《上清佩符文青卷訣》

This passage documents several important talismans (fulu) from the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition and their methods of use:

1. Five-Colored Talisman Certificates (azure, white, crimson, black, yellow):

• Must be inscribed with yellow ink on azure silk
• Require ceremonial offerings at one's natal sacred mountain (the Daoist holy site corresponding to one's birth year)
• If immortality isn't attained after nine years of wearing:
• One copy should be burned so the ashes ascend to heaven
• Another buried at the natal mountain
• Effects: Commands ninety jade maidens (yunü), ultimately enabling ascension to the celestial palaces via a three-qi chariot

2. Phoenix Script Vermilion Text Talisman:

• A high-level talisman transmitted by the Supreme Dao Lord (Taishang Daojun) to the Great Ultimate Perfected (Taiji Zhenren)
• Requires prolonged fasting, reclusive cultivation, and recitation ten thousand times
• Effects: Wearing leads to immortality; cultivation leads to perfected state; veneration dispels calamities

3. Demon-Subduing Numinous Banner:

• A ritual implement specifically for subduing the Green Emperor Demon King of the East
• Method: At sunset, face east while chanting scriptures and hang an azure banner in the eastern room

4. Divine Tiger True Talisman:

• Possesses immense power to command celestial and earthly spirits
• Effects: Eliminates malicious ghosts and wards off demonic obstructions when worn

Important Precautions:

• Maintain ritual purity during practice to avoid celestial prohibitions
• Never recklessly disclose these teachings, as it may bring misfortune to ancestors
• All talismans originate from key Shangqing scriptures: Scripture of the Jade Seal of the Three Primes (Sanyuan Yujing Jing) and Scripture of the Purple Phoenix Vermilion Texts (Zifeng Chishu Jing)

(Note: The term "ye" refers to ritual impurities; "Three Primes" denotes the Three Officials of heaven, earth, and water; "Jade Clarity" (Yuqing) is one of Daoism's highest celestial realms)

This scripture describes the protective talismans (Fulu) of the Five Directional Emperors (Green Emperor, Red Emperor, White Emperor, Black Emperor, and Yellow Emperor) and their powers:

1. Divine Tiger Upper Talisman: Wearing this talisman enables one to traverse dangerous terrain and cross mountains and seas. It can summon divine beings and subdue ghosts and demons. Wherever the bearer goes, evil spirits retreat, all creatures submit, and immortals offer protection. The body emits a wondrous radiance. (From the "Supreme Eight Arts Hidden Text Scripture")

2. Five Directional Emperors' Talismans:

• Eastern Green Emperor Talisman: Protected by the Green Emperor (Eastern Celestial Emperor) along with his 9,000 attendants, ninety Green Yang Jade Youths, 2,400 Mount Tai celestial officials, and ninety Green-Waisted Jade Maidens.
• Southern Red Emperor Talisman: Protected by the Red Emperor (Southern Celestial Emperor) along with his 8,000 attendants, eighty Crimson Palace Jade Youths, 2,400 Mount Huo celestial officials, and eighty Great Cinnabar Jade Maidens.
• Western White Emperor Talisman: Protected by the White Emperor (Western Celestial Emperor) along with his 6,000 attendants, sixty Shining Numen Jade Youths, 2,400 Mount Hua celestial officials, and sixty Great Purity Jade Maidens.
• Northern Black Emperor Talisman: Protected by the Black Emperor (Northern Celestial Emperor) along with his 5,000 attendants, fifty Imperial Ultimate Jade Youths, 2,400 Mount Chang celestial officials, and fifty Great Mystery Jade Maidens.
• Central Yellow Emperor Talisman: Protected by the Yellow Emperor (Central Celestial Emperor) along with his 1,200 attendants, twelve Imperial Mechanism Jade Youths, 2,400 Mount Song celestial officials, and twelve Yellow Purity Jade Maidens.

