《洞真太上金篇虎符真文經》

The Dongzhen Taishang Jinpian Hu Fu Zhenwen Jing (Scripture of the Golden Tiger Talisman from the Most High of the Cavern of Perfection) is an important scripture of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition, primarily detailing the methods of employing the "Golden Tiger True Talisman" to exorcise evil entities, subdue demons, and summon celestial troops.

This scripture records a golden tiger-shaped talisman transmitted by the Great Micro Heavenly Emperor to the Golden Tower Emperor. The specific method involves inscribing it with cinnabar on white silk, then placing it in a purple brocade pouch to be worn atop the head. Wearing this talisman enables one to command the celestial and earthly deities—even immortals will show reverence and obedience. The bearer will be attended by the Jade Flower Immortal Youth and protected by heavenly soldiers and generals, while the vital essences (Qi) of mountains and rivers will come to assist. When combined with specific incantations (the "Jade Essence Verses"), it can slay all manner of demonic entities.

This talisman belongs to the secret transmissions of the Shangqing lineage and must not be taught to ordinary people. Those who obtain it may ultimately ascend to the Shangqing celestial paradise. To use it, one must first burn incense, perform the "knocking teeth" ritual (a Daoist preparatory practice involving thirty-six tooth clicks to focus the spirit), and then recite specific incantations. The incantations mention esoteric names such as "the Poison King Who Repels Heaven," "the Thunder That Gathers Banners," and "the Fourfold Radiance of Crystalline Purity"—all of which are secret appellations for the Six Heavens' Great Demons, the Demon Kings of the Northern Dipper, and the spectral ministers of the Northern Fengdu. Knowing these true names of demonic lords enables one to make countless evil spirits flee in terror.

The talisman can also be inscribed with orpiment (a mineral pigment) on cyan silk measuring three chi in length and one chi two cun in width. Alternatively, it may be drawn as a square measuring one chi two cun per side, bordered with red brocade and green lining, to be tied at the right side of the waist. It can be worn during purification rituals (Zhaijiao), when paying homage to deities, or during exorcisms and spirit summoning. However, its use demands utmost reverence and caution.

(Note: The "knocking teeth" mentioned in the text refers to a Daoist preparatory ritual where teeth are clicked to concentrate the spirit; "orpiment" was a commonly used yellow mineral pigment in ancient times; "cyan silk" indicates blue-green woven fabric.)

This scripture primarily elucidates the origins, powers, and ritual protocols of the Daoist "Divine Tiger Talisman" (Shenhu Fu). The content is profound, so I'll explain it in contemporary terms:

First, the text emphasizes that practitioners must avoid contact with corpses or defiled objects. Violating this prohibition incurs karmic consequences equivalent to revealing celestial secrets, bringing judgment upon seven generations of ancestors in the underworld.

The transmission lineage of the Divine Tiger Talisman is then detailed: This set of talismanic registers (Fulu) was created by the Nine Heavens Parents, transmitted through the Great Perfected Elder to the Eastern Sea Youth, and passed down by the Nine Heavens True King to the Supreme Dao Lord (Taishang Daojun). The Supreme Dao Lord stored these treasures in the Jade Chambers of Qiong Palace within the Lingdu precinct of the Supreme Subtlety (Taiwei) realm, guarded by mythical beasts and venomous dragons. The Golden Portal (celestial court) maintains seven thousand Divine Tiger guards, along with three hundred Golden Dawn Jade Youths and Pure Spirit Jade Maidens specifically protecting these sacred texts.

The Divine Tiger Talisman possesses immense power: Its radiance illuminates the Shangqing Heaven (one of the Three Pure Realms) while shaking the Nine Netherworlds. Containing the secret names of celestial demons (Tianmo) and the true appellations of hundred spirits, reciting its scriptures forces millions of malevolent entities to reveal their forms. During the establishment of cosmic order by the Three Heavens (Qingwei, Yuyu, and Dachi), the Supreme Subtlety Celestial Emperor (Taiwei Tiandi Jun) employed it to subdue the Six Heavens (representing six demonic domains), execute evil spirits, command mountains and seas, and bind wandering souls.

When the Supreme Subtlety Celestial Emperor wears both the Demon-Dispelling and Great Wisdom golden talismans, he attains complete freedom in the Shangqing Heaven, harmonizing with cosmic principles. He commands the powers of sun, moon, and stars (the Seven Luminaries/Qi Jing), governs all cosmic operations, and generates thunderous might. Celestial gates open automatically for him, the Seven Stars make way, allowing his ascension astride the Divine Tiger. The text describes this state as perceiving the infinite, surveying all creation, penetrating the Five Turbidities (worldly defilements), and compassionately witnessing the cycle of life and death.

