《道法會元》Vol. 81

This scripture records the Thunder Method ritual in Daoism for summoning "Fierce Thunder Official Xin Tianjun" (辛天君), an important deity of the Thunder Ministry. Xin Tianjun is depicted with awe-inspiring features: wearing an ox-ear headdress, with crimson hair and an iron visage, silver teeth sharp as swords, clad in emerald cloud robes and black boots. In his left hand he holds the Thunder Register (雷簿, a ledger recording lightning strikes), while his right hand grasps the Thunder Brush (雷笔, the instrument for inscribing thunder). His entire body radiates encircling flames.

The text enumerates the names of the Five Directional Thunder Envoys: Ma Yulin of the East, Guo Yuanjing of the South, Fang Zhonggao of the West, Deng Gongchen of the North, and Tian Yuanzong of the Center. These divine generals assist Xin Tianjun in executing Thunder Method rituals.

During the summoning ceremony, the ritual master must close their eyes and visualize azure cloud-qi (气) in the southeastern direction (Xun position), within which emerges a strand of purple qi. Assuming specific hand seals (first covering the heart with the left Thunder Mudra, then shifting to the Dipper Mudra), the practitioner visualizes golden light blazing forth before projecting the mudra toward the southeast. Simultaneously, they recite the esoteric incantation "Ji zha li lai ye suo he she" seven times.

This is followed by a second summoning chant, essentially conveying the Jade Emperor's (玉皇上帝) decree to urgently summon Xin Tianjun. The "Shell-Emerging Incantation" requires inhaling the southeastern purple qi, then exhaling through the mouth a blended stream of azure and purple qi that coalesces into Xin Tianjun's form, which is then guided into the gallbladder palace (胆宫, considered in Daoist physiology as the seat of decisive power).

The concluding "Oath Chapter" contains Xin Tianjun's pledge: as a formidable thunder general whose might shakes the Nine Heavens, traversing freely through the Three Realms, he faithfully assists the Celestial Sovereign in commanding the Thunder Ministry's pantheon—including the Wind Earl (风伯), Rain Master (雨师), Lightning Mother (电母), and yaksha spirits. He vows to fulfill the Jade Emperor's mandate by delivering salvation to humanity, promising immediate manifestation whenever devotees recite these invocations with sincere faith, whether the summons reaches heaven or penetrates the underworld.

This scripture describes the Daoist Thunder Method ritual for summoning Marshal Xin Hanchen, a divine general who governs thunder and lightning, to perform magical interventions. When facing floods, droughts, disturbances by spirits, or difficult childbirths, Daoist priests invoke this deity's power through specific ceremonies.

The text first emphasizes Marshal Xin Hanchen's divine might: he can calm the waves of the four seas, relieve droughts with rain, capture malevolent spirits and destroy their lairs, and assist in safe childbirth. He swears a solemn oath: violating celestial laws would bring punishment upon nine generations of ancestors, while failing to answer sincere prayers would disrupt cosmic harmony, condemning himself to eternal darkness. Devotees are instructed to make offerings of pure tea, jujube soup, and peachwood incense on Ren-Gui days (water-element days in the Chinese calendar) to receive the marshal's protection.

The ritual procedure follows: The practitioner must circulate black Qi (energy) from the Kan palace (the water trigram in the Bagua), visualizing the marshal descending on dark clouds. Using Thunder Method hand seals, the priest strikes the altar while chanting the command "Swiftly descend!" Special incantations are recited: "Lightning and thunder, fierce and sudden... Silver-fanged warrior Xin Hanchen," accompanied by ritual gestures mimicking the Big Dipper (Tidou) and rapid eye movements (Shanmu) symbolizing lightning flashes to project the talismanic power.

The final section details the "Fire Chariot Talisman" specifically used to summon Xin Hanchen, bearing inscriptions of his divine titles ("Primordial Transformer of Oceans and Mountains," "Fire Ministry Spirit Lord") and iconographic features (blue face, flaming mouth, silver fangs, iron jaws). When drawing the talisman, the priest visualizes cosmic energies converging, chanting phrases like "Thunder rumbles, thunder extinguishes" to imbue it with storm forces. The brush must exit toward the Xun position (southeast) to summon wind and the Dui position (west) to summon lightning, completing the Thunder Method invocation.