Collectively known as the "Five Emperors' Flowing Bells Five Talismans," these possess the formidable power to awe celestial demons and summon the deities of the five directions. Wearers not only receive protection from the Five Directional Emperors and their retinues, but also attain the ability of "ascending through emptiness and treading the void" (referring to the practitioner's capacity for aerial flight).

"Secret Instructions for Wearing the Shangqing Talismanic Texts" - Modern Interpretation:

These talismanic texts possess the power to connect heaven and earth: above they correspond to the Five Planets and Seven Luminaries (Daoist astronomical concepts), below they resonate with the body's nine orifices (eyes, ears, nostrils, etc.). They permeate all creation, capable of monitoring even the most hidden subtleties. When worn, they emit numinous light; when activated, they vibrate with spiritual potency. Practitioners must follow the oral transmission methods taught by their masters.

The [Five Emperor Talisman] recorded in the "Scripture of Purple Radiance and Flaming Light" specifies: male practitioners use blue silk inscribed with cinnabar ink, worn on the right side; female practitioners use plain yellow silk inscribed with vermilion, worn on the left.

The [Jade Purity Hidden Text] describes cultivation methods: When practicing the way of immortals, one should inscribe the talisman with white pigment on green wood and place it in the eastern direction to summon the celestial officials of the Green Emperor (one of the Five Directional Thearchs). After nine years of continuous practice, the Green Emperor's immortal forms will manifest, sending celestial attendants with spiritual medicines. If inscribed on white silk with white pigment and worn constantly, when traveling eastward one will receive protection from immortal officials, riding green clouds under feathered canopies - after nine years achieving ascension to the highest Shangqing heaven.

The [Seven Primes Unfolding Talisman] records: To summon the immortal officials of Central Peak (Song Mountain), write the talisman with cinnabar on yellow paper, ingest it while facing the Grand Year (Taisui) direction (Daoist directional deity), and after 100 days of quiet cultivation the officials will arrive. Inscribed with blue pigment on nine-inch yellow wood tablets, it can subdue the Yellow Emperor's celestial demons (spiritual obstructions). Placed in the Grand Year direction for 100 days, it dissolves demonic essences. Seven years of continuous practice enables immortal ascension.

The [Eastern Hidden Text] describes: Talismans written with orpiment (mineral pigment) on turquoise silk enable travel to the Eastern Harati paradise, subduing spirits and warding off weapon injuries (wubing - all types of weapons). Immortal elders from famous mountains will come to welcome the practitioner, who gains comprehension of all languages (liuguo zhi yin - literally "six nations' sounds") and divine communication.

Similarly, the [Southern Hidden Text] allows travel to the Ishadha paradise, receiving escorts from Yue region immortal officials, with equivalent demon-subduing and spirit-communicating powers.

(Note: "Wubing" signifies harm from all weapons; "liuguo zhi yin" symbolizes understanding all languages; "Hu elders" and "Yue elders" refer to regional guardian immortal officials.)

This scripture records four methods and effects of wearing Daoist talismans (fulu, special symbolic inscriptions used for protection and cultivation), primarily derived from Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition texts. Each talisman is written with orpiment (a mineral pigment) on cyan silk, granting distinct divine powers when worn:

The first, "Inner Text of the Northern Nine Numinous Golden Tones": Wearing it enables entry into Nirvilokita-loka (a Daoist celestial realm), commanding divine beings, slaying celestial demons, and subduing calamities caused by the Five Phases (wuxing). The wearer may freely traverse mystical realms to reach the abodes of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing: Jade, Supreme, and Grand Purity). When visiting sacred mountains, Di tribal elders will greet them, and they'll naturally comprehend six languages to converse with spirits.

The second, "Inner Text of Shangqing's Concealed Talisman of Primordial Embrace": Grants access to Uttarakuru (another celestial realm), allowing lunar palace visits to pay homage to the Northern Water Essence deity, with Qiang tribal elders welcoming during travels.

