🛡️ 封身 (Feng Shen)

Body Sealing - Protective Character Imprinting Ritual

Zhongjiao (初始) Dajiao (精进)

⚠️ Sacred Transmission Notice

Feng Shen involves secret transmissions (法本不可外泄) that can only be fully conveyed through formal lineage initiation. The complete Flower Characters (花字), exact imprinting locations, and master-disciple energy transmission methods are protected aspects of Liuren tradition.

This page provides:

  • Educational overview of Feng Shen's purpose, history, and cultural context
  • General principles of protective imprinting (public knowledge)
  • Conceptual understanding of the Guojiao ceremony's sealing step
  • Information on renewal and maintenance practices

This page does NOT provide:

  • Complete Flower Character sequences (lineage secret)
  • Exact body imprinting locations and methods (requires master transmission)
  • Full step-by-step procedure for performing Feng Shen on others

To receive complete Feng Shen transmission, seek a qualified Liuren Fajiao master and undergo the Guojiao (過教) initiation ceremony.

What is Feng Shen (封身)?

Feng Shen (封身) literally means "Body Sealing" or "Sealing the Body" - a fundamental protective ritual in Liuren Fajiao where spiritual characters (primarily Flower Characters 花字) are energetically imprinted onto key locations of a practitioner's body, creating layers of protective shielding.

This procedure is Step 2 of the four-step Guojiao (過教) initiation ceremony, performed after the Petitioning step and before the Mantra Transmission. It represents the physical/energetic "activation" of a disciple's protective capacities.

Purpose: Feng Shen establishes a protective "seal" that:

  • Hardens the body against physical harm (鐵板 Iron Plate protection)
  • Shields against spiritual attacks and malevolent entities
  • Marks the practitioner as a recognized Liuren disciple to guardians and deities
  • Creates energetic boundaries that deter negative influences

封身 (Feng Shen) 字面意思为"身体封印"或"封印身体"——这是六壬法教中的基本保护仪式，将灵性字符（主要是花字）在能量层面印记在修行者身体的关键位置，创造多层保护屏障。

该法科是四步过教（過教）入教仪式的第二步，在上神表文之后、传授口诀之前进行。它代表了弟子保护能力的物质/能量"激活"。

目的： 封身建立一个保护"封印"，能够：

  • 强化身体抵抗物理伤害（鐵板保护）
  • 屏蔽灵性攻击和恶意实体
  • 将修行者标记为被守护神和神祇认可的六壬弟子
  • 创造能量边界以威慑负面影响

Historical and Cultural Context

Iron Plate (鐵板) Metaphor

Feng Shen is intimately connected to Liuren's defining "Iron Plate" (鐵板) metaphor, which carries dual meanings:

1. Physical Resilience: "Hard as an iron plate" - the body becomes resistant to injury, trauma, and harm. This was critical for Liu Min (流民 vagabonds) who faced physical dangers in itinerant labor, travel, and unstable living conditions.

2. Fixed Destiny: "Unchangeable as iron" - one's protective capacity and spiritual authority become firmly established, recognized by both human and spiritual realms.

Historical Practice: In traditional communities, disciples who had undergone Feng Shen were believed to have enhanced physical endurance, resistance to illness, and protection from accidents. Stories abound of workers surviving falls, avoiding serious injury in fights, or remaining healthy in epidemics - attributed to their sealed protective status.

鐵板隐喻

封身与六壬的定义性"鐵板"隐喻密切相关，具有双重含义：

1. 身体韧性： "如铁板般坚硬"——身体变得抵抗伤害、创伤和损害。这对于面临流动劳动、旅行和不稳定生活条件中身体危险的流民至关重要。

2. 固定命运： "如铁般不可改变"——一个人的保护能力和灵性权威被牢固确立，被人间和灵界双方认可。

历史实践： 在传统社区中，经过封身的弟子被认为具有增强的身体耐力、抗病能力和避免事故的保护。流传着许多故事，讲述工人从高处坠落幸存、在打斗中避免严重伤害或在流行病中保持健康——这些都归功于他们被封印的保护状态。

Traditional Saying

"封身如鐵板，百邪不能侵" (Fēng shēn rú tiě bǎn, bǎi xié bù néng qīn)

"When the body is sealed like an iron plate, a hundred evils cannot invade."

Copper Skin and Iron Bone Guardians

Feng Shen invokes the protective authority of specific guardians from the Thirteen Langs (十三郎) spiritual bureaucracy:

Copper Skin Master (銅皮郎君): Oversees the external protective "skin" layer - resistance to cuts, bruises, burns, and surface injuries.

