《上清太上元始耀光金虎凤文章宝经》

The Golden Tiger Phoenix Pattern True Talisman (Jinhu Fengwen Zhang Zhenfu)—a Daoist numinous talisman formed from the combination of a golden tiger, phoenix form, and divine script—is said to have been created by the Tai Zhen Parents of the Nine Heavens. The Tai Zhen Elder received this talisman from the Three Sovereign Lords, and after a long span of years it was transmitted to the Little Lad of the Eastern Sea. Later it was passed by the King of the Nine Heavens to the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao. The Lord of the Great Dao regarded it as a precious treasure and secretly stored it in the Jade Chamber of the Taiwei Numinous Capital, where it was closely guarded by giant beasts, venomous dragons, golden tigers, and numerous heavenly attendants.

This numinous writing is regarded as a heavenly secret text of profound and inexhaustible power, containing the hidden appellations of the heavenly demons and the inner names of the hundred spirits. The scripture (Jing) states that reciting its verses startles numerous sprites into motion; chanting its chapters brings ten thousand demons under control. Originally it was employed at the beginning when the Three Heavens established the ordinances of the celestial realm; later it was transmitted to the Heavenly Emperor Lord of Taiwei, enabling him to awe the Six Heavens, extirpate the heterodox among the host of spirits, command the mountains and valleys, summon the sea deities, and cause the multitude of sprites to obey his will.

After receiving this Demon-Quelling Wisdom of the Golden Tiger Phoenix Text, the Heavenly Emperor Lord of Taiwei wore the numinous talisman while roaming through the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) realm and ascending by riding the void. The De (Virtue/Power) of the Taiwei Emperor Lord and the Tai Zhen Honored Deity united with heaven and earth, illuminating the Seven Luminaries and circulating in correspondence with the Three Sovereigns. Holding cloud-staffs and displaying jade seals, they commanded the laws of the ten thousand directions, issued proclamations to the perfected spirits, and assembled the hundred Yang forces.

Thereupon a thunderous might swept away countless toxins and demonic evils, its awe-inspiring prestige extending far beyond the heavenly court. The Golden Dawn opened the Great Dao (the Way), and the gates of the Golden Palace opened in response. The Eight Luminaries moved upon command; spirit officers drove golden tigers that carried the recipients of the talisman aloft through the air. Hosts of dragons opened the immortal paths, the Star Lords of the Three Platforms led the way, and the Seven Stars followed in attendance. They soared across the heights, perceived the gates of the Nine Mysteries, wandered to the farthest reaches of the heavens, and continually traversed the palaces of exquisite jade. The Jing concludes by stating that this subtle and heavenly true numinous talisman will further receive a wondrous designation bestowed by the Imperial Spirit.

The Earth Sovereign transmitted the Golden Tiger Phoenix Script talismanic registers to the Taiwei Heavenly Emperor Lord, who in turn transmitted them to the Supreme Sage Azure Youth Lord. Thereupon the Western Citadel King Lord spoke again.

The True Scripture of Great Wisdom for Dispelling Demons of Shangqing is the Phoenix Chapter handed down by the Three Sovereigns. It is also the secret writing of the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) realm, the veiled and unspoken hidden book of the host of spirits, the honored jade chapters of the heavenly realm, the precious secret formula of the Supreme Sovereign, and the precious talismanic registers of the Golden Tiger.

The wisdom spoken of in the scripture can expel impurities, annihilate demonic obstacles, and moreover greatly avert calamities, subdue toxic harms, and discern evil influences, causing every kind of demon and heterodox being to reveal its form and be destroyed. Wearing this scripture and its talismanic registers allows the physical form to unite with Shen (spirit) and Qi (vital energy), to fly up in transcendence, transform into light and shadow, and roam the four quarters; even coming and going among coastal waters, one suffers no harm from any disasters. Whether sitting or standing, one can communicate with the mysterious Dao (the Way); as long as one aspires to cultivate, all wishes can be realized.

