《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 39

Whenever writing talismans or performing ritual arts, follow the prescribed rules: enter a quiet chamber and calm the mind through visualization.

In the chamber, display images of the Imperial Masters of the Three Realms, the Celestial Perfected Sovereign, and the True Lord of the Yellow Registers, along with talismans and registers, scriptures, record books, and images of the numinous officials. Prepare incense, flowers, an offering table, brush, inkstone, cinnabar, and ink. Once everything is in place, first cultivate the inner arts.

The Eight Visions of Flying Spirit through Inner Refinement in Dongyang

The method is as follows: choose a Six Yang hour, when Yang Qi is strong, enter the quiet chamber and sit upright. Click the teeth three times, then hold the breath and remain silent. Visualize a fire, about the size of a pellet, in the lower Dantian, the site of Neidan practice below the abdomen. Let it circle leftward nine times within the Dantian, then rise to the Crimson Palace in the heart. The fire Qi gradually ascends, passing through the Twelve Towers in the throat and reaching the Jade Chamber and the Muddy Pellet, sites of cultivation in the head. Then visualize yourself seated upright within them, holding the sun in your left hand and the moon in your right. You are called the “Great Cavern Supreme Unity Venerable Emperor.” Recite this incantation:

“May the soul be pure, clear, and upright; may the myriad kinds of primordial Qi endure forever. May afflictions never trouble me; may my body shine with light. The Three Realms stand guard, the Five Emperors welcome me, and the myriad spirits come to pay homage. My name is entered in the immortal registers of Highest Clarity. When my merit is complete, I may ascend and fly to the realm of Highest Clarity.”

After reciting the incantation three times, visualize drawing out the fire Qi and swallowing it in three portions. Then recite:

“May the Golden Liquor refine and nourish my form, so that I may unite with the Dao in truth. Open the three luminaries of the sun, moon, and stars: these are the root of Heaven. There is no darkness and no boundary, no beginning and no end. The Nine Uglies of the Primordial Sovereign; the soul returns to the purple clouds of the Crimson Palace. Ascending to the heavens, the body rides six dragons. Water above, fire below, flowing into the three palaces; the spirit and soul return to the realm of Yang Clarity, and the Dao is naturally accessible.”

Recite this incantation three times and swallow the saliva three times. After a while, a round halo of light appears above the crown of the head, shining in all directions.

Next, recite:

“Supreme Lord of the Dao, Mysterious Origin and Supreme One, please descend as the three Qi deities within my body: the Lords of Destiny, Records, Merit, and Death, together with Jun, Taokang, and Jingyan. I now refine and nourish the true essence within my body, making its light shine upon the nine heavens and allowing Yang essence to flow freely, bright and clear, illuminating the nine gates. In this way, the souls of the dead may be refined and delivered, returning to the womb and being reborn. (When refining and nourishing yourself, simply change the word ‘sun’ in the incantation.) May form and spirit attain the mysterious, and unite with the Dao in truth.”

Next, draw out the fire Qi and swallow it in nine portions. Before writing any talisman, perform these practices first. Persist in them over time, and the divine light will appear of its own accord.

The Ritual for Writing Talismans

The method is as follows: when writing a talisman, set up an incense table facing the Gate of Heaven, and arrange the necessary ritual implements upon it.

Imagine before you that the water cup in the vermilion inkstone represents the sun and moon, the paper represents a golden tablet, the brush represents the Azure Dragon, and the incense smoke represents white clouds. The talisman clerks stand in attendance over the talisman, while the officials, generals, and young maidens of the talisman rite are arrayed to its left and right. Then form the Dipper seal with both hands and visualize the Five Dippers circling you. Pace the steps of the Holographic Dipper, make the mudra of the Supreme Emperor, and visualize yourself entering the Three Terraces and the Northern Dipper. With both hands forming mudras, point toward the registers at the tip of the Dipper. Bow three times, offer incense, click your teeth, then kneel and present your petition:

Your subordinate, [rank and name], offers incense and respectfully petitions:

The Most High, Boundless Great Dao; the Supreme Worthy of the Seven Treasures in the Golden Gate; the Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, the Eastern Pole’s benevolent father, who responds to cries and comes to the aid of those in need; the Celestial Worthies of Salvation from Suffering in the Ten Directions; the Celestial Worthy who rescues the guilty from the Nine Hells; the Great Emperor who gives life in the Nine Heavens; the sovereigns of the Thirty-Two Heavens; the Five Emperors of the Five Directions; the divine sovereigns of the Sun Palace and Moon Court, the Two Luminaries; the Star Lords of the Six Offices of the Southern Dipper, who shape the souls; the Star Lords of the Seven Primal Stars of the Northern Dipper, who forge the spirits; the Great Emperors of the Three Offices and Three Grades; the five perfected lords who opened the teachings of the Numinous Treasure; the celestial perfected star beings; the perfected beings of wondrous practice; the lords who refine the perfected in the upper and lower palaces of Nanchang; and the perfected lords of all the registers received by your subordinate in the Three Registers Bureau:

We earnestly beseech you, in your compassionate Dao, to look down and judge with clear insight. Your subordinate is of lowly station, like an ant or a blade of grass, yet has long had an affinity with goodness and, by good fortune, has been able to uphold the teachings and rites of the Great Dao. Your subordinate deeply hopes to relieve the suffering of living beings and to establish even a modest measure of merit. Now that a matter has been entrusted to your subordinate, how could it be refused or left undone?

Your subordinate now submits this petition on behalf of the ritual patron, [name], explaining the matter for which help is sought. The patron has solemnly prepared a pure ritual chamber and reverently written the talismans in accordance with the Lingbao fasting rites. Whatever requires awaiting a register or authorization document shall be performed only on the appointed date and in accordance with ritual procedure.

Your subordinate reflects that they are ordinary and ignorant, with body and mind impure, and do not understand the mysterious and primal Great Dao. Looking up, your subordinate begs for the compassion of Heaven and asks that the wondrous light of the Great Dao be specially bestowed, so that the righteous Qi of the Ten Directions may flow through the apertures of your subordinate’s body and mind and into the ritual implements, including the cinnabar and ink. May accumulated blockages be dispelled and the roots of the embryo purified; may visualization bring communion with the divine, and may the true light appear. May every brushstroke and every aperture accord with the Dao and respond to the true. May all rites performed bring forth auspicious signs and efficacy, allowing the wondrous workings of the Supreme Mystery of the Great Dao to shine forth, and enabling your subordinate to complete the merit of universal deliverance. Your subordinate has presumed to approach Heaven’s might and is inwardly fearful and earnest, humbly awaiting Heaven’s command. This petition is respectfully submitted.

