《上清靈寶大法(一)》Vol. 18

The master said, “The Dao’s words are edicts issued by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, and they stand at the head of all scriptures. There are twelve in all, corresponding to the twelve months of the year. They can be used to treat various illnesses, summon the gods, and gather harmonizing Qi in the Dantian within the body.

The First Dao’s Words: Long ago, in the Biluokongge Great Floating Li Land within the Azure Beginning Heaven—a sacred celestial realm in Daoist belief…

When chanting, point the middle finger upward and inhale the Qi of the Central Yellow. Then follow the breath in the Three Dantian—the upper, middle, and lower energy centers—causing it to flow in and gather.

The Second Dao’s Words: At that moment, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning recited the scripture once. The supremely true great gods of the Eastern Realm’s infinite ranks, together with countless divine beings, all came from the heavens.

In practice, make the hand seals representing the ten directions to subdue powerful malevolent forces.

The Third Dao’s Words: Everything the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning says in the scripture consists of the inner names and secret sounds of the emperors of the heavens. It also includes the secret taboo names of demon kings and the hidden names of the gods and spirits.

You may write talismans in Zi script, inscribing the names of the gods and spirits of the heavens, and use them together with secret incantations.

The Fourth Dao’s Words: Whenever this scripture is recited ten times, the gods and spirits of the heavens will all arrive together.

While chanting, use the middle finger to make the hand seal for summoning the ten directions. This is used to invite the sages and perfected ones of the ten directions, as well as the flying celestial god-kings and others.

The Fifth Dao’s Words: During the first lunar month, observe a strict vegetarian fast and recite this scripture…

While reciting, make the hand seal with the middle finger. Each time you recite the scripture, first take it in and hold it with the breath.

The Sixth Dao’s Words: On days when the ritual of pacing the Way is performed…

Make the hand seal with the middle finger. This is used when ascending the altar to pay homage and supplicate the gods, and when treating illness, subduing demons and malevolent forces, or taking in, holding, or wearing Fulu (talismans and registers).

The Seventh Dao’s Words: These two chapters are the secret voices of the emperors of the heavens and the supremely potent demon kings.

Write the jade characters across the four fingers and take them in before use.

The Eighth Dao’s Words: The movements and transformations of Heaven and Earth continue until all beings are universally delivered without end…

When using it, make the hand seal at the middle section of the thumb. The specific method depends on the purpose indicated by the scripture’s words.

The Ninth Dao’s Words: Even those who have only just begun to study the Dao and have little attainment can thereby reach the realm of the immortals…

When going out or coming in, make the hand seal with the middle finger, and take it in or wear it. In this way, the myriad demons dare not intrude.

The Tenth Dao’s Words: Even when the cycles of Heaven and Earth are about to end, beings in the celestial and human realms must still be universally delivered…

Make hand seals at the Zi, Wu, and Wei positions to avert calamities, dispel ill omens, and preserve body and life.

The eleventh saying of the Dao: Anyone who reads or recites this scripture can discern profound and mysterious principles. With the middle finger, one can summon the demons of the Three Realms—the Realm of Desire, the Realm of Form, and the Formless Realm—and have them recommend one to the Immortals above.

The twelfth saying of the Dao: This is the hidden speech of the Great Brahma among the heavens, a sound without limit. At the hours of Yin, Shen, Si, and Hai, it can be used to communicate through the whole scripture and submit petitions to Heaven. Wear it, and you can pass through the fierce winds and vast Qi, entering directly through Heaven’s Gate.

Write the four characters above on yellow paper with cinnabar. They can control ghosts and ward off harmful influences from the earth. Absorb the Qi of the Numinous Treasure and, with a single breath of Qi, write the twelve Qi; this forms the talisman.

Write the four characters above on yellow paper with cinnabar. When worn, they can summon the myriad spirits, subdue dragons and tigers, ward off harmful influences from the earth, and protect an inauspicious residence. Guide the brush with a single breath of Qi and complete it in six strokes.

