The Shang Qing Tai Shang Yuan Shi Yao Guang Jin Hu Feng Wen Zhang Bao Jing 上清太上元始耀光金虎凤文章宝经

The Shang Qing Tai Shang Yuan Shi Yao Guang Jin Hu Feng Wen Zhang Bao Jing 上清太上元始耀光金虎凤文章宝经

Paul Peng

The Supreme Clarity: The Supreme Primordial Radiant Light, Golden Tiger, Phoenix Script, and Precious Scripture

As an early classic text of the Shangqing School (Supreme Clarity School), it likely originated during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589 CE).

Consisting of one scroll, it is included in the Zhengyi Bu (Orthodox Unity Section) of the Daozang (Taoist Canon).

The scripture mainly narrates the origin and development of the "True Talismans of the Golden Tiger and Phoenix Script," as well as the ritual protocols and methods for transmitting and wearing these talismans. The so-called "True Talismans of the Golden Tiger and Phoenix Script" refer to a total of 352 Taoist talismans.

It is claimed that these talismans originated from the Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother of the Nine Heavens of Supreme Truth (Taizhen Jiutian Fumu). The True Kings of the Nine Heavens transmitted them to the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao (Taishang Dadaojun), who then passed them to the Heavenly Lord of the Supreme Mystery (Taiwei Tiandijun). The Heavenly Lord of the Supreme Mystery further transmitted them to the Supreme Minister Green Youth Lord (Shangxiang Qingtong Jun) and Lord Wang of Xicheng (Xicheng Wangjun).

In the third year of the Xingning era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (365 CE), Lord Wang transmitted these talismans to the Taoist priest Xu Yuanyou (i.e., Xu Mai). The scripture also states that these talismans "all bear the hidden names of heavenly demons and also mark the inner names of a hundred deities." Taoist practitioners who receive the talismanic texts in accordance with the rituals, wear the talismans, and recite the divine names can subdue demons and suppress evil forces.

The content and wording of this text are quite similar to those of The True Grotto: The Divine Tiger Jade Scripture of the Supreme and The True Grotto: The Supreme Scripture of the Golden Scroll, Tiger Talisman, and True Text. It is suspected that this text was adapted by Taoist priests of the Shangqing School during the Northern and Southern Dynasties by imitating the above two scriptures.
Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

About the Author

Paul Peng

Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is one of the curators of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.

Read his full story →
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