《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 14

The Five Chapters are jade writings formed from the subtle Qi that the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning brought forth spontaneously. They took shape in the empty, undifferentiated chaos and stand guard in the Great Luo Heaven. Tradition says that in the first year of the Shanghuang era, the stars fell into disorder and baleful stars drew near, threatening the Three Heavens above. The Perfected One of True Brahma was therefore commanded to deliver the Five Chapters to the Five Emperors, to guard the celestial origin and restore order in the heavens. They were also sent to the Five Sacred Peaks to stabilize the framework of the earth and govern its spirits. They were entrusted as well to the keepers of famous mountains, who were to await those who had attained the true Dao, so that they might spread the teachings and deliver beings from life and death.

The power contained in the Five Chapters is vast: above, they can dispel disasters in heaven; in the middle, defend the state; and below, save the people. When summoning the Five Emperors of the Three Realms and establishing an altar, one should choose an auspicious day and write the chapters in evergreen, plain, vermilion, and other colors. The Five Chapters are then set out in the five directions, causing the myriad spirits to submit in awe and the assembled immortals to gather, thereby dispelling misfortune.

The method called “Five Refinements to Generate the Corpse” is also performed by burning the Five Chapters. When the rite is carried out for a living person, that person wears the Five Chapters on their body. It is said that this allows them to transcend the mundane world and remain forever free from calamity. After death, the Directorate of Earth receives them; they bypass the underworld, regain their form, and roam through the heavens. When the rite is performed for a departed spirit, encountering the Five Chapters causes it to shine with precious light, break free forever from delusion, and escape the cycle of rebirth.

Daoist priests who practice Lingbao methods and live in the mountains to cultivate often wear the Five Chapters or use them to guard remote valleys. It is said that in this way demons and malign forces dare not approach or attack; the heavens show them respect, the spirits guard their gates, light fills both inside and out, and calamity cannot intrude. The Five Chapters are therefore believed to protect practitioners, ward off periods of tribulation, and preserve the enduring presence of the Heavenly Dao.

Ritual for Writing Talismans

To write the talismans, one should face east in a clean room, bow twice, and then kneel upright. Visualize becoming the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, attended by myriad spirits, with light radiating from the whole body. Next, draw in the five-colored Qi of the five directions and form the Jade Clarity hand mudra. Inhale through the nose, take in nine breaths through the mouth, and swallow them. Then circulate the Qi of the Dantian upward, driving it to the Niwan Palace, the cultivation center inside the head, and let it flow through the whole body, reaching every opening.

First release a vast radiance that illuminates the heavens, the earth, and the sun, moon, and stars. Then recite the secret incantation twelve times, drawing Qi into the brush through visualization and gathering it. Rise and bow again; holding the brush, click your teeth thirty-two times, then write facing east. When the writing is complete, cover the form above the talisman with the constellations. Visualize the radiance of the stars and the sun and moon interweaving with the Qi of the five talismanic texts, extending everywhere within and without. Then gather it all back in.

When using it, face the Gate of Heaven and burn incense. Bow again and kneel upright, silently reporting to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, explaining the matter in detail. Then take the talisman and put it to use; there is nothing it will fail to answer. Be sure to keep it in secret and with care.

Writing the Five Secret Incantations

The August Sovereign blends and unites; eight returns, nine births. The Jade Dawn Golden Flower Perfected One (a Daoist immortal’s title) unfolds the Flying Whirlwind Jade Wheel; Primordial Purity orders the Real. The spiritual root of the Numinous Treasure, the numinous power of the Six Directions: the five texts naturally form the true script. I now write the talismanic characters, receiving the Qi of Primordial Beginning, so that the myriad spirits may harmonize with them and gather together in the Imperial Court.

First Text: Talisman of Great Purity, Nine Perfected Ones, Pacification and Transformation, Supreme Love, and Jade

The words, directions, and finger positions in parentheses below are instructions for writing the talisman or performing the rite, not continuous prose:

Observant Awareness, Stifled Reflection (Yin); Great Radiance, Purple Hall (Yin); Great Release, Jade Chamber (Wu); Nine Spirits, Soul and Po (Mao); Opening and Creation, Jade Perfection (Chen); Ayi, Radiant Splendor (Si); Flying Heaven, Flowing Sound (Yin); Wheel of Radiance, Constant Sovereign (Mao); All-Numinous (fourth finger, middle); Center of the Cheeks (middle of the finger); Open and Fall, Three (upper part of the finger); Great Being, Three (middle of the finger); Auspicious Clouds Open the Numinous (from Yin to the middle of the middle finger); Seal of the Three Perfected Ones’ Unified Command (middle of the middle finger and fourth finger); Three Qi Divide into Forms (upper, middle, and lower sections of the middle finger); My Position as Supreme King, Long-Lasting Glory in the World (Yin); Seven Luminaries Shine on Demons (Kan); Calm Gathering, Flourishing Spread (Li); Five Paths Turn and Convey (Dui); Nine Qi Circle and Turn (Mao).

