《上清白羽黑翮灵飞玉符》

The White-Feathered Black-Pinioned Spirit-Flight Jade Talisman (Baiyu Heihe Lingfei Yufu), also known as the Shangqing White-Feathered Black-Pinioned Flying Feather Scripture (Shangqing Baiyu Heihe Feixing Yujing), is a Daoist Jing (scripture/classic) of unknown authorship, composed around the late Eastern Jin dynasty. It is an important classic of the early Shangqing school, consisting of one juan and included in the Zhengtong Daozang in the Dongzhen section of the Three Caverns under the category of divine talismans. The Zhonghua Daozang also includes this Jing, listing it among the Dongzhen Shangqing Jing.

The Primordial Parents of the Nine Heavens (Yuanshi Jiutian Fumu, Daoist deities) and the Great True Elder (Taizhen Zhangren, an immortal perfected title) rode forth together in a chariot of luminous dragons. A thousand Perfected Ones from the mulberry groves, ten thousand mounted attendants, together with flying immortals and giant dragons, all followed alongside. The chariot wheels raced like lightning, raising smoke and mist; the company stretched their forms in accord with the celestial cycles, chanting marvelous numinous verses. They wandered the grotto palaces of the Mysterious Hill, rested by the banks of the clear waves, lingered at the Purple Void Immortal Lodge, and halted their carriages in the boundless realm.

At that time the heavens shone brightly, the five dawn stars turned back their radiance, the Qi (vital energy) of the Three Pristines transformed into flowing clouds, purple vapors released fragrance, flying incense encircled the sun, and the aroma filled the vast emptiness. Splendid lights intermingled in mutual reflection as the three luminosities converged; they condensed true Qi, attuning with the upper realms. They chewed the solar Jing (essence), inhaled mysterious Qi and entered the realm of vacuous stillness; they unrolled the bright and pure golden scriptures, emitting profound whistling sounds in the Nine Subtle realm, their Shen (spirit)-Qi flowing unimpeded. Their heart-Shen and wondrous thoughts resonated with the realm of ultimate silence, the inner intentions opened by the Dao (the Way) of nature.

On the morning of the third day of the third month in the first year of the Bright Highest Emperor, the Mysterious Numen suddenly descended in a white luan chariot. A phoenix of black pinions, holding a plain chapter in its beak, flew to transmit the true formulas of feathered transformation and flying ascent, of mounting emptiness and pacing the void. Jade-essence flying immortals guided the vapors while the host of deities guarded the numinous carriage. Their forms overshadowed the space above the Nine Heavens, shining brilliantly in the Jade Void Immortal Court; they arrived before the Great True Elder and mysteriously conferred the precious Jing (scriptures) upon him.

That day the Great True Elder had just completed his purification fasting in the Highest Clarity realm. The Great Emperor Lord, the Three Pristine Ladies of Purple Tenuity, the Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Taiwei Heavenly Emperor Lord, and the guests of the Highest Jade Emperor all descended together and took their seats. They burned incense of a hundred blends, placed the floating titles of the five-colored spirit officials upon jade positions, and arrayed them by rank in the Purple Palace. The Perfected Ones paid homage to the scriptures and circumambulated them three times. The Three Pristine Ladies rose, facing west, and recited in a clear voice the “Chapter of Celebrating the Perfected Feathers,” praising this numinous Jing. The verses run:

“Numinous Qi permeates the Great Void Immortal Lodge, wondrous fragrance disperses with the numinous wind. In the mysterious heavens a pure breeze blows gently, as if lending wings to the sun. The white luan soars together with the swift phoenix, the phoenix holding the sacred feathered chapter in its beak. They wheel and leap, beating their wings above the Nine Heavens, crying out to summon the bridge to the mysterious realm. The marvelous formula of flying ascent is transmitted through empty space, the Dao of pure and still cultivation continues without end. All the Perfected Ones celebrate together, kowtowing in homage to the Jade Emperor.”

After finishing the recitation, Tai Di Jun (the name of a Daoist immortal) rose again and, facing north, chanted: The mysterious phoenix unfolds its swift wings amid the clouds, its white feathers vibrating as it joyfully circles. Bearing fragrance it soars to the Nine Heavens, crying mournfully as it calls to the Xuanliang (the mysterious celestial bridge). The wondrous formulas of the method appear riding the void, and the pure and still transformation of the Dao continues endlessly without exhaustion. All the True Persons celebrate together, kowtowing in worship to the Jade Emperor (a high Daoist deity).

Having finished, Tai Di Jun rose once more, facing north, and chanted: The mysterious phoenix unfolds its swift cloudy wings, white feathers vibrating, circling with delight. It dances bearing fragrance and the exquisite aroma of flowers, its flowing radiance illuminating the great Dao amid the clouds. A giant coiled dragon holds the long reins, while flying immortals support one another. Ten thousand True Persons celebrate the auspiciousness, joyfully watching the phoenix roam through the void. Yuanshi (a high Daoist deity, referring to Yuanshi Tianzun) originally leaves no traces to be sought, yet mysterious resonances naturally attract one another. By vibrating the wings one can fly, without needing a chariot, rising lightly upon the smoke. The precious scripture chapters govern the mysterious essentials, and by means of the five-limbed body one drives the numinous talismans. The assembly celebrates and worships toward the Blessed Court (the blessed realm where immortals dwell), then each circles three times and burns incense in reverence.

