《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 2

The teacher said that there are seven methods of cultivation and application. First, to perceive the hundred deities (dongshi bailing, “seeing the hundred numinous beings”). Second, to pay homage to the Northern Dipper and Southern Dipper, thereby removing names from the register of the dead and entering them in the register of the living. This is what is meant by saying, “The Northern Dipper governs death, and the Southern Dipper governs life.” Third, to pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (chaoyuan, “paying homage to the Origin”). Fourth, to send out spirit manifestations to handle affairs. Fifth, to establish a residence in the celestial offices. Sixth, to deliver one’s distant ancestors, allowing them to dwell in the Southern Palace. Seventh, to choose the right moment to answer a summons from the mysterious realm.

Swallowing Jade Tablets and Perceiving Hidden Texts

The teacher said that the nine grades of scripture in the three principal divisions of the Shangqing tradition are divided into four supplementary collections and comprise ten thousand texts. Only parts of the Lingbao tradition’s three tiers of scriptures have been transmitted; among them, the divine scriptures chiefly aim to save the dying and sustain the living. Those who serve the true Dao are often diligent at first but later fail to persevere. This is because worldly habits obscure the mind, the six forms of wisdom cannot fully function, and the six demons of the heavens lead people astray. They give rise to all kinds of deluded thoughts and bring about many transformations, preventing people from fully understanding the Daoist teachings.

Among the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen), the highest grade is called Dongzhen. It explains how ordinary people can cultivate themselves into perfected beings, bringing body and spirit into accord. Once they have succeeded, their eyes can see perfected beings, and their body and mind accord with the Dao. The middle and lower grades are called Dongxuan and Dongshen. They are the foundation of the myriad methods and the source of the six supernatural powers.

Thus, the Celestial Worthy realized the Dao through the Dao-eye and wisdom-eye, while perfected beings settled body and mind through the Dharma-eye and compassionate eye. With these eyes, they could look upon the three realms as clearly as an object in the palm of the hand. The Celestial Worthy established methods of cultivation to explain inner contemplation. External cultivation includes penetrating vision, which gives expression to the eye of Dao-wisdom. Such vision can see through things and perceive them at a distance, giving expression to the eye of Dharma-compassion.

Therefore, those who study the methods of the Three Caverns must, when cultivating Dongzhen, first see a perfected being before they can become perfected. When cultivating Dongshen, they must see a divine perfected being with their own eyes before they can communicate with the divine and become immortals. All the myriad methods of the Three Caverns require one first to understand their principles; only then can one communicate with the divine and bring spirits down into oneself.

As for the methods of Dongshen, Dongyuan, Dongling, the Eight Histories of the Great Cavern, the Six Ding Spirit Flight, the Six Jia, and the Radiant Cavern Contemplation, they too establish methods for communicating with the divine and opening the faculty of sight. If men are engrossed in sexual desire, women harbor improper thoughts, the six faculties are impure, and one’s original essence is depleted, how could one cultivate oneself into a Cavern...

When the spirit (here meaning a person’s original spirit) is purely Yang, immortals do not remain hidden; when it is purely Yin, ghosts appear in bodily form. This is the true method transmitted in secret, and the most fundamental content of a volume of Jade Writings (talismanic documents recording secret methods). After a hundred days of practice, traces of true immortals will appear. Once seen, they may be commanded or summoned, as may the perfected beings of Heaven. When merit is complete and the conditions are right, one can ascend in broad daylight.

To summon the true spirits and make them manifest by means of the Three Caverns (the Daoist classification of scriptures), one must have this volume of Jade Writings. Without it, even performing magical rites is futile, and one will never fully understand the principles involved. In the past, this method was not passed down to later generations. Now that the Lingbao teachings are widespread, ghosts and malign spirits that emerge from the shadows can be made visible by this method, so they can no longer hide themselves and delude Daoist practitioners.

The Jade Writings record the inner taboos and hidden names of the Highest Perfected (immortals of the highest rank). The method must be used according to its rules; only then can one complete the cultivation of a perfected immortal within the prescribed time. Those who transmit or receive this method must choose a day such as one of the Three Primal Days, one of the Ten Days of the Zhi, or one of the Eight Festival Days. They must bring two jade tablets, nine liang of fine gold, a thousand feet of white silk, and money worth one hundred thousand as tokens of their pledge, and swear an oath before the Three Officials (divine administrators of Heaven, Earth, and Water). When the master transmits the method, both parties must swear to keep faith. If the master recklessly discloses the heavenly treasure, they will suffer the punishment of wind blades. The disciple, after practicing, will achieve nothing and lose twelve years from their allotted lifespan. The required offerings should be adjusted to suit the recipient’s means; one must not choose the wrong person. Disclosing the secret method to someone unfit to receive it, or transmitting it to someone without the Dao, brings the same punishment.

The Inner Sounds of the Jade Characters of Heaven and Earth

The words in parentheses below are the inner sounds (secretly transmitted recitations) that accompany the talismans:

“Truth within the center, joined to Qi at the Jade Capital; Taihua Yuande, the wheel turning without cease; Qiu Hong Miaole; Yuanluo Huangling; sound and radiance; Qingdu Yuanshi, the Kun Dao taking form; made by the peaks and foothills, Yucheng Huanglei, creation without end; Yellow Center governs Qi, the source of all wonders; sound of Lei.”

Both talismans above are written within the creases of the middle finger. After writing them, swallow the two talismans to summon the divine parents of Yin and Yang Qi.

The Inner Sounds of the Jade Characters of the Sun and Moon

The inner taboo name of the Sun and Moon Emperor is: “Yaodao Zhizheng Hui Tiao General Liang Gaoqian Shuang.”

The Inner Sounds of the Sovereign of Heaven

“Wandering amid rosy mists, chanting the verses of the Cavern; Primal Lord of Jiazi, White-Silk Sovereign of Heaven; soul and Qi, primal mystery, released to ride the embryo immortal; six turns, six directions, eight reaches, mysterious darkness.”

Follow the order of the text when applying the pigments, to form the Qian text (a talismanic inscription symbolizing Heaven).

The Inner Sounds of the Sovereign of Earth

“Vast and primordial, boundless and without light; Earth Sovereign of Jiashen, all Qi cut off from the true; Primal Lord of Yellow Silk, Ninefold Splendor and Primal Yang; six turns, Bayuan, numinous radiance, Qi comes to life.”

“Inner Incantation of the Human Sovereign Lord” (the Human Sovereign Lord’s inner secret words)

(Formless and shadowless, without limit or end; Primal Lord of the Jiayin year, Mysterious Dawn of the Taiwei Palace.)

(Purple Plain Human Sovereign, Azure Heaven of Chaos; six turns penetrate the hidden depths, Kamo Brahma’s wisdom.)

Write these words stroke by stroke on “Kun script.”

Incantation for Taking the Talisman

Heaven and Earth, the Human Sovereign, and the Three Plain Primal Lords: please untie my knots and remove all obstructions; open the blocked Gate of Death. Drive away what is evil and improper, dispel corpse Qi, and make my heart and Shen peaceful and still.

Taboo Names of the Five Planets (the Five Planets’ concealed taboo sigils)

Hidden Taboo Names of the Three Heavens (the Three Heavens’ secret taboo sigils)

(Yuqing’s Beginning Azure, Mysterious Origin condensed; Shangqing’s Yuyu, vast and indistinct, descends and takes form; Taiqing, Great Red.)