This scripture describes the thunder rituals (a Daoist practice invoking thunder deities through talismans and incantations) for rain summoning and exorcism. The ritual comprises several key components:

For rain invocation, the practitioner faces north (the Kan position representing the water element) to summon the Supreme Thunder Patriarch (the highest thunder deity in Daoist cosmology) and Xin Hanchen, the Fierce Thunder Officer (a thunder general). The incantations evoke thunderstorms with lightning and torrential rain. The phrase "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" (急急如律令) serves as the standard Daoist command formula demanding immediate execution.

The exorcism section depicts the awe-inspiring presence of Thunder Marshals (protective deities in thunder rituals): their silver fangs gleaming, eyes flashing like lightning, deploying celestial nets to capture malevolent spirits. The phrase "deliver them to Northern Fengdu" refers to Luofeng Mountain, the Daoist underworld, where evil entities are imprisoned.

Fire incantations invoke southern fire deities: Fire Essence, Fire Ravens (mythical fire creatures), and the Fire Bell General (a fire department deity), utilizing the "Samadhi True Fire" (internal alchemical fire cultivated in Daoist practice). During the ritual, the practitioner visualizes fire qi (fire energy) infusing the talismans while imagining the marshal riding a flaming chariot to capture evil spirits.

The final Big Dipper incantation (Tiangang refers to the seven stars of Ursa Major) is used for dismantling shrines of malevolent cults. Through focused meditation, the practitioner visualizes the marshal's piercing gaze transforming talismans into flames while summoning the essential qi of Taiyi (a supreme Daoist deity). Wind and fire forces combine to eradicate demonic entities (魍魉). The recurring syllables "Om" (唵) and "Hong" (吽) represent sacred Daoist mantras (empowered ritual sounds).

This scripture records Daoist talismanic incantations (Fulu) and ritual stepping patterns (Gangbu) used for exorcism. The content divides into several key sections:

The first part introduces the "Secret Demon-Slaying Formula" inscribed on both sides of the talismans, containing mystical syllables like "Om Tianzhen Xisha Tianhuo She" for destroying evil shrines and eliminating witchcraft.

Next comes the method for drawing the "Great Marshal Talisman": the practitioner must depict divine generals like the Iron-Faced Judge, Three Department Commanders, and Five Thunder Envoys in a single brushstroke while chanting incantations such as "Jin Liu Guang Chou Ying." The brush must exit toward the southeast (Xun position) while simultaneously exhaling golden light Qi (vital energy cultivated through practice).

The "Dispatch Gangbu" section details a five-step ritual walk: first opening the Heavenly Gate, second splitting the Earth Portal, third granting human longevity, fourth annihilating ghosts, and fifth summoning thunderous fire. Each step coordinates with specific hand mudras (Thunder Seal) - left hand pressing the chest, right hand pressing the kidney, culminating with palms clapping at the noon position (due south) while visualizing the Thunder God's might.

The "Marshal Xin's Trust Talisman" enumerates numerous divine titles: the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), Jade Emperor, Three Officials of Heaven-Earth-Water, the Divine Empyrean Thunder Department deities, and the Black Emperor - all representing Daoism's most formidable thunder-wielding spirits for vanquishing evil. The incantations emphasize these deities' earth-shaking power to disperse clouds and exterminate demons.

Final instructions specify the talisman-drawing technique: forming the Thunder Mudra with the left hand while holding the brush with the right, chanting as the brush moves, simultaneously drawing in Qi from the five directions to charge the talisman. The entire ritual must strictly follow the Jade Purity commandments to achieve effective exorcism.

These elements collectively demonstrate traditional Daoist exorcistic methods that mobilize cosmic divine power through sacred nomenclature, ritual steps, hand seals, and talismans to suppress malevolent forces.

This scripture primarily discusses the incantations and talismanic practices (fulu) within Daoist Thunder Magic (Leifa), a ritual method for summoning thunder deities and commanding lightning. The core content involves invoking Thunder Ministry generals to execute celestial punishments, divided into several sections:

The first section contains incantations to summon the Thunder Generals and Officers, emphasizing strict adherence to the Celestial Emperor's decrees without favoritism. Violations of celestial law would incur divine retribution. Phrases like "Driving Thunder to act swiftly" and "Rumbling thunderbolts" command the thunder deities to take immediate action.

