Shangqing Scripture of the Five Constant Virtues, Flexible Transformation, Myriad Changes, and Profound Darkness (Shangqing Wuchang Biantong Wanhua Yuming Jing), author unknown. It was probably compiled between the Tang and Song dynasties.
Volume 9 of Mao Shan Zhi (Records of Mao Mountain) records the title "Shangqing Scripture of the Five Emperors and Profound Darkness" (Shangqing Wudi Yuming Jing), which is believed to refer to this very text.
It consists of one scroll and is included in the Benwen Lei (Original Text Category) of the Dongxuan Bu (Mysterious Grotto Section) of the Daozang (Taoist Canon).
This text compiles four early Shangqing scriptures and secrets, namely:
- The Supreme Scripture of Nine Dao of Returning to Origin and Flying Feathers (Taishang Huiyuan Jiudao Feixing Yu Jing), also known as Record of Flying Steps in Void and Eternity (Feibu Kongchang Lu);
- Secret Instructions on the Silk Slip of Nine Dao of Dragon Flight (Longfei Jiudao Chisu Yinjue);
- The Supreme Spiritual Flying Jade Talisman with White Feathers and Black Quills (Taishang Baiyu Heihe Lingfei Yu Fu);
- Supreme Record of Nine Trues Ascending to Mystery from the Flying Feather Scripture (Feixing Yu Jing Jiuzhen Shengxuan Shangji).
All the four above-mentioned texts discuss techniques of contemplating deities, wearing talismans, secretly reciting incantations and secrets, performing the "step-in-void" ritual (buxu) to ascend to the sky, and flying up to the Supreme Purity Realm (Shangqing).
They are compiled into a single volume due to their related content.
✨ Recommended Taoist Talismans
Discover powerful talismans for your spiritual journey