(Flaming currents, rising crystals.) Inhale the yellow and white breaths of “Mysterious Origin, Beginning Azure,” and write the sigil in cinnabar on yellow paper.

(The broad Earth bears all things impartially and takes form in Jade Void.) Mao. (The Five Peaks are like the Earth’s chariot, reaching upward to the dwelling of the Heavenly Emperor.) Chen.

(Ancestral soil of the nine strata of Earth, the Three Qi penetrate the Origin.) Yin. Inhale the yellow and purple breaths of the Nine Earths, and write in cinnabar.

(Thousands of spirits transform and subdue the host of demons.) You. (The Primordial Sovereign’s array of perfected beings condenses cloud buds.) Center.

(The inner image of Central Yellow responds, transforms, and appears.) Chen. Inhale the Nine Qi of the East, and write in cinnabar.

Incantation for Taking the Talisman

The Primal Father joins with the female; the Mysterious Mother returns to the male. Heaven and Earth mingle, and the human way abides between them. May the jade talisman protect my life and make the Qi of my five viscera bright and abundant, my ears and eyes clear. May my Dao practice flourish and advance freely. With all urgency, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

Inner Taboo Names of the Three Perfected Ones

Taboo name of the Perfected One of Great Unity: (Dense arrays, pure and shimmering, held without a mirror; born through the transformations of the primordial aeon, the Shangqing formula.)

Taboo name of the Perfected One of the Great Beginning: (A Tuo Long Luo, firm and flourishing, clear in its source; the Four Symbols call out in unison, the Yuqing formula.)

Taboo name of the Perfected Immortal and Perfected Person: (Flowing Luo, Brahma’s sprout, floating Luo joined with Shen; cypress void, crossing over to immortality, the Taiqing formula.)

Inhale the Qi of the Three Heavens and write the sigils.

Inner Taboo Name of the Supreme Emperor

(Spirit’s gate entwined and bound, true Origin disperses into purity.) Zi text. (The Imperial Way holds luminous Qi; crystal nurtures the soul and the vast framework.)

(Announcement, peace.) Wu. (Hidden within the cave, empty within the cave; the celestial palace’s cave opens to subtlety.) You. Place the sigil in the mouth.

Inhale the Qi of Zi, Wu, and the central palace, then complete the writing.

Incantation for Taking the Talisman

The Great One upholds the commands bestowed at the beginning of Primordial Heaven. The numinous perfected immortals protect life, while the Three Emperors oversee the reception. They cause breath to flow through the Mysterious Pass—the body’s passage through which Qi circulates—nourish and refine the ethereal and corporeal souls, and bring the soul and spirit to radiant vitality. By ingesting talismanic Qi and joining with the talismans and registers, one can perceive and communicate with the myriad numinous beings.

Urgently, in accordance with the Law!

The Secret Names of the Seven Luminaries (the Seven Luminaries are the Sun, Moon, and the five planets—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth):

Brilliant Yang, ancestor of all Yang; Chen, Great Yin governs transformation, the Vast Emperor governs life; You, bright radiance and golden splendor, Geng and Xin shine through the caverns; You, the luxuriant splendor of Fusang, the nine Qi command splendor; Mao, Shuo Dan, the five Qi; the Elder Origin, transforming form; the Red Emperor’s crimson radiance, the flying Fire Bell; the One Qi Numinous Treasure, Central Yellow initiates the mystery; central, central.

Each day, swallow seven talisman pills to summon the Seven Luminaries. The Sun, Moon, and five planets each have an inner secret name. Form the hand seals and write the talismans according to their respective directions; draw Qi from the corresponding direction and write in its associated color.

Incantation for Ingesting the Talisman:

The East connects with Fusang; the West runs through Xianyang. The Five Phases work together and converge in the center.

Urgently, in accordance with the Law!

The Secret Names of the Six Offices of the Southern Dipper (the Six Offices are the six divine officials of the Southern Dipper):

Ancestor of the Palace of Li; remnant Qi of the Sun’s Yang; the three Qi blaze fiercely; the crimson Heaven shines bright; Venerable Emperor of the Four Luminaries; rising, victorious, and mighty Heaven. Urgently, in accordance with the decree of the Supreme Emperor!

Write the six characters one atop another, forming the pattern of the Li trigram. Write backward from the Wu position to the Zi position, then draw Qi from the south and write with it.

The Inner Secret Names of the Seven Origins of the Northern Dipper (the Seven Origins are the seven stellar lords of the Northern Dipper):

He changes the river, serene and gentle; purple essence, Tuo Hill; carved jade, gleaming and splendid; Ling Bing, Great Marchmount; hidden and subtle, complete with thunder; bright Tuo, An Fu; Brahma and Qin, threaded through the standard. Urgently, in accordance with the decree of the Supreme Emperor!

Write the seven groups of characters one atop another to form the pattern of the Zi position, continuing as far as the Wu position. Use the “picking” hand seal to draw Qi from the Northern Dipper, then write.

Incantation for Ingesting the Talisman:

The Southern Dipper governs the seven celestial measures. It tempers and refines the ethereal and corporeal souls, forging the soul and spirit. It accords with the transformations of the Great Dao, and turns the wheel of the Law to alter the course of Heaven’s mandate. The wheel of the Law revolves among the mysterious celestial signs and can bring the dead back to life.

The Hidden Secret Names of the Inner Consorts and Ladies of the Seven Stars (the Inner Consorts and Ladies of the Seven Stars are goddesses associated with the Seven Luminaries; “hidden secret names” refers to their names transmitted in secret):

Transformed from the Mystery upon Mystery; moved by primordial Qi; responding and adapting without end; washing and refining the ethereal and corporeal souls; revered by the assembled stars; obeyed by the flying heavens; borne swiftly by the wind as messages; responding through the transformations of the Mystery and Origin; stars fly along the courier’s route.

(“Write the seven characters one atop another at the Zi and Hai positions, drawing on the Qi of Kui Xing”: Write the seven characters one atop another in the two places corresponding to Zi and Hai, drawing on the energy of Kui Xing. After writing them this way, swallow seven pills that same day to summon the Seven Consorts.)

The Inner Secret Names of the Divine Tiger’s Divine Officials

The following are the inner secret names of the Divine Tiger’s divine officials—the hidden names used by ritual masters:

Zhuoyun / Qingfu, Yin; Hunyuan / Jueyuan, Chou; Yedu / Banji, center-center;

Yuxuan / Yanhou, Mao; Jiwu / Miaoning, Chen; Jizhong / Kunqing, center; Huangda / Yuanling, Wu.

Seven circuits; Chang, Xun, Kui, Di, Yang, Xin, Gui.

(“Write the seven characters one atop another, drawing on the Qi of the Northeast’s Xuanfan Si”: Write the seven characters one atop another, drawing on the energy of the Xuanfan Si in the northeast.)

Incantation for Swallowing the Talisman

Kui Xing unfurls the Xuanfan, responding to changes without limit; he holds the Azure Statutes in his hand, enabling the souls to be delivered and raised to a higher state.

He makes people soar across the Five Gates, carrying messages swiftly as the wind; the Nine Chou of the Primordial Sovereign cause the Jing and Qi in the Three Dantian to flourish.

