《道法會元》Vol. 259

The Daofa Huiyuan scripture records the esoteric demon-subduing methods of the terrestrial deity Marshal Guan (Guan Yu). It begins by outlining the transmission lineage of this practice:

The supreme presiding deity is the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity of the North Pole (an important Daoist divinity governing celestial bodies and human fortunes), with Marshal Guan of the Thunder Department serving as the primary subduing general. The text provides detailed iconography: his face resembles dark jujubes, with phoenix eyes and three wisps of long beard. He wears a celestial-blue headscarf, a grand crimson court robe fastened with a jade belt, black boots, wields the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, and rides the Red Hare steed. Normally appearing benevolent, he manifests wrathful countenance when descending through the Thunder Gate (the portal of the Thunder Department) to suppress demons.

The cultivation method emphasizes calming the mind and regulating breath to circulate the dual energies of Yin and Yang (Kan and Li), achieving spiritual clarity like the bright moon—essential for connecting with the marshal's power. Key incantations follow:

The Loyalty Oath of Marshal Guan highlights his heroic archetype: "Sword-qi piercing clouds marks this tiger-general, righteous energy moves nations, divine might rivals ten thousand spirits. In Shu he soared like a roc, in Wu he manifested as a qilin. Such loyalty and valor stand unparalleled through the ages." It concludes with the standard Daoist formula: "By Marshal Guan's sacred decree."

The Command Incantation describes mobilizing Yin-Yang energies: "When dual energies unite, fire-water essences merge. As Yang stirs, Yin responds, revealing myriad spirits. Crimson essence spirals, black vapors gestate, granting me insight into mysteries." It closes invoking the Great Emperor's authority: "By urgent decree of the Exalted Great Emperor!"

The Manifesto section proclaims the marshal's might: "Divine Marshal Guan overturns heaven-earth, wields celestial authority, summoning thunder with a breath to shake mountains-rivers. Where he treads, evil perishes; blade in hand, he marshals immortals. Resistance meets instant execution." Again concluding with ritual formula.

Final sections detail summoning techniques:

1. Descent Chant: Combines specific syllables ("du lu su ha") with Thunder Mudras (Leiju) and eastern azure qi (Xun qi)

2. Faith Chant: Longer esoteric syllables ("om va li hum")

3. Manifestation Chant: Direct invocation—"Radiant Spirit Guan, descend swiftly! Wield your blade to smite demons!"

These require synchronized hand-seals (e.g., Mao-wen gesture) and visualization of azure qi—standard Thunder Method practices. The scripture exemplifies Daoist apotheosis of historical figures like Guan Yu into complete demon-quelling ritual systems.

This is an exorcism incantation and talismanic command from Daoist Thunder Magic (a ritual method for summoning thunder deities to expel evil). The opening phrase "Yueting jiji rulüling" issues an urgent command to the sacred court of Mount Tai (Yueting), meaning "Execute immediately according to divine decree."

The incantation section "An hong hong huo che hu feng ya tan ni wan yun liu chi sha she" consists of esoteric mantras where each syllable possesses specific magical power. Collectively, it summons thunder department generals to descend, stir winds, and distribute Qi (Daoist energy) while commanding the capture of malevolent forces.

The passage then describes the true form talisman of General Guan (Guan Yu, venerated as a guardian deity in Daoism). Various divine generals are invoked by name: Langling Shen and the "Kui" constellation deities refer to the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper; alternate names like Tanlang (Greedy Wolf) and Jumen (Giant Gate) designate these same stars; Guan Ping and Guan Suo were Guan Yu's sons; General Zhou Chang belongs to the thunder pantheon. These deities wield ritual implements—imperial bells, precious blades, iron chains—tasked with pursuing ghosts and slaying demonic entities.

