《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 11

The "Talisman of the Heavenly Sovereign for Descending the Perfected" (Tianhuang Jiangzhen Fu) and the "Talisman of the Void Sovereign for Summoning Spirits" (Xuhuang Zhaoling Fu) are talismanic patterns spontaneously generated by the Flying Mysterious Upright Qi (Feixuan Zhengqi) of the Three Heavens (Santian). They are used to summon the perfected immortals (zhenxian) and myriad spirits of the Three Primes (Sanyuan), as well as the spirit-perfected who govern the ranks, grades, and offices of the immortal stairways in the Clear Palace. To summon a hundred perfected immortals and command a thousand numinous beings, one should take seven chi and two cun of blue silk gauze, write the "Descending the Perfected" talisman in cinnabar at the center, write the "Summoning Spirits" talisman in flying-yellow pigment, and place the cloth in a quiet chamber. Yellow brocade or yellow silk should be spread as a mat, and the jiao ritual offering performed. After a hundred days, three envoys for descending the perfected and summoning spirits, three Jade Maidens, and three Golden Youths will descend with the sacrificial rite to guard the talismanic script, and the thousand perfected immortals and myriad spirits summoned will also descend into the altar chamber.

Practitioners whose faith is not firm, or who offend the spirits of the Five Marchmounts that test cultivators, or who carelessly divulge the secret methods, will find that the summoned spirits do not appear. Whenever one summons the perfected immortals and spirits of the Three Heavens, they must come by way of the talismans and registers (fulu); without the talismanic script used by the divinities, the summoning is presumptuous. Even with sincere thought and diligent cultivation, no spirit will descend, and any apparition that does appear is more often a demonic being testing the practitioner.

Those who receive the method should prepare three plain silks according to their own age, in accordance with the regulations of the Mysterious Capital (Xuandu). A master transmitting the scripture and method should draw the talismans only in the air and keep the talismanic forms in mind, without writing them in books, out of concern that ghosts, spirits, or animals might peek at them and divulge the secret methods.

Each of the two talismans has twelve talisman clerks (fuli) who oversee the altar precinct. When building the altar, these two talismans are used to transform the precinct into a boundary of the Golden Gate Brahma-conduct (jinque fanxing zhi jie), and only then is the rite begun. During the rite, one circulates the inner qi, worships the Golden Gate of the Three Heavens, and follows the Way of descending the perfected and summoning spirits. When writing the talismanic script, one uses the Jade Clarity Formula (Yuqing Jue) and the Heavenly Gate Qi (Tianmen Qi), and breathes upon the script three times to bring the seal characters into form.

The Blue Flowery Talisman of the Primal Sovereign for Descending the Perfected (Yuanhuang Jiangzhen Qinghua Zhenfu): The script reads, among other phrases, "Opening the Three Brilliances" (kaiming sanjing), "This is the Heavenly Root" (shi wei tiangen), "Jade Mountain, Upper Capital" (yushan shangjing), "Great Luo, Jade Clarity" (daluo yuqing), "Three Flowers, Separation and Convenience" (sanhua li bian), "Great Possession, Wondrous Court" (da you miaoting), "Great Movement, Brahma Qi" (da xing fanqi), "Non-Non Supreme Perfected" (wu wu shang zhen), and "Union with the Dao" (yu dao hetong).

Method for Summoning the Heavenly Perfected (also used for the talisman summoning perfected immortals): The Great Heavenly Perfected corresponds to the hour of Chen (7–9 a.m.), the True Person of Wondrous Conduct (Miaoxing Zhenren) corresponds to the hour of You (5–7 p.m.), and the Great Utmost Perfected (Zhizhen Dashen) corresponds to the hour of Hai (9–11 p.m.).

Divine Lord Who Liberates Humanity and Grants Immortality (the deity who oversees the salvation of all beings and enables people to attain longevity), Sovereign of Eternal Life of the Southern Pole, and Elder Han, Lord of the Love of Life.

The Southern Superior Director of Destiny (the deity who governs lifespans in the south), the deity who turns back the remains and restores the dead to life, and the Flying Heavens of the Ten Directions (celestial spirits dispersed across the ten directions who are able to fly).

The Great Spirits of Measureless Eternal Life, the Five Elder Lords, and the Prime Ministers of the Heavens.

The Great Spirit Overseer of Life (who supervises life and protects birth), the Sovereigns of the Three Officials (who govern the realms of heaven, earth, and water), and the Eight Heavens of the East.

The Eight Heavens of the South, the Eight Heavens of the West, and the Eight Heavens of the North.

The Eastern Dipper governs the recording of lifespans, the Western Dipper is charged with registering names, and the Northern Dipper presides over the determination of death.

The Southern Dipper governs the increase of vitality, the Central Dipper is the Great Leader (the deity who presides from the center), and the Demon King of the Azure Heaven.

The Demon King of the Red Heaven, the Demon King of the White Heaven, the Demon King of the Black Heaven, and the Demon King of the Yellow Heaven.

The Lord of Harmonious Union of a Thousand and Ten Thousand (the deity who harmonizes and gathers all things) and the Great Lord of Eternal Life.

The Lord Who Holds the Talismans and Registers (the deity who keeps the fulu, or talismans and registers), the Lord Who Preserves Life and Roots It Firmly (the deity who guards the foundation of life), the Five Qi Regulated Within (the qi of the five directions, harmonized within the body), and the Lord Who Blends and Unites the Hundred Spirits (the deity who harmonizes and governs the many spirits).

Jade Void Spirit-Summoning Purple Radiance True Talisman

(Within the heaven of heavens, vast and boundless as the blade of kalpas, amid primordial chaos;

without obscurity, without gloom, without form, without shadow, without limit, without end;

the Brahma-qi pervades and fills all, and ten thousand patterns unfold; the vast radiance and the great rosy vapor turn ten times and return the numinous;

the body contracts its tally and unites with the True.)