When the prayer is complete, visualize the Most High seated in a jeweled terrace in Heaven, with perfected immortals arrayed in solemn ranks. The Emperor commands the attendants of the perfected to confer the talismans. Next, behold the Celestial Worthies of the Ten Directions radiating vast light…

Light descends from the sky. A young woman carries a precious casket and places it amid the radiance of countless treasures. The ritual master approaches the altar table, opens the casket, and takes out the talisman to be written, uniting it with the person or thing it is meant to empower.

The light blazes. The ritual master transforms into the form of Qingxuan, attended on either side by two perfected beings and young female attendants. Then the master enters the room, faces east, and clicks the teeth thirty-two times, sending the sound up to the heart of the thirty-two heavens. The master then bows thirty-two times. With eyes closed, the master sits in quiet contemplation, visualizing sitting amid clouds of blue, yellow, and white Qi, while everything within and without grows dim and mysterious. The Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise stand at the four quarters; the radiance of the sun and moon illuminates the room. Above the head appears a round halo of nine colors, its light shining in all ten directions.

Next, recite the invocation:

“Supreme Lord of the Dao, Mysterious Origin and Most High, summon the Three-Five Merit Officers within my body—divine officials who convey documents and carry out their duties—together with the left and right emissaries, the incense-attending jade youths, the message-bearing jade maidens, the Five Emperors’ talisman officers, the incense-palace officials on duty for the day, and the other divine officials, thirty-two of each. Together they shall present this petition: Today is auspicious. I am establishing a great Zhaijiao (purification ritual) for a certain person, to commend and deliver a certain person beyond this world. I write talismans and registers to rescue and deliver souls in the netherworld. May this petition ascend and reach the presence of the Most High, the Supreme Primordial Emperor of the thirty-two heavens.”

Then draw in Qi thirty-two times, take a seat, and write the Fulu.

Incantation for consecrating the brush:

“Before chaos was divided, all was vast and boundless, a realm of darkness. The Crimson Radiance Qi opened the scrolls of Heaven and Earth, and the movement and transformation of all things arose naturally. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning brought Heaven and Earth to order and proclaimed the Five Scriptures. The red-script jade characters and the Eight-Weapons Dragon Script protect the cycles of calamity, preserving Heaven and Earth forever. Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, who saves all without limit!”

For this method, form the Jade Clarity hand seal, inhale once from the Gate of Heaven, then once from the southeast, and inhale once more of flourishing Qi. Recite “Heavenly Emperor of Unified Radiance,” then lift the brush and tap three times.

Incantation for consecrating the ink:

“With jade tones, draw in numinous Qi; numinous winds gather the smoke. In the purple void, numinous splendor flourishes, assisting the myriad immortals. A thousand auspicious harmonies converge, and the true Dao comes naturally to completion. Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, who saves all without limit!”

Incantation for grinding the ink:

“Brahma Qi, pure and primordial vital energy, fills the celestial firmament, unfolding the myriad forms. The order of Heaven and Earth flows through the thirty-two heavens. The spheres turn through the Formless Realm, reaching all ten directions; moving along the Dipper and Winnowing Basket constellations, they regulate the Five Constant Principles. Thirty-five divisions gather the Qi of the Upper Origin; the eight directions unite with the netherworld, and Qi enters the mysterious realm. Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, who saves all without limit!”

For this method, form the hand seal by moving in sequence from the Zi position to the Chou position, proceeding clockwise through the Hai position, then turning to the base of the middle finger. The seal is formed at the Chou position. The above is the Great Jade Clarity Incantation.

The thirty-two Heavenly Emperors of the thirty-two heavens, and the hidden names of the various heavens.

The numinous writings of the heavens, formed naturally within the empty firmament, are the hidden verses of the various heavens and the voice of the celestial realm.

They are the venerable gods of Heaven, the spirits of Heaven, and also the great demons of Heaven and its numinous, enlightened gods.

Nine and ten unite, transforming into the immeasurable, profound mysteries of Shangqing (the exalted celestial realm revered in Daoism), whose depths cannot be fully described.

The divine immortals—spirits and perfected beings who have attained the Dao—bestow their grace, saving all people of Heaven and all living beings. Today, with joy and celebration, they receive transformation.

Pass through the barriers of the various heavens; petition for the destruction of the three evils—the evil realms brought about by harmful karma—sever the roots of the underworld, and fly beyond the Five Gates, a name for barriers in Daoist magic.

Once listed among the ranks of Taixuan, the netherworld heavens, and recommended under the scrutiny of the Demon Kings, one is no longer constrained. The Eastern Dipper at Heaven’s Gate calculates lifespans; the Western Dipper records names; the Northern Dipper determines death; the Southern Dipper governs life; and the Central Dipper is the Great Chief. Together they oversee and scrutinize all spirits.

The Azure Emperor protects the hun soul; the White Emperor attends to the po soul; the Red Emperor nurtures primordial Qi; the Black Emperor keeps the blood vessels flowing; and the Yellow Emperor governs from the center.

The myriad gods must not cross their boundaries. The Demon King of the Azure Heaven, Ba Yuan Choubo; the Demon King of the Red Heaven, Fu Tian Danshi; the Demon King of the White Heaven, Fan Shan Liumu; the Demon King of the Black Heaven, Jian Chou Langfu; and the Demon King of the Yellow Heaven, Heng Tian Danli, together with the great demons of the Five Emperors, are the leaders of the myriad gods. They lead their host through the air, accompanied by drums; command the ghost troops; direct the retinue, music, and insignia; and patrol the vast sky, calling themselves He Yi.

The various heavens work together to carry out Heaven’s work of transformation and salvation. Heaven saves people and strictly governs Beifeng, the northern underworld of Daoist belief. The spirits carry out their powers by command, sweeping away all inauspiciousness.

The Eight Mighty Ones exhale poisonous vapors; fierce steeds take their places in the four directions, while the heavenly troops clear the way ahead. The Great Marshal holds a banner and hurls flames; bells ring and travel for ten thousand li. Whoever, in any of the eight directions, dares to offend or obstruct the High Perfected will first be cut down with a golden axe and then punished with severe execution, dismembering the ghosts and demons. Wind and fire rage without cease; thousands upon thousands have their heads severed, tens of thousands have their forms cut apart.