Kui and Di examine the fates; Chang and Yan carry out control and restraint; Xun and Yang hold gold and keep faith, reaching an understanding of the mysterious principle.

I govern the Three Realms and direct all things; everything is held in my hands.

The Secret Names of the Three Terraces

The secret names of the Three Terraces, Daoist star deities, are as follows:

Taiqing / Assistant of Destiny; Three Qi / Primordial Lord; Qian is Heaven, Kun is Earth; Ling is humanity, the Central Sovereign’s Qi.

Luo Yin / Yun; the Void Sovereign’s total Qi / the essence and primordial source possess numinous power; the Heavenly Treasure’s wondrous radiance / ultimately ascends to the Great Void. These are bound at the upper section of the four fingers.

The Six Qi bring harmony and well-being / nourish radiance and nurture the soul; the Numinous Treasure brings forth life / the ancestral source of the Supreme Dao. These are bound at the middle section of the four fingers.

The secluded, dense chambers of radiant blossoms / prolong life and deliver the world; the Divine Treasure guards the lineage / the myriad spirits protect and control. These are bound at the lower section of the four fingers.

Incantation for Swallowing the Talisman

The eight radiances of the upper section gather in the womb at the Mud Pill Palace, the inner cultivation site in the head; the eight radiances of the middle section gather in the womb at the Crimson Palace, the inner cultivation site in the heart.

The eight radiances of the lower section loosen the root of the womb; the radiance of the Three Primordials shines upon them, making the Terrace Soul clear and bright.

Hasten according to the statutes and commands.

The Secret Names of the Central Dipper’s Chief Commissioner

The secret names of the Central Dipper’s Chief Commissioner, the presiding deity among the Central Dipper star gods, are as follows:

The Four Radiances circle the pivot of the stars / pouring into the body like the flowing Celestial River; turn the Dipper’s handle, passing the Winnowing Basket star / and return the Five Constants; the Great Mystery / the channel of the Jade Pivot.

The Mysterious Lord / cuts down corpse demons; the Heavenly King wields authority / the Five Emperors command demons; the upright Qi of the Sun in the four directions / cuts off the source and severs death.

Control the Celestial Origin / look back toward Emperor Yao; patrol the Great Void / gaze down and up at the Jade Balance; the Jade Text’s Eight Powers / wherever the upright Qi reaches.

Eight circuits: the Great Kui of the Central Dipper / commands and supervises the myriad spirits.

(“Write the eight characters one atop another on the middle finger; the central character draws on the Qi of the Central Dipper.”)

Secret Names of the Two Origins

When reciting “Root of the Great One,” circle around three times. When reciting “Root of the One,” visualize the Celestial Emperor from afar. Write these five characters in two overlapping layers, using eight strokes in all. With the middle finger, write the talisman characters on the palm while visualizing the central Qi and sunlight, then swallow three talismans.

Incantation for Swallowing the Talisman

Recite: “Great Dipper of the Central Constellation, turn the Dipper and pass through Ji; return and traverse the Five Constants; escape in form through Heaven’s Gate. Great One and Heavenly One, the Two Origins spread apart; the Eight Radiances unite in darkness, commanding fate and Peach Well-being. Quickly, quickly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.”

Secret Names of the Mysterious Woman

When reciting “the Eight Radiances unite in darkness,” visualize Qi entering the realm of the hidden and mysterious. When reciting “Brahma Qi fills the vastness,” visualize the vast Brahma Qi spreading everywhere and all forms unfolding. When reciting “Jade Sounds gather Qi,” visualize jade sounds gathering the breath, while numinous winds collect into clouds of smoke. Then circle around three times and recite “Mysterious Movement Pearl.”

Secret Names for the True Pronunciations of the Three Masters

Recite in order: “True Stability, Light, and Wisdom,” “Great Luo, Wisdom, and Loftiness,” “True Marvelous Flowing Sound, Brahma Radiance,” and “Empty Jade.” Following the movement of the breath, write each character with the middle fingernail. With each character, blow out breath and snap the fingers.

Secret Names of the Four Sages

Silently recite in order the secret names “Lu, Luo, Ji, and [illegible].” Two characters in the source are damaged or unreadable and are therefore left marked as missing.

Nine Sections

Secret Names of the Six Jia

Recite the secret names of the Six Jia spirits, asking them to protect you: “Jiazi, protect my body; Jiaxu, preserve my form; Jiashen, secure my life; Jiawu, guard my soul; Jiachen, suppress my spirit; Jiayin, nurture my true self.” Then recite: “Heaven, Earth, Sun, Moon, Stars, command!”

Secret Names of the Six Ding

Recite the secret names of the Six Ding spirits, asking them to protect you: “Dingchou, extend my lifespan; Dinghai, bind my soul; Dingyou, subdue my po; Dingwei, ward off my calamities; Dingsi, deliver me from danger; Dingmao, deliver me from misfortune.” Then recite: “Yin Qi, clouds, thunder, lightning, rain.”

For each of the six sections above, circle around once. Trace and press the finger mudras, using the mudras of the Twelve Palaces to draw upon the Qi of the Twelve Officials.

Inner Secret Names of the Yang Spirits of the Four Duty Officers

Recite in order: “Ju Zeng,” asking the spirit to preside over the year; “Lu Sheng,” asking the spirit to preside over the month; “Shen Ji,” asking the spirit to preside over the day; and “Rui Yi,” asking the spirit to preside over the hour. Circle around four times for each, then recite “Ming Zhuan, Cha Tan.”

Inner Secret Names of the Yin Spirits of the Four Duty Officers

Recite in order: “Xu Si,” asking the spirit to preside over the year; “Chen Lan,” asking the spirit to preside over the month; and “Fu Yuan,” asking the spirit to preside over the day.

(Using the “Yan Miao / Zhi Shi” formula, circle around the area and recite “Om, Ye, Cha” [the original also contains a missing character or symbol].)

(The Eight Trigrams formula above: Jia is the yang trigram, Ding the yin trigram; write Qi [the Daoist term for vital energy] according to the directions.)

Secret Taboos of the Five Masters (the secret taboo names of five revered masters)

(Prolong life and increase longevity; strengthen Jing and Qi; increase blessings and emoluments; preserve life; strengthen spiritual awareness and calm the mind.)

(Guard the central body and preserve true Qi; refine and nourish the physical form and steady the body.) Circle five times according to the directions of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), in this order: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth.

(The Five Phases formula and the Qi of the five directions.)

Secret Taboos of the Three Generals (the secret taboo names of three divine generals)

(The upper section: the three fields [the upper Dantian]; the middle section: the Eight Scenes; the lower section… [the original is incomplete].)

(The Nine Yang numinous powers.) Circle three times and recite “Xuan, Yuan, Shi.”

Jade Taboos of the Three Paths (jade taboos associated with the Three Paths, the three routes through the underworld in Daoist belief)

(Taixia, Fusang; the Qian position guards below, Fengdu; the Kun position.)

(Elder Lord Han Jun, who delivers people and grants immortality.) Write this on the fingernail of the middle finger.

(Inhale the Qi of the Three Heavens through the nose and hold your breath; while writing, blow and breathe out audibly, three times each.)