Edict Incantation

By the decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, all spirits are summoned together. Numinous light shines everywhere, causing the realms of yin and yang to become clear and open.

The jade talisman descends in flight and joins with the tally of the Celestial Court. I command that the memorial be presented to the Jade Clarity Heaven.

Clouds and mist bear my steps without pause, rising straight to the Jade Gate and becoming one with the Great Dao.

Swiftly, swiftly, as the edict of the Supreme Lord of Primordial Beginning commands.

The above methods: pinch the Jade Clarity seal, and circulate through the seal positions of the Three Officials. At the noon position, snap the fingers to emit the qi of the east.

Shangqing Lingbao, the Jade Void Spirit Summons: the divine light transforms wondrously, and myriads of spirits descend together.

Swiftly, swiftly, as the edict of the One Primordial Sovereign commands.

To summon all the celestial officials of the heavens (the Talisman for Summoning the Officials may also be used), one calls upon the Lord Who Receives Divine Mandate, the Lord Who Sweeps Away All Inauspiciousness, the Lord of the Eight Majesties Who Spits Venom, the Lord of the Four Fierce Steeds, the Heavenly Vanguard of the Celestial Guardians, the Grand Marshal Who Bears the Banner, the Lord Who Hurls Fire Ten Thousand Li, the Lord of the Eight Streaming Bells, the Lord Who Strikes Down Before the Golden Axe, the Lord of Heavenly Punishment Who Follows After, the Lord Who Butchers Ghosts, the Lord of Unceasing Wind and Fire, the Lord Who Severs a Thousand Heads, the Lord Who Cuts Ten Thousand Forms, the Lord Who Inspects the Ghostly Encampments, the Lord of the Golden Steed Relay, the Lord of the Jade Calendar of the Primal Cavern, the Lord of the Chaotic Red Script, the Lord Who Unfolds the Five Scriptures, the Lord of the Vermilion Writings and Jade Characters, the Lord of the Dragon Script of the Eight Majesties, the Lord Who Circles the Dipper and Pivots the Winnowing Basket, the Lord Who Opens the Eight Gates on High, the Lord of the Wheel of Flying Heaven, the Great Demon King of the Desire Realm, the Demon King of the Formless Realm, the Great Demon King of the Form Realm, the Lord Who Binds and Dispatches Demons, the Lord of the Ghostly Blades That Slay, the Lord Who Commands the Earth Spirits, the Lord Who Passes Through All the Heavenly Gates, the Lord Who Proclaims to the Three Realms, the Lord Who Conveys Souls to the Vermilion Mound, the Lord Who Receives Refinement and Rebirth, the Lord Who Dispels All Inauspiciousness, and the Lord Who Recommends Ascent to Life. These thirty-six lords are all divine clerks in the Department of Methods, charged with driving and dispatching spirits.

The talismans for this purpose include the Talisman for Descending the Perfected, the Talisman for Summoning Spirits, and the Lingbao Talisman for Summoning the Perfected. Their script includes phrases such as "Divine Light of the Jade Capital," "Source of All Wonders," "Ten Thousand Rays of Divine Light," "Pivot Crown of the Mysterious Capital," "Jade Clarity Sovereign on High," "Jade Maiden Holds the Decree," and "Summon swiftly and come."

The Talisman for Summoning the Myriad Spirits to Initiate the Cosmic Cycle is to be written in cinnabar on green silk with the words "Lingbao Formula of the Primal Origin Spreading Like the Ancestral Qi." It is said that this summons the myriad spirits.

The Talisman for Summoning the Flying Heavenly Spirit Kings of the Ten Directions bears phrases including "Great Brahma, Unsurpassed," "Transformation Bodies Through Billions of Kalpas," "Stellar Mansions Pause and Halt," "Primordial Beginning Unfolds and Transforms," "Limitless Salvation of Humanity," and "Decree summons the Flying Heavenly Spirit Kings who receive duties to descend at once." The decree commands the Limitless Flying Heavenly Spirit Kings of the Ten Directions and the Great Sages of Eternal Life to descend together.

The dating line reads: "On the year, month, and day, the petitioner, bearing the name of so-and-so, summons by talisman."

The Mantra of the Eastern Spirit King, which governs the celestial region corresponding to Yanzhou, reads: "Seven stillnesses give birth to the Dao; seven observations bring forth non-birth. The Primordial observes the body; Flying Dawn, Mysterious Perfected. The Divine Sage of the East holds the calamity without pause. Swift, swift, as the Lingbao Great Dharma statute commands."

Southern Incantation (governs Yangzhou and its corresponding stellar domain)

The Numinous Capital (Lingdu) links nine passages, and myriad breaths gather within it. When the divine spirits issue their commands, none dare to disobey.

Jí jí rú lǜ lìng (Swiftly, swiftly, as the statute commands), act in accordance with the decrees of the Lingbao Dafa (Great Method of the Numinous Treasure).

Western Incantation (governs Yuzhou and its domain)

The immortal officials gather and control the registers, and the Jade Treasure rests in emptiness and stillness. When the jade decree descends, none dare to disobey.

Jí jí rú lǜ lìng, act in accordance with the decrees of the Lingbao Dafa.

Northern Incantation (governs Jizhou and its domain)

Established in the profound and empty realm, the quiet and subtle qi enters the formless. The divine decree subdues and restrains, clearing the roads through mist and snow.

Jí jí rú lǜ lìng, act in accordance with the decrees of the Lingbao Dafa.

Northeastern Incantation (governs Qingzhou and its domain)

An'yang and Changling protect the yellow flying host of numinous beings. They are governed by the Zhifu (the attendant officials who convey the commands of the gods), and all the myriad spirits respectfully receive their orders.

