《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 13

The teacher said, “The Great Method of the Numinous Treasure is the foundation of Heaven and Earth and the wondrous Qi of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. Phoenix seals and dragon scripts condense into true writings; numinous and wondrous sounds and Brahmā chants form the incantations. The Supreme God of Primordial Beginning reveals the principle of the Dao, which has no form or image, and passes the essential methods to the Lord of the Dao, so that he may save deluded beings and propagate the Great Dao. These are not ordinary words of the human world, but secret expressions preserved in the hidden treasuries of the heavens.

Those of the highest capacity who practice it can ascend to Jade Capital, the celestial city of the immortals. Those of middling capacity can move to dwell in an immortal’s abode. Even those of lesser capacity can remain in the human world and prolong their lives. But how could worldly fools with little good fortune glimpse its mysteries?

The scriptures handed down by the ancestral masters were all obtained by immortals who cultivated the Great Elixir and accumulated merit. Whenever they encountered essential and wondrous teachings, they received seal formulas and talisman diagrams from true masters, with every detail fully explained. Some received the means of practice in dreams; others were taught the essentials by divine beings. Thus their minds opened, their spirits understood, and their wisdom grew day by day. By discerning the numinous sounds, they could communicate with the unseen world and penetrate the principles of things. When they summoned divine spirits and officers, they seemed to stand before them. The Three Realms all obeyed them, and the heavens held them in reverence. This is what is meant by transforming the living through the Dao and delivering the dead through De.

Later students of the Dao often fail to encounter true masters. Some receive teachings only from scattered scraps of writing; others learn only to recite scriptural formulas, then assume that silent visualization, preserving the spirits, and devising ways to obtain the teachings will give them the true transmission. As soon as they see a scripture, they claim to understand it completely and even boast of their knowledge. In truth, they cling to appearances and lose their way on a false path.

This is because their practice is shallow, their De is meager, their good fortune scant, and their karmic ties weak. Some obtain only ornate wording; others receive only talismans, diagrams, and incantations, without the complete method. Unable to distinguish the forms of the talismans, they perform the rites incorrectly, and their visualization and invocations lack precision. As a result, divine generals and celestial perfected beings cannot assist them. Those who practice in this way abandon the true in pursuit of the false, and are often tested by demons and made to resent the Daoist teachings.

Yet they do not know that the secret writings of the Numinous Treasure have an ordered sequence of methods, that each Fulu has its own key, and that incantations follow secret ritual formulas. They also include secret writings for subduing demons and evil influences, and the mind seal for passing from death into life—the essential seal formula by which a method is transmitted. Those who obtain these teachings can ascend beyond the Great Dao, fly up to pay homage to the Mysterious Origin, the source of the Dao, and deliver departed souls in a short time.”

Among methods for cultivating Daoist arts are techniques that can bring dry bones back to life, bring spirits such as the City God and the local land deity under one’s command, and make wind, rain, thunder, and lightning obey. Those who practice the Daoist arts should first learn how to subdue and ward off demonic disturbances. There are ten kinds of demonic disturbance, described below. Students should study them deeply and avoid being tested and obstructed by such disturbances, so that their Daoist arts may be perfected. Those who receive these methods should keep them secret.

Distinguishing and Subduing the Ten Kinds of Demonic Disturbance

The ten kinds are: heavenly demons, earthly demons, human demons, ghost demons, spirit demons, yang demons, yin demons, illness demons, monstrous demons, and environmental demons.

Heavenly demons: Those who cultivate in the mountains and forests may be thrown off course by demonic disturbances if even the slightest impurity enters their thoughts, making it impossible to perfect the true Dao. Why is this so? When cultivating the Great Elixir, or when entering stillness to perform ritual methods, one may sometimes see apparitions in the form of shapes and shadows, canopies, banners and flowers, strange fragrances, or auspicious clouds. One may also hear celestial music. These are all tests posed by heavenly demons. In such circumstances, burn incense and wear the Inner Text of the Three Sovereigns and the Jade Talisman for Dispelling Demons of the Five Emperors, placing them before the altar table. With the left hand, form the hand seal at the middle section of the middle finger. With the right hand, hold the Great Demon Seal of the Five Emperors. Visualize yourself transforming into the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, then direct the seal toward the apparition. The demonic disturbance will retreat.

