《道法會元》Vol. 12

This scripture primarily documents the various talismans (fulu) and deity-summoning rituals used by the Qingwei lineage (an important talismanic school during the Song-Yuan period) of Daoism. The term "Yuanshi" refers to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun), one of the highest deities in the Daoist pantheon.

The opening section lists a series of talismans bearing the "Yuanshi" designation, including summons for deities, commands for spirits, and directives for celestial officials. These talismans are said to be capable of invoking and directing divine forces, as well as warding off malevolent influences and protecting practitioners. The "mandate talismans" (fuming) mentioned here are sacred documents believed to take immediate effect.

The middle section details the methods for using specialized talismans: for example, the "Incense of Faith Talisman" (Xinxiang Fu) must be burned in conjunction with specific rituals; the "Thunder-Summoning Swift Talisman" (Zhaolei Fei Fu) is used to call upon the thunder generals; the "Clear Sky Heart-Incense Talisman" (Qiqing Xinxiang Fu) is employed to pray for fair weather; while the "Locust-Control Talisman" (Zhihuang Fu) specifically combats plagues of locusts. The text also notes that certain talismans must be used on yang days (odd-numbered dates) and others on yin days (even-numbered dates).

The scripture particularly emphasizes the proper protocols for talisman use: some must be inscribed in blue or red on specific materials; others require "silent incantations" (xinzhu, mentally recited spells). Phrases like "the thunder forces heed the command swift as sparks" indicate that these talismans demand rapid execution when activated. The concluding section categorizes the functions of different talismans, including prayers, exorcisms, healing, aiding childbirth, and conducting salvation rituals for the deceased.

These contents reflect the talismanic traditions of Daoism, wherein practitioners communicate with divine forces through specific rituals and inscribed charms, showcasing the rich ritual systems of Daoist practice during the Song-Yuan period.

This scripture records the esoteric talismanic methods of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition, a major Daoist school, primarily used for invoking deities and mobilizing cosmic energies. The mentioned "Yuanshi Tianjing" (Primordial Celestial Scripture) refers to the foundational classic transmitted by Yuanshi Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, one of Daoism's supreme deities), with each character containing special power.

When using these talismans, specific materials are required: green paper represents Yang Qi (active energy), while black paper represents Yin Qi (receptive energy). The practitioner must inscribe their identity (the phrase "your subject so-and-so" is the ritualist's self-reference). The passage on "combined talismans" reveals the secret of harmonizing Yin-Yang—"three from heaven, two from earth" signifies the union of the Sanqing (Three Pure Ones) of the celestial realm with the dual principles of the human world, while "swiftly gather the four spirits" indicates the rapid condensation of Qi (energy) from the four directions.

The "Yuanshi Jade Script" and "Qingwei True Script" mentioned are two advanced talismans: the former, round outside and square inside, symbolizes heaven's roundness and earth's squareness, while the latter, round inside and square outside, represents the human body as a microcosm. Activation requires mental focus ("when the mind moves, it takes effect"), and they are said to be extraordinarily potent.

Finally, the listed titles such as the "Thirty-Two Celestial Hidden Words" are secret appellations of celestial immortals—chanting them during rituals connects with energies from different heavenly realms. The "Haoshu Treasure Title" corresponds to the central celestial domain, while the "Qinghua Treasure Title" relates to the Great Emperor of Long Life in the east. These contents originate from Volume 12 of the Daofa Huiyuan (Compendium of Daoist Rituals), an important collection of Daoist practices transmitted during the Song dynasty.