Jade Taboos of the Five Sacred Peaks

(Mount Taihua belongs to the Wood office and is governed by the Primordial Lady of the Nine Qi; Mount Heng and Mount Huo belong to the Fire office and are governed by the Primordial Lady of the Three Qi.)

(Mount Jinhua belongs to the Metal Lord and is governed by the Primordial Lady of the Seven Qi; Mount Heng belongs to the Water Emperor and is governed by the Primordial Lady of the Five Qi.)

(Mount Song belongs to the Earth Emperor and is governed by the Primordial Lady of the One Qi.)

(The formula of the five directions and the Qi of the five directions.)

Secret Taboos of the Thunder Gods

“Ou, Xi, [unclear], Gan, Ke; Zha, Nie, [missing character], Om, Lin.”

The eleven attendants recite these eleven words.

(Form the hand seal for the Chen position and recite the incantation: “Thunder One, Thunder Two, Thunder Three, Thunder Four, Thunder Five, the Zi position above”; then write the Qi of the Xun direction.)

General Incantation for Wearing the Talisman

The Inner Consort of the Dark Lady, Yin and Yang joined in harmony; the Three Masters oversee the records and uphold the laws, while the Four Sages command the sharp weapons. The yang spirits of the Six Jia and the yin officials of the Six Ding; the Primordial Lords of the Four Watches and the commanders of the Five Offices. They suppress and command the Three Paths and Five Sufferings, and pacify the Kun realm; Xun and Zhen are thunderbolts that bind and control Yin and Yang. Dui and Qian release radiance; Kan and Li meet in their proper places. Below, they open the gates of the ghosts, wash away worldly grime, and sweep out impurity. They transmit talismans by flight to the immortals, so that a person may travel alone without fear. Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen: whether moving with or against the current, they can command the spirits and Qi.

The master said: Anyone who receives and practices this method should enter a quiet chamber on New Year’s Day and face north, with an incense table set out. Using cinnabar and realgar, write the Inner Taboo of High Mystery on pale yellow paper, following the pattern given earlier. After writing it, bow, place the talisman in a clean box, and make separate secret marks on it. Do not let… [the original ends here]

These talismanic characters are to be taken in sequence according to the sexagenary cycle: on a Jiazi day, take “Three Heavenly Hidden Taboos,” “Jade Characters of Heaven and Earth,” and “Three True Ones’ Inner Taboos”; on a Jiayin day, take the “Seven Luminaries,” the “Northern and Southern Dippers,” and the “Inner Taboos of the Central Dipper of the Three Terraces”; on a Jiachen day, take the “Three Sovereigns’ Inner Taboos,” the “Five Commanders,” the “Three Generals,” the “Two Beginnings,” and the “Three Masters’ Taboos”; on a Jiawu day, take the “Six Jia,” the “Six Ding,” and the “Taboos of the Four Duty Officers”; on a Jiashen day, take the “Divine Tiger,” the “Divine Officials,” the “Mysterious Maiden,” and the “Inner Consort’s Taboos”; on a Jiaxu day, take the “Thunder God’s Inner Taboos.” These names are titles and talismanic characters associated with Daoist deities, stars, or divine generals.

Whenever you are to take a talisman, prepare the night before one of each of the following: incense, fire, a water bowl, a sword, and an Emperor’s Bell, along with washing implements. Set everything out in advance; do not wait until the rite is about to begin to discover that something is missing. Then go to bed. After midnight, but before the hour of the Ox, rise to perform the rite. Straighten your garments and headwear, wash, and enter the quiet chamber, the purified space used for cultivation and ritual. Burn incense and light a candle. Draw one cup of freshly drawn well water and place it before the divine image or sacred altar. Next, set on the table the talisman bearing the inner taboos written on a jade tablet and record each item separately. Then withdraw inside the doorway.

To pay homage to the divine and perfected beings, form the Jade Clarity mudra, a Daoist hand gesture, and walk the ritual steps of pacing the Dipper until you reach the sacred altar. In spring and summer, begin at the star Kui; in autumn and winter, begin at the star Piao. When you reach Kui’s position, offer incense, face the Gate of Heaven, and perform nine bows. After completing the bows, kneel and make a confidential petition, then silently write out one memorial and burn it in the incense burner. Bow again, form the Jade Clarity mudra with both hands, face north, and pray over the water according to the method given below. Then take the talisman.

Confidential Petition to the Divine

In accordance with the divine seats of the current year, month, day, and hour, I, your disciple, of the [surname] family, respectfully burn incense, take refuge, and make this petition:

To the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the High Emperor of Jade, the Great Emperor Ziwei, the sun, moon, and five planets, the Southern Star and Northern Dipper, the Lords of the Three Terraces, the perfected beings of the Three Heavens, the Marshals of the Four Saints, the Five Sacred Peaks and Five Emperors, the Inner Consorts of the Seven Luminaries, the Elder of Nanchang, the Jade Maidens of the Six Ding, the Divine Lords of the Six Jia, the Thunder God, the spirits of the Rain Bureau, the Great Divine Tiger Messenger, the Merit Officers of the Four Duty Periods, the Divine Generals of the Four Duty Periods, the Divine Generals who Survey the Caverns, and the Youths who See Through All Things:

Your disciple respectfully follows the hidden Shangqing writings in the Lingbao Great Method and the Hunyuan Jade Tablets. On every Six Jia day, I observe purification and take the inner taboos, hidden names, and jade characters of the High Perfected, seeking the power of insight, the ability to command the divine and immortal beings, and the power to pursue and capture souls. I humbly ask all the divine and perfected beings to extend your compassionate protection and not punish me for any offense I may commit, but to permit me to take these substances and cultivate. Today is a Jiazi day. In accordance with the rite, your disciple respectfully swallows the hidden taboo of the High Perfected’s [name] jade character and beseeches you to send down pure Dao Qi to infuse me.

Using the Dharma Eye, make yourself able to see all spirits clearly and command a thousand perfected beings. Call upon the Six Jia from the left and summon the Six Ding from the right—the Daoist guardian generals. Sitting in the center, you can then summon the divine officials, foresee events before they happen, and move freely through water and fire. I sincerely pray that Heaven will grant its grace; my gratitude is beyond measure.

When the prayer is complete, burn the silent petition—the written text used for silent prayer—in the incense burner, then bow nine times. Next, make the Five Peaks hand sign, holding it at the position of the Central Peak, and offer incense. With the right hand, take the water incense and raise it above your head. With the left hand, ring the Emperor’s Bell seven times; with the right, pour water seven times into the cup, reciting the incantation each time.

Incantation for Pouring Water to the Northern Dipper

Numinous Kui-Gang, sacred Kui-Gang: when confronted with evil forces, be sure to obey the command and subdue them.

Recite this incantation seven times. Then draw in seven breaths of Qi from the north and blow them into the water. Next, make the Five Peaks hand sign and hold the cup of water and the sword. Recite the following incantation.

Great One’s Divine Incantation

I respectfully summon the perfected immortals of Great Yi and Great Beginning, together with all the perfected immortals and perfected beings. You correspond above to the heavenly positions: the Six Ding are the divine generals on the left, and the Six Jia are the military generals on the right. Receive Heaven’s heart on my behalf and save all living spirits. The Great One’s Divine Incantation is like a wheel of southern fire; it can dispel evil and cure illness. By taking water and performing this rite, obey the command and subdue them.

