書符與符號：正一符法的圖像及其象徵

Talismans and Symbols

書符在道教符接派中所體現的，可以天師符作為典型。其基本觀念就是將道與炁，根據氣化與感應原理形諸諸般符號：星象、五行、八卦等，配合內在之氣而形成首足完具的結體。選擇一位天師符法的傳人，經由口訪所得，用以印證《道藏》中書符的訣要。在個人的修練上，謹依道法確定其元命真人，又需存神養心，培固書符的內在根抵。在書符上則遵守其戒律：七戒、五豆、並思雜，即要求內外精深，專一其意，以宣召鬼神。故擇日沐浴而後持咒，然後具職、啟請，按照各符所需而配合其符形，使散形的每一部份，能聚形表現為結體的完整性。在釋例上，即按四大額：召請、醫治、主邪及鎮宅，分別擇取相應之符，顯示其符號的象徵作用。道教中人因而相信此中蘊含的神秘能力，可以達到其用符的效果。這類書符的圓形、筆畫及其結構，構成宗教目的的溝通、傳達及所預期之功能，既為傳統書法的宗教運用之法，亦為書符者感應其效驗之心理。

Talismans, of which the talisman of the Celestial Master is a typical example, are fundamental elements in the Talisman Register (Fulu) Sect of Daoism. Talismans are closely related to the legitimation of power. They are inscribed with figurative signa and formal symbols (constellations, five phases, eight trigrams), written in black or red ink on colored paper. According to a Celestial Master Daoist, before summoning deities, the adept shall identify his own Primary Perfection, follow seven precepts and five prohibitions, and then meditate with concentration. Talismans may serve as a manifestation of cosmic energies, as the representation of a god, or as an order issuing from one or another deity. The functions of talismans may be divided into four categories: summoning, hearing, exorcism, and subduing. Formed by the divine pneuma of Dao and transmitted by the deities, talismans are contracts that, through mysterious calligraphy, diagrams, and symbols, give Daoists power over the divine and ensure religious authenticity.