《道法會元》Vol. 234

This scripture records the "Secret Method of the Golden Wheel of the Dragon-Tiger Mystic Altar for Enforcing the Law" from the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) tradition of Daoism (a branch of the Celestial Master lineage). It primarily describes the ritual procedure for summoning Marshal Zhao Gongming, the guardian deity (commonly known as Marshal Zhao or the Martial God of Wealth in folk tradition).

The text first introduces the presiding patriarch as the "Great Master of the Three Heavens, Zhengyi True Lord of Tranquil Response and Manifest Protection," with Marshal Zhao as the chief commander, fully titled "Zhengyi Marshal Zhao of the Dragon-Tiger Mystic Altar, Golden Wheel Enforcer of the Law." A detailed description of this deity’s appearance follows: an iron-blue complexion, round eyes, and a thick beard, wearing an iron headscarf (an ancient headdress) bound with a yellow forehead ribbon, clad in golden armor and a black battle robe, with green boots. In his right hand, he holds a twenty-four-section iron whip, while his left grips an iron chain, riding a black tiger—an iconic representation of the Martial God of Wealth in popular culture.

Next comes the summoning incantation, which employs finger mudras (specific hand gestures) and ritual pacing (stepping in astral patterns) to invoke divine power. Phrases like "Thunder-fire flies, golden lightning shakes" evoke overwhelming thunderous force, coordinated with hand seals corresponding to the Northern Dipper, Southern Dipper, and Santai (celestial star officials). During the ritual, the practitioner must visualize flames filling the altar space while reciting the esoteric mantra "Om Ming Li Ji Li Hu Zha Li Chi Sha She," envisioning Marshal Zhao descending upon the altar astride a golden tiger.

The ritual concludes with the "Jade Emperor’s Sacred Edict" (a decree from the Jade Emperor) to bind the deity, followed by thunder-method incantations such as "Heng Hong Hua La Chi Sha She," activated through directional hand seals (e.g., Chen-Xu, Mao-You) to harness the power of thunder. The phrase "splitting the demon stars with an axe" refers to neutralizing the baleful influence of Kuigang (malefic stars in the Big Dipper), showcasing the Daoist thunder method’s capacity to "command thunder and wield lightning."

Note: Terms like "finger mudras" (qiajue) denote Daoist hand seals, "tapping" (ti) refers to specific mudra movements, "visualization" (cun) indicates meditative focus, and "Chi Sha She" serves as a mantra-ending phrase for subduing forces. These are all distinctive practices within Daoist ritual arts.

This scripture outlines the ritual procedures and incantations for summoning Marshal Zhao Gongming in Daoist Thunder Magic (a practice harnessing the power of lightning). Zhao Gongming, also known as Marshal of the Mystic Altar, is a prominent guardian deity in Daoism who commands the thunder troops.

The ritual begins with the practitioner visualizing an identical marshal within their own body, matching the form of Marshal Zhao in the southeast (Xun position). Using specific Thunder Magic hand seals (mudras), the practitioner merges the internal marshal with the external one. Then follows the invocation of the Five Directional Heavenly Emperors, summoning eight divine generals to descend together.

The incantation repeatedly concludes with "ji ji ru lü ling" (immediately as decreed by law), a standard Daoist phrase commanding swift execution. The practitioner visualizes the entire altar engulfed in flames, mobilizing Primordial Qi (the fundamental life energy) to unite with the external marshal.

A blood oath is then sworn between the practitioner and Zhao Gongming: should the marshal break the pact, let the sun and moon lose their light; should the practitioner violate the terms, may they suffer punishment in Fengdu (the underworld). This solemn vow is sealed by ingesting an elixir, demonstrating the ritual's gravity.

The ceremony proceeds to summon several thunder department generals:

• Marshal Deng: a key thunder general
• Marshal Xin Hanchen: ruler of wind and thunder
• Messenger Zhang Yuanbo: thunder department courier

The practitioner visualizes a fiery rope descending from heaven to bind malevolent spirits. The ritual culminates with the powerful incantation "Om You Hong Yi Li Chi Sha She," commanding Marshal Zhao to capture and imprison evil influences afflicting a person within the Mystic Altar's fiery prison.

Through the coordinated practice of visualization, incantations, hand seals, and concentrated spiritual focus (cunshen), the ritual mobilizes thunder's power to subdue demons. Each step requires intense concentration to establish resonance with the divine.