Demons must not invade; ghosts and spirits must not wreak havoc. The Three Officials, the deities who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water, and Beifeng must inspect the ghost realm and its ranks, allowing no ghosts or spirits to hide.

The Golden Horse relay stations, the divine messengers and transmission routes for celestial documents, carry word everywhere, even to the farthest reaches. All the myriad gods must obey. The Five Emperors of the Three Realms jointly submit their memorial to Shangqing.

These methods should be performed facing northwest. Use all the talismans together and issue the command.

Incantation for refining the dead and affixing the seal:

Swiftly erase the registers of sin and destroy the roots of evil. Do not detain the departed souls or force them to join the ranks of ghosts. By command of the talisman of Yuanshi, the departed souls shall ascend to immortality at the appointed hour.

Incantation for the seal commanding the salvation of souls:

The netherworld souls of countless generations of ancestors, and the spirits of the dead who endure suffering, shall all receive transformation at once and ascend to the Vermilion Palace, the celestial palace of Daoist belief.

When writing documents, hidden words are generally used. When sealing documents, use the four lines beginning “Spread forth the divine immortals.” Documents for transforming and saving departed souls use Yellow Registers, documents for Daoist rites to deliver the dead, and white slips, recording the removal of names from the registers of the dead and their transfer to the registers of the living.

General blessing and dispatching incantation for all talismans.

May the boundless array of spirits throughout the Three Realms, the land of the netherworld, the offices of the Springs and Bends, and the Northern Capital of Luofeng—the Daoist realm of the dead—together with the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus and the sources of the Twelve Rivers, all release the deceased from the registers of guilt. May our ancestors, kin from every generation, and relatives across all lifetimes swiftly be cleared from the ledgers of sin, their roots of evil karma destroyed, never again to be detained, tormented, or consigned to the ranks of ghosts.

By the talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, may the deceased ascend in due time. May the forces stationed at the Cold Pool of the Northern Capital guard body and soul, subdue demonic obstacles, and secure the deceased’s ascent to the Southern Palace according to their rank. May the departed soul undergo refinement and transform into an immortal; may the body they had in life also receive salvation and endure through generation after generation, turning with the cycles of the kalpas and living as long as Heaven.

May the deceased forever escape the Three Evil Paths—hell, hungry ghosts, and animals—the Five Sufferings, and the Eight Difficulties; may they transcend the Three Realms and roam freely in the realm of Highest Clarity.

The ritual formula above belongs to the Jade Clarity formula and uses Qi (vital energy) of the East. Once the talisman has been written, proceed with the formal memorial.

Your servant, a duly ranked official, burns incense and respectfully submits this memorial with utmost sincerity: The Supreme Dao without Limit, the Most Honored and Sacred One of the Seven Treasures of the Golden Palace, is above. I humbly beseech the Daoist Worthy to look down with compassion. I have heard that the Great Dao extends compassion and opens the Eight Gates to relieve suffering; the Utmost True proclaims the teachings and expounds the Three Registers, the scriptures and registers used in Daoist rites of salvation, to transform all beings. All who petition for rites to deliver the deceased or undertake ritual practice may receive deliverance.

Previously, I respectfully followed the methods of the purification rite and wrote the talismans of the Most High and the perfected ones. Although I have carried out the rites according to their prescribed methods, I still fear that my understanding may have been mistaken, the incantations misrecited, or that, when another person wrote them for me, strokes may have been omitted or written incorrectly. I also fear that, through failing to grasp the profound principles of the Great Dao, I may have departed from the rules of the mysterious tradition. I now again beseech Heaven’s grace to grant relief: may True Qi flow freely and infuse the talismans written here; may omissions be made good, and the talismans’ radiance shine forth as the light of merit, revealing the wondrous principles of the Highest Mystery. Once these talismans are issued, may none fail to follow them; may all souls sunk in the netherworld be freed from suffering. May this accord above with the Celestial Worthy’s virtue of cherishing life, and below fulfill the sincere wish to deliver the deceased. I have offended Heaven’s majesty and am filled with profound trepidation; I respectfully submit this memorial.

After three prostrations, put away the talismans and place them in a case.

Incense Invocations

The master said: Whenever purification rites and liturgical practice are performed, incense is used to express sincerity, and offering incense should properly come first. Each time incense is offered, one talisman presides over it. There are fifteen talismans in all, listed below.

Talisman for the Incense of Dao and De (the Supreme Deity’s formula, drawing on the Qi of Heaven’s Gate)

The wondrous fragrance of Dao and De fills the Dharma Realm and reaches the Three Heavens. Whatever is undertaken with a sincere heart can communicate with and ascend to the heights. By means of this incense, may I attain long life, pass beyond the world, and unite with the Great Dao. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the command of the Supreme Deity of Primordial Beginning.

Talisman for Incense That Transcends the Three Realms

May the fragrance of this incense transcend the Three Realms and fill the empty expanse, traveling straight to the imperial presence and gathering there as an offering…

Prayer establishes communion; with sincere devotion, submit this petition.

Jade Clarity (the celestial realm where the revered deities of Daoism reside): act swiftly, in accordance with the law.

Incense Talisman for Saving the Suffering upon Hearing Their Cries (use with the “Eastern Qi” indicated in the talisman text).

The Celestial Worthy Taiyi, Savior from Suffering, hears cries and saves those in distress. He delivers departed souls, freeing them from the suffering of the Three Palaces and Nine Nights, and enables them all to ascend to Heaven.

With each stroke and mark of the talismans above, recite the honored name of Taiyi and offer a prayer. Write them on yellow paper, seven inches wide and three inches six-tenths long. Form the Seal of Taiyi, Savior from Suffering: press the thumb against the middle finger at the Kun position, raise the other four fingers, and extend the second and fifth fingers.

Incense Talisman for Universal Deliverance of Departed Souls (use the Seal of Universal Deliverance and visualize Qingxuan, the Celestial Worthy of Salvation from Suffering).

The Great Dao is compassionate: it hears cries and responds to those in need. May all departed souls be delivered through the incense; may the barriers of the nine regions of the underworld be opened, so that they may ascend through the vast sky. This merit is beyond measure.

Incense Talisman for the Boundless Deliverance of Humanity (use the Supreme Emperor’s hand sign and the Eastern Qi).

