Nǚ qīng guǐ lǜ 女青鬼律
Demon-Disciplinary Rules of Nǚ qīng
Anonymous; probably 3rd century (catalog: “3rd cent?“)
An important early Celestial Master demon-disciplinary code in 6 juàn. The title’s Nǚ qīng 女青 refers to a supreme celestial administrative authority that supervises the rules governing demons. Preserved as DZ 790 / CT 790 (Dòngshén bù, Jiè lǜ lèi 洞神部戒律類).
About the work
Historical importance
The Nǚ qīng guǐ lǜ is one of the foundational documents of early Daoist demonology. Its 6-juàn presentation of rules governing demons — their classification, powers, and the ritual-disciplinary responses required of the Daoist practitioner — established the basic framework of subsequent Chinese demonological literature.
Contents
The text includes:
- Systematic classification of various demon-types.
- Specification of demonic names — enabling the practitioner to invoke, summon, or subdue specific demons by name.
- Disciplinary rules prescribing proper response to demonic attacks.
- Eschatological framework — the demons act within a larger cosmic-administrative order overseen by Nǚ qīng.
Dating
Per catalog: “3rd century?“. Consistent with the early Celestial Master demonological tradition. Frontmatter gives 250–350 as a broad window covering 3rd and early-4th centuries. Dynasty: 三國-晉.
Translations and research
- Schipper, Kristofer, and Franciscus Verellen, eds. The Taoist Canon: A Historical Companion to the Daozang. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2004, DZ 790 entry.
- Mollier, Christine. Une apocalypse taoïste du Ve siècle: Le Livre des incantations divines des grottes abyssales. Paris: Collège de France, 1990. For early Daoist demonological tradition.