《道法會元》Vol. 262

Mount Fengdu is located in the northern Gui position (a Daoist directional concept referring to the northeast region where Yin energy gathers), serving as the Ghost Gate of the northeast and the source of deathly Qi. This mountain stands 2,600 li tall and spans 15,000 li in circumference, with palace complexes for deities and spirits built both atop and below it. The summit houses twelve palaces governing wandering souls, while the base contains another twelve palaces overseeing divine beings, each covering an area of 1,000 li. The upper twelve palaces are divided equally between left and right sides, as are the lower twelve, making twenty-four palaces in total.

The six principal upper palaces are:

1. Zhòujué Yīntiān Palace (Palace of Severing Yin)

2. Tàishā Liàngshìzōng Tiāngōng (Palace of Stern Judgment)

3. Míngchén Nàifàn Wǔchéng Tiāngōng (Palace of Dawn and Martial Defense)

4. Tiánzhào Zuìqì Tiāngōng (Palace of Illuminating Sinful Qi, where "Qi" denotes the energy of transgression)

5. Zōnglíng Qīfēi Tiāngōng (Palace of Sevenfold Transgression)

6. Gǎnsī Liánwǎn Lǚ Tiāngōng (Palace of Continuous Judgment)

The six principal lower palaces are:

1. Xiūmíng Zǒnglíng Dòngtiān Palace (Palace of Universal Numinousness)

2. Xuánsī Chóngzhèng Zōnglíng Tiāngōng (Palace of Orthodox Rectification)

3. Tǒngxiān Shēnglíng Xīwēi Tiāngōng (Palace of Subtle Ascension)

4. Zhèngzhēn Shàolíng Wǎnsī Tiāngōng (Palace of True Governance)

5. Yúnlóu Yùjì Míngchén Tiāngōng (Palace of Jade Records)

6. Chóngxū Chìyìng Tiāngōng (Palace of Crimson Radiance)

The Fengdu underworld's divine military system includes:

• Marshal Dai Yuan, the Western Terrace Censor and Execution Overseer, depicted in golden armor with black battle robes, wielding a spear, wearing a helmet and green boots.
• The Ninefold Ugly Demon King Han Yi, Fengdu's emissary, clad in green robes with golden armor and crown, red-haired and sword-bearing.

Two primary execution deities:

• Left Execution Lord Jiao Zhongqing (courtesy name Zhongchang), with three heads and six arms, dressed in black robes and golden armor with a yellow headscarf, armed with weapons.
• Right Execution Lord Zeng Yuanshan (courtesy name Yuandao), with two eyes and four arms, similarly attired in black robes, golden armor, and yellow headscarf, bearing arms.

Other notable figures:

• Thunder Department's Great Deity Ma Zong (courtesy name Shichang), three-headed and six-armed, wearing a gilded hat, holding a golden spear, in black robes and golden armor with green boots.
• The Immovable Lord Song Youqing (courtesy name Yuantong), wearing a gilded hat, wielding a golden halberd, in black robes, iron armor, and black boots.
• The renowned Fengdu Slayer-Demon General Guan Yu (courtesy name Ziyun), revered in folk belief as the Sacred Emperor guarding the underworld.

(Note: In Daoist cosmology, Fengdu governs the spirits of the deceased. These deities often manifest with multiple heads and arms, embodying their fearsome role in subduing ghosts. The term "zha" refers to their thunderous roars when exerting authority, while "guomo" means "demon-slaying.")

This scripture describes the fearsome generals of Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) who specialize in capturing, binding, and punishing malevolent spirits. These divine enforcers serve as the judiciary force of the netherworld.

Foremost among them is the Pursuit General Wu Lun, depicted with a crimson face and long beard, wearing a black headscarf while wielding a great saber and green boots. His counterpart, Pursuit General Tu Cha, dons black robes with a yellow headscarf and carries a precious sword. Within Fengdu's inner altar stand eight mighty generals: Wei Xi wears a yellow headscarf with a demonic visage, clad in black robes over silver armor fastened with a golden belt, his red hair and hemp sandals complementing the sword in his hand; Liu Huang sports a yellow headscarf and azure face, clutching golden ropes in his left hand and a sword in his right, wearing eight-toed shoes; Wang Jian appears with blue face and hair, wielding either an octagonal golden hammer or shackles in his right hand; Meng E's green demonic face contrasts with red hair under a white rain hat, his purple hemp sandals accompanying an iron staff; Che Zi's red hair and blue face match the massive beam he carries for crushing spirits; Xia Kui's red hair and green demonic face are armored in iron; Lie Weizhi takes the form of a blue-faced demon holding a staff; while Sang Tong manifests as a monstrous ox-head wearing red robes over tiger skin, gripping hemp ropes.

