) and Divine Medicine Youths to heal ailments and resolve misfortunes.

The ritual contains two offering incantations: the Initial Offering and the Secondary Offering. The Initial Incantation begins with "By decree of Supreme Purity," asserting authority to command deities and summon their swift attendance. The Secondary Incantation "Jade Script of Vermilion Letters" emphasizes the efficacy of the Dipper's rotating pivot (Xuanji), connecting above to the Celestial Emperor and below to the Netherworld, granting the practitioner protection from the Seven Qi (seven vital energies). This culminates in stabilized soul and spirit, even ascension to the Purple Court (celestial paradise). Both incantations conclude with the urgent command formula "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with statutes!"

The entire ceremony exemplifies Daoist religious practice of stellar veneration for dispelling misfortunes and harmonizing life energy, integrating visualization techniques, incantations, Yu Steps, and other esoteric methods.

This passage describes the complete ritual sequence of the "Final Offering Incantation" in Daoist practice, consisting of prayer, visualization, receiving divine decrees, and healing procedures.

The initial incantation invokes the Three Officials (Heavenly Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official) and the Five Directional Thearchs, with specific petitions to the stars of the Big Dipper: the Greedy Wolf Star for longevity, the Giant Gate Star for life protection, the Wealth Preserving Star for calamity removal, the Literary Star for resolving difficulties, the Pure Star for supporting the weak, the Martial Star for dissolving misfortunes, the Army Breaker Star for increasing blessings and longevity, and the Assistant Stars for bodily protection. The prayer requests virtuous deeds to be recorded in the golden registers of the celestial realm while erasing karmic debts from the Black Registers (underworld records of transgressions), seeking absolution for all sins.

The visualization practice follows: practitioners silently envision their Primordial Spirit (Yuanchen) transforming into the Great Lord of Longevity, standing 1.2 inches tall, riding a crimson immortal chariot from the heart while ascending on five-colored auspicious clouds. Two attendants flank the deity, with the left hand forming the Jade Script Mudra (a specific hand seal). Simultaneously, an incantation is recited to make the spirit soar to the Azure Heaven, where it pays homage to the Heavenly Thearch. By pressing the tongue against the palate to form a golden bridge, the spirit traverses the celestial Qi winds of the higher realms, directly reaching the Nine Emperor Star Palaces. In the Dipper Mansion (Ursa Major constellation), the practitioner encounters their lineage master (likely the Celestial Master Zhang), who presents their memorial to the Nine Emperor Deities.

Soon the master returns with an official response bearing seals reading "Approved," "Permitted," or "Dipper Truths Authorize Petition." The practitioner then places the Jade Script Mudra in their mouth to signify receiving the decree, bows in gratitude, swallows the elixir saliva (a cultivation term for energized saliva), and recalls the spirit. Another incantation invites the Heart Sovereign (Dan Yuan Ling Jun) to return to its throne, ensuring longevity.

The healing segment concludes the ritual: with calm concentration, the practitioner visualizes the patient standing before them, with all foul Qi dissipating as their body radiates light. Therapeutic effects are assessed through external omens and physical sensations during prostrate meditation. The ceremony concludes with nine bows of gratitude and recitation of the "Ascending Dipper and Returning to the Heavenly Axis Incantation" to conclude the practice: using the Sword Mudra (hand gesture) to draw on the ground and recall the gathered Qi. The incantation's content describes ascending to the mysterious realms, warding off ghostly calamities, dispelling disasters, and returning to primordial purity.

This scripture primarily discusses Daoist exorcism rituals and the use of talismanic charms (Fulu) for blessing and protection. It describes a cultivation method called the "Method of Cosmic Rotation": the practitioner must visualize transforming into the Northern Emperor (Beidi, an important Daoist deity), standing within the golden light of the Big Dipper. With the left hand forming the Dipper Seal to protect the crown of the head and the right hand assuming the Sword Mudra at the waist, one contemplates the celestial rotation of heaven and earth along with shifting directions. Simultaneously, the practitioner recites the secret incantation: "Heaven rotates, earth turns, stars shift and dippers revolve—may ten thousand calamities and a thousand disasters never meet again," followed by an exorcistic Sanskrit mantra (this chant commands both celestial constellations and terrestrial baleful energies to obey its summons).

After chanting, one visualizes the entire household—both interior and exterior—transformed into a realm of radiant light. This practice ensures the afflicted will turn peril into safety, eternally enjoying blessings of longevity.