Iron Bone Master (鐵骨郎君): Oversees the internal structural protection - bone strength, skeletal resilience, resistance to fractures and internal trauma.

These two guardians are petitioned during the Feng Shen ritual to "anchor" the protective characters into the disciple's energetic and physical body.

銅皮鐵骨郎君

封身召唤来自十三郎（十三郎）灵性官僚体系中特定守护神的保护权威：

銅皮郎君： 监管外部保护"皮肤"层——抵抗割伤、瘀伤、烧伤和表面伤害。

鐵骨郎君： 监管内部结构保护——骨骼强度、骨架韧性、抵抗骨折和内部创伤。

在封身仪式中祈请这两位郎君，将保护字符"锚定"到弟子的能量和身体中。

Feng Shen as Part of Guojiao (過教) Initiation

The Four Steps of Guojiao

Feng Shen is the second of four essential steps in the Guojiao initiation ceremony:

  1. Petitioning (Tian Shen Biao Wen 上神表文): Formal request to Liuren Immortal Master and celestial bureaucracy to accept new disciple
  2. Body Sealing (Feng Shen 封身): Imprinting protective characters on disciple's body
  3. Mantra Transmission (Guo Jue 過訣): Teaching the secret Heart Mantra that activates Liuren power
  4. Consuming Dharma Water (Chi Fashui 吃法水): Drinking water infused with talis​manic ashes to internalize the transmission

Feng Shen typically takes 15-30 minutes within the larger 1-2 hour Guojiao ceremony. It is performed by the initiating master (Chuanjiao Shixiong 传教师兄) on the new disciple.

過教四步骤

封身是過教入教仪式四个基本步骤中的第二步：

  1. 上神表文： 正式请求六壬仙师和天界官僚接受新弟子
  2. 封身： 在弟子身体上印记保护字符
  3. 過訣： 传授激活六壬力量的秘密心咒
  4. 吃法水： 饮用融入符灰的水以内化传承

封身通常在更大的1-2小时過教仪式中需要15-30分钟。由传教师兄在新弟子身上施行。

Feng Shen Procedure Overview (General Structure)

Note: The following describes the general ritual structure. Exact character sequences and imprinting methods are lineage-specific secret transmissions.

Step 1: Preparation

  • Disciple stands or sits in center of ritual space, facing altar
  • Master opens altar (simplified Kaitan) to invoke guardian presence
  • Master petitions Copper Skin and Iron Bone Masters for assistance
  • Disciple enters meditative state, calming mind and opening energy channels

Step 2: Character Imprinting

  • Master approaches disciple and begins imprinting sequence
  • Using finger (usually sword finger mudra), master "writes" Flower Characters on specific body locations
  • Each character is accompanied by breath projection (Qi Fa) and mantra recitation
  • Common imprint locations include: forehead (third eye), chest (heart center), solar plexus, palms, soles of feet (varies by lineage)
  • Master visualizes characters "sinking into" and "sealing" each location

Step 3: Activation

  • After all characters are imprinted, master performs a "sealing" gesture
  • Final mantra recitation to "lock" the protective seal
  • Petition to Copper Skin and Iron Bone Masters to maintain the seal permanently
  • Disciple may feel warmth, tingling, or energetic sensations in imprinted areas

Step 4: Verification

  • Master tests the seal by projecting energy at disciple (gentle, non-harmful test)
  • If seal is strong, disciple should feel energetic "bounce" or resistance
  • Master confirms seal is properly set before moving to next Guojiao step

Three Types of Feng Shen Practice

While the initial Feng Shen occurs during Guojiao, the practice extends beyond initiation into ongoing protective maintenance:

Type 1: Initial Sealing (初封 Chu Feng)

Context: Performed during Guojiao initiation ceremony by initiating master.

Characteristics:

  • Most comprehensive and powerful sealing
  • Establishes permanent foundational protection
  • Can only be performed once in lifetime (during initiation)
  • Includes full character sequence and guardian invocation
  • Requires master-to-disciple energy transmission

Duration of Effect: Permanent base layer, though requires periodic renewal to maintain peak strength.

背景： 在過教入教仪式中由传教师傅施行。

特点：

  • 最全面和最强大的封印
  • 建立永久性基础保护
  • 一生中只能执行一次（入教时）
  • 包括完整字符序列和郎君召请
  • 需要师傅向弟子的能量传输

效果持续时间： 永久基础层，但需要定期更新以保持峰值强度。

Type 2: Periodic Renewal (补封 Bu Feng)

Context: Performed annually or when protection feels weakened; can be self-administered (Dajiao+) or done by senior practitioners.