Earthly demons: Practitioners of Daoist arts may be tested by earthly demons if their intentions are improper while transforming the spirit, pacing the Dipper (following prescribed steps through the astral positions), writing talismans, or chanting over water. For example, doubts may arise during visualization; the mind may become scattered while pacing the Dipper, forming hand seals, writing talismans, or reciting incantations. One may see a shape or shadow but be unable to identify it, or be unable to communicate with it after it possesses someone. It may even resist Daoist arts or defile sacred writings. These things are not caused by an evil ghost taking possession; they are tests posed by earthly demons. Recite and burn the Incantation of the True King of Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean, Guardian Spirit of the Five Directions.

Human demons: All practitioners of Daoist arts will encounter human demons. Someone may withdraw to a mountain retreat, write talismans, recite incantations, form hand seals, and prepare to perform a ritual, only to find their thoughts suddenly straying. They may also be disrupted by foul or clamorous speech, the cries of chickens and dogs, women, Buddhist monks or nuns, or ordinary people. This can unsettle the mind, disturb the ritual body, corrupt one’s visualization, and render talismanic water ineffective. These are all tests posed by human demons. Place the Seal That Unites the Hundred Spirits on the altar. Quickly write the four characters meaning “Bind and Restrain the Demonic Spirits,” then stamp them with the seal and burn them in the incense. At the same time, form the zi and hai hand seals with the left and right hands (Daoist ritual gestures) and recite “the three grades of the demon king’s tones.” The demonic disturbance will then retreat.

Demonic Spirits: When practitioners of ritual arts enter the countryside and set up an altar at a place where corpses lie buried, even a slight error in their thoughts may cause them to have many dreams at night. Their house may echo with hollow sounds; birds and beasts may appear in strange forms, and insects and snakes may display uncanny signs. These forces disrupt the orthodox rites and recklessly damage the sacred altar. Such disturbances are trials posed by demonic spirits. Place the “Seal of the Pure and Bright Dharma Lord” on the altar, stamp the four characters “Primordial Beginning, Pacify and Protect” onto a sheet, and post it around the altar. Then recite the two sections of the Numinous Book of Pure Brightness, and the demonic spirits will withdraw.

Divine Demons: When practitioners of ritual arts destroy temples while dispelling evil, a single thought of reckless arrogance can often expose them to trials from divine demons. These demons may appear in visible form, throw stones, sigh, weep, or manifest various uncanny signs. They may also steal the altar’s offerings and implements, elixirs, and secret writings, troubling and harassing practitioners without end. Such disturbances are trials posed by divine demons. Wear the “Solemn Restraint” and “Northern Fengdu” seals on your elbows, and summon the assembled perfected beings of the Mysterious Pattern—that is, the various perfected deities revered in Daoism—to restrain them. Then write the eight characters “The Divine Lord Receives the Mandate to Sweep Away All Ill Omens” and post them on all four sides of the altar. Next, burn the “Hidden Tabular Writ of the Thirty-Two Heavens,” a secret talismanic text associated with the Thirty-Two Heavens, in front of the room to send the divine demons away, and they will withdraw.

Yang Demons: When practitioners of ritual arts are about to cultivate inner practices and save beings from life and death, if their thoughts are insincere, desires may arise in profusion and take hold in the heart; right and wrong may also become confused. This is a trial posed by Yang demons. They should set their thoughts straight, silently recite “Heavenly Worthy Who Subdues Demons and Extinguishes Evil” nine times, and click their teeth three times. They should write the eight characters “The Qi of the Eight Radiances, Mingled in Mystery,” burn the writing and consume it, then wear the “Jade Script for Controlling Demons in the Five Directions,” used to subdue demonic obstructions in the five directions. They should recite the “Incantation for Controlling Demons in the Five Directions” and perform the “Astral Pace of Turning the Dipper and Treading the Ji Lodge,” a ritual step pattern following the positions of the Northern Dipper and the Ji constellation. The Yang demons will then withdraw. These methods are found in the Pure Brightness tradition.

Yin Demons: When practitioners living in the mountains study secret writings and practice visualization, even a slight deviation in their thoughts may lead them to hear mournful songs across the wilderness. A cold wind may suddenly rise, and their minds and spirits may be thrown into deluded confusion. When they go out on the road, they may also encounter monks or nuns, provoking a sense of disgust and impurity that disrupts their numinous light. Such disturbances are trials posed by Yin demons. They should click their teeth seven times, make the hand sign for the Horse position, and visualize the Qi of the Mysterious Origin infusing the whole body. They should consume the eight-character text “The Five Elders Open the Way; the Host of Immortals Escort the Chariot,” stamp it with the “Great Seal of the Five Emperors and Demons,” and wear the “Jade Register of the Five Offices of Tongchu.” They should recite the lower section of the Numinous Book and burn the text of “Dragon Script and Phoenix Qi,” and the Yin demons will then withdraw.

Illness Demons: If a single thought of a practitioner of ritual arts goes astray, the body’s Four Great Elements will fall out of harmony, and food…

Improper eating and drinking, and failure to regulate oneself against cold and heat, can easily bring about many illnesses and also harm one’s cultivation. This is a sign that demons and obstacles are taking the opportunity to test the cultivator. One should place the “Five Demon-Quelling Talismans” (five talismans used to dispel demonic obstacles) in the room, use the “Great Demon Seal of the Five Emperors” (a Daoist ritual seal), recite two sections of the Numinous Book of Pure Brightness, ingest the “Qi of the Mysterious Union of the Eight Radiances” (the qi of the Eight Radiances in Daoist inner cultivation), chant the eight characters “Entering the Mysterious Mystery,” and wear the “Pure Brightness Talisman for Prolonging Life.” Then recite the Chapter of the Jade Calendar of the Primordial Cavern, click the teeth to gather and contain the spirit, repent of one’s transgressions, burn incense and read aloud the cloud slips and sections from the precious registers, and summon the Yin and Yang deities. When the two deities harmonize and unite, the demonic obstacles will withdraw on their own.

So-called demons and spirits often appear in mountains and forests. Whenever someone enters a quiet chamber to cultivate, an unsteady mind can easily attract foxes, mountain spirits, stone monsters, and other uncanny beings. They may take on alluring forms to entice a person to spend the night and provide them with food; at times, they may also sing seductive verses or manifest their bodies. Those who cultivate the Great Way must be especially cautious. They should make their resolve firm as gold and stone, recite the Three Chapters of the Demon Kings, form hand seals with their fingers, perform in sequence the “Hand Seal of the Flying Heavenly Kings of the Ten Directions,” and direct the “Seal of the Heavenly Treasure Lord” upon the demons. Then they should burn the “Great Demon Talismans of the Five Emperors” before the chamber, burn incense and take their seat, and read aloud the Words of the Three Caverns of the Numinous Treasure. The demons will then retreat and not return. The effect is especially strong if one also sets up a jiao (a ritual offering of food for the spirits) for them.

So-called demons of perception arise when, during cultivation, one sees various things on the road or elsewhere and thoughts of greed, delusion, and the like spring up; or when one hears harmful sounds or sees improper sights. Such experiences count as trials by demons of perception even when they occur inside the chamber. In these circumstances, one should correct one’s thoughts and visualize the divine beings, allowing the mind to contain the true qi of the Great Void, clear and open within and without, untouched by external things. Visualize a precious pearl in empty space, its light shining across the Ten Directions, with beings from the Ten Directions coming to pay homage. Then swallow the secret taboo names of the various heavens, recite the Precious Scripture of Pure Brightness once, and wear the “Seal of the Nine Elders of the Upper Clarity for Subduing Demons.” The demonic obstacles will then retreat.

Wisdom Spirit-Mantra of the Dao Lord of the Mysterious Origin in the Golden Palace, for Destroying Ninety-Six Heterodox Paths and One Hundred and Eighty Heavenly Demons

The disorderly qi between Heaven and Earth gives rise to all kinds of evil spirits. One should regularly use the orthodox Way to dispel evil influences.

First, visualize oneself as having no recorder of merits and faults, with all dharmas empty and beyond grasping or successive discrimination. Take the real state as one. Flying demons and spirits know where they abide, and one also truly understands the provisional existence and emptiness of skillful means. The nature of dharmas and the nature of principle are serene and ever-present, without coming or going.

First, know the real; second, know the demonic obstacles; third, remove the marks of attachment; fourth, distinguish and discern emptiness.

“Primordial, flourishing, beneficial, steadfast: evil cannot violate the upright. At the approach of the troops, fighters, and warriors, all take their places in formation before us.”

“Urgently, in accordance with the law!” is a common closing phrase in Daoist talismans and incantations. It means that the command must be carried out at once, like a decree.

To perform this rite, first click the teeth together twelve times, then silently recite the incantation as many times as desired. The demons brought under command will immediately give rise to good thoughts and come together to bow before the ritual seat. To destroy them completely, recite the incantation repeatedly; the remaining demons will flee of their own accord and be destroyed by its power.

Incantation of the True King of Divine Empyrean for Subduing Demons and Guarding the Spirits

East:

True deities such as Xiao Ren, Fusang, Fangzhu, Yuluo, and Yuanhuang gather the cloud Qi and make the nine rays shine brightly. They take in three essences, raise the weapons of Heaven, and wield their swords, as the divine tiger drives away evil. The Great Emperor Anyang commands the assembled demons, sending them up into the Divine Empyrean, where they cleanse their forms in the Celestial River.

South:

The heat of Qi becomes drifting smoke and rosy clouds, turning and rising to reveal the image of Red Brightness. The Primordial Sage of Long Life dwells high in Jade Capital and sends down the harmonious, subtle power of the Dao, spreading it through the realms of the netherworld. Primordial Heaven issues a magnificent decree to save and protect all living beings. It dispels the trials brought by the Zhen demons, sends the fire bells racing forth, and guards the righteous Qi so that it endures through countless kalpas.

West:

Pure, bright light, golden radiance, and the light of the Morning Star merge together. The vast, wondrous teachings spread, setting in motion the laws that govern Heaven and Earth. Radiance shines in overlapping splendor, transforming and leaping into the ten directions; the seven passes are pacified, and Yin-Yang is brought back into harmony. The sweeping tide of primordial Qi surges in abundance, bringing me good fortune. Jade writings are spread abroad in proclamation, so that the Supreme Dao may flourish for ages to come.

North:

The deities Taiyin, Shuodan, and others connect above with the Emperor Lords, spreading their radiance and transforming their forms in the realm of Jade Void. They assist in guarding the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), consulting the charts and registers of the Primordial Beginning. True talismans shine forth, and names are entered in the registers of Pure Capital. When a name is recorded in the Golden Registers—lists that record immortals, merits, and transgressions in Daoism—past karmic grievances and sins are erased. The body and spirit ascend to the Azure Heavens and rise beyond to the Great Void.

Center:

The Primordial Void Emperor is the ancestral deity of the center and dwells there through the Virtue of Earth. The three primordial Qi penetrate the mystery, thereby opening the Great Void. Through seven turns and eight transformations, the swirling Qi of mixture gives birth to the myriad spirits and opens Heaven and Earth. The rite is performed on an auspicious day, and all the heavens and realms honor it. May protection be granted through the years of the kalpa, bringing people blessings without end.

