《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 52

Shangqing Lingbao Dafa, Volume 52, Part One.

Transmitted by Ning Quanzhen, the Perfected One who Opens the Light and Relieves Suffering, a lofty adept of Dongwei; compiled by Wang Qizhen, a disciple of the Three Caverns of Shangqing and an inheriting master of the Lingbao tradition.

The Section on Greatly Refining Talismans and Registers

The Eighteen Talismans for Generating and Transforming Life in the Great Cavern of Yuqing

Talisman for Generating the Brain

Write this talisman in black ink on white paper, following the strokes of the Chen script, and draw Qi from above.

The incantation says:

The brain spirit is named Lord Niujie Chiwen Hundong. Xu, xu! By the command of Yuqing, I summon you to descend swiftly with primordial Qi and form the power of attraction and invocation.

Talisman for Generating the Eyes

Write this talisman in blue ink on white paper, following the markings above the middle finger. Press the Xun position on the second finger, and use either the Seven Stars Yang-Birth hand method or the Seven Stars Yin-Birth hand method.

The incantation says:

The eye spirit is named Lord Tongguang, Spirit of the Eyes. Xuanzhen, by the command of Yuqing, I summon you to descend swiftly with primordial Qi and form the power of attraction and invocation.

The True King has issued a command; the sun and moon do not cease. The Emperor proclaims the teaching and refines the spirits, making them shine with light. The Emperor’s palace is mysterious and illuminates all things. The myriad spirits mingle with the Qi of nature, causing those who undergo refinement to ascend to the Jade Court.

Talisman for Generating the Tongue Spirit

Write this talisman in vermilion on yellow paper, following the strokes of the Chen script. Draw Qi from the Xun direction and use the Red Numinous hand method together with central Qi.

The incantation says:

The tongue spirit is named Lord Tengyang, Herald of the Spirits. Zhengsheng, by the command of Yuqing, I summon you to descend swiftly with primordial Qi and form the power of attraction and invocation.

The numinous writings of Yuqing bring transformation and nurture everywhere, revealing the Qi of the Cinnabar Origin. Lord Tengyang, Spirit of the Tongue, proclaims good fortune, bringing auspicious signs from the myriad treasures. The precious registers of Yuqing refine the souls, granting them deliverance and raising them to the Hall of Blessings.

Talisman for Generating the Heart

Write this talisman in vermilion on blue paper, following the markings above the middle finger, and draw Qi from the southeast.

The incantation says:

The heart spirit is named Lord Xuanzhu, Spirit of the Heart. Xuanxuan, by the command of Yuqing, I summon you to descend swiftly with primordial Qi and form the power of attraction and invocation.

Talisman for Generating the Liver

Write this talisman in blue ink on plain paper, following the strokes of the Mao script. Draw Qi from the flourishing direction and use the Heavenly Gate hand method.

The incantation says:

The liver spirit is named Lord Qingdi, Spirit of the Liver. Mengxian, by the command of Yuqing, I summon you to descend swiftly with primordial Qi and form the power of attraction and invocation.

The Jade Talisman of Yuqing brings life into being and transforms it naturally. The soul spirit receives vital energy and ascends to the Jade Heaven. Through refinement, one can be delivered beyond immeasurable kalpas; the spirits of the liver palace can attain the same longevity as Heaven.

Talisman for Generating the Spleen

Write this talisman in yellow ink on white paper, following the strokes of the Zhong script. Draw Qi from the central direction and use the Jade hand method.

The incantation says:

The spleen spirit is named Lord Ziting, Spirit of the Spleen. Yannian, by the command of Yuqing, I summon you to descend swiftly with primordial Qi and form the power of attraction and invocation.

The Exalted Jade Writ comes into being in the Purple Court, the realm of perfected immortals in Daoist belief. It makes the inner and outer realms fully permeable, refines and transforms bodily substance, and returns one to the Immortal Way.

The jade talisman proclaims the summons. The practitioner sits upright at the Central Origin, the middle of the body, or the middle Dantian (energy center). The myriad spirits listen with reverence; the command is swiftly conveyed by wind and fire.