Now, by virtue of divine authority, I transmit it to you. You must diligently cultivate your person. This true scripture is profound and mysterious, and should be recited and practiced, as well as widely proclaimed to exhort later fellow cultivators who have the affinity to receive the Dao. Transmission must adhere to the regulations of Taizhen; if the recipient does not comply or cannot carefully keep the precepts, do not transmit it readily.

If the world has no person of sincerity who follows the Dao, then wait seven hundred years before transmitting it again. At that time the scripture will be transmitted once more, to the descendants of the Ma family; their good De (Virtue/Power) will influence the Song region, their mighty achievements will assist three generations, and they will ultimately rise as Taiji Duke. If one lacks the endowment of dragon and phoenix, how could one become a worthy corresponding to this precious scripture?

Phoenix Script of the Human Sovereign

The Fengwen (phoenix script, sacred talismans) descends from afar, while the Golden Tiger (a numinous beast symbolizing divine majesty) manifests the radiance of divine truth. Those upon whom the talismans are conferred are people possessing the original merit of Yuanshi; filthy, turbid, and evil people cannot receive their descent.

It enables one to receive the protection of the patriarchs of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen), the collective designation for the three categories of Daoist scriptures, to transcend and ascend to the lofty and mysterious immortal realms, and thereafter to mount the palaces of the Queen Mother and roam the ferry of the Heavenly River. First one pays homage to the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) Emperor Lord, lasting for thirty days. Subsequently, one repeatedly receives the descent of heavenly truth: thousands of jade maidens accompanying, golden lads descending on the left and jade maidens standing in attendance on the right. Further, the Nine-Bend Staff (a scepter symbolizing immortal identity and ceremonial procession) is bestowed, of bright and beautiful jade quality. Heavenly officials descend together, with the gods of the Five Peaks leading the way in front; celestial beings strike the huang'ao (musical instruments of immortal music), play the flute and sing, guarding at the sides.

Mountains and seas thereby have their waves calmed, the route along the way is clear and bright, with no dust to obscure it. When touring the four great rivers of the lower world, the Five Peaks also temporarily rotate in correspondence to open a path. All myriad demons hide themselves, and evil spirits are likewise annihilated. The cultivator of the Dao (the Way) rides upon flying scenery within the Crimson Palace (immortal palace), with immortals gathering around in flourishing profusion. So long as one concentrates the mind and establishes the will, one can receive the heavenly descent and fly up in broad daylight to the Imperial Heaven.

Why not diligently cultivate the Dao and widely seek the path indicated by enlightened masters? The Dao of the Heavenly Sovereign is lofty and marvelous, able to communicate upward with sagely truth; the Dao of the Earthly Sovereign is next to that of the Heavenly Sovereign, likewise corresponding in De (Virtue/Power) with the imperial Dao; the Human Sovereign can also implement sagely transformation, with De equal to Heaven.

Whenever a master transmits to a disciple, they should first have the disciple observe a pure fast of ninety days, or thirty days, or... The original text of the last section, after “or thirty days,” connects to a repetition of the preceding text; the wording is incomplete, making it impossible to determine the third period or condition of the pure fast.

When a master transmits teachings to a disciple, the disciple should in every case purify the heart and observe a fast of ninety days, or of thirty days, or at the very least of seven days. The disciple must also offer seven taels of gold as a token of trust for seeking to receive the “Golden Tiger-Phoenix Script”; then use ninety chi of cinnabar-ground brocade to swear an oath to the Nine Heavens, and forty chi of azure silk to covenant regarding the scriptures (Jing) being studied.

Those who truly love the Great Dao (the Way) and wish to unite with the True Dao should study with concentrated diligence, fixing the mind upon the mysterious and wondrous Dao, and not begrudge material wealth; they should cherish their own persons and also keep faith. In this way, of the principles they seek there will be none that fail to descend, and none that cannot renew body and mind. After receiving the transmission, one should pursue study diligently and not fall behind others; even at night one should concentrate on learning and not sleep at ease, striving to progress beyond ordinary people. Why be slack of one’s own accord? If one sits upright without studying, one is merely bringing fault upon oneself. In conduct one should follow the regulations and accord with the Dao; what does not accord with the regulations, one should not speak of recklessly. If both within and without one seeks only ostentatious pleasure, how can one associate with those who seek the Dao?