The third, "Inner Text of the Central Transformation's Numinous Assembly": Leads to the Primal Essence Azure Chaos realm (symbolizing primordial purity), enabling ascension to Jade Purity through void-walking, greeted by numerous perfected immortals.

The fourth and most sublime, "Supreme Hidden Text of the Six Realms": This 185-character talisman transmitted by the Azure Lad (Qingtong Jun, a key Shangqing immortal) makes the body emit radiant light, attended by 36 pairs of jade attendants. It permits unfettered travel through the Five Sacred Mountains and Six Celestial Realms, where immortals prostrate in reverence. The wearer gains shapeshifting abilities, ultimately ascending to the Eastern Florescence Azure Palace via flying chariot.

Special wearing instructions: Before celestial journeys, perform 36 tooth-knockings (kouchi) and breath retentions while reciting: "The Jade Perfected chariots circle; today brings supreme fortune as dragons soar and phoenixes dance. Honor guards stand arrayed; paths open in all directions. Six armies clear the way while tenfold realms welcome. Immortal youths bear banners; jade maidens scatter incense. Five Directional Elders bow reverently amid auspicious clouds." This ritual embodies Daoist practices of "tooth-knocking to gather shen (spirit)" and "breath retention for inner observation."

(Note: "Six Realms" likely denotes celestial domains or directional worlds; "Five Armies" metaphorically represents martial disasters; "Five Elders" are directional immortal patriarchs.)

This scripture primarily elucidates several Daoist Fulu (talismans and registers) cultivation methods and their efficacies, which I will explain section by section:

The first passage describes the realm attained after practitioners acquire divine power:

Practitioners can harness the radiance of the sun and moon, receive protection from immortals, and freely traverse the four directions. Rivers and mountains become open pathways, as the Celestial Emperor dispatches envoys to eliminate calamities. Wherever they go, deities offer sanctuary, while their bodies brim with celestial Qi, ultimately enabling ascent to the supreme Daoist paradise of Yujing (Jade Capital). The cultivation method involves holding breath for thirty-six cycles while reciting specific incantations, compelling all spirits to submit, allowing personal transformation at will and ascension to the Taiqing (Great Purity) celestial realm.

The second section introduces the "Supreme Numinous Flying Jade Talisman":

Wearing this talisman for seven years enables aerial flight directly to the Seven Primes Star Palace (Big Dipper). During practice, one must inscribe the incantation on the left palm to command emerald mists for flight. Alternatively, writing it on nine-inch cyan silk for wearing summons six Jia spirit generals and twelve jade maidens as perpetual guardians.

The third passage details the "Primordial Radiant Sun Essence Talisman":

Inscribed with cinnabar on white paper and ingested while facing east, one hundred days of serene cultivation brings visits from perfected beings offering guidance. For exorcism, write with indigo on nine-inch yellow wooden tablets placed in the monthly corresponding direction to repel demons. This secret method transmitted by the Celestial Emperor requires strict confidentiality—ten years of practice leads to immortality.

The fourth section explains the "Three Primes Radiant Year Star Essence Talisman":

Written with black ink on cyan paper and ingested facing east, one hundred days of meditation prompts celestial officials to deliver elixirs. To subdue eastern demons, inscribe with white pigment on nine-inch blue-green wooden tablets placed in the eastern position for one hundred days, forcing specters to manifest. Seven years of secret cultivation enables celestial ascent.

The fifth passage describes the "Green Emperor's Spirit-Summoning Demon-Subduing Talisman":

Eight years of wearing prompts the Eastern Green Emperor to dispatch eight immortal chariots for daytime ascension. This Nine Heavens secret requires black ink inscription on nine-inch wide, twelve-inch long cyan wooden tablets placed in the eastern chamber, combined with scripture recitation.

The final section presents the "Black Emperor's Water-Phase Communicating Jade Talisman":

Worn when inscribed with black ink on cyan silk, or practiced facing north on Ren-Gui days (celestial stems associated with water) when written on blue paper.

