Synopsis of Fulu
1. Introduction of Daoism fulu (符籙) talisman
Fulu(符籙) is one of the 5 subjects of studies, call Wu Shu (五术) or the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics (中华玄学). Fu (符) means a seal, divided into two parts. On one half of this seal we have the visible phenomena of the world around us; this we can all see, but, the diagram being incomplete, we require the other half of the seal, that bearing the 道理 [daoli "principle, truth; reason"] of Heaven or the Unseen World, before we can understand the why and the wherefore of the existing order of things.
Fulu (符籙) "Daoist secret talismanic writing; Daoist magic formulas" refers to charms written in peculiar characters, which believed functioned as summons or instructions to deities, spirits, or as tools of exorcism, as medicinal potions for ailments as well as an amulet to protect the body, guard the home, ward off bad luck, or cure a disease, often on yellow paper.
2. The Structure of Fulu (符籙)
The special characters for making Fulu (符籙) are called Talismanic Characters. These characters have their own pronunciations, which are called Talismanic Sounds. Fulu (符籙) are constituted of the Talismanic Characters and other elements, including astrological diagrams like the diagrams of the stars ( 星圖 Xingtu ), divine images, and objects for casting spells ( 厭勝物 Yansheng Wu ). Knowing the implications of these elements can help you to know the structure of the talisman. Simple Fulu (符籙) are made up of one or several simple Talismanic Characters, but complicated ones are composed of many mixed parts. Therefore they are hard for us to read. Not only do the elements of Fulu (符籙) differ from sect to sect, but also the ways of making and reading them are passed down secretly from master to disciple within the sects.
3. Essential Parts of Fulu (符籙)
The Chinese character Fu (符) means symbol, omen, talisman, in alignment with, or in accord with. Lu (箓) refers to the book of prophesy, incantation, or an energetic amulet (a charm to ward off evil or to create harmonious Qi).
• Fu ( 符), talismans, diagrams, symbols or Chinese characters that are energized with Qi and used to create a harmonious Qi field for healing or optimizing FengShui
• Zhou(咒), mantras, special syllables, spells or sounds used to circulate the Qi within the energy network of the body through the vibrations created by daoist’s voice
• Yin (印) , mudras or ancient hand positions that act as a vehicle to access the wisdom of the universe that is bound within the body, visualizations, and conscious connection to the “Qi field” of the lineage
• Dou (斗),in addition to the more commonly known aspects of breath, movement, stillness, and connection to nature that are found in all traditional Qigong schools.
4. Meaning of Fulu (符籙)
The Fulu (符籙) is an object marked with magic signs and is believed to confer on its bearer supernatural powers or protection, which purpose is to do anything ranging between healing, protection or success. Fulu (符籙) are widely applied in the various stages of Daoist skills, fasts and offerings, and rituals. They are used when setting up altars, invoking the generals, offering petitions, casting spells, destroying Darkness, refining and saving by water and fire. At the same time, Daoists often use Talismanic Water to cure diseases, control the spirits, and dispel ghosts for the people. So Fulu (符籙) are popular among the folks, and part of the custom of the common people.
5. Zhengyi Dao’s Fulu
Zhengyi Daoism a 2,000 year old lineage that originated from ancient Chinese shamanism. Zhengyi Daoist employs Fulu (符籙) practices to influence the weather, avoid disasters and to cure illnesses. Zhengyi Daoism was the first well organized Daoist Sect. Before their founding, Daoism did not exist as an organized religion. Zhengyi Daoism remains today as one of the two main denominations of Daoism, the other being Quanzhen Daoism.
Zhengyi Daoism was essentially founded by Zhang Daoling on Longhu Shan (Dragon/Tiger Mountain) in Jiangxi Provence, and established during the Western Han Dynasty in the year 141CE on Heming Mountain, Dayi County, Sichuan Provence, mainland China.
6. History of Fulu (符籙)
Fulu (符籙) usually take the form of pieces of paper with words and symbols written on them, but can also be cast in bronze, written in the air, printed on food, or worn as clothing. The word of Fulu (符籙), is literally means a contract. One of the oldest forms of Daoist Healing is the making of contracts which clarify the relationship between the seen and the unseen worlds. These Fulu (符籙) are usually between men and the invisible worlds of gods, ghosts, and demons.
Daoist talismans called Fulu (符籙) in Chinese are powerful charms containing potent incantations to invoke spiritual help for blessings and protection. The incantations are written in a special form of calligraphy using Chinese characters and symbols. The power of each talisman is different and this particular talisman is designed to protect you from bodily harm i.e. unforeseen accidents, dangers, as well as malevolent spirits harm.
The early Daoist Sects from the folk society inherited and developed folk sorcery, which became a part of the system of Daoism. So the witch talismans were turned into Daoist Fulu (符籙), and developed into volumes and volumes of talisman books of the Chinese.
These writings produced in the Eastern Han Dynasty included The Double Scriptures of the Great Peace ( 《太平经复文》 Tai Ping Jing Fu Wen ), The Five Talismans of the Numinous Treasure ( 《灵宝五符》 Ling Bao Wu Fu ), The Perfect Writs of the Five Sprouts ( 《五芽真文》 Wu Ya Zhen Wen ), The Writs of the Three Sovereigns Ones ( 《三皇文》 San Huang Wen ), and so on
. Since the Eastern Han Dynasty, more and more Daoist Fulu (符籙) were produced. According to the fifth chapter of the Inner Book of the Master Who Embraces Simplicity (《抱朴子內篇》 Bao Pu Zi ) recorded that there were 56 kinds of great talismans, amounting to over 500 volumes. The new sects that appeared later often created their own talismans and compiled their own books of talismans. Daoist Talismans and Registers became the trust of the succession of Daoist Sects.
Master Embracing Simplicity
Daoist Ge Hong, also known as Baopuzi (The "Master Embracing Simplicity"), he believed in the magical efficacy of talismans and spells. According to his main remaining work, it details the protective measures one has to take to keep the demons and evil spirits at bay. It describes how to reach alignment with the yin and yang energies of the universe; how to absorb the energies of the sun and the moon; how to use various herbs and minerals to improve one’s health and extend one’s life; and many more. He believed that the desired state could be attained first and foremost through the practice of Daoism.