Talisman for Generating the Lungs

Draw the talisman on a black ground in white, using the four-finger hand sign for writing talismans.

Incantation:

Lord of the Lungs, Spirit of the Lungs, Lord of Bright Caverns, whose personal name is Li Cheng: I carry the command of Jade Clarity, the realm where Daoist exalted deities dwell. Descend swiftly with primordial Qi (vital energy) and accomplish the work of summoning and transformation.

Talisman for Generating the Kidneys

Draw the talisman on a white ground in black. At the base of the middle finger, form the hand sign according to the northern Dark Qi, the Dark Palace formula, and the Xu-Chen configuration.

Incantation:

Lord of the Kidneys, Spirit of the Kidneys, Lord of the Great Abyss, whose personal name is Yongdu: I carry the command of Jade Clarity. Descend swiftly with primordial Qi and accomplish the work of summoning and transformation.

With the power of the Great Spirit, refine and transform the myriad treasures, bringing the body of life into being and refining the souls of the dead. The Spirit of the Kidneys, Lord of the Great Abyss, governs the root of life. His name is Yongdu; he can preserve all things and keep them secure for a long time. The generation and transformation of life follow the natural order. Step upward into the Mysterious Heaven; let everything be carried out in accordance with the command.

Talisman for Generating Yin

Draw the talisman on a black ground in cinnabar. Form the hand sign at the base of the middle finger, following the Qi of the central and northwestern directions.

Incantation:

Lord of Yin, Spirit of Yin, Lord Who Continues Life, whose personal name is Boqiang: I carry the command of Jade Clarity. Descend swiftly with primordial Qi and accomplish the work of summoning and transformation.

Talisman for Generating the Womb

Draw the talisman on a white ground in cinnabar. At the center of the middle finger, form the hand sign according to the Qi of the southeastern direction and the Twelve Meridians formula.

Incantation:

Lord of the Womb, Spirit of the Womb, Lord of Primordial Constancy, whose personal name is Qiufu: I carry the command of Jade Clarity. Descend swiftly with primordial Qi and accomplish the work of summoning and transformation.

The True King has issued a command to refine and transform bodily substance in the netherworld, opening the flow of the womb’s primal life force so that it accords naturally with the Dao. The primordial Qi at the root is harmonized and made to flow through, then settles below to guard the depths. The hundred spirits protect the body as their dwelling, preserving life and extending its years.

Talisman for Generating the Embryo

Draw the talisman on a blue-green ground in white, performing the rite according to the Chen script, the Qi of the primordial spirit, and the Eight Scenes formula.

Incantation:

Lord of the Embryo, Spirit of the Embryo, Lord Who Embraces Life, whose personal name is Yinhe: I carry the command of Jade Clarity. Descend swiftly with primordial Qi and accomplish the work of summoning and transformation.

The Five Emperors proclaim the talismanic command and refine the embryonic origin. The Five Qi of Grotto Yang keep watch there for a long time, making the practitioner a numinous immortal. The Qi of the Primordial Oneness, True Cavern, opens the purple gate and enables one to ascend to immortality.

Talisman for Untying Knots

Draw the talisman on a cinnabar-colored ground in black, performing the rite according to the Three Yang formula and the Five Qi.

Incantation:

Lord of Knots, Spirit of Knots, Lord of Nine Blossoms, whose personal name is Yanxia: I carry the command of Jade Clarity. Descend swiftly with primordial Qi and accomplish the work of summoning and transformation.

With Jade Clarity’s precious register, swear an oath before the Ten Heavens to deliver the corpses and souls of the netherworld and release their endless bonds. As the embryonic channels disperse, accumulated impurities are transformed; numinous light pours downward, preserving life and nurturing its root. The Three Blossoms flourish, and their fragrance spreads naturally.

Talisman for Releasing Knotted Joints

“The phrase ‘with a blue ground and white writing, draw it at the base of the middle finger and draw on the Qi of the northwest’ means: make this talisman on a blue ground in white, draw it at the base of the middle finger, and draw on the Qi of the northwest.