Seven Primal Ones, Twelve Cycles of Governance (middle of the middle finger; true body). You.

The Southern Dipper reflects and illuminates; blessings bring protection to the numinous.

Gathering the Form

The bright Qi of the East stirs; the essence of Wood grows. The Qi of benevolence and favor nourishes all things, bringing the heavens, the earthly net, and the four seasons into proper order. Its radiance gathers in the homeland of the spirits and forms a green talismanic text.

Second Text: Talisman of Interacting Spirits, Yellow Radiance, and Jade Transformation

The Supreme Void stands at the head (empty and still, without form, dwelling in the highest place); jade blessings fill the heavens (jade light and good fortune spread across the sky); at the Horse position, the celestial image turns back.

At the Goat position, turbid Qi rises and refined Qi becomes visible; at the Water position, the luminous Yang shines through; at the Fire position, jade light appears; at the Earth position, the seven numinous beings sing. The Tiger position is the Purple Hall, the origin of the world.

Above the four fingers, the Luo Ying are arrayed; between the four fingers, radiant light spreads and illuminates the Jade Chamber. At the Rooster position, the Golden Essence of dark mystery appears; at the Snake position, wondrous harmony takes form. The Rabbit position corresponds to the Four Symbols, and the eight-directional formula points to the Bagua (Eight Trigrams); the seven Qi soar and scatter.

The Yang Dipper has the Seven Primordial Star Lords, while the Yin Dipper has the Three Primordial Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity). The Snake, Horse, Goat, and Monkey positions each have their place. Between the middle fingers, the jade movements follow the mechanism; between the Pig and Dog positions, they travel through the five gates. The Four Symbols revolve; the Three Perfected Ones dwell at the Goat position, and the celestial Qi opens out at the Snake position. In the space of a finger snap, they gather and take form.

The crimson Qi of the Great Elixir of the South gives rise to light. It penetrates and illuminates, soaring and changing until it becomes fire, which melts and forges it into form. The red characters of the Nine Yin condense into a patterned text of great strangeness. It spreads out and shines across nine hundred million realms, its refined radiance illuminating the heavens.

Part Three: The Talisman of the True Sovereign, Mixed Elixir, and Reverent Mystery.

At the Rabbit position is the Beast that Enters the Radiance and Unites All; at the Monkey position is the Shaoxuan that Seizes Essence; the Dragon position is the Nine Capitals. At the Earth position is the Whirling Qian; at the Lake position is the Flying Life, the High Numinous One; at the Tiger position is the Secret Net and Pure Mirror. At the Wind position is Fragrant Abundance; at the Mysterious position is Extended Grace; at the Snake position is the Elixir Court. At the Water position is Crossing Splendor; at the Rat position is the Vast Motion of Mysterious Brightness. At the Horse position is the Spirit Palace; the Dragon position is Opening Expanse; the Dog position is the Empty Wheel.

The Great Seal pours into the four directions. Seals are used at the Rat and Horse positions, while the Rooster position corresponds to the Six Pitch Pipes. Above the middle finger, one gathers the Qi of the Fire position. The Shangqing (Highest Clarity) formula has thirteen gates: in the four directions of Tiger, Monkey, Snake, and Pig, it gathers in and disperses the four Qi. Between the middle fingers, it is used to restrain and stabilize the Qi that opens and closes in the four directions. They gather and take form.

The central Yellow True Qi condenses its essence and sends forth its numinous vitality. The Qi that circulates through the Void mingles with the essence of the Yellow Origin within chaos. Following the course of the pitch pipes, it responds to change and gives rise to patterned forms. Its light shines for ten thousand miles, and its refined radiance sparkles across the heavens.