The outer altar hosts eight additional generals—Zhang Yuanlian, Chen Yuanqing, Li Yuande, Fan Yuanzhang, Du Yuanzhen, Liu Yuanfu, Wang Changyuan, and Jia Daoyuan—all wielding iron rods with yellow headscarves and black hemp shoes. Four direct altar generals (Ma Sheng, Ma Cunzhong, Chen Yuanbo, Guo Zhongyou) carry swords while wearing red headscarves and green boots.

Specialized officers handle specific duties: the Mystic Moonlight Jade Maiden Zha Shengzhen, Soul-Summoning Prince Wang Jing, Five-Direction Capture Generals Zeng Hong and Jiao Lie, Head-Severing General Zeng Xiao who spills blood, Ghost-Shaking General Zhao Dehui, Ghost-Battling General Yao Duan, and Ghost-Capturing General Lu Chu—all armored in iron and wearing yellow headscarves while brandishing weapons. These terrifying divine warriors exist solely to administer justice upon the wicked spirits of the underworld.

This records the important divine bureaucracy of Fengdu (the underworld) in Daoism. As the central realm of the netherworld, Fengdu maintains a complete bureaucratic system with officials overseeing various responsibilities.

The four main warrior deities are: Great Unity Warrior Zhang Yuanzhen, Three Heavens Warrior Hu Wenzhong, Demon-Slaying Warrior Sun Zhongwu, and Ghost-Slaying Warrior Tang Bocheng. All wear yellow headscarves and wield axes, tasked with subduing demons and eliminating malevolent spirits.

Fengdu also has two important emissaries: Great Black Heaven Deity Xun Gongda and Great Black Mist Deity Liu Guangzhong. Both don black robes with golden armor, barefoot while holding swords, jade belts around their waists, with flowing hair—presenting an awe-inspiring appearance.

The medical system is governed by four Celestial Physician officials: Chen Yan, Shen Dawang, Zhen Xuyan, and thirty-six Medicine-Holding Youths. All wear the standardized headdresses and robes of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition.

The administrative system includes: Merit Officers Wang An and Lu Jian, who wear red forehead bands and yellow robes while holding bone mallets (a type of weapon); Celestial Mandate Generals Xu Mai, Tao Hui, and Wang Jian, all dressed in black robes holding ritual branches; and Fengdu Governor Deng Ai overseeing overall management.

Nine major hells are each governed by wardens: Wind-Thunder Warden Yuan Zhen, Blazing Fire Warden Zheng Yan, Diamond Warden Yao Quan, Icy Abyss Warden Shi Tong, Bronze Pillar Warden Zhou Sheng, Cauldron Warden Diao Xiao, Chariot Warden Kong Sheng, Butchering Warden Wu Yan, and General Torment Warden Wang Wentong. All wear red robes with black headwraps and carry iron rods.

The Six Paths of Reincarnation are managed by six underworld officials: Heaven Path Officer Cao Qing, Ghost Path Officer Tian Yan, Earth Path Officer Cui Cong, Spirit Path Officer Ji Bie, Hungry Ghost Path Officer Chen De, and Beast Path Officer Gao Ren. They wear traditional headgear with red forehead bands, black robes and green boots.

Finally, various judges and jailers complete the judicial system: Soul-Summoning Judge Wang Fu, Birth-Monitoring Judge Ban Jian, Torture Judge Zi He, Sin Judge Jia Yuan, Punishment Judge Zhao Sheng, and Chief Sin Judge Zhang Qi among others.

These divine officials each fulfill specific duties, forming Fengdu's complete underworld governance structure, reflecting Daoism's systematic conception of the afterlife.

