《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 36

To perform rites that summon and command divine generals, the practitioner must first carry out inner cultivation (neilian) and then visualize the spirits. The methods of inner cultivation include Grasping the Seal (wogu), Treading the Dipper (bu dou), and Gathering the Spirit (jushen). One may also write the Jade Tablet talismans and mandates, or activate the Jade Tablet. At times it is necessary to set up the Yin and Yang altars, or to summon the spirits of the dead. In each situation, these inner practices should be performed beforehand and applied flexibly, so that one can communicate with the divine.

At the start of summoning the generals, first purify the mind, mouth, and body as usual. Next, visualize oneself becoming a withered tree, with the left and right hands forming the Jade Clarity formula (Yuqing jue). Within the mind, a fierce flame arises and burns the withered tree to ash. The left hand forms the Noon script (wu wen) and the right hand the Midnight script (zi wen). Then visualize the true fire (zhen huo) in the kidneys at the waist turning like a wheel and meeting the fire of the heart. The Xun wind rises and blows away every trace of the ash.

Click the teeth twelve times. Facing the Gate of Heaven, inhale twelve breaths of the Primordial Qi of the Mixed Origin (hunyuan zu qi), the source Qi of the cosmos, and hold the breath for a moment. Visualize a purple cloud descending from the Gate of Heaven and entering the crown of the head. Then imagine that yellow and white hues wind out from the central palace (zhonggong) at the center of the body and meet the purple cloud. Imagine oneself becoming Yuanshi Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy of Original Beginning), and then imagine Taiyi (a major Daoist deity) coming down from the sky to stand before you, seated on a nine-headed lion throne. Inhale once more, and unite the Azure Mystery Qi (qingxuan zhi qi) within Taiyi's crown with the Qi of the Original Beginning, transforming them into a net of light made of a hundred treasures.

Visualize purple clouds and jade-green mists above the Gate of Heaven. As the vapors disperse, there appear divine clerks, tiger guards, maidens, and talisman officers, who hold tallies in their hands and carry talismans on their arms. The Dharma master then flicks the sleeves and snaps the fingers behind the ears and eyes, next opens the channels of Qi, steps forward to burn incense, and clicks the teeth twelve times. With the tongue pressed against the upper palate, circulate the Huachi (the jade pool, the saliva in the mouth) twice.

Then guide the Qi of the lungs and tread the Dragon-Tiger Ding Step of "Lifting the Soul, Tiger Tracks, and Numinous Gang" for thirteen steps. Join the index and little fingers of both hands, and pinch the middle joint of the middle finger with the thumb. Recite the Secret Incantation of the Numinous Gang That Summons Life:

"Mystic model of the Northern Dipper, who governs death and life. The root of the supreme Dao is bound to the space between breaths. I enact the Jade Tablet and Golden Tiger script, and all the myriad spirits must respectfully listen and obey. If anyone opposes my great Dao, you must strip away his office so that his arts cannot be accomplished. Quickly, as the ordinance of the Lady Ziwei of the Northern Dipper commands, so it shall be executed."

Golden radiance revolves, and the seven balances gather together. The Gang stars fly in steps, and the divine tiger opens the gate of the dark underworld. Turning the heavens...

Constantly tread the Xuan-gang steps (xuán gāng, the pacing steps of the Daoist bugang tadou ritual), turning the body and supporting the infant spirit so that it is settled and returns to clarity and purity. The orchid breath is deep and far-reaching, aiding fullness and illuminating the Imperial Throne.

A-ling chang cheng ming pan zhao, luo he hui qi chen, causing the seven luminaries (qī yào) to gather into one household. Dispersal and gathering both follow their natural course, and the jade blossom appears. Swiftly, swiftly, as the decree of the Great Sage of the Central Dipper.

Visualize, on the right, the spirit-tiger officer following the incense smoke and riding the purple cloud qi into the seal. When the offering is complete, place the talisman seal into a crimson bag.

Turn to face north and recite the incantation:

Om, ju she lu xi rong zha lu [rare character] she.

Form the Dipper seal (dǒu yìn) with the left hand and press it to the chest. Form the sword formula (jiàn jué) with the right hand and rest it on the hip. Visualize oneself becoming the Qingxuan jade form, knock the teeth three times, and call out loudly:

Northern Dipper Xuanfan Office, incense-burning Guanshi Day-Duty Gongcao (gōng cáo), come at once!

Silently recite the secret incantation and visualize the summoning rite proceeding as usual. Once the Gongcao has arrived, say to them: "Carry this precious incense document on my behalf and summon a certain general." (Transmit the document and summon the generals one by one.)

Summoning Incantation:

Golden Gate, bright splendor; Taibai, seven non-[unrendered]; the ancestral qi of Geng and Xin transforms and responds naturally. Summon the qi, call the yin, receive the drifting white subtle origin; spirit and soul fly like stars, and grace returns to the dark netherworld. The myriad spirits obey the command and rush swiftly. Swiftly, swiftly, as the decree of the Inner Perfected Lady; act with speed. Yin Script (yín wén), northern qi.

First Summons:

Officials of the Spirit Tiger Talisman on the Xuantian Jade Tablet: the primordial true crystal unites with the talisman, Taiyi Xuanming reaches the true realm, and in accordance with the rules, pursue souls and seize spirits. Yin and yang open and close; let the myriad spirits listen in stillness. Who would dare not come to serve and guard? Swiftly, swiftly, as the decree of the Great Sage Spirit Tiger.