The Two-Character Talisman of Yuanshi

The master said: “‘Yuanshi’ is an honorific title of the Celestial Worthy, who has twelve titles in all. Why is this so? The Lord Lao manifests in twelve transformations, and Yuanshi likewise manifests in twelve transformations. Thus the twelve Qi at the center correspond to Yuanshi’s method of delivering people. It may be applied alongside the lines of the scripture to aid the living and deliver the dead, and it may also be used together with the Emperor’s Hand Formula.

First: Yuanshi delivers people, the immeasurably sublime

Second: The Celestial Worthy of Yuanshi is about to preach this scripture

Third: The Celestial Worthy of Yuanshi preaches the scripture once

Fourth: The Celestial Worthy of Yuanshi sits suspended in the empty void

Fifth: Yuanshi suspends a precious pearl

Sixth: Yuanshi is within the precious pearl

Seventh: What the Celestial Worthy of Yuanshi says in the scripture

Eighth: Before the throne of the Supreme Emperor Yuanshi

Ninth: The original chapter of the Numinous Treasure of the Cavern Mystery of Yuanshi

Tenth: Yuanshi, from the primordial aeon, transforms and gives birth to the heavens

Eleventh: The talismanic mandate of Yuanshi

Twelfth: The middle section of Yuanshi’s numinous scripture

(Taiji, the Supreme Ultimate; Taichu, the Great Beginning; Taishi, the Great Commencement: ancestral Qi) (the two Qi divide and take form) (the Three Powers find their positions)

(the majestic forms of the four beginnings) (the young maiden establishes Kun; wondrously reaching the utmost mystery)

(the maiden’s platform takes form; the Numinous Treasure rests at the center) (with one turn, Heaven expands in clarity; with the second turn, Earth expands)

(with the third turn, humanity joins the profound darkness)

(the spirit wind falls silent; the four Qi shine with clarity)

The talisman above is used to pray for clear skies. Write it at the hour of Wu and perform the rite with the Qi of a gentle flame.

(The ears of the deaf can all be opened, restoring their hearing.)

The talisman above is used to treat ear disorders. Write it at the hour of Mao and perform the rite with the Qi of the sun.

The eyes of the blind become bright.

The talisman above is used to treat eye disorders. Write it at the hour of Chen and perform the rite with the Qi of Heaven’s Gate.

Life returns to withered bones.

This passage explains the functions of a set of talismans. Each entry first states what the talisman is used for, then gives the direction for writing it or the hand position for forming the finger gesture. “Gesture” refers to a pose made by pressing the fingers together; “position” refers to a point on a finger joint; Qi is vital energy. Several divine titles and verses appear between the entries.

The talismans in the first section:

The soul-returning talisman is used with the Zi and Wu finger positions and Qi from the Gen direction, so that the perfected beings may oversee and guide the souls of the dead.

The childbirth-inducing talisman is used with the Yin and Mao finger positions and Qi from the east. It enables all beings to receive deliverance and preserves their allotted years for the current year.

The refining-and-delivering talisman uses the “middle position” on the left middle finger. It can make a corpse rise again and restore human form to white bones.

The soul-refining talisman also uses the “middle position” on the left middle finger. It can summon and command spirits from the ten directions.

The plague-expelling talisman is used with the “Four Mountains” gesture. Divine beings guard the entrances and gates.

The house-protecting talisman uses the “Shangqing” gesture of the left hand, bringing clarity and integrity to the soul and spirit, and allowing the myriad Qi to endure.

The soul-settling talisman uses the “middle position” of the middle finger and is secured by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning.

The talisman for suppressing inauspicious ground uses the You position and the Qi of the Three Luminaries, harmonizing the energies of every direction.

The harmony talisman uses the Qi of the “Heavenly Gate” on the middle finger. It regulates the Qi of the five internal organs and blends the host of spirits.

The talisman for curing all illnesses uses the nails of the four fingers and the Qi of the Three Luminaries.

Incantation for consecrating talismans: This incantation consists mainly of sounds rendered phonetically. From “Yulan an na yu jing” to “hui jue xing guan na yu jue chang zong jian xing wu shang xuan fa men,” most of its syllables are esoteric Daoist sounds and need not be interpreted word by word. The incantation is written in cinnabar on yellow paper and used to wear or inscribe various orthodox talismans.