When the incantation is complete, visualize the sun entering the water and revolving within it. Recite the incantation seven times, then draw in one breath each of Qi from the south and the north, and blow them into the water. Hold the cup of water in both hands, raise it above your head, and recite the incantation.

Incantation of Qianyuan

Qianyuan: flourishing, beneficial, steadfast. The sun and moon shine with the same radiance as I do. May the numinous spring enter the five viscera and six bowels, bringing them peace. May I ascend on wings alongside the immortals and pay homage to Shangqing, the Daoist heaven.

Recite this incantation seven times, draw in seven breaths of Qi from the Gate of Heaven, and blow them into the water. Then set down the cup. Starting from the Zi position, move both hands in sequence and sprinkle the water according to the method given earlier. Continue around the twelve earthly-branch positions, reciting the following incantation.

Incantation for the Five Peaks to Guard the Body

May the Five Peaks guard the body, born together with Heaven and Earth. May the sun and moon move in accord with the Five Phases. The perfected beings throughout the heavenly circuit, their jade names clear and distinct, each send down true Qi to infuse the root. May the spirit become clear and the breath fresh and vigorous, penetrating the profound and mysterious depths. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Bow once more and stand upright, holding the talisman and register. Examine the characters written on it one by one; with each character, draw in Qi and swallow it.

Method for Drawing in Qi

I respectfully follow the Great Method: whenever a day of the Six Jia arrives, take in the Qi of all perfected beings.

To take in the Qi of Heaven, face upward toward the Qian direction, the northwest, and inhale.

To take in the Qi of Earth, bend forward toward the Kun direction, the southwest, and inhale.

To take in the Qi of the sun, face east and inhale.

To take in the Qi of the moon: the original text ends here.

Absorb the Qi of the Western Five Stars (Qi of the five directions, five breaths in each); absorb the Brahmic Qi of the Three Sovereigns (Qi of the directions Zi, Shen, and Yin, three breaths each); absorb the Qi of the Southern Dipper (Qi of the south, six breaths), the Northern Dipper (Qi of the north, seven breaths), and the Three Terraces (Qi above the Kui star of the Northern Dipper, three breaths).

Absorb the Inner Qi (vital energy) of the Three Heavens' True Concealment (Qi of the Gate of Heaven, three breaths); absorb the Qi of the Three Masters Who Deliver My Spirit (Qi of the northwest, three breaths); absorb the Wondrous Qi that Sustains the Body of the Five Sacred Peaks (Qi of the five directions, five breaths in each); absorb the Qi That Governs All Three Paths (Qi of the south and of the northern Yin Gate, six breaths).

Absorb the Gentle True Qi of the Six Ding (Qi of the directions where the Ding decade lies, one breath at each place); absorb the Martial Qi of the Six Jia (Qi of the directions where the Jia decade lies, one breath at each place); absorb the Divine Transforming Qi of Taiyi (Qi of Taiyi's Yin direction, two breaths); and absorb the Seven Yin True Qi of the Divine Tiger (Qi of the northwest).

Absorb the Upright Qi Governed by the Four Pillars (Qi of the directions ruling the year, month, day, and hour, one breath at each); absorb the True Generative Qi of Shangdi (Qi of the Gate of Heaven, three breaths); absorb the Qi of the Inner Refinement of the Three Primes (Qi of the Gate of Heaven, three breaths); absorb the True Qi of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Woman (Qi of the southwest, three breaths); and absorb the Qi of the Cloud, Thunder, and Rain Ministry (Qi of the Xun direction, eleven breaths).

After the absorption of Qi is complete, recite the incantation: Heaven covers me, and Earth bears me up; the Southern Star and the Northern Dipper become my garments. I hide my body within the Three Realms, at the center of the Great Void. Heavenly stems cannot assail me, and earthly branches cannot harm me. Heaven and Earth cannot see my form, the sun and moon cannot see my appearance, and ghosts and spirits cannot see my body. I fly through the vast emptiness and move in and out of the netherworld. Against the thousand evils and ten thousand monsters, and against the calamities of those who oppose the Great Dao, whoever dares to block me shall die, and whoever meets me shall be destroyed. Swiftly, swiftly, as the statute commands; act as ordered.

Once the incantation is finished, gather Qi from the ten directions, form the Ten Stems Seal (a hand gesture), and flick the Qi into water. Then face the Gate of Heaven, visualize oneself becoming Yuanshi Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning), and silently recite the hidden talismanic names inscribed on the jade tablet (the secret symbols on the tablet). Take the jade tablet with the left hand and swallow it together with water; drink three mouthfuls of water, then spray the remaining water toward the Gate of Heaven.

After swallowing the talisman, take the seven characters from the Divine Tiger jade tablet and hold them in the left hand. With the right hand, form the Five Peaks and Three Paths Seal (a hand gesture), press it to the position of the Central Peak, and hold it there while reciting the incantation: Command the transformation of the Yuli Po Star, descend the True Qi in flight, and enter the body of this disciple. Swiftly, swiftly…

After the incantation is finished, inhale one mouthful each of the qi of the five directions. Visualize the Lady of the Seven Yin (Qīyīn Fūrén) descending with mysterious light-qi and entering the water. With the left hand, toss the jade tablet (a jade talisman tablet used in ritual) into the mouth; with the right hand, take up the water and swallow it. Then draw in the remaining water and spray it toward the Ghost Gate (the gate through which spirits and ghosts were believed to enter and leave, the point toward which the rite is directed), and shout the command: "Seize!" Then bow again and withdraw.

Next, set down the water sword and no longer use it. Inhale once more the qi of the Ghost Gate, hold the breath, and sit upright in a quiet chamber facing south to practice the Yuanshi Inner Observation method (Yuánshǐ Nèiguān Fǎ).

Seal of the Three Paths and Five Peaks (Sāntú Wǔyuè Yìn)

To form the Five Peaks Seal, raise the little fingers and ring fingers of both hands, with palms facing upward, and cross the hands. Hook the middle fingers of the two hands together. Hook the little finger of each hand around the ring finger of the other. Straighten the middle fingers, and press the thumbs against the centers of the middle fingers.

Yuanshi Inner Observation (Yuánshǐ Nèiguān)

The master said: to practice this method, sit upright in a quiet chamber facing south, burn incense, and place a mirror in front of you. Inhale one breath of the Ghost Gate qi and blow it into the mirror. Then close the door and sit upright to practice Yuanshi Inner Observation.

First gather the trigram qi, then visualize the five viscera. The heart is like a lotus bud just opening, its color that of red on white silk. The lungs are like a canopy, white as white silk. The liver is like a golden bell with eight petals, located on the left side, its color purple on white silk. The gallbladder is like a string of pearls, its color blue-green on white silk. The spleen is like an inverted plate, its color yellow and purple on white silk. Below the spleen lies the Great Granary (Tàicāng, the place where the spleen and stomach reside), which is yellow. The kidneys belong to "one and six" and are located in front of the stomach and behind the navel, which is to say, in the Dantian (dāntián, the inner region below the navel). Within the Dantian are five colors: yellow at the center, extending one inch and two fen. Then arrange them according to the trigrams, so that the true cinnabar color appears.