Second Summons:

Spirit Tiger Jade Tablet Earl-Chief Officials, the Inner Taboo Name of the Spirit Tiger Great Sage's Lady, Soul-Pursuing Envoys, and Soul-Seizing Soldiers and Officers: upon receiving the talisman's command, come immediately at a single call. Proclaim to the Cold Court (the realm of the netherworld) and do not linger. Pursue souls and seize spirits so that forms become visible; the Great Sage of the Spirit Office descends to the assembly. Swiftly, swiftly, as the decree of the Supreme Emperor. Form the Three Palaces formula (sān gōng jué) and circulate the northern qi.

Third Summons:

Great Demons of the Upper Spirit, Great Settled Divine Light: swiftly, swiftly, act in obedience to the command. When the Spirit Tiger arrives, it will be as quick as lightning. Swiftly, swiftly, as the decree of the Supreme Emperor. Form the Zi-Wu Dipper formula (zǐ wǔ dǒu jué) and circulate the Dipper qi.

These three incantations are to be used whenever one burns talismans to summon generals or reads aloud the jade-tablet talismanic dispatches.

General Incantation:

Talismanic script of the Spirit Tiger on the Xuantian Jade Tablet: Yin and Mao, the primordial unity joins; Chen, Taiyi Xuanming; (Si,) pursue souls and seize spirits; Wu, open the yang and open the yin. The myriad spirits respectfully listen and obey; who would dare...

Respectfully summoning the Divine Tiger and the Jade Maidens, together with the Great Sage of the Divine Tiger, the Pursuing-Soul Envoy of the West, and the Soul-Seizing Officers and Troops of the Northwest: heed the command and come swiftly, without delay or lingering. You shall uphold the talismanic mandate and proclaim it within the realm of the netherworld, pursuing and gathering the souls so that their forms and shadows become manifest. Come to the assembly to receive your orders and assist in completing the memorial report. We respectfully request that Yuchen (Jade Dawn, a revered Daoist deity) dispatch a certain general to descend at once. (Perform the Yuqing jue (Jade Clarity Formula) and visualize the qi of the north.)

Performing the Whistling Command Rite

The rite text states that the Three Envoys dwell in Yuanyuan Palace, the chief deities of the Yin Department's capital, who govern the summoning and gathering of Yin qi. The Divine Tiger resides at the head of the Triple Burner (sanjiao), the Seven Jade Maidens dwell within the seven orifices, the Yangyao and Yinling spirits reside beneath the left and right eyes, the two Sages dwell beneath the nostrils, and the Qingleng Xunhun Spirit General dwells in the kidneys. The Divine Tiger envoys and the others all reside within the Huachi (Pool of Flowers, a name for the mind-heart region). The master, using the seven turnings of the spiritual root and regulating the breath, mobilizes the original qi so that it disperses, rises, and transforms, manifesting before the altar. It merges with the Divine Tiger officials of the ritual department and thereafter obeys the master's direction. The master then draws them in with a single breath of qi, and they arrive riding upon the qi.

What is called "whistling the command" means setting in motion the qi of the heart and lungs so that it condenses into yin wind and dark mist, and then sending forth the summons through a loud whistling sound. When the master's intention responds and communicates, the spirits appear in reply, and the spirit officials descend at the sound of the whistle.

Proclaiming the Jade Tablet

Following the preceding ritual, invoke the spirit generals and enter the liturgical procedure, performing the Three Offerings (sanxian li) (the ritual details are found in the Zhai Fa Qi Zhu Men, "Gate of Purification Rite Invocations"). After pouring wine three times, make the following declaration:

"We receive the talismanic mandate and the ordination documents, and shall comply in every respect with the Taishang liturgical methods. In summoning and gathering the souls, we shall likewise follow the instructions of the Mysterious Master. May the divine carriages speed forward and proceed without obstruction. We now present the Taiyi Xuanming Hunyuan Jade Tablet, and we respectfully proclaim it."

Read aloud the jade tablet and proclaim the accompanying official document. Recite the aforementioned incantation once more to consecrate the tablet, and then recite the incantation for dispatching the tablet:

"Lord Taiyi Ziyuan and Tianyi Beizuo: command the Divine Tiger's halberd to fly swiftly and move through its course, and let the Zhaoyao star govern and command all things. Wherever the jade tablet arrives (wherever the Divine Tiger goes), the brilliant essences of the ten directions shall all gather and be absorbed together. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!"

Recite the above incantation seven times, draw in a breath of the qi of the ten directions, and then exhale it.

"The Yuanshi talismanic mandate is addressed in full to the Great Sage Xuanming Jade Maiden: the Yin souls descend, the three hun shall arrive swiftly, and the seven po shall not linger. Yin qi moves swiftly in secret, and yang qi hastens along its way as well. Let the Three Offices and the various departments of Beifeng examine the registers of the dead, so that they may cross the Three Realms and ascend in freedom to the Upper Clarity. Act swiftly, in obedience to the decree of the Primordial Lord Yuanshi!"

With the right hand holding the jade tablet (yuzha, a jade talisman used to convey decrees) and facing north, receive the qi of the north and dispatch the divine generals. Chant the invocation aloud:

"Respectfully announcing to the Divine Tiger Great Sage, the Seven Jade Maidens, the Three Division Envoys, and the Soul-Seizing Ministers Ling Cao (divine clerks who govern the hun and po souls), we ask you to listen carefully. Each of you holds your own office, personally receives the commands of the Heavenly Emperor, governs the seals, upholds the teachings of Taishang (the Most High), and assists in guiding and saving all beings. You command the divine tigers to pursue and seize the souls.