Daoist teachings: Each entry below first gives a set of divine titles or a verse, then explains the talisman’s use.

“Song rising through the empty blue sky”: the talisman cures all illnesses and uses the You position of the left hand.

The talisman for treating illnesses of the meridians uses the Mao position of the left hand and corresponds to the “Great Floating Land,” a name for a heavenly realm.

The talisman worn to overcome calamity uses the Li position and Qi from the Chou direction, and corresponds to “first, one should approach the seat.”

The talisman for inducing childbirth and protecting pregnancy uses Zi and Wu together with the Northern Dipper, and corresponds to the “Great Divine Being of Heaven’s Truth.”

The talisman for treating inauspicious apparitions uses the Shangqing gesture and corresponds to the “Most Venerable High Sage.”

The evil-averting talisman is made by writing the preceding four characters one over another, and is used to ward off evil.

“Perfected One of Wondrous Practice”: the talisman drives away evil ghosts and uses the Shangqing gesture.

“Flowing Essence, Jade Radiance”: the talisman treats kidney leakage and uses the Xuan gesture together with the Nine Qi of the sun and moon.

“Divine wind falls silent; clouds hide in mountains and seas”: the talisman treats shortness of breath and uses the Zi position of the left hand.

“Heaven is free of drifting veils; the four Qi are bright and clear”: the talisman is written with overlapping characters to treat eye diseases, using the “middle position” of the middle finger.

The final four lines—“Across the land of the whole realm, mountains, rivers, forests, and trees lie level and even, with no more heights or hollows”—depict a landscape made uniform and level, without rises or dips. They praise a world of peace and clarity.

The land all turned to jade.

The talisman on the right should be written in overlapping strokes, joined to the talisman before it. It is used for breaking ground and other earthworks; form the Jade Purity hand seal.

Five-colored lions.

The talisman on the right is used to treat heart ailments and malaria. Write it using the Wu script, the talisman script associated with the Wu direction.

Without any mixed colors.

The perfected beings stand in attendance beside the seat.

The talisman on the right is used to protect a residence and for earthworks; form the Jade Purity hand seal.

The bodies of the demons are bound, and the evil Qi of ghosts, monsters, and spirits dissipates.

The talisman on the right is used to subdue monsters. Write it using the Gen script, the talisman script associated with the Gen direction.

The Qi of the five colors rises in dense, flourishing clouds.

The talisman on the right is used to treat imbalances in the Qi of the five internal organs. Write it using the You script.

Demonic spirits are blinded, and the evil Qi of ghosts and monsters dissipates.

The talisman on the right is used to subdue evil presences; form the Highest Purity hand seal.

Summon and subdue the powers of the ten directions; bring the earthly spirits, the gods of the land, under control.

The talisman on the right is used to command the Six Jia, the protective divine generals of Daoist tradition, to dispatch ghosts; form the Jade Purity hand seal.

Bind demonic spirits; let the divine beings guard the gates.

The talisman on the right is the same as the one described earlier, and it is used in the same way: form the Jade Purity hand seal.

The scripture says that the Five Emperors attend to the scriptures and registers, while twenty-four Jade Boys and twenty-four Jade Maidens are charged with protecting and guarding the divine talismanic texts.

The talisman on the right can be used for all the purposes described above. Write it in vermilion on yellow paper. It is said that wearing it protects the body, opens the flow of Qi, and brings the protection of the divine beings.

The hun-soul and spirit are clear and upright; the myriad Qi endure forever. One is free from suffering and distress, and the body shines with light. The divine beings of the Three Realms stand guard, and the Five Emperors come to welcome and protect. Hasten to obey this command.

The talisman on the right is used to preserve life and calm the spirit; form the Jade Purity hand seal.

Five-colored dark dragons.

The talisman on the right is used to subdue spirits and monsters. Write it using the Zi script.

Establish the rites of the nine colors.

The talisman on the right is used to treat liver ailments. Write it using the Chen script.

The song of the whistle sounds long and harmonious.

The talisman on the right is used to treat coughing caused by lung ailments. Write it using the You script.

The Five Elders open the way for people.

The talisman on the right is used to treat spleen ailments. Write it in the center of the middle finger.

The assembled immortals protect the carriage.

The talisman on the right is used to treat Qi ailments; form the Supreme Purity and Highest Purity hand seals.

The light circles back, and the carriage returns.

The talisman on the right can turn Yang Qi back. Write it using the Kun script.

The Perfected Ones oversee the crossing over of the living; the Great Spirit Who Oversees Life.

The two talismans on the right are used to hasten childbirth. Write both using the Yin script.

The chancellors of the various heavens.

The talisman on the right is used to subdue plants, trees, and all things. It may be affixed or buried underground to suppress them; form the Second Capital Inspector hand seal.

The Upper Palace of Nanchang.

The talisman on the right is used to preserve life; write it in the center of the middle finger.

Han, Director of Registers.

The talisman on the right is said to prolong life when worn. Write it using the Li script.

The Eastern Dipper adds years to a person’s life.

The talisman on the right is said to increase one’s years. Write it using the Mao script, in blue ink on red paper.

The Western Dipper records the names of immortals.

The talisman on the right is used to subdue evil presences and to register the names of immortals. Write it in white on black paper, using the You script.

The central Dipper, the Great Leader.

Commanding All Spirits

The talisman on the right is used to treat illness, drive away ghosts, and command all spirits. Draw it on white paper and write “Zi-Wu Dou” in yellow.

The Northern Dipper Descends to Death

The talisman on the right is used to dispel misfortune and free a person from the register of the dead. Draw it on blue-green paper and write “Zi Wen” in black.

The Southern Dipper Raises to Life

The talisman on the right is used to avert calamity and register a person’s name among the living. Draw it on yellow paper and write “Li Wen” in cinnabar.

The five Dipper talismans above—talismans associated with star lodges such as the Northern Dipper and Southern Dipper—may be written in cinnabar on yellow silk and combined into a single Shangqing talisman. Following Shangqing instructions, place it in a red pouch and wear it on the body. It is said to dispel various calamities, including the Three Punishments, Six Harms, Nine Unnatural Deaths, and Five Sufferings. Do not use these talismans individually. When scholars wear them, they should be written separately in five different colors, with the name written beneath each talisman.

The Azure Emperor Protects the Hun

The talisman on the right is used to treat liver disorders and calm unsettled Hun souls. Draw it on yellow paper and write “Zhen Wen” in azure, corresponding to the Qi of the East. The incantation is: “Azure Emperor, protect the Hun; guard and stabilize the Three Palaces.” Avoid sour and pungent foods for nine days.

The White Emperor Attends the Po

The talisman on the right is used to treat lung disorders, calm the Po, and harmonize lung Qi. Draw it on red paper and write “Dui Wen” in white, corresponding to the Qi of the West. It may be swallowed (following the Daoist practice of swallowing talismans and registers) or worn on the body. The incantation is: “White Emperor, attend the Po; refine and purge Yin evils.” Avoid bitter foods for nine days and pungent foods for three days.

The Red Emperor Nourishes Qi

The talisman on the right is used to treat heart disorders, replenish deficient Qi, calm the Shen, and strengthen vitality. Draw it on black paper and write “Li Wen” in cinnabar, corresponding to the Qi of the South. It may be swallowed or worn on the body. The incantation is: “Red Emperor, nourish Qi; may the myriad spirits return to the body.” Avoid sweet and pungent foods for five days.

The Black Emperor Circulates Blood

The talisman on the right is used to regulate the kidneys, circulate Jing and the blood vessels, and support those who are weak and exhausted. Draw it on yellow paper and write “Kan Wen” in black, corresponding to the Qi of the North. It may be swallowed or worn on the body. The incantation is: “Black Emperor, circulate blood; may the myriad perfected beings preserve Jing.” Avoid sweet foods for three days and salty foods for five days.

The Yellow Emperor, Central Ruler: May the Myriad Spirits Not Stray

The talisman on the right is used to regulate the spleen, calm the mind, and strengthen the flesh. Draw it on yellow paper and write “Zhong Wen” in azure, corresponding to the Qi of the Center. It may be swallowed or worn on the body. The incantation is: “Yellow Emperor, central ruler; may the myriad spirits not stray.” Avoid salty foods for twelve days and sweet foods for five days.

Ba Yuan Chou Bo

The talisman on the right is used to treat various sores and is employed according to the Yuqing instructions.

Bearing Heaven and Carrying Stone; Spanning Heaven and Bearing Strength

The two talismans above are employed according to the Yuqing and Shangqing instructions. Both are used to treat deficient Qi, or lack of strength.

Turning Mountain, Six Eyes

The talisman on the right is used to treat eye disorders and is employed according to the Yuqing instructions.

Jian Chou Lang Fu

The talisman on the right is said to increase the Qi of life. The talismanic inscription is below the middle finger.

Five Emperors, Great Demon

The talisman on the right is used to drive away evil influences and treat malaria. It is employed according to the Yuqing instructions.

The words in parentheses, “Divine Lord, receive the command; sweep away all inauspicious things,” are part of the talismanic inscription.

The talisman on the right is used to treat afflictions caused by ghosts and is employed according to the Yuqing instructions.

Eight Powers Spew Poison

A talisman for treating injuries caused by poison, affixed at the You position (one of the directional positions).

Four fierce horses.

A talisman for treating livestock diseases, written in conjunction with the Wu position.

The Heavenly Marshal leads the way.

A talisman for protection, written while forming a hand seal with the middle finger of the left hand.

The Great Marshal brandishes the command pennant.

A talisman for preserving life, used with the Chen position.

Fire hurled ten thousand miles.

A talisman for burning demons, used with the Yin position and the Yuqing hand seal (a Daoist hand gesture), together with the Wu position.

The flowing bells rush in all directions.

A talisman for driving away demons, formed with the Shangqing hand seal.

The golden axe strikes first.

A talisman for slaying ghosts and subduing demons, formed with the middle finger.

The five talismans above are governed by five divine generals: the Heavenly Marshal talisman corresponds to the “Great General Who Leads the Way Before the Jade Purity”; the Great Marshal talisman to the “Great Commander-in-Chief”; the Fire-Hurling talisman to the “Great General of the Fire Bell”; the Flowing-Bell talisman to the “Great General of Flowing Metal”; and the Golden-Axe talisman to the “Great General of Punishment.” When encountering demons, spirits of mountains and rocks, fox spirits, earth spirits, and the like, draw a talisman on yellow paper according to the standard talisman format, then burn it; it is said to be efficacious.

The Great Heaven’s Empress punishes.

A talisman for driving out and treating evil presences, formed with a hand seal at the base of the four fingers.

Cut down and cleave apart the ghost fiends.

A talisman for driving out and treating ghostly malign forces.

Thousands upon thousands, sever their heads; tens of thousands upon tens of thousands, cut their forms apart.

A talisman for cutting down demons and malign forces.

Primordial Beginning brings peace and stability.

A talisman for treating fright and strange occurrences, formed with the Yuqing hand seal.

Spread and settle the five texts.

A talisman for protecting a home and stabilizing the five organs, formed with the Yuqing hand seal.

A thousand harmonies, ten thousand unions; naturally, the true is achieved.

The two talismans above are used to bring about harmony and are formed with the Yuqing hand seal.

A Tuo Long Luo.

Used to suppress calamities, dispel evil, make one’s sincerity effective, and avert every kind of disaster. Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper, combining it with the Qi of the central Dipper and forming the Yuqing hand seal. It is called the “Great Red-Yellow Supreme Talisman.”

The Four Forms summon the assembled.

Used to regulate imbalances in Yin and Yang Qi and irregularities in the circulation of nutritive and defensive Qi. Write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper, combining it with the Qi of the sun and moon, and form the Shangqing hand seal. It may also be worn, and can dispel every kind of evil. This talisman is called the “Imperial Lord’s Talisman for Settling the Origin.”

High and wide, the bright Qi spreads in every direction; the Brahma practice pervades the heavens, binding and sending away demons and spirits, beheading the six ghost blades. The Qi of all the heavens is vast and boundless; may our Dao flourish day by day.

When used together with the “Talisman for the Land of the Entire Country,” the two talismans above should be written large. They are used to protect a home and to manage one’s livelihood and business affairs, and are formed with the Yuqing hand seal.

According to this scripture, the talismans above may be written repeatedly in cinnabar to form a talisman. Alternatively, two, four, or eight characters may be selected from the scripture and used as appropriate. First, summon the ten …

When finished, recite this incantation, form the hand seal, and complete the talisman. Then offer incense and face southeast.

Imagine the “Illuminating Light Talisman” shining brightly. Inhale, then blow the breath toward the tip of the brush before writing the talisman. Once it is complete, recite the middle section once. Form the Jade Clarity hand seal and breathe the Qi of the southeast onto the talisman. The text says that the sacred capital of the Divine Continent, the Upper Sage’s Jade Capital of the Mysterious Metropolis, lies to the southeast and faces northwest. The talisman may be swallowed, worn, placed for protection, or burned, depending on the purpose. For various matters, select the talisman according to the matter at hand, and use vermilion ink to write beneath it what is to be commanded. Follow the arrangement of the deity presiding over the day: dispatch the Flying Celestial Divine King to order the Heavenly Officer to attend to the talisman, then pray and issue it according to the matter being addressed. The scripture says that once a talisman is issued, it never fails to take effect.

Illuminating Light Talisman

Before writing any of the talismans above, first visualize the talisman, inhale, and blow toward the tip of the brush. Then begin writing it.

Miscellaneous Talismans for Treating Illness

The following talisman treats weakness. After reciting the incantation, drink the talisman water in three portions.

The following talisman treats eye ailments. Soak it in water and wash the eyes with the talisman water.

The following talisman treats the affliction called “recurring entanglement.” Burn it in front of the patient.

The following talisman treats epidemic Qi. It should be swallowed, worn, or placed for protection.

The following talisman treats harmful spirits. It should be taken.

The following talisman treats sudden misfortune. Wear it or take it.

The following talisman addresses disturbances caused by ancestors. Burn it as an offering to the ancestors.

The following talisman treats the hundred evils. Wear it or take it.

The following talisman is specifically for treating illness and replenishing Qi. Swallow it.

The following talisman strengthens the spirit and drives away illness.

The following talisman averts the ill effects of inauspicious stars. Wearing it can turn misfortune into good fortune.

The following talisman treats the condition called “depletion of spirit.” Take a small amount, seven pills at a time.

The following talisman treats the hundred evils. It should be worn.

The following talisman treats the hundred evils. It should be swallowed.

The following talisman treats illness and replenishes Qi. Swallow it.

The following talisman is used to pray for rain. Write two talismans on iron tablets and cast them into a deep pool.

The following talisman is used for protection and to bring the myriad spirits into submission.

The following talisman subdues demons and harmful spirits. Keep it on your person when going out.

The following talisman subdues various spirits and monsters. Write it in vermilion on peachwood and nail it in the corresponding direction.

The following talisman resolves enmity. Burning it will bring reconciliation.

The following talisman treats deafness. It should be taken daily.

The following talisman is used to establish an altar and summon and capture ghosts.

The following talisman treats epidemic Qi. It should be placed for protection or taken.

The following talisman is used to pray for clear skies. Burn it.

The following talisman treats wind illness. Take it.

The following talisman treats loss of voice and muteness. It should be swallowed.

These twenty-six talismans are made from the celestial script drawn from the middle section. They originally had no specific names. When using them for yourself, write them directly in regular script for healing. When using them on another person, use the talisman described earlier: gather Qi, blow it across the talisman, and then give it to them.

Great Rites of the Numinous Treasure of Highest Clarity, Volume 18