Drawing a Talisman

A talisman is essentially a combination of text and images written on paper, often referred to as the text of the heavenly book, meant to be read by the gods. Talismans serve a variety of purposes, such as exorcising evil spirits, protecting homes, or summoning deities and heavenly thunder. Essentially, they deal with forces from the spiritual realm, which is why talismans are regarded as a medium for communication with another world. The symbols and inscriptions on the talisman are like official documents for the spirit world. Although they take the form of words, they are not ordinary human language but rather a divine script, much like an emperor's edict, yet belonging to a realm beyond our own.

A spell or talisman does not become effective merely through its inscription, much like an emperor’s edict requires proclamation to be understood and followed. The spell functions in this same way—it must be spoken to activate its power. A spell is also referred to as a "language taboo," meaning it cannot be spoken casually. This type of language holds inherent power, serving as a password or command to unlock and connect with the spiritual world. The origins of spells in China trace back to ancient witchcraft, where the language used by wizards during sacrificial ceremonies was believed to communicate directly with the gods and spirits of heaven and earth. This language could command all things and elicit responses from the natural and spiritual worlds.

Seals refer to handprints or gestures, which hold specific meanings and functions in Taoist practices. These handprints serve three main purposes:

1. Summoning gods: Handprints are used as a sincere expression of reverence and an invitation to deities.
2. Controlling ghosts: Handprints possess the power to subdue demons and evil spirits.
3. Carrying the Tao: Taoists use handprints to demonstrate their mastery of deeper insights and the ability to "silently move the void," cultivating the magical powers of the Tao.

The seals in Naruto are inspired by Taoist handprints, a deeply symbolic and ritualistic practice. When Taoists perform rituals and set up altars, the master must sink their qi into the dantian (the body's energy center), focusing the mind and uniting the spirit with the qi and the body. This state, known as "the spirit combining with its qi and the qi combining with the body," achieves a state of emptiness and tranquility, where the human spirit merges with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. In this state, practitioners are believed to access incredible magical powers and extraordinary abilities. Taoist handprints, or seals, are traditionally transmitted orally within the sect and are rarely written down. There are no comprehensive works that delve into the origins, structures, changes, functions, types, or conditions for using handprints. Only a few traces of this knowledge can be found in certain Taoist texts. However, even through the art of Taoist hand seals, one can catch a glimpse of the profound mysteries of Taoism.

Dou refers to Bu Gang Dou , also known as Gang Bu. The act of stepping on Gang Bu Dou symbolizes the footsteps of Taoist priests as they pray to heaven or perform rituals, metaphorically representing the act of walking on the stars of the heavenly palace. This ritual is an essential part of connecting with the celestial realm during Taoist ceremonies.

The Taoist master spreads the Gang list on the altar, which is composed of the Four Spirits (Qinglong, Baihu, Zhuque, Xuanwu), the twenty-eight constellations, and the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, symbolizing the nine layers of heaven. The master, wearing cloud shoes, moves across the Gang list in rhythm with Taoist music, following the patterns of the stars, Nine Palaces, and Eight Trigrams. This symbolic act is intended to simulate soaring to the heavens and opening the celestial gates. The religious significance of Bu Gang and Stepping on Dou lies in transforming the altar into the realm of the gods. As the high priest steps on the Yu step, pinches finger gestures, chants mantras, and performs the Gang step dance, it is as if they are ascending 90,000 miles into the sky. This ritual represents walking in the Milky Way and entering the heavens, thereby inviting the gods to descend to the altar.