Among them are the spirit who delivers people from death, the Lord of Longevity at the Southern Pole, the Great God Sima who delivers beings from the world, and the Elder Lord Han, who cherishes life. There are also the Southern Directors of Destiny, the Registrar, the deities who extend life and increase one’s allotted years, and those who deliver beings from calamity. May they revive the remains, turn back the dead, and carry out the boundless method of delivering humanity. Act swiftly, in accordance with the law of the Supreme Emperor.

Incense Talisman for Breaking Open the Prisons of the Nine Hells (use the Seal of the Nine Hells: press the thumb against the third finger, bend the third finger, raise the fourth, and extend the second and fifth fingers).

Golden light and jade-colored smoke rise before the Emperor, and the talisman’s command swiftly reaches the Nine Hells. The gates of the underworld and all its bureaus are opened. May sinful departed souls and those bound by grievances reconcile and ascend directly to the Southern Palace. Act swiftly, in accordance with the law.

Incense Talisman for Summoning Souls to the Altar (use the Jade hand sign and the Eastern Qi).

The true script of the Primordial Beginning summons the spirits of the departed and commands them to come swiftly to my ritual altar to receive the supreme Great Dao.

Incense Talisman for Ritual Bathing (use the Chen-Xu script and the Northern Qi).

Incantation:

May Jade Spring and precious mist cleanse and refine the departed souls, enabling them to rise and soar to Heaven and swiftly attain peace and freedom, entering the realm of Dark Clarity at once. Act swiftly, in accordance with the law of the Supreme Emperor.

Incense Talisman for Changing Garments (use the Jade Clarity hand sign and the Eastern Qi).

May the departed souls receive garments in a hundred colors, their robes shimmering like flying rosy clouds. Once clothed, may they rise and soar, ascend to the Dark Void, roam through Taiji (the Supreme Ultimate), and receive garments bestowed by ghosts and spirits. Act swiftly, in accordance with the decree of the Supreme Emperor of the Primordial Beginning.

Incense Talisman for Offering Ritual Food (use the Seal of the Five Sacred Peaks and the Eastern Qi).

May ritual food fill the ten directions and pass through the barriers, leaving the departed souls satisfied. May the food be inexhaustible, and may they ascend to the Jade Capital. Act swiftly, in accordance with the law.

Incense Talisman for Receiving Souls and Transmitting the Scripture (use the Central Qi).

Incantation:

The sacred ordinances proclaimed by the Golden Mouth, speaking with supreme authority, are administered by the relevant divine officials. The souls of the dead in the Three Realms and Nine Netherworlds—that is, the realms of Heaven, Earth, and humanity, and the depths of the underworld—should all be released from judgment.

Deliver the souls of the dead so that they may ascend to Heaven at the appointed time. Hasten to carry this out in accordance with the commands of the Supreme Lord.

Incense Talisman for Transmitting Talismans and Notifying Officials (an incense talisman for transmitting talismanic commands and official documents; Supreme Lord’s Hand Seal, Eastern Qi)

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issues the talismanic command to deliver salvation to all souls of the dead. Send it by golden-dragon courier; do not delay or pause along the way.

Hasten to carry this out in accordance with the decrees.

Incense Talisman for Bestowing Precepts

The star deities return to Houtu, the deity of the earth, receive the precepts, and settle into peace and freedom.

Do not forget the Nine Precepts, the Daoist precepts. Through precepts, concentration, and wisdom, ascend beyond and depart. Hasten to carry this out in accordance with the commands of the Supreme Lord.

Incense Talisman for Refining and Delivering Souls to Heaven (an incense talisman for refining the souls of the dead and sending them to Heaven; Supreme Lord’s Hand Seal, Eastern Qi)

Through insight, compassion, and clear discernment, cleanse and refine the Nine Corpse Forms, the defiled bodies associated with the souls of the dead. Ascend straight into the Mysterious Heaven, roam freely, and return to naturalness.

Hasten to carry this out in accordance with the decrees.

Incense Talisman for the Universal Salvation Dharma Bridge (an incense talisman for the Dharma Bridge used to deliver all souls; Universal Salvation Seal, Northern Qi)

Raise a great bridge and deliver all beings. Through the Dharma Bridge, deliver them all: summon them swiftly, raise them swiftly, and step into the realms of emptiness and mysterious numinosity.

Hasten to carry this out in accordance with the decrees.

The Chapter on the Dipper Steps

The master said: Each Dipper step is governed by a marshal, so incense must be burned first. Write the fourteen Lingbao talismans for summoning and directing divine officers on yellow paper with cinnabar. During the ritual, perform the Dipper steps according to the matter at hand. When finished, burn the talismans in the incense burner, and the relevant officials and generals will arrive at once.

These talismans are natural ritual ordinances formed from the primordial Qi of the Primordial Beginning. They were bestowed from Heaven upon those who cultivate immortality. Practitioners should keep them secret and carry out their instructions.

General Incantation for the Fourteen Lingbao Talismans for Summoning and Directing Divine Officers

Om julu zhi judi wu hong julu jiebo shuo yandi hemo hong she.

Dipper Talisman for Summoning the Flying Heavenly Spirit Kings of the Ten Directions (First step with the left foot alone, standing in a T-shaped stance.)

Dipper Talisman for Summoning the Officials of the Office of Refining and Delivering Souls (Form the Three Paths and Five Sufferings hand seal with both hands. Begin at the Zhen position, step into the center, and stop.)

Dipper Talisman for Summoning the Officials of the Lingbao Lord

Dipper Talisman for Summoning the Officials of the Yellow Register Bureau

Dipper Talisman for Summoning the Demon Kings of the Three Realms (Form a hand seal with both hands, touching the middle fingers at the third joint. Begin at the Kan position, cross the steps, and stop at the Wei position.)

Dipper Talisman for Summoning the Five Emperors (Form the Metal-and-Wood hand seal with both hands. Begin in the east, proceed west, and stand still.)

Dipper Talisman for Summoning the Awe-Inspiring Spirits of the Eight Directions (Form the Eight Trigrams hand seal with both hands. Begin at the Kun position, proceed to the Qian position, and stand still.)

Dipper Talisman for Turning the Corpse and Raising the Dead (Pass both hands between the fourth and middle fingers, move to the middle fingers, then extend them toward the space between the second fingers. Begin in the north and stop in the south.)

