《上清高上滅魔玉帝神慧玉清隱書》

This passage describes portions of the Shangqing Gaoshang Miemo Yudi Shenhui Yuqing Yinshu (The Jade Purity Secret Scripture of the Divine Wisdom of the Jade Emperor for Vanquishing Demons from the Highest Shangqing Realm). It primarily recounts the sacred origins and formidable powers of this scripture.

The text states that this Yuqing Yinshu was initially transmitted by the supreme Jade Emperor of the Jade Purity Heaven to the Great Emperor of the Supreme Subtlety (Tawei Tianjun, a revered Daoist deity), who in turn passed it on to the Later Sage and Lord of Great Peace (Taiping Daojun). The scripture was inscribed within the Six Palaces of Fengdu (the underworld in Daoist cosmology) to suppress the Fengdu Mountain in the north. Fengdu Mountain is the dwelling place of ghosts and spirits, with six palaces atop the mountain and six within its caverns—twelve palaces in total—each governing the affairs of ghosts and deities. The registers of life and death are all under the jurisdiction of the Northern Emperor (Beidi Jun).

The scripture emphasizes its extraordinary power: it can summon deities to annihilate demons, subdue all manner of malevolent spirits, command the mountain gods of the Five Sacred Peaks, and bind wandering souls. Reciting its incantations can open the gates of heaven, bringing joy to the myriad deities. Those who cultivate this scripture—if they possess the "immortal bone" (the innate potential for Daoist practice) and diligently refine themselves—may ultimately ascend to the celestial realm and pay homage to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest Daoist divinities).

The text also depicts the wondrous phenomena accompanying successful cultivation: purple clouds filling the sky, golden immortals offering protection, heaven and earth becoming clear and luminous, and demons submitting in reverence. Finally, it specifies the exact dimensions of Fengdu Mountain: located in the northern Gui direction, it stands 3,600 li high and spans 30,000 li in circumference, serving as a crucial domain for ghosts and deities.

This scripture describes the Daoist "Six Palaces of Fengdu" system that governs the spirit world. The text divides into two parts:

The first part details six palaces governing the ghost realm, all located on Mount Fengdu:

1. Zhòujué Yīntiān Palace (Palace of Yin-Termination)

2. Tàishā Liàngshìzōng Tiān Palace (Palace of Judgment for Grave Offenses)

3. Míngchén Nàifàn Wǔchéng Tiān Palace (Palace of Dawn Patience Against Transgressions)

4. Tiánzhào Zuìqì Tiān Palace (Palace of Serene Illumination for Sinful Qi)

5. Zōnglíng Qīfēi Tiān Palace (Palace of Ancestral Spirits and Seven Wrongs)

6. Gǎnsī Liánwǎn Lǚ Tiān Palace (Palace of Bold Judgment for Repeated Crimes)

These six palaces specialize in managing human life and death while commanding all ghosts. The Jade Emperor (Daoism's supreme deity) inscribed these palace names on stone tablets to restrain malevolent spirits from harming the living. Practitioners who memorize these names and carry corresponding talismans (fulu) gain protection from myriad spirits, have their names erased from death registers, and ultimately achieve the state of Perfected Being (zhenren).

The second part describes six palaces governing the divine realm, located within Fengdu's caverns:

1. Xiūmíng Zǒnglíng Dòngtiān Palace (Cavern Palace of Restful Illumination)

2. Xuánsī Chóngzhèng Zōngxū Tiān Palace (Palace of Profound Judgment and Rectification)

3. Tǒngxiān Shēnglíng Xīwēi Tiān Palace (Palace of Immortal Ascension)

4. Zhèngzhēn Shàolíng Wǎnsī Tiān Palace (Palace of True Rectification)

5. Yúnlóu Yùjì Mínglǎng Tiān Palace (Jade Terrace Palace of Cloud Records)

6. Chóngxū Chìyìng Yúnyóu Tiān Palace (Palace of Crimson Radiance in Empty Clouds)

These six palaces oversee deities and maintain the registers of life and death. Those who know these names and carry the Jade Emperor's talismans receive homage from southern deities, have their death records in northern Fengdu erased, and ultimately attain immortality.

The scripture concludes with instructions: write these names in cinnabar on three-foot cyan silk to wear as an amulet, and inscribe them in cyan on the northern wall of one's dwelling. This ensures homage and protection from myriad spirits wherever one travels. This ancient esoteric method grants transcendence beyond Fengdu's jurisdiction. However, transmission must be cautious—no more than three recipients in seven hundred years. Improper transmission brings calamities from the Northern Emperor (Fengdu's ruler), affecting seven generations of ancestors, while the transmitter suffers annihilation of body and spirit (xingshen jumie), forfeiting immortality.