Having finished reciting, Tian Di Jun (the name of a Daoist immortal) rose, facing east, and chanted again: Pure white feathers bearing dark plumes ride the clouds to float and wander, coming and going in accordance with the times. Fragrance overflows throughout the ten directions of the heavenly realms, and fragrant herbs and numinous mushrooms flourish in Taiwei (the celestial palaces). The numinous scripture chapters open the profound and mysterious principles, while the Feather Scripture (scriptures related to feathered transformation and immortal ascent) reveals the mysterious radiance. The Ultimate Dao is originally deep and unfathomable; by holding fast to the True Dao, the bodily form naturally soars aloft.

After finishing recitation of the Jing (scripture/classic), Tai Zhen Zhangren (a venerated Shen [spirit] in Shangqing Daoism) put on his ritual robes, placed on his head the Jade Crown of the Infinite Three Treasures of the Utmost Heaven, and draped himself in a seamless nine-colored feather garment that flies through the void radiating light. He wore a flowing bell on the left and fastened the Seven Origins on the right, then prostrated facing south in homage.

The Heavenly Emperor Lord of Taiwei arose and ordered the Feathered Immortal Attendant to hold a golden table and bring out the scripture scroll. He put on the same precious crown and ritual robes, also fastened the flowing bell and Seven Origins, and prostrated facing south. Subsequently, the Heavenly Emperor Lord of Taiwei arose, ordered the Feathered Immortal Attendant to hold the golden table, and had the scripture presented before him; facing north he knelt at length and transmitted the Jing to Tai Zhen. The assembled immortals all praised him together. Tai Zhen received the Jing standing; golden light issued from his face, and his five bodily members immediately manifested naturally generated Lingfei jade Fulu (talismans and registers).

Tai Zhen led the various Perfected Ones, mounted a white luan carriage drawn by black-pinioned phoenixes, and went to Changyang to hold a banquet. Eastward they reached Qianlin, the realm of Bishui, the ruins of Fusang, and the mouth of Jiuyuan; westward they toured the domain of Xuanyu Suoye and the shores of Mengsi; southward they arrived at the Jing (essence) of the extreme flames of Zhuling and the city of Nanxia; northward they came to the lodge of Shuoyin Dongxuan and the land of Hanshui; they also arrived at the central Tai Xuan Jade Capital of the Ten Ultimates, Yellow Qi (vital energy) and Yang Jing (essence), as well as the Golden Terrace, Jade Chamber, and Cinnabar Palace. They traveled all through the heavenly realms of the ten directions, causing the territories of the eight directions to become thoroughly clear and luminous.

Tai Zhen held general command over hundreds of millions of Perfected Ones. There was no heavenly realm not under his jurisdiction, no netherworld not in communication with him, no Qi not under his command, and no immortal not subject to his regulation. He universally governed the multitude of Shen; all sentient beings from the heavens downward took Tai Zhen as their model of De (Virtue/Power) and honored the Feather Jing as their ancestral master.

Later, the Emperor Lords each ascended into the Mysterious Palace. After seven thousand kalpas had elapsed, this Jing was transmitted to the Taishang Dadao Jun (Supreme Lord of the Great Dao [the Way]).

Note: The latter half of the original text contains repetitive sentences, and the occurrence of “丹c之宫” is suspected to be a textual corruption; it is here understood according to context as “Cinnabar Palace.”

The Upper Lingfei Jade Talisman is a Fulu (talisman and register) naturally generated from the feathered Jing (essence) of mysterious immortals, the vital Qi (energy) associated with the immortal realm and the cultivation of flying ascension. After it has been worn for seven years, the scriptures state that one can fly through empty space and rise to the Seven Origins, the stellar lodges of the heavenly realm in Daoism. Those who practice the flying steps of the Feathered Jing (scripture) and the Dao (the Way) of ascending to the Upper Mystery cannot soar aloft into the mysterious realm without this talisman. The recipient must use ninety chi of azure brocade silk and swear an oath to Heaven. On the day cultivation begins, the talisman is written on the palm of the left hand, after which one grasps the azure mists and flies. It may also be inscribed on a nine-cun length of azure silk and worn at the left elbow. The Six Jia Twelve Spirits, divine generals who protect the practitioner, together with the twelve Lingfei Jade Maidens, will stand in attendance on the left.

The Lower Lingfei Jade Talisman is a feathered mysterious jade diagram formed from the Jing of the Primordial Beginning, the sacred vital energy that originates from the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, one of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). After it has been worn for nine years, the scriptures state that one can fly through empty space and rise to the Five Stars, the stellar lodges of the five directions in Daoism. Those who cultivate the Dao of flying steps and ascending to Mystery cannot travel through the air without this talisman. The recipient must use sixty chi of plain brocade silk and swear an oath to Heaven. On the day cultivation begins, the talisman is written on the palm of the right hand, enabling one to grasp the plain numinous energy and fly. It may also be inscribed on a nine-cun length of white silk and worn at the right elbow. The Six Jia Twelve Spirits and the twelve Lingfei Jade Maidens will stand in attendance on the right.

