《洞真太微金虎真符》

The Authentic Talisman of the Golden Tiger from the Cavern of Perfection (Dongzhen Taiwei Jinhu Zhenfu) describes the origins, efficacy, and protocols surrounding one of Daoism's most sacred talismans—the Golden Tiger Authentic Talisman.

This talisman is governed by the Great Emperor Lord of Taiwei and enshrined in the supreme celestial palace of Primordial Radiance and Jade Splendor. The scripture depicts a majestic scene: seven thousand divine tigers guard the jade gates where the texts are stored, while three hundred Jade Maidens of Western Splendor scatter incense in cloud-wreathed courtyards. The Five Elderly Celestial Lords and Golden Dawn Jade Youths attend in reverence. Engraved within the Chapter of Wisdom from the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) jade tablets, its profound content—comprising seventy thousand abstruse words of power—contains esoteric methods for subduing celestial demons and summoning ten thousand spirits.

The Celestial King of Minor Existence (a major Daoist deity) extracted a condensed version of these incantations and inner power texts totaling one hundred characters, known as the Tiger Script of the Three Heavens. To receive this talisman, practitioners must first observe seventy days of purification (zhai), prepare golden tiger jade bells and specific ritual fabrics as tokens of faith, and take solemn vows. According to the Disciplinary Code of the Four Poles (Siji Mingke), transmission is strictly limited—only three individuals may receive it within seven hundred years.

Wielding the Golden Tiger Talisman grants extraordinary powers: the authority to command golden immortals, subdue ghosts and deities of the Six Heavens (referring to the six desire-realms of existence), and the protection of seven hundred thousand celestial soldiers personally dispatched by the Dao Lord of the Supreme Ultimate (Taishang Daojun). Bearers may ride auspicious radiance-dragons (jinglong), attain status equal to high-ranking transcendents, and repel malevolent entities until demons dissipate and ghosts perish. It serves as vital credentials for Daoist cultivation and ascension.

The text solemnly concludes: forty-seven Jade Youths and Maidens safeguard the talisman's bearer. However, disrespecting the talisman or improper transmission incurs severe retribution—the offender plunges into the wind-fire hells, while seven generations of ancestors face interrogation by the Water Official (Shuiguan), the underworld's aquatic deity.

This passage describes the esoteric talisman "Golden Tiger True Talisman" (Jinhu Zhenfu) from the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) Daoist tradition, along with its usage methods and efficacy.

Concerning the Golden Tiger True Talisman:

This divine talisman was transmitted by the Heavenly Emperor of Great Tenuity (Taiwei Dijun) to the Emperor of Golden Tower (Jinque Dijun). It must be inscribed with cinnabar on white silk and carried in a purple brocade pouch worn upon the head. When wearing this talisman while traveling, one can awe heaven and earth, commanding reverence from all spirits and immortals. The Jade Flower Immortal Maiden (Yuhua Xianzi) will attend with towels, while celestial warriors guard the body, and mountain spirits come to pay homage. When combined with the specific incantation "Jade Clarity Chapter" (Yuqing Zhi Zhang), it can slay the Nine Demon Kings and eliminate a thousand types of monsters. This is a forbidden talisman secretly transmitted within the Shangqing lineage, rarely revealed to ordinary people—those who obtain and wear it may ascend directly to the Shangqing heavenly realm.

Usage methods and incantation:

Burn incense in a quiet chamber, knock the teeth thirty-six times, then recite the incantation whether sitting or reclining. The spell mentions: "Bigan Duwang" (the secret name of the Six Heavens' Great Demon), "Zhen Shi Luo Jing" (the hidden taboo name of the Northern Emperor's Demon King), and "Si Tian Xiao Jing" (the soul-name of the Northern Feng ghost manifestation). Knowing these three demonic true names enables one to make thousands of monsters flee and ten thousand ghosts hide their forms. When alone in mountain forests or at temples where spirits manifest, one can directly use these names to exorcise evil without needing to burn incense in a chamber each time.

Complementary talismans:

1. Huoluo Great Talisman: yellow characters on blue paper

2. Sun Origin Talisman: blue characters on red paper

3. Moon Origin Talisman: red characters on blue paper

4. Year Origin Talisman: yellow characters on white paper

5. Mars Origin Talisman: yellow characters on red paper

6. Venus Origin Talisman: black characters on yellow paper

7. Time Origin Talisman: red characters on blue paper

8. Town Origin Talisman: red characters on white paper

The final mention of the "Five Bells Ascending Void, Treading Emptiness, Preserving Immortality Superior Talisman"—also called the "Fire Bell Talisman"—serves as auxiliary practice for ascension. These all belong to the secret classical talismans of the Shangqing tradition, possessing powerful exorcistic, protective, and immortality-attaining efficacies.

