《靈寶領教濟度金書》Vol. 272

This scripture records the specific applications and functions of the Twenty-Eight Mansions Talismans (Fulu corresponding to the twenty-eight lunar lodges). Each talisman corresponds to a different stellar mansion and possesses distinct exorcistic and healing properties:

The Jiao (Horn) Talisman specifically combats hundred demons and treats disturbances caused by shapeshifting cats and dogs. The Kang (Neck) Talisman can slay evil entities and resolve hidden corpse energy (latent malignant forces) in dwellings. The Di (Root) Talisman controls weapon injuries and nullifies the magic of wicked sorcerers and malevolent masters.

The Fang (Chamber) Talisman resolves women's melancholy and incompatibility issues. The Xin (Heart) Talisman addresses marital conflicts caused by astrological clashes. The Wei (Tail) Talisman specializes in curing excessive lust between men and women. The Ji (Winnowing Basket) Talisman prevents premature deaths among family members.

The Dou (Dipper) Talisman dispels calamities brought by lawsuits and ghosts. The Niu (Ox) Talisman employs the Five Thunder Method (Daoist thunder rites) to exterminate plague demons and neutralize toxic vapors. The Nü (Maiden) Talisman drives away all evils and summons auspicious fortune.

The Xu (Emptiness) Talisman preserves life and averts disasters. The Wei (Rooftop) Talisman specializes in slaying various monstrous bird spirits. The Shi (Encampment) Talisman resolves prolonged misfortunes for both genders. The Bi (Wall) Talisman disperses malignant energies and the harassment of hundred specters.

The Kui (Legs) Talisman prevents servants from fleeing. The Lou (Bond) Talisman destroys spirits inhabiting wood and stone. The Wei (Stomach) Talisman specifically treats fox spirits. The Mao (Hair) Talisman counters water monsters and mirage demons. The Bi (Net) Talisman slays mountain flood spirits and stone entities.

The Zui (Turtle Beak) Talisman deals with hidden corpses in ancient tombs. The Shen (Triaster) Talisman attracts wealth and treasures. The Jing (Well) Talisman cures ten types of edema. The Gui (Ghost) Talisman exterminates mountain and rock spirits. The Liu (Willow) Talisman specifically subdues disturbances caused by mountain ghosts.

These talismans are typically activated by placement in specific locations—such as "placed beneath the feet" or "positioned under the altar"—harnessing the power of Daoist ritual sigils (Fulu) to achieve their intended effects.

This scripture primarily documents the various Fulu (talismans and registers) used by the Lingbao tradition of Daoism for delivering sentient beings and aiding the world. These special ritual documents, employed for exorcism, healing, and blessings, are systematically categorized according to celestial constellations, heavenly deities, and specific functions. Each talisman serves distinct purposes—some for curing illnesses and dispelling evil influences, others for seeking blessings and averting calamities.

Regarding constellation-based talismans: The Zhang Constellation Talisman specifically treats epilepsy and must be ingested orally. The Yi Constellation Talisman prevents unexplained livestock deaths. The Zhen Constellation Talisman neutralizes curses cast by others. The Six Harmonies Star Talisman stops servants from self-harm. The Heavenly Granary Star Talisman enhances official career success. The Flying Dipper Star Talisman, when inscribed on wooden boards, captures fox spirits and supernatural creatures. The Reverent Spirit Star Talisman, when affixed to house corners, eliminates insect infestations and wasteful energy drain.

The talismans of the Nine Heavenly Venerables possess higher spiritual potency: The Most High Savior from Suffering Heavenly Venerable Talisman, the Heavenly Venerable of Carefree Joy Talisman, and others respectively embody powers to relieve suffering, absolve sins, deliver souls, and preserve life. Among these, the "Yellow Robe Receives the Dao Talisman" and "Jade Talisman for Restoring Original Nature" are particularly important for spiritual cultivation, while the "Yellow Register Rite for Prayers and Atonement" serves as a universal talisman for major Zhaijiao (purification rituals).

Practical talismans for daily use abound: Water-Averting and Fire-Averting Talismans protect against floods and conflagrations; the Quelling Gossip Talisman prevents slander and disputes; the Official Disaster Prevention Talisman safeguards bureaucratic positions; the Life-Prolonging Talisman extends longevity. Others ensure household safety, livestock prosperity, eradication of various illnesses, and protection against theft and epidemics. Notably, the "Enmity Resolution Talisman" specifically reconciles karmic creditors, while the "Curse Breaking Talisman" dissolves malicious spells cast by others.

Particularly noteworthy are the series of talismans for treating "Corpse Infestation" (ancient term for contagious malignant diseases): These include four types of Corpse Infestation Severing Talismans, Five Directions Purple Court Lantern Talismans, two General Talismans, plus special talismans that must be drawn with cinnabar on yellow silk. Application methods vary significantly—some require wearing on the body, others affixing to doors, and some must be wrapped in eggs and buried underground. Ritual implements like iron tablets and bronze oxen also belong to this category of Corpse Infestation healing objects.

This scripture records various methods of using Daoist talismans (fulu), primarily for exorcising evil spirits, curing illnesses, and protecting homes from malign influences. The specific contents include:

Drawing a talisman with cinnabar on an egg and burying it precisely beneath the threshold of a door can eliminate corpse-transmitted diseases (a type of illness spread through contact with corpses). Another talisman, the Water Prohibition and Extinction of Corpse-Transmitted Diseases Talisman, must be placed in a bowl of water and set before the patient’s bed for seven days, after which the affliction will naturally dissipate.

The Severing Corpse-Transmitted Recurrence Talisman must be written in cinnabar and can be worn on the body or affixed to the head of the sickbed. The Peaceful Household Talisman is used to safeguard the home and ensure domestic tranquility.

The text then lists a series of directional talismans: the Warding Off Earth Talisman is applied according to the five directions (east, south, west, north, and center); the Five Palaces Pacification Talisman is similarly arranged in these five orientations; while the Nine Palaces Pacification Talisman follows the eight trigrams (Qian, Kun, Gen, Xun, Zhen, Dui, Li, Kan) plus the central position.

There are also talismans specifically for the Life-Preserving Purification Ritual (baoming zhai), as well as various plague-dispelling talismans: the Severing Plague General Xu Talisman, the Plague Expelling Talisman (divided into five directions), the True Plague Suppression Talisman, the Plague Prohibition Talisman, and the Plague Severing Talisman, among others. The Illness-Treating General Ding Talisman is used to cure diseases, while the Jade Purity Decree Golden Register Pardon Talisman has the power to absolve sins and avert disasters.

These talismans all originate from The Golden Book of Salvation and Deliverance According to the Numinous Treasure Tradition (Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu), Volume 272, representing essential ritual techniques of the Lingbao school for aiding sentient beings, exorcising evil, and healing illnesses. Their application requires precise directional placement and ceremonial protocols, reflecting the systematic nature of Daoist talismanic arts and their deep connection to spatial cosmology.