The Left Lingfei Jade Talisman is a talismanic diagram formed from the condensed essence of mysterious Qi at the moment of its first arising and from plain feathers. After it has been worn for nine years, the scriptures state that one can fly through empty space and rise to the Five Stars. Those who cultivate the Dao of flying steps and ascending to Mystery cannot tread the clouds and enter the mysterious realm without this talisman. The recipient must use eighty chi of cinnabar-red brocade silk and swear an oath to Heaven. On the day cultivation begins, the talisman is written on the sole of the left foot, enabling one to tread emptiness and fly. It may also be inscribed on a nine-cun length of red silk and worn at the left elbow; the Six Jia Twelve Spirits and the twelve Lingfei Jade Maidens will stand in attendance in front.

This Lingfei Jade Talisman is a mysterious feather talisman-script condensed from the Jing (essence) of primordial Qi (vital energy). After wearing it for nine years, one can ride flying clouds and walk in the Jade Purity realm. When cultivating the way of flying steps, without this talisman one cannot tread the Seven Origins (celestial ranks related to the seven stars of the Big Dipper) and ascend into the void. The recipient of the talisman must swear an oath to Heaven using fifty chi of dark-colored brocade silk. On the day cultivation begins, writing the talisman on the sole of the right foot enables one to tread the air and fly; it may also be written on a nine-cun length of black silk and worn on the right elbow. The Six Jia Twelve Spirits and twelve Lingfei Jade Maidens will stand in attendance behind.

The Great Lingfei Jade Talisman is a flying feather script condensed from the yellow Jing of yang Qi. After wearing it for nine years, golden light appears on the face, and one can vanish at will whether sitting or standing, flying through the Great Void. When cultivating the way of flying steps, without this talisman one cannot ascend to the Imperial Kui (a heavenly constellation) and rise beyond the Nine Mysteries (the nine heavens). The recipient must swear an oath to Heaven using twelve chi of yellow brocade silk. On the day cultivation begins, writing the talisman over the heart enables one to exhale Qi that transforms into clouds and ride them; it may also be written on a nine-cun length of yellow silk and worn on the left elbow. The Six Jia Twelve Spirits and twelve Lingfei Jade Maidens will stand in attendance at one’s side.

For all who cultivate the way of visualizing the Seven Stars (practicing through contemplation of the Big Dipper), each time one enters the quiet chamber one must first ingest the five talismans and then write the Fulu (talismans and registers). When writing and ingesting the talismans, face east, knock the teeth twelve times, raise the head and recite: “Mysterious Void of Purple Clarity, Flying Feather Scripture; above it corresponds with clouds and rosy mists, below it can gather the myriad spirits; it commands the Six Jia and circulates my bodily form; treading the Heavenly Origin, one flies up to the Jing of the Dipper lodges; concentrating hun and po souls, filling the interior; entering and exiting the empty darkness, eternally abiding with primordial Qi.” After reciting, ingest the talisman, write it on the chest, and begin cultivation. Practicing thus for nine years, one can ride the void and drive the clouds, flying in the Great Clarity realm.

The left and right Lingfei Jade Talismans arise from the Qi of nature. The scripture subsequently repeats phrases such as “concentrating hun and po souls, filling the interior; entering and exiting the empty darkness, eternally abiding with primordial Qi,” and repeats the instructions for ingesting the talisman, writing the talisman, and cultivating for nine years.

The Left and Right Lingfei Jade Talismans (spiritual talismans consisting of a left and a right piece) originate from the Qi (vital energy) of nature and were transmitted by Taizhen in a mysterious manner. Wearing them allows one to ascend into the void and pace emptiness, ride the Kui and tread the Gang (following the course of the Big Dipper stars), cause the Seven Xuan (a Daoist concept related to a person’s body spirits) to encircle and accompany one, and thereby rise into Yuqing (the highest heavenly realm of Daoism). They are included in the Flying Feather Jing (scripture/classic). Those who obtain them can become immortals; those who wear them can become Perfected Ones; those who cultivate them can summon a white luan carriage and a black-winged phoenix to receive them, ascend the Jade Palace, and proceed to Changyang for roaming and feasting.

The Taishang Dadao Jun once transmitted this talisman to the Shangyuan Taisu Jun and the Taiwei Tiandi Jun. After putting the method into practice and completing cultivation, it must be secretly stored in the Palace of Taishang Lingdu. According to the precepts it is transmitted only once every three thousand years; heavenly secrets must not be casually leaked or publicly disclosed. If the oath is violated, one will be conscripted into the service of ghost officials, calamity will extend to nine generations of ancestors, and one will be eternally confined in the netherworld.

White Feather Black-Winged Lingfei Jade Talisman