Patriarch Bai Yuchan on Writing Taoist Talismans

When writing a Taoist talisman, first concentrate your mind and calm your spirit. Place the paper on the desk, set the ink steadily, then close your eyes and focus on the "Ancestral Palace" (a key energy center in Taoist practice) to harmonize the opposing yet complementary forces of Yin and Yang. Let go of the distinction between "self" and "other," merging into a unified primal Qi (vital energy)—just like the state of chaos before the universe took shape. Imagine a bright golden light radiating on the paper, as if the "divine messenger" (the spiritual essence of the talisman) resides within it, ready to fly or move. Channel your own golden Qi to illuminate the "Golden Chamber" (another term for the body’s energy core in Taoism), then clench your teeth firmly to drive the Qi of your entire body to fill every part of you.

When the vital impulse stirs, open your eyes suddenly: the golden light should surge vividly. Fix your gaze on the paper, and with a single stroke guided by your Qi—this stroke is like the "Supreme Ultimate" (Taiji), heavy as a thousand jun (ancient Chinese unit of weight). As your gaze focuses intently, the divine messenger of the talisman takes form.

If you write the talisman in accordance with this method, you will manifest the profound wonders of the innate Great Dao (Tao) and the spiritual power of your own primordial spirit. The stroke follows your intent, and the spirit moves with your will; as the light emanates, the talisman’s power begins to take effect. You may "mount it on a thunder chariot" (a metaphor for invoking celestial power), "endow it with sacred sounds" (referring to activating the talisman’s energy through symbolic vocalization), "add the nine-character sacred verse" (a classic Taoist incantation), and "seal it with the Heavenly Emperor’s secret mandate" (symbolizing the talisman’s divine authority). In this way, you hold complete control over its power—no need for extra spells or incantations. A single integrated stroke reveals the "heart of Heaven and Earth" (the underlying order of the universe).

This secret is extremely profound and mysterious. Do not lightly disclose it; transmit it only to those worthy—be cautious, be cautious!