"Qi penetrates Yuqing" indicates the generals' energy connects to the highest celestial realm of Jade Purity. "Golden Tiger Great Sha" represents the lethal power of the western White Tiger constellation, here invoked for exterminating evil. "Thunder formation Xun Qi" refers to summoning southeastern wind-thunder energies during the ritual.

The latter section details ritual procedures: The practitioner first concentrates vital energy, exhaling azure Qi from the liver (corresponding to the east) while visualizing dark clouds enveloping Mount Tai. Using the celestial eye (third eye), one inscribes secret mantras, recites the Langling incantation to manifest General Guan, then channels the generals' power into the thunder altar to harness their might for saving lives.

The "Six Ding Ghost-Subduing Thunder Talisman" employs the power of Six Ding generals (Daoist protectors) to capture demons and dispel calamities. The concluding phrase "save living beings, capture demonic entities, exterminate malignant forces, deliver from misfortune, and restore vitality" summarizes the ritual's ultimate purpose: protecting the innocent, apprehending harmful spirits, eliminating baleful influences, and helping people overcome adversity to regain their vital energy.

This scripture records the specific operational methods of Daoist talismanic rituals (fulu), primarily describing how to invoke the power of Lord Guan the Sacred Emperor (Guan Yu) through incantations to exorcise evil spirits and heal diseases for the benefit of the people.

The opening phrase "To relieve the people's suffering, increase blessings and longevity, stabilize the spirit—execute urgently as decreed" is a common concluding formula in Daoist incantations. The subsequent passage depicts the scene during ritual performance: dark clouds gathering, wind rushing like lightning, with six specific hand seals (mudra gestures) used to slay malignant spirits.

The ritual requires recitation of the "Incantation of Qi and Virtue Union" (a mantra for harmonizing primordial energy) while invoking the celestial decrees of the Jade Emperor of the Vast Heaven (one of Daoism's supreme deities). Specific operational details include:

1. Writing the character "王" (king) at designated positions when drawing the talisman

2. Using "mounting the horse" and "dismounting the horse" symbols to indicate talisman activation and deactivation

3. Invoking the manifestation of Lord Guan's Green Dragon Crescent Blade through the "Resounding Blade Manifestation Talisman"

4. Infusing the talisman with sha qi (exorcistic energy) and fire qi (yang energy), creating a fusion of yin and yang energies

The text particularly emphasizes the formidable power of these talismans—they must not be used lightly for trivial matters and require reverent intention. Documented applications include:

• Petitions to celestial deities
• Exorcising illnesses and breaking curses
• Eradicating epidemics
• Facilitating childbirth and praying for offspring
• Summoning wind and rain
• Interpreting dreams and communicating with spirits

The concluding passage explains these talismans' efficacy stems from Lord Guan's meritorious deeds, for which the Jade Emperor specially granted these divine abilities. Usage instructions specify certain characters must be inscribed in the talismans—some require burning, while others are to be ingested with water.

(Note: The "□" symbol indicates illegible characters in the original text)

This scripture records the talismanic incantations (fulu) and ritual procedures used in Daoism for subduing demons and vanquishing evil forces. The content comprises several key sections:

The first part describes the talismanic spells employed by a Celestial Master (Tianshi, an honorific title for Daoist adepts) to subdue flood dragons, requiring the assistance of four divine generals: Pure Origin Marvelous Dao True Lord Chen Yu, Chongning True Lord Guan Yu, Restraining General Zhao Min, and Guan Ping. The text emphasizes that these spells must be used with sincere righteousness and only in genuine emergencies.

Following this are the formal titles and incantations for summoning divine generals, using special syllables like "Om Hong Hong Zha" to invoke Thunder God Guan Yu, harnessing the power of lightning to suppress evil. Accompanying verses depict golden bridges appearing above the Yellow Court (Huangting, a crucial area in Daoist cultivation) amidst roaring thunderclaps.

The scripture also documents another ritual system involving Daoist technical terms like "closing the heavenly gate" and "opening the earthly door," referring to ceremonial procedures for sealing cosmic pathways. It mentions Yin-Yang concepts such as "six yang" and "six yin," along with the names of the Big Dipper's seven stars (greed, giant, salary, literary, incorruptible, martial, and breaker) frequently employed in Daoist magical practices.

Detailed exorcism incantations include:

• Five Thunder Spells: summoning thunder gods from five directions to capture ghosts
• Golden Giant Thunder Talismans: utilizing the combined power of the Big Dipper and thunder deities to exterminate evil
• Demon-Slaying General Chants: petitioning thunder department generals to lead celestial troops against monsters

All spells stress the necessity of acting "by the Jade Emperor's decree," indicating divine authorization. The concluding section vividly portrays the awe-inspiring presence of thunder department generals: commanding three thousand fierce warriors and eight hundred divine soldiers, riding black clouds as specialized destroyers of all demonic entities.

These contents reflect the Daoist tradition of employing divine power through talismans and thunder rituals for exorcism and disaster prevention, embodying the religion's fundamental principle of "using righteousness to dispel evil."

This scripture describes the Daoist ritual process and incantations for summoning the divine general (Lord Guan Yu, the Saintly Emperor Guan). The main content is divided into several parts:

First comes the preparation before summoning, requiring swift compliance with the commands of the Jade Emperor and the Great Emperor of the North Star (Ziwei). The "Northern Qi" mentioned here refers to the primordial vital energy (Qi) associated with the northern direction, which holds special significance in Daoist cultivation.

Next are the complex incantations and hand mudras (seal gestures). Phrases like "Om, swiftly gather heaven's mechanism and earth's power" must be coordinated with specific time periods (denoted by the twelve earthly branches) and hand positions (such as the left hand pinching the Wu position and the right hand pinching the Zi position). Practitioners must visualize golden light flashing while regulating the Yin-Yang energies within their bodies through breathwork (the left kidney, associated with Yang, corresponds to the three ethereal souls; the right kidney, associated with Yin, corresponds to the seven material souls). Internal alchemy (Neidan) methods like "opening the heavenly gate and closing the earthly door" are employed.

Then follows the formal summoning of Lord Guan Yu. Burning incense and drumming create a solemn atmosphere. The title "Mighty General of Langling from Fengdu" refers to Guan Yu's divine office in Daoism. During the ritual, special hand seals (thunder mudras) are used while visualizing scenes of black Qi rising and clouds gathering.

Finally comes the incantation commanding Lord Guan Yu to execute his duties, requiring immediate action regardless of personal relationships. Here, "Northern Emperor" refers to the Great Emperor of the North Star (Ziwei), an important protector deity in Daoism. The "talismanic summons" (Fulu) function as official documents issued to deities.

This scripture demonstrates the comprehensive application of various Daoist techniques including incantations, mudras, visualization (Guanxiang), breathwork, and more—embodying the religious concept of "heaven-human resonance." It should be noted that such ritual practices typically require proper lineage transmission and should not be casually attempted by untrained individuals.

This describes the complete Daoist exorcism ritual invoking Lord Guan (Marshal Guan Yu) to subdue demons. The ritual master mobilizes the power of thunder through incantations (fulu), Gang Steps (special footwork patterns), and visualization (cunxiang).

First, the master summons the mighty and virtuous Marshal Guan Yu to swiftly arrive at the altar, accompanied by thunderous exorcism talismans. The talismanic script contains imagery of heavenly thunder, water chariots, and fire chariots, along with the twelve earthly branches representing inauspicious directions. When chanting the incantation, one must combine it with esoteric mantras like "Om Hong Hong Lang Ling" to channel baleful energies (evil qi) into the talisman. For major events, the power of the Heavenly Gang (Big Dipper constellation) must also be invoked.

The description then details unique character combinations in the talismanic script, each corresponding to an earthly branch hour (e.g., Yin, Mao). The master performs three Gang Steps while visualizing three thunder forces—water thunder, wind thunder, and fire thunder—assisting Lord Guan. With hands forming the Thunder Mudra (specific hand seal), they mobilize the clash of water and fire to generate thunder, thereby accelerating the divine general's actions.

Next comes the command incantation, ordering Great General Lang Ling (Lord Guan's title) to immediately dispatch troops from Fengdu (the underworld) to execute ghosts with his blade. Compliant spirits are spared, while defiant ones have their forms annihilated. The attached ghost-summoning talisman characters force spirits to manifest, operating on the principle of Yin-Yang mutual generation.

The final section explains specific ghost-catching methods: drawing the character for "well" (井) on the altar to symbolize an abyssal pool, followed by the characters for "chariot" (车) and "ghost" (鬼). Through visualization, Lord Guan captures the evil spirit, with messages conveyed through spirit possession of the ritual assistant (tongzi). The soul-summoning chant "Qian Teng Er" requires forming the Baleful Mudra with the left hand and the Sword Mudra with the right, while visualizing three spirit boys emerging from the crown of the head. After quick inhalations directing qi to the Dantian (lower abdomen), the blended energy is exhaled to execute the ritual.

This ceremony integrates talismans, mudras, Gang Steps, visualization, and breathwork—embodying the Thunder Method (Leifa) principle of "commanding spirits through qi" in Daoist ritual practice.

This scripture records a Daoist ritual for exorcising evil spirits and binding ghosts, primarily involving fulu (talismans), hand mudras, and deity summoning. Let me explain it section by section:

The first section mentions "reciting over the child medium," referring to performing the ritual through a tongzi (child medium serving as spiritual conduit). If the child hasn't yet entered a trance state, one must use the "embroidered ball talisman" accompanied by incantations. This talisman combines the power of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) and Jiugong (Nine Palaces, the Daoist cosmological directional system) with the nine Yao (Nine Luminaries, stellar deities), enabling it to devour evil entities and capture malignant spirits.

The embroidered ball incantation essentially states: Amidst the rotation of heaven and earth, this embroidered ball can swiftly apprehend evil spirits and force them to confess their crimes. Should they resist, it summons the "Thousand Victories Child" (a type of exorcism deity) to possess the child medium, thereby protecting the living and annihilating ghosts.

Subsequent sections contain different incantations: The "Binding Evil Possession Spell" uses special syllables to invoke divine power, mentioning the mobilization of the Emperor of Zhongyue Kunlun (a sacred Daoist mountain) along with the essence of sun, moon, and thunder. When confronting particularly vicious spirits, one may summon the Demon Kings of Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) and General Han Yi for assistance.

The incantation summoning the Fengdu Demon Kings invokes numerous deities including the Flying Dragon Heavenly Stem, the River Chief Spirit, and Beidi (the Great Emperor of the North Star), claiming the power to subdue all ghosts and spirits. Subsequent spells emphasize that this is performed under the Jade Emperor's decree, enabling command over celestial troops and manipulation of wind and thunder.

The concluding "Talisman Command Dispatch Spell" declares this as the order of the Great Emperor of the North Star, with authority extending across the Nine Heavens and Fengdu's hells, transmitting instructions through Qi (the vital energy of Daoist practice). The entire ritual amplifies its power through specific syllables (such as "Om Hong Hong") and temporal orientations (zi, wu, mao, you hours).

This passage describes the Daoist ritual for summoning Emperor Guan Sheng (Guan Yu). The Northern Emperor (Beiji Ziwei Dadi) urgently dispatches General Guan Yu, whose edict-carrier moves with the speed of shooting stars and lightning. Whether dealing with intimates or strangers, all shall be thoroughly investigated and apprehended.

The ritual requires summoning the Yin Thunder Gods (deities governing underworld thunder), emphasizing that deities must act with integrity, delivering clear retribution to unrighteous ghosts and improper spirits. Execution must swiftly follow the statutes of the Northern Polar Purple Tenuity Emperor.

