《太上洞真經洞章符》

This scripture primarily discusses the talismanic rituals (Fulu) in Daoism for expelling the "Three Corpses" and "Five Corpses" from the body. The Three Corpses (Upper, Middle, and Lower Corpses) and Five Corpses (Green, Red, White, Black, and Yellow Corpses) are malevolent spirits believed by Daoists to parasitize the human body, tempting people toward evil and causing illness.

The scripture contains several key components:

1. Origin of the Talisman: This divine talisman was created by the Supreme Elder Lord (Taishang Laojun) through the transformation of the Three Qi (Sanqi). It harmonizes the Five Phases (Wuxing), dispels deathly energy, and attracts vital life force, specifically targeting the Three Corpses and Five Ghosts within the body.

2. Instructions for Use: On auspicious days and favorable hours, celestial deities descend by divine command to capture these corpse-demons. Practitioners must purify their minds through fasting (Zhaijie), renounce evil and cultivate virtue, wear the talisman while silently reciting incantations with sincere devotion. This invites the Great Unity Deity (Taiyi Shen) to descend, registers one's name in the immortal records, liberates from the sufferings of hell, and grants the joys of the celestial realm.

3. Specific Incantations:

• Secret Incantation of the Five Corpses (recited at dawn): "May the Three Corpses and Five Corpses all descend to the Yellow Springs, while I ascend to the Azure Heavens to preserve eternal life..."
• Secret Incantation of the Five Numinous Spirits (recited at dusk): Invokes the protection of five deities including Wuying and Baiyuan, promising longevity.
• Longevity Talisman Manual: Detailed instructions (must be written with cinnabar on blue paper, used in two parts).

4. Ritual Document Format: Includes the practitioner's native place and name, declaring sincere cultivation practice and requesting divine assistance to eradicate corpse-worms and transcend life and death.

These talismans and rituals exemplify the Daoist cultivation method of harmonizing internal and external practices (external talismans + internal visualization) to dispel pathogenic energies and nurture body-mind wellness. The crucial point is that the efficacy of the talismans truly manifests only when combined with ascetic practices and moral cultivation.

This scripture primarily explains the usage and efficacy of five types of Daoist Fulu (talismanic registers with spiritual power):

The five talismans correspond to specific times and directions:

1. The "Immortal Ascension Talisman": Written in blue ink on white paper at dawn on one's Benming day (the celestial stem-earthly branch date corresponding to one's birth), to be ingested while facing east.

2. The "Corpse-Destroying Life-Stabilizing Talisman": Written with cinnabar on white paper at noon on one's Benming day, to be ingested while facing south.

3. The "Longevity and Form-Preserving Talisman": Written with cinnabar at dusk on one's Benming day, to be ingested while facing one's birth direction.

4. The "Soul-Restraining Precious Life Talisman": Written with cinnabar during one's Benming month, day, and hour while facing north (if exact birth time is unknown, it may be ingested at noon on the Wuwu day).

Usage methods:

• Ingestion must be accompanied by incantation practice; they may also be worn as amulets
• Requires focused cultivation to summon the assistance of the Five Directional Deities
• Practice involves chanting mantras, regulating breath, stabilizing Shen (spirit), dispelling demonic obstructions, closed-eye meditation, and teeth-chattering to invigorate Jing (essence)
• Must first silently recite the "Demon-Destroying Incantation" (specific content appears in the scripture)

Efficacy:

• Wearing these talismans prolongs life and repels ghosts
• Prevents disturbances by various spirits and brings longevity blessings
• The scripture mentions four great divine talismans (though their specific designs are missing):
• The Supreme Great Divine Talisman: neutralizes poisons and subdues malevolent forces
• The Divine Tiger Five Martial Talisman: destroys demonic obstacles and protects virtuous people
• The Mysterious Elder Dragon-Snake Talisman: shakes the underworld and terrifies evil ghosts
• The Celestial Worthy of Great Unity Talisman: controls the Northern Dipper and possesses demon-quelling power

Important notes:

• Must be used in conjunction with scripture recitation to avoid attracting malign influences
• Advanced practitioners who diligently cultivate will receive divine protection
• For simple talisman wearing, other incantations may be omitted, requiring only silent recitation of specific mantras

These talismans are primarily used for Daoist cultivation, exorcism, protection, and longevity purposes. Their usage requires strict adherence to timing, directional orientation, and ritual protocols.

This scripture describes the usage and efficacy of two types of Daoist ritual talismans (fulu):

The first is the "Five Majestic and Five Martial Deities Talisman." Those who wear this talisman receive protection from the deities of the five directions, and after three years may behold these deities with their own eyes. When requesting this talisman, one must inscribe their full name, place of origin, age and other personal details. Its protective effects include: immunity from weapon injuries, safe passage through waters without encountering flood dragons, mountain travel without meeting tigers, wolves or venomous snakes. Malevolent people will feel intimidated upon seeing the wearer, while ghosts and spirits will kneel in reverence. It can also dismantle shrines of evil cults and suppress various supernatural creatures. When wearing it, the talismanic diagram must be drawn on the right side without any explanatory text.

The second is the "Great Unity Life-Sustaining Longevity Talisman," designed for cultivators living in turbulent times who fear for their lives. The petitioner must declare themselves "an offspring of the Most High Lord Lao" (Taishang Laojun), provide personal details, and make supplications to the Seven Star Lords of the Northern Dipper. Wearing it ensures safety - ghosts and demons will flee at the sight of it, and local earth deities will provide escort. The text emphasizes strict adherence to the talisman's original purpose.

Both talismans belong to the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition of Daoist ritual practice, primarily used for exorcism, protection and life extension. Usage requires strict compliance with prescribed formats including petitioner information and sincere belief in the talisman's power. The concluding phrase "urgently as according to ordinance" (jiji rulüling) is a standard talismanic formula indicating immediate efficacy.