《上清大洞九微八道大經妙籙》

This scripture passage discusses the transmission and usage protocols of the talismans (fulu) from the Shangqing Dadong Jiuwei Badao Dajing Miaolu. The main content can be understood as follows:

This classic was compiled by the Celestial King of Qingxu Xiaoyou at the command of the Sacred Lord of Dongling (a high-ranking Daoist immortal official). Collectively known as the "True Method of the Six Heavens and Three Celestial Realms," these secret talismans are specifically designed to subdue myriad ghosts and restrain malevolent spirits. The transmission rules are extremely strict: they are passed down only three times every seven hundred years, with a true practitioner (zhenren) required to renew the transmission every century. Those receiving the transmission must observe purification fasts (zhaijie) for three to seven days and offer ten taels of gold to the master as a sacred token. Unauthorized transmission outside these rules brings misfortune upon seven generations of descendants.

When wearing these talismans, one must avoid contact with impure, yin-heavy substances—failure to do so risks degrading the wearer into a lower-class ghost. Proper adherence, however, enables ascension to the Shangqing Heaven (one of Daoism's highest celestial realms) and attainment of immortality. The true proof of this is possession of celestial tokens like the "Jade Slip of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji) Scripture."

The text enumerates various talismans (e.g., the Purple Script of the Three Primordial Sovereigns, the Mysterious Yin-Yang Talisman of the Nine Subtleties of the Three Heavens) with distinct functions: some command the myriad spirits of the Six Heavens, others summon cloud-dragons for protection. Wearers must cultivate diligently and avoid defilement. Without these talismans, even in times of great peace, one cannot enter the Shangqing Palace to pay homage to the Sacred Lords.

A special note clarifies that the "True Method of the Three Heavens" was transmitted to the True King of Yujue, while the "Authentic Talismans of All Scriptures" are guarded by ten jade youths dispatched by the Supreme Dao Lord (Taishang Daojun). The Later Sage Lord Li (a Daoist immortal) ordered the Celestial King of Xiaoyou to compile the "True Method of the Three Heavens" from celestial scriptures—wearers may greet the Sacred Lords in the Shangqing Palace.

The passage concludes by emphasizing that these talismans (e.g., those received by the Great Sovereign Zhang of Shangyuan, the Threefold Script of the Wanzhuan Perfected of Lingdu) originate from high-ranking immortals. Wearers must vow to practice diligently, receiving protection from 300 guardian deities and 6,000 jade maidens. All talismans must be bordered with cinnabar and inscribed on yellow paper. Transmission occurs only three times per century, exclusively to aspiring immortals and Daoist practitioners.

This passage explains the strict regulations and ritual requirements for transmitting the Shangqing Dadong Jiuwei Badao Dajing Miaolu (Supreme Purity Great Cavern Nine Subtleties Eight Paths Great Scripture Marvelous Register), an important Daoist scripture:

First, it emphasizes the supreme sanctity of this scripture, which was used by the Supreme Sovereign Lord in sacrifices to the Nine Heavenly Emperors (Hua Xuanhuang Nü). Such a precious canon must never be casually disclosed. It can only be transmitted to those with the most resolute spiritual determination, and this must be done with utmost caution.

Aspiring students must approach a master proficient in the Three Caverns (Sandong) scriptures (Sandong Fashi) bearing sincere offerings (jixin) and reverently request transmission. The scripture's full title is Yuqing Dadong Jiuwei Badao Damiao Baowen Shanglu (Jade Purity Great Cavern Nine Subtleties Eight Paths Great Marvelous Precious Text Upper Register). Recipients must practice in seclusion, strictly adhering to the covenant teachings imparted by their master.

The scripture stipulates only three types of individuals qualify for transmission: ordained Daoists committed to cultivation, those whose names are already recorded in the celestial registers, and three designated inheritors selected every century. Given the moral decline of contemporary society (jiaoli), transmission must be exceptionally prudent.

An example is given: when a refined scholar (ruya) devoted to the Dao diligently practices day and night (danxi qiaoqin) in mountain seclusion far from worldly affairs, and approaches with sincere offerings, the transmission must strictly follow covenant rituals. Violators will cause their seven generations of ancestors (qixuan fumu) to suffer punishments in the underworld, while they themselves will incur severe karmic retribution—described metaphorically as "carrying stones and sand to block the Yellow River's source."

Finally, three essential witnesses for the transmission are specified: the guarantor (who recommends), the ritual supervisor, and the ordination master who imparts the scripture. The entire transmission process must scrupulously observe these regulations and covenant laws.