Characteristics:

  • Reinforces and "recharges" the initial sealing
  • Uses abbreviated character sequence (core characters only)
  • Can be performed by the practitioner on themselves (after Dajiao training)
  • Typically done on auspicious dates (Liuren Festival days, Chinese New Year)
  • Takes 10-15 minutes

Recommended Frequency: Once per year minimum; every 3-6 months for those in high-risk professions or spiritually intense work.

背景： 每年执行一次或当保护感觉减弱时；可自我施行（大教+）或由资深修行者执行。

特点：

  • 强化和"充能"初始封印
  • 使用简化字符序列（仅核心字符）
  • 可由修行者自己施行（大教训练后）
  • 通常在吉日执行（六壬节日、春节）
  • 需要10-15分钟

建议频率： 最少每年一次；从事高风险职业或灵性密集工作者每3-6个月一次。

Type 3: Emergency Reinforcement (急封 Ji Feng)

Context: Rapid protection boost before entering dangerous situations (physical or spiritual).

Characteristics:

  • Quick, simplified version using Flower Character shorthand
  • Can be drawn in air or on palm/forehead
  • Provides temporary (hours to days) enhanced protection
  • Self-administered (Zhongjiao+ with proper training)
  • Takes 1-3 minutes

When to Use:

  • Before entering haunted or spiritually dangerous locations
  • Prior to high-risk physical activities
  • When feeling spiritually vulnerable or under attack
  • Before performing high-intensity exorcisms or rituals

Duration of Effect: 6-24 hours typically; fades after threat passes.

背景： 进入危险情况（物理或灵性）前的快速保护增强。

特点：

  • 使用花字简化的快速版本
  • 可在空气中或手掌/额头上绘制
  • 提供临时（数小时至数天）增强保护
  • 自我施行（中教+经过适当训练）
  • 需要1-3分钟

何时使用：

  • 进入闹鬼或灵性危险地点前
  • 进行高风险身体活动前
  • 感到灵性脆弱或受攻击时
  • 执行高强度驱魔或仪式前

效果持续时间： 通常6-24小时；威胁过后消退。

How Feng Shen Works: Protection Mechanisms

Multi-Layered Defensive System

Feng Shen operates through three primary protective mechanisms:

1. Physical Resilience (銅皮鐵骨):

  • Theory: Imprinted characters strengthen the body's energetic field (Wei Qi 衛氣), which traditional Chinese medicine associates with immune function and resistance to external pathogens
  • Reported Effects: Enhanced stamina, faster recovery from illness/injury, resistance to fatigue, reduced susceptibility to common ailments
  • Modern Interpretation: Likely psychosomatic - belief in protection may reduce stress, improve immune function, and increase pain tolerance

2. Spiritual Shielding (灵性屏障):

  • Theory: Sealed characters create energetic boundaries that malevolent entities cannot easily penetrate
  • Reported Effects: Reduced spiritual attacks, fewer nightmares, less susceptibility to "possession" or attachment, ability to enter haunted locations safely
  • Mechanism: Characters act as "spiritual armor" recognizable to entities, deterring interference

3. Divine Recognition (神圣标记):

  • Theory: Feng Shen marks the practitioner as under Liuren Immortal Master's protection and Thirteen Guardians' jurisdiction
  • Effect: Spirits and deities "see" the seal and recognize practitioner's authority and protected status
  • Implication: Sealed practitioners are less likely to be targeted by spiritual entities; they carry the "credentials" of Liuren lineage

多层防御系统

封身通过三种主要保护机制运作：

1. 身体韧性（銅皮鐵骨）：

  • 理论： 印记字符增强身体的能量场（衛氣），中医将其与免疫功能和抵抗外部病原体联系起来
  • 报告的效果： 增强耐力，从疾病/伤害中更快恢复，抗疲劳，降低对常见疾病的易感性
  • 现代解释： 可能是心身效应——相信保护可能减少压力，改善免疫功能，提高疼痛耐受性

2. 灵性屏障：

  • 理论： 封印字符创造恶意实体难以穿透的能量边界
  • 报告的效果： 减少灵性攻击，更少噩梦，降低"附身"或依附的易感性，能够安全进入闹鬼地点
  • 机制： 字符作为实体可识别的"灵性盔甲"，威慑干扰

3. 神圣标记：

  • 理论： 封身将修行者标记为受六壬仙师保护和十三郎君管辖
  • 效果： 鬼神"看到"封印并认可修行者的权威和受保护状态
  • 含义： 封身修行者不太可能被灵性实体攻击；他们携带六壬传承的"凭证"

Evidence and Verification

From a contemporary perspective, Feng Shen's efficacy is difficult to verify scientifically. No controlled studies exist on spiritual sealing practices. However, practitioners report subjective experiences of enhanced resilience and protection.