This scripture records the judicial system of Fengdu (the legendary divine realm governing the underworld) in Daoism, detailing the roster of magistrates with their respective duties and the methods for crafting their talismanic commands. First, it lists fifteen specialized magistrates responsible for different cases, with each surname followed by their formal name in parentheses:

Magistrate Yang Tong oversees reincarnation; Magistrate Fu Pu manages document registration. Magistrate Zhu Shun governs the Mountain of Knives hell, while Magistrate Li Gong presides over the Forest of Swords hell. Magistrate Xue Zhong records death dates; Magistrate Shui Zhen conducts confrontational interrogations. Magistrate Lu Zhongce administers the registers of life; Magistrate Cheng Xun tallies blessings and fortunes. Magistrate Huang Shou supervises illnesses; Magistrate Zhou Bi calculates lifespans. Magistrate Cai Shen documents virtuous deeds; Magistrate Cheng De settles accounts of killing karma. Magistrate Liu Bao monitors kalpic calamities; Magistrate Dong Jie records merits from life liberation. Finally, Magistrate Guo Yuan oversees the five paths of rebirth.

The text then elaborates on the method for crafting the "Fengdu Command Talisman" (Fulu): It must be carved from jujube wood, measuring five inches in length, 2.4 inches in width, and 0.8 inches in thickness, completed on one of the six Ding days (auspicious days in Daoist calendrics). Below the talisman, a circle should be drawn containing the characters "Lang Chi" (swift decree), adorned with the names of the Big Dipper deities representing Yin-Yang. During inscription, the practitioner must form the Yin hand-seal (a specific Daoist mudra) while drawing in Qi from the northern direction and exhaling it into the talisman.

The accompanying incantation conveys: The Great Emperor of Fengdu (supreme ruler of the underworld) issues this command, which all celestial and earthly deities must obey. From the nine heavens to the netherworld, every divine general and officer must execute it immediately—violators will be punished according to law. The chant concludes by emphasizing this decree must be enforced as swiftly as if personally delivered by the Fengdu Emperor himself.

The final section documents the more comprehensive "Fengdu Nine Springs Command Talisman," summoning various divine beings: including the Solar and Lunar Sovereigns, the constellations of the celestial sphere, the Three Qi Generals under the Purple Tenuity Emperor of the North Pole, Vice-Commander Tianyou, the Eight Great Generals, along with the Five Directions' divine troops and the Nine Hells' officials. The incantation depicts a ferocious underworld general—blue-faced with fangs, four arms and three heads—leading ghost soldiers whose formations flow like water. It stresses these divine warriors can summon wind and rain, terrify spirits, and swiftly capture malign entities. The ritual master declares rewards for the divine troops, demanding immediate manifestation of efficacy.

This passage is a ritual incantation from the Daoist Canon (Daofa Huiyuan) concerning the demon-subduing edicts of Fengdu the Great Emperor (the supreme deity of the underworld in Daoism). It vividly depicts the awe-inspiring scene of summoning divine generals to capture evil spirits. Let me analyze its key components layer by layer:

When Fengdu the Great Emperor issues his command, he is surrounded by deities of natural phenomena—the sun, moon, thunder, and lightning. He mobilizes thirty thousand mighty warriors and the Six Jia Generals (protective deities in Daoism), commanding a vast celestial army to hunt down malevolent entities. This section emphasizes the authority to summon divine forces through Zhenqi (primordial energy) and Falu (ritual credentials granted in Daoist ordination).

The text then details the ghost-capturing forces under Fengdu’s command: celestial, earthly, and aquatic officials from the Three Realms, all subordinate to the Northern Emperor (Ziwei the Great Emperor). Among them are guardian deities like Perfected Lord Jiao and Perfected Lord Zeng, as well as the Eight Great Generals, including Zhao Dehui and Ma Sheng. Each has a specialized role—some behead demons, others sever their limbs—dragging the captured spirits with iron chains to the ritual altar.

The incantation incorporates esoteric mantras such as "Om Hum Lingbao Juqi" (a fusion of Daoist and Buddhist Tantric syllables), reflecting Daoism’s assimilation of Vajrayana elements. The Northern Emperor of Fengdu governs countless spirits, using Fuming (divine decrees) to separate humans from ghosts, embodying the Daoist practice of Kaozhao (interrogating spirits).

The passage concludes with "By the decree of Fengdu the Great Emperor," followed by the titles of the underworld magistrates. Such edicts and incantations are typically employed in exorcism rituals, where priests must coordinate Fulu (talismans), hand seals, and ritual steps (Gangbu), visualizing (Cunxiang) the descent of divine generals to subdue demons.

