《上清佩符文白卷訣》

The Shangqing Peiwen Bai Jue (White Scroll of Shangqing Talisman Formulas) records four types of Five Phases (Wuxing) talismanic cultivation methods transmitted by the Supreme High (Taishang, the highest Daoist deities):

[Wood Phase Talisman]

Known as the "Taishang Jiayi Rumu Jiuqi Banfu" (Supreme Wood-Phase Talisman of Nine Qi Penetrating Wood), this talisman requires the practitioner to wear it while meditating to summon divine spirits and visualize true Qi (vital energy) to receive authentic transmission. One must first erase the records of sins held by the Water Emperor (Shuidi, the water deity) and have their name inscribed in the celestial register (Yuzha, "jade tablet"). Following the scripture's instructions—through visualization, recitation of incantations, and nine years of dedicated practice—the practitioner attains supernatural abilities: writing the talisman on mountains summons clouds and rain, while carving it on wood makes the characters grow brighter when rubbed. Burying the talisman beneath Mount Tai (the Eastern Peak) invites the protection of twelve immortal officials. After eighteen years, ascension to the Shangqing (Upper Clarity) heaven is achieved. Disclosing this method incurs punishment by ghostly soldiers, bringing calamity to seven generations of ancestors (Qizu) and condemning the practitioner to drown in river depths.

[Fire Phase Talisman]

The "Taishang Bingding Ru Huo Sanqi Banfu" (Supreme Fire-Phase Talisman of Three Qi Penetrating Fire) follows a similar method. Mastery after nine years grants these powers: writing it in forests spontaneously ignites flames, casting it into water summons flood dragons, and placing it in mountains commands clouds and rain. Burying it at Mount Heng (the Southern Peak) secures guardian immortal officials. Eighteen years of cultivation enables ascension to the Yuqing (Jade Clarity) heaven. Those who leak its secrets doom seven generations to misfortune and face eternal hellbound torment after death.

[Metal Phase Talisman]

The "Taishang Gengxin Ru Jin Qiqi Banfu" (Supreme Metal-Phase Talisman of Seven Qi Penetrating Metal) yields these effects upon mastery: drawing it on stones transmutes them to gold, and embracing a stone grants invisibility. Burying it at Mount Hua (the Western Peak) draws immortal officials who bestow miraculous treasures. Eighteen years of practice allows soaring flight to the Yuqing realm. Violators face celestial soldiers' retribution, with ancestral lineages also punished.

[Water Phase Talisman]

The "Taishang Renkui Ru Shui Wuqi Banfu" (Supreme Water-Phase Talisman of Five Qi Penetrating Water) confers these abilities: casting it into water summons flood dragons and calms waves, enabling one to walk on water as if on land. Burying it at Mount Heng (the Northern Peak) earns elixirs of longevity from immortal officials. After eighteen years, the practitioner gains invisibility, flight, and ascension to Yuqing. This method's profundity demands it never be taught to the unworthy.

(Note: "Yuzha" refers to Daoist celestial registers; "Qizu" denotes seven generations of ancestors; "Yuqing" is one of the Three Pure Ones' [Sanqing] heavenly realms.)

This scripture records five methods for cultivating the Supreme Divine Talismans (Fulu), detailing ritual practices such as ingesting talismans, visualization, and casting talismans to commune with celestial and earthly spirits.

The first section describes the "Supreme Wu-Ji Earth-Entering Unity Qi Talisman": If seven generations of ancestors bear accumulated sins, the deceased will suffer eternally as underworld officials. Practitioners must ingest this talisman while visualizing the descent of true Qi, thereby erasing transgressions recorded by the Water Emperor (water deity) and having their names registered in the immortal registry. After nine years of cultivation according to the scripture, one gains fluency in thirty-six languages and knowledge of the thirty-six earthly sovereigns of the underworld. Burying the inscribed talisman summons protection from Central Peak immortals and bestows longevity elixirs. Eighteen years of practice enables celestial ascension, but secrecy must be maintained—disclosure brings punishment upon nine generations of ancestors.

The remaining four sections detail directional talisman practices:

1. Eastern "Nine Origins Azure Qi Talisman": During the solar terms of Beginning of Spring and Spring Equinox, face east to inscribe the talisman with cinnabar on azure paper before ingestion. Visualize the East Sea Divine King erasing records from the registers of life and death, then cast the talisman into east-flowing waters. Eighteen years of cultivation enables dragon-riding ascension.

2. Southern "Cavernous Crimson Qi Talisman": During Beginning of Summer and Summer Solstice, face south to inscribe and ingest. Visualize the South Sea Divine King absolving sins before casting into south-flowing waters. Mastery grants cloud-dragon flight.