Now, in accordance with the secret methods of the Golden Casket, I receive the hidden decree recorded on the jade tablet. Once a command is issued, it must be carried out without delay. Relying on your spiritual powers and your capacity for transformation, I specially order you to hold the decree and transmit it for execution. May you mount your chariots and ascend into the sky, passing through heaven and descending into the earth, to carry out the commands of the Supreme Mystery (the highest celestial realm), reaching every corner of the Realm of Boundless Divinities. Examine names and search out the souls, and let no one, whether near or far, high or low, obstruct or detain them. Without the slightest delay, summon the wandering souls to come to the altar, make them manifest clearly, and awaken the ignorant, so that they may together arrive at the ritual platform and personally receive heavenly grace. We look up to you to respond with your divine presence and not to delay. The Mysterious Gate's decree is clear: carry it out swiftly!"

Then, stepping the Dipper Steps (tagang bu dou) and entering the Mouth of the Dipper, face southeast and silently recite the Taiyi Ziyuan Jun incantation seven times. Draw in the qi of the southeast, hold water in the mouth, then hold the sword and spray the water outward.

Establish the Yin altar and the Yang altar, and perform the rites according to the ritual procedure.

The procedure for summoning the divine generals is the same as before. Once it is complete, visualize the generals arriving at the altar, and then, in a loud voice, make the following address:

"Now that you, the divine generals, have descended, please listen as I sincerely make my petition. I serve the great teaching and hold a place among the immortal ranks. I am in charge of the work of the Nanchang Initiation and also oversee the duty of pursuing and seizing from the Northern Dipper. Any matter related to this work must be reported in advance.

Some days ago, I received a document submitted by a certain person (read the document aloud in its original wording). The period set for this ritual has now expired, and the Mysterious Gate's ritual work is about to begin. I have memorialized the court several times, hoping through this work to open a path of life for those who have sunk into the netherworld. Therefore, we should establish the Yangyao Altar and the Yinling Altar and summon the souls of the deceased to come forward. I now set up the altar and perform the rites according to the Mysterious Liturgy (the Daoist ritual code), and I respectfully request that you, the divine generals, descend. This work depends entirely on your divine authority and is undertaken specifically to pursue and summon the souls of the dead. May you honor this entrusted charge, greatly revitalize the lineage of our sect, pause your divine radiance for a moment, and accept this modest offering of reverence."

Then, following the liturgy (keyi), perform the Three Offerings (presenting offerings to the deities three times; the detailed ritual texts are found in the Zhaifa Qizhu Men, "Gate of Purification Rite Invocations"), recite scriptures, and read the document aloud.

Next, form the Six Emperors Seal (liuhuang jue) with the left hand and the Yuqing Seal with the right hand. Following the standard procedures for the ritual space, use the middle finger to draw the altar on the ground.

When drawing the Yangyao Altar, chant the Yang Dou Chapter (the Yang Dipper Section):

"Things formed from the five phases will ultimately return to the five phases. (Draw with three fingers.) The four great elements are merely a temporary union; how could they not return to the four great elements? (Draw with five fingers.) The deceased lifts up subtle qi and brightens their spiritual radiance; casting off the physical form, they dwell forever in the grotto-abyss of the flying immortals. (Draw with three fingers.)"

Draw in step with the sequence of the text, chanting and drawing together, until the drawing is complete.

When drawing the Yinling Altar, chant the Yin Dou Chapter (the Yin Dipper Section):

"The Great Yang refines the form, removing the yin to become yang; the yang soul wanders about, while the yin spirit lies hidden. The yin qi condenses, and the yang qi blends in harmony. Although the physical form has perished, the consciousness of the spirit does not scatter, and its subtle responsiveness allows it to pass in and out of the realms of the netherworld and light. Now that the summons has been made, the souls should come to the altar courtyard to attend. (Draw with three fingers.)"

Draw in step with the sequence of the text, chanting and drawing together, until the drawing is complete.

Afterward, draw the Yangyao Altar again and chant the Yang Dou Chapter, drawing with three fingers. Then draw the Yinling Altar again and chant the Yin Dou Chapter, drawing with five fingers.

Thereupon they were sent back into the great void (the boundless, formless emptiness), letting the qi of yin and yang become the root of the operation of heaven and earth.

(Middle of the fourth) Heaven and earth grow dark, and myriad ghosts hide; (upper fourth) heaven and earth tremble, and myriad ghosts scatter in fright. (Middle of the center) Yin and yang move, and shen (spirits) and ghosts are made to pass through. (Lower second) Wandering souls that sense this scene should hurry to my altar. (Middle second) I bestow on you the numinous writ so that you return to Shangqing (Highest Clarity, the celestial realm revered in Daoism). Hasten, hasten, by the statutes of Taiyi Xuanming, seize and gather!

After the drawing is finished, take the qi of the ghost gates and blow it out nine times, then form the mudra (jue).

When drawing the Yin Spirit Altar, chant the "Yin Dou Zhang" (Chapter of the Yin Dipper):

Yin and yang shift and revolve, and calamities of fate follow one another without end; life and death cycle back and forth, so who is foolish and who is wise? The turning has no termination. The transforming power of Shangxuan (the lofty celestial realm described in Daoism), even if it has not transcended the Three Realms, is still governed by subtle transformation.