Diagram of Inner Observation

On yang days, first form one yang line with thirty-six breaths (one breath being one inhalation and exhalation). Six such lines make up the Qian hexagram. Then add twenty-four breaths, causing the yang lines to transform into yin lines. Six lines so formed make up the Kun hexagram.

On yin days, first form one yin line with twenty-four breaths. Six such lines make up the Kun hexagram. Then add thirty-six breaths, causing the yin lines to transform into yang lines. Six lines so changed make up the Qian hexagram.

On yang days, first form the Kun hexagram, then add breath that transforms it into Kun. On yin days, first form the Kun hexagram, then add breath that transforms it into Qian.

Another Method

After gathering and settling the mind-spirit, begin from the right side and draw in breath upward for thirty-six breaths, following the procedure for yang days. Then begin from the left side and circulate for twenty-four breaths. (The original text is garbled at this point, so its meaning is not fully clear.)

Spirit Deity Contemplation Methods

The inner Spirit Deity first circulates to the right on yin days, silently counting twenty-four breaths. Once its numinous form appears, it circulates to the left, silently counting thirty-six breaths.

Method of Contemplating the Qi Hexagrams on Yang Days

On yang days, inhale through the nose for thirty-six breaths and send the qi into the lower Dantian (the energy center below the navel), visualizing it becoming a single yang line. Repeat this six times, thirty-six breaths each time, to form the Qian (Heaven) hexagram. Then generate the lines from bottom to top, drawing a yin line from the top.

Next, inhale through the nose for twenty-four breaths and visualize the changes of each line in sequence on the left side of the Qian hexagram, forming six hexagrams. The first line forms Tian Feng Gou (Heaven over Wind), the second Tian Shan Dun (Heaven over Mountain), the third Tian Di Pi (Heaven over Earth), the fourth Feng Di Guan (Wind over Earth), the fifth Shan Di Bo (Mountain over Earth), and the sixth the Kun (Earth) hexagram.

Method of Contemplating the Qi Hexagrams on Yin Days

On yin days, inhale through the nose for twenty-four breaths and send the qi into the Dantian, visualizing a single yin line. Do this twelve times, twenty-four breaths each time, to form the Kun hexagram, generating the lines from top to bottom.

Then inhale through the nose for thirty-six breaths to produce a single yang line, forming a hexagram that lies between Qian and Kun. The lines run as follows: the first is Shan Di Bo, the second Feng Di Guan, the third Tian Di Pi, the fourth Tian Shan Dun, the fifth Tian Feng Gou, and the sixth Qian.

After this, follow the earlier method to visualize the Kun hexagram again, but without inhaling. Instead, swallow saliva from the bottom up twenty-four times, gulping it down in six mouthfuls, so that the fluid generates a single yang line from below. The lines then run: Fu (Return), Lin (Approach), Tai (Peace), Da Zhuang (Great Invigoration), Guai (Breakthrough), and Qian.

Once these steps are complete, clear the mind and quiet the thoughts, then hold the breath briefly to steady the spirit. Next, move the breath, alternating circulation and guiding exercises two or three times so that the upper and lower qi connect. Finally, regulate the breathing to complete the contemplation method.

Clear Vision of the Hundred Spirits

The master says: before practicing this method, silently pray to the hundred spirits. After the ritual of worshipping the true spirits ends, look into the mirror to observe the true forms that appear. Then, facing the mirror, summon the Heavenly Deities, Earth Spirits, Jade Maidens, Jade Youths, Gongcao (merit officers), and Fuli (talisman clerks) to attend you. First recite the incantation, wash the ears and eyes with consecrated water, and then perform forward and backward clear-sight.

Azure Mystery Consecrated Water Incantation

I respectfully invite the Azure Maiden and the Numinous True Youth, who rise and fall according to my primal destiny. Swiftly, swiftly, as ordered by the Celestial Venerable of Azure Mystery!

This method requires forming the Yuqing (Jade Clarity) seal, facing east, and reciting the incantation nine times over the water surface. Inhale nine breaths of eastern qi, then flick the water with the seal gesture. Afterward, form the Yuqing seal again and use the middle finger to wash the ears and eyes.

Incantation for Washing Ears and Eyes

The Qingtong (Azure Youth) receives this order and descends to assist me, enabling me to communicate with the spirits, divine matters and people, sense the numinous light, and gather information.

When the incantation is finished, move close to the mirror and look.

Great Incantation of the Numinous Treasure Jade Mirror

Lingbao Yuqing Dongxuan Mirror Incantation (Língbǎo Yùqīng Dòngxuán Jìng Zhòu)

Prepare the two colors, red and black, and grind them carefully. Use them to write the incantation "Wà Là Língbǎo Xīngshēng Zhuǎndú Lìqiānkě" (mystic syllables).

"Hán Shèng Gōng Dū Yuàn Xīngshēng Zhuǎndú Lìqiānkě, Hán Míng Gōng Dū Chéng." (mystic syllables)

"Qiējiǎo zhèng jù hún shè gōng dū jù hún shè zhào bā fāng jié jí shǐzhě, tiānshén, dìzhī (earth spirits), shǐ wàn líng yītóng guīlái huìhé." Recite: "The Heavenly Emperor commands the harmonizing of Heaven and Earth, and commands their gathering in."

The method is as follows. First, form the Santu Wuyue jue (the Three Paths and Five Peaks hand-seal, a Daoist mudra) with both hands, then recite the incantation and draw in the qi of the five directions, blowing it into the mirror. Next, blow toward the Ghost Gate, inhale, and then blow toward the southeast. Recite again, draw in the qi of the southeast, and blow it into the mirror. Then blow toward the Heavenly Gate, recite, draw in the qi of the Heavenly Gate, and blow it into the mirror. The incantation reads:

"Respectfully we invite the great spirits of the Eight Trigrams (Bagua): Qián, Kǎn, Gèn, Zhèn, Xùn, Lí, Kūn, and Duì. Gather the lawless evil ghosts of the eight directions, cause them to enter my mirror and manifest their forms. Gather them swiftly, swiftly!"

The method may also be performed another way. With a brush, begin at the Qián position and proceed in order through to the Duì position, touching each direction once, eight touches in all. Draw in the qi of each direction and blow it into the mirror. In this way one observes the ghosts of the Three Realms and the hundred spirits of the ten directions, and all of them manifest their forms. For matters one does not know, close the eyes briefly, blow qi into the mirror, then close the eyes again, and one will see. Reciting this method daily allows one to illuminate all ghosts and demons so that they cannot conceal their true forms.

Recite again: "Xīngshēng zhuǎndú lìqiānkě, Hán Míng gōng dū chéng; qiējiǎo zhèng jù hún shè, gōng dū jù hún shè."

After the recitation, draw in the qi of the eight directions and blow it into the mirror. Practiced day after day, the method requires no further exertion: the shenqi (divine qi) arrives on its own and reveals things.