3. Western "Abyssal White Qi Talisman": During Beginning of Autumn and Autumn Equinox, face west for inscription and ingestion. Visualize the West Sea Divine King pardoning transgressions before casting into west-flowing waters. Accomplishment brings welcome by sea deities.

4. Northern "Riverine Black Qi Talisman": During Beginning of Winter and Winter Solstice, face north for inscription and ingestion. Visualize the North Sea Divine King clearing karmic debts before casting into north-flowing waters. Mastery summons water deities to command clouds and rain.

These talismanic methods require strict observance of seasonal nodes, temporal cycles, and directional alignments. Through deity visualization and water-casting rituals, practitioners ultimately achieve calamity dispelling, misfortune resolution, and immortal ascension.

This scripture records several important Daoist protective talismans (fulu) and their methods of use:

1. The Supreme Threefold Fangzhang Zhenling Talisman (from the Dadong Zhenjing - Great Cavern True Scripture)

• Practitioners often wear this talisman over the heart, inscribed with cinnabar in any size
• It can be placed within a sitting cushion for portable use, offering protection within four inches when worn and three feet when sitting or lying down
• Effects: Grants longevity bordering on immortality, enables command over spirits and deities, even the Great Demon King of the Northern Dipper dares not approach

2. The Supreme Treasure Seal (from the Sigong Ciyi Zhenjing - Four Palaces Feminine Unity True Scripture)

• After eight years of wearing, one may perceive the "Three-in-One" (referring to the unification of Jing, Qi, and Shen)
• Inscribed with cinnabar on white silk and worn on the left elbow
• The Azure Lad (Qingtong Jun) once transmitted this talisman to Master Juanzi for sealing sacred mountains

3. The Golden Tiger True Talisman (from the Taishang Bashu Yinwen - Supreme Eight Arts Hidden Text)

• Capable of subduing celestial and terrestrial deities, slaying supernatural creatures, and pacifying myriad ghosts
• Wearing it enables audience with the Jade Emperor; enshrining it in one's chamber attracts visits from immortals
• The bearer can command heaven and earth, reprimand spirits, and ride dragons to ascend
• Effects: Terrifies a thousand demons and annihilates ten thousand ghosts

4. Several Disaster-Averting Life-Preserving Talismans:

• Great Tribulation Escape Talisman: Written in blue on white silk and worn on the head to avoid flood disasters
• Minor Tribulation Escape Talisman: Inscribed with cinnabar and worn on the left elbow, prevents sinking in water and burning in fire
• Major Hundred-Six Calamity Talisman: Worn on the head to avert great disasters; nine years of wearing enables ascension to immortality
• Minor Hundred-Six Calamity Talisman: Similar effects but of lesser potency

(Note: "Yang Nine" and "Hundred Six" are Daoist terms referring to specific calamity cycles; "Three-in-One" denotes the unification of essence, energy, and spirit)

This scripture records several Daoist protective talismans (fulu) and their methods of use:

1. The Supreme Purple Void Jade Talisman: Written with yellow pigment on white silk and worn on the left elbow, it protects against all demonic influences, plagues, and disasters while safeguarding one's life. Wearing it for nine years enables daylight ascension to immortality.

2. The Yin-Yang Calamity-Averting Life-Preserving Talisman: Inscribed with black ink on white silk, its wearer attains longevity matching heaven-earth and radiance rivaling sun-moon. After nine years of continuous wear, the practitioner ascends to the Great Purity (Taiqing) celestial realm.

3. The Yellow Emperor's Earth-Connecting Jade Talisman: Written in yellow on white silk for wearing, with additional talismans inscribed on yellow paper during Wuji days (the fifth and sixth Heavenly Stems) to be ingested while facing the Grand Duke Jupiter (Taisui) direction. After three years, the Yellow Jade Maiden descends, granting knowledge of all affairs within ten thousand li; after nine years, the Yellow Emperor personally welcomes the adept to ascend to the Upper Purity (Shangqing) Palace.

4. The Six Jia Celestial Cinnabar Talismans (Jiazi, Jiawu, Jiachen, Jiaxu, Jiayin, Jiashen): All written in red on white silk for wearing, with corresponding talismans inscribed on red paper during respective Jia days at dawn to be ingested while facing east. Usage requires silent incantations while visualizing the Directing Jade Maidens holding the talismans as celestial guides.

