道教法器知多少？带你领略道教法器的奥秘！How Many Taoist Ritual Implements Do You Know? Unveiling the Mysteries of Taoist Ritual Tools!**

道教作为中华的传统宗教，其文化底蕴深厚，法器更是其中不可或缺的一部分。今天，我们就来深入了解一下道教常用的法器。
Taoism, as a traditional Chinese religion, boasts a profound cultural heritage, and ritual implements are an indispensable part of it. Today, let's delve into some commonly used Taoist ritual tools.

**桃木剑 (Táomù Jiàn) - Peachwood Sword**
桃木剑是道教中最为人所熟知的一种法器。桃木为五木之精品，亦称“仙木”，有镇宅、纳福、辟邪、招财等作用。
The Peachwood Sword is one of the most well-known Taoist ritual implements. Peachwood is considered the finest of the Five Sacred Woods, also called "Immortal Wood." It is believed to protect the home, attract blessings, ward off evil spirits, and invite wealth.
古时候人们认为桃木能够辟邪，且认为桃者为五木之精，亦称仙木，故有辟邪镇宅的作用。而剑在中华传统文化中，则一直是与斩妖除魔相关联的。因此，桃木剑作为二者的结合，更是被认为具有强大的辟邪作用。在道教中，桃木剑常被用作驱邪的法器，被道士们用于斋醮法事之中，用以斩妖除魔。
Ancient people believed peachwood could ward off evil, considering it the essence of the Five Sacred Woods, hence its name "Immortal Wood" and its use for protection and exorcism. The sword, in traditional Chinese culture, has always been associated with subduing demons and evil spirits. Thus, the Peachwood Sword, combining both elements, is believed to possess potent exorcistic powers. In Taoism, it is commonly used as a tool for dispelling evil, employed by Taoist priests in rituals (zhāi jiào) to subdue demons and monsters.

**三清铃 (Sānqīng Líng) - Three Pure Ones Bell (or Divine Bell)**
三清铃又名帝钟、法钟、法铃、铃书，为道士做法事中的重要法器。三清铃的柄上端称作“剑”，呈“山”字形，以象征三清之意。三清即玉清元始天尊、上清灵宝天尊、太清道德天尊。帝钟有降神、驱魔的作用。振动法铃，神鬼咸钦。
Also known as the Emperor's Bell, Ritual Bell, Law Bell, or Bell Script, the Three Pure Ones Bell is an important implement in Taoist rituals. The top of its handle is called the "sword," shaped like the character "山" (mountain), symbolizing the Three Pure Ones (Jade Pure - Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, Supreme Pure - Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure, and Grand Pure - Celestial Worthy of the Tao and Its Virtue). The Divine Bell has the function of summoning deities and expelling demons. The phrase "Vibrating the ritual bell, deities and ghosts all pay respect" describes its power.
在道教法事中，三清铃往往由高功法师使用，单手持柄摇动，其叮呤叮呤的声音，意为“振动法铃，神鬼咸钦”，动作十分优雅。
In Taoist rituals, the Three Pure Ones Bell is often used by the high-ranking priest (Gāogōng), held and shaken with one hand. Its tinkling sound embodies the phrase "Vibrating the ritual bell, deities and ghosts all pay respect," and the movement is considered very elegant.

**天蓬尺 (Tiānpéng Chǐ) - Marshal Tianpeng Ruler**
天蓬尺又称法尺，是一种道教的法器，外观是一根四面刻有符咒的四棱方形短木棍。它的种类和功能也会根据材料的不同而有所差别，分为桃木制和铁制两种，一般桃木更为常见一些。
Also known as the Ritual Ruler, it is a Taoist implement that appears as a short, square, four-sided wooden rod carved with talismanic inscriptions on all faces. Its type and function can vary slightly depending on the material, commonly made of peachwood or iron, with peachwood being more prevalent.
天蓬尺是斋醮科仪中常用的法器，具有辟邪除魔的力量。在道教法坛上，道士们常用它来施展法术，驱邪避灾。
The Tianpeng Ruler is a common implement in Taoist rituals and ceremonies (zhāi jiào), possessing the power to ward off evil and dispel demons. On the Taoist altar, priests often use it to perform rituals and spells to drive away evil and avert disasters.

**道教令牌 (Dàojiào Lìngpái) - Taoist Command Tally (or Thunder Command)**
道教令牌又名雷令，多为金木之质，圆顶平底，有天圆地方之寓意。令牌正面多刻龙虎、雷咒等物，侧面围刻二十八星宿。道士持之，诸邪辟易，配合道法，也可差遣雷部神灵，捍卫正道。
Also known as the Thunder Command, it is usually made of metal or wood, with a round top and flat bottom, symbolizing the Round Heaven and Square Earth. The front often features carvings of dragons, tigers, thunder incantations, etc., while the sides are engraved with the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions. When held by a Taoist priest, it repels all evil spirits. Combined with Taoist magic, it can also command the Thunder Deities to defend the righteous path.
令牌是道教重要的法器之一，具有呼风唤雨、召神遣将的作用。在道教法事中，道士们常手持令牌，念动咒语，召唤神灵前来助阵，以达到驱邪避灾、祈福迎祥的目的。
The Command Tally is one of the important Taoist implements, possessing the power to summon wind and rain, and to call upon deities and spirit generals. In Taoist rituals, priests often hold the tally, recite incantations, and summon deities to assist in achieving goals like expelling evil, averting disasters, praying for blessings, and welcoming auspiciousness.