This passage elucidates the essential teachings and precautions regarding the Daoist scripture Shangqing Gaoshang Miemo Yudi Shenhui Yuqing Yinshu (The Jade Purity Hidden Text of the Jade Emperor's Divine Wisdom for Subduing Demons from the Highest Shangqing Tradition):

1. Scriptural Origins: These secret characters were personally inscribed by the Jade Emperor on the northern wall of the Six Palaces in the Fengdu Cavern-Heaven (the Daoist underworld), comprising 91 characters used to command celestial beings.

2. Practice Requirements:

• Practitioners must possess "Jade Bones" (immortal constitution) with their names registered in the Purple Purity immortal registry
• The text must be transcribed with cinnabar on three-foot cyan silk and worn as a talisman
• It must also be inscribed with cinnabar on the northern wall of one's dwelling

3. Practice Benefits:

• Summons true immortals for protection
• Repels demons and disperses celestial malevolent forces
• Grants divine abilities to command the Ten Heavens and manifest myriad transformations
• Enables flight to the Jade Purity celestial realm

4. Taboos and Warnings:

• Strict prohibition against leaking the scripture's contents, which would bring calamity upon seven generations of ancestors
• Violators will become underworld officials after death, forever barred from attaining immortality

5. Practice Methods:

• Recite the Dongjing Jinxuan Chapter ten thousand times
• Simultaneously invoke the names of Fengdu's Six Palaces ten thousand times
• Must be practiced in conjunction with the Jade Emperor's engraved stone text
• Requires seven days of purification (zhaijie) beforehand

6. Practitioner Qualifications:

• The scripture's profundity surpasses ordinary comprehension
• Only those with immortal destiny may receive it
• Requires approval from the Eastern Florescence Emperor (an important Daoist deity)

7. Complementary Requirements:

• Practicing the Dadong Jing requires meditation facing the Zhenling direction
• Practicing the Jinxuan Jing necessitates wearing the hidden text
• Both scriptures must be used together to subdue demonic obstructions

8. Severe Consequences:

• Violations will be reported to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing)
• After death, offenders will be cast into hell for punishment
• The celestial laws are strict—utmost caution is imperative

This passage emphasizes that this is an advanced scripture for cultivating immortality, with exceptionally high practice thresholds that demand strict adherence to prescribed methods—any deviation risks grave consequences.

This scripture presents the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition's esoteric methods for vanquishing demons and slaying ghosts. The transmission is divided into three key aspects:

First are the initiation requirements: Practitioners must prepare thirty feet of brocade and nine pairs of gold rings as ritual offerings, while making solemn vows to the Northern Emperor (the supreme deity of the north). They must maintain prolonged purification practices (Zhaijiao, Daoist ascetic disciplines governing diet and conduct), sever mundane social ties, and preserve physical-spiritual purity to qualify for these methods. During cultivation, the Great Unity Deity (Taiyi, a major Daoist divinity) and the Director of Destinies will oversee the practitioner's progress. Successful completion brings profound mystical resonance and eventual ascension to the Jade Clarity Heaven (Yujing, one of Daoism's highest celestial realms).

The second section details the bureaucratic system of "Five Emperor Ghost-Slaying Officers," five divine officials governing demon-slaying during specific celestial cycles:

• Days governed by Wood Phase (Jia-Yi) fall under Song Juying's jurisdiction
• Fire Phase days (Bing-Ding) are managed by You Tongfasheng
• Earth Phase periods (Wu-Si) are administered by Huang Anzhengli
• Metal Phase days (Geng-Xin) fall to Bo Xiziliu
• Water Phase periods (Ren-Gui) are overseen by Zheng Xuanqiubo

The Jade Emperor reveals that while these officials command legions of ghosts, they hold exalted status—every 2,400 years they ascend to become administrators in the Jade Clarity Heaven. Practitioners ignorant of these deities' true names and ghost-slaying incantations will suffer demonic interference disrupting their cultivation.

The third section describes the Northern Emperor's dominion over all earthly ghosts and unrestrained spirits. Knowledge of these officials' true names grants power to subdue demonic hordes, but the text sternly warns that these are celestial secrets—unauthorized disclosure invites severe cosmic retribution.