Jí jí rú lǜ lìng, act in accordance with the decrees of the Lingbao Dafa.

Southeastern Incantation (governs Liangzhou and its domain)

The crimson divine power is subtle and hard to perceive. The Dark Pearl (a precious gem symbolizing profound and deep mystery) in the Great Obscurity issues commands by imperial decree. The winds and divine riders under its jurisdiction race onward.

Jí jí rú lǜ lìng, act in accordance with the decrees of the Lingbao Dafa.

Southwestern Incantation (governs Jingzhou and its domain)

The empty radiance shines upon the dawn, holding its light and returning to the Jade Void. The Yellow Dragon dispatched by the talismanic decree must also halt and obey.

Jí jí rú lǜ lìng, act in accordance with the decrees of the Lingbao Dafa.

Northwestern Incantation (governs Xuzhou and its domain)

Manifest and able to gather and hold, the mysterious numinous light appears within the pure and tranquil Brahma realm. When the jade talisman descends, those who receive the command may not linger.

Jí jí rú lǜ lìng, act in accordance with the decrees of the Lingbao Dafa.

Upper Incantation (governs Yongzhou and its domain)

The round canopy of heaven turns like a Dharma wheel, supporting and governing Heaven and Earth. Envoys bearing jade pendants and cassia banners proceed directly into the presence of the Heavenly Emperor.

Jí jí rú lǜ lìng, act in accordance with the decrees of the Lingbao Dafa.

Lower Incantation (governs the Five Sacred Peaks, the underworld regions, and the Office of Darkness)

Among the mountains, rivers, and vast seas, the true spirits of every lineage revere the sacred. When the holy perfected descend with their decrees, who dares not comply?

Jí jí rú lǜ lìng, act in accordance with the decrees of the Lingbao Dafa.

Incantation for Summoning the Ten Spirit Kings

The sacred spiritual lineage of the Dongxuan (Cavern of Mystery) school originates from the primordial qi (yuanshi zhi qi). The officials of the Lord Taiyi (Supreme One) ride the breath and drifting smoke as they arrive. Their bearing is solemn, and they wear magnificent immortal robes; they are immortals who have ascended. In a single instant they can reach the ten directions and govern the myriad heavens.

"Ā yǐ nà yì suō bù tán yán, yuǎn luò nà yuàn jué lún bèi lián" are the syllables of the incantation, chiefly intended for recitation. Receiving the command of Yuchen (Jade Dawn, a revered Daoist deity), they stand attendant at the altar, proclaim the teachings, and deliver living beings, with everything carried out in accordance with the statutes and ritual procedures.

Jí jí rú lǜ lìng, act in accordance with the decrees of the Lingbao Dafa.

By means of this talisman, one can swiftly deliver memorials, ride the clouds and mount the mists, and summon the spirits. When copying it, one must correct wrong characters and supply omitted ones, so that the superior official in charge of documents does not return the memorial.

The methods of the talismans must be determined according to the directions and employed in accordance with the spirit generals on duty that day. Each spirit general commands ten thousand cavalry, who can carry messages to the ten directions (shifang) and gather the immortals, and who can also expel demons and evil spirits and subdue ghosts and goblins. They must not be dispatched carelessly.

Zongzhao Junli Fu (Talisman of the Lord Who Summons All and the Clerks): The meaning of the characters on this talisman is that the Dongxuan qi and the Yuanming qi unite to form the zhenqi (true qi), the Five Phases turn in circulation, and the Three Heavens (Santian) act in accordance with imperial decree. When summoned urgently, they arrive at once, and all the myriad spirits obey the command.

Lingbao Jiangyu Wanzhen Fu (Talisman of the Lingbao Descent to Govern the Myriad Perfected): The characters on this talisman petition that the stars of the Four Dippers shine together in brightness, descend to take command of the myriad perfected, and that the Supreme Unifier (Tailing) gather all the spirits and merge the hundred spirits into one. The Three Yang shine, the Five Qi are clear, and the Three Yin are in harmony, so that the myriad spirits manifest. The Three Kings (Sanwang) have received their commands, and the spirits ascend to the Purple Dawn (Zichen).

The incantation says: The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) issues his decree and summons the numinous host. He protects the spirits and governs the Primordial Qi, so that the name of the Great Dao becomes penetrating. The practitioner who performs the rite pays homage at the Golden Gate, and the spirit and form fly up to Taiqing (Great Clarity).

This talisman is written in cinnabar on yellow paper. It can reach the Imperial Court, summon and govern spirit qi, invoke true spirits, and pursue ghosts and demons. It is also called the "Talisman for Commanding the Myriad Numinous Ones," and is known as the "Talisman of the Myriad Offices Following One's Wishes."

Lingbao Zhao Wanling Fu (Lingbao Talisman for Summoning the Myriad Numinous Ones): The characters on this talisman petition the Supreme Thearch (Shangdi) to issue a decree and swiftly summon the myriad spirits. The Yang spirits under the sun lord are ordered to act at the hour of mao, and the Yin generals under the moon and stars are ordered to act at the hour of you. The Jade Essence and Jade Spirits within the Golden Gate are commanded to convey the orders. The banners of the spirit-summoning figure on the left and the Jade Maidens and Radiant Consorts on the right use the "Chen" script, while the Jade Maiden Yuanfei of Anhua on the right, who summons the numinous ones, uses the "Xuan" script. This talisman also petitions the spirits to descend urgently. If the evil ghosts of the Three Capitals dare to disobey, they are to be seized and sent down to the Deep Springs (Chongquan).

The incantation says: In the Jade Capital of the Jade Realm, the characters of Ziyang are inscribed on a golden-bound jade talisman, and one's name is entered into the Jade Pivot (Yushu). In this way the myriad spirits can be summoned to attend together in the Great Void. The decree must be carried out swiftly.

Zhaoqing Nanji Dუren Bu Si Shen Fu (Talisman for Summoning the Spirit of the Southern Pole Who Saves Beings from Death): The characters on this talisman petition that the great Xing qi of Brahma pervade the ten directions, and that spirits be summoned by the command of the Primordial Supreme Thearch.

Today the registers are collated and enrolled, and the spirits (shen) of all the heavens descend to the altar.

In accordance with the above rites, when the hour of noon arrives, point with the middle finger toward the position indicated. Silently intone and write the names of the Divine Lords, continuing until the words "Today the registers are collated, and all the heavens attend the pavilion" are reached.

Invoke the talisman of the Jade Calendar General, who guards the altar. The talisman reads: "In the Northern Polar Celestial Heaven of Pure Spirit, the Jade Calendar records the Chief Minister; swiftly descend." It also reads: "Jade Calendar General, whose numinous power is swift, governs and commands all the spirits."

The incantation says: "Jade Calendar General, the venerable Northern Emperor, unites the Three Realms and manifests in diverse forms. The mysterious qi of the Numinous Treasure (Lingbao) shines with clear golden light; in the vast void its radiance blazes, reaching the true realm. Swiftly act in accordance with the decree of the Primordial Lord (Yuanshi Shangdi)."

Invoke the talisman of the Wish-Fulfilling Great General of the Myriad Offices. The sense of the talisman text is this: the Numinous Treasure shines brilliantly, commanding and protecting the myriad offices. The Lord Emperor has issued his command, and all the spirits govern their commanderies and capitals. The divine generals drive their flight to guard the Mysterious Furnace. They protect the True Dao, steady the mind and will, and collate the registers and forms. Laojun has issued the decree in advance, and the Daojun follows to eradicate evil. The Beginningless Sovereign is the outflow of Dao-qi. Once the talismanic command descends, all the myriad offices respond to its majesty.

The incantation says: "Om, decree proclaimed, Nizha guards, om duoduoli zha."

The Wish-Fulfilling Great General of the Myriad Offices, Wen (Zhongxuan), has black hair and a youthful face and is clad in golden armor. A celestial sash is tied at his waist. His left hand forms the Jade Clarity seal and rests on his chest, his right hand holds a sword, and he wears vermilion shoes. He stands among black clouds to perform the rite. When performing the Lingbao rite, without this general, on what basis could one transmit proclamations and summon the spirits? One should recite the esoteric words, write the summoning talisman, and use the seal.

Invoke the talisman of the officials, subordinates, and clerks of the various Lingbao offices.

The incantation says: "By the summoning command of the talisman, officials and generals come together. Obey the orders and await dispatch. The jade-seal talisman has been decreed in advance; swiftly bid the myriad numina to descend. Hurry, hurry, as the statute commands."

The above talismans should be carved in cypress wood. When performing the rite at the altar, first invoke the Wish-Fulfilling General and the officials of each office, and only then may the ritual be carried out. To halt wind and rain, use yellow paper one chi wide and five cun long, write the talisman incantation in cinnabar, and order the clerks to act.

Invoke the talisman to guard and inspect the spirits of the altar.

The incantation says: "Once the Lingbao talismanic command descends, summon the spirits, and they shall not tarry. The local chief deity and the Soil Lord must all obey, guard the altar seats, and clear away filth and evil qi. Now that the summoning command has been heard, come swiftly. Hurry, hurry, as the decree of the Primordial Lord commands."

Invoke the spirits who supervise the altar and preside over the jiao rite.

The incantation reads:

Fulu (talismans and registers) summon the gods, guard the altar, expel demons and spirits, and sweep away malevolent forces, so that the ritual ground becomes still and pure and the numinous powers of the gods all gather. When the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) has been completed meritoriously, one's name is entered in Yuchen (Jade Palace, the celestial halls). Jí jí rú lǜ lìng ("quickly, quickly, as the statute commands"), the closing formula of Daoist talismanic incantations, indicates that the order must be carried out immediately.

By the methods above, whenever one performs a jiao (offering ritual) or sets up a ritual altar, one may summon the Siming Gongcao (Gongcao of the Four Brightnesses, celestial clerks who relay commands) to perform the work. Whenever one wishes to summon spirits and deities and dispatch them to act, one takes four breaths of eastern qi (vital energy), writes the talisman, and then burns it.

Talisman for Summoning the Yin and Yang Spirits

Incantation:

"Yin Spirit, Yang Spirit, swiftly open a passage to the realm of the gods, so that I may pay homage to the perfected immortals and present myself before the Dijun (Lord Emperor). If one wishes to have the spirits of humans and ghosts bind their debt-contracts and seal their forms, rise up in the clouds and depart at once; the secret method is efficacious. When I pursue and summon, may I immediately reach the divine. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng."

Talisman for Summoning the Earth God

Incantation:

"The Earth God of this place is most efficacious. Upon hearing the summons of this talisman, may you swiftly manifest your numinous form, settle and guard the courtyard and the altar hall, and convey the sincerity of the Zhaijiao. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng."

Talisman for Summoning the Four Spirits to Guard the Altar

Incantation:

"I summon the Four Spirit Lords. Once the Four Spirits have all assembled at the altar, they drive out every foul qi and descend together to protect the true spirit. In the four directions, extinguish demons and spectral beings; across the three periods, protect my physical form. I obey the present talismanic command and beg that it reach the true realm with all speed. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng."

