Chishu Zhenwen: Foundational Talismans of Lingbao Daoism

Yuanshi Wulao Chishu Yupian Zhenwen Tianshu Jing (The Heavenly Scripture of the Genuine Text and Jade Chapters of the Red Book of the Five Ancient Elders of the Primordial Beginning), also known as Taishang Dongxuan Lingbao Wupian Zhenwen Chishu (The Red Book of the Five Genuine Texts of the Numinous Treasure of the Cave Mysterious of the Supreme Oneness), abbreviated as Chishu Zhenwen (The Red Book of Genuine Text).

One of the ancient Taoist Lingbao Scriptures, it was compiled approximately during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and recorded in Lu Xiujing’s Catalogue of Lingbao Scriptures.

The original text consisted of two scrolls; the version preserved in the Daozang (Taoist Canon) is divided into three scrolls, included in the Original Text Category of the Dongzhen Section.

Ranked first among all Lingbao scriptures in Taoism, the "Five Ancient Elders’ Red Book of Genuine Text" (Wulao Chishu Zhenwen) recorded in its first scroll is particularly significant.

The so-called "Five Ancient Elders’ Red Book of Genuine Text" refers to five volumes of celestial spiritual texts held and recorded by the Heavenly Emperors of the Five Directions, namely:

Dongfang Anbaohualin Qingling Shilao Jiuqi Qingtian Chishu Yupian Zhenwen (The Genuine Text and Jade Chapter of the Red Book of the Green Heaven of the Nine Qis, from the Green Numinous Primordial Elder of the Peaceful Precious Flower Forest in the East);
Nanfang Fanbaochangyang Danling Zhenlao Sanqi Dantian Chishu Yupian Zhenwen (The Genuine Text and Jade Chapter of the Red Book of the Cinnabar Heaven of the Three Qis, from the Cinnabar Numinous True Elder of the Brahmin Precious Prosperous Yang in the South);
Zhongyang Yubao Yuanling Yuanlao Shierqi Huangtian Chishu Yupian Zhenwen (The Genuine Text and Jade Chapter of the Red Book of the Yellow Heaven of the Twelve Qis, from the Jade Precious Primordial Numinous Ancient Elder in the Center);
Xifang Qibao Jinmen Haoling Huanglao Qiqi Baitian Chishu Yupian Zhenwen (The Genuine Text and Jade Chapter of the Red Book of the White Heaven of the Seven Qis, from the Bright Numinous Imperial Elder of the Seven Treasures Golden Gate in the West);
Beifang Dongyin Shuodan Yu jue Wuling Xuanlao Wuqi Xuantian Chishu Yupian Zhenwen (The Genuine Text and Jade Chapter of the Red Book of the Mysterious Heaven of the Five Qis, from the Profound Numinous Elder of the Five Spirits in the Grotto Yin, Cold Cinnabar, and Gloomy Extinction in the North).

All five genuine texts are written in seal script, totaling 688 characters. It is claimed that they were preached by the Primordial Heavenly Lord (Yuanshi Tianzun), originated from the void of nature, were held and recorded by the Five Ancient Elders, and kept secret in the Palace of the Spiritual Capital in the Nine Heavens.

In addition, the second scroll of the text contains Bawei Cewen (The Eight Powerful Tally Texts, i.e., talisman diagrams), used to summon and subdue flood dragons, tigers, leopards, and mountain spirits; it also includes the "Five Elders’ Spiritual Talismans" (Wulao Lingfu), which, when inscribed and worn on the body, can ward off all disasters.

The third scroll details the merits, blessings, and karmic rewards of the five genuine texts, as well as the methods of cultivation for the common people.

In summary, the Taoist doctrines expounded in this text mainly focus on drawing talismans, reciting mantras, summoning gods, subduing demons, dispelling evil spirits, and averting disasters. It exerted a significant influence on Taoism during the Tang and Song Dynasties.