This scripture records the incantations and ritual procedures for summoning celestial generals and exorcising evil in Daoist Thunder Magic (Leifa). It primarily describes the process of invoking various divine generals (such as Zhao Gongming and the Eight Great Generals) to subdue malevolent forces.

The opening sequence of mystic syllables—"Om," "Zha," "Chi sha she"—represents esoteric Daoist mantras used to summon the power of celestial generals. References to the "Qian Palace" and "Kan Palace" denote the eight trigram (Bagua) directions, each guarded by corresponding divine generals. For instance, the Qian Palace has the "Sky-Searching Earth-Surveying General Wu Wan," while the Kan Palace hosts the "Litigation-Dispelling Thunder-Blasting General."

During the ritual, practitioners engage in visualization (cunxiang) of the marshal removing his robes—a symbolic act representing the removal of afflictions. The text also mentions "flying capture talismans" (feizhuo fu), a type of fulu that commands the Six Jia and Six Ding generals to swiftly apprehend evil spirits. The incantation emphasizes the talisman's formidable power with phrases like "Those opposing this talisman shall perish, those defying it shall die."

The concluding section details specific ritual actions: practitioners use all ten fingers to comb downward from the head while reciting the mantra "Swiftly release, swiftly disperse" to eliminate foul qi (impure energy). Another mantra, "Nine Oxen Pull," is employed to dispel misfortune. As the practitioner visualizes the marshal disrobing, they simultaneously loosen their own clothing, allowing misfortunes to dissipate accordingly.

The entire scripture exemplifies the Thunder Magic principle of "using spirit to command qi (vital energy)," employing multiple techniques—mystic incantations, visualization, and talismans—to harness thunder's power for exorcism and healing. The reference to the "Celestial Master's (Tianshi, Zhang Daoling) decree" indicates this ritual belongs to the Orthodox Unity (Zhengyi) lineage of Thunder Magic practice.

This scripture describes the detailed ritual process of a Daoist priest summoning deities and performing magical formations.

First, the priest inhales the unique "Brahma Qi" (a primordial energy cultivated in the Shenxiao tradition), and upon exhaling, visualizes five-colored cloud energy enveloping the body like delicate mist. At this moment, the priest must envision guardian deities from the four directions protecting front and back, while forming two types of hand seals (Daoist mudras) with both hands—one representing Yin and the other Yang—for self-protection. The left hand forms the Jade Script Seal, while the right forms the Sword Seal, as the priest begins reciting the summoning incantation.

The incantation invokes the authority of the Supreme Laozi (Taishang Laojun) and the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi) to summon various celestial troops: first the Nine Heavens' generals, then the Five Sacred Mountains' armies, and finally the soldiers from the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) of the Mystic Altar, demanding their swift assembly. Special emphasis is placed on summoning Marshal Zhao (Zhao Gongming, the Daoist guardian deity) of the Orthodox Unity (Zhengyi) Mystic Altar to appear immediately for service.

Next comes the invocation chant detailing Marshal Zhao's mighty powers: he commands thirty-six divine generals and countless celestial troops, capable of wielding thunder and lightning, flying talismans (Fulu) to destroy temples, capturing ghosts and subduing demons—even moving mountains and uprooting trees to startle spirits. The chant emphasizes his divine abilities to reward virtue, punish evil, cure illnesses, and dispel calamities, demanding his immediate response upon summons to deploy troops in formation.

The priest then gathers "Xun Qi" (the energy from the southeast) to form talismanic characters on the tip of the tongue before blowing them toward the altar. Visualizing the ritual space filled with golden flames, the priest forms the Triple Fire Seal (combining the energies of Tiger, Horse, and Dog) and the Fire Seal of Bing-Ding (Celestial Stems) with both hands, snapping fingers to ignite flames while reciting the fire mantra: "Om Ma Li Ji Li Hu Zha Li Chi She."

Finally, amidst the visualized altar engulfed in flames, the priest recites esoteric thunder-summoning incantations, proclaiming the vast divine majesty that subdues all ghosts. The chant incorporates directional references (Si, Mao, Wu, Gen—earthly branches) and imagery of the "Divine Tiger" (a Daoist mythical beast) devouring ghosts, demonstrating the formidable subduing power of Daoist magic.

