Page 450 - The Encyclopedia of Taoism v1_A-L

FAQI 4Il

sumed in Jangzhong shu. The Chishu yujue miaojing 7}f; i!f.:IT. ~ Xi> ~~ (Wondrous
Scripture of Red Writings and Jade Instructions; CT 352), an early *Lingbao
text, warns, "Don't set your mind on sex or give rise to passions" (Kohn 1993b,
98). And the great Tang leader *Sima Chengzhen, whose *Fuqi jingyi lun gives
advice on proper management of all physiological realities, also warned "that
sensual feelings are neither essential nor appropriate for body or mind" (Kohn
1993b, 238). Perhaps the most typical Taoist position would be that the sexual
components of one's being are realities that should be managed cautiously,
but are not to be indulged, and are not to be confused with the more sublime
realities that are the goal of Taoist religious practice.

Russell KlRKLAND
m Despeux 1990, 27- 42; van Gulik 1961; Harper 1987b; Harper 1998, 135-41;
Ishida Hidemi 1991; Kirkland 1994; Kohn 1993b, 153-59; Li Ling 2000a, 382-433;
Maspero 1981, 517-41; Robinet 1988; Sakade Yoshinobu 1993a; Schipper 1993,
144-55; Wile 1992

* heqi; yangsheng

faqi

*~

ritual tools

The ritual tools of Taoism consist of implements used to call forth deities,
exorcize evil forces, and manipulate both deities and demons. These objects
include swords, mirrors, and seals, as well as musical instruments such as
bells, chimes, and wooden fish. According to the *Fengdao kejie (Codes and
Precepts for Worshipping the Dao; j. 3), all the implements used in temples
and ritual spaces may be designated as "ritual tools." The following are some
of the most representative types of objects.
I. The audience tablet (hu ?bJ) is a long and slender tablet held by the priest
(*daoshi) in his hands. It is closely patterned on the tablet held by officials
at court. It is also known as baohu ~?bJ (precious tablet), shouban -¥ M1R
(Hand Board), chaoban ~ M1R (Audience Board), zouban * f& (Announce-
ment Plank), and zhijian fA M (Hand-held Slip). It measures about 50 cm
in length, 5 cm in width, and 5 mm in thickness.
2. The Seven-star Sword (qixingjian -t£~O is a steel sword whose blade
is engraved with a pattern of the Northern Dipper (*beidou). It is also