《靈寶領教濟度金書》Vol. 273

This scripture documents the esoteric talismans (fulu) and ritual protocols used by the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) tradition of Daoism for exorcism and healing, transmitted by the Southern Song dynasty master Ning Quanzhen and compiled by Lin Lingzhen. The core content reveals secret methods for employing the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper (Beidou) to eliminate demonic influences.

The text explains that the Northern Dipper constellations possess formidable power to subdue demons and vanquish evil. These talismans originated from the Jade Tower of the Northern Dipper (the celestial abode of the Dipper Star Lords) and the Mysterious Gate of the Three Platforms (important Daoist asterisms). Capable of commanding spirits and severing malignant forces, they represent secret methods transmitted by the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity (the Daoist deity governing the stars) on behalf of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (the supreme Daoist divinity).

The scripture describes the Northern Dipper's relationship with cosmic structure: the thirty-two celestial layers resemble wheel spokes, the twenty-eight lunar mansions form the rim, the seven stars constitute the chariot body, the sun and moon serve as axles, while Polaris functions as the central pivot. This configuration interconnects all stellar constellations, with each celestial layer's energy descending through the Nine Palaces (fengshui directional concept) - capable of dispersing as nine types of qi or merging into the state of "Great Cavern" (the highest realm of Daoist cultivation).

Specific talisman applications include:

• Demon-Dispelling Talismans for locations haunted by spirits, summoning eight talisman officers from the East;
• Ghost-Slaying Talismans for temples, summoning eight officers from the West;
• Illness-Removing Talismans for the afflicted, summoning eight officers from the North;
• Life-Protection Talismans for dwellings, summoning eight officers from the South.

Usage methods: Write the talismans with cinnabar on yellow silk for wearing, posting, or burning and ingesting with frankincense-infused water, applicable to both genders. The text also includes the "Thirty-Six Generals of Tianpeng" talisman series, presenting the first two designs (marked as "First" and "Second" in the original). These talismans prove particularly efficacious for healing and exorcism.

The Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu (Precious Scripture of Salvation Through Numinous Treasure Teachings) documents various Daoist talismanic formulas (Fulu) used for healing and saving lives. These talismans are systematically categorized according to different medical conditions, primarily divided into three major classifications: general internal medicine (Dafangmai), neurological disorders (Fengke), and obstetrics.

For internal medicine, there are specialized talismans targeting specific symptoms: formulas for heart and spleen pain, for dissolving Qi blockages and stagnation, for treating malaria, for stopping dysentery (both bloody and non-bloody), for relieving wheezing and abdominal distension, for alleviating lumbar and kidney pain, for dispelling cold-damp Qi, for ceasing headaches, for treating cholera with vomiting and diarrhea, and for replenishing deficiency and damage. There is also a dedicated series of talismans addressing typhoid fever and its complications, including formulas for severe typhoid (Shanghan Huaizheng), epidemic febrile diseases (Shanghan Buzheng Qihou), and typhoid with anhidrosis (Shanghan Han Buchu), along with general-purpose talismans for undiagnosed complex disorders.

In the realm of neurological disorders, the text contains talismans for various wind-induced pathologies (conditions attributed to pathogenic wind in traditional Chinese medicine): including common wind disorders, wind epilepsy (Fengxian), wind-induced madness (Fengdian Yizheng), and wind-strike induced violence. Particularly noteworthy are the "Heart-Correcting Talismans" (Yi Xinxie Fu) for psychological abnormalities, as well as talismans for stroke symptoms like palpitations, facial paralysis, and hemiplegia. Special formulas also address behavioral anomalies such as convulsions, involuntary laughter or crying, and insomnia.