Whenever one enters the altar to perform a rite, one must summon the Four Spirits to protect the body. If this talisman is not used, the spirit and qi will scatter and be lost. Write this talisman on yellow paper with cinnabar ink, and when entering the doorway, burn it behind you. Act according to the formulas transmitted by one's master, and then recite the "Incantation for Entering the Door" (Rùhù Zhòu).

Talisman for Summoning the Upper Realm

Incantation:

"By the decree of the Supreme Emperor, I summon the true gods of heaven to descend and temporarily remain in the mundane world. You who are mysterious in virtue and awe-inspiring in spirit, upon hearing the summons of this talisman, dispatch your heavenly troops to descend swiftly and gather the qi of the ten thousand regions. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng."

Talisman for Summoning the Middle Realm

Incantation:

"By the decree of the Supreme Emperor, I summon the gods to descend, including the Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Great Rivers (the four major rivers), the City Gods (Chénghuáng), the Lords of the Soil (Shèlìng), and the spirits of the mountains, rivers, pools, caves, the Four Seas, and the sources of the Huai River. Summon the true qi, the sacred powers, and the spirit soldiers to come forth. May all you divine perfected ones, upon hearing this summons, remain here for a time. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng."

Talisman for Summoning the Lower Realm

Incantation:

"By the decree of the Supreme Emperor, I summon the spirits of the underworld to descend, including the true spirits of the underworld of Fengdu, the Six Caverns, and the Yue Offices, together with the officials of the Seventy-Five Bureaus. May the souls and ghosts of the dark realm all appear in the light, swiftly leave the underworld, and descend to the celestial court. Jí jí rú lǜ lìng."

Talisman for Summoning the Myriad Radiant Spirits

Incantation for Summoning the Myriad Spirits

The Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor (Yuqing Shangdi), a revered deity of Daoism, issued a command to summon the Numinous Shangqing Supreme Emperor (Ling Shangqing Shangdi). The Numinous Shangqing Supreme Emperor, receiving the order, stirred the numinous Qi, and the Grand Clarity Supreme Emperor (Taiqing Shangdi) gathered the primordial Qi (yuanqi) in its entirety, so that the spirits hastened swiftly to arrive. Once Yuqing had issued the command, the work of governing did not cease: the One Qi transformed and gave birth to the Three Realms, and the multitude of gods quickly departed from the celestial court.

The sun and moon raced onward, and wind and fire surged from all eight directions. The starry sky shone brightly, and golden horses carried the documents, their journey swift. The gods rode the heavens and walked upon the Qi as they descended, reaching the human world everywhere. The myriad spirits gathered, and hundreds of millions of divinities descended together. The spirits assembled in solemn ranks, converging in the vast and mysterious courtyard.

Turning leftward, one recites the following seven times: "Supreme Heaven within the heavens, radiant and brilliant, descend upon all the heavens. From afar comes the sound of chanting; they ride dragon-drawn chariots to arrive. Yuqing has issued the command: summon swiftly, come swiftly." When this incantation is finished, the yang Qi stirs upward and the yin Qi stirs downward.

Incantation for Summoning the Myriad Spirits

The Thirty-Two Heavens and their thirty-two heavenly sovereigns, the hidden names, personal designations, and titles of each heaven; the numinous writings that naturally manifest in the empty void of the heavens, and the hidden rhythms and celestial sounds of each heaven; the supreme lords of heaven, the gods of heaven, the great demons of heaven, and the multitude of heavenly spirits: these profound matters are endlessly transformative. They are the boundless mysteries of the Shangqing methods (Shangqing daofa), and they are difficult to explain fully.

Proclaiming and bringing down the divine perfected to deliver humankind universally, today a celebration is held. Those to be delivered pass through the barriers of the heavens. They pray that the heavens will extinguish the three evils, sever the roots of the mundane world, and enable the one being delivered to ascend beyond the Five Gates and be enrolled in the Supreme Mystery (Taixuan). The Demon King is charged with oversight and recommendation, ensuring that nothing obstructs them.

The Eastern Dipper governs lifespan, the Western Dipper records names, the Northern Dipper governs death, and the Southern Dipper governs existence. The Central Dipper, the Great Leader, presides over and supervises the multitude of spirits. The Azure Emperor protects the hun (ethereal soul), the White Emperor attends the hun, the Red Emperor nourishes the primordial Qi, the Black Emperor clears the blood vessels, and the Yellow Emperor sits at the center to govern, commanding the myriad spirits so that none may cross their bounds.

The Azure Heaven Demon King Ba Yuanchou Bo, the Red 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, the Yellow Heaven Demon King Heng Tian Dan Li, and the Great Demons of the Five Emperors are all ancestral masters of the myriad spirits. They fly in with drums and music following them, command the ghost soldiers, and hold banners and drum-batons as they patrol the vast sky. They proclaim their own splendor and, together with the heavens, accomplish merit.

Heaven delivers living beings and strictly governs Beifeng (the Northern Fengdu, the divine palace that governs the netherworld). The divine lord receives orders to sweep away all ill omens universally. The majestic spirits of the eight directions exhale fierce Qi, and fierce horses are arrayed on all four sides. Heavenly troops clear the way ahead, and the great marshal holds banners and hurls fire. Within ten thousand li, the summoning bells ring out across the eight directions. If anyone dares to obstruct or resist the Perfected Ones, they shall first be slain with golden axes and then punished, their demonic forms dissected. Wind and fire never cease: a thousand thousand heads are severed, and ten thousand ten thousand bodies are cut apart. The demonic multitudes may not encroach, and ghosts and goblins may not work mischief.

The Three Officials (Heaven, Earth, and Water) and the Northern Feng (the northern place that governs ghosts and spirits) shall clearly inspect the Ghost Camp and permit no concealment. Jinma Post Station, Chengpu.