Recite the incantation:

‘Lord of the joints, spirit of the joints, Lord Yaohào (a divine name), styled Kongyou. By command of the Jade Clarity (the celestial realm where Daoist deities dwell), I summon you to descend at once. The primordial Qi gathers and is drawn together into form.’

The talisman text says: ‘The thirty-two heavens of the Numinous Treasure loosen the knots and joints; the thirty-six heavens of the Great Cavern sever the old roots.’

Blood-Generating Talisman

Make this talisman on a blue ground in cinnabar, draw it at the base of the middle finger, and draw on the Qi of the northwest.

Recite the incantation:

‘Lord of blood, spirit of blood, Lord Zhongyou (a divine name), styled Liangbi. By command of the Jade Clarity, I summon you to descend at once. The primordial Qi gathers and is drawn together into form.’

The talisman text says: ‘Refine the living corpse [nourishing and cultivating the life-bearing body] with the exalted Jade Script. Let the Qi of the Black Emperor circulate, so the body receives the substance of life. Let the channels of Zhongyou spread throughout the body, nourishing and circulating, and let the spirit flow freely. The Primordial Beginning issues an order: let life arise and transform within the Cinnabar Void, endure with the Dao without end, and ascend the road to Heaven.’

Essence-Generating Talisman

Make this talisman on a blue ground in cinnabar, draw it in the “zi” script (a particular script used in talismans), and draw on the dark Qi of the north.

Recite the incantation:

‘Lord of essence, spirit of essence, Lord Yuanyin (a divine name), styled Zhuzhu. By command of the Jade Clarity, I summon you to descend at once. The primordial Qi gathers and is drawn together into form.’

The talisman text says: ‘The Qi of Jade Clarity’s Cavern of Yang brings life into being and transformation. Remove obstructions within and without, making the interior and exterior full and the inner and outer surfaces clear. Let it endure through the kalpas and bring lasting stability to the place where the lord and spirit dwell. Let the spirit be bright and the body flourish and grow firm, free from distress. The Heavenly Jade Talisman, written in the golden script of the Ten Thousand Treasures, is blended into the One Emperor; the Qi of the Central Origin will not vanish.’

Qi-Generating Talisman

Make this talisman on a yellow ground in white, drawing from the markings on the upper section of the middle finger down to its lower section, and draw on the Qi of the Chen direction.

Recite the incantation:

‘Lord of Qi, spirit of Qi, Lord Wuying (a divine name), styled Cuicui. By command of the Jade Clarity, I summon you to descend without interruption. The primordial Qi gathers and is drawn together into form.’

The talisman text says: ‘The exalted Jade Clarity gives birth through the Dao to the Three Qi, completing body and spirit and bringing them to rest in harmony with Heaven. Let the Qi of the myriad Brahmas endure forever, repeatedly returning to Heavenly Reality. The ancestral Qi of Wuying transforms and brings forth life through the Qi of Cuicui. When merit is complete and the Dao perfected, ascend to Heaven in a jade carriage.’

Spirit-Generating Talisman

Make this talisman on a blue ground in cinnabar, drawing from the base of the middle finger up to its upper section, and draw on the Qi of the Xun direction. Also draw on the central-origin Qi at the marking positions of Si, Wu, and Wei.

Recite the incantation:

‘Lord of spirits, spirit of spirits, Lord Tiansheng (a divine name), styled Lingfu. By command of the Jade Clarity, I summon you to descend at once. The primordial Qi gathers and is drawn together into form.’

The talisman text says: ‘The treasure talisman of Jade Clarity brings the myriad spirits together, giving rise to perfected spirits and the myriad beings born of Heaven. Preserve eternal life and ascend into the Imperial Court.’

Life-Destiny-Generating Talisman

Make this talisman on a white ground in blue, drawing from the base of the middle finger up to its upper section, and draw on the Qi of the Xun direction.

Recite the incantation:

‘Lord of destiny, spirit of destiny, Lord Zhengzhong (a divine name), styled Changsheng. By command of the Jade Clarity, I summon you to descend at once. The primordial Qi gathers and is drawn together into form.’