The obstetrics section presents a complete diagnostic and therapeutic talismanic system: including formulas for stabilizing pregnancy (Antai Fu), postpartum emergency care, regulating irregular menstruation, and treating metrorrhagia. For infertility, there are dedicated "Long-Term Childlessness" talismans, along with a series addressing pregnancy complications like abdominal distension, restless fetus, and unstable gestation. Additional formulas include the "Menstrual Regulation and Pain Relief Talisman" (Yi Jinghou Butiao Teng Fu) for gynecological health, the "Blood Mass and Qi Stagnation Talisman" (Yi Xuekuai Qipi Fu) for uterine fibroids, and the "All Cold Syndromes in Women Talisman" (Yi Funü Yiqie Lengbing Fu) for treating female cold-related disorders.

Finally, a separate section catalogs talismans specifically for eye diseases. These formulas reflect the Daoist integration of medical knowledge with talismanic magic, embodying the doctrinal principle of "delivering all beings from suffering" (Jidu Zhongsheng). Each talisman is meticulously designed for specific pathological conditions, forming a comprehensive Daoist medical system that bridges spiritual practice and therapeutic intervention.

This passage records the talismanic incantations (Fulu) from the Daoist scripture Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu used for treating various illnesses. These talismans are categorized according to different diseases, functioning as ancient "medical prescriptions."

For ophthalmology, there are specialized talismans for various eye ailments: talismans for treating cataracts and blurred vision, those for addressing spirit-induced visual disturbances, and others for relieving severe eye pain caused by pathogenic Qi (vital energy). Specific talismans also exist for symptoms like red and swollen eyes, itching, seeing dark spots, tearful blurred vision, and glaucoma.

In pediatrics, talismans are prescribed for childhood convulsions, as well as common conditions like coughs, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and high fever with seizures. The dental section includes talismans for toothaches, throat swelling, gum ulcers, and oral sores.

For systemic diseases, there are general-purpose talismans for unexplained malignant illnesses, along with specialized ones for specific conditions such as hemorrhoids, gonorrhea, and suppurative infections. The trauma section contains talismans for treating bruises, sword wounds, and bites from snakes or dogs.

The otorhinolaryngology category focuses on ear and nasal disorders, while the dermatology section concentrates on talismans for malignant sores, unruptured abscesses, and burns.

These talismans reflect the Daoist tradition of integrating ritual magic with medicine, where each ailment corresponds to specific mystical symbols. Daoist priests would create and burn these talismans to help devotees dispel illness and misfortune. It should be noted that these practices belong to the realm of religious ritual and differ significantly from modern medical concepts.

This scripture documents various talismanic incantations (fulu) used by the Lingbao tradition of Daoism for medical treatment. These talismans are categorized according to different illnesses and medical specialties, primarily divided into two major types: healing talismans and summoning talismans.

The healing talismans include: incantations for treating various skin ulcers and festering wounds, remedies for leprosy and eczema, formulas for malignant sores in children, and talismans for external injuries and toxic swellings. Among these, the "Metal Arrow Specialty" refers to specialized talismans for treating metal-inflicted wounds, including incantations for knife injuries, bone fractures, tumors, and various sharp object traumas. The "Toxicant Restraint Specialty" contains talismans targeting poisoning symptoms, capable of neutralizing venom from snake and rodent bites, as well as injuries from wild beasts and other abnormal incidents.

The summoning talismans are primarily used to invoke various Celestial Physicians (heavenly medical officials recognized in Daoism). These summon specific Celestial Physicians according to different medical specialties, including: General Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Surgery, Otolaryngology, Oral/Dental/Throat Medicine, Orthopedics/Traumatology, Metal Arrow Specialty (metal wounds), Acupuncture/Febrile Diseases Specialty, Sore/Swelling Specialty, and the aforementioned Toxicant Restraint Specialty (antidotes).

All these talismans are recorded in Volume 273 of the Lingbao Lingjiao Jidu Jinshu (Golden Book of Lingbao Salvation Through Teachings), embodying the Daoist tradition of integrating medical arts with talismanic magic. Their efficacy requires proper ritual performance and the use of ritual incense (special aromatic substances employed in Daoist ceremonies).