Part Four: “The Talisman of Eightfold Might for Barring Dragons and Subduing Tigers, the Hero of Supreme Unity’s Jade Transformation”

This talisman is arranged according to the directions and the positions of the fingers. Its talismanic inscriptions include “Great Way,” “Floating Radiance,” “Truth,” “Stability,” “Transformation,” “Origin,” “Winding Continuity,” “Plain Subtlety,” “Xiao Shi,” “Jade Beam,” “Clear Mist,” “Dark Knot,” “Yang Entwined,” “Exquisite Joy,” “Three Offices,” “Flowing Radiance,” “Nine Origins,” “Silent Stillness,” “Ling Qian,” “Flying Blossoms,” “Flicking Chariot,” “Morning Flood,” “Bestowed Register,” “Great Desolation,” “Extending the Shen,” “Ten Yin,” “Ten Yang,” “Heavenly Transformation,” “Flying River,” “Nine Measures of Heqiu,” “Five Qi Whirling and Drifting,” “Seven Mysteries Gazing Upward,” “The Six Offices Filled to Abundance,” “The Stars’ Passages Brought to a Halt,” and “Radiance Flowing Through the Hundred Bones.” Once assembled into a talismanic script, its form gathers into a unified whole.

The Qi of the West’s Plain Might circulates and transforms into being. Pure and upright, it drifts and crushes evil Qi; it shines with light as Shen becomes concentrated, and finally it forms into a talismanic script. The talisman’s radiance shines across ten thousand miles. Its inscriptions are wondrous, their arrangement clear and distinct, their edges sharp and fierce. Its power is enough to subdue the myriad demons.

Part Five: “The Talisman of the Nine Transformations of Great Illumination, Revealing the Mysterious Signs of the Bright Guiding Principle”

This talisman is arranged according to the directions and the positions of the fingers. Its talismanic inscriptions include “Heavenly Dragon,” “Dancing Chariot,” “Abundant Haze,” “Floating Net,” “Purple Essence,” “Vast and Indistinct,” “Supreme Nurturing,” “Nine Mechanisms,” “Transforming the Qian,” “Covering Form,” “Thick De,” “Origin’s Abyss,” “Submerged Essence,” “Nurturing Jade Blossoms,” “Bright Tuó,” “Radiant Shen,” “Misty Clouds,” “Heavenly Chief,” “General Overseer,” “Exquisite Joy,” “Barring Heaven,” “Purple Void,” “Tuó Five,” “Measure of the Kalpa,” “Crossing Before,” “Azure Rosy Clouds,” “Melodic Brahma,” “Vast and Vast,” “Roaming Among Mortals,” “Intersecting Transformations,” “Measuring and Conveying,” “Severing and Ending,” “Evil Transgressions,” “Vast Crown of the Mysterious Desolation,” and “Through Ten Thousand Measures, Becoming Immortal.” Form the hand seal according to the formula, then snap the fingers at noon to gather its form into a unified whole.

The Northern Mysterious Essence emits radiance, causing all things to grow, take shape, and continue life without end; the celestial demons also…

The Jade Emperor’s High Minister, an exalted immortal official who assists the Jade Emperor, attained lofty spiritual transformation and received the subtle teachings, bringing order and clarity to the Celestial Teaching. He invested the myriad emperors with their titles, while subtle, true Qi (vital energy) resonated and harmonized. He set out the patterns and principles of the celestial writings, established statutes and pure ordinances, and brought the transformation of Heaven to its full expression. These condensed into a jade document, whose light shone across nine hundred million realms.

The True Talisman for Nurturing the Myriad Beings of the Five Emperors of the Numinous Treasure

The master said: The talismans for nurturing beings in the five directions are a middle-grade method in the Scripture on Deliverance from the Numinous Treasure. They belong to the transformative workings of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), governed by the Five Emperors of the five directions. Anyone practicing or using these five talismans should first wear the talisman of the true forms of the Five Emperors and visualize them guarding the practitioner’s sides. Then visualize the five planets in the empty, mysterious expanse, each five feet away. Clearly envision Jupiter emitting nine rays of blue light, Mars three rays of red light, Venus seven rays of white light, Mercury five rays of black light, and Saturn twelve rays of yellow light. After completing these visualizations, write the talismans.

To write the Azure Emperor’s talisman, set out incense in the east and face east. Bow nine times, click the teeth nine times, and hold the breath nine times. Then use the Jade Clarity Hand Seal, a Daoist mudra, to draw in the qi of the east and write the talisman.

To write the Red Emperor’s talisman, set out incense in the south and face south. Bow three times, click the teeth three times, and hold the breath three times. Then use the Jade Clarity Hand Seal to draw in the qi of the south and write the talisman.

To write the White Emperor’s talisman, set out incense in the west and face west. Bow seven times, click the teeth seven times, and hold the breath seven times. Then use the Jade Clarity Hand Seal to draw in the qi of the west and write the talisman.