The Dipper Pace and Talisman for Subduing and Commanding the Earth Deities (a Dipper-step talismanic method for subduing and commanding the Earth deities): Form a hand sign with both hands, joining the middle fingers so that the nails touch, then angle them outward. Walk from the Zi position to the south, then turn and return. (Enter the central palace and stand still.)

The Dipper Pace and Talisman for Binding the Forms of the Demons (a Dipper-step talismanic method for binding the forms of the assembled demons): Move both hands from the Zi position to the Wu position while forming the hand sign. Begin at the Zhen position, proceed to the Qian position, and stand still.

The Dipper Pace and Talisman for Annihilating the Vital Essence of Ghosts (a Dipper-step talismanic method for destroying the evil Qi of ghostly essences): Form hand signs with both hands in the sequence Zi, Hai, Shen, Yin. Begin at the Kan position, proceed to the Si position, and stand still.

The Dipper Pace and Talisman for Binding Demonic Spirits (a Dipper-step talismanic method for binding demonic spirits): Form hand signs with both hands in the sequence Yin, Shen, Si, Hai. Begin at the Kan position, proceed to the Wei position, and stand still.

The Dipper Pace and Talisman for Sweeping Away All Ill Omens (a Dipper-step talismanic method for sweeping away ill omens everywhere): With each hand, form a hand sign by pressing two fingers against the second joint of the thumb. Begin at the You position and proceed to the Zhen position.

The Dipper Pace and Talisman for Circling the Dipper and Passing the Ji Lodge (a Dipper-step talismanic method for circling the Northern Dipper and passing through the Ji lunar lodge): Rotate the Yin-Yang Qi according to the method. Starting at the “Earth Gate,” take single steps while turning back, enter the “Heavenly Gate,” walk twenty-one steps in all, and enter the central palace.

Then submit the memorial.

The master said: Whenever a large-scale Zhaijiao purification ritual is held, it must be accompanied by documents submitted in report. Give advance notice first, then send a reminder to submit the report, and make the formal submission on the appointed date. Explain the matter to the Celestial Emperors and divine offices of the Three Realms so that they fully understand the sincerity involved. Use talismans to summon and dispatch the Merit Officers and divine clerks, directing them to carry out their orders and convey the message, so that communication and spiritual response may be achieved.

Talisman for Summoning the Myriad Spirits of the Three Realms:

(The four directions bow in homage to the North Pole) (The Venerable Heaven of Trāyastriṃśa) (The Jade Emperor presides) (The sun and moon shine in perfect fullness) (Jade Clarity)

(By imperial command and the Jade Seal, proclaim this swiftly) (The Most High issues an official decree of authority, informing ghosts and spirits; there must be no delay) (When the myriad gods and ghosts see this talisman arrive, they must raise their hands, respectfully receive the command, and obey)

Incantation of Command:

Om, Hong, Fula, Hong, Fula, Julizha, Suoha.

The Jade Clarity, Primordial Blue Jade Talisman pledges this command. It governs the Three Realms and commands the myriad spirits. Once the talisman arrives, summon them at once and carry out the command immediately. The Edict of Nüqing is as though personally issued by the Jade Emperor. The spirits of the Three Origins—the Upper, Middle, and Lower—along with heavenly demons, terrestrial devils, water monsters, and mountain spirits: should any dare defy the order and refuse to obey, all the gods must bow their heads and submit. None may linger. The deity summoned by this talisman must come at once, following it here. By the Jade Emperor’s command, the message must be carried out across ten thousand li; the Jade Emperor’s edict must be awaited and obeyed. Swiftly and urgently, act in accordance with the laws of the Jade Clarity edict. Command the spirits to heed their orders and be dispatched.

The Jade Clarity’s precious seal issues commands to the Immortal Ministers, ordering them to bear the talisman and hold the tally, and to summon the stars of Heaven. The divine spirits of the Three Realms must all assemble; the myriad gods must pay homage together. The Brahma Qi of the Heavenly True Emperor spreads everywhere, radiant and crystalline.

Golden divine radiance gathers from the four directions. Who would dare not descend? Those who violate the talismanic command and resist the order will face punishment from the Upper Realm.

Carry out the commands at once, in accordance with the statutes set forth in this memorial by the Jade Clarity Primordial Beginning Supreme Emperor.

Recite the incantation (form the Jade Clarity hand seal and visualize the Qi of the Heavenly Gate)

By the Jade Emperor’s command, summon all spirits at once: from the highest reaches of Heaven down to the depths of the netherworld. All who are summoned must respond to the summons and go immediately to the Jade Court. None of the spirits in any spirit realm may delay or linger.

Hasten to obey and carry out the statutes.

Format of the proclamation

Office of the Great Law of Lingbao

The Most High issues a talismanic command to summon and gather the True Spirits, calling in all spirits.

(Write the talisman here.)

Jade Clarity, primordial blue… Hasten to obey the Primordial Beginning’s summons and command to gather all spirits.

Issued on [year, month, day, and hour].

Ritual rank (the ritual master’s title): I, [surname], having received the patent of appointment, respectfully carry out these duties.

Format of the cover

“By the Most High’s talismanic command, summon and gather all spirits.” I, [surname], of [ritual rank], carefully seal and store this document.

Write the talisman above in cinnabar on yellow paper. Write the proclamation in ink, then make an outer cover, remove the talisman, and place it inside.

When performing the rite, use one’s own primordial Qi to summon and command the spirits. Two generals preside over this work.

Names of the two generals

The Primordial Beginning Supreme Emperor’s Grandee for Summoning the True and Calling the Spirits: Wu Qing and Cui Wenzi.

The Senior Assistant of the Golden Tower, charged with dispatching the Merit Officers of the Three Realms: Shi Guizhang.

Both generals wear Shangqing crowns and the ritual robes of Perfected Beings, and each holds a jade tablet.

Incantation for summoning the two generals

The Nine Heavens issue a command, reported upward to Jade Clarity, urging the assembly of a thousand Perfected Beings to gather together at the Imperial Court. The Great One above watches over them; the Two August Ones assist in shaping their forms. They inspect all malign influences, regulate the flow of Qi, and protect and preserve life. Should any inauspicious being offend or test the spirits, the way of the Azure Emperor shall set the divine troops in order. The Seven Spirits command the divine generals, including Tianpeng. Holding the sword of divine punishment in the right hand, they clear the way; they cast the fire bells to deliver the dispatch. Armored cavalry, warrior troops, Heavenly soldiers, and the spirits of wind and fire join the campaign to subdue evil and slay demons.