This scripture details the efficacy and cultivation methods of three types of Daoist talismans (fulu):

1. Ren-Gui Tai-Xuan Jade Maiden Talisman

Wearing this talisman for three years summons the Northern Tai-Xuan Jade Maiden (guardian deity of the north), granting knowledge of all affairs within ten thousand miles of the northern realm. The immortal officials of Mount Bei (Northern Sacred Peak) will deliver celestial sustenance. After nine years of cultivation, the Black Emperor of the North (one of the Five Celestial Sovereigns) descends to the practitioner’s chamber, escorting them via a flying chariot of black radiance to the immortal realms of the Shangqing (Upper Clarity) Palace.

2. Scarlet Heaven Mysterious-Yellow Talisman

Formed from the coalescence of Mysterious-Yellow Flying Qi, this talisman unites the wearer with the Three Qi of Heaven and Earth. Its powers include: suppressing the six heavens of malevolent energy, subduing demons and specters, slaying baleful entities, commanding legions of spirits, immunity to fire and water, and protection from all calamities.

3. Jade Clarity (Yuqing) Talisman Series

This set comprises three distinct talismans:

• Golden Mysterious Inner Script: Transmitted by the Ninefold Mysterious Golden Tower Emperor, it is inscribed on yellow tablets with green patterns and placed in the southwest. It suppresses the minions of the Great Demon King of the Yellow Emperor and summons immortal officials from the Bliss-Prolonging World of the southwest. After nine years of cultivation, eight True King Immortals descend to bestow elixirs of ascension, granting seventy-four transformative abilities.
• Alternate Golden Mysterious Inner Script: Revealed by the Fusang Great Emperor (Solar Deity of the East), it is written with yellow ink on cyan tablets and placed in the southeast. It subdues the demonic forces under the Great Demon King of Min and summons officials from the Talent-Employing World of the southeast. Fifteen years of practice grants command over twenty jade maidens who deliver immortal elixirs. Practicing with this talisman in the southeast enables ascension to the Jade Clarity Palace atop a green-cloud canopy.
• Northern Emperor’s Demon-Slaying Jade Script: Originating from the High Three Heavens’ protective forces, it specializes in eradicating demonic obstructions and annihilating ghostly entities.

These talismans require specific materials (yellow tablets with green/cyan inscriptions), directional placement (southwest/southeast), and cultivation periods (3/9/15 years). Successful practice yields miraculous outcomes: visits from immortal officials, command over jade maidens, and ascension to celestial realms.

This scripture records a talisman-wearing ritual and incantation from the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition, an important early Daoist school emphasizing talismanic cultivation. The text primarily explains how to create and use a blue-green talisman (Fulu) for exorcising ghosts and warding off evil.

The specific method involves:

1. Selecting a Wu or Ji day (referring to the celestial stems in Daoist calendrics) to paint the talisman with white pigment on blue-green silk. The talisman measures one chi two cun in length (approx. 40cm) and three cun two fen in width (approx. 10cm).

2. Placement instructions:

• On Wu days, position it in the Jia (甲) orientation of the east (Daoist directional terminology)
• On Ji days, place it in the Yi (乙) orientation

3. Ritual procedure:

(1) Perform nine breath-holding cycles (a Daoist breathing technique)

(2) Tap the left teeth thirty-six times

(3) Recite the incantation: "The Yellow Center governs destiny... bright as the Emperor's seal facing the Jade Dawn" (this chant essentially petitions the Three Numinous Ones and Five Elders to assist in subduing demons)

4. Effects:

• After nine consecutive days of practice, ghosts and demons will manifest visibly
• Wearing this talisman while traveling ensures all evil spirits will flee
• Sustaining the practice for nine years grants command over seven Jade Maidens of Pure Numen (legendary Daoist female transcendents)

Note: The "Yellow-Silk Jade Maidens" mentioned are celestial beings in Daoist lore, "Northern Emperor" refers to the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity at the North Pole, and "Mount Fengdu" represents the Daoist underworld capital. These specialized terms carry specific meanings within Daoist canonical texts.