(Note: Taisui refers to the Daoist deity governing annual cycles; Shangqing and Taiqing represent celestial paradises; the Six Jia denote the ten Heavenly Stems combined with "Jia" days; Jade Maidens are immortal attendants in Daoist cosmology.) These talismans originate from the Purple Text Upper Scripture (Zishu Shangjing), employing specific materials, colors, wearing methods, and ritual protocols to manifest protective, spirit-connecting, and ascension effects.

This scripture records several Daoist talismanic (fulu) cultivation methods and their efficacies, which I will explain in detail:

1. Lingfei Liujia Scripture Talisman:

After performing the zhaijiao (purification ritual) on the Jiazi day, wearing this talisman enables one to summon deities and command mountains and seas. The wearer may freely travel to the Five Sacred Mountains, command the Six Jia Divine Generators (Daoist guardian deities), and even create doppelgangers. After nine years of cultivation, one receives empowerment from the Three Origins (qi of the upper, middle, and lower dantian) and gains the ability to soar through the skies directly to celestial palaces.

2. Supreme Jade Dawn Demon-Subduing Spirit Banner:

This ritual implement subdues demon kings under the White Emperor of the West (one of the Five Directional Thearchs). Practitioners must face west at specific hours to chant scriptures while inscribing the talisman with cinnabar on white silk. After nine years of cultivation, one may behold the Three Origin Lords (high-ranking immortals) and be welcomed into the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) celestial palace.

3. Four Origins Breakthrough White Star Essence Talisman:

Written in yellow ink on white paper, this talisman is ingested while facing west. After one hundred days of quiet cultivation, it summons immortals from the Western Sacred Mountain. When inscribed with cinnabar on a nine-inch white wooden board for demon suppression, seven years of practice leads to ascension. The phrase "bestowing true scriptures" refers to secret methods transmitted by immortals to practitioners.

4. White Emperor Spirit-Summoning Talisman:

After eight years of wearing, the Celestial Emperor dispatches an immortal carriage for guidance. It must be written with yellow ink on a white wooden board of specific dimensions (nine inches wide by one chi two cun long) and placed in the western part of the room alongside scripture chanting.

5. Three Heavens True Scripture:

Wearers find flood dragons avoiding them when entering water. During cosmic calamities, they may ascend to escape disaster, ultimately serving the Celestial Worthy in the Shangqing Palace.

6. Lower Spirit-Flying Jade Talisman:

Requiring nine years of cultivation to achieve flight, this is key to the "soaring steps to mystic ascent" method. Transmission requires an oath sworn over sixty chi of white silk, emphasizing flight is impossible without this talisman.

These talismans all require:

• Specific materials (white silk, white wooden boards)
• Prescribed inscription methods (cinnabar, yellow ink)
• Fixed orientations (mostly facing west)
• Prolonged cultivation (seven to nine years)
• Combined with scripture chanting and meditation

Primary efficacies include: summoning deities and subduing demons, creating doppelgangers, avoiding water and fire hazards, and achieving immortal ascension. The scripture repeatedly emphasizes secret practice and strict adherence to precepts.

This scripture passage details several Daoist talismanic writings (fulu) with their methods of inscription, wearing protocols, and spiritual effects:

The first talisman is inscribed on the right palm, enabling the practitioner to ride the pure spirits in flight. When written with cinnabar on nine-inch white silk and worn on the left side, it grants command over the Six Jia deities (Daoist guardian spirits) and twelve Jade Maidens (celestial attendants) who provide protection.

The second comes from the Jade Purity Hidden Texts. Written in red characters on white boards placed in the western direction, it subdues the Great Demon King of the White Emperor and his western legions while summoning western immortal officials. Twelve years of sustained practice brings forth seven Golden Spirit Immortal Lords who offer assistance and bestow elixirs. When inscribed with cinnabar on white silk and worn during travels to the Western Blissful Continent, even the Great Demon King will receive the practitioner with reverence.

The third is the Northern Emperor's Demon-Slaying Jade Script, requiring specific days for inscription: on Jia days written in the western Geng position, on Yi days in the Xin position. The writing process involves breath retention, teeth knocking, and recitation of special incantations. Worn for seven days, it reveals celestial demons in visible form while causing malevolent spirits to perish. Seven years of practice enables command over eight Great Elixir Jade Maidens.

These talismans all demand specific materials (white silk, white boards), pigments (cinnabar), and wearing methods, combined with breath techniques and incantations as part of cultivation practice. They purportedly confer supernatural abilities including flight, demon subjugation, and command over immortal officials. The text emphasizes prolonged practice for efficacy—ranging from seven days to seven or even twelve years of dedicated cultivation.