With their might they awe the Six Heavens and summon all spirits below. Once awe-struck and summoned, all violent and evil forces are made to vanish without a trace. Divine spears flash like lightning, sweeping away demons, evil spirits, and treacherous influences. The Immortal Emperor holds the tally and issues the command: the order is here—who dares delay, resist, or disobey? Let their forms be destroyed. Each must remain alert and cautious, preserving their own purity and peace. The Nine Heavens issue this proclamation; all spirits must listen with reverence.

I respectfully summon [name of deity]. Listen as I explain the command. If you dare disobey my order, it is as though you were disobeying the order of Shangqing. Hasten to obey the Primordial Beginning’s command. All spirits, heed the law and come swiftly to hear the order.

When performing the rite above, visualize the Heavenly Gate opening, surrounded by yellow clouds, with the two Perfected Beings standing among them.

Hold the jade tablet, an ancient ritual implement. A golden case rests on the tablet. Take the talisman from the case and inhale, drawing the breath into it. Then use the right hand to burn the talisman paper and blow its ashes to the left.

Talisman of the Upper Realm’s Duty-Bound Talisman Envoy (the talisman of the envoy who conveys talisman commands in the Upper Realm; written in Hai script, with the breath of the Heavenly Gate)

The talisman lists the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and their three celestial realms, the Golden Gate of the Celestial Emperor, the offices of the Dipper and the star palaces, and the Merit Officers and Envoys responsible for the affairs of the year and the month.

It also lists the Merit Officers and Envoys responsible for the day and the hour. The incantation commands them to carry out their duties at once.

The Upper Realm’s Duty-Bound Talisman Envoy Jiao Gongnu and the courier dragon-riding officials must act as swiftly as starlight and strike like raging fire. The vast energy of the Nine Suns scatters the demon kings; in an instant, they answer the command and carry it up to the Palace of Jade Radiance in the heavens.

Talisman of the Middle Realm’s Duty-Bound Talisman Envoy (the talisman of the envoy who conveys talisman commands in the Middle Realm; written in Si script, with the breath of the north)

The talisman lists the immortal officials of Mount Tai and the Five Sacred Peaks, the grotto palaces and caverns under the Dragon Kings’ jurisdiction, Houtu, the deity who governs the earth, the terrestrial spirits, and the local deities within each district.

It commands them to set out immediately and deliver the message swiftly, without delay.

The Middle Realm’s Duty-Bound Talisman Envoy Zheng Yuanxi and the divine troops who overturn mountains and shake the earth must carry the dispatch to the underworld and deliver the command without stopping. The terrestrial spirits addressed by the jade talisman must escort it and carry it out.

Talisman of the Lower Realm’s Duty-Bound Talisman Envoy (the talisman of the envoy who conveys talisman commands in the Lower Realm; written in Shen script, with the breath of the Northern Dipper)

The talisman lists the seas, rivers, lakes, the Huai and Ji Rivers, as well as the waters of Fusang, the Celestial Pillar, springs, pools, and caverns. It commands that passage into and out of these places remain unobstructed, without delay.

The Lower Realm’s Duty-Bound Talisman Envoy Zhang Zongbo, carrying the Celestial Emperor’s numinous decree, must swiftly transmit it to the Ren and Gui directions and seasons, associated with the Water Phase. He must move with the speed of lightning and thunder, go to the waters by divine power to receive the talisman command, and act at once without stopping.

Talisman for Summoning the Four Duty-Bound Merit Officers (summoning the Merit Officers who serve in turn for the year, month, day, and hour)

Li Huan, the flying-through-the-heavens, fire-casting General on duty for the year; Guo Ju, the heaven-shaking General on duty for the month; Zhao Meng, the forceful talisman-driving General on duty for the day; and Zhang Bing, the flying-through-the-heavens, blazing General on duty for the hour.

The seal-script inscriptions and invocations of the four talismans use the Jade Emperor’s hand sign and the breath of the south, the Wu direction. The incantation calls upon the Fire Command of the Flame Emperor, commanding the Lord of Flame to obey the decree and swiftly summon the strongmen Li Huan, Guo Ju, Zhao Meng, and Zhang Bing, who must obey at once as if carrying out the law of the Sovereign Lord of the South Pole.

These four divine generals, who serve in turn for the year, month, day, and hour, are all officers of the South Pole.

Talisman for Summoning the Duty-Bound Merit Officer of the Hour (using the Jade hand sign and the breath of the Heavenly Gate)

The incantation says that he commands the flying clouds and reaches the highest heavens; he passes between the realms of the sun and moon and conveys commands to the immortal perfected beings of the underworld.

The decree descends from the Nine Heavens. The matter is urgent, swift as wind and lightning. The grass sword is ready, awaiting orders; none may disobey the command. Act at once, in accordance with the statute!

The Jiazi divine general flies through heaven and travels across the earth, majestic and radiant, upright and impartial, with a blade at his side, descending here. Let righteous Qi descend and become the spirit of my ritual power. Act at once, in accordance with the statute!

At this hour today, the Merit Officer Cao (a Daoist divine clerk who conveys the gods’ commands and handles their documents) hears my urgent summons. He rises into the air upon a purple cloud, rides swiftly here, and respectfully reports the talismanic decree, assisting the Great Dao. He carries the memorial swiftly to Heaven and must return at once to report, without pausing for even a moment. The Thunder Bureau (the divine office overseeing thunder rites and the thunder generals) acts with fierce authority and urgently presents the command of the Supreme Emperor.

Talisman for Summoning the Merit Officer Cao on Duty Today (the talisman of the Merit Officer Cao on duty for the day; for today’s ritual formula, draw Qi from the Gate of Heaven)

(The decree of the Divine Empyrean descends, and Lord Han arrives. The day-traveling divine clerk Mu Qin responds swiftly across the four wilds and throughout the ten directions. Above, he reaches the Jade Palace; below, he arrives at the Immortal Palace. He commands the Dingjia divine generals and governs the Four Divine Creatures. Holding the talismanic decree, he reports to the Celestial Court and appears before the Jade Emperor. Act at once, in accordance with the statute!)

Yang Qi rises and shines like sunlight; radiant light illuminates the divine court. At a single summons through the breath of Qi, its brilliance ascends straight to the cinnabar clouds.