Talisman of the Celestial Emperor for Summoning Lord Han and Sima to Subdue Demons

The text in parentheses is recited alongside the talisman rite. Its words and directional markers are arranged in alternating sequence:

“The heavens answer one another from afar; the myriad emperors perform their rites.”

“The assembled demons are bound in body; ghosts, monsters, and spirits lose their power.”

“Let withered bones rise again and the dead return to life; let white bones once more take human form.”

“Elder Lord Han comes from the Kan direction, bearing a talisman and register, and arrives above the Xun direction, summoning and subduing the demons of the ten directions.”

“The deities in the Mao and You directions subdue and command the earth spirits; the Kun direction protects against the intrusion of every kind of calamity.”

“The spirits guard the gates; in the Zi and Hai directions, all wandering souls and suffering spirits may be reborn.”

The final words, “the four fingers, upper, middle, lower, and…” are incomplete and appear to introduce further instructions about the fingers or the directions used in forming the hand seal.

The “Jie Talisman” (Jie Fu) states: “The Heavenly Emperor Lord summons and commands all the heavens; all arrive together and obey the jade edict.” This talisman uses Hunyuan Qi; it is written in yellow on a green silk base, completed in seal script at the zi hour on a jiazi day, and then affixed with the Jade Character Seal. It is worn on the practitioner’s body; if used for liandu of the yin corpse—the ritual of salvation and refining for the deceased—it is worn over the center of the chest, and one silently petitions Lord Han (Han Jun), asking him to descend, oversee, and deliver the deceased.

Demon-Subduing Talisman by which the Heavenly Emperor Lord (Tianhuang Jun) Summons the Divine Kings of the Ten Directions

The text in the talisman includes: “Shi Qing,” “Fuli,” “Penetrating Radiance,” “Great Void,” “inner taboo names of the demon kings and hidden names of the hundred spirits,” “Directors of Destiny, Registers, Merit, and Killing, restore the corpse and raise the dead,” “Flying Celestial Divine Kings subdue demons and unite with the numinous,” “Hun and Shen clarified and rectified, the ten thousand Qi long endure,” “Qi enters the mystery of mysteries,” and “patrol the twelve offices; all Perfected oversee the deliverance and preserve their original years.” When writing the talisman, gather the written characters into the middle finger, then from the middle finger into the palm, and finally blow Qi and snap the fingers.

This talisman is written in white on a red silk base, completed at the yin hour on a gengshen day, and affixed with the Eight Majestic Dragon Script Seal. It is worn on the practitioner’s body. When summoning the Divine Kings of the Ten Directions, form hand seals and summon them according to their respective directions.

Demon-Subduing Talisman by which the Earth Emperor Lord (Dihuang Jun) Summons the Great Demons of the Three Realms

The text in the talisman includes: “Great Demons of the Five Emperors, ancestors of the ten thousand spirits,” “self-styled He Shuang, with merit equal to all the heavens,” “Golden Perfected, bright and dense,” “supporting the ten thousand immortals,” “the Supreme Dao is invincible and subdues all demons,” “ancestor of the Great Dao, entering nonbeing from being,” “pivot of the Supreme Dao, entering being from nonbeing,” and “I am the High King in my station, governing all demons.”

This talisman is written in plain white on a green silk base, completed in seal script at the wu hour on a liuding day, and affixed with a seal. It is worn on the body. Whenever one flies the spirit to audience with the Emperor—visualizing the spirit deity ascending to heaven to have audience with the Emperor Lord—one need only recite “Great Demons of the Three Realms,” and one will not be obstructed at the Heavenly Gate.