This scripture describes the specific operational procedures of Daoist Thunder Magic (a ritual technique for summoning thunder deities), including incantations, hand mudras, and visualization methods. Let me explain section by section:

The opening incantation "Om Hong Zha □ Nie Nie Hong Nie □ Nie Chi Sha She" is a secret mantra for summoning thunder generals. The practitioner must simultaneously form hand mudras at specific orientations (Mao position, Yin position) while visualizing thunder resonating from the Earth Gate (portal of earth) and the Thunder Marshal descending through the Heavenly Gate (portal of heaven).

The practitioner then maintains a standing posture, swallows saliva, and visualizes the heart fire (cardiac energy) merging with kidney water (renal energy) within the body. Next, one imagines the Primordial Qi (original prenatal energy) ascending from the Jiaji acupoint (spinal point) to the Niwan Palace (upper Dantian) at the crown of the head, paying homage to the Divine Empyrean Sovereign (chief thunder deity). Exhaling with a "ha" sound, the practitioner visualizes spitting out a fiery pearl that splits apart when struck by a sword mudra (finger gesture), scattering flames in all directions.

Visualize eight golden characters "Om Jin Xiao Hou Dan He She" appearing above the Thunder Marshal's head. These characters must manifest clearly on the ritual altar. They may be written as a talisman—half burned in the incense burner, half ingested by the practitioner. This mantra must be strictly kept secret.

An alternative summoning method from another lineage: First face the Xun position (southeast), draw breath to form talismanic characters on the tongue, then blow them toward the ritual platform. Form mudras at the Yin, Wu, and Xu positions to ignite the Samadhi True Fire (pure yang flame). Then make the Wu position mudra while reciting the Fire Ancestor mantra "Om Wu Li Ji Li Hun Zha Li Chi She."

Next recite the "Subtle Vacuum Mantra," followed by the "Om Hong Zha Nie" incantation to summon thunder deities. Form mudras at the Zhen (east) and Yin positions while visualizing thunder resonating from the Earth Gate, dark clouds gathering, lightning flashing, tigers roaring, and the Thunder Marshal descending through the Heavenly Gate.

Finally, harmonize the body's water and fire elements: While inhaling, visualize drawing the Bing-Ding Fire (heart fire) from the south into the Dantian, then draw the Ren-Gui Water (kidney water) from the north, allowing water and fire to merge in the Central Palace (middle Dantian). Visualize a drop of ancestral Qi from the kidneys ascending along the spine to the crown, where together with the Thunder Marshal, one pays homage to the Divine Empyrean True King (highest thunder deity), then concludes the ritual with an exhalation.

Note: The "□" symbols indicate missing or illegible characters in the original text.

This scripture describes the ritual process and incantations for summoning Marshal Zhao (one of Daoism's guardian deities) and his celestial troops. The entire procedure requires the ritual master to communicate with the divine through specific hand seals (mudras), visualization techniques, and sacred chants.

First, the master forms the Sword Hand Seal with the left hand while holding a golden blade in the right to symbolically split open the "cherry pearl." Through focused visualization, the practitioner visualizes divine light radiating forth until Marshal Zhao's form appears vividly before them. The formal summoning begins with incense offerings and prayers, calling upon Marshal Zhao from the Divine Empyrean Jade Mansion (a celestial Daoist institution) along with his subordinate generals and soldiers, commanding their swift descent to the ritual altar.

Two key incantations follow: The "Subtle and Marvelous Vacuum Incantation" serves as the activation chant, while the "Three Caverns Divine Officials Incantation" specifically summons various celestial functionaries. These mantras essentially proclaim that the deities, coeval with Heaven and Earth and capable of infinite transformations, must immediately descend upon hearing the summons.

The talisman-drawing phase comes next: The master first inscribes the deity's name on the ritual paper, adds the solar character "日," while simultaneously visualizing the Divine Empyrean Marshal's form. A special "聻" character talisman (a Daoist ghost-subduing sigil) is stamped to represent the Heavenly Emperor's decree. The practitioner visualizes the Celestial Emperor within golden light from the southeast, dispatching emissaries to convey commands to Marshal Zhao.

Subsequent sections detail various functional chants and methods: for healing illnesses, exorcising evil, opening the Heavenly Gate and closing the Earth Portal (modifying energy channels), weather control, etc. Different techniques apply to different circumstances—for rain rituals the brush strokes descend downward, while for clear weather they ascend upward. The text further specifies summoning either the Great Yellow Tiger Spirit on odd-numbered (yang) days or the Great Black Tiger Spirit on even-numbered (yin) days for assistance.

This comprehensive ritual synthesizes multiple Daoist ceremonial elements—hand seals, visualization, talismans, and ritual pacing (gangbu steps)—through precise procedures and the power of incantations to mobilize divine energy for purposes ranging from supplication and healing to exorcism.

This passage describes the specific ritual procedures for creating Daoist talismanic inscriptions (sacred characters written in cinnabar on yellow paper) and summoning divine beings (Marshal Zhao Gongming, one of Daoism's guardian deities). The entire process requires coordinated hand gestures (mudras), incantations, and visualization (mental imagery during meditation).

First, the ritual master must recite specific mantras while painting the talisman in cinnabar, writing in two parallel lines. Simultaneously, one must visualize a scene of radiant golden light. The "three jade characters" mentioned represent the sacred name of the Jade Emperor (one of Daoism's supreme deities), these three characters themselves containing the Primordial Qi (cosmic source energy). After completing the talisman, one must stamp it with the character "chì" (decree), symbolizing authorization from the Jade Emperor.

The incantation summoning Marshal Zhao Gongming contains special syllables like "om hong hong," demanding the marshal's immediate descent. The practitioner must hold their breath and concentrate their spirit, feeling their entire body steaming with fiery energy while visualizing a towering city of flames appearing in the southeast (the Xun direction). When fixing one's gaze, one must imagine Marshal Zhao of the Mystic Altar from the Jade Mansion of Divine Empyrean (a celestial Daoist institution) standing atop this fiery city, with his black tiger mount crouched beside him.

An alternative method requires the practitioner to first enter meditative stillness, merging with the void. Then one must direct their gaze nine times toward the southeast while visualizing nature deities like the Wind Earl, Rain Master, Thunder God, and Lightning Mother (Daoist deities governing weather phenomena) entering one's five viscera. Through the interaction of heart fire (the energy corresponding to the heart) and kidney water (the energy corresponding to the kidneys), the deities of all five viscera transform into five Mystic Altar Marshals.

Finally, the practitioner must maintain seated stillness while reciting the "Precious Chapters of the Primordial Cavern's Jade Calendar" (a Daoist scripture). The entire ritual emphasizes utmost sincerity of heart, achieving communion with deities through breath control, visualization, and internal energy circulation. When the practitioner's six internal deities (possibly referring to the five viscera deities plus the Mystic Altar Marshal) merge into one, they can command the marshal to descend astride his black tiger before the altar, either dispatching him for specific purposes or sealing his power within the talisman.

At the beginning of the cosmos, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Commencement initiated the movement of heaven and earth, and the Supreme Mystery (referring to the cosmic origin) began to manifest its spiritual nature. At that time, the void reached its utmost limit—there were no concrete forms, only the flow of the Primordial Qi (the most fundamental energy) taking shape.

This Primordial Qi divided into the two luminaries of sun and moon (representing Yin-Yang), condensed the essences of the Five Stars (the Five Phases: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth), and merged with nature, dissolving karmic obstructions to form the Sacred Embryo (a reference to Neidan practice). The supreme truth pervaded all directions, its radiance illuminating the Ninefold Celestial Realms (the highest heavenly spheres), while the vast Flaming Pool for refining and delivering departed souls stretched boundlessly, and the Seven Regulators (sun, moon, and five planets) moved in unison.

The text then describes cultivation methods: visualize red Qi in the left kidney, like a crimson serpent, moving to the right kidney while silently reciting the "Precious Chapter of Chaotic Crimson Script." This incantation speaks of the True Yang Qi initiating creation, allowing the myriad Qi to flow unimpeded. The Golden Portal (celestial court) resides above, while the Jade Mansion (abode of immortals) lies in the east. The Five Directional True Qi coalesces, the Nine Heavens' vital signs flourish, and the Mysterious Qi operates spontaneously, containing infinite profundity. The Three Powers (heaven, earth, and humanity) interconnect, revered by all sages. Practitioners who penetrate these mysteries can achieve true merit, aligning both form and Shen (spirit) with the Dao, attaining the immortal register of eternal existence.