Here, terms such as “talisman” and “Qi,” as well as references to finger markings and drawing on Qi from particular directions, are specialized language from Daoist Fulu (talisman and register) rituals. The passages mainly use talismanic incantations to summon deities and express the wish to nourish the body, spirit, and life, so that they may endure and ascend to Heaven.

The Most High Great Emperor, the supreme Celestial Emperor, bestows a jade talisman, so that the life-giving energy of the spirits—the celestial Chongjing energy—may endure forever.

He causes the body to undergo transformation and refinement, preserving its original endowment. The hun souls and spirits remain within the body, guarding the Celestial Palace forever.

The Brahma Qi of Jade Clarity rises to the Hall of Blessing.

Proclamation

The secret talisman of the Golden Mystery, Jade Clarity Great Cavern, and Feathered Seal, flying through the sky.

Writing the Talisman

The talisman above addresses the brain spirit, the Red Script Lord of Muddy Pellet and Blended Cavern; the eye spirit, Lord of Penetrating Light; Lord Morning Infant; the tongue spirit, Lord Rising Yang; the heart spirit, Mysterious Pearl Lord; the liver spirit, Green Emperor Lord; the spleen spirit, Purple Court Lord; the lung spirit, Bright Cavern Lord; the kidney spirit, Great Abyss Lord; the yin spirit, Life-Continuing Lord; the womb spirit, Primordial Emperor Lord; the embryo spirit, Life-Bearing Lord; the knot spirit, Ninefold Radiance Lord; the joint spirit, Obscure Brightness Lord; the blood spirit, Central Depths Lord; the essence spirit, Primordial Xu Lord; the Qi spirit, Unheroic Lord; the spirit spirit, Heaven-Born Lord; and the life spirit, Upright Center Lord. Quickly send down true Qi and refine those named below who have already died, so that they may gather their breath, reshape their bodies, restore their spirits, and recover their innate nature. Carry this out in accordance with the commands of the Mysterious Rites—the sacred precepts and ritual regulations of Daoism.

Upper Talisman

The heavens are empty and void; the primordial cavern is nine-five.

The Most High’s Abode of Fang, ruler over all spirit gateways.

King Heng governs and gathers Qi; the brain’s radiance appears in its primal form.

He commands the upper region, communicating with spirits and reaching back to antiquity.

Middle Talisman

Red Brightness opens the true; the three Qi blend throughout the caverns.

The cavern receives yang light; the five viscera do not rely on anything.

Protected by the three Qi, the Vermilion Palace stands renewed.

It receives cool flowing springs; life rises upright and does not pass away.

Lower Talisman

Yellow Center regulates Qi; unborn, it is itself exalted.

The stomach conduit connects through the hidden realms; all six organs remain intact.

White Qi, the Lord, raises up Peach Health, and life becomes pure.

It nourishes the Vermilion Elixir, as spirits pass to and fro through the caverns.

The Eight Radiant Talismans of the Upper Region (corresponding to eight places in the upper part of the body)

Talismans for the brain, hair, skin, eyes, neck marrow, torso, tongue, and nose.

The Eight Radiant Talismans of the Middle Region

Talismans for the throat, lungs, heart, liver, gallbladder, left kidney, right kidney, and spleen.

The Eight Radiant Talismans of the Lower Region

Talismans for the stomach, the terminal intestine, the small and large intestines, the central regulator, the chest, the two flanks, the left yang, and the right yin.

The talisman of the Three Corpses.

The upper, middle, and lower corpses are three kinds of “corpse worms” spoken of in Daoism, also called the Three Corpses. The scriptures depict them as malign beings hidden within the human body, stirring up desire and disturbing body and mind. The following three spells address the upper, middle, and lower corpses in turn, beseeching the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning and the Five Emperors, among other deities, to drive them out, so that the practitioner may purify body and mind and attain ascent.

Spell for the Upper Corpse

The upper corpse is named Pengju. It takes on nine forms, with a bird’s head and a serpent’s body. Ignorant and confused, it sinks and rises, craves flavors and beauty, and is self-righteous. It disturbs the human soul, oversees and records people’s transgressions, cuts off the root of life, scatters the breath, and causes the spirit to wander.