Finally, the scripture depicts the officials' majestic forms: heads adorned with seven-jeweled emerald crowns and jade hairpins, bodies clad in gold-threaded purple gauze robes, waists girded with white silk sashes, feet in crimson embroidered boots, hands holding five-colored banners. This "Northern Emperor's Jade Script of Frosty Numen Demon-Slaying" descends from the supreme Sanqing (Three Pure Ones) heavens, representing the highest celestial transmission.

This scripture records two sets of Daoist exorcism rituals:

The first method, titled "Nine Heavens' Spirit Command," is employed by the Divine Empyrean King. The practice involves writing talismanic characters (fulu) with cinnabar on white silk during the Heavenly Stem days of Jia and Yi (the first and second of the ten celestial stems). The dimensions should be one chi two cun long (approx. 40cm) and three cun two fen wide (approx. 10cm). On Jia days, place the talisman in the western Geng position; on Yi days, place it in the Xin position. The ritual requires holding one's breath seven times, lightly tapping the left teeth thirty-six times while reciting an incantation. The spell proclaims: "By decree of the Highest Heaven, through the Jade Script of Supreme Purity, we subdue all malevolence, binding ghosts as the celestial bell resounds. First execute the wicked ghosts, then annihilate the demon kings, eradicating them utterly." After seven days of practice, celestial demons will manifest to be subdued, and evil spirits will perish. Wearing this cinnabar-inscribed white silk talisman enables safe travel throughout the world, protected from demonic harassment, and grants command over eight Great Cinnabar Jade Maidens as Dharma protectors. These celestial attendants wear golden-flowered emerald robes with yellow skirts and azure gauze garments.

The second method, called "The Law of Demon Subjugation," is used by the Demon-Dispelling King. During Bing and Ding days (the third and fourth celestial stems), write talismans with yellow ink on black silk of identical dimensions. On Bing days, position the talisman in the northern Ren position; on Ding days, place it in the Gui position. The practitioner must hold breath five times, tap teeth thirty-six times while chanting a spell emphasizing: "By command of the Supreme, we subdue all spirits; the ghost officials of Northern Feng (the Daoist netherworld capital) deliver demon names according to law, to be executed by celestial troops." After five days, demons manifest and malevolent forces are completely eradicated. Wearing this yellow-inscribed black silk talisman for five years summons twelve Yellow Jade Maidens as protectors.

(Note: "Northern Feng" refers to the legendary Daoist capital of ghosts in the underworld. "Great Cinnabar Jade Maidens" and "Yellow Jade Maidens" are classes of protective goddesses. "Breath retention" and "teeth tapping" are common Daoist cultivation techniques.)

This scripture describes two sets of Daoist exorcism rituals and incantations, primarily involving demon-slaying techniques transmitted by the Northern Emperor (Beiji Ziwei Dadi, the Great Emperor of the North Pole).

The first ritual requires specific ceremonial attire: a purple silk official robe edged with golden threads, paired with a crimson lower garment, a yellow brocade narrow-sleeved inner robe, along with matching belts, headgear, and footwear. This "Northern Emperor's Plain Numinous Jade Script for Demon Extermination and Ghost Slaying" was transmitted from the Three Highest Heavens (Gaoshang Santian, the supreme celestial realm in Daoism) and is protected by thirty-six Plain Numinous Jade Maidens (Suling Yunü). When used against malevolent spirits on Geng-Xin days (metal-element days in the Chinese calendar), the talisman must be inscribed with black cinnabar on paper measuring one chi two cun in length and three cun two fen in width (approx. 40cm × 10cm), placed in the southern Bing position (changed to Ding position on Xin days). The practitioner must hold their breath three times, click teeth thirty-six times (kouchi), and recite specific incantations to summon celestial and terrestrial righteous Qi, commanding the forces of Northern Fengdu (Beifeng, the underworld) to bind demons. Three consecutive days of practice will force ghosts to manifest and submit. Carrying the talisman ensures safe travel.

The second ritual features slightly different attire: crimson silk robes with golden threads and green borders, paired with black lower garments edged in red and blue gauze narrow-sleeved inner robes. This "Northern Emperor's Majestic Numinous Jade Script for Demon Extermination and Ghost Slaying" is guarded by twenty-five Great Mysterious Jade Maidens (Taixuan Yunü), specifically effective against ghosts appearing on Ren-Gui days (water-element days). The talisman must be written in blue ink on yellow paper, placed in the central Wu position (changed to Ji position on Gui days). The practitioner holds their breath twelve times, similarly clicks teeth thirty-six times, and chants incantations mobilizing the power of the Five Phases (Wuxing). Twelve consecutive days of practice can completely annihilate demonic entities. The incantation emphasizes invoking the Celestial Emperor's might to crush hordes of demons with mountain-toppling force.