To write the Black Emperor’s talisman, set out incense in the north and face north. Bow five times, click the teeth five times, and hold the breath five times. Then use the Jade Clarity Hand Seal to draw in the qi of the north and write the talisman.

To write the Yellow Emperor’s talisman, set out incense in the northwest and face the Gate of Heaven, the northwest direction. Bow twelve times, click the teeth twelve times, and hold the breath twelve times. Then use the Jade Clarity Hand Seal to draw in the qi from above and write the talisman.

The master said: The Five Emperors’ nurturing of beings provides methods for bringing the myriad things into being, nourishing them, and stabilizing them. Even the transformation and refinement that make one a spirit-person depend on this. Practitioners use this method to set the Five Primordial Energies in motion and circulate the qi in the five viscera, connecting it with the generative qi of the Five Emperors so that the myriad things may come into being. One must practice it with care. If one does not understand this method, how can one bring the myriad things into being?

The Eastern Azure Emperor’s Wood Practice Talisman

The nine qi of the blue sky; the Azure Spirit, the Primordial Elder. Within it are the Emperor Lords, immortals, and true spirits. The True Lord of Jupiter, spirit of the Wood Star; the Eastern Dipper, which records longevity and the allotment of life. The Eastern Azure Emperor nourishes the liver and protects the hun soul.

The great demon of the blue sky and Azure Emperor descends in true form: Ba Yuan Choubo, who protects life and ensures its continuance. The Great God King of the Flying Heavens takes up the talisman and carries out the Azure Emperor’s celestial… (the final sentence is incomplete in the original).

(The officers and soldiers, Horse Generals, and Vajra Guardians—ninety thousand and ten thousand in all—each circle around three times. Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, and Ji are the seven lodges of the East, collectively called the Eight Heavens of the East.)

The Supreme Spirit Qi of the Heavenly Emperor flows into the talisman. (“Danlou Ahui,” the Heavenly Emperor of the Eight Heavens.) This is the section on the East.

(The Celestial Worthy of the East) The twelve great deities of the Jia and Yi, Yin and Mao directions serve as talisman generals on duty. They patrol the three realms of the East, Mount Tai, and the host of deities, conveying commands and traveling between relay stations.

This talisman governs the generation and transformation of all things and guards the East. It regulates Jupiter when its movements are aberrant, bringing the courses of the seven eastern lodges, the celestial signs, and the vital energies into harmony. It corrects disorders in the spring season and governs the uncanny disturbances caused by the East’s hairy creatures. It commands the ghosts and spirits of the East and summons the immortals of Donghua. It is also used to treat liver illnesses, disorders of the sinews and channels, and epidemics. After cultivating with this talisman for nine years, the Azure Emperor will send nine Azure-Spirit Jade Youths and nine Jade Maidens of the Azure Waist to escort the practitioner to the rank of the Azure Heaven of Nine Qi and invest them as a Perfected Person of the Azure Emperor. This talisman should be kept secret.

Southern Red Emperor Fire-Power Talisman

(Within the Three Qi of the Cinnabar Heaven is the Lord Emperor, with the Cinnabar-Spirit True Elder and the true spirits of the immortals. Yinghuo is the planet Mars; the Southern Dipper governs the bestowal of life. The southern red earth nourishes Qi and protects the heart.)

The Red Heaven and Red Emperor; the great demon descends to realize the Dao. Bearing Heaven on his back and shouldering stone, he keeps the spirit and Qi enduring. The Flying-Heaven Divine King holds the talisman and carries out its commands, commanding three hundred thousand troops and Vajra Guardians in the Red Emperor’s celestial palace. Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing, Zhang, Yi, and Zhen are the seven lodges of the South, collectively called the Eight Heavens of the South. The Supreme Spirit Qi of the Heavenly Emperor flows into the talisman. (“Nan Yan Dongfu,” the Heavenly Emperor of the Eight Heavens.) This is the section on the South.

(The Celestial Worthy of the South) The twelve great deities of the Bing and Ding, Si and Wu directions serve as talisman generals on duty. They patrol the three realms of the South, the Southern Marchmount, the gods who assist the Red Emperor and govern destiny, and the host of southern deities, conveying commands and traveling between relay stations.

This talisman governs the ripening of all things and guards the South. It regulates Yinghuo when its movements are aberrant, bringing the courses and vital energies of the southern lodges into harmony. It corrects disorders in the summer season and governs the uncanny disturbances caused by the South’s feathered creatures. It commands the ghosts and spirits of the South and summons the immortals of the Southern Pole. It is also used to treat heart illnesses and disorders of the Qi channels, and to subdue fire demons. After cultivating with this talisman for three years, the Red Emperor will send…

Three numinous jade youths and three Great Elixir jade maidens welcome you as you ascend to the Southern Three-Qi Cinnabar Heaven, the cinnabar-colored celestial realm of the south, and confer upon you the title of Perfected One of the Red Emperor.

The Western White Emperor’s Golden-Power Talisman

Within the Seven-Qi Pure Heaven, the white celestial realm of the west, dwell the sovereign lords, the Bright-Spirit August Elder—a revered title of a western deity—the divine immortals and perfected spirits, the Great White Metal Star, the Western Dipper who records names, and the attendant deities of the Western White Emperor.

This talisman is used to refine and nourish true Qi, care for the lungs, and bring peace to body and mind. By day, the Great Demon of the White Emperor descends. The true deity Fanshan Liumu protects the spirit and soul, allowing them to endure; the Flying-Heaven Divine King holds authority over this talisman.

The celestial officials and troops who carry out the White Emperor’s commands include seven hundred thousand Vajra warriors. Kui, Lou, Wei, Mao, Bi, Zui, and Shen are the seven western lodges. The west also has Eight Heavens and Nine Emperors. Numinous Qi from the upper realm flows into the talisman, and upright Qi descends within it. Among the Eight Heavens is a Heavenly Emperor; Daoli Xishou is the name of a deity listed in a western section. The Western Celestial Worthy, together with the twelve great deities corresponding to the days Gengshen and Xinyou, carry and enact the talisman, governing the three western realms and the White Emperor of the Western Mountain. All the myriad deities obey the commands and relay orders, traveling back and forth like couriers carrying documents between post stations.

This talisman governs the subjugation of all things and the protection of the Western Mountain. It also rectifies disturbances in the movement of the Great White Star, harmonizes the seven western lodges with the Jade Pivot—the hub of celestial movement—brings the flow of Qi into balance, and dispels disruptions of the autumn season. It controls the strange afflictions caused by western beetle spirits, commands the ghosts and deities of the west, and summons its numinous spirits, immortals, and perfected beings. It can also be used to treat lung, intestinal, and stomach illnesses, and to dispel calamities of war. After wearing this talisman for seven years, the White Emperor sends Bright-Spirit youths and Jade Flower maidens, seven in all, to welcome you as you ascend to the Seven-Qi Pure Heaven and confer upon you the title of Perfected One of the White Emperor.

The Northern Black Emperor’s Water-Power Talisman

Among the Five Qi are the Dark-Heaven Emperor, the Five-Spirit immortals, and the numinous perfected spirits of the Dark Elder. The Perfected Lord of the Star of the Year, the Northern Dipper—which governs life and death—and the Northern Black Emperor govern the free flow of the blood vessels and the circulation of vital essence.

The Great Demon of the Northern Black Emperor descends, and the true deity supervises Choulangfu, a divine name in the original whose meaning is unclear, driving out transgressions and preserving one’s true nature. The Flying-Heaven Divine King holds authority over this talisman and travels westward. The Black Emperor’s celestial officials command the troops, including five hundred thousand Vajra warriors. Dou, Niu, Nü, Xu, Wei, Shi, and Bi are the seven northern lodges. The north has Eight Heavens, a Heavenly Emperor, and numinous spirits of the upper realm.

(The original text ends here.)

Righteous Qi flows into the talisman and descends within it. Juewu spontaneously brings itself forth; this is the chapter of the North, the Eight Heavens of the North, and the Heavenly Emperor.

The Celestial Worthy of the North; the female deities and spirits of the North, who reverently honor the form of the Demonic Jade. Ren, Gui, Hai, and Zi.

The twelve great deities serve as the talisman’s guardians, patrolling the three realms of the North. The Black Emperor of the Northern Peak commands all the spirits and conveys orders, traveling back and forth like a postal courier.

This talisman governs the storage of all things, guards the Northern Peak, and corrects irregularities in the movement of the Water Star. It summons the seven northern constellations, so that the Celestial Pivot—the hub of the stars’ movements—may harmonize Qi and dispel imbalances in the winter season. It also suppresses the mischief of scale-bearing creatures in the North, commands the spirits of the North, and summons the immortals of the Northern Darkness. It is used to treat kidney ailments and diseases involving bodily fluids and blood, and to subdue demonic beings in water. After the talisman has been used for five years, the Black Emperor will send five Dark-Spirit Jade Youths and five Great-Mystery Jade Maidens to welcome its bearer, enabling them to ascend to the station of the Mysterious Heaven of the Five Qi and receive the title of Perfected One of the Black Emperor.

Talisman of the Central Yellow Emperor’s Earthly Power

(One ten, two Qi.)

(In the Center dwells the Emperor Lord, the Yellow-Spirit Primordial Elder.)

The Lords of the Three Treasures, the Emperors of the Three Heavens, and the Celestial Worthies of the Three Heavens; the Nine Sages, Nine Perfected Ones, and Nine Spirits of the Northern Immortals; the Golden Youths and Jade Maidens; and the great deities of the Three Heavens. The Central Stabilizing Star (Saturn) is settled, and the virtue of Earth is harmonious.

The Great Dipper of the Central Dipper commands and oversees all spirits. The Yellow Emperor of the Center dwells at the middle and presides over affairs, commanding the myriad spirits so that none overstep their stations or throw things into disorder.

The Yellow Heaven’s Yellow Emperor, the Great Demon who descends to manifest the truth, and the great divine kings who fly through the ten directions carry out the talisman’s commands. The Yellow Emperor’s Celestial Official, Zitian, together with two hundred officers, generals, and attendants, numbers twelve myriads.

The stars Kui, Gui, He, Xing, Bi, Liu, and Piao; the lofty sages of the Three Heavens; the true spirits of the Nine Heavens; the Emperors of the Thirty-Two Heavens and Eight Luminaries; the Nine Sages of the Nine Empyreans; the Numinous Consort; the High Worthy; the High Emperor; the Lady; the Primordial Sovereign; the Queen Mother; the Emperor Lord; and the Perfected Lords all send righteous Qi flowing into the talisman.

(Four directional secret names, the Emperors of the Thirty-Two Heavens, and the Celestial Worthies of the ten directions. Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei, Wu, and Ji.)

The divine generals of the Six Jia and Six Ding, who keep watch during the hours of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, patrol the three realms in the ten directions. They command all the spirits of Heaven, Earth, and Water, and every spirit of the Five Sacred Peaks and Eight Regions, conveying orders like golden-horse couriers. Those who refuse to obey are reported by the Five Emperors of the three realms to the Supreme Clarity.

This talisman assists the Four Emperors in bringing forth and transforming the myriad things, guarding the sacred central mountain, and stabilizing the Stellar Governor (that is, Saturn). If the Stellar Governor loses its regular course, the talisman can harmonize the stars of the Central Dipper, the Northern Dipper’s celestial bodies, balance the Qi of Yin and Yang, and correct the disorder of the four seasons. It can also command the spirits and ghosts of the center, summon immortals from the upper, middle, and lower realms, govern the demons of the central region associated with the naked creatures, treat illnesses of the spleen, kidneys, and skin, and subdue all manner of calamity.

After wearing this talisman for twelve years, the Yellow Emperor sends twelve Yellow-Spirit Jade Boys and twelve Yellow-Blossom Jade Maidens to welcome the talisman bearer, enabling them to ascend to the rank of One-Qi Brahma Heaven and conferring on them the title Perfected One of the Yellow Emperor. The central talisman, however, may be worn only by princes and nobles.

Azure Emperor’s Spirit Talisman for Commanding Demons

The talisman text says: “The Four Spirits and the Four Qi—the spirits of the four directions and the energies they govern—fly among the clouds, kindling radiance and gathering all things under their command. They subdue the hundred demons, so that the myriad things return to Wuwei and their natural state. Brahma Qi fills the expanse of heaven; the sun and moon halt their light and shadows, and the Dipper’s celestial pivot ceases to turn. Ba Yuan Po Bo joins with the Dao: this is the dwelling place of true Qi. The assembled demons assume forms of the East. This talisman preserves and restrains the forces of calamity, so that Heaven endures.”

The talisman officer Qihua commands nine hundred thousand beings to guard the writing of this talisman. It may be used together with the Red-Script True Text, a Daoist talismanic text written in vermilion. On a Jia or Yi day in spring, write it in vermilion on purple paper and place it in the east. It can avert calamity and provide lasting protection, bring auspiciousness, ensure abundant produce, and keep the four seasons peaceful. When Dao practitioners wear it at the proper times, a green jade essence arises within the liver palace, its radiance shining beyond the body. When their cultivation is complete, the Azure Emperor will summon and welcome them. Wearing this talisman can ward off calamities for a long time.

Vermilion Emperor’s General Spirit Talisman for Commanding Demons

The talisman text says: “The awe-inspiring spirits of the eight directions make me natural; the heavenly perfected and supreme sages utter the sounds of nature. The Luminous Perfected gathers all things under its command, driving away evil and averting weapons of war. Bearing up Heaven and carrying mountains and stones, it roams through the vast sky. The myriad spirits tremble and submit; the assembled immortals answer the summons and gather. The gathered demons bow their heads and submit to restraint; ghosts and spirits vanish of their own accord. Yinghuo, the Fire Star, joins with the talisman, enabling its wearer to share the Dao’s long life.”

The talisman officer Mingzhen commands three hundred thousand beings to guard the writing of this talisman. It may be used together with the Red-Script True Text. On a Bing or Ding day, write it in vermilion on green paper and place it in the south. It can avert calamity and provide lasting protection, bring auspiciousness, ensure abundant produce, and keep the four seasons peaceful. When Dao practitioners wear it at the proper times, after three years, a vermilion…

The essence of jade is generated in the Heart Palace, where the heart resides, and its radiance shines beyond the body. Once cultivation of the Dao is complete, the Red Emperor, the southern sovereign in the Daoist pantheon, will summon and welcome the adept. Wear this talisman with sincere devotion, and it will dispel calamities and misfortunes for a long time.

Numinous Talisman of the White Emperor for Subduing Demons

Its radiance shines over the Five Directions, and its power subdues the demon armies. Maosheng commands and directs them, helping the Daoist arts flourish. The Great and Mighty White Emperor governs Luofeng in the north, the abode of spirits and ghosts in Daoist legend. The inner text of the red script transforms and soars, traveling throughout the Eight Directions. Mysterious Qi (vital energy) is hidden in the depths, commanding the demons so that all the heavens may work together to accomplish their deeds. The six-eyed beings who turn back mountains submit without exception. Nine joined with ten, it endures through countless kalpas without end.

The talisman officer Maosheng commands seventy myriad troops to guard this talisman. This talisman, together with its red-script jade text, should be written in white pigment on yellow material on a Geng or Xin day in autumn and placed in the west. In this way it wards off countless calamities and offers lasting protection, bringing good fortune, abundance in all things, and peace to the age. When practitioners of the Dao wear it at the appointed times, after three years a white jade blossom will grow in the Lung Palace, where the lungs reside, its radiance shining beyond the body. Once cultivation of the Dao is complete, the White Emperor will summon and welcome the adept. Wear this talisman with sincere devotion, and it will dispel calamities and misfortunes for a long time.

Numinous Talisman of the Black Emperor for Subduing Demons

The four regions and nine dimensions, the dark and yellow realms and the nine ugly ones: the spirit at the center of Heaven governs the pivot of the Qi cycles. The honored one at Heaven’s center presides over the Jade Pivot and the Dipper, symbols of the heavenly bodies’ revolutions, and the Lingbao Dongxuan, a category of Daoist scriptures and teachings. The Three Realms bow before him. The Five Emperors serve as his guards; his rank is supreme. The heavens answer one another from afar, and the myriad emperors pay their respects. The decree of the Lingbao teachings is transmitted, and the myriad spirits come to pay court. Ghosts and monsters are vanquished, and the myriad spirits come to pay court. No calamity can intrude; divine beings guard the gates. Today, joyfully celebrating, he delivers all beings in the human and heavenly realms. Jianchou Langfu guards the original spirit, ascends through the Golden Gate, and feasts in the Jade Capital, the celestial city of Daoist legend.

The talisman officer Shouyuan commands fifty myriad troops to guard this talisman. This talisman, together with its red-script jade text, should be written in black pigment on silk on a Ren or Gui day in winter and placed in the north. In this way it wards off countless calamities and offers lasting protection, bringing good fortune, abundance in all things, and peace to the age. When practitioners of the Dao wear it at the appointed times, after three years a dark jade blossom will grow in the Kidney Palace, where the kidneys reside, its radiance shining beyond the body. Once cultivation of the Dao is complete, the Black Emperor will summon and welcome the adept.

Sincerely wearing this talisman can ward off calamities for a long time.

Numinous Talisman of the Yellow Emperor for Commanding Demons and Gathering the True

(Enacted by the Seven Luminaries, the Four Qi are clear and bright; Heaven turns and Earth revolves, the Three Terraces and Nine Mornings; it opens wide, slays, and smashes, hurling the Great Flowing Bell; all the spirits are gathered in the Brahma; the eight directions are filled; among the many scriptures of Lingbao, it commands the spirits; the Great Ugly One who flies through the heavens transforms your form; the Three Officials and the Northern Feng inspect the ghost camps; it joins with the hidden De to command and restrain.)

