The Essentials of the Spirit Omen Scripture 灵信经旨
Paul PengThe Essentials of the Spirit Omen Scripture
Author unknown.
It was roughly compiled by Taoist priests during the Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty. Bibliographical Outline of General Records lists "The Essentials of the Spirit Omen Scripture, one volume", which refers to this work. The existing edition is included in the Zhengyi Section of the The Daozang. The scripture expounds on the art of divination and is divided into two parts.
The Essentials of the Spirit Omen Scripture
The first part is The Essentials of the Spirit Omen Scripture, falsely attributed to Shi Kuang, a minister of Duke Ping of Jin, as its transmitter. It contains more than two hundred lines of four-character prophetic verses, which are used to divine good and bad fortune, as well as blessings and misfortunes for people based on omens revealed through the ears, eyes, mind and spirit.
The second part is The Spirit Omen Scripture of the True Person Liu Gen, falsely attributed to Liu Gen, an immortal of the Han Dynasty, as its transmitter. It includes twelve prophetic texts that instruct to observe people's tinnitus, facial expressions and complexions during the twelve two-hour periods of a day to judge their good or bad luck.
This work records the art of physiognomy practiced by Taoist priests in ancient China.
