The "Exorcising Impurities" ritual is a Taoist ceremony aimed at driving away all evil and filth. Evil can overshadow righteousness, and only with upright qi (vital energy) can one ward off evil; filth can corrupt truth, and only with genuine qi can one cleanse filth. The Taoist master uses the Taoist qi to connect with gods and spirits, gather essence, convey sincerity to the profound void, and welcome deities of heaven and earth. With incense as a token of faith, they obtain the true source of Tianyi (the Great One of Heaven), strengthen the upright qi of the realm. Internally, it functions to expel stale qi and absorb fresh qi; externally, it cleanses flaws and washes away dirt, capable of eliminating the 厌恶 filth of heaven and earth. The master, silently channeling the primordial qi, can strike fear into the hearts of thousands of demons and monsters.
In the altar, the master invokes "Zhenjun (Perfect Lord) Who Subdues Demons and Protects the Tao", "Tianzun (Heavenly Venerable) Who Conveys Sincerity Through Incense Clouds", "Tianzun Who Spreads Beneficial Rain", and "Tianzun of the Five Dragons Who Exorcise Impurities". They offer incense to the "Three Pure Ones and the Three Realms Tianzun", and invite all the aforementioned Tianzun, as well as Lord of Heavenly Virtue, Lord of Earthly Virtue, Lord of Sun Essence and Moon Radiance, Great God of Tiangang (Pole Star), Star Lord of Kuigang, etc., to descend upon the altar. All rely on the true incense for universal worship, thereby clearing away filth and sweeping away demonic auras for the patrons. The desired effect is that heaven is free of foulness, the earth breeds no evil, humans enjoy longevity, spirits and ghosts lose their forms, and souls are transcended. Exorcising impurities reflects Taoism's ideology of expelling evil and upholding goodness, as well as its love for beautiful things.
Dang Hui – Purging the Miasma
A Taoist rite that sweeps away malevolent vapours, restoring clarity to heaven, earth and the human spirit.
1. Etymology & Core Meaning
荡 (Dang): to sweep, to cleanse.
秽 (Hui): filth, miasma, negative energy.
Dang Hui embodies the Taoist principle that only pure qi can dispel impure forces, restoring cosmic harmony.
2. The Five-Stage Rite
-
Incense Invitation – Sandalwood and star-anise smoke rises as a fragrant summons.
-
Purification Mudra – The priest traces the Heaven-Earth Seal in the air, gathering primordial qi.
-
Invocation of Guardians – Names of the Celestial Worthies are intoned: Chu Mo Hu Dao Tian Zun, Wu Long Dang Hui Tian Zun, and the Star Lords of the Dipper.
-
Golden Talisman Blaze – A yellow-foil talisman inscribed in cinnabar is ignited; the ash dissolved in blessed water.
-
Universal Sweep – The priest flicks the water in the eight directions, symbolically washing away every shadow.
3. Symbolism & Celestial Court
The Dipper Stars act as cosmic brooms; the Five Dragons ride the winds of purification. Together they ensure “Heaven free of haze, Earth free of spectres, humankind granted longevity.”
4. Contemporary Practice
Temples perform Dang Hui on new-moon nights; many devotees now stream the rite to cleanse new homes or offices. Our limited-edition Purification Kits—cinnabar talismans, star-anise incense, and brass aspergillum—bring the same sacred sweep to your personal space.
Discover the Dang Hui Kit: hand-inked talismans, star-anise incense coils, and brass blessing sprinklers—crafted to sweep every corner clean of miasma and invite pure qi.
Part of the Series
This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.
View Full Guide →
✦ Explore All Topics
About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
Read his full story →