Announce to the countless myriad spirits that all are to come and hear the command: the Three Realms and the Five Emperors, enlisted by name, shall hearken to the order. Shangqing (Highest Clarity, the realm of the Daoist supreme deities and their dwelling) — swiftly, swiftly, as the Ancestral Master Emperor commands through the Jade Dawn Lord.

Incantation for Summoning All the Myriad Spirits

Crystalline, luminous spirits, Qi transforms into true spirit. The Imperial Void gathers all Qi and bestows it down upon the celestial palace. The spirits receive Qi and descend, and the Qi unites with true essence (jing). Respond swiftly to my summons; respond swiftly to my voice. Swiftly, swiftly, as the Jade Clarity Supreme Emperor commands.

Incantation

Golden gates and jade chambers, Great Brahma and the August Imperial Heaven: upon hearing this summons, descend swiftly and let your responses connect. Drums, ceremonial rhythms, and banners descend from the Milky Way, riding the wind and mounting Qi, arriving out of the sky.

Niwan, Jianggong, the Jade Chamber, and the Golden Hall, together with the Three Divisions and Eight Scenes and the Hundred Spirits of the Four Bodies, all rise up proudly and descend in orderly array. Their majestic bearing is solemn, and they gather and take their places within the ritual altar. Receiving the command of Jade Clarity, they manifest auspicious light. Swiftly, swiftly, as the Original Beginning Emperor commands.

The above methods are the formulas of the "Three Heavens and Ten Heavens," combined with techniques of circulating Qi, inhaling, and exhaling.

Whenever one summons the spirits of the Radiant Division, one should use the eyes to trace the true forms of the Three Heavens in the air, inhale toward the Heavenly Gate, draw the Qi into the Three Palaces, and visualize it transforming into the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). Then visualize oneself becoming the Divine Lord: wearing on the head the Jade Clarity Great Golden-Jade Marten Crown, clad in a crimson-mist feathered robe, fastened with a great sash, shod in vermilion shoes with a crimson skirt, and seated amid three-colored clouds. The right hand forms the shape of the Seven Dippers, and the eyes form the Ziwei seal. The left hand forms the shape of the Three Fires, and the eyes pinch the Jade Clarity formula. Knock the teeth nine times and recite the incantation, then knock the teeth twenty-seven times, and then summon the spirits according to the matter at hand.

When summoning the various spirits, the hand formulas and eye formulas should both be used according to the matter at hand. Coordinate them with the circulation of Qi and with blowing, and pinch the formulas firmly with the fingers. Do not gesture emptily, and do not let people or animals see. Draw upon the Qi of the northwest, and the summoned spirits will arrive at once. When the matter is complete, promptly ask the spirits to return to their governing seats.

Incantation for Summoning the Five Emperors, Jade Youths, and Jade Maidens

Red apricot, black ink; grind the true socks and wax of the numinous treasure.

In this method, the left hand pinches the Jade Clarity formula while the right hand writes the true form of Jade Clarity in the air. While chanting, inhale the Qi of the five directions and hold the breath. Then cup the left hand to guard the true form, and open the mouth to blow. Chant again, pinch the Five Peaks formula, draw in the Qi of the five directions, and blow it out.

This is the general formula for entering the ritual field and summoning the true spirits, and all other summoning methods are built upon it. One must first see the Jade Youths and Jade Maidens before one may summon the remaining true spirits. If one skips even slightly past this step, the summons will receive no response, however it is performed.

Secret Incantation for Summoning the Immortal Bureaus

To the Supreme Mysterious Origin, the Most High Lord of the Dao, I summon the Three-and-Five Merit Officers (sanwu gongcao, the spirit-clerks who transmit commands in Daoist ritual) within my body, along with the Left and Right Envoys of Office, the Courier Dragon Riders, the Golden Youths who tend the incense, the Jade Maidens who carry messages and scatter flowers, the Duty Talismans of the Five Emperors, and the Daily Incense Officers and Envoys, thirty-two of each, to come forth.

Once you have come forth, straighten your robes and headwear and present a dignified bearing. Stand before, behind, and to either side of me, await my instructions, and convey the sincere memorials I present, reaching up to the Three Heavens. Swiftly, obey the decree of the Supreme Lord Yuanshi (Yuanshi Shangdi)!

The above incantation should be recited only under the breath, in a low voice, so that others cannot hear it. If it is not during the fasting periods of the first, seventh, or tenth months, one should simply say, "Today is an auspicious day of fasting," and then, according to the sexagenary day (the days counted by the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches) and the matter at hand, state and memorialize it directly. If the sincere intention must reach the deities on that very day, recite: "Supreme Mysterious Origin… Swiftly, obey the decree of the Supreme Lord Yuanshi!"

In performing this method, press the Shangqing seal (Shangqing jue, a Daoist hand seal) with both the left and right hands, visualize the Yuqing true form (Yuqing zhenxing) with the eyes and draw it silently, inhale through the mouth while reciting the incantation in silence, and then swallow the qi drawn from the northwest (qian). Visualize the qi entering the Upper Dantian, the Scarlet Palace (the seat of the heart), and the Lower Life Gate. Let yourself rise on the Three Pure Qi (sansu zhi qi, the three subtle vital energies in Daoist teaching), then set out toward the west and issue your instructions according to the matter at hand.

Incantation for Summoning the Immortal Officers and the General Ordinance

The supreme heavens of the highest realm are led by Yuqing. The Mysterious Ruler, the Great Chief (xuanjiang dakui), is a revered deity within the Palace of the Mysterious Origin. Within it are the Lord Emperor and the Jade Mother of the Numinous Void, who govern the affairs of the immortal realm, proclaim the jade scriptures, issue the golden talismans, and oversee the prohibitions of the immortal realm. The Golden Youths and Jade Maidens examine the subtle and distinguish the evil and the demonic, commanding the hundred officials. They ascend to the Three Heavens and act according to their offices, conveying memorials and edicts, dispelling calamities and relieving suffering, guarding the Great Dao, binding the ghosts that cause disorder, saving the living beings of all the heavens, aiding the living and delivering the dead, removing disasters and subduing anomalies, and communicating with the Purple Palace (zifu, the dwelling of perfected immortals). The heavens of the ten directions receive this command and summon the deities each of them governs. Swiftly, obey the statutes of the Supreme Lord Yuanshi!