This talismanic incantation (Fulu) is a Daoist ritual document used for exorcising malevolent spirits and treating ghostly afflictions, particularly targeting symptoms like madness caused by demonic possession. The talisman invokes several major Daoist deities: the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) - Jade Pure (Yuqing), Upper Pure (Shangqing), and Great Pure (Taiqing) as the supreme triad; the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Shangdi) of the Vast Heaven; the Great Emperor of Fengdu (Beiyin Fengdu Dadi), ruler of the underworld; along with the Great Demon Kings of the Three Realms.

The content divides into several sections: First comes the imperial decree from the three supreme celestial emperors, followed by the mobilization of celestial troops and divine generals (such as the Eight Fengdu Generals: Wei, Liu, Wang, Meng, Che, Xia, Lie, and Sang) to purge demonic hordes. The phrase "open the celestial gate and close the earth portal" refers to establishing heavenly access while sealing underworld passages, while "preserve the human gate and block ghostly paths" signifies protecting the living by obstructing spectral routes. Severe measures against spirits appear in commands like "pierce the ghost's heart and rip the specter's belly."

The appended incantation portion describes how the Governor of Fengdu (a netherworld official) leads thirty thousand underworld soldiers to exterminate evil entities, with heavy punishments promised to resisting spirits. Special mention is made of "channeling through child mediums" (shefu tongshen), referring to spirit possession of young mediums for exorcism. Finally, the invocation requests assistance from the True Martial Emperor (Zhenwu Dadi), the northern deity renowned for subduing demons.

The entire talisman employs forceful language, repeatedly using the imperative formula "urgently, urgently, according to statute and ordinance" (jiji rulüling) to emphasize immediate compliance, reflecting the Daoist exorcistic tradition of invoking divine authority to suppress evil. Such talismans were typically inscribed on clothing or iron plates for treating mental disturbances or expelling possessing spirits.

This scripture records the talismanic incantations (Fulu) and rituals used in Daoism for capturing malevolent spirits and ghosts. The main content is divided into several sections:

First is the method for using the "Wind and Thunder Covert Capture Talisman." The Daoist priest (known as a "judge") must burn the talisman paper and spirit money (golden armor horses) before the afflicted person while reciting incantations to summon deities from Fengdu (the Daoist underworld). The chant invokes the Great Emperor of Fengdu (supreme deity of the underworld) to dispatch divine generals bearing golden hammers and iron rods—implements of punishment—demanding they immediately capture the haunting spirits and inflict severe penalties.

Next come several crucial decrees issued by three high-ranking deities: the North Purple Tenuity Emperor, the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Shangdi), and the Great Emperor of Fengdu. The talisman also mentions divine generals like the "Eight Executioners," who can stir wind and thunder to covertly seize evil entities. The incantation emphasizes swiftly binding and torturing these malevolent spirits.

Then follows instructions for the "Fengdu Distant Capture Talisman," which references the power of the "Three Platforms" (Santai, Daoist asterisms: Upper Platform, Middle Platform, and Lower Platform). The Upper Platform dispels inauspicious forces, the Middle Platform seizes souls, and the Lower Platform engages in fierce battles with ghosts. Finally, it calls upon the Dark Heaven Emperor of the North Yin (another name for the Great Emperor of Fengdu) to manifest, commanding him to mobilize divine generals to appear visibly. Using metal ritual implements (tin mirrors, iron armor, etc.), they capture, bind, and extract the souls of malicious ghosts.

The entire ritual exemplifies the characteristics of Daoist exorcism: through talismans (Fulu), ritual steps (Gangbu), and hand seals (Shawen), high-ranking deities and specialized spirit-capturing generals are summoned to forcibly apprehend and punish haunting entities.

This scripture describes the incantations and talismanic (Fulu) methods used in Daoist exorcism rituals, primarily involving the pantheon of Fengdu (the Daoist underworld). Here's a section-by-section explanation:

When the practitioner attunes with the supreme realm of Taiqing (Great Purity), four divine generals simultaneously descend. At this moment, one must swiftly summon the soul-spirits, arranging four mighty warriors and eight officer-soldiers around the ritual altar to immediately execute the task of capturing evil entities. The perimeter must be tightly guarded to imprison and strike down those malevolent spirits and demonic creatures. (This involves forming the sword mudra, using the "mao" hand seal, and exhaling breath toward the north.)

The subsequent command incantation summons: the Celestial Messengers from the heavenly realms, the Six Jia spirits from the underworld, and the fierce, unyielding deities of Fengdu. These deities can split open heaven when encountering it and crack the earth upon contact. The divine generals wield their awe-inspiring might, their roars shaking mountains and forests. No matter how far evil entities may hide, they must be captured before the altar. All possessing spirits and ghosts must immediately declare their names.