Both rituals exemplify key characteristics of Daoist exorcism: specific ceremonial garments, directional positioning, breath control, teeth-clicking, coordinated use of incantations and talismans. Successful mastery grants the protection of attendant Jade Maidens.

This passage describes an exorcism ritual recorded in the Shangqing Gaoshang Miemo Yudi Shenhui Yuqing Yinshu (The Jade Purity Hidden Scripture of the Jade Emperor's Divine Wisdom for Destroying Demons from the Highest Shangqing Realm). The main content concerns:

A particular demon-dispelling talisman (called "jade script") inscribed on blue silk that, when worn on the body, can repel ghosts and evil entities. The specific procedures include:

1. Writing the talisman with white ink on blue silk on designated days (the wu and ji days of the celestial cycle)

2. Observing precise dimensions (1 chi 2 cun in length, 3 cun 2 fen in width)

3. Placing it in specific orientations (on jia days facing the eastern jia position, on ji days facing the yi position)

4. Performing accompanying rituals like breath retention (biqi), teeth tapping (kouchǐ), and incantation recitation

5. The incantation invokes celestial deities (such as the Three Numinous Ones [sanling], Five Elders [wulao], and the Northern Emperor [Beidi]) to subdue demonic forces

The scripture states that practicing this method for nine days will produce visible effects—ghosts will manifest and become subdued. After nine years of cultivation, the practitioner may command seven Jade Maidens of Plain Numen (su ling yunü). This method originates from the highest Ninth Heaven, transmitted by the Jade Emperor (Yudi) specifically to subdue various demons, including the Demon-Dispelling King (Xiaomo Wang) and the Divine Empyrean King (Shenxiao Wang).

Practitioners must observe the following precautions:

• Maintain absolute sincerity without doubt
• Strictly adhere to prescribed timings and methods
• Lack of efficacy may indicate personal impurity
• Never attempt casually, as misuse may bring adverse effects

This method serves not only for protection during mountain retreats but also for daily encounters with supernatural disturbances. The text emphasizes this as a secret transmission from the Jade Purity (Yuqing)—the highest Daoist celestial realm—and practitioners must treat it with utmost reverence.

(Note: The "Blue-Waisted Jade Maidens" [qingyao yunü] and "Jade Maidens of Plain Numen" mentioned are celestial attendants in Daoist lore. "Northern Emperor" refers to the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity of the North Pole (Beiji Ziwei Dadi), a major Daoist deity. "Mount Feng" denotes Fengdu, the legendary City of Ghosts.)

This scripture primarily discusses the interference of demonic entities (guimo) toward Daoist practitioners and methods to counter them:

Demonic entities excel at transformation and deception—they may conceal themselves, manifest, gather, or scatter, assuming countless forms. These phenomena stem from the influence of the "Six Heavens" (referring to six types of negative energies), which become particularly rampant during specific periods. The Supreme Celestial Beings (high-ranking Daoist deities) permit their existence to test the sincerity of cultivators.

The scripture states:

1. Demonic entities are inherently greedy and vicious, frequently disturbing practitioners. To subdue them, the celestial realm established scriptures like the Jade Text of the Five Thearchs for Slaying Demons (Wudi Shagui Yuwen).

2. Once practitioners obtain these scriptures, demonic entities can no longer interfere with them. However, these texts must not be carelessly disclosed, lest misfortune follow.

3. Even realized adepts (zhenren) face trials from demonic entities—how much more so ordinary cultivators. These trials serve to distinguish the righteous from the wicked.

4. The scripture offers cultivation methods such as the Divine Wisdom of the Jade Emperor (Yudi Shenhui) to resist demonic interference. Yet without predestined affinity for the Dao (xianyuan), forced practice remains futile.

It ultimately emphasizes: Only those with genuine celestial affinity can pass these trials and ascend to immortality—ordinary seekers cannot compel this outcome. Practitioners should diligently study the scriptures and approach these methods with reverence and caution.

The Shangqing Gaoshang Miemo Yudi Shenhui Yuqing Yinshu scripture reveals the supreme demon-subduing method bestowed by the Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens. Here's the essence of this text:

This is a secret exorcism technique transmitted within the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition, one of Daoism's major lineages. The scripture contains invincible incantations capable of summoning celestial soldiers and divine generals to vanquish demons and malevolent spirits. When the Jade Emperor employs this method to test practitioners, the mere utterance of the sacred chant shatters all corruption—mountain spirits and spectral entities are instantly eradicated, while deities from all realms gather to offer protection. Even the most hidden demons of the Nine Netherworlds are forced to reveal themselves and retreat, allowing the righteous energy of Heaven and Earth to manifest in full brilliance.