Demon-Subduing Talisman by which the Earth Emperor Lord Summons the Stars and Xuanji of the Three Realms

The extant talisman text begins: “Hundong Chiwen Laowu; the Supreme Perfected of Non-Non opens the way; the Greatly Moving Brahma Qi circulates through the ten directions; the Three Officials and Nine Bureaus; the Twelve River Sources; the Three Officials and Beifeng clearly inspect the ghost camps; the Golden Horse post route; all spirits alike listen.” Here “Beifeng” refers to the divine offices of the north associated with ghosts, spirits, and the underworld; the “Three Officials” are the Heaven Official, Earth Official, and Water Official in Daoism.

The Mao, Chen, and Si sectors are each assigned talismanic phrases: “Mixed Returning Wind,” “Heaven and Earth Open and Flow,” and “Blowing and Plucking,” respectively. The Mao sector is also marked “Act on an Auspicious Day,” and the Chen sector “The Ancestral Earth Dwells at the Center.”

For the talisman on the right, write the characters in vermilion on yellow silk, then inscribe and seal it at the Chen hour on a Bing day among the six Bing days. Wear it on your person. It can be used to avert disasters and dispel misfortune, and to summon the stars in every direction.

Human Sovereign Lord’s Talisman for Binding Demons and Spirits

At the Li position, write: “Red Spirit, Venerable God, Commander of the Divine Cinnabar Heaven.” At the Kan position, write: “A thousand harmonies and ten thousand unions; naturally, the true is realized.” At the Qian position, write: “Taiyi, Controller of Fate; Taokang joins and extends life.” At the Kun position, write: “The eight gates open above; all the hundred gods are brought together.” In the center and at the middle finger, write: “Bind and send away the essences of demons; behead the sharp points of the six ghosts. The Qi of all the heavens surges vast; my Dao flourishes more with each passing day.”

For the talisman on the right, write the characters in black on white silk, then inscribe and seal it at the You hour on a Xin day among the six Xin days. Wear it on your person. It can be used to awe and subdue the hordes of demons.

Human Sovereign Lord’s Talisman for Escaping Death and Returning to Life

At the Mao position, write: “Nine True Ones of Great Clarity; gather radiance in the realm of the spirits.” At the Kan position, write: “Red characters of the Nine Yin; spread their light to make life shine.” At the Chen position, write: “The essence’s brilliance flashes and blazes; the yellow origin of primordial chaos.” At the Si position, write: “Flying blossoms transform into jade; the tiger roars and the dragon sings.” At the You and Li positions, write: “The mysterious truth of the myriad emperors commands the celestial patterns; escape death and extend life; receive transformation and live again.”

For the talisman on the right, write the characters in vermilion on blue-green silk, then inscribe and seal it at the Zi hour on a Ren or Gui day. Wear it on your person. It can help people live longer and increase their allotted years.

All the talismanic writings above come from the Lower Section of the Celestial Emperor. To foresee good or ill fortune, write the talisman in cinnabar, with each side measuring three cun, place it in clear water, and swallow it. Then lie quietly, and you will be able to foresee what is to come. While taking the talisman, recite the Incantations of the Five Directions’ Demon-Dissolving Kings every day.

Incantation of the Eastern Azure Emperor, Demon-Dissolving King

The cavern’s radiance nourishes the original essence; Azure Splendor opens the Great Brightness. Spread and nourish the Qi of the Nine Heavens; begin to bring forth and present the peerless hero. Support Yang Qi; regulate and direct its course. The Cinnabar Grove gathers; it governs and gathers the true spirits. Clouds accumulate in the sky; the first radiance appears. Above, Yulei emerges in bright rosy clouds. At dawn, spiritual light shines forth, arrayed and encircling. Guard and nourish the body and soul. Transform and blend, joining with the wondrous scene of the Mystery. Through benevolent wisdom, eliminate the hordes of demons. Recite it ten thousand times, and your Dao practice will have advanced beyond the ordinary. Once your achievement is complete, you should write the characters of Highest Clarity.