Possible explanatory frameworks include:

  • Placebo effect: Belief in protection reduces anxiety, improves performance, and may enhance immune function
  • Behavioral changes: Feeling protected may lead to more confident, assertive behavior that deters threats
  • Psychological resilience: Ritual participation strengthens mental fortitude and stress resistance
  • Community support: Initiation creates social bonds that provide tangible mutual aid and protection

Regardless of mechanism, many practitioners find Feng Shen psychologically empowering and report feeling more secure in challenging circumstances.

Self-Administered Renewal (Dajiao Level)

After progressing to Dajiao and cultivating sufficient Qi projection ability, practitioners can perform their own Feng Shen renewals. This is a key transition from dependence on the master to self-sufficiency.

Simple Self-Renewal Procedure

Prerequisites: Dajiao initiation, Qi Fa cultivation, knowledge of core renewal characters (transmitted by master)

Procedure:

  1. Choose Auspicious Timing: Ideally perform on Liuren festival days, Full Moon, or Chinese New Year. Early morning (sunrise) is traditional.
  2. Prepare Space: Simple altar setup with incense, candles, Liuren Immortal Master image. Clean, quiet location.
  3. Opening Invocation: Light incense, bow three times, petition Liuren Immortal Master and Copper Skin/Iron Bone Masters for renewal assistance.
  4. Self-Imprinting: Using sword finger mudra, trace core renewal characters on:
    • Forehead (third eye)
    • Chest (heart center)
    • Solar plexus
    • Palms (both hands)
    With each character, project breath (Qi Fa) and recite mantra mentally.
  5. Visualization: See characters glowing with golden light, sinking deep into body, reinforcing the original seal.
  6. Sealing Gesture: Form closing mudra (transmitted by master) to "lock" the renewed seal.
  7. Gratitude: Thank the guardians and Liuren Immortal Master. Bow three times, extinguish incense.
  8. Rest: Sit quietly for 5-10 minutes, allowing energy to settle and integrate.

Duration: 15-20 minutes total

Frequency: Annual renewal minimum; every 3-6 months recommended for active practitioners

Signs Your Feng Shen Needs Renewal

  • Increased nightmares or disturbed sleep
  • Feeling spiritually "exposed" or vulnerable
  • More frequent minor illnesses or injuries
  • Sensing negative entities or presences more strongly
  • Loss of confidence in protective capacity
  • Annual cycle has passed since last renewal

If you experience these signs, perform renewal or seek senior practitioner assistance.

Procedure Visualization

The following images document Feng Shen positioning, mudras, and general process. (Image gallery will be populated as materials become available)

🛡️
Guojiao Feng Shen Setup
Master-disciple positioning during initiation

過教封身设置 - Guojiao Body Sealing arrangement

✍️
Flower Character Imprinting
Conceptual visualization of character placement

花字印记 - Flower Character imprinting (educational example)

⚡
Guardian Invocation
Copper Skin & Iron Bone Masters petition

銅皮鐵骨郎君召请 - Guardian invocation gestures

Images will be sourced from the images/FaKe/FengShen/ folder. See the Image Guidelines for contribution information.

🙏 Transmission and Practice

Feng Shen is the foundation of a Liuren practitioner's protective capacity. It represents the physical manifestation of "先得後修" (Xian De Hou Xiu - Attain first, cultivate later) - disciples receive protective power immediately through initiation, then cultivate understanding and mastery over time.

The seal is both gift and responsibility. It grants protection, but also marks you as a Liuren representative. Sealed practitioners are expected to use their protection in service of others ("行善積德"), not merely for personal safety.

For initiates: Maintain your seal through regular renewal. Notice how it affects your confidence, resilience, and spiritual awareness. The more you cultivate (Dajiao+ practices), the stronger your seal becomes.

For seekers: Feng Shen is one of four essential Guojiao transmissions. To receive it, find a qualified Liuren master and undergo formal initiation. The power of Feng Shen lies not merely in the characters themselves, but in the energetic transmission from master to disciple and the recognition by Liuren's guardian spirits.

Related Teachings and Procedures

Feng Shen is integrally connected to Liuren initiation and protective practices. Explore related materials: