The Internalization of the Tiger Talismans: The Translation and Close Reading of the Hidden Text of the Tiger Talismans 洞真太上神虎隱文

Abstract

The Hidden Text of the Tiger Talismans 洞真太上神虎隱文 (SHWY), one of the canonical Shangqing 上清 scriptures, is yet to be translated and analyzed by scholars. It comprises visualization practices and incantations related to the apotropaic Spirit Tiger Talisman 神虎符 and the Metal Tiger Talisman 金虎符. The modus operandi of SHYW is rooted in Shangqing’s unique understanding of the celestial scripts, made of primordial qi, the stuff that forms scriptures and talismans. SHYW, the mundane copy of the pristine celestial scripture, contains steps by which the adept could return to the Origin. As the adept becomes a Perfected being, the scripture also reverts to its original form as Perfected scripture 真書. It also becomes increasingly refined and potent as the adept purifies his/her inner phosphors and qi further. The Tiger Talismans, originally symbols of imperial martial power worn externally, are now an integrated part of the very being of the adept. The internalization of the Tiger Talismans reflects Yang Xi’s religious hybridity; their exorcistic mechanism is simultaneously based on the unchallenged authority of Celestial Master’s centralized celestial structure as well as southern esoteric techniques that personalized access to methods for becoming a divine being.