At the Yin position, [unidentified star name] and [unidentified star name] belong to the Eastern Dipper; at the You position, [unidentified star name] and [unidentified star name] move westward; at the Mao position, [unidentified star name] points south; at the Zi position, [unidentified star name] faces north. Yin spirits wander vast and without refuge, and yang souls drift unsteadily. Heaven and earth grow dark, and myriad ghosts hide. As it turns to Yin, heaven and earth tremble and myriad ghosts scatter. As it turns to Si, yin and yang move and spirits and ghosts pass through. As it turns to the center, Taiyi (the supreme deity) summons: why have they still not come? Whether they arrive early or late, there is a decree that governs it. As it turns to Hai, the edict of Tianyi (the Celestial One) and the northern Spirit Tiger is issued; at Mao, the purple-mystery hun and po of Taiyi appear. Wandering souls that sense the summons should hurry to my altar. At Kun, I bestow on you the numinous writ so that you return to Shangqing. Hasten, hasten, by the statutes of Taiyi Xuanming and the Lady of the Spirit Tiger, seize and gather!

After the drawing is finished, take the qi of the ghost gates and blow it out nine times, then form the mudra. Next, hold a sword and face the two altars while chanting:

The radiance of yang qi returns the hun-souls and no longer bears the destiny of the dead; yin essence gathers the po-souls, restores the corpse, and carries it through calamity. Hasten, hasten, by statute!

The incantation for summoning the souls together to the altar and manifesting their forms:

The embryonic light (the principal soul within the hun) does not grow dim; the bright spirit (the luminous qi of the souls) gives the soul something to rest upon; the hidden essence (the faint, subtle qi of the souls) restores the corpse to life. The corpse-dog removes treachery, the prone corpse removes evil, the sparrow-yin keeps body and mind free of defilement, the swallowing-thief opens the light, and the poisonous flying forces no longer linger. Filth and irregular qi are removed, and the foul lungs no longer stay blocked. The yang soul returns to its original state, and the upright qi of heaven and earth gathers again in your form. This is the essence of Five Phases transformation, which can keep the spirits within the five viscera lastingly at peace.

Yang souls and yin spirits (the masculine ethereal soul and the feminine corporeal soul of a person) have no form that cannot manifest. With each breath in and out, they arrive swiftly and transform into true spirits.

With a single talisman (fu) they are summoned, and the altar space reveals the spirits. Act at once, in accordance with the decree of the Divine Tiger of Supreme Unity and Dark Obscurity (Taiyi Xuanming Shenhu)! Quickly, as the decree commands!

Incantation for Summoning the Sinful Souls of the Netherworld

The Three Treasure Lords of the Yellow Old One (Huanglao Sanbao Jun), venerated Daoist deities, use the celestial Qi above the purple clouds to gather the spirits from the Nine Dark Depths (jiuyou, the deepest realms of the underworld). The underworld is vast and boundless, and all the spirits can transform into natural human beings and are no longer held captive in the hells. They open the gate of light so that they may comprehend the true Dao (zhendao) and naturally be reunited. Quickly, as the decree commands!

From the Inner Scripture of the Seven Perfected of the Divine Tiger (Shenhu Qizhen Neijing)

The lofty immortals within the Myriad Splendor Palace of the Jade Perfected preserve the scriptures of the Celestial Sovereign. The spirits who govern the registers and books observe the Nine Heavens. The Venerable of the Central Origin (Yuan Zhongzun) summons the myriad spirits seven times, and the spirits of the Five Sacred Peaks come together to welcome them. The Azure Dragon on the left looks back to guard, and the Vermilion Bird flaps its wings to disperse the darkness. The three palaces summon the demon kings, and the spirits who keep the records check the documents presented. The White Tiger on the left gives support, and the Black Tortoise loosens the bonds that entangle.

To liberate the dead who have sunk into the deepest springs (the depths of the netherworld), the scripture is inscribed in the immortal records. All the spirits of Upper Clarity (Shangqing) resolve their grievances and release them from their adversaries, and no former resentment fails to dissolve. The entangled grievances of the past seven generations are undone, and the lost and sunken kin of the same blood and essence are returned to the Vermilion Fire Chamber (a celestial realm for rebirth), where they are born anew within the cavern heavens. The hundred spirits guard the divine domain and command the dead to rest in peace. Quickly, as the decree commands!

When this scripture is practiced, it may be used for audience and recitation, to dissolve resentment and attachment, so that the souls of men and women may sever their former bonds and proceed to be reborn in the Pure Land. Recite it once, then seven more times, while stirring the Yin-Yang dipper (yinyang dou) to the left and right.

Ritual for Summoning the Souls to the Altar

After the altar space has been painted as described above, burn the talismans and registers (fulu), such as the Divine Tiger talisman, and, if desired, use other methods as well, to direct the proceedings here. Command the officials to swiftly gather and convene the wandering souls and ghostly spirits, so that they manifest at the altar.

Incantation for Summoning the Souls

The yang spirit returns riding the wind, and the yin spirits follow my soul banner. The souls and spirits receive the summons of the talisman and swiftly arrive at the spirit banner (or altar).

The yang spirit has returned, and the remaining yin spirits come beneath my banner. The Northern Dipper and the Heavenly Marshal Pengs command the Black Tortoise to open the gates of the netherworld, so that the Three Hun souls are not scattered and the Seven Po souls do not decay. By the power of this golden talisman, I summon you to the spirit banner (or altar). May you receive the supreme Great Dao, attain realization, and be enrolled in the ranks of the immortals.

Chant of the Yang Section

All things made of the Five Phases (wuxing) return, in the end, to the Five Phases. (See Painting the Yang to Illuminate the Altar.)