It runs rampant in the Three Palaces—the upper, middle, and lower regions within the body—wreaking havoc like a small insect. The perfected person, one who has attained through cultivation, writes a numinous talisman on a day marked by Jia or Yi. Now lust has been cut off, and the road to death has been cleared away. By command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, may the corpse worm be destroyed at once.

The Lords of the Three Stars, deities who govern human fate and fortune, are inspecting the body. The corpse worm must come out immediately and may not remain. Cut off its roots and exterminate its kind; let none remain. After the deceased has undergone refinement, the Three Palaces are clear, empty, and bright. The Five Emperors watch over and illuminate the body, while Taiyi, a Daoist deity, enters the name in the register.

On an auspicious day, bathe, change clothes, and put on a cap. Then fly beyond the heavens, ride a jade carriage of flowing light, and follow the radiance upward into the realm of Highest Clarity, roaming through the sky. In accordance with the command, ascend to the Jade Capital.

Spell for the Middle Corpse

The middle corpse is named Pengzhi, also called the Yellow Center. It craves desire and hides in the abdomen, sinking and rising, changing without end. It controls the human soul and wanders through the Three Palaces, making the mind and spirit unsettled. It drives the Red Child—the mind or an inner deity—to run about, causing madness. Human desire harms the spirit; all transgressions are caused by this small insect.

The perfected person carries out the rite on a day marked by Jia or Yi; the Lord on High has already investigated the matter. The practitioner wears jade talismans and golden insignia and is listed in the Primordial Register, the roster of immortals. The three kinds of desire have vanished. By command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, cut away the corpse worm’s form and sever its roots; let it neither be reborn nor scatter away. After the departed soul has undergone refinement, the five viscera grow cool and clear. True immortals settle within, and light arises inside the organs. The Five Emperors watch over and illuminate the body, while Taiyi records each name in turn.

At the time of the middle origin, bathe, change clothes, and put on a cap. Shed the old form and transform your appearance; become flowing jade light and ascend into the realm of Highest Clarity. Breathe in and out in the great void, remain in your natural state for a long time, and endure without end alongside Heaven and Earth. In accordance with the command, ascend to the Jade Capital.

Spell for the Lower Corpse

The lower corpse is named Pengjiao. It craves desire and seeks self-gratification. Ignorant and confused, its form is unstable; it clings to the person’s two feet and stirs the emotions. It speaks of people’s gains and losses and agitates the soul. It disrupts the Three Palaces and keeps the Red Child from resting peacefully. This greedy little worm wreaks havoc by borrowing the power of the netherworld.

After three rounds of refinement, the perfected person’s body and mind are pure; the gates of desire are shut, and evil influences are no longer admitted. By the urgent command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Lords of the Three Stars come to inspect the court. The corpse worm must come out at once and may not hide; it and its kind must all be eliminated. Its nine generations of descendants are destroyed together. The Five Emperors guide the perfected person through calamity, and Taiyi enters the name in the register.

At the time of the lower origin, bathe, change clothes, and put on a cap. Don a blue feather robe, fly beyond the Three Realms, ascend to Highest Clarity, and absorb primordial essence.

This scripture explains the theory behind the Daoist “Nine Refinements Method for Reviving the Dead” (a practice that refines the body through the life-generating Qi of the Nine Heavens, granting the deceased new life).

The master says, “The Nine Refinements Method for Reviving the Dead is a supreme Daoist method. All people originally receive life from the formless void, relying on the karmic causes of past lives and the conditions of this life. The transformations of Heaven and Earth, the sun and moon, and Yin-Yang constitute human life; a person’s consciousness, too, comes and goes amid these transformations.

“The scripture says that in the womb, a person receives the Qi of the Nine Heavens month by month: in the first month, the embryonic sac forms; in the second, the fetus takes shape; in the third, the hun and po souls are complete; in the fourth, the po soul takes form; in the fifth, the gallbladder forms; in the sixth, the internal organs form; in the seventh, the bodily orifices become distinct; in the eighth, body and spirit join; and in the ninth, spirit descends into the body. Here, the ‘Nine Heavens’ refers to the nine celestial realms in Daoist thought, while the ‘Qi of the Nine Heavens’ means the sacred Qi that descends from the heavens and generates life. The scripture also says that the human body, inside and out, contains thirty-six thousand spirits. Nurtured by the Three Origins and brought into form through the condensation of the Nine Qi, they ceaselessly circulate and transform day and night.

