《玉詮》Vol. 4

The Yu Quan (Jade Exegesis) is an important Daoist scripture, and this section records the table of contents for its third volume. This part primarily enumerates several categories of significant guardian deities in Daoist belief:

First mentioned are the "Eight Golden Deities" (Ba Da Jinshen), referring to eight majestic guardian generals clad in golden armor who are frequently summoned during Daoist zhaijiao (purification rituals) to protect the sacred altar space. They typically wield various ritual implements and are responsible for exorcising malevolent forces and suppressing baleful influences.

Next are the "Four Heavenly Lords" (Si Da Tianjun), four celestial marshals who command heavenly troops (the title Tianjun denotes respect for high-ranking divine generals). These four usually refer to Marshals Ma, Zhao, Wen, and Guan, who hold prominent positions in the Daoist pantheon, each governing celestial soldiers and generals of different cardinal directions.

Finally, "Great Heavenly Lord Bai" (Bai Da Tianjun) appears to be a specific guardian general. The "Bai" (white) in his name likely refers to his attire or distinctive iconographic features, while "Great Heavenly Lord" indicates his elevated status within the hierarchy of celestial generals. Such guardian deities are often invoked by Daoist ritual masters during ceremonies to assist in subduing demons and vanquishing evil forces.