Divine Talisman Writing: A Study on the Spiritual Power Sources of Daoist Fulu Writing and Its Revelatory Significance for Contemporary Calligraphic Art Creation

Daoist fulu writing, a form of spiritual calligraphy rooted in ancient Chinese totemic worship and shamanic practices, derives its numinous power from three interconnected sources: external divine spiritual power, innate primordial qi spiritual power, and fundamental Dao spiritual power. These sources work in coordination; only by integrating the fundamental Dao spiritual power at the primordial level with the practitioner's own innate primordial qi spiritual power can external divine spiritual power be mobilized. This unity of subject and object maximizes the talismans' spiritual efficacy. The authors also discuss how these insights can inspire contemporary calligraphic art creation, drawing on their personal Daoist cultivation and fulu writing practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Daoism is an important indigenous religion of China that emerged from ancient totemic worship and shamanic practices, encompassing mysterious ritual arts known as fulu (talismans and registers). Daoist fulu writing constitutes an important content and manifestation of Daoist spiritual calligraphy, representing a significant embodiment of Daoist sacred knowledge and mystical power. This paper presents the first in-depth investigation into the sources of the mysterious numinous power inherent in Daoist fulu writing. We conclude that the spiritual power of fulu writing derives from three distinct yet interconnected levels: external divine spiritual power, innate primordial qi spiritual power, and the fundamental Dao spiritual power. These three sources are not mutually exclusive but rather work in coordination. Only through the integration of the fundamental Dao spiritual power at the primordial level with the High Master’s own innate primordial qi spiritual power can external divine spiritual power be mobilized and utilized. This unity of subject and object, essence and application, forms a complete cycle that maximizes the spiritual efficacy of the talismans. Furthermore, to apply these research findings to promote contemporary artistic creation and enhance the mystical and innovative dimension of contemporary art at the visual level, the authors, drawing upon their personal Daoist cultivation experiences and fulu writing artistic practice, will further discuss the revelatory significance of fulu writing for contemporary calligraphic art creation.