Finally, the Supreme Subtlety Celestial Emperor reveals to the Green Lad Prime Minister (Shangxiang Qingtong Jun) and the Western Citadel King (Xicheng Wangjun): This "Shangqing Great Wisdom Scripture for Dispelling Demons" constitutes the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji) Jade Chapters—the most exalted secret teaching. The Divine Tiger True Talisman represents the treasured text preserved by the Nine Heavens Great Perfection (Jiutian Taizhen), embodying supreme wisdom.

(Note: The "Divine Tiger Talisman" is a crucial Daoist instrument for exorcism; "Taiwei" denotes the celestial enclosure housing important heavenly bureaus; "Seven Mysteries/Qi Xuan" references seven ancestral generations; "Six Heavens/Liu Tian" indicates six demonic abodes.)

This passage explains the power and usage protocols of the "Divine Tiger Talisman" (Shenhu Fu):

The Divine Tiger Talisman can dispel impurities, vanquish demonic entities, restrain evil influences, and subdue malevolent spirits. Those who possess the jade tablet (a Daoist ritual implement) and are registered in the celestial records will be protected from demonic harassment and all manner of spectral temptations when practicing advanced Daoist cultivation. It may be said that no calamity can harm them, no trial can affect them—all due to the talisman's power and the profound efficacy of its authentic scripture.

Transmission regulations:

• May only be transmitted to qualified recipients, with no more than three transmissions permitted within 700 years
• Unauthorized disclosure incurs celestial punishment (the ordeal of wind-blades) affecting seven generations of ancestors
• Those with celestial affinity (recorded in golden script at Donghua or in green characters at Shangqing) receiving this talisman gain protection from 36 jade attendants (yutong yunü)

Functional effects:

1. Enables traversing perilous waters, summoning deities to control ghosts, and governing sacred mountains

2. Causes demons to prostrate wherever the bearer goes, with celestial guardians attending and the body emitting radiance

3. Brings authentic spiritual presence to one's dwelling within seven years of practice

4. Ultimately permits ascension to heaven in broad daylight via flying chariot

Initiation requirements:

• 30-90 days of purification (zhai) depending on circumstances
• Offerings: 10 taels of gold (as pledge), 90 feet of brocade (oath to the Nine Heavens), 30 feet of blue silk (demonstrating sincerity)
• Prerequisites: genuine devotion to the Dao, willingness to donate wealth without stinginess, valuing the Dao above material goods

Usage methods:

1. Daily wear: talisman inscribed in yellow ink on blue backing

2. When encountering danger or haunted locations:

• Tap the left teeth 36 times
• Recite the incantation (invoking the Mystic Tones of the Nine Heavens, commanding the underworld, and slaying demons)

Final instructions:

• After celestial ascension, scriptures must be concealed in sacred mountains
• The incantation essentially summons the power of the Nine Heavens to exterminate celestial demons and subdue all evils, culminating in ascension to the celestial court

(Note: "Seven Mysteries" refers to seven generations of ancestors; "Donghua" and "Shangqing" are Daoist celestial realms; "jade attendants" are guardian immortals; "flying chariots with green canopies" are vehicles of transcendents)

This scripture primarily discusses the rarity and usage taboos of the Divine Tiger Upper Talisman (Shenhu Shangfu), while revealing the karmic conditions for obtaining it.

The text states that during cultivation, one must first complete the "Lingke Bici" procedure (likely referring to a specific cultivation sequence), followed by swallowing Qi (vital energy) thirty-six times before concluding. Those who have not formally received the Divine Tiger Upper Talisman are strictly forbidden from casually reciting this incantation. This is because the spell contains the secret inner names of the Nine Heavens Great Demons (high-ranking demonic rulers in Daoism) - its recitation would disturb the celestial realms, causing myriad ghosts to manifest, various spirits to lose their vision, and all deities to gather in the heavenly court. Unauthorized recitation without receiving the proper talisman would result in the dissipation of one's hun and po (ethereal and corporeal souls).

The text mentions that the Demon-Dispelling Talisman (Xiaomo Fu) and Divine Tiger Talisman (Shenhu Fu) are also recorded in the Demon-Dispelling Scripture (Xiaomo Jing), all containing the secret incantations of the Nine Heavens Demon Kings. When wearing these talismans, it's best to recite the complete set of accompanying spells.

On the first day of the seventh month in the third year of the Xingning era (365 CE) of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the Tongbo Zhenren (Immortal of Tongbo Mountain) transmitted this teaching to Xu Yuanyou (a renowned Daoist of the period), stating: During the cyclical years of Jiashen, Yihai, Renchen, and Guisi, on specific dates including the first day of the ninth month, the seventh day of the seventh month, and the eighth day of the fourth month, Daoist adepts wearing seven-colored ritual robes and carrying nine-curved staffs may appear. They might be found near altars, begging among mortals, chanting scriptures, or singing wild songs. Should one encounter such figures, sincere inquiry will surely result in transmission of the Divine Tiger Upper Talisman. These are the Nanyue Zhenren (Immortals of Mount Heng), whom the Supreme Dao Lord (Taishang Daojun) frequently sends to test the sincerity of cultivators.