In performing this method, visualize the true forms of the Three Heavens on the Heavenly Gate with the eyes and draw them silently, envisioning them appearing in three colors. Press the Yuqing seal with the left hand and the Shangqing seal with the right, knock the teeth nine times, close the eyes and draw silently, and recite the names of the Three Heavens in silence. Inhale through the mouth, guiding the qi into the Three Palaces, and visualize yourself becoming the image of a divine official. Recite the incantation once in silence, then exhale the qi of the ten directions in turn toward the east, south, west, and north. After this, one may summon at will; the celestial officers of all the heavens and the spirit offices of the mysterious bureaus will respond, and they are summoned by the "Great Incantation of the General Ordinance" (zongzhang da zhou).

When reciting, do not mix in other texts on your own, lest the registers of the immortal officials become confused.

Incantation for Summoning the Immortal Officials

The supreme heavenly realm takes Yuqing (Jade Clarity) as its ancestor, and the Three Qi of Lingbao (the three primal breaths of Lingbao) govern the Three Ministries and hold the central position. The Celestial Thearch oversees the Celestial Bureau and the Office of Life, each with its own duties, and the lower realms assist in carrying out the celestial laws. The official ranks are arranged in grades, each keeping to its own place. Now we are commanded to summon, and the immortal officials should descend at once in accordance with the Celestial Thearch's seal. Quickly, quickly, as the statute decrees!

Incantation for Summoning the Jade Youths

Respectfully we invite the twelve youths of the Lingbao Yuqing Hall, known as the "Jade Mists." By the Celestial Thearch's command, I invite you to descend swiftly. Quickly, quickly, as the statute decrees!

Incantation for Summoning the Jade Maidens

Respectfully we invite the gentle, yin-natured Nine Numinous and Nine Perfected, named the "Jade Maidens." They wear light skirts called "phoenix robes." By the command of the True King, descend to the ritual altar. Quickly, quickly, as the statute decrees!

Incantation for Summoning the Merit Officer

The official of the dark bureau who holds the jade writings and establishes merit, presiding over the memorials that Yuqing submits to the Three Heavens. Upon hearing my summons, descend swiftly to the altar. Quickly, quickly, as the statute decrees!

Incantation for Summoning the Thunder Spirits

The Department of Fire in the south, the Upper Palace of Lord Han, the Dragon Circle and the Rain Division, the Divine Court of the Thunder Dwelling, the Lightning Masters of the Five Directions, and the Ding Spirit who governs the thunderbolts have been ordered to serve as Zhifu (duty talismans, spirit-agents who convey and carry out talismanic commands). Now, by the decree of the Mysterious Numinous Heavenly Venerable, wind and fire never cease, so hurry here at once. Spread the timely rains and compassionate clouds of the ten directions, unleash swift thunder, fierce lightning, and the fire-bells, sweep away ill omens, destroy the hordes of demons, and subdue the evil in the heavenly prisons. May the True Numinous descend swiftly. Quickly, quickly, as the statute decrees!

Three Heavens Mind-Seal True Forms

The Master says: The Lingbao scriptures contain the true forms of the Three Heavenly Thearchs. Those who practice this great method should, each morning, take four sheets of bamboo membrane, write the true forms in the color assigned to each, and then swallow them. In this way one gathers and governs the affairs of the netherworld and the human world, and nothing fails to respond. After three years of practice, one can seal and restrain mountains and rivers, summon true numinous beings, command the Six Heavens, and summon and punish the spirits of the underworld. After seven years, even while seated, one can cause a xingchu (a traveling kitchen, food that arrives on its own) to appear, and thousands of true spirits will guard the practitioner. When nine years of practice are complete, one may ascend to Shangqing (Upper Clarity).

Qingwei Heaven True Form: written in blue.

Yuyu Heaven True Form: written in yellow.

Dachi Heaven True Form: written in white.

Five Numinous Old Lord of the Northern Emperor True Form: written in black.

Three Heavens Three Realms True Talismans

The Master says: The Lingbao Dudu Wuliang Pin (Scripture on Universal Salvation) speaks of the Great Way: cultivate the body from within, and receive the pure and harmonious qi from without. Then one's name is registered in Yuqing, one takes a place among the Perfected, and one can extinguish and cut away demons……

The Way of Sin-Removal, once the transgressions are dissolved, can restore the bones of the dead to life, and its merit pervades Heaven and Earth. This Dao is supreme in sanctity, subtle in wonder, numinous in efficacy, and most honored. The Taixuan Dujian (Taixuan Capital Bureau) oversaw the passes of the celestial realms, the Tianji Dujian (Celestial Mechanism Bureau) was charged with inner prohibitions, and the Tianshu Shangyuan (Upper Court of the Celestial Pivot) was the seat of the religion's master-house. The Divine Merit Wondrous Salvation Perfected (Shengong Miaoji Zhenjun) served as envoy of the Tianshu Court and was the first generation of scripture-transmitting Masters.

In antiquity, the Supreme Deity bestowed these Three Realm Talismans (talismans that symbolize the realms of the Three Pure Ones, or Sanqing) to govern the essential affairs of the Tianshu. Through them the Dao was used to order the Northern Palace, to govern the Yellow Court, to settle the spirits and nourish the True, to dispel calamities and disasters, and to assist the methods by which the world is rescued and delivered. Today, the fundamental virtue of honoring one's teachers is still preserved at the Southern Upper Fire Palace of the Tianshu Court.

