Yellow Emperor's Classic of the Secret Talisman 黄帝阴符经

Referred to as Yinfu Jing for short.

Scholars have long debated its author and compilation date: some argue it was written during the Warring States, Qin, or Han dynasties; others attribute it to Kou Qianzhi of the Northern Wei Dynasty; Huang Tingjian and Zhu Xi claimed it was composed by Li Quan of the Tang Dynasty. Synthesizing various theories, it is generally credible as an ancient Taoist text predating the Tang Dynasty.

By the Tang Dynasty, two versions of the scripture already existed: one with over 300 characters divided into three chapters, and another with over 400 characters without chapter divisions. Most later versions fall somewhere between these two. The surviving annotation-free version in The Daozang—included in the Benwen (Scripture Text) category of The Dongzhen Section—is one such later version, consisting of one volume with over 400 characters divided into three chapters.

The text has attracted numerous commentators: Tongzhi·Yiwen Lue (Comprehensive Records of Literature and Arts) cataloged 39 commentaries, and over 20 are preserved in The Daozang. Interpretations vary widely: some regard Yinfu Jing as a work on military strategy and tactics; others interpret it through Taoist doctrines; Taoist priests of the Song and Yuan dynasties often annotated it from the perspective of Internal Alchemy practices; and scholars explained it using Confucian theories of human nature and principle. These interpretations largely reflect the commentators’ own views and may not align with the original intent of the scripture.

The core message of the original text generally discusses the operation and transformation of heaven, earth, yin, and yang, and the mutually generative and exploitative relationship between natural phenomena and human affairs. It argues that sages should observe the ways of heaven, follow its principles, grasp the subtle harmony between heaven and humans, and align their actions with the Dao of heaven and nature. In doing so, both governing a country and nurturing life will be conducted appropriately, leading to lasting prosperity and well-being.

Throughout history, Taoist priests and Confucian scholars have valued Yinfu Jing for its concise expression and profound philosophical insights, often ranking it alongside the works of Laozi and Zhuangzi.