The Dongzhen Taiwei Jinhu Zhenfu scripture depicts the sacred moment when the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei received the primordial Qi (the cosmic source energy):

In the primal chaos of creation's dawn, the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei emerged within the nine-layered mystic void. The Five Directional Celestial Emperors led divine officials to guard the eight directions, while five authentic talismans flickered indistinctly in the empty expanse. These sacred sigils gestated for seven millennia within jade towers where phoenixes roosted before manifesting their true form—their radiance illuminating the nine heavens, their characters sparkling like the rosy clouds of the Jade Pure Realm (the highest Daoist heaven).

This authentic talisman possesses supreme power: waving it leftward summons the Flowing Gold Fire Bells (demon-subduing ritual implements), while shaking it rightward activates the power of the Seven Origin Star Lords. It can subdue demons of the nine heavens and awe the celestial spheres. At that time, the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei was in deep meditation within the Jasper Terrace of the Great Void (celestial palace), surrounded by countless divine officials, handmaidens, and spirit beasts—phoenixes cried, dragons chanted, and celestial music filled the air.

The scripture meticulously records the transmission ritual: The Central Yellow Elder Lord (an important Daoist divinity) and four Perfected Ones prepared an immortal banquet with flowing aurora wine and celestial fruits of immortality. After ninety days of preparation, with the Divine Turtle Mother wielding the brush, the Great Unity Deity (the Big Dipper Star Lord) presiding, and the Celestial Consort Jade Maidens assisting, the talismanic script was finally engraved on white jade slips using golden ink, then placed in brocade pouches to be transmitted to the Yellow Elder Lord. Riding a nine-colored cloud chariot accompanied by fifty thousand divine officials, the Yellow Elder Lord ascended to the Jade Pure Palace to report his mission.

The text emphasizes that only those predestined for immortality may behold this scripture. Bearers of this talisman can summon ten thousand spirits, traverse heaven and earth at will, journey through the Five Sacred Mountains, and command the Five Phases. After wearing it continuously for nine years, one may ride an immortal chariot to audience with the Three Origin Celestial Worthies (Heaven-Earth-Water triad officials) and ultimately attain a position in the Jade Pure Realm. However, this path remains profoundly secret—unauthorized disclosure brings calamity not only upon the transgressor but condemns seven generations of ancestors and teachers to hell. The "Green Emperor's Jasper Aurora Flowing Bells" mentioned at the end refers to the ascension talisman of the Eastern Green Emperor (one of the Five Directional Celestial Emperors).

This scripture describes the configurations of the Five Directional Emperors (the Celestial Sovereigns of the five cardinal directions) in Daoism, along with their retinues of immortal officials, jade youths, and jade maidens, as well as related ritual implements. Here's the breakdown by orientation:

The Azure Emperor of the East (Qingdi) commands nine thousand immortal officials, with ninety Azure Sunlight Jade Youths attending on his left. Mount Tai of the Eastern Peak has two thousand four hundred immortal officials, guarded on the right by ninety Azure Essence Jade Maidens. All wear ritual talismans (fulu, Daoist ritual implements) to maintain their immortal forms.

The Red Emperor of the South (Chidi) governs eight thousand immortal officials, served by eighty Crimson Palace Jade Youths on his left. Mount Heng of the Southern Peak has two thousand four hundred immortal officials, protected by eighty Great Cinnabar Jade Maidens on the right. Similarly, they wear talismans to preserve their immortal bodies.

The White Emperor of the West (Baidi) oversees six thousand immortal officials, with sixty Radiant Spirit Jade Youths attending on his left. Mount Hua of the Western Peak has two thousand four hundred immortal officials, guarded by sixty Great Purity Jade Maidens on the right. They wear talismans to maintain their immortal forms.

The Black Emperor of the North (Heidi) commands five thousand immortal officials, served by fifty Imperial Mechanism Jade Youths on his left. Mount Heng of the Northern Peak has two thousand four hundred immortal officials, protected by fifty Great Mystery Jade Maidens on the right. They wear talismans to preserve their immortal bodies.

The Yellow Emperor of the Center (Huangdi) governs twelve hundred immortal officials, with twelve Imperial Mechanism Jade Youths attending on his left. Mount Songgao of the Central Peak has two thousand four hundred immortal officials, guarded by twelve Yellow Purity Jade Maidens on the right. They wear talismans to maintain their immortal forms.

