The transformation of the High Priest (Gaogong) refers to the ritual change from a mortal to a celestial deity issuing commands. It is one of the common magical arts mastered by High Priests in Taoist ceremonies, used in both yangjiao (rituals for the living, such as message transmission, invocations, worshipping the Big Dipper, and presenting memorials to deities) and yinjiao (rituals for the dead, such as subduing demons).
Content of Movements in Transformation and Thunder Manipulation
Transformation:
- Three to five cycles
- Swift activation of the Five Thunders
- Opening the Heavenly Gate
- Closing the Earthly Portal
- Guarding the Human Gate
- Blocking the Demonic Path
- Aura covering the crown of the head
- Channeling golden light through the "Heavenly Eye"
- Expelling stale qi and inhaling fresh qi
- Visualizing the rapid activation of the Five Fires within oneself
Thunder Manipulation:
- Ancestral Palace, Divine Palace, Five Energies, Thunderclaps, Heavenly Valley
The Taoist text Chuan Di Quan Mi (Complete Secrets of Transmission) records: "When the Three Essences converge at the crown and the Five Energies return to the origin, spirit merges with qi, qi merges with spirit, and the union of human and divine naturally attains truth."
- The "Three Essences" (sanhua) refer to a person’s essence, qi (vital energy), and spirit. Through refining qi with spirit and spirit with qi, one transforms via spirit; "converging at the crown" (juding) means ascending through visualized realms until reaching the Kunlun Heavenly Valley at the top of the brain.
- The "Five Energies" (wuqi) are the energies of the five internal organs: heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. "Returning to the origin" (chaoyuan) refers to the primordial qi emerging from the ancestral acupoint, hence called ancestral qi. The Ancestral Palace is located 1.3 inches below the navel, containing a golden-orange-like core. When the Five Energies circulate harmoniously, celestial generals emerge and manifest from here—thus the term "Five Energies returning to the origin," which forms the core of thunder manipulation.
Procedures of Transformation and Thunder Manipulation
- Transformation: The left hand holds a command token to trace the "Heaven-Earth Union" seal, symbolizing the creation of the world.
- Three to five cycles: The hands form the "Left-Right Jade Bureau Mudra," moving clockwise three times and counterclockwise five times in front of the abdomen.
- Swift activation of the Five Thunders: The right hand forms a sword mudra at the left chest, while the left palm is inscribed with five circles of the thunder character; the left hand then mirrors the action.
- Opening the Heavenly Gate, closing the Earthly Portal, guarding the Human Gate, blocking the Demonic Path: The left hand rests on the waist, the right hand forms a sword mudra, and incantations are chanted aloud.
- Channeling golden light through the Heavenly Eye: Both hands rest on the waist, eyes closed, and energy is channeled silently.
- Rapid activation of the Five Fires: Heavenly Fire, Earthly Fire, Thunder Fire, 霹雳 Fire, and the True Samadhi Fire of the Sun incinerate dry thatch.
"Transformation and thunder manipulation" is but a fragment of various rituals. It reveals that as a Zhengyi (Orthodox Oneness) priest, one must possess a foundation in internal cultivation, deeply understand the principles and mysteries of each movement, and master steps like the 步罡 (Steps of the Stars), quick hand gestures, and incantations to be competent in the role.
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