**镇坛木 (Zhèntán Mù) - Altar Pacifying Wood (or Court Block)**
镇坛木又名“震坛木”“奉旨”“净板”等，为略呈长方体之木块。顶面稍有隆起，底面平坦，漆涂成红色。正面刻有“万神咸听”四字，两端刻有乾坤、坎离四卦。
Also known as "Shaking the Altar Wood," "Imperial Decree," or "Purification Board," it is a slightly rectangular wooden block. The top surface is slightly raised, the bottom is flat, and it is usually painted red. The front is carved with the characters "万神咸听" (Wàn Shén Xián Tīng - "All Deities Listen"), and the ends are carved with the Four Trigrams: Qian (Heaven), Kun (Earth), Kan (Water), and Li (Fire).
镇坛木在道教法坛上具有震慑鬼魅、妖邪的作用。在法事进行中，道士们常用它来拍打桌面，发出震响，以震慑那些不安分的鬼魅妖邪，使其不敢妄动。
The Altar Pacifying Wood serves to awe ghosts, specters, and demonic entities on the Taoist altar. During rituals, priests often strike it on the table to produce a loud, startling sound, intimidating restless ghosts and evil spirits, preventing them from acting rashly.

**道教令旗 (Dàojiào Lìngqí) - Taoist Command Flag**
道教令旗是高功在醮坛发号施令的旗子。旗为三角形，旗面为青、红、黄、白、黑五色，镶以齿状红边，上有一条飘带，旗杆一般为藤制。
The Taoist Command Flag is the flag used by the high priest (Gāogōng) to issue orders on the ritual altar. The flag is triangular, with the flag face in the five colors: blue/green, red, yellow, white, and black, bordered with a serrated red edge. It has a streamer attached, and the pole is usually made of rattan.
道教令旗是道教法坛上道士用以发号施令的旗子，代表着道士的权威和力量。在法事进行中，道士们通过挥动令旗，来指挥神灵和兵马，以达到驱邪避灾、祈福迎祥的目的。
The Taoist Command Flag is used by priests on the altar to issue commands, representing the priest's authority and power. During rituals, priests wave the flag to command deities and spirit armies to achieve goals such as warding off evil, averting disasters, praying for blessings, and welcoming auspiciousness.

**葫芦 (Húlu) - Gourd**
葫芦的谐音为“福禄”，其植物的根茎又叫蔓带，谐音为“万代”，合在一起就是“福禄万代”，具有十分吉祥的寓意。道教认为葫芦能吸收天地间包括煞气在内所有的气，具有驱邪避祸之效。
The word "gourd" (Húlu) sounds like "福禄" (Fú Lù - blessings and prosperity). Its vine is called "蔓带" (Màn Dài), which sounds like "万代" (Wàn Dài - ten thousand generations). Together, they form the auspicious phrase "福禄万代" (Blessings, Prosperity for Ten Thousand Generations). Taoism believes the gourd can absorb all energies between Heaven and Earth, including malevolent energies (Sha Qi), thus possessing the effect of warding off evil and avoiding misfortune.
古代的道长在云游时，非常喜欢携带着葫芦，不但能作为盛水的器皿，还能作为抵御邪气的道教法器。葫芦的驱邪避灾作用在民间广为流传，许多人都喜欢在家中悬挂葫芦，以求平安吉祥。
Ancient Taoist masters traveling the land greatly favored carrying gourds. Not only could they serve as water containers, but also as Taoist implements to resist evil energies. The gourd's power to ward off evil and disasters is widely known in folk culture, and many people like to hang gourds in their homes to seek peace and auspiciousness.