This scripture expounds several important Daoist talismanic texts (Fulu) that record celestial mysteries. Each type of talisman originates from specific celestial realms, and by wearing and cultivating these sacred writings, practitioners gain divine protection and ultimately ascend to immortal realms.

1. The Golden Portal's Jade-Register Hidden Text (recorded in vermilion script): The wearer's name becomes inscribed on jade tablets within the Golden Portal (celestial palace), escorted by deities of the Five Sacred Mountains and Four Great Rivers, ultimately ascending to the Golden Portal paradise.

2. Shangqing's Golden Script Jade Register (recorded in azure script): The practitioner's name is engraved on golden tablets in the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) realm, welcomed by immortal officials of the Five Sacred Mountains, attaining equal status with the Four Perfected Ones upon ascension.

3. The Great Ultimate's White Tablet Text (recorded in azure script): Names are inscribed on tablets within the Great Ultimate (Taiji) Palace, protected by celestial beings from the four directions, culminating in ascension to this supreme palace.

4. Fangzhu's Mysterious Simplicity Purple-Register Hidden Text (azure script): Practitioners' names are recorded in Fangzhu Palace; after nine years of cultivation they gain flight ability, escorted by immortals to Fangzhu Palace.

5. Taiqing's Jade-Record Crimson-Register Hidden Text (vermilion script): Names are inscribed in Taiqing's jade registers; after nine years practitioners attain divine communion, served by twelve jade attendants, ultimately ascending to Taiqing's Jasper Palace.

6. Great Simplicity's Jasper-Tablet Golden-Register Hidden Text (yellow script): Names appear on jasper tablets in the Great Simplicity Palace; after nine years practitioners ride clouds to ascend and pay homage to the Three Primordial Sovereigns (San Yuanjun).

7. Southern Pole's Cinnabar Script Purple Register (vermilion script): Practitioners' names are recorded in the Southern Pole's purple register; after nine years the Three Primordial Sovereigns descend to transmit authentic scriptures, culminating in daytime ascension to meet the Great Ultimate Primordial Sovereign.

8. Mysterious Palace's Primordial Azure-Gold Crimson Text (azure script): Wearers gain vision of the Primordial Perfected Forms; after nine years immortals descend to transmit true scriptures, achieving ascension to the Mysterious Palace.

9. Mysterious Metropolis' Cinnabar Terrace's White Jade-Gold Characters (yellow script): Names are engraved on the Mysterious Metropolis' Cinnabar Terrace; after nine years practitioners gain aerial flight, achieving daytime ascension to the Mysterious Metropolis paradise.

These talismans originate from specific celestial domains (Golden Portal, Shangqing, Great Simplicity, etc.). Through prolonged cultivation (typically nine years), wearers receive immortal guidance to ascend to corresponding paradises. The varying script colors (vermilion, azure, yellow) represent different hierarchical levels of these sacred texts.

This scripture describes the miraculous effects of several esoteric Daoist talismanic writings (fulu), divided into three main sections:

The first section discusses the "Hidden Script of Azure Characters from the Three Primes Palace" (carved on jade tablets in blue-green ink). Those who wear this talisman will have their names inscribed in the celestial Jade Register of Qionglin. After nine years of cultivation, the Three Primes Lords who govern the realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water will personally descend to transmit the true scriptures. Those who comprehend this mystery and practice accordingly may ascend to immortality in broad daylight, gaining the privilege to pay homage to the Three Primes Lords.

The second section describes the "Hidden Script of the Mysterious Registers from within the Dark Dipper" (carved on jade tablets in black ink). Wearers will have their names recorded in the registers of the Northern Dipper Star Lords. After nine years, celestial beings will descend to impart authentic scriptures. Successful practitioners may ascend to the Northern Dipper Star Palace and roam freely in the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) celestial realm.

The third section introduces the "Purple Registers on Cinnabar Tablets of the Five Sacred Peaks" (carved on jade tablets in blue-green ink). Wearers receive protection from the mountain gods of the Five Sacred Peaks, and the Five Directional Celestial Emperors will inscribe their names in the immortal registers of these peaks. After nine years of perfected cultivation, practitioners may soar through the skies directly to the celestial palaces. These 120 jade characters enable wearers to receive homage from various immortals when traveling through famous mountains and rivers. Those who grasp the profound meaning may ascend directly to the celestial realm, freely traversing the immortal mountains of the Five Peaks.

(This passage comes from the Scripture of the Seven Sages' Mysterious Records [Qisheng Xuanji Jing], describing methods for achieving immortality and celestial ascension through wearing special talismans combined with prolonged cultivation.)