My natural temperament, like many in today’s society, rebels against constraint, dogmatism, and “forced” ritual. I recognize this attitude in many who consider themselves to be “spiritual” as opposed to “religious.”

Many Daoist practitioners outside of China tend to dismiss some Daoist rituals and ceremonies as superstitious, antiquated, or relics of a more ignorant age. Additionally, they may perceive the ritual of morning prayers to be dogmatic, awkward, and rigid -- the antithesis of the primary Daoist principle of naturalness or Ziran (自然).

I understand this perception and see its validity, however, immersion into Daoist rituals and ceremonies has allowed me to come to realize the deep value of the practice of prayer as ritual. Ritual, an inner or outer practice, allows us to break free from the routine patterns of the mundane, and returns us to the sacred.

The use of ritual provides scaffolding from which we may use form to return to the formless. We apply the inner truth of ritual until it is engrained, to find that gradually it is no longer needed.

The “Big Eight” Incantations have been selected from the complete set because they lay the foundation, and because they represent a minimal standard of practice for a diligent disciple. As the groundwork upon which all subsequent Morning and Evening Prayers are built, they clear what is turbid and unsettled.

They then bring peace, clarity, and transformation of the heart, body, mind, and spirit. With this foundation solidly in place, our journey will have merit, and we are able to find true tranquility.

The embodiment of each prayer brings with it an alchemical transformation on the practitioner. Beyond that, each prayer also has specific uses or applications, 用法 (yòng fǎ). These are distinct functions beyond that of the personal cultivative effect. These functions and effects are gradually revealed to the practitioner as the prayer is worked.

The suggested method of practice is to recite all the prayers, in sequence, each day, preferably between 5 – 7 am. In addition to this daily recitation practice, the practitioner should also begin to memorize and practice each prayer individually.

The practitioner is strongly encouraged to work on a specific prayer for one-hour each day for a minimum of 81 days. During the minimum 81-day evolution, a practitioner should progress from 念 (niàn) to 诵 (song) to 背 (bèi) with the prayer. Practitioners begin with Purify the Heart Incantation and eventually work their way through all of the prayers.

 

At the Temple of Peace and Virtue (安德福神宫), before a disciple is allowed to proceed to the subsequent prayer, they must demonstrate proficiency by manifesting a specific energetic event that can be observed by a skilled practitioner. The 81-day benchmark is the minimum time needed. For some students, however, it may take much more time for the required energetic shift to occur.

It should be clearly understood that once a student has manifested the appropriate response, it does not mean that they are done with that prayer. It simply means that the prayer has now become functional. With continued diligence, each prayer will continue to effect deeper changes in the practitioner.

Like many things in life, success in prayer work is an evolutionary process.

Harness the profound power of nature with this unique amulet, carved from rare, sacred Jujube wood (雷击枣木) that has been transformed by a lightning strike. In Daoist tradition, such wood is considered spiritually awakened, possessing immense purifying energy.

This wood embodies the harmonious essence of yin and yang, containing the refined energy of the five elements. It stores the righteous energy of celestial thunder and is believed to house spiritual entities and divine forces. In the practice of esoteric arts, it plays a significant supporting role.

You may also place it on an altar or sacred space with a sincere heart.

Hang it in your home’s entryway or above a door to protect a space.