“At birth, everyone receives the Qi of the Nine Heavens. Now, by gathering and distributing this Qi in the eight directions, one can restore life to a dead body, make vitality appear anew in a withered and decayed form, and dispel the burdens of sin. Once the Qi of the Nine Heavens has merged and the myriad spirits are complete, consciousness becomes clear, and the hun soul can ascend beyond the Three Heavens. The practitioner follows the example of Heaven and Earth and harmonizes Yin-Yang, bringing spirits into being and transforming them according to their respective formulas. Through repeated cultivation, one can ascend to the realm of Wuwei (non-action).

“The Nine Refinements Method for Reviving the Dead is structured according to the number 108: the thirty-six Heavens, the thirty-six Generals of Primordial Unity, and the deceased person’s inner constituents—the One Origin, Two Principles, Three Luminaries, Four Images, Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), Six Tones, Seven Governors, and Nine Palaces—together make 108. The scripture calls this the ‘number of Yang Nine and Six Hundred,’ and holds that it gathers the Qi of Heaven and Earth, enabling a person to be generated anew: the Qi of Heaven produces spirits, and the Qi of the Nine Spirits produces the nine bodily orifices, linking them to Heaven above.”

The voice of the Gate of Heaven is revered and wondrous, corresponding to the Nine Heavens—the nine celestial realms described in Daoism. The nine kinds of primordial Qi, the fundamental energies that compose heaven, earth, and all things, emerge from the Great Void. Before heaven and earth took form, they lay hidden within the empty void; at that time there was no light, image, form, or name.

Each of the nine Qi settled into its own ordered place. Thus came the sun, moon, and stars; Yin-Yang and the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water); and human beings and all other living creatures. Everything between heaven and earth is governed and transformed by the nine Qi. Nothing falls outside this order unless it was not brought forth by the Three Origins—the Upper, Middle, and Lower Origins described in Daoism—and did not take shape through the coalescence of the nine Qi.

Thus, in the ninth month, the spirit and Qi spread through the body, primordial Qi became abundant, and the Five Spirits associated with the body’s vital activities were complete; the human body then took shape. The human body corresponds above to the thirty-six heavens and below to the thirty-six earths. These correspondences are present throughout the space between heaven and earth. Excluding the two Qi of the sun and moon, which shine upon all lands, the total is one hundred and six. This number corresponds to the “calamity of the Yang Nine and the Hundred Six,” a cycle of tribulation described in Daoism; the jia-shen year marks the major period of this tribulation.

Yang Talisman for Refining and Deliverance in the Nine Heavens

A yang talisman used to refine and deliver departed souls so that they may be saved.

Upper Yang Talisman for Opening the Soul-Essence in Yudan Wuliang Heaven

Yudan Wuliang Heaven is one of the Nine Heavens; this talisman opens the departed soul’s yang spirit and Qi.

The words on the talisman, in order, are: “Blend the primordial Qi; open and circulate the source of the womb; let the Great Dao reach the Mystery; dissolve the roots of evil. Irrigate the Gate of Life; let Yin and Yang Qi mingle; let the Primordial Lord bar the gate; let the Marshal of the Horse penetrate the song. End death and the turning wheel; let form and spirit be one.”

Writing the “Chapter of Qi Blended with the Empty Void”

With reverence, I invite the Imperial Perfected One’s primordial Qi of the Yellow Evolving One, the source of the womb and destiny, and summon it with the rites of the ninefold heavens. For the deceased so-and-so and the others, bind their wombs so that the womb-origin may flow freely and ascend to the heavens, enabling them to regain the power to be born anew. This rite is performed in accordance with the proclaimed command.

In the year, month, and day of a certain Grand Year.

The ritual rank and surname of the officiant, acting in obedience to the issued command.

Upper Yang Talisman for Making the Soul-Essence Bright in Shangshang Chanshan Wuliangshou Heaven

Chanshan Wuliangshou Heaven is one of the Nine Heavens; this yang talisman makes the departed soul’s essence and Qi manifest.

