Seal and Breath Methods Daoist Classic 思印气诀法

Author unknown, seemingly compiled during the Song Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty.

Consisting of one scroll, it is included in the Method category of the The Dongshen Section within The Daozang.

Seal and Breath Methods

This text elaborates on the alchemical arts of using Taoist seals, opening with the practice of "Sealing Mountains, Rivers, Seas, Lakes and Rivers with Seals". The method begins with clicking the teeth to invoke deities, forming mudras and performing the Yu Step, inhaling vital energy to infuse the seal, then reciting incantations to activate the seal. It states that "sealing a mountain causes it to crumble, sealing evil dispels it, sealing ghosts slays them, sealing traitors brings their demise and repentance; sealing bandits, wars, plagues and mountain outlaws shall vanquish them all".

The text also records various rituals: the method of sealing gates to ward off plagues, the method of sealing talisman temples, the method of sealing the Five You spirits to expel ghosts, the method of sealing malicious villains and corrupt officials to counter their calumnies, the method of sealing doors and households to block ghosts, the method of praying for blessings and dispelling calamities for Taoist followers, as well as methods to pacify restless tombs, remedy poor silkworm harvests, and avert fires and floods.