Incantation for Summoning and Dispatching

The meritorious official named in the jade document of the Mysterious Bureau oversees affairs of the Jade Purity realm and is responsible for reporting to the Three Heavens (the three celestial realms spoken of in Daoism). By command of the Supreme Emperor, swiftly descend in divine light. I hereby summon the Merit Officer Cao of a certain day; carry out your orders in accordance with the rites.

Talisman for Summoning the Merit Officer Cao and His Chief Clerk (Yin script; draw upright Qi)

The numinous edict of the Great Cavern of Jade Purity summons the Merit Officer Cao to proceed directly to the Mysterious Altar (the place where a ritual altar is set up and rites are performed). May all the gods respectfully heed the command and assist in proclaiming the Dao. When the task is complete, return to your appointed place and manifest the might of the Mysterious Sovereign.

Talisman from the Jade Bureau for Summoning the Officer on Duty (Chen script; draw Qi from the Xun direction)

Qi divides to the left and right; the day and its earthly branch receive their orders. Proclaim the myriad methods, receive the talismanic decree, and each carry out the duties assigned to your office.

Talisman for Summoning the Six Jia Divine Generals (Bing script)

The Six Jia generals obey their orders in accordance with Qi. Having received the summons on the jade talisman, proceed directly to the Mysterious Altar.

Talisman for Summoning the Six Ding Jade Maidens (Wei script)

The summons of the Nine Heavens has descended; the Six Ding obey their orders. The Jade Maidens receive instruction and swiftly descend to the Imperial Court. Act at once, in accordance with the statute!

Fire-Pacifying Talisman (Wu script; draw Qi from the south)

(The talisman envoy ascends to transcendence and descends swiftly, manifesting numinous power. Hurl the flames so they reach ten thousand miles, enabling me to communicate with the gods.)

(Heavenly fire, earthly fire, and the true fire of the Five Thunders burn away all that opposes the Dao and cut off the divine clerks who carry official documents. Divine fire, act swiftly in obedience to the command!)

Raise the rosy clouds and spread true Qi. The might of the Five Thunders is fully prepared; illuminate the way ahead, proclaim the Daoist teachings, and sweep away evil influences.

“Execute as swiftly as the command of the Supreme Lord”: During ritual practice, the task must be carried out as swiftly as though by the Supreme Lord’s command.

“Dispatching the talisman” (the talisman used when issuing it; “Chen script” refers to the talisman-writing method used at the Chen hour, and “southern Qi” means drawing on the Qi of the south): “The three heavens above, supreme and transcendent, descend without delay. The true Qi of the profound Origin and Beginning, ride directly upon the astral wind and drive away evil demons. Whoever dares to oppose this shall be sent down to the Northern Capital.” The meaning is to invite the divine beings of the supreme three heavens to descend, to harness the astral wind through the true Qi of the divine beings of the profound Origin and Beginning, and to drive away evil demons. Any who resist are to be sent to the Northern Capital, the place said in Daoist lore to govern the underworld. All must be carried out swiftly.

“May the heavenly immortals of the celestial grotto descend swiftly with their numinous might; urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statute”: This petitions the immortals in the heavenly grottoes to descend swiftly with their numinous power and to act immediately in obedience to the command.

“Incantation for burning the talisman” (recited while burning talismans, together with the Supreme Lord’s mudra and the Qi of the heavenly gate): “Heaven and earth take their places; the two modes join and assume form. Let the left emissary, Li Ang, open the heavenly gate, and the right emissary, Wu Fang, open the way to the Dao and reach the true realm. Open the golden gate and jade threshold, so that my name may travel throughout the worlds within and beyond the finest particles. Illuminate my thoughts and courage, and unite my Jing, Qi, and Shen. Let the Red Child ascend; may all the spirits heed this. Urgently, in accordance with the Supreme Lord’s command.” The meaning is that heaven and earth each take their proper place and the two modes of Yin and Yang unite to form a whole. It calls upon the left emissary, Li Ang, to open the heavenly gate, and the right emissary, Wu Fang, to open the way to the Dao and reach the true realm. It asks that the golden gate and jade palace be opened, allowing the speaker’s name to reach throughout the world of the finest particles, illuminating the speaker’s intent and courage and bringing together their vital essence and spirit. It also calls for the Red Child—a figure in cultivation symbolizing the original spirit or pure innate nature—to ascend, and commands all the gods to heed the Supreme Lord’s order.

“Talisman for sending fire ten thousand miles” (visualize the Fire Bell General of the south commanding ten thousand-zhang flames to descend, and draw his Qi into the talisman): “By the Daoist decree of the Three Pure Ones, an order is issued to the Mysterious Bureau. General of fire in the south, receive the command and act; drive the astral wind and reach the heavenly gate swiftly. Whoever dares to disobey shall be sent to the wind-blade punishment, and their true body destroyed.” The meaning is that, by the decree of the Three Pure Ones, an order is sent to the Mysterious Bureau, the heavenly agency responsible for these affairs. The General of Fire in the south is commanded to act, driving the astral wind swiftly to the heavenly gate. Those who disobey will be sent to suffer the wind-blade punishment and face severe retribution.

“Talisman for driving the astral wind”: “The Great One joins with the true; the three true ones join with the true. By the upright command of the Celestial Pivot, drive all evil spirits. Let each bow with hands clasped. Whoever dares to obstruct this shall fall forever into Fengdu. At once, comply with the command.” The meaning is to petition the Great One and the three true ones to join forces, using the upright command of the Celestial Pivot to control all evil spirits and make them submit. Those who obstruct the command are to fall forever into Fengdu, the underworld in Daoist belief, and must comply with it immediately.

“Talisman for driving demons with the astral wind” (“Wu script” refers to the talisman-writing method used at the Wu hour, and “fire Qi” means the Qi of fire): “Incantation of the Three Terraces: I obey the command of the Great One. Demons and spirits, the gods of the Kui constellation, the Lord Emperor of the Sun, and the Sovereign of the Moon—destroy ghosts and eliminate demons. Whoever dares not to obey, by the Supreme Lord’s command, wind and fire shall not cease. Swiftly, swiftly! Let the General of Flowing-Gold Fire Bells swiftly reveal his true form; let the Zhengyi Merit Officer swiftly reveal his true form along the cloud road of the nine heavens. Drive away demons and monsters; wind and fire shall not cease.” This incantation obeys the Great One’s command and summons the Three Terraces, the Lord Emperor of the Sun, the Sovereign of the Moon, and other divine beings to destroy ghosts and eliminate demons. It commands the General of Flowing-Gold Fire Bells and the Zhengyi Merit Officer—a Daoist divine functionary who conveys orders and attends to ritual affairs—to reveal their true forms and use wind and fire to drive away demons and monsters swiftly.