Next are specialized incantations to invoke Xin Hanchen, the fierce general of the Five Thunders. This deity has a terrifying appearance with red hair, an iron helmet, silver fangs, and golden eyes, capable of commanding lightning and riding fiery clouds. The incantations demand his immediate manifestation upon being summoned. Syllables like "Om Hong Hong" represent common transliterated mantra sounds in Daoist practice.

The text then explains talisman application methods: one must infuse the talisman with "lingering radiant essence" (specific divine light) and suppress malignant energies using the "Nian" character (a specialized Daoist sigil). Talismans must be drawn in a single stroke to summon the Five Thunder Envoys and the Iron-Faced Judge, who lead celestial troops into swift action.

The concluding section presents the "Great Golden Light Incantation of Divine Empyrean," recounting cosmic creation and the origins of celestial deities. Beginning with the primordial chaos and the manifestation of the Three Pure Ones (Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing), it enumerates numerous deities including the Jade Palace Dao Lord, Five Numinous Elder Lords, and the Thunder Patriarch, describing their mastery over natural forces like thunder, lightning, water, and fire. The incantation incorporates many Sanskrit-derived mystical syllables such as "Boro Joro" and "Guro Hong Hong" - powerful phonetic enhancements for ritual efficacy.

These incantations and talismans are primarily used in Daoist purification rituals (zhaijiao) and liturgical ceremonies (keyi), where priests summon Thunder Ministry generals through chanting and talisman-drawing to achieve purposes like exorcism, healing, rain prayers, or drought relief. References to the "Thirty-Two Emperors" and "Myriad Spirits of the Four Ministries" belong to Daoism's vast pantheon of celestial beings.

This scripture primarily documents the talismanic incantations (Fulu) and ritual procedures of Daoist Thunder Magic (Leifa). The opening phrase "Lituo jiji ru Yuanshi sanqi Tianjun lüling" serves as an activation mantra, meaning to swiftly act in accordance with the commands of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity in Daoism) and the Three Qi Heavenly Lords.

What follows is the "Seven Transformations Incantation," describing the sevenfold power of the ritual: The first transformation returns the Six Spirits (Liushén) to their proper positions; the second dispels malignant influences from the four directions; the third mobilizes the Kuigang Star Lords (two principal stars of the Big Dipper); the fourth summons thunder and fire; the fifth produces thunderclaps; the sixth exterminates mountain spirits and demonic creatures; the seventh subdues all malevolent ghosts and spirits throughout the world, delivering them under the authority of the Five Thunder Kuigang to prevent further disturbances.

Before inscribing the talisman, one must recite three purification incantations: for cleansing the mouth, the body, and the surrounding space. The practitioner then sits in meditation to concentrate the spirit (Shen), visualizing the descent of Marshal Xin (a key Thunder Department general) leading various thunder deities to the main altar. Next, one draws vital energy (Qi) from the third eye region (Tianmu) and chants over incense to consecrate the ritual brush before beginning the talismanic inscription. The entire process emphasizes sincere devotion as the foundation for spiritual resonance.

The "Brush Consecration Incantation" empowers the ritual implement, conveying: "By the Celestial Emperor's decree, I practice the Orthodox Five Thunder Method, wielding the power of thunder. Inhaling Qi nourishes life and cultivates the body; exhaling it destroys demons and ghosts. I pray for ten thousand streams of Qi to infuse this brush, guarding righteous energy while expelling malevolent forces."

The "Iron Helmet Talisman" summons Marshal Xin. The incantation describes this "Great Commander of the Thirty-Three Heavens" in majestic splendor, wearing his silver-fanged iron helmet—his arrival heralded by earth-shaking thunderclaps. He leads the Five Directional Thunder Gods, the Thunder Duke and Lightning Mother, the Wind Earl and Rain Master, along with celestial troops to the afflicted person's home. There they capture the haunting spirits and cure illnesses. The concluding "By Thunder's Command, the Talisman Acts Upon Arrival" underscores the authority of the ritual implement.

The final "Xin Character Talisman" emphasizes the lightning speed of Thunder Magic through three repetitions of "thunderclap" (pili): thunderclaps resound, thunderclaps activate, thunderclaps subdue. The complete ceremony demonstrates how Daoist Thunder Magic integrates talismans, visualization techniques, and deity invocations into a comprehensive system for exorcism and healing.

