《上清曲素訣辭籙》

The Shangqing Qusu Jueci Lu (Scripture of the Jade Purity's Winding Simplicity Formula Talismans) documents an advanced lineage of esoteric Daoist talismans (fulu, ritual sigils used for exorcism and cultivation). The text comprises three main sections:

First, it outlines the transmission lineage. These talismans were originally received by the Left Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji), a high-ranking celestial official, from Laozi (Lord Lao the Most High). They were subsequently passed to the Great Lord of Azure Youth (Qingtong Dajun), ruler of the Eastern Ocean's Fangzhu Palace, destined exclusively for practitioners with innate immortality potential. Devotees who cultivate these talismans with sincere dedication for thirty years may behold the Three Primes (Sanyuan Jun, deities governing heaven, earth, and water realms). The transmission is strictly limited—no more than two recipients within seven centuries.

Next, the scripture details the talismans' formidable powers. The "Winding Simplicity Formula" can: ① subdue malevolent ghosts from the Six Heavens (the demonic realm); ② command various nature spirits and deities; ③ direct the Five Thearchs (guardians of the cardinal directions) to govern the Five Sacred Peaks; ④ summon river spirits and spectral beings; ⑤ pacify mountain beasts; ⑥ harness flood dragons in waterways; ⑦ expel all malignant forces. The talismans must be inscribed with cinnabar ink.

Finally, the text meticulously prescribes the transmission ritual: thirty feet of white silk (replacing ancient blood oaths), twenty feet of plain brocade (as celestial certification), three pairs of gold rings (symbolizing immortality contracts), and nine taels of incense (for divine communion). Gender-specific protocols apply—male initiates face north when bowing to the master, females face south. Decennial purification rites (zhaijiao) require wine and meat offerings to invoke the high perfected from the Great Purity (Taiqing) celestial realm. Wearing these talismans grants protection from calamities, exorcism capabilities, spirit command, longevity, and even "soul restoration with youth renewal" (a rejuvenation process), earning them the alternate name "Three Heavens' Covenant of Certain Life" (an immortality pact with the celestial realm).

(Note: Terms like "blood-swallowing oath" reference ancient blood covenant rituals later replaced by silk substitutes in Daoist practice.)

This scripture primarily details the transmission rituals and protocols for Fulu (talismans and registers) within the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition of Daoism, which are mystical diagrams used for exorcism and cultivation practices.

The opening section depicts the Nine Heavens Elder (a high-ranking Daoist deity) leading ten Jade Maidens of White Simplicity, positioned on either side of the disciple to offer protection. Unless otherwise specified, all talismans should be inscribed with cinnabar ink.

Various talismanic names are then enumerated, including:

• The True Script of Mysterious Mound with Phoenix Qi (Fengqi) of the Nine Heavens
• The Huoluo Seven Primes Register (corresponding to the seven talismans of the sun, moon, and five planets)
• The Yellow Script Talisman of the Solar Essence and Cinnabar Origin (for the sun, written in yellow)
• The Azure Script Talisman of the Lunar Essence and Yellow Origin (for the moon, written in azure)
• The Five Planets Talismans (each inscribed in distinct colors: vermilion, yellow, black, azure, and vermilion)

These talismans originate from Daoist classics such as the Xiaomo Jing (Scripture on Dispelling Demons) and Zhengao (Declarations of the Perfected), which mention the Fengtai North Emperor Talisman decreed by the Taiji Perfected (a high-ranking immortal). When wearing these talismans, they must be enclosed in a purple brocade pouch and carried atop the head.

The latter section records the ceremonial format for transmitting the "Shangqing Summoning the Dragon Register," including:

1. The time and location of the transmission

2. The recipient's details

3. The master-disciple lineage

4. The names of the transmitted registers (e.g., the Jade Purity Secret Register of the Shangqing Returning Chariot and Completing the Dao)

5. The oath of commitment: pledging to cultivate according to the prescribed methods and aid the world, with willingness to face punishment from the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water (Daoist deities overseeing moral conduct) if violated

The text concludes with the standard Daoist formula: "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the Supreme Mysterious Statutes and Ordinances!"—a customary closing phrase in Daoist documents, signifying immediate compliance with the highest celestial laws.