The thirty-two heavens and their thirty-two heavenly emperors each have hidden taboo names and titles. Within the heavens lie the empty, natural numinous registers, along with the hidden sounds and rhythms of the heavens, the venerable gods, heavenly spirits, great demons, and numinous officers. Through the nine harmonies and ten unions, one transforms and ascends into Shangqing (Upper Clarity). The profound mysteries contained therein are immeasurable and cannot be fully explained. The divine perfected are dispersed and descend to deliver heavenly beings and all living things. Today, joyfully celebrating the matter of receiving salvation, one passes through the barriers of the heavens and petitions for the eradication of the three evil paths, the severing of the roots of the hells, and the flight beyond the five gates, so that one's name is entered in the register of Taixuan (Supreme Mystery). The Demon King oversees and carries out these orders, and the Heavenly Gate does not obstruct them. The Eastern Dipper is responsible for adding to one's lifespan, the Western Dipper for recording names in the registers, the Northern Dipper for governing death, and the Southern Dipper for governing birth. The Central Dipper, the Great Chief, supervises all the numinous beings. The Azure Emperor protects the hun (ethereal soul), the White Emperor guards the po (corporeal soul), the Red Emperor nourishes the yuanqi (primordial qi), the Black Emperor keeps the blood flowing freely, and the Yellow Emperor dwells at the center and governs the myriad spirits, without...

The five Demon Kings, namely Ba Yuanchou Bo, Demon King of the Azure Heaven; Fu Tian Dan Shi, Demon King of the Red Heaven; Fan Shan Liu Mu, Demon King of the White Heaven; Jian Chou Lang Fu, Demon King of the Black Heaven; and Heng Tian Dan Li, Demon King of the Yellow Heaven, are the Great Demons of the Five Emperors and the progenitors of the myriad spirits. They fly like wind stirred by drums, command the ghost soldiers, direct the banners, drums, and rhythmic signals, and roam through the vast void.

They call themselves "Brilliant and Resplendent," and their merits are equal to those of the heavens. When Heaven delivers the people of the world, they strictly restrain the Northern Fengdu (the netherworld that governs ghosts and spirits). The Divine Lords receive orders to sweep away all inauspiciousness everywhere. The Eight Majesties exhale poisonous vapors, fierce steeds spread across all four sides, and the heavenly troops clear the way ahead. The Grand Marshal holds a banner and hurls fire, and the flowing bells fly ten thousand li, shaking the eight directions. Whoever dares to obstruct them is first struck down by the Highest Perfected with the golden axe, and then the ghosts and demons are executed and dismembered. Wind and fire never cease, and countless thousands are beheaded and cut down. Demons cannot encroach, and ghosts cannot work their mischief.

The Three Officials (Sanguan) and the Northern Fengdu examine the ghost camps closely, and none may be concealed. The Golden Horse Relay Stations (the divine post stations that transmit orders) shall proclaim this decree without limit. All the myriad spirits must obey, and the Five Emperors of the Three Realms must also submit their memorials. This is the urgent decree of Shangqing (Highest Clarity), issued in accordance with the statutes of Yuanshi Tianzun and Taishang Daojun.

The procedure for the above technique is to face the Heavenly Gate and recite the incantation. After inhaling, exhale toward the ten directions. Recite it once more, draw in the qi of the ten directions, and blow it into the mirror.

Incantation for Summoning Spirits into the Mirror:

Heaven and earth rise and fall, and the two qi blend together. The yin and yang qi unite with the light of the sun and moon. I now summon the numinous spirits who can perceive all things. Whether they are gods of heaven or earth, of the yin realm or the yang realm, let them follow my precious mirror and appear at once in their true forms within it.

The procedure for the above technique is to form the Qian-Kun seal (qiankun jue) with the fingers, face east and recite the incantation, then inhale one breath each of the qi of the southeast and the northwest and blow it toward the place to be observed. This is called "blowing with the Upper Mysterious Qi" (shangxuan qi chui zhi).

Incantation for Cutting the Mirror to Behold the Heavenly Spirits:

From where may I observe the heavenly spirits in the mirror? Yin and yang are in harmony, and I follow the Heavenly Emperor's command and dispatch. Your disciple practices the methods of Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) and beholds the summoning power of the Divine Lord, the Red Emperor of the Wudong. The Three Primes each return into the mirror, the sun and moon turn according to my intention, and the officers of the spirits in the assembly (some say the heavenly and earthly spirits) manifest swiftly as my mind directs.

The procedure for the above technique is to inhale toward the southeast and blow toward the place to be observed.

Method for Hastening Clear Sight:

First, write the jade characters of the Middle Section and swallow them. If the sight is still unclear, write the names of the Thirty-Two Heavens and swallow them as well. Also recite one fascicle of the Huangting Neijing (Scripture of the Inner Landscape of the Yellow Court) morning and evening. Each day, morning and evening, sit in a dark corner of a quiet chamber, place the second fingers of both hands on the eyes, and rub around the eyes in turn toward the four directions, nine times in each direction.

The incantation reads:

Divine light unfolds and separates into clouds of three colors, crimson, clear, and purple. The three vapors circle and turn, guarding your bodily root (shengen) and penetrating everywhere with full illumination.

You will see the hundred spirits and perceive the myriad gods. The child (tongzi, a visualized or summoned spirit) in your pupils clearly discerns the worthy and the true. If you can make contact with the spirits, you may travel together through Shangqing (Highest Clarity, a Daoist celestial realm). Quickly, quickly, as the statute commands!

When the above incantation is finished, rub the eyes and eyebrows with the hands, nine times each.

Method of Shifting the Scene and Penetrating Light

Divine light, divine light, shine and see in the eight directions. Above, it reaches the sun and moon; below, it pierces the cold regions; it shines universally toward east, south, west, and north over all the myriad regions. Heavenly gods, perfected beings, the scenery of immortal realms, mountains, rivers, seas, and the sources of rivers, as well as ghosts and things of the dark abyss: wherever the three lights shine, nothing can hide. Divine light is like a mirror, gathering and reflecting all things, and even the smallest hair's breadth is not obstructed. Quickly, quickly, as the Shangqing Three Realms statute commands!

Method above: visualize the sun in the east, the moon in the west, and the Big Dipper in the north. Recite the incantation once and breathe vital energy onto a mirror. Alternatively, first smear sesame oil on the palm, then raise your intention and look.

Ruyi Incantation (Wish-Fulfilling Incantation)

▲▲ Pay homage to Taishang (Supreme High) and command the true form to appear.

When the spirit you intend to summon has not yet arrived, or the child has not yet descended, first recite the incantation. With the left hand, trace from Mao (east, one of the twelve earthly branch positions) to Wu (south), form the seal, and hold it. Call out: "Spirit generals, come swiftly to audience at the Origin!" Then inhale the vital energy of the south three times, so that the child can watch from this point. If a divine person arrives, they will manifest their form together. Then recite:

[stray character omitted] Bestowing the correct method, the myriad numinous powers all gather together.

When you summon a child spirit but bystanders do not believe, quietly blow breath into that person's household, and the children of the family will all see it appear.

Precious Mirror of Illuminating Subtle Spirits

Hong Xing (Mao, east), Mo Hei (Li, south), Mo Zhen (Dui, west), Wa La (Chou, northeast), Lingbao (center), Xing Sheng Zhuan (Chen, southeast), Du Li Qian (Mao, east), Ke Han Ming (Yin, east-northeast), Gong Du Cheng (press with two fingers below the big fingernail), Qie Jiao Zheng (press with two fingers at the middle of the big finger), Ju Hun She (the fire finger pressed at the middle of the middle finger), Gong Du Ju Hun She.

Swift messengers of the eight directions, heavenly gods and earth spirits, and all the numinous powers, come together. Unite with the Heavenly Emperor's sun, and unite with the commands of heaven and earth to summon and gather.