The primal energies of Heaven and Earth's yin and yang intermingle, giving birth to the undifferentiated primordial Qi (Yiqi), which governs all realms of existence. The following details the specific methods for summoning celestial generals and deploying talismanic incantations, consistent with the previously introduced breathwork formulas.

The Water-Blessing Healing Incantation states:

"The sun rises from the east in radiant splendor,

Where the sacred Fusang tree stands above churning seas.

Within ten thousand ripples of light, essence gathers.

The true Qi (innate energy) of the south dispels all inauspicious forces,

Sharp as thunderbolts and frost-edged blades.

The Li Palace (Fire trigram of the Bagua) harbors the true soul,

The Kan position (Water trigram) contains true yang.

The Great Unity Deity (Taiyi Shen) governs destiny's threads,

While the Yellow Court (Dantian region) refines life's essence.

Stellar origins grant protection,

As the subduing power of the Dipper's Kuigang stars

Pierces spleen and stomach,

Cleanses liver and gall,

Unblocks intestines and bladder,

Expelling all ailments.

May every petition prove efficacious,

Every prayer bring recovery,

Every dispatch find execution,

Every wish meet fulfillment.

Demonic forces shall kneel before Kuigang's might—

By the decree of the Most High Lord Lao!

Heaven and Earth proclaim great fortune."

The incantation concludes with: "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the Celestial Emperor's statutes!"

Procedure:

Form the Dipper Mudra (Big Dipper hand-seal) with the left hand while the right hand holds a water bowl in Sword Mudra, facing south. Recite the incantation three times. Visualize celestial generals projecting golden light into the water, then draw fiery Qi from the south and exhale it into the bowl. Depending on the ailment, the enchanted water may be administered cold or warm.

The Crimson Sun Talismanic Water Summons invokes:

"By the Celestial Emperor's decree:

The Vermilion Phoenix General of the South,

Lord Crimson Sun of the Cinnabar Heaven,

Descend through the Heavenly Gate with fiery wheels,

That all maladies cease at this talisman's command!"

Method:

Draw fiery Qi from the Li Palace and exhale it onto the brush, then pass it through incense smoke while intoning:

"We humbly summon the Fire Gods of Bing-Ding (southern Fire Phase),

The True Lord of Li Palace's Fire Virtue,

And General Sunfire, burner of specters—

Ride your blazing wheels to incinerate lawless evils!

Swiftly capture them—urgently, urgently!"

Strike the writing table three times with the brush, then sharply shout "Ji! Ji! Ji!" while clenching teeth and suspending breath to inscribe the talisman (must use cinnabar ink). With each stroke of the characters "Crimson Sun," inhale southern fire Qi, absorbing the Scarlet Court True Lord's (Zhu Ling Zhenjun) flames into the talisman—making demons shatter upon hearing its words.

Conclude with:

"Heaven and Earth's thunderous fires strike like lightning!

The Threefold True Fires (heart, kidney, bladder) incinerate!

Demonic Qi vanishes instantly—

Swiftly, swiftly, as the Celestial Emperor commands!"

While rotating the brush, chant the Fire-Seizing Incantation (fragmentary text):

"By the Celestial Emperor's decree: Fire Ministry's divine lords...

Fire Ministry's celestial scribes decree...

Fire Ministry's numinous powers decree..."

(Note: The original text contains lacunae here.)

This scripture is part of Daoist Thunder Rituals (a form of esoteric practice that summons thunder deities to exorcise evil and heal diseases), detailing the incantations for invoking various thunder generals. Here's a section-by-section explanation:

The text first describes summoning the fiery forces of the Three Platforms Star Lords (Sanqing, the three celestial deities governing human fortunes) — specifically the Fire Gods of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Platforms. The incantation must be recited swiftly and devoutly, as if the Supreme Deity (referring to the highest Daoist divinity) were issuing the command personally.

Next comes the talismanic invocation: "In the profound and mysterious realm, heaven, earth and I share the same origin. Upon hearing this summons, the divine beings shall immediately respond and descend to assist in executing the Dao's will — protecting the nation and saving the people." Lighting a stick of ritual incense, it gathers the thunder deities, specifically inviting:

• Principal Altar Deity Lord Xin (a key thunder general)
• Thunder deities from the Xun Palace (one of the Eight Trigrams/Bagua directions)
• Marshal Wu, Commander of Crimson Smoke from the Li Palace (southern fire position)
• General Song of the Fire Bells
• Envoy Yan of Blazing Fireclouds
• Envoy Xu the Flame-Tiger who hunts evil
• Marshals Deng and Zhong who govern the Fire Department

These deities and their talismanic water troops are invoked to infuse the charm with their true Qi.