Be cautious: wealth may become an entanglement, ruin one’s reputation, and even endanger one’s life. Even the slightest matters are all known to Heaven; do not suppose that small faults will bring no entanglement. I hope you will avoid the nets of the mundane world, gradually leave the dusty realm, and dwell in seclusion in famous mountains. Though there is little entertainment among mountains, forests, lakes, and marshes, there one may nourish and preserve the myriad spirits. One should constantly disperse treasures in order to redeem the faults of former lives; generation after generation serve as a bridge, helping to save and deliver those of the netherworld and of distant regions. Reduce what one possesses in order to supplement those who have not enough, so that merit may be proclaimed in the four directions. When one meets with faults and calamities, one should act according to the Dao, and perhaps obtain the protection of the Dao; when there is a kindness to confer, one should promptly take it up and put it into practice, not waiting until disaster is at hand before acting. Once calamity has taken form and guilt has already been bound, it is difficult to devise a way to retrieve the situation; even if one wishes to make amends, one’s strength may not suffice. To think of you remaining trapped in impoverished circumstances on this account is truly a cause for worry.

When wearing the “Superior Talisman of the Golden Tiger-Phoenix Script” (an upper-grade Fulu [talismans and registers] painted with golden tiger and phoenix patterns), one may write it with cinnabar; one may also use azure as the ground and then write with cinnabar.

The Imperial Dao scripture says: “If a Daoist studies and seeks the way of the immortal True Ones but cannot achieve it, he will only remain trapped in impoverished circumstances.”

When wearing the “Superior Talisman of the Golden Tiger-Phoenix Script,” one may write it with cinnabar; one may also use azure as the ground and then write with cinnabar.

The Imperial Dao scripture says: A Daoist who studies the methods of becoming immortal and attaining the True should first establish merit among humans; only after many years should one enter the Five Sacred Peaks and other famous mountains to cultivate. If a student of the Dao has not yet undergone arduous cultivation, and has not yet reached the stage of refining and nourishing or of withdrawal into seclusion, yet eagerly hopes to obtain lingzhi immortal herbs and rushes directly into the deep mountains—the road is distant, and along the way one may suddenly encounter the Three Calamities and Five Hardships, ultimately having no time to deploy ritual methods. If one finds oneself in a place infested by vicious bandits or ghosts and sprites, one should assume a fierce and majestic demeanor and recite the “Great Invocation” (an invocatory formula that serves to pray and to protect the body). Immediately face toward the place of danger, continuously strike the Heavenly Drum thirty-six times (a ritual drumming that symbolizes the summoning of spirits of the celestial realm), gather the various spirits of one’s own person, and then pray, saying:

May the mysterious and subtle sounds of the Nine Heavens (Jiutian) descend, causing myriad auspicious harmonies to arrive according to the proper seasons, taking command of the four directions, opening the myriad splendors of numinous brightness, and making the obstructed operation of the Heavenly Dao flow unimpeded. The numbers of Three and Five intermingle and coordinate, revolving the pure and unsullied radiance; reciting the divine commands to make them proceed with haste. Establish a covenant of cinnabar sincerity, washing away disasters and illnesses; containing and storing the radiance that shines high upon the four quarters, causing auspicious light to flow forth and fill the gates and doorways. May Bole devise strategies and plans, with imposing might slaying and eliminating the heavenly demons, gathering, restraining, and cutting off the evil kinds, causing their bodily forms to perish within the nets of the Nine Heavens. The Tiger Tallies (hufu, talismanic credentials symbolizing divine authority) display illustrious divine might, intimidating all evil spirits; whether mighty or minute, all must be completely eradicated. Cause demonic evils to be cut off in the land of Nine Yin, disasters to vanish in the flowing sands, all myriad poisons to submit in full, and all manner of calamities to be passed through together. May merits be recorded and rewards granted according to achievements, not failing the Supreme Harmony (Taihe, the utmost harmony and vital breath of Heaven and Earth).

High Supreme Phoenix Pattern Chapter

The Ridge of Five Rays blazes with brilliant light, the solitary peak illuminating the Great Void. If the practitioner does not strictly maintain purity, the divine clerks and soldiers will not obey their commands. I proceed while holding fast to the Orthodox Dao; how dare the myriad evil spirits invade? I wear upon my person the credential talisman of the Golden Spirit, with flowing bells (ritual bells used in the performance of magic) flying and spinning about me. The talismans of the Three Heavens together with the gods of the Five Sacred Peaks guide the way, guarding before and behind me. The heavenly nets have already been spread, and the earthly webs have already been set with their mechanisms. Ghosts, evils, and poisonous beasts, upon seeing me, are immediately annihilated and destroyed. Where would thieves dare to approach? The Golden Phoenix will devour you, causing you to decline and perish. A thousand kinds of sprites instantly go blind, myriad demonic beings flee like thunder. How can thieves find a place to dwell? The Three Officials (Sanguan: of Heaven, Earth, and Water) will themselves strictly investigate. Command them to scatter and flee at once; the tiger soldiers will pursue them fiercely. Swiftly carry out the imperial edict, strictly and correctly displaying the might of Heaven. Those with merit ought to be promoted and rewarded; those without merit shall be held to account. Swiftly carry this out, as in the ritual ordinances of the Heavenly realm.

Additionally there is the “Great Talisman for Dispelling Demons,” found in the Scripture of Heavenly Water for Dispelling Demons (Xiaomo Tianshui Jing), which may be applied in advance to drive out evil, after which one recites the divine spells and issues commands.

The above is the ordinance of the multitude of authorities of the Nine Heavens. Those with merit ought to be promoted and rewarded; those without merit shall be held to account. Swiftly carry this out, as in the ritual ordinances of the Heavenly realm.

Additionally there is the “Great Talisman for Dispelling Demons,” found in the Scripture of Heavenly Water for Dispelling Demons, which may be applied in advance to drive out evil, after which one recites the divine spells and issues commands.

The above is the secret spell-sounds of the multitude of Demon Kings of the Nine Heavens, which should also be worn and recited in order to subdue demonic beings. If one does not recite the spells and perform the magic, one may first ingest a single talisman, so that the spirits within the body receive empowerment and correspond with the ordinances.

On the seventh day of the seventh month in the third year of Xingning, a yichou year, the Tongbai Zhenren received from Le Zichang and Master Anqi the “Sanhuang Yunzhong Jinhu Feng Wenzhang Fu,” a type of Daoist Fulu (talismans and registers), and transmitted it. He also commanded the later-generation Daoist Xu Yuanyou to receive this fu in order to subdue all demons.

The Jing (scripture) states that in the years yiwei, jiashen, yihai, renchen, and guisi, on the first day of the ninth month, the seventh day of the seventh month, and the eighth day of the fourth month, worthy Daoists may appear. They wear seven-colored ritual robes and hold a staff, appearing either upon a sacred altar or begging in the human world; at times they chant scriptures, at times they utter sounds resembling wild songs.

If you encounter such a person on these days, sincerely seek instruction from him and explain in detail your aspiration to cultivate the Dao (the Way). He will certainly transmit to you the Jinhu Shangfu along with various essential methods of cultivation. Never look down upon them, for they are Zhenren (Perfected Ones) who conceal their forms, undergo transformation, and leave no visible traces. The Nanyue Zhenren is often dispatched by the Taishang Wuji Dadaojun (Supreme Lord of the Limitless Great Dao) and the Tiandi Jun (Heavenly Emperor Lord), and sometimes descends to the human world to inspect whether later-generation Daoists of the last age are diligent and single-minded.

In the original text the passage beginning “if you on the eighth day of the fourth month” repeats the preceding material; the vernacular interpretation has treated it according to contextual coherence.