Method above: face the Gate of Ghosts (the traditional exit of the netherworld) and recite the incantation once. Breathe the vital energy of the eight directions onto the banner, letting it hang down naturally. Do this three times. First form the Three Paths and Five Sufferings seal (a hand seal associated with the netherworld and the realms of suffering), recite the incantation, and breathe the vital energy of the southeast onto the mirror. Then, starting from Qian (northwest), use a brush to mark eight dots, and recite:

Respectfully invoking the Great Spirits of the Eight Trigrams (Bagua): Qian, Kan, Gen, Zhen, Xun, Li, Kun, and Dui. We ask that you descend swiftly.

The method above is to draw in the qi (vital breath) of the eight directions and blow it outward, so that a thousand eyes look together and sun and moon jointly protect the rite. In this way one need not strain the shen (spirit) or the breath, and the beings summoned will appear of their own accord.

Xianxing Zhou (Incantation for Manifesting Form)

Respectfully petitioning the Left Mysterious Perfected (Zuo Xuan Zhenren) and the Right Mysterious Perfected (You Xuan Zhenren) of the Supreme Great Luo Heaven (Wushang Daluo Tian): hear the summons of your disciple, shine upon the golden crystal, and open the jade gate (the portal through which spirits appear). Gather and manifest, in a certain place, the soul of a departed one (jianwang hun, a spirit being delivered through rites), and cause it to appear swiftly.

The method above is as follows. With the middle finger, perform one working within the incantation. Draw in the qi of the north and blow it onto water. Hold a mouthful of water and spray it toward the Gate of Ghosts (guimen). Visualize inhaling the breath, then blow it onto the banner (fan). Afterward, chant the incantation without allowing the summoned being to hide, reciting it thirty-six times in all.

Yijing Tongguang (Moving the Scene and Penetrating the Light)

By the edict of the Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi lüling), the Lord of the Dao (Daojun) sends down a decree summoning the Youths of Sunlight, Moonlight, Starlight, Dongyang, and Kaiming to turn the three lights of sun, moon, and stars together with the Mysterious Dipper (Xuandou), the power of the Northern Dipper constellation. The mysterious essences of sun and moon transform into six penetrating spirit lights that illuminate the ten directions, all the myriad scenes, and the perfected beings, and move them to appear before you. Through this, one may divine human affairs and inquire into matters, so that events not yet revealed in the future become accessible, and spirits may be sensed and summoned to manifest.

The method above is as follows. Draw one breath from the three lights and blow it onto a brush, or draw a talisman in the palm with a finger. With the brush, write in cinnabar; with the finger, write in sesame oil. After blowing the breath, chant the incantation, draw in the qi, and blow again, repeating this three times. If you see a single flash of fire, take it as a sign that the light can pierce the hidden realm and reveal events that have not yet occurred.

Xiancao Anju Dongxuan Baojian (Precious Mirror of the Dongxuan Bureau of Immortal Archives)

Grind red apricot ink (hongxing mo), black ink, and the numinous treasure of "zhen wa la" (the text's term, literally "true socks and wax"). (This is ritual terminology, and the original does not explain its specific meaning.)

While reciting the incantation, use the left hand to write the mind-seal of the original master (benshi xinyin) in the air, and use the right hand to make a gathering gesture toward the air, drawing the talisman into the palm. Draw in the qi of the five directions and blow it out seven times. Repeat this method three times, until you see the colors blue, yellow, and white. Then recite:

"Respectfully petitioning: may the Descent-of-Truth and Summoning-Spirit talismans (jiangzhen zhaoling fu) swiftly descend. Let true qi come down, and let the light obey the decree."

Draw in the qi of the Heavenly Gate and blow it out until the two talismans, Descent-of-Truth and Summoning-Spirit, appear in the palm in a cinnabar red. Then recite:

"Divine wind drums and blows; the character 'wang' (king) jingles and gleams."

Blow the qi toward the southeast until you see the two talismans sway. Then recite:

"Respectfully petitioning: Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern, and Central Opening-Dao Youths, descend swiftly together with me."

Then take the qi of the five directions and blow it out. After the breath, visualize the five Jade Youths appearing, and then, following the method, summon, pursue, and invite each one in turn to descend.

The Lingbao Dongxuan Zhao (Illumination of the Lingbao Dongxuan Scripture), also called "Summoning the Spirits into the Mirror," says: Heaven and earth send down spiritual qi, and sun and moon join their light. "In heaven above and earth below, so-and-so, at such-and-such a place, manifest your form, swiftly, swiftly, as the statute commands." Then, as before, take the qi of heaven and earth and blow it forth.

Formula for Swiftly Delivering the Dead

The Master says that whenever one sets up an altar and performs rites to subdue ghosts and evil influences, the chief aim must be that both the dead and the living receive benefit. First, one must break open the hells on behalf of the departed souls.

Spell for Breaking the Prison

The Supreme Mysterious Primordial Lord, Taishang Daojun (Grand Lord of the Dao), taught me to perform the talismanic method to illuminate and break open the netherworld prisons, so that souls suffering punishment may be freed from the dark realm, swiftly, swiftly, as the statute commands.

The above spell comes from the Jiuqing Fanchang Jing (Scripture of the Nine Clarities' Pure Chanting). Face the gate of heaven and recite it nine times in secret. After breathing toward the departed soul, the spirit is able to leave its suffering. Next, perform water refining and fire refining.

Water Refining Spell

What has withered flourishes again, and what has perished is revived. The souls are born in heaven and receive the teaching of the Supreme Spirit. They pass through the calamities of the nine heavens and return to the state of an infant. Defilement and the burden of sin are dissolved, and they are reborn in the light of day.

In the rite, prepare a vessel of clear water and face north, knocking the teeth nine times. Visualize three Jade Youths and seven Jade Maidens. Hold saliva in the mouth seven times, recite the spell seven times, and then sprinkle the water over the departed soul.

Fire Refining Spell

Sunlight and moonlight linger and shine upon the Cavern of Yang. Flowing fire enters the vessel and refines the yin qi. Corpse-pollution dissipates and the myriad qi come into harmony, so that the departed soul transcends the Five Sufferings and ascends to the heavenly hall.

In the rite, prepare a vessel of fire and face south, knocking the teeth three times. Visualize as described above, exhale three breaths, then blow nine times. Take the True Form of Mount Feng (Fengshan Zhen Xing) and reduce it to ash.

Burning the True Form of Fengdu

The Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord (Yuanshi Tianzun) has issued the sacred decree to subdue demonic evil. I am commissioned to recommend the departed souls, so that each is ranked and led into the Southern Palace (Nangong). When Fengdu is wholly exhausted, the Three Officials (Sanguan) remove punishments and pardon the bonds. The souls are no longer held by evil karma. They receive instruction, are reborn, and are refined according to their rank, until at last they ascend to the Blessed Court (Futing).

After reciting the spell, press the tongue against the upper palate and visualize oneself becoming the Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord. Silently recite the secret phrase once in the heart, visualize golden light filling the mouth, and join the hands in the Yuqing seal. Then scatter the ashes toward the northeast and release the hand seal. The departed soul may then ascend to the Vermilion Palace (Zhu Gong), be refined according to its rank, be reborn, and return to the Blessed Court.