Specific procedure: When summoning divine generals using the "gate" character talisman, first recite the "Six Officials Incantation." Visualize black qi (energy) gathering behind the elbows, inhale it to remain suspended at the Mysterious Palate (throat region), blend it momentarily, then exhale toward the elbows. Then use the Thirteen Golden North-South Dipper hand seals (specific mudras) to open energy channels, exhaling either before the altar or infusing it into talismans for use.

The Six Officials Incantation contains multiple Daoist deity names and sacred sites: Zhòujué Biāodìchén, Liàngshì Gòuchóng'ā, etc., concluding with "this is the abode of ghosts and spirits," reinforced by the Sanskrit mantra "Om zha zhuo ji pan tuo qie li chi chi she jia" to amplify spiritual power.

The presiding ritual master is the 30th-generation Celestial Master (Tianshi), Virtual Serenity Vast Awakening Perfected Lord Zhang Jixian. The summoned general is Marshal Guan (Guan Yu) from the Eastern Peak earthly divinity system, depicted with a red face, purple robes, golden armor, long beard, wielding a great saber, arriving from the south riding fiery clouds.

The core secret incantation must be recited seven times, emphasizing water-fire fusion and yin-yang resonance to manifest ten thousand spirits. Through visualizing "vermilion texts swirling, black mists nurturing essence," one attains the state of penetrating mysterious clarity, achieving "instant response upon summoning."

Visualization method: With closed eyes, trace the characters "Om hong zha li" in the air using the sword mudra. Visualize these characters within a star, then "split" it with the sword mudra to reveal Marshal Guan in red robes and golden armor emerging from southern fiery clouds. Draw this image into the Central Palace (the body's core energy center), blend it, then exhale it before the altar for dispatch.

The concluding section contains urgent summoning edicts for Guan Yu and additional ritual applications like "message delivery," "evil suppression," "childbirth acceleration," and "calamity resolution," which can be incorporated into talismans as needed. The characters for "Yin Thunder" require special ornamental sigils. The entire ceremony demonstrates the integrated application of multiple Daoist techniques including talismans, visualization, and hand seals.

This account recounts the legendary encounter between the 30th Celestial Master (Tianshi) Zhang Jixian (known as Perfected Lord Xujing) and Guan Yu (venerated as "Perfected Lord Chongning") in Daoist tradition.

During Emperor Huizong's Chongning era of the Song Dynasty, a flood dragon wreaked havoc in the salt ponds. The emperor summoned the Celestial Master for counsel. While performing rituals, the Celestial Master passed beneath the corridor of the Eastern Peak Temple and noticed Guan Yu's divine statue. Upon learning this was the loyal Han general Guan Yu, he resolved to enlist his divine power. The Celestial Master incorporated the character "Guan" and the secret method of the Six Ding (Daoist guardian generals) into his talismanic script (Fulu). When the talisman was cast into the salt pond, wind and clouds shifted abruptly as thunder and lightning erupted—Guan Yu manifested and beheaded the flood dragon.

When the emperor inquired which deity had assisted them, the Celestial Master summoned Guan Yu to appear. Holding his great blade and carrying the dragon's head, Guan Yu materialized before the palace hall, whereupon the emperor immediately conferred upon him the title "Perfected Lord Chongning." However, the Celestial Master deemed Guan Yu's failure to withdraw his weapon before the emperor as improper etiquette and sentenced him to five hundred years of service in Fengdu (the Daoist underworld). Thus Guan Yu also became a guardian general of Fengdu.

This narrative explains the origins of the Daoist method "Beheading Flood Dragons and Executing Demon Ancestors," illustrating how the historical general Guan Yu evolved into an important guardian deity in Daoism. The story demonstrates the potency of Daoist talismanic magic while reflecting how Daoism incorporated popular beliefs into its system. Chen Xiwei recorded this event to ensure later practitioners would understand this ritual lineage's provenance.