Secret Incantation

The Three Officials and Beifeng (the divine bureau that governs the netherworld) shall clearly inspect the ramparts of the realm of ghosts, and no concealment shall be permitted. Along the post-road of Jinma, proclaim it widely to the boundless realms, and let the myriad spirits all hear and obey. The Five Emperors of the Three Realms shall have their names entered and sent up to Upper Clarity. Quickly, as the Divine Tiger decree commands!

Chant of the Yin Section

Sealed by the talismanic command of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable (Yuanshi Tianzun), the wandering souls are ordered to ascend at their appointed times, to be refined and transformed into immortals. They must not conceal themselves. The souls shall follow the post-road of the Golden Horse Station, transcend the Three Realms, and roam at ease in the Highest Clarity (Shangqing). Swiftly, swiftly, as the Divine Tiger statutes command!

General Petition

In accordance with the Upper Practice of the Dongxuan (Three Caverns) tradition, as transmitted in the Daoist scriptures, the Divine Tiger Spirit Office (the judicial bureau for summoning and detaining the dead) has been established. The rite has been performed for the divine perfected, and the documents have been issued into the Jade Tablets (Daoist decrees). We respectfully invite the Great Sage Envoys, the Jade Maiden officers and troops, the immortal soldiers of the Ministry of Law, and the officials of all bureaus to proceed directly to the Realm of Birth and the Palace of Death, to pass through the borders of the Yin realm and the courts of the Yang, and to thoroughly inspect every office responsible for apprehending the dead, as well as the places of punishment by water, fire, wind, and blades.

Search out and gather the wandering spirits connected with those being memorialized and delivered, ensuring that in the blink of an eye they all appear together within the two altars. We also respectfully ask the Prison Envoys and the Gathering-Souls Officers each to lead their own companies, assembling in good order without clamor, quarreling, or disturbance.

Where there are grudges, debts, or obligations, resolve them according to the particular circumstances, so that the dead may set down their anxieties and turn their hearts around, lest in future lives they still cling to resentment and remain opposed to one another. In this way they may perhaps receive deliverance before the altar, attain the fruit of the Way, and ascend to the immortal realms. This truly depends on your assistance at our side in jointly propagating the teaching of the Xuanyuan (Mysterious Origin). Upon receiving my sincere petition, you must carry out these orders without delay or error, so as not to hinder the opening of the altar for the deliverance of the dead. On the day the work is accomplished, you will be rewarded in accordance with the statutes. Swiftly, as the statutes command!

3. Summoning the Wandering Souls

Following the ritual, set out the banners and the various talismanic commands (fulu), and close the doors of the Divine Tiger Hall. Each day, burn talismans, recite incantations, and issue talismanic dispatches urging the summoning of the wandering souls, ensuring that all of them appear at the altar. Also instruct them to manifest in dreams, so that the signs and responses become clear and evident.

On the day the altar is opened, open the hall doors and summon the souls only within the hall. Following the earlier rite, issue the official dispatch of invitation once more, proceeding in due order.

The Hunyuan Jade Tablets

The Master said: "The Hunyuan Jade Tablets (secret Daoist writings for summoning spirits and delivering the dead) are the sealed tallies used by the Divine Tiger Office of Yuqing, and also the secret decrees by which the Three Sovereigns summoned the gods. They are tablet-texts personally bestowed by the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, containing methods for reviving the remains and rescuing the dead."

After the Taixuan Capital of the Three Heavens (Santian Taixuan Du) in the Han dynasty had charge of the Feixuan methods, the divine writings were left behind in the Bilu Cavern on Dragon-Tiger Mountain. In the Tang dynasty, the Celestial Master Ye Jingneng encountered the Lady Taiyi (Taiyi Yuanjun). The Lady instructed him: "The Mystery Pattern of the Northern Dipper (Beikui) is on Dragon-Tiger Mountain. Whoever obtains it should seek it in the Bilu Cavern to the west, and will then be able to summon souls and invite spirits, causing the dead to ascend to the Highest Clarity. By this divine power one may become the teacher of emperors." Later, Ye Jingneng found it by following the inscription. Moreover…

The Upper Perfected Liu Gen, the immortal Sun Deng, and Celestial Master Liu Gang all encountered such cases. If the practitioner performing the rite has not obtained a "jade tablet" (yuzha), a document used to deliver the dead, the souls of the deceased struggle to gather and are often difficult to liberate. To proceed this way is to collect wealth from the net of sinful karma while planting calamity in the field of merit.

Whenever a petition is to be submitted to the Yin Bureau (the government of the netherworld), one may use white silk three chi six cun or seven chi long and one chi two cun high, or white paper. The reverse of the silk is first coated with vermilion. On the front, the jade tablet and the proclamation are written in cinnabar, and on the reverse the petition is written in ink. Next, in ink, record the names of the persons to be delivered individually, their dates of birth and death, and the persons to whom they are attached, filling these in beneath the talisman of the star that governs each deceased person's life destiny. If the universal deliverance includes a great many people, add only the character deng ("and others") after the names of those delivered individually. The remaining names are written in the register (jiazhang) and attached together with the jade tablet.