The so-called Three Realm Talismans are True Writs (zhenwen) condensed from the essences of three Primordial Qi in the first of the Five Kalpas of the Unsurpassed Three Heavens. They are also the sounds naturally emitted by the various heavens and the root of the Great Dao. They can summon and command spirits, and they may also be swallowed in practice to lead a person to Dao and to realization. Whenever one encounters different matters, they respond through resonance. Such talismans were not originally transmitted to later generations, and were passed down only by Perfected through oral instruction and mind-to-mind transmission. Those who receive these True Writs are all people who, in previous lives, possessed a bone for the Dao. Through diligent cultivation, they can attain the rank of immortal.

If one maintains a long fast, dwells quietly in the mountain forests, practices in a pure hall or chamber through recitation and cultivation, carries out the True Formulas of the Eight Latitudes, studies the wondrous methods of the Seven Scriptures, and swallows the True Talismans, then after eighty-one days of nine-by-nine practice, the Three Corpses (sanshi, the entities said by Daoists to dwell within the body, producing desires and depleting life) will die away on their own, and the grain qi within the body will naturally arise. The practitioner becomes light of body and robust, the face takes on a jade-like luster, and the body glows with a golden sheen, unlike the effects produced by ingesting medicinal minerals. This is the working of natural True Qi. In this way one can prolong life, cross beyond the mortal world, and never grow old. Long-term practice will certainly lead to ascension. At the time of ascension, one pinches the Three Realm Seal (a hand-seal used together with talisman methods), moves the qi of the Celestial Gate, writes the vermilion talisman on bamboo membrane and swallows it, and this too can dispel a thousand calamities and cure a hundred illnesses.

For minor matters, use only the Taiqing Talisman; for major matters, employ all three talismans together. One may also take an iron plate nine inches long and five inches wide, inscribe this talisman on it in cinnabar, and sink it into a clear spring. A person who is ill drinks the spring water, and it is said to take effect immediately. One may also write nine talismans in cinnabar on the leaves of green bamboo, insert the leaves along the bank of flowing water, and have people draw water to drink in the direction the talismans point. It is said this can cure epidemics; its efficacy cannot be fully described.

Yuqing Realm Talisman

Yuqing, the Unsurpassed Great Luo, Most Honored: the Primordial Ancestral Qi is transformed and generated by the Heavenly Emperor. Blending the Beginningless Qi, it returns and converges in the True Dao. It commands the myriad spirits to respond swiftly to the order.

The incantation is as follows:

From the Jade Void Upper Realm and the Great Luo Haotian, the primordial Qi (yuanqi, the source-energy of the cosmos) pervades all things, transforming and nurturing them into diverse forms and revealing their profound origin.

Dragon seals and phoenix scripts (talismanic characters shaped like dragons and phoenixes) descend together with myriad cloud chariots, and the Assembly of the Ultimateless Sages and the Protecting Perfected Immortals uphold and guard the rite together.

The Natural Ancestral Qi turns and harmonizes, and the myriad phenomena are all complete. The Great Sage and the Three Heavens' Profound Cavern lead the Celestial Envoys and Jade Maidens in conveying messages. The Heavenly Gates open and rise upward in passage, carrying the memorial up to heaven.

Hurry, hurry, comply and act, as if in accordance with the decree of the Primordial Lord, Yuanshi Shangdi.

Right talisman: dispatch the Flying Heavenly Divine Kings, together with the generals of stone, to strike the Heavenly Barrier, open the Heavenly Gate, and summon the Perfected Immortals and invite the spirits.

Talisman of the Shangqing Realm

(The Supreme Mysterious Primal Taishang Daojun, whose single Qi divides and flows out to the farthest regions of the four directions.)

(The True Primordial Three Qi, comprehensively gathering the Five Dipper Stars.)

(Starlight illuminates and penetrates, and heaven and earth take on one form; the myriad spirits respond to command, and none dares disobey.)

Incantation:

Mysterious Primordial Blue-Purple Empty Wondrous Court: the Heavenly Emperors and Lords of the thirty-two heavens, mingling the three Qi, scatter flowing mists and essences. Wherever the true writ reaches, the myriad spirits all respond and obey.

The multitude of gods reverently worship the profound Great Dao, and the Heavenly Gates open wide. They connect upward to the eight directions and ferry down the numinous souls of the dark netherworld. They convey messages and lead reports, and the Dragon and Tiger Lords, together with the Four Offices and Five Emperors, gather the wondrous divine spirits.

Hurry, hurry, comply and act, as if in accordance with the imperial command of Yuanshi Shangdi.

Talisman of the Taiqing Realm

(Yang Qi opens and gives birth to transformation, and the farthest regions of the eight directions all shine with light.) (The Supreme Lord Lao governs the Three Primes.) (The Left Mysterious Perfected controls the myriad numinous beings.)

(The Right Mysterious Perfected guards the myriad spirits.) (Yin and Yang Qi generate and transform, and all things are thereby formed.)

Incantation:

Grand Subtlety, Jade Dawn, open the Three Luminaries and clear the Five Qi, blending the hundred spirits. Virtue is complete and the Dao-methods are full, and the myriad Qi gather together. The Primordial Dao moves and transforms, opening the Eight Gates upward.

The brilliance of sun and moon shines into the dark netherworld, and all suffering spirits are able to behold the light.

Hurry, hurry, comply and act, as if in accordance with the decree of the Primordial Lord, Yuanshi Shangdi.

The use of the right talisman is the same as before.

Shangqing Lingbao Dafa, Fascicle 11