**法印 (Fǎyìn) - Ritual Seal**
在道教法器之中，法印是非常重要的一个组成部分，其地位也特别崇高。法印之上或篆刻诸天符篆，或刻以雷文真形，有的也刻上天真圣号、衙司堂额，不一而足，代表着仙真神圣之权威。
Among Taoist ritual implements, the Ritual Seal is a very important component, holding an exceptionally lofty status. The seal face may be engraved with celestial talismanic scripts, thunder patterns and true forms, names of divine beings, names of celestial offices, etc., representing the authority of the immortals and deities.
法印是道士上奏天廷文书之印信，也是行使神力的法物。在道教法坛上，道士们常用法印来盖在青词、表章、意文、榜檄、符箓等文书上，以象征神灵的嘉持和颁行。法印的质料有木质、石质、青铜等，印文多为仙圣的尊号或法坛的名称，文字通常呈篆体或符箓，非一般人可识读。
The Ritual Seal is the stamp used by Taoist priests to authenticate documents submitted to the Celestial Court and is also an object for wielding divine power. On the Taoist altar, priests often use the seal to stamp documents like Qingci (memorials), Biaozhang (petitions), Yiwen (statements of intent), Bangxi (proclamations), and talismans (Fulu), symbolizing divine approval and issuance. Seals can be made of wood, stone, bronze, etc. The seal script usually consists of the revered titles of immortals/saints or the name of the altar, often in seal script (Zhuanshu) or talismanic characters, not easily readable by ordinary people.

**鼓 (Gǔ) - Drum**
道观早晨开静、晚上止静时均有击鼓为号者。鼓为皮面木质法器，有圆筒形、扁圆形两种。小鼓在行仪时作为法器，配合小钟使用。鼓声有通神辟邪的作用。
In Taoist temples, drums are beaten to signal the start of the morning quiet period and the end of the evening quiet period. Drums are wooden implements with leather heads, coming in cylindrical or flat-round shapes. Small drums are used as ritual implements during ceremonies, often paired with small bells. The sound of the drum is believed to communicate with the divine and ward off evil.
在道教法事中，鼓是重要的法器之一。道士们通过敲击鼓面，发出震耳欲聋的声响，以震慑那些不安分的鬼魅妖邪。同时，鼓声还能上达天外，下送地府，把主持法事的高功法师的意愿、祈求转达给神灵、幽冥，以达到人神互感交流、天人感应的目的。
In Taoist rituals, the drum is one of the important implements. By striking the drumhead, priests produce a thunderous sound to intimidate restless ghosts and demonic entities. Simultaneously, the drum sound is believed to ascend to the heavens and descend to the underworld, conveying the intentions and prayers of the presiding high priest to the deities and the netherworld, facilitating communication between humans and spirits, and resonating between Heaven and humanity.

**七星剑 (Qīxīng Jiàn) - Seven-Star Sword**
法剑是坛场法器，即宝剑、令剑、七星剑。法剑是道士施法的法器，具有斩妖诛魔的法力。在科仪中念咒语、水、洒净、焚符等节次，多以法剑相配合。
Ritual Swords (Fǎjiàn) are altar implements, including treasured swords, command swords, and the Seven-Star Sword. The ritual sword is an implement used by priests to perform magic, possessing the power to slay demons and monsters. During liturgical sequences involving chanting incantations, consecrating water, sprinkling purifying water, and burning talismans, the ritual sword is often used in conjunction.
法剑在道教中具有极高的地位，被认为是道士斩妖除魔的利器。在法事进行中，道士们常手持法剑，念动咒语，施展法术，以驱除那些危害人间的妖魔鬼怪。
The ritual sword holds an extremely high status in Taoism, considered the primary weapon for priests to slay demons and monsters. During rituals, priests often hold the ritual sword, recite incantations, and perform magic to expel demons and monsters that harm the human world.

**木鱼 (Mùyú) - Wooden Fish**
木鱼又称木鼓，道教行仪时用以敲击节奏以控制诵经速度。由于鱼昼夜都不合眼，所以把木头雕刻成鱼形，藉以警戒修行者应昼夜思道，切勿懈怠。木鱼为破皮面木质法器，有圆筒形、扁圆形两种。
Also known as the wooden drum, the Wooden Fish is used during Taoist ceremonies to beat rhythm and control the speed of scripture recitation. Since fish never close their eyes day or night, the wood is carved into a fish shape to admonish practitioners to contemplate the Tao day and night without laziness. It is a hollowed-out wooden implement with a leather head (sometimes just wood), coming in cylindrical or flat-round shapes.
木鱼在道教中不仅是法器，还是一种修行工具。通过敲击木鱼，道士们能够控制诵经的速度，保持心境的平和与专注。同时，木鱼的形状也寓意着修行者应昼夜思道，切勿懈怠。
In Taoism, the Wooden Fish is not only a ritual implement but also a tool for cultivation. By striking it, priests can control the pace of chanting, maintaining a peaceful and focused state of mind. Simultaneously, its fish shape symbolizes that practitioners should contemplate the Tao day and night, without negligence.

**如意 (Rúyì) - Ruyi Scepter**
如意是行仪时高功（主持仪式的法师）的法器，由玉、木、骨等雕制。形状略曲如“心”字，有三点：首尾两端作云彩形或灵芝形，中央一点呈圆形。三点暗喻“道化三清”之意，亦象征一心尊三宝（道宝、经宝、师宝）。
The Ruyi Scepter is an implement used by the high priest (Gāogōng, the presiding master) during ceremonies