Their divine power shall accompany the talisman to the patient's residence, instantly incinerating all haunting evil spirits into ashes, completely eradicating them to cure the illness. Immediate efficacy is demanded, to be executed with lightning speed as an irrevocable divine decree.

The Wheel of Fire incantation states: "The fiery wheel (symbolizing thunder ritual implements) rides the swift wind, connecting heaven and earth. Within the flames, the three-legged golden crow (solar deity bird) soars radiantly. First burn the evil gods, second scorch the demonic beings — reducing malevolent spirits to ashes and ghosts to molten liquid. May all dark forces be utterly annihilated. When wind and fire arrive, flame deities emerge swiftly. Urgently, urgently, by the Supreme Deity's decree!"

The final "Talisman for Healing All Illnesses with Vital Qi" details the operational procedure: "By the Supreme Elder's (Taishang) imperial command, summon the Silver-Toothed Fierce Officer (thunder general) to protect righteous Qi, descend with thunderbolts, subdue demonic miasmas, and purge evil essences." It employs six mudras (ritual hand seals) including "Opening Heaven's Gate, Closing Earth's Door, Preserving Humanity's Portal," combined with the incantatory power of "Yuan Heng Li Zhen" (the Four Virtues from the Yijing), to:

• Seal ghostly paths
• Pierce demonic hearts
• Split spectral abdomens

Finally, it sequentially invokes the Five Directions' Star Lords to descend their true Qi:

• Wood Virtue Star Lord of the East at Mao position (due east)
• Fire Virtue Star Lord of the South at Wu position (due south)
• Metal Virtue Star Lord of the West at You position (due west)
• Water Virtue Star Lord of the North at Zi position (due north)
• Earth Virtue Star Lord of the Center above the middle finger at Shen position

The ritual then commands thunder and fire to activate swiftly from the western You, eastern Mao, and central positions.

This scripture documents thunder magic (Leifa) techniques in Daoism—a practice harnessing the power of thunderstorms—for healing illnesses, exorcising evil, and facilitating childbirth through talismanic incantations. The text comprises two main sections.

The healing portion describes how the ritual master summons Xin Hanchen (one of the Thirty-Six Thunder Generals) through incantations, commanding this celestial marshal to lead divine physicians (Tianyi Gongcao) and water-blessing emissaries (Fushui Shizhe) to swiftly descend upon the patient by the decree of Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun). From the Muddy Pellet Palace (Niwan Gong, the upper Dantian) at the crown, through the Crimson Palace (Jiang Gong, middle Dantian) in the chest, down to the five viscera and six bowels, every joint and pore is purified—expelling all pathogenic Qi, ghostly influences, and seasonal malefic energies. The ritual then infuses three vital forces: primordial Qi (Zhenqi), generative Qi (Shengqi), and flourishing Qi (Wangqi) to cure ailments, demanding immediate efficacy.

Notable techniques include two specialized talisman designs: writing the seven characters "魁𩲃魋䰢魓魈魒" in concentric circles to treat feverish disorders, and inscribing six characters beginning with "魑" similarly for cold syndromes. Anti-diarrheal talismans require writing "止" (stop) or "山" (mountain) accompanied by the incantation "With one stroke of the iron brush, rivers and seas run dry," while constipation relief invokes "With one sweep of the iron brush, springs and sources flow freely."

The childbirth facilitation section details parturition-assisting talismans, emphasizing complete recitation of the "Chapters on Generating the Spirit" (Shengshen Zhang, a key Daoist scripture). Critical cases require burning this scripture at the household hearth. A crucial warning specifies that the final stroke of labor-inducing talismans must never be divided into four separate strokes, lest it cause fetal limb contortion and obstructed delivery. The practitioner must visualize the fetus drawing limbs inward, maintaining utmost sincerity for efficacy.

All rituals strictly follow the "Supreme Decrees" (Taishi Lüling), Daoism's highest ordinances, exemplifying the tradition's synthesis of medicine, talismanic arts, and thunder magic.