This scripture primarily documents the liturgical format of ordination certificates (Fulu) and talismanic content from the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition, a major Daoist school:

1. Talismanic Writing Standards:

• Seasonal memorials (mountain-water petitions) for the four solar terms (Beginning of Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) must use blue-green paper with vermilion borders, inscribed with cinnabar ink
• All other sacred talismans and texts must similarly be written in cinnabar

2. Invocation of the Four Directional Dragon Kings:

• Records thirty-five sea dragon kings from each cardinal direction (east, south, west, north) coming to ceremonially receive the documents

3. Ordination Certificate Format:

• Precisely notes the ordination date (year/month/day) and location (prefecture/county/temple name)
• Specifies the disciple's name and the particular register received (e.g. "Shangqing Taihe River Chart Nine Stars Register")
• Identifies the transmitting master as a "Shangqing Great Cavern Ritual Master"

4. Nine Stars Esoteric Talismans:

• Emphasizes that the Nine Stars Immortality Talisman requires strict adherence to Daoist precepts (Supreme Mystic Capital Statutes)
• Details the celestial bureaucracy of seven immortal palaces (e.g. Yang Brilliance Grand Commandery Palace, Yin Essence High Minister Palace):

Each palace commands millions of divine officials, flying dragon cavalry, embroidered-robed emissaries, jade attendants, and other celestial retinues

The text demonstrates the solemnity of Daoist ordination rituals, where intricate celestial hierarchies and rigorous calligraphic standards manifest the sacredness of Daoist liturgy (Keyi). The mentioned "Nine Stars" refer to the Big Dipper's nine stars (a core Daoist astral belief), while "registers" (Falu) serve as priests' credentials of spiritual authority.

This scripture describes the esoteric cultivation methods and celestial bureaucratic system of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition, an important Daoist school.

It first introduces two paramount celestial institutions:

1. The palace assisting the Celestial Venerable Jade Emperor, comprising 990 ranks with 900 million spirit officials

2. The mansion assisting the Heavenly Emperor's Perfected Lords, similarly structured with 990 ranks and 900 million spirit officials

Each institution is attended by 900 million flying dragon riders, embroidered-robed emissaries, and golden boys/jade maidens respectively

The text then reveals this is recorded in cinnabar-inscribed fulu (talismanic registers), known by these sacred names:

• The Shangqing Purple-Patterned Crossed Sash Register (also called Returning Chariot Crossed Sash)
• Alternatively named the Completion of the Dao Certificate
• Or referred to as the Primordial Great Covenant

It proceeds to disclose the secret true names of the Nine Stars (key astral deities in Daoism), demanding strict confidentiality from practitioners:

1. Yang Brilliance True Taboo (First Star)

2. Yin Essence True Taboo (Second Star)

3. Perfected Being True Taboo (Third Star)

4. Mysterious ⬤ True Taboo (Fourth Star)

5. Cinnabar Origin True Taboo (Fifth Star)

6. Northern Pole True Taboo (Sixth Star)

7. Heavenly Pass True Taboo (Seventh Star)

The scripture details the cultivation methods:

1. Visualizing the Nine Stars diagram

2. Maintaining meditation during walking practice

3. Tapping teeth nine times before daily activities

4. Silently reciting each star's blessing incantation

The corresponding stellar blessings are:

• First Star: Assists disciples in ascension to immortality, soaring through void
• Second Star: Enables immortals to traverse grotto-heavens and blessed lands
• Third Star: Grants mastery of the Three Mysteries (Dao, scriptures, and masters)
• Fourth Star: Registers names in immortal rolls
• Fifth Star: Elevates adepts to Shangqing celestial realms
• Sixth Star: Inscribes names in Taiwei immortal palaces
• Seventh Star: Bestows jade attendants for service
• Eighth Star: Ascends practitioners to sages' platforms
• Ninth Star: Admits disciples into the Cinnabar Jade paradise

The text concludes by emphasizing: After reciting all nine stellar blessings, perform nine more tooth-tappings. These practices may be performed freely but must be guarded as profound secrets and approached with utmost reverence.

(Note: The symbol "⬤" indicates a missing character in the original text)

This passage outlines the protocols and celestial bureaucracy involved in practicing the Shangqing Qusu Jueci Lu (Shangqing School's important talismanic scripture). It emphasizes three key points regarding its cultivation.

The scripture must be approached with reverence and should never be transmitted indiscriminately to unqualified individuals. Sincere practice following the established protocols naturally leads to realization of the true Dao.

The text enumerates several celestial officials responsible for examining practitioners:

• Taisui (Year Guardian Deity who oversees human fortunes)
• Baoju (Immortal Official responsible for recommending candidates)
• Jiandu (Supervising Official monitoring cultivation progress)
• Dushi (Divine Master who guides practitioners to Dao-realization)

These figures constitute essential supervisors and guides in the Daoist cultivation system. Practitioners must gain their approval to receive authentic transmission. The entire passage stresses the need for rigorous, standardized practice, warning against arbitrary or undisciplined approaches.