Next, visualize white Qi in the right kidney, like a white serpent, moving to the left kidney, enabling the mutual fusion of Yin-Yang energies, followed by chanting the "Secret Incantation of Primordial Commencement." This esoteric chant describes how the harmonious embrace of Yin-Yang Qi in the cosmos can traverse the realms of existence and non-existence, defying even ghostly comprehension; it transcends life and death through spontaneous transformation. The Hunyuan Qi (Primordial Chaos Qi) of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Commencement is the mystery within mysteries. Reciting this incantation once can cure severe illnesses, refine the Hun and Po (ethereal and corporeal souls), and perfect the True Yang Qi. If one observes purification rituals and recites it ten thousand times, ascension to immortality becomes possible. This supreme secret incantation can summon myriad deities.

Finally, the text depicts the vision of cultivation: visualize a point of golden spiritual light at the Mysterious Pass (the ancestral cavity between the eyebrows). This light ascends from the lower Dantian (energy center), passes through the liver, traverses the Twelve-Storied Tower (metaphor for the trachea), and surges upward to emerge at the Celestial Eye cavity, condensing into the True Form of the Marshal (a guardian deity image). After cultivation, withdraw the golden light back to the Dantian and maintain a state of serene stillness. The concluding phrase "By the urgent decree of the Primordial Sovereign Emperor" is a common Daoist incantation ending, signifying swift accomplishment through the Celestial Worthy's command.

Note: The text contains numerous Neidan (internal alchemy) terms. For instance, "the mutual fusion of two Qi" refers to the blending of Yin-Yang energies; the "Twelve-Storied Tower" symbolizes the trachea; and the "Celestial Eye" denotes the cavity between the eyebrows—all representing unique Daoist somatic visualization techniques.

This records several exorcism talismans (Fulu) used by the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) tradition of Daoism. These talismans all conclude with the standard phrase "ji ji ru lü ling" (immediately execute as law commands), a common Daoist incantation ending meaning "act swiftly with the urgency of a legal decree."

Marshal Wu's Talisman (Taboo Name: Wan):

This Marshal Wu Wan wields iron chains to capture evildoers. When common people suffer prolonged hardships and the underworld's left-right offices detain living souls (human spirits), this talisman swiftly liberates victims from shackles and prison torments. Upon receiving the command, Marshal Wu must act immediately without delay.

Marshal Tang's Talisman (Taboo Name: Kai):

Marshal Tang Kai rapidly departs from the ritual altar to relieve people's suffering, swiftly freeing them from underworld confinement. He delivers treacherous spirits and malevolent ghosts to Mount Tai (the Daoist mountain governing spirits), moving with thunderbolt speed. Any resisting ghosts will have their roots eradicated. Marshal Tang must execute his mission instantly without returning.

Marshal Thunder's Talisman (Taboo Name: Hong):

The Great Marshal Thunder Hong commands 100,000 celestial troops with cloud-like regalia. For those wrongfully imprisoned, this talisman rushes to rescue—removing shackles and delivering each victim. Upon receiving the Six Directions (heaven-earth-four quarters) imperial decree, no delay is permitted.

Marshal He's Talisman (Taboo Name: Kui):

Zhengyi patriarch Celestial Master Zhang (Tianshi) commands General He Kui to hunt evil spirits and malicious ghosts. Harmful individuals shall be reduced to dust. Immediate action is mandatory without hesitation; summoned deities cannot refuse. Now invoking the Five Heaven-Striking Thunders (powerful thunder rituals), any resistance will be brought before the Thunder Tribunal.

Harmony Talisman:

This talisman reconciles human relationships—its command must be instantly fulfilled.

Dispelling Official Troubles Talisman (Wang Bida):

General Dispeller retrieves lost souls, stabilizes physical forms, and dissolves misfortunes and karmic retribution.

Resolving Litigation Talisman:

This general arrives whip in hand to handle official disputes and dissolve legal grievances.

Silencing Gossip Talisman (Northern Banishing Script/Qi Activation):

Performed by Dong Shou, it seals the Five Directional Malignant Spirits (evil deities of east-west-south-north-center), using nine oxen's strength to muzzle calamitous speech and prevent slander. The Nine-Ox General manifests to pierce and lock slanderous tongues with his trident.

These talismans exemplify Daoism's religious functions of exorcism, healing, and conflict resolution—summoning specific marshal deities to execute precise tasks. Each emphasizes immediate efficacy "as law commands" in their closing invocations.