The text further explains the use of the "Water Basin Talisman": a yellow paper cut into sword shapes with inscribed sigils. Depending on the patient’s gender, men require eleven feet of silk cloth, while women use ten feet, draped over the water basin as the "Longevity Silk." Activating it involves swirling the Sword Mudra over the water’s surface before dropping in the paper talisman.

Finally, the Bagua (Eight Trigrams: Qian, Kan, Gen, Zhen, Xun, Li, Kun, Dui) determine auspiciousness—men reference the first four trigrams, women the latter four. Each trigram corresponds to specific fortunes, e.g., Qian (Heaven) signifies semi-auspiciousness, Kun (Earth) neutrality. Further divination employs the Twelve Palaces of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water)—for instance, the "Birth" position bodes ill for illness but favors childbirth, while the "Flourishing" position signifies great fortune. These techniques form part of Daoist numerology for diagnosing ailments and selecting optimal treatment timings.

This passage primarily explains the Daoist method of observing the Big Dipper (Dou Xing) for fortune-telling, along with related ritual precautions.

Regarding the symbolic meanings of each star in the Big Dipper: the "Unfavorable Star" indicates lingering illness, the "Death Star" foretells great misfortune, the "Tomb Star" appears inauspicious but secretly harbors financial luck, the "Fetal Star" predicts smooth childbirth, and the "Nourishment Star" symbolizes peace.

Method for observing the Big Dipper's omens: Typically performed on the 3rd and 27th days of each lunar month, one must observe purification fasts and bathe before performing the "Flying Spirit Audience with the Dipper" ritual (a cultivation method of communicating with the Dipper through visualization) in a clean space. For practitioners at beginner levels, offering clear water and flowers with sincere reverence can also prove effective.

Specific omen interpretations:

• If the sky appears dark before the ritual and clouds persist during the ceremony, this foretells misfortune and prolonged illness for patients
• If the Dipper remains invisible before the ritual but dark clouds obscure it afterward, this predicts scholarly success for students and recovery for patients
• When the Dipper is invisible beforehand but all seven stars appear afterward, this indicates great fortune; if only the Greedy Wolf Star (first star of the Dipper) appears, it foretells success in imperial examinations; the appearance of one's destiny star predicts prosperity
• If all seven stars are visible before the ritual but become obscured afterward with purple qi or mist descending, this indicates longevity and good fortune
• If heavy rain falls during the ritual but one or two stars appear afterward, this predicts household safety
• Should all seven stars appear during the ritual but the sky darkens with heavy rain afterward, this indicates critical illness

Other significant omens:

• Rain during the ritual that stops with stars appearing signifies great fortune; temporarily stopped rain indicates moderate fortune; continuous rain foretells misfortune
• Sudden rain during a ritual performed in clear weather is an extremely inauspicious sign
• Yellow, purple, or green clouds enveloping the Dipper during rituals signify good fortune; white clouds indicate neutrality; red or black clouds predict misfortune
• Clear, windless skies during the ritual—even without visible stars—still indicate peace
• The appearance of either the Greedy Wolf Star or one's destiny star ensures all wishes will be fulfilled

(Note: "Burning talismans" refers to incinerating fulu (talismans and registers), "ascending the altar" means mounting the ritual platform to perform ceremonies, and "descending of saints" indicates the arrival of deities)

If one practices or prays according to the aforementioned method (referring to specific Daoist ritual techniques) yet neither internal nor external signs manifest (indicating divine response or spiritual resonance), and the sky remains overcast with no starlight visible, one must again petition the Patriarch Masters (revered enlightened masters of Daoist tradition) to convey the supplication to the Douzhen (the Great Dipper Star Lords, important Daoist deities). The request seeks to part the clouds and reveal the radiance of the Northern Dipper, clearly bestowing signs of spiritual communion.

The specific method involves: First, form the Sword Mudra (a Daoist hand seal with specific finger configurations) and "cut open" the clouds toward the Dipper's direction. Then recite the incantation three times as before, perform another ceremonial bow to supplicate, and finally observe whether signs of spiritual resonance appear.

This passage originates from Volume 191 of the Daofa Huiyuan (Compendium of Daoist Rituals), documenting the prescribed ceremonial steps for practitioners to enhance divine communication when encountering absent spiritual responses. It exemplifies the meticulous protocol governing human-divine interaction in Daoist ritual practice, where precise mudras, incantations, and celestial orientations serve as conduits between earthly practitioners and stellar deities.