The Fengdu Ghost-Severing Talisman states: By decree of the Great Emperor of Northern Yin Fengdu, the Lunar Sovereign wields sharp blades to execute the tasks of imprisoning ghosts and subduing demons. According to Fengdu's laws, the Solar Palace conducts beheadings while the Thunder God supervises - these evil ghost-bandits must be swiftly eradicated. (In practice, the talisman and spirit money should be burned outside the central gate, with baleful Qi exhaled and directed.)

Next comes the Fengdu Mountain-Toppling and Sea-Overturning Talisman, summoning the Five Great Demon Kings: the Azure Heaven Demon King Ba Yuan Chou Bo, the Crimson Heaven Demon King Fu Tian Dan Shi, the White Heaven Demon King Fan Shan Liu Mu, the Black Heaven Demon King Jian Chou Lang Fu, and the Yellow Heaven Demon King. These demon kings command legions of ghost soldiers, patrolling the void with banners unfurled and drums resounding, assisting heaven in delivering humanity while strictly governing the Northern Fengdu ghost domain.

Finally, the ritual invokes the Iron-Spine Messenger of Fengdu, the Crimson-Faced Demon King, the Ghost-Slaying Sage, and the Poisonous Dragon of Chaotic Seas - deities who wield divine ropes specifically for driving out and binding evil entities. The Barbarian Ancestral Mother and Black-Faced Great Deity lead countless demonic troops to immediately manifest any haunting ghosts. (The talismans of Marshals Jiao and Zeng require corresponding baleful seals and northern Qi.)

These incantations and talismans are commonly used in Daoist exorcism rituals, employing the collective power of Fengdu's divine hierarchy to subdue ghostly disturbances. Each incantation concludes with "urgently, urgently, according to statute and ordinance," emphasizing immediate execution.

This scripture records Daoist incantations for exorcism and ghost-binding, primarily involving rituals to summon deities and suppress evil spirits.

The opening reference to the "Three Platforms" (Santai) denotes three principal stars within the Big Dipper, symbolizing supreme divine authority. The "Sun-Binding Ghost Rope" is a specialized tool used to restrain malevolent spirits. The repeated use of the word "urgent" (ji) in the incantation conveys an immediate command, emphasizing the spell’s swift and forceful effect.

The text summons multiple deities for assistance, including the ghost-capturing generals Jiao Zhongqing and Zeng Mou, as well as divine marshals such as Ma Shichang and Song Yuantong. It also invokes underworld officials from Fengdu, the Daoist realm of the dead. Among these, the "Northern Emperor" (Beidi) refers to the Great Emperor of the Purple Subtlety (Ziwei Dadi), one of the highest deities governing the ghosts and spirits of Fengdu. The "Samadhi True Fire" (Sanmei Zhenhuo) is a sacred flame attained through Daoist cultivation, capable of annihilating demonic entities.

The incantation details the ghost-capturing process: deploying celestial nets and snares, binding spirits with thousand-zhang iron chains, and escorting them to the underworld. It specifically mentions the "Ghost-Subduing Talisman of Marshals Song and Ma," a specialized charm associated with these two divine generals. The final reference to the "Three Officials" (Sanguan)—Heavenly Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official—represents the Daoist tripartite system, each responsible for executing divine, ghostly, and spectral punishments.

The entire scripture reinforces its spiritual authority through repeated phrases like "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" (jiji rulüling), demanding immediate obedience from spirits. Such incantations are typically recited by Daoist priests during exorcism rituals, often accompanied by talismans (fulu) and ritual implements.

This is a Daoist incantation and talismanic (Fulu) text for summoning deities and performing rituals. It primarily describes the process of invoking deities from Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) to assist in ceremonial practices.

The ritual begins by reciting the decrees of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest Daoist deities) and the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, swiftly summoning the deities Ma Zong and Song Youqing. These deities appear in fearsome forms, with Ma Zong manifesting as an immovable vajra with three heads and six arms. Next, the ritual calls upon the Upper Primordial True Qi, the Five Thunder Envoys, and the Six Jia Divine Troops—celestial soldiers who wield swords to carry out capture missions—all acting swiftly under the talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning.