The words on the talisman, in order, are: “In the purple portal of the hidden darkness, open the way to transcendence and soar into Mystery; form the embryo in the Yellow Chamber. Sever death and cut away its roots; let the numinous Qi of Chanshan refine essence into form. Devote yourself to Mystery and cherish life; array all things in the Hall of Light. Blend and harmonize; the embryo forms and its roots are released.”

Writing the “Chapter of the Boundless Purple Portal”

With reverence, I invite the Imperial Perfected One’s Qi of the hidden, dark purple portal, the source of the embryo and destiny, and summon it with the rites of the ninefold heavens. For the deceased so-and-so and the others, bind their souls so that the embryo’s bonds are released from their roots, and let their response descend to earth, thereby stabilizing their spiritual nature. This rite is performed in accordance with the proclaimed command.

Upper Yang Talisman for the Soul-Essence’s First Yang in Fanjian Xuyan Heaven

Fanjian Xuyan Heaven is one of the Nine Heavens; this talisman opens the departed soul’s nascent yang Qi.

The words on the talisman are: “The three clouds of Xuyan; the mysterious Qi divides. The form of Kun takes its proper place; the image of Qian becomes distinct.”

Returning Qi (vital energy) to its root means restoring primordial Qi to its source; opening the nine gates of the Way of Prosperity means opening the nine gates that lead to the immortal Way; generating life from the womb of Qi means nurturing new life through primordial Qi.

When the soul is gathered and held by Qi, it can become immortal after undergoing nine transformations of cultivation.

When writing, write the talismanic registers that collectively encompass the Three Clouds, in sequence.

I hereby respectfully petition the True Sovereign to bestow the soul’s life-force, longevity, numinous clarity, and the Qi of the immortals, in nine layers. On behalf of the deceased, so-and-so and the others, may their three souls be gathered and held, and may the gates of the soul open to the divine, thereby reaching the True One. Thus is this command proclaimed.

Talisman Above for the Soul’s Essence and the Sun, in the Heaven of Silent Stillness and Tusita.

(Silent stillness without color; numinous transformation divides into radiant forms. The corpse’s dark spirit unfolds its origins; the empty cavern gives birth to the divine. The swift and luminous unite as one; through nine transformations, radiant numinous beings emerge. The gates of the po-soul are closed, and the infant suddenly sings.)

Write the “Register of the Silent, Colorless Source.”

I hereby respectfully petition the True Sovereign to bestow the po-soul’s life-force and the Qi of the corpse’s dark spirit unfolding in the underworld, in nine layers. On behalf of the deceased, so-and-so and the others, may their seven po-souls be gathered and held, and may the gates of the po-soul be closed. May the Heavenly King descend among the immortal True Ones and settle their souls and po-souls. Thus is this command proclaimed.

Talisman Above for the Soul’s Essence and the Upper Yang, in the Heaven of Polonimi, Without Pride or Pleasure.

(Gather the empty radiance and turn back the yellow Qi; collect and record it until it has form. Open the passage and revive the soul; refine Qi within the primordial storehouse, and immortals arise at the purple gate. All the True Ones gather; the Holy Mother rejoices. The register’s method penetrates the underworld: Heaven and Earth are first divided, and the Five Emperors appear before the True Way.)

Write the “Register of the Five Emperors’ Procession.”

I hereby respectfully petition the True Sovereign to bestow the life-force of the viscera and the Qi of the central spirit among the Five Immortals, in nine layers. On behalf of the deceased, so-and-so and the others, may their five organs be gathered and held, may the five organs grow clear and cool, and may the Five Emperors appear before the True Way, preserving their divine spirit. Thus is this command proclaimed.

Talisman Above for the Soul’s Essence and the Primordial Yang, in the Heaven of the Responsive Voice of the Mysterious Cavern.

(Turn and transform without form or shadow; the three Qi surge, harmonize, and blend. Remove the obstructions within the womb, so that heart and spirit rise beyond to the Upper Capital. Refine the womb’s primordial essence and return it to the original chaos, making the po-soul firm and the hun-soul transformed and alive. The Primordial One subdues the demon king.)