The ritual implements mentioned include:

• Fifty feet each of five-colored brocade for inviting the immortal officials from all directions
• Five taels of purple gold as pledge tokens for oaths to the five directions
• Five jin of eaglewood incense to convey messages to the celestial realm (the Three Origin Palaces refer to heavenly domains)
• One jin of genuine cinnabar as a covenant object
• One ritual knife for severing death energies
• Seven golden pearls for offerings to the Seven Origin Star Lords (likely referring to the Big Dipper)

Note: The text explains talisman-wearing conventions—male practitioners use blue as the base with vermilion inscriptions worn on the left, while female practitioners use yellow as the base with white inscriptions worn on the right. These objects serve as essential ritual implements in Daoist ceremonies for communicating with deities and making cultivation vows.

This passage explains the transmission ritual and efficacy of wearing the Dongzhen Taiwei Jinhu Zhenfu (True Talisman of the Golden Tiger from the Taiwei Heaven), a Daoist scripture. The key points are as follows:

Transmission Ritual:

A seventy-foot length of deep red silk must be offered as a sacred token. The recipient must prepare gifts for the master, observe three days of purification (zhai), bathe, and burn incense. The talisman (fu) and scripture (jing) should be placed overnight on an elevated altar under the open sky. At dawn the next day, both master and disciple ascend the altar to report their covenant to the Northern Emperor (Beidi, an important Daoist deity) before the transmission can occur. A grave warning is given: if the scripture is casually opened without this oath-taking ceremony, the master will suffer "the trial of wind-blades" (a celestial punishment in Daoist cosmology), the disciple will bring calamity upon seven generations of ancestors, and will personally face physical disability and blindness.

Efficacy of Wearing the Talisman:

• One must wear five talismans (wufu), otherwise the immortal officials of the Five Sacred Peaks (Wuyue) will not offer protection, and the name of the wearer will be recorded in the death register of the Three Officials (Sanguan, the celestial administrators of heaven, earth, and water).
• Those dwelling in mountain retreats will be harassed by demon kings (mowang), while those in the human world will encounter governmental disasters.
• Proper wearers gain unimpeded access to heaven and sea. When visualizing (cunxiang) the true deities, the Five Numinous Mushrooms (wuzhi) will spontaneously grow, the body will emit jade radiance, immortal officials will stand guard, and ultimately one may ascend to the Jade Clarity Realm (Yuqing jing), the highest Daoist paradise.

Specific Procedures:

1. After receiving the talismans (fulu), within one hundred days, one must inscribe the incantations on five five-inch paulownia wood tablets.

2. Prepare five bamboo slips recording personal details: date, birthplace, lineage master's name, age, and registered immortal affiliation.

3. Bury the inscribed talismans at the Five Sacred Peaks while performing thirty-six tooth-knockings (kouchou) and reciting the spell.

The Spell's Essence:

It declares to the highest deities—the Jade Emperors of the Three Primes (Sanyuan Yuhuang) above and the immortal officials of the Five Peaks below—that the practitioner has purified through fasting (zhai), seeking their protection. It mentions how the wuzhi mushrooms and liuhuang elixirs grant a body impervious to water and fire, enabling one to ride a dragon chariot to the immortal realms.

Final Emphasis:

When wearing the Liujin Huoling (Flowing Gold Fire Bell) talisman, one must visualize the true deities shielding the body, repelling malevolent forces. In perilous situations or during illness, the true light (zhenguang) will protect and open paths across ten thousand miles. Initial practice must be performed while facing the relevant directional orientation.

This scripture outlines a complete Daoist practice of cunsi (visualization meditation) and zhuzhou (incantation), divided into two main sections:

The first section describes the Big Dipper Visualization Method:

Begin by gently tapping the left teeth fourteen times while swallowing thirty-six mouthfuls of Qi (vital energy). Visualize the scenery of your destination—mountains, forests, plants, animals, and people—with perfect clarity, all coming to pay homage to you. Imagine the seven stars of the Big Dipper enveloping your head, your left eye transforming into a shooting star and your right eye into lightning, their radiance illuminating ninety thousand li. Picture all obstacles along your path—mountains, forests, and evil spirits—vanishing completely. Recite the incantation to summon divine power to clear the way, then withdraw the divine light from your eyes and swallow seven mouthfuls of Qi on each side.

The second section presents the Five Emperors' Flowing Bell Talisman Method:

When encountering malevolent spirits, face north and hold your breath twelve times. Visualize the Qi of the five directions enveloping your entire body, creating complete darkness inside and out. Tap your left teeth thirty-six times while swallowing the five directional Qi in five separate portions. Imagine your eyes emitting starlight that illuminates all five directions. Recite the "Seven Essences of Celestial Origin" incantation to summon the five directional generals to exterminate the evil spirits.