The text details the methods for crafting two types of general talismans: the Black Wheel General Talisman and the Butcher’s Fork General Talisman. When inscribing these talismans, the practitioner must form hand seals (mudras) and recite incantations, drawing in the baleful energy from the north to enhance their potency. The phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" (急急如律令) is emphasized—a common closing formula in Daoist spells, signifying immediate execution.

Subsequently, the ritual summons underworld deities such as Marshal Deng of Fengdu, along with the Eight Fierce Generals (Wei, Liu, Wang, Meng, etc.), as well as solar and lunar deities like the Solar Emperor Lord and the Lunar Sovereign. Additional fierce generals are invoked, including the Outer Altar Eight Generals, the Copper Snake General, and the White Snake General—divine beings known for devouring malevolent spirits. Generals like Liu Zhen and Wang Sheng, serving as left and right commanders, are tasked with capturing ghosts.

Finally, the text enumerates various baleful spirits: the Heaven Baleful, Earth Baleful, Year Baleful, Month Baleful, etc., as well as underworld envoys like the Copper Snake Messengers. These deities are frequently summoned in Daoist exorcism rituals to suppress evil and capture ghosts. The entire incantation conveys urgency, repeatedly emphasizing the imperative of immediate execution through the use of the word "urgent" (急).

This scripture describes a Daoist exorcism ritual involving talismanic incantations (fulu) and the summoning of divine generals. The content unfolds in several key sections:

First, it mentions how malignant influences like "daytime and hourly calamities" (rishas shisha) will all be subdued by General White Snake, one of Daoism's guardian deities. When this sacred talisman is activated in conjunction with the Tianpeng Incantation (a Northern Dipper constellation chant), it disperses ten thousand ghosts. The ritual involves inscribing the talisman with a brush in a specific orientation (the Gen position, northeast) to complete the imperial decree.

Next, it summons the Prefect of Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) leading thirty thousand celestial troops to eradicate evil entities. Resisting spirits are to be immediately executed or captured. General Sang (another divine commander) apprehends malevolent forces and delivers retribution, his majestic power illuminating the Three Pure Ones (Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing—the supreme Daoist deities) like sun and moon, his mouth spewing purifying flames to incinerate demonic essences.

The text details the correspondence between the Five Phases' (Wuxing) vital energies (qi) and the human organs: Central Earth's yellow qi enters the spleen, Northern Water's black qi nourishes the kidneys, Western Metal's white qi strengthens the lungs, Eastern Wood's blue-green qi vitalizes the liver, and Southern Fire's crimson qi energizes the heart. This reflects Daoist neidan (internal alchemy) practices visualizing planetary energies infusing the body.

The divine generals manifest awe-inspiring forms: towering ten thousand zhang high between heaven and earth, their left hands can crumble mountains with a gesture, their right hands dry oceans with a point, golden halberds radiating majesty. Their feet penetrate metal, stone, water and fire, moving with lightning speed. Accompanied by dark clouds and iron chains, their flaming wheels spin through the Three Realms (heaven, earth, and water) pursuing evil.

Finally, it emphasizes the imperial decree of the Fengdu Great Emperor (supreme ruler of the underworld), commanding the generals to swiftly search the netherworld for specific wandering souls, piercing resistant spirits' hearts with golden halberds. The concluding mantra "Zhe zhuo jie tuo li □ zha chi she" contains secret exorcism syllables—the entire ritual must urgently execute the emperor's command.

This is a Daoist talismanic incantation known as the "Great Fengdu Demon-Slaying Talisman" and "Lesser Fengdu Demon-Slaying Talisman." The text primarily describes the process of mobilizing celestial generals to capture malevolent spirits.

The incantation begins by invoking the divine decrees of the highest deities, the Jade Emperor and the Purple Tenuity Emperor. It then summons the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper (representing greed, gate, prosperity, arts, purity, military, and destruction) along with various divine generals from Fengdu (the Daoist underworld). Mentioned are underworld deities like the Great God of Five Paths, the Eight Executioner Generals, and the Nine Springs Commanders, with the Six Jia and Six Ding divine messengers (Daoist guardian generals) tasked with capturing wayward souls.

The text details the demon-subjugation process: the Front Hall Guardian General and Rear Hall Guardian General employ Qi (vital energy) from the northern Zi trigram and southern Wu trigram respectively to bind spirits, reinforced by twin bonds of water and fire. Celestial generals like the Flying Dragon Heavenly Stem and River Chief Deity are mobilized, alongside Fengdu's crimson-haired demon king Han Yi, commanding thirty thousand underworld troops to eradicate evil manifestations.