Write the “Register of the Responsive Voice in the Colorless Realm.”

I hereby respectfully petition the True Sovereign to bestow the life-force of the numinous palace and the harmonizing Qi of the High True Ones, in nine layers. On behalf of the deceased, so-and-so and the others, may their six bowels be gathered and held, so that fluids arise in the stomach and harmonious Qi is received. Thus is this command proclaimed.

Talisman Above for the Soul’s Essence and the Correct Yang, in the Heaven of Numinous Transformation and Brahma’s Assistance.

This passage from the Shangqing Lingbao Great Rites records Daoist liturgies performed for the dead. The ritual master petitions the Imperial Perfected Ones to bestow the corresponding numinous Qi upon the deceased’s soul, restoring its perception, making body and spirit whole, and granting it protection. “Binding the soul” refers to using ritual methods to reunite the soul with the body. “In accordance with the proclamation of command” is a phrase of petition meaning that the rite is to be carried out as commanded.

Mysterious Qi mingles with Brahma; the Perfected Ones are arrayed in order; numinous workings are set in motion

From the jade chamber in the immortal realm comes exquisite music, calming and delighting the mind and spirit. The spirit and soul roam freely, and the Five Spirits, corresponding to the five internal organs, roam in joy as well. The refreshed soul returns to its source, and the constellations shine clearly once more.

“Chapter on Writing the Mysterious Assembly, Uniting All without End”

We respectfully petition the Imperial Perfected Ones in the Primordial Palace to bestow the Qi of the high immortals of the Life Origin and the Cavern Registers, in nine layers. This rite is performed specifically for the deceased so-and-so and others, to bind their souls once more to the seven orifices—the openings of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth—so that these orifices open, perception returns, the stars shine clearly, and spirit and soul become unobstructed. We act in accordance with the proclamation of command.

Yang talisman for the soul’s essence, clarity, and passage upward through the high heavens

In the lofty, clear realm of the highest heavens, the true numinous beings take form and gather, their radiance like rosy clouds. A resonant sound reverberates through the empty void. The departed soul is released from the uncertainty of leaving or remaining; it understands the principles of things and gives rise to divine awareness. It rises beyond the world of dust, and body and soul are made whole again.

“Chapter on Writing the Petition to the Clear, Bright, Highest Heavens”

We respectfully petition the Imperial Perfected Ones in the Radiant Palace to bestow the Qi of the Life Origin, in which true numinosity takes form and gathers, in nine layers. This rite is performed specifically for the deceased so-and-so and others, to bind their souls once more to the Eight Radiances—the eight spirits or forms of Qi within the body—and restore body and spirit to wholeness. May the dark realm of night shine with light once more, and the entire body be made whole again. We act in accordance with the proclamation of command.

Yang talisman for the soul’s essence, free from thought, entanglement, and attachment

Mystery upon mystery, abiding in emptiness and stillness; the mind and spirit grow calm, and the divine Qi becomes clear. Numinous response reaches through the Great Void; divine Qi sinks inward, gathers, and ascends. With no form within or without, one is called a Perfected One, a person who has attained the Dao.

“Chapter on Writing of Firmness without Entanglement or Emotion”

We respectfully petition the Imperial Perfected Ones in the Sacred Peak Palace to bestow the Qi of the Life Origin, the natural and mysterious radiance, in nine layers. This rite is performed specifically for the deceased so-and-so and others, to reunite their souls with their whole bodies. May divine Qi arise simultaneously from the original source in the Three Passes, Five Organs, Six Bowels, Nine Palaces, Golden Towers and Jade Chambers, Twelvefold Gates, Purple Doors and Jade Pavilions, and all thirty-six thousand vital apertures. May their Qi become abundant, so that they can make a sound and their divine awareness is complete; may their hair grow again and their bodies be restored. We petition the gods and spirits of the heavens to descend, protect them, and preserve their lives. We act in accordance with the proclamation of command.

These nine Yang talismans are all written in cinnabar on yellow paper. The text outside the talismans is written in ink; they are then placed in a sealed envelope.