Taoist talismans. Selected. Lectures

Author: Zhang Zhenquan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The talismans and mantras are the seals and secret words for the Taoist communication between humans and deities, and are an indispensable part of Taoist practices. For thousands of years, their mysterious charm has never faded. This book selects 261 commonly used mantras from Taoist scriptures, including those for expelling evil spirits, warding off ghosts, praying for blessings, protecting the body, cultivating the body, and summoning deities. It also includes certain talismans for appreciation, with popular explanations provided for each mantra in line with Taoist teachings.
Within the Taoist tradition, many talismans and mantras are passed down, preserved in large quantities in Taoist scriptures, and widely used in rituals and ceremonies to express the spiritual essence of Taoism. A talisman is a seal or sign, symbolizing proof and conformity; it serves as the evidence and authority for Taoists to communicate with deities. A mantra is called the "true speech," the words of the gods; it is the speech that judges human actions based on virtue or vice and grants blessings or punishments accordingly.