Flying Petition

Yellow Court

This talisman, with the aid of talisman officers, enables the True Officials to command ten million troops and guard this true text. The talisman and the red-written jade text should be written together on yellow paper, using cinnabar on a Wu or Ji day in any of the four seasons, and placed in the center. It can ward off every kind of calamity, preserve peace for a long time, attract good fortune, and bring abundance to all things and calm to the seasons.

Those who cultivate the Dao should wear this talisman regularly. After three years, it is said that “the essence of yellow jade” will grow within the spleen palace, its radiance shining through the body. When cultivation is complete, the Yellow Emperor will summon and welcome the practitioner. Wear it sincerely, and nothing will be beyond its power to treat.

Forty-Eight-Character Jade Text for the Azure Heaven’s Great Demon to Restrain Evil

The dense, deep-blue vital essence

penetrates the scene and opens the light.

The primal Yang Qi and the Nine Qi

gather their essence and nurture the child of pristine innocence.

Its finest radiance spreads through the wondrous realm;

the numinous True High God descends.

Jade-like blue-green hues, cloud, and lightning;

flying radiance illuminates the feathered regalia.

The Jade Maiden of the Azure Waist,

the Most High Perfected One,

protect the immortal registers that save the world,

banish demonic obstacles and drive back evil Qi.

Forty-Eight-Character Jade Text for the Red Heaven’s Great Demon to Restrain Evil

The True Elder of Prosperous Yang,

the Venerable Spirit of Red Numinous Power,

commands the Cinnabar Heaven,

inspects and subdues the demon host.

With the chariot and its retinue in solemn array, it rides a vermilion phoenix;

the three-cornered hong (the original text; meaning unclear).

Above, it reaches the Way of Highest Clarity;

the resentment of Xuan Yuan (the original text; meaning unclear).

The three Qi of blazing flames

coil amid crimson clouds,

nurture the Cinnabar Palace,

protect and restrain it, so that it endures forever.

Forty-Eight-Character Jade Text for the White Heaven’s Great Demon to Restrain Evil

The clear, bright Qi of the Seven Spirits,

the primordial True Ones of the Three Essences.

Within them is the Yellow Elder,

who subdues and gathers in demonic essences.

The officials and generals of Geng and Xin

command seven hundred thousand troops.

Feathered banners and dragon tallies;

the golden tiger races through the clouds.

Cut off demons, evils, and delusions;

cultivate and nurture the flowering essence,

enduring with the Dao.

Lu Jie Wu Ling (the original text; meaning unclear).

Here, “talisman” and “jade text” refer to Daoist Fulu: the scriptures describe them as written texts that can summon divine generals, suppress evil, and ward off calamity. “Spleen palace” and “Cinnabar Palace” are terms from Daoist cultivation, referring to inner locations or realms associated with bodily refinement.

Jade Text of the Black Heaven Great Demon for Subduing Evil (48 characters)

In a shadowy, secluded place in the north stands Yudan Palace, where the Qi of True Mystery gathers. The Imperial Perfected Ones (true gods of the celestial realm) assemble the numinous beings there, command the spirits, and ride in dragon chariots. Jade Maidens and Luminous Night Boys also oversee registers, books, and Fulu (talismans and registers), gathering up and subduing the traces of demons and evil forces. The northern stars Xu and Wei join and transform; purple vapor surges through the clouds and wind. Precious Jing (essence) is brought forth through refinement and cultivation, and the transformations of the acquired realm have no end.

Jade Text of the Yellow Heaven Great Demon for Subduing Evil (48 characters)

The Emperor of Primordial Beginning and the highest spirits of the celestial realm are the supreme ones of harmonious union and mystery. They blend the myriad things and return them to simplicity and their original nature, the source of creation and transformation. When subtle, hidden Qi is stirred, the Great Spirit rises forth. The Great Spirit gathers and summons the myriad kinds of Qi, sweeping away a hundred kinds of demons and evil forces in the splendid halls where purification rites are held. Practitioners flourish together with the Dao, receiving protection and deliverance, escaping calamity, and eliminating disasters and misfortune.

These five directional Jade Texts correspond to the Great Talismans of the Five Emperors (talismans associated with the five celestial emperors, one for each direction). They can communicate with numinous forces and respond to changing circumstances; their procedures and effects are the same.