Why 'Keyi' (Liturgical Rites) is the Core Hallmark of the Zhengyi School

December 15,2025

The Zhengyi School of Longhu Mountain is renowned for its mastery of Fu (Talismans), Lu (Registers), and Jiao (Offering Ceremonies). Consequently, it is widely known to the world as the "Fulu School" (Talismanic School).

The Jiao (Offering) is manifested through the form of Keyi (Liturgical Rites). Its primary functions include dispelling disasters and averting misfortune, healing sickness and plagues, praying for peace and safety, and delivering the souls of the deceased. Historically, these rites have flourished among the common people and remained active within the imperial court.

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"Keyi" is a fundamental term in Taoism. Taoism is defined as a religion not only by its systematic doctrines and beliefs but also by its specific religious rituals, which encapsulate the content of its spiritual methods.

The liturgical rites of the Zhengyi School are numerous and varied, ranging in specification and scale. In ancient times, the highest specification and largest scale was known as the "National Offering" (國醮). Today, the highest specification within Taoism is the "Grand Offering of the All-Encompassing Heaven" (羅天大醮).

Specifically regarding individuals, these rites can be broadly categorized into two types: Yang Matters (for the living) and Yin Matters (for the deceased). Based on the needs of the Benefactor (福主), the corresponding rite can be performed to achieve the goals of praying for blessings and dispelling disasters.

Keyi follows a rigorous operational procedure. Its internal mechanisms involve numerous secret oral instructions (法訣) and the esoteric lineage transmissions of the Zhengyi School. Therefore, it stands as the core hallmark of the Zhengyi tradition.

“科儀”為何是正一道的核心標識

2025年12月15日

龍虎山正一道以符、箓、醮見長,故世人稱之為“符箓派”。而其中的醮則是以科儀的形式所呈現,主要以消災祛禍,治病除瘟,祈禱平安,濟度亡靈等為職事,一直以來盛行於民間,活躍於朝野。

“科儀”是道教常用的術語,道教之所以為教,不但有其系統的教理教義和信仰,而且有特定的宗教儀式,概括了相應的教法內容。

正一道科儀名目繁多,又有不同的規格和規模。在古代規格最高、規模最大的稱為“國醮”,現在道教中最高規格的就是“羅天大醮”了。而具體到個人,大致可分為陽事和陰事兩大類,根據福主的需求,可為其舉行相應的科儀,以達到祈福消災的目的。

科儀有著嚴謹的操作流程,其內在機理涉及正一道的諸多法訣與內密傳承,故其為正一道的核心標識。