Incantation of the Southern Red Emperor, Demon-Dissolving King

The Three Qi—the primordial energies of Heaven, Earth, and humanity—gather; mist fills the numinous gate. In the bright, pure emptiness, the radiance of Jade Cinnabar shines. In Zhuling dwells the imperial True One; splendid cloud chariots race through the sky. He commands the myriad realms, nurtures and transforms them, and surpasses thousands upon thousands. He holds the registers in his hands and examines the ledgers. The cavernous writings unfold; the divine chapters are proclaimed. Knots are untied, and the roots of calamity are dispersed.

Molten gold can destroy wicked thoughts. Those resolved to perfect this Way cannot be held back by the trials of demonic obstacles.

May people pass through the trials of the netherworld and enjoy peace and happiness forever, through ages without end.

Incantation of the Western White Emperor for Dispelling Demons

The numinous Qi of the west circles and revolves, moving through seven circuits. Taiwei is remote and deep, its luminous splendor flourishing in abundance. Baiyuan is my divine spirit; the True Emperor rides the rosy clouds, pure and bright. The radiance of the Three Primes shines together, clearly exposing and dispelling every kind of evil spirit.

Gather the sounds and sustain the Qi of utmost harmony. Golden essence nourishes the Three Fields (the body’s three sites of cultivation); cultivate and nourish embryonic breathing, making it firm as jade. Precious light shines upon the jade tower; demonic essence must be destroyed. The trials of demonic obstacles sink beneath the earth. Riding a swift carriage, proceed in peace to the lofty celestial lodge, where you travel side by side with the Immortals of the Most High.

Incantation of the Northern Black Emperor for Dispelling Demons

The dark Qi of the north is like the blossoms of the Three Refined Ones; clouds envelop the dwelling of the Most High Purple Emperor. It governs primordial Qi and presides over the hidden pivot of the netherworld; it brings forth transformation and lays out the wondrous order of the spiritual realm. Below, it commands the essence of the Xu and Wei lunar lodges; precious Qi nourishes the Palace of Heavenly Origin.

The great spirit, wondrous and penetrating, stands guard throughout the body’s hundred passes, swiftly destroying the trials of demonic obstacles. Calamities can never intrude. The Great Dao protects body and mind, keeping one safe and sound and one’s lifespan undiminished. After enduring ten thousand tribulations, one still enjoys the celestial gathering; by day, one ascends to immortality in a cloud chariot.

Incantation of the Central Yellow Emperor for Dispelling Demons

All blends and transforms, returning to the profound wonder of balanced harmony. The Primordial Emperor governs the sovereign lords and true spirits. The True Elder seals himself within the Yellow Gate, turns his divine chariot, and joins with the wondrous Qi. Rounded, unified radiance fills the vast heavens; together with the Jade-Firm Lord, it gathers numinous fluids and protects the physical form.

Jade-like radiance surrounds the embryonic immortal, and morning light illuminates a clear, pure scene. Demonic obstacles and calamities vanish of themselves. The Great Dao protects without end, restoring youth. The Qi of the Five Directions converges as one Qi, and one rides the clouds upward to the celestial capital among the clouds.

Awe-Inspiring Power to Restrain and Command

Awe-inspiring power can regulate the ordinances of Heaven; virtue can subdue and command the earthly spirits.

With the middle finger of the right hand, silently recite “Numinous Writ” three times within the finger, then draw the corresponding talisman.

Sweeping Away All Ill Omens

The Divine Lord receives the command to sweep away all ill omens everywhere.

With the middle finger of the right hand, silently recite the “Hidden Names of the Thirty-Two Heavens” within the finger, then draw the corresponding talisman.

Mysterious Union

The auspicious radiance of the eight directions joins in subtle mystery; the breath enters the realm of the profoundest mystery.

With the middle finger of the right hand, recite the “Three Chapters of the Demon Kings” within the finger, then draw the corresponding talisman.

Opening the Way for the Immortals

The Five Elders open the road, and the assembled Immortals escort the carriage forward.

Recite in turn at the hours of Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, and Hai, from “The Three Officials of Northern Feng” to “The Golden-Horse Courier Route,” drawing the corresponding talismans.