The scripture emphasizes:

• These methods are extraordinarily profound and must be transmitted orally from master to disciple
• According to Daoist precepts, they may only be transmitted once every seven hundred years
• The Five Emperors' Flowing Bell Talisman can subdue celestial demons and summon the five directional deities
• Wearing this talisman makes spiritual light visible, while using it can shake the divine realm

(Note: The character "炁" is equivalent to "气" (Qi), referring to cultivated energy; "cunsi" is a distinctive Daoist visualization technique; the "Five Emperors" represent the celestial emperors of the five directions; "flowing bells" are ritual implements in Daoism.)

This passage describes Daoist methods of using incantations (Fulu) and visualization (Cunxiang) for protection against malevolent forces. The techniques are divided into several components:

1. Protective Incantation Ritual:

When reciting the spell, one must simultaneously swallow thirty-six mouthfuls of Qi. This summons the Five Directional Divine Officials (Wufang Shen) to dispatch celestial soldiers who capture nearby ghosts and deliver them to the heavenly court. Repeating the incantation three times completely disperses evil Qi.

2. Mountain Entry Preparation:

Before entering any of the Five Sacred Mountains (Wuyue) or treacherous terrain, one should lightly tap the left teeth thirty-six times when approximately one hundred paces from the destination.

3. Mountain Guardian Deities:

Each sacred mountain corresponds to a specific protector deity to visualize:

• Eastern Peak (Taishan): Visualize the Green Emperor Xilin Zhu with 9,000 attendants, enveloping oneself in azure clouds
• Southern Peak (Hengshan): Visualize the Red Emperor Danxuanzi with 8,000 attendants, surrounded by crimson clouds
• Western Peak (Huashan): Visualize the White Emperor Shaohaoling with 6,000 attendants, cloaked in white mist
• Northern Peak (Hengshan): Visualize the Black Emperor Xuanming with 5,000 attendants, shrouded in dark vapors
• Central Peak (Songshan): Visualize the Yellow Emperor Zhizhong Yuan with 12,000 attendants, wrapped in golden-yellow clouds

4. Protective Incantation Content:

The spell invokes the protection of the Big Dipper (Beidou), the Five Directional Celestial Emperors (Wufang Shangdi), and celestial armies, compelling mountain spirits and ghosts to submit without causing disturbance.

5. Effects:

Proper recitation causes demons to vanish while myriad deities pay homage. When traversing sacred mountains, one encounters no dangers, and mountain deities may even present magical herbs (Lingzhi).

6. Emergency Protection Method:

In times of war or peril, tap the right teeth twelve times while visualizing the Big Dipper enveloping the body with radiant light. Simultaneously visualize:

• The liver transforming into Jupiter (Sui Xing) to the left
• The lungs transforming into Venus (Taibai Xing) to the right
• The heart transforming into Mars (Yinghuo Xing) in front
• The kidneys transforming into Mercury (Chen Xing) behind
• The spleen transforming into Saturn (Zhen Xing) at the chest

These five planetary essences form a protective Qi matrix around the body.

These techniques belong to Daoist cultivation practices of visualization (Cunsi) and incantation (Zhouyu), where imagined divine protection and specific mantra recitations create spiritual safeguards. The methods integrate cosmological correspondences with somatic awareness, characteristic of Daoist internal alchemy (Neidan) traditions.

This passage describes a Daoist visualization practice (cunxiang) and protective incantation. The practitioner visualizes themselves surrounded by the seven stars of the Northern Dipper (Doukui) and the five planets (representing the Five Phases: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth), while imagining the divine officials of the Five Thearchs (Wudi) guarding their sides.

The protective incantation is then recited: "Heaven is my roof, earth is my bed, the Five Sacred Mountains and rivers are my bridges, the primordial Qi of the Northern Dipper (Xuandou Yuanjing) is my garment. I conceal myself within the Seven Primes (the Northern Dipper stars) and dwell in the land of flowing fire (referring to the southern region of fiery virtue)."

The incantation continues with supplications: "The Great One (Taiyi, one of Daoism's supreme deities) will come to deliver me; Baiyuan and Wuying (two protector deities) will come to safeguard me. Calamities cannot assail me, weapons cannot harm me. May I ascend to the Golden Palace (abode of celestial emperors) and reach the immortal capital of the Nine Elder Immortal Lords (Jiulao Xianjun)."

The text concludes by explaining that through this practice, even when facing mortal danger in dire circumstances, one can attain liberation. This content belongs to the disaster-avoidance and protection methods found in the Dongzhen Taiwei Jinhu Zhenfu (Authentic Talisman of the Golden Tiger of Supreme Tenuity from the Cavern of Perfection). By visualizing the stars and reciting incantations, practitioners receive divine protection.