The outside of the jade tablet is stamped with the seal reading "Seal of the Lord of the Jade Commander, Great Emperor Taizhang Haohui Mingming." The sealed envelope is made of blue paper, inside and out, and inscribed in cinnabar. Another tradition requires stamping the "Seal of the Overseer of Ghosts and Spirits," wrapping the document in a painted image of the Three Envoys, and sending it together with the guan die (official notification) to be burned in blue smoke. This method may be used only during a Xuantan universal deliverance (a universal salvation rite held on a Daoist altar) and must not be performed casually. Otherwise, the Earth Office will report the offense to the Three Officials (the deities governing heaven, earth, and water), who will memorialize the Supreme Mystery. The practitioner's ritual rank will be stripped, merit will be forfeited, and retribution will come swiftly.

The method of the formula is as follows. When writing, face east and establish the altar of Lady Xuanming. In the left hand, form the Divine Tiger Seal (shenhu jue): join the second and third fingers, press them down with the thumb, turn the thumb backward, and pinch the second joint of the little finger with the thumb. Knock the teeth nine times, then summon and direct the divine generals according to the methods described above. Draw in the qi of the northwest, breathe it into the brush, and then write.

Yang-Day Jade Tablet Dispersal Form

The meaning of the talismanic formula in the text is as follows. By command of the Lord of the Northern Dipper, the Six Jia spirits are urgently summoned. Led by the male Left Pursuing-Soul Clerk, they govern the physical form of the deceased. Holding the jade tablet talisman, the practitioner is sent under command to the nether gloom, where the true essence descends as a single qi so that good and evil can be distinguished. The Star Origin governs the laws of the underworld, and the myriad spirits must all reverently obey. Whether the deceased is guilty or innocent, and regardless of kinship, Lady Black Law gathers the soul and returns it to infant form, bringing it to the altar. The officiant must swiftly apply the numinous method and carry out the command without delay. At the end are formula characters of the type Hua Yuan Yu Bai, and each character is to be given one additional stroke so that it flies swiftly, like a star.

Talismans Belonging to the Seven Stars for Yang Days

Yin-Day Jade Warrant for Scattering the Form (Yin ri yuzha san xing)

The first set of seven talismans is chosen according to the zodiac sign of the deceased. For one born in the Year of the Rat (zi), the first talisman is used. For the Ox (chou) or the Pig (hai), the second is used. For the Tiger (yin) or the Dog (xu), the third is used. For the Rabbit (mao) or the Rooster (you), the fourth is used. For the Dragon (chen) or the Monkey (shen), the fifth is used. For the Snake (si) or the Goat (wei), the sixth is used, and for the Horse (wu), the seventh. Once the talisman has been selected according to the birth sign of the deceased for whom the salvation rite (jiandu) is being performed, it is written out. First, the year, month, day, and hour of the deceased's birth are written in ink beneath the corresponding birth star. If the talisman is used for a funeral or cremation rite, the information may be written in two lines.

The sense of the talisman text is as follows. The officiant respectfully summons the Six Ding Spirits and other generals, and orders them to obey the jade warrant and proceed directly to the passes of the netherworld to receive the departed soul. The Northern Blessing of the Primordial One's Yin-Yang Qi (tianyi beizuo zhi qi) makes the paths of life and death distinct, and the Three Realms dare not disobey, while the Ten Directions all come to receive the soul. Enmities accumulated over countless kalpas should cease upon encountering the talisman. The gods are ordered to listen, so that the wandering soul may return to its original root and be gathered and brought to the ritual altar. The presiding officiant should respond swiftly and efficaciously, and carry out the command without delay. At the end of the talisman, the phrases "cai ying zhao pan lan ding shu" are appended. The original text is damaged here, and some characters are illegible. The talisman stipulates that a single stroke be drawn between each character.

Yin-Day Seven Stars Talisman (Yin ri qixing suoshu fu)

The first talisman corresponds to the Rat (zi), the second to the Ox (chou) and the Pig (hai), the third to the Tiger (yin) and the Dog (xu), the fourth to the Rabbit (mao) and the Rooster (you), the fifth to the Dragon (chen) and the Monkey (shen), the sixth to the Snake (si) and the Goat (wei), and the seventh to the Horse (wu).

The seven talismans above are likewise written beneath the star position corresponding to the zodiac sign of the deceased, in the same manner as before.

Jade Warrant Proclamation (Yuzha xiwen)

The Supreme Primordial Jade Warrant demands the immediate retrieval of the certificate of claim.

The document is dispatched to the Three Realms and the Nine Prefectures. The deceased soul (here, insert the name and other particulars of the person receiving the salvation rite) must immediately act in accordance with the imperial decree and must not delay. The divine tiger officials should at once hold the talisman, and transmit the message to the offices responsible for this matter.

Complete Format of the Jade Warrant (Yuzha wanzheng geshi)

The Jade Warrant of the Northern Dipper, the Supreme One, the Dark Obscurity, and the Divine Tiger, Primordial Unity.

Write the seal script of the Jade Warrant:

The Supreme Primordial Jade Warrant of the Northern Blessing of the Heavenly One, the Taiyi Purple Origin, the Northern Chief, and the Mysterious Model of Primordial Unity, which informs the celestial bureaus, the earthly offices, the mountains, rivers, seas, and peaks, the springs and dark passes of the netherworld, the Northern Capital of Luofeng, the Six Caverns and Ten Palaces, the Three Primes and Nine Offices, the One Hundred and Twenty Bureaus, as well as the desolate lands, the hidden yin realms, the great hells, the regional divisions of the Nine Prefectures, and the City Gods and other spirit officials of every district.

Lords of the Soil Shrine (Sheling), of the li districts, of the qiuxu (mounds and ruins), the Yellow Springs (Huangquan), and Haoli, together with the spirit deities who govern the dead, shall, according to the place each deceased person belonged to, retrieve the souls of the above-mentioned dead. They shall cause the souls to leave their former jurisdictions at once and come swiftly to the Xuantan (Dark Altar) to audience with the Supreme Thearch (Shangdi) and receive a special grace. The Divine Tiger (Shenhu) receives the command, and all the spirits obey. Everything shall be carried out according to the proclamation and conveyed by the wind-and-fire couriers.

Given by Taisui in such-and-such year, month, day, and hour.

The Dharma-position disciple, surnamed so-and-so, acts in accordance with the Jade Tablet (yuzha).

Beidou Taiyi Xuanming Shenhu Neizhen Furen (Inner Perfected Lady of the Divine Tiger of Xuanming, Taiyi of the Northern Dipper).

Inner Seal Cover Format

Hunyuan Jade Tablet of the Divine Tiger of Xuanming, Taiyi of the Northern Dipper. The disciple so-and-so, in position, acts in accordance with it and seals it carefully.

Inscription on the Waistband at the Back of the Cover

Retrieve the souls of so-and-so and others.

Outer Case Format

Hunyuan Jade Tablet proclamation of the Divine Tiger: to the Lords of Sin, Lords of Prisons, and all the spirits of the Three Realms and Ten Directions. So-and-so, in position, carefully reseals it.

Taishang Hunyuan Jade Tablet: Iron Warrant for Retrieving Souls

The Master says: whenever one intends to deliver those who died violent deaths, one must use the Iron Warrant for Retrieving Souls to gather them in.

The names in the warrant, "Fuying, Zhaopan, Landing, Shu," are the yin names of the Seven Yuan Lords (Qiyuan Zhenjun), and "Huayuan, Yubai, Xingfei, Ze" are the inner taboo names of the Consort of the Dipper. The essence of the Northern Dipper regulates yin and yang and gathers the hun (ethereal soul) and po (corporeal soul), causing them to take on the image of a body, after which they can be gathered. Those who die violently have yin qi clinging to them, so their minds and spirits are confused and displaced, and they lose their original nature. At sudden death the yang hun scatters and yin qi blocks their way, so they cannot see the light and their hun and po disperse. For this reason Taishang, out of compassion, established this warrant to gather them, which is what is meant by "the Lingbao Wuliang Duren" (the Lingbao scripture of boundless salvation for humankind).

When performing the rite, write the talisman with orpiment (cihuang) and cinnabar (zhusha). Beneath the constellation belonging to each person, record the deceased's name, year, month, day, and hour of birth, and the place of burial or cremation. To deliver many people at once, write the number beneath the warrant. Even if the year, month, day, or hour is unknown, explain the circumstances carefully. Then send this warrant, together with the faith-silk talisman, the Jade Tablet, the diagram of the Three Envoys, and the official dispatch, to be burned.

Iron Warrant: Dispersal of Forms

Wuliang and Fugai; Shenying and Zigong; Feisheng and Zijian; Yedu and Penji.

This passage is a proclamation and talisman text used by Daoist masters (fashi) in rites that pursue the soul of the deceased (zhuihun) and perform its deliverance (shedu). Under the order of the Lingbao Great Law Office, the master transmits the decree to the Netherworld Bureau (Mingcao), the yin-world office that governs the dead, and summons the deceased's soul to the altar to receive deliverance.

The text relies on talismans (fulu, talismans and registers), jade tablets (yuzha, talismanic tablets inscribed with the decree), and the Divine Tiger Tallies (shenhu fuming) as its credentials. It orders the Envoys of Pursuit to proceed to the Netherworld Bureau and retrieve the soul. The proclamation further commands the gods to open the passes and clear the road, so that the spirit may come swiftly to the altar, audience the Sovereign on High, and receive heavenly grace without delay.

The document leaves blanks for the deceased's name, the dates and hours of birth and death, and the relatives who submit supplementary petitions on the deceased's behalf. It also calls upon the related spirits, including wandering orphan spirits and stranded souls (those who lack sacrifice or have not been properly settled), to hasten to the altar on the appointed day. The proclamation closes by instructing the Netherworld Bureau to carry out the decree in accordance with the law and to make the matter manifest and efficacious.

The opening lines consist mainly of the names of talismanic deities, star names, Daoist ordination names, and seal-script incantation formulas. Some characters appear corrupted or missing, so their precise meaning cannot be determined word by word. Their function is chiefly to form the sacred names and incantations that make up the talismans and decrees.

In the document, write the Taisui (the Grand Duke of the Year, Taisui), the year, month, day, and hour, and note the ritual office (fazhi) held by the Daoist priest.

The cover format reads: "Summoning Talisman Notice, to be delivered to the Officer in Charge of the Underworld Bureau of the Nine Gloomy Realms (Jiuyou, an official who governs the netherworld): the undersigned, of the surname Feng." The text is written in cinnabar on yellow paper one chi and two cun (about 37 centimeters) tall.

The Flying Talisman for Summoning the Two Sages opens with the summoning incantation: "Above, the Numinous Heaven is azure; within, the Armored Hero and the Chaotic Murk. With one breath, to the east lies the hidden Heavenly Emperor, who obtains the mysterious red celestial pattern. Today I write the talisman, making it my celestial raft. Hurry, hurry, as the statute commands!" Next, recite the incantation of the Northern Emperor (Beidi), draw three breaths of southeast qi, and send it into the brush. Then recite the "Lord's Incantation": "Northern Emperor, numinous, numinous, the Heavenly Emperor rejoices. Om, summon the Divine Tiger, scattering and tangling. Spread the heavenly net, let the sun, moon, and stars shine, and let the mingled qi achieve completion. Hurry, hurry, as the statute commands!"