However, a crucial warning is emphasized: this supreme method must never be carelessly disclosed. Transmission requires a solemn oath—any violation that leads to the secret's exposure condemns the betrayer to hell after death, with seven generations of ancestors suffering the "Wind-Blade Punishment" (a Daoist infernal torment).

The scripture then details the "Divine Incantation of the Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens." In essence, the chant mobilizes divine power from the highest celestial realms. The Jade Emperor dispatches the Divine Tiger General and golden-armored heavenly troops wielding fiery bell talismans to execute judgment. Those defying the Dao are annihilated, while the compliant are granted liberation. All evil forces are either destroyed or punished by these celestial enforcers, ensuring purity across the Six Heavens.

Finally, the ritual procedure is explained: after reciting the incantation, one must click the teeth thirty-six times and swallow saliva ten times before retiring. Special emphasis is placed on Daoist practitioners using this method for protection when traveling alone, lodging in wilderness, or passing through mountain forests and spirit shrines—places particularly prone to encounters with supernatural entities.

This scripture describes a method for dispelling malevolent spirits and protecting oneself by reciting the Jade Emperor's Divine Incantation when encountering disturbances from mountain spirits and evil ghosts that unsettle the mind.

When one's spirit is disturbed by evil entities and feels fearful, one should recite the Jade Emperor's Divine Incantation to expel the malign influences. As the sacred vibrations of the incantation resonate, celestial demons will vanish, and all evil forces will flee. At this moment, divine guardians will protect you as if ten thousand protectors surrounded you. The efficacy manifests by nightfall, with celestial soldiers appearing to eliminate treacherous influences and dispel ominous impurities. The Three Officials (referring to the Heaven Official, Earth Official, and Water Official) will receive your sincerity, while the Five Directional Emperors come to assist you. This practice strengthens inner spirituality while repelling external evil Qi, clarifying the spirit and pacifying the body, leaving no room for fear.

The essence of the Jade Emperor's incantation is as follows: By the decree of the Nine Heavens, all deities are summoned to gather in the celestial court. The Great Unity (Taiyi, one of Daoism's supreme deities) and the Twin Sovereigns (likely referring to the Yin and Yang deities) oversee all evil forces, harmonize Qi, and protect life. Should any evil dare offend the divine, the Jade Emperor dispatches celestial troops. Seven divine beings wield weapons as heavenly soldiers and generals join the battle, unleashing wind and fire to vanquish evil. Divine might shakes the Six Heavens (Daoism's layered celestial realms), eradicating all wickedness. Those who defy this command will face punishment. All deities must reverently obey.

If fear arises while walking at night, or if nightmares bring demonic temptations seeking to harm you, immediately perform the Jade Emperor's Protective Spirit method. Face north, click the teeth thirty-six times, hold the breath, and silently recite the incantation. After finishing, click the teeth ten more times and swallow saliva ten times. This eliminates treachery and subdues demons. The seven divine beings will closely guard you while the Great Unity oversees all spirits, protecting the true essence and repelling ominous energies.

This method can be practiced daily, recited while sitting or lying down, to block all evil disturbances and seal the traces of malicious ghosts. Reciting before sleep calms the spirit, dispels nightmares and toxic influences, granting lifelong fearlessness. During regular practice, facing north and breath-holding are unnecessary. These steps are required only when ghosts are actively testing you and evil forces have already disturbed your Shen (spirit).

This passage comes from the Shangqing Gaoshang Miemo Yudi Shenhui Yuqing Yinshu (The Jade Purity Hidden Scripture of the Jade Emperor's Divine Wisdom for Subduing Demons from the Highest Shangqing Tradition). It describes methods for vanquishing demonic entities.

The general meaning is as follows: Therefore, the Dao Lord commands the numinous perfected deities (referring to Daoist immortals who have attained the Dao through cultivation) to subdue the fierce demonic forces and put them into deep slumber. The "incantation for inducing sleep" mentioned here—a mantra specifically for making demons dormant—differs from other magical arts, representing a unique method particular to this scripture.

Contextual note: In Daoist cultivation practice, "subduing demons" (miemo) refers to eliminating various demonic obstructions encountered during spiritual practice. This scripture transmits the distinctive demon-subduing techniques of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition, an important Daoist school, comprising special wisdom bestowed by the Jade Emperor (Yudi), one of Daoism's supreme deities.