Note at the end: When documents are issued, evil demons often obstruct them; therefore, this talisman must first be burned.

When performing the rite, write the text on the talisman in sequence, while visualizing talismanic officers guarding and surrounding the place where the astral winds arise. Ten thousand zhang of true fire burns through the astral winds, so that no evil spirit dares to intrude. In this way, the document can reach the Celestial Court.

Fire Bell Talisman for Clearing the Way

(The Star Lords of the Six Offices of the Southern Dipper send down true fire. General Fire Bell sends down the samādhi true fire, that is, the fire of stillness and wisdom spoken of in Daoism.)

(Lord Yanbo of the South; the fire of the Solar Emperor.)

I respectfully invite the Fire Lord of the Southern Sun. Second, I invite the Lord of Fire Blessings in the South. Third, I invite the Mountain Spirit of Fire in the West. Fourth, I invite the Great Fire Wheel of the North, to burn the ghosts and demons until they have nowhere to hide.

The talismanic methods above are used whenever documents are submitted. Evil spirits often fear punishment and worry that the ritual master will submit a memorial, so they try to hide the document and prevent it from reaching the Celestial Court. Sometimes, when a household encounters misfortune, the document may also be defiled, making it difficult to submit. In such cases, use this talisman to escort the document directly through the Gate of Heaven. Ten thousand zhang of true fire burns through the air along the way, clearing a path.

Incantation for Commanding the Astral Winds

Fire Bell, Fire Bell, strengthen my numinous power! With a spray of divine water, evil spirits can find no mercy.

Fire Bell Talisman for Sending Up a Memorial

The flames of Fire Bell blaze fiercely, their transformations reaching in all eight directions. The myriad spirits stand guard, forever severing all inauspiciousness. Haste, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!

Talisman for Opening Heaven (also called the “Talisman for Piercing the Gate of Heaven”; it uses the Supreme Lord’s hand seal to open the qi of the Gate of Heaven.)

(The perfected spirit of Heaven’s Cavern swiftly sends down numinous power. It reaches upward through the Gate of Heaven, opening an endless road. The messengers of the three divisions, Jade Maidens, and numinous youths; clerks of the Yin-Yang hand seal hold fire before their chests. They scatter the vast, primordial qi and shatter the astral winds.)

The Jade Emperor has issued a command, ordering the astral winds. The towering astral winds collapse and disperse, opening a direct passage to the nine heavens. Receiving the talisman and carrying out its command, the road along the Yellow Path is without end. Haste, in accordance with the Supreme Lord’s command!

The four sides of the Gate of Heaven shine bright, and the Yellow Path lies level and straight. Receiving the talisman and carrying out its command, there must be no delay. The clerks accompanying the talisman swiftly display their numinous power. Between the astral winds and the vast, primordial qi, the Golden Horse courier races swiftly to deliver the document. Haste, in accordance with the Supreme Lord’s command!

Format of the Talismanic Edict

Tai Xuan Du Province:

I respectfully issue the “Command of the Talisman for Opening Heaven,” ordering the messenger, the Fire Dragon postal clerk, the Zhengyi merit officer, and the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell General to carry the memorial (or petition or written statement) and swiftly deliver it before the Celestial Court. At places they pass, including the astral winds, they must not be obstructed without cause. If anyone obstructs them, seize them at once and send them to the Celestial Prison for punishment, thereby upholding the laws of the Mysterious Gate. Carry this out in accordance with the command.

Write the talismans at the front.

The talisman inscription reads: “With the Qi of Yellow Center—the energy of the central Earth virtue—set the magical power in motion and destroy every trace of evil. With the aid of the astral wind, the divine wind that protects celestial rites, sweep away the Nine Ugly Ones and all the wicked. In obedience to the talismanic command of the Great Opening of Heaven, send the talisman’s order straight to the Nine Heavens. If anything blocks the memorial, dispatch it swiftly to Luofeng, the underworld in Daoist belief. The Flowing-Gold Fire-Bell, a divine general and ritual implement of Daoist magic, illuminates the Yellow Center. Dragon-Fire mounted officers bear the memorial up to the Cloud Palace. May all beneath Heaven celebrate together, and may blessings endure for ten thousand kalpas. Let all be carried out in accordance with the command and conveyed by the wind-and-fire courier.” The talismanic order should specify the Grand Year and the year, month, day, and hour. It should also state, “The ritual officer, of the surname [name], receives the proclamation and carries it out in obedience,” followed by the title of the patriarch: “The True Lord of Righteous Response, Great Master of the Three Heavens, Zhengyi.”

The cover should be inscribed “Talismanic Command of the Most High, Great Opener of Heaven,” followed by the ritual rank and surname, and then carefully sealed. Write the talismans above in vermilion on yellow paper, make a separate cover for them, and burn them together with the memorial.

There is another format: write four talismans in a row at the front and attach the proclamation behind them. In order, the four talismans are the “Talisman of the Most High, Great Opener of Heaven,” the “Talisman for Passing Through Heaven’s Gate” (written only in front of the Great Opener of Heaven talisman), the “Talisman for Opening Heaven’s Gate,” and the “Talisman for Crossing the Astral Wind.”

In the proclamation, request that the messengers who connect the talismans with the Real, along with the Jade Maidens and Jade Youths, the spirit officers, merit officers, and talisman clerks who receive the memorial, immediately carry the memorial, petition, and written appeal straight to the Three Heavens. As they travel through the astral winds of the Three Realms and the vast, pure Qi, let no external demon or lawless spirit from beyond the Six Heavens obstruct them. Request that the Zhengyi merit officers and the Flowing-Gold Fire-Bell Great General take anyone who obstructs them to the Celestial Prison and punish them according to the law.

All other procedures, including inspection and copying, follow the earlier format. If the talisman form described earlier is used, this proclamation is unnecessary. Alternatively, all four talismans may be written at the front; the choice may be made as circumstances warrant. The invocation and hand seals used in dispatching them are the same as before.