A stern warning declares that any defiant demons will immediately suffer severe punishments—thunder strikes and lightning bolts delivering precise retribution. The generals' formidable appearance is described: clad in black robes wielding blades, riding clouds from the northeast.

The lesser talisman specifically invokes the Three Kingdoms general Guan Yu (venerated in Daoism as a protector deity) bearing imperial decrees, showcasing his formidable spiritual authority. Through coordinating celestial, earthly, and human realms' divine powers, these talismans manifest potent exorcistic force, embodying the Daoist religious principle of "using divine power to subdue ghosts."

This scripture describes Daoist exorcism rituals for subduing demons, primarily involving the summoning of divine generals and the suppression of malevolent spirits. Several important deities from the Fengdu system (the abode of the underworld's chief gods in Daoism) are invoked here, including the renowned Lord Guan (Guan Sheng Dijun), the deified general Guan Yu.

First, the ritual master visualizes a black-robed divine general wielding a great blade descending from the northeast upon clouds and mist. Then, an incantation summons the mighty Fengdu general Guan Yu to swiftly manifest and eradicate demonic entities and evil spirits. The spell emphasizes immediate execution of the Celestial Emperor's decree, accompanied by the formidable power of wind, fire, thunder, and lightning, ensuring all encountered malevolent spirits and ghosts are utterly annihilated.

The text mentions the "Nine Ugly Great Demons Soul-Snatching and Possession Talisman" (Jiuchou damo shehun futi fu), a specialized talisman used to subdue nine types of vicious demons. Before use, the "Commanding the Brush" incantation must be recited, declaring this sacred brush as a gift from the Celestial Emperor and emphasizing its careful handling. The imagery also includes the descent of vital Qi (Qi) from the Five Stars (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) and the radiant union of the sun and moon (Taiyang and Taiyin).

The ritual involves "opening the celestial gate, closing the earthly door, retaining the human gate, and blocking the ghostly path"—a crucial spatial control technique in Daoist magic to sever the retreat of malevolent forces. Subsequently, the left and right hall-guarding generals and the envoys who capture souls are summoned, mobilizing celestial fire, earthly fire, Yin-Yang fire, and the Samadhi True Fire (inner fire cultivated in Daoist practice) to suppress the evil spirits.

The final section calls upon the Three Origin Generals (Shangyuan, Zhongyuan, and Xiayuan—three major guardian deities in Daoism) and the Six Jia Generals (deified spirits of the sixty-year cycle) to swiftly descend and execute the task of beheading demons and eliminating evil. The incantation repeatedly emphasizes the phrase "urgently and without delay, as decreed by law" (jiji rulüling), signifying immediate and uncompromising enforcement.

These spells and talismans (Fulu) are primarily used for exorcising possessions, spirit communication, and divine manifestations, reflecting the Daoist tradition of employing divine power to suppress malevolent forces. Key protective deities mentioned—such as the Great Emperor of Fengdu (Fengdu Dadi) and Lord Guan—hold significant positions in Daoist pantheons.

This records a Daoist exorcism incantation summoning the Six Ding Divine Generals (Daoist guardian deities) and various Sha deities (spirits specialized in dispelling evil) to subdue malevolent forces.

The incantation mentions "Celestial Sha, Earthly Sha, Annual Sha, Monthly Sha, Daily Sha, Hourly Sha, Water Sha, Fire Sha" - all specialized Daoist deities responsible for vanquishing evil influences. Thirty-six divine generals mobilize together under the command of Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun, one of Daoism's highest deities) to capture malignant entities.

"Hong ling" serves as the sacred opening formula, establishing solemnity. The subsequent text conveys: By the Mandate of the Celestial Emperor, summoning the mighty celestial soldiers and divine generals who wield sacred swords to vanquish mountain spirits and demonic entities. How dare these chimei wangliang (various mountain demons and goblins) resist? Commanding the divine generals and officers to descend swiftly, joining me in eradicating evil manifestations with immediate efficacy.

The concluding formula "urgently enacted according to the Fengdu Ghost-Slaying Edict" references the ordinances established by the Great Emperor of Fengdu (Daoism's ruler of the underworld) for subduing evil entities. The entire incantation demonstrates the formidable power of Daoist exorcism rituals, employing the summoning of divine generals and sword-wielding techniques to eliminate malignant forces.