There are four talismans. The Male Left Great Power Talisman (xiong fu, placed on the left) and the Female Right Martial Luan Talisman (ci fu, placed on the right) are the first two. The Left Great Sage Talisman and the Right Great Sage Talisman are the last two. The first pair is written in cinnabar on yellow paper to summon the two sages. The second pair is written in white powder on red plain silk, each four chi and nine cun (about 1.5 meters) long, and is pasted in front of the gate.

The Yucao Xianbo Pursuit-Soul Talisman (Yucao Xianbo, an immortal official of Daoism who is charged with pursuing dead souls) carries the phrases "Summoned by the decree of the Three Pure Ones and the Jade Emperor," "Shenbo [illegible]," "The Golden Tiger rushes forward," "The jade tablet talisman order descends, urgent decree," "Yuan Lord Kuidu Caohuo order, decree breaking Fengquan," "Youlei, obey accordingly," and "Swift execution." Its meaning is that by command of the Three Pure Ones, the Divine Tiger carries the talisman and orders the realm of the dead to obey and carry out the task at once.

The Martial Luan Zhuli Pursuit-Soul Talisman (Zhuli, a lesser official in the underworld bureaucracy) carries the phrases "Summoned by the decree of the Three Sovereigns," "Jade tablet, mystic model," "Kui-Si [illegible] cover," "Zhuli Qiaoxun," "Received the mandate at Yin Pass," "Decree to seize the dead souls," "Breaking the system of Fengdu," "Youdu awaits orders," and "Swift execution." It means that by command of the Three Sovereigns, the Zhuli receives the order to go to Yin Pass and retrieve the dead souls, and that Youdu (the capital of the dead) is ordered to obey swiftly.

Both talismans are written in cinnabar on yellow paper. When drawing them, form the Dou-pinch formula (douojue) and draw qi from Kui, the star of the Northern Dipper. First summon the spirits to the altar with the talisman, then perform the opening petition at the altar. After the cause of the matter has been explained, burn the talisman and use it to direct the pursuit of the soul.

The Three Pursuit Messenger Talismans are summoned with the phrase: "Heavenly Emperor, Divine Tiger, and the numinous spirits within the Dipper: Marquis [illegible], Wei [illegible], Zhang [illegible], and others, descend swiftly."

Numinous Spirit, I now summon you to assist my True Form. Heed my command and manifest your traces at once. Swiftly, as the statute decrees.

Upper Messenger Talisman

The virtues of Heaven and Earth join together, and the light of sun and moon mirror each other. Qian Heaven covers all and turns in its course, while Kun Earth bears up the numinous Qi. The yin and yang Qi unite as one and accord with the talisman's tally. Chief Messenger Hou of Pursuing Souls, act in accordance with the decree.

Middle Messenger Talisman

The yin and yang Qi join together, and the hun and po join with the bodily form. Heaven hangs down its celestial signs, and the Heavenly Thearch sets the numinous Qi in motion. At the barrier and gate of life and death, the talisman script opens a passage. Chief Messenger Wei of Pursuing Souls, act in accordance with the decree.

Lower Messenger Talisman

The Qi of Heaven and Sun join together, and the blazing essence of the Yang Thearch flies the talisman to carry the order. Radiant light shines, seizing the po and gathering the hun. Chief Messenger Zhang of Pursuing Souls, act in accordance with the decree.

For these three talismans, use nine-foot yellow silk divided into three sections. First, paint half-length portraits of the three messengers in colors, adorning each according to the color of its garments. Beneath each portrait, write one talisman in cinnabar, and send them together with a jade tablet. The officiant should instruct the messengers to carry the talismans throughout the Ten Directions and the Three Realms, into the heavenly prisons and the hells, to seize the wandering souls of the dead and bring them to the altar, where they manifest their traces and respond.

Before performing the rite, one should first bow and report, recite the words in the heart, and tread the "Tiger Footprint Gang" (a ritual stepping pattern of the Gang, or Dipper-treading steps). Then perform the "Dao of Whistling Life" (a technique of commanding and dispatching spirits by whistling and issuing orders). Recite the incantation seven times, and instruct the messengers to carry out this talisman swiftly.

In the past, the Perfected Liu Gen of the Western Mountain encountered the Jade Maiden of Taiyi, who transmitted this method to him. After he had mastered it, he left it in the Bilu Cave on Dragon-Tiger Mountain.

Talismanic Memorandum of the Three Messengers

Divine Tiger Messenger, receive these talismanic tablets and documents, pursue the dead soul of such-and-such a person and the others, and descend swiftly. Act in accordance with the statute.

Format of the Proclamation

To the Great Office of the Numinous Treasure Method:

This Office, relying on what such-and-such a person has stated, carries out the Divine Tiger affair of pursuing souls.

Write the three talismans.

Write the memorandum.

Proclaimed on such-and-such day and hour of such-and-such month in the year of Grand Year (Taisui) so-and-so.

Rank of office: Northern Dipper, Taiyi, Xuanming, Divine Tiger, Lady Neizhen.

The above memorandum is a decree transmitted from the Xuanfan Office, used to pardon illness, and it may be dispatched swiftly across ten thousand li. It must be written on yellow paper in cinnabar and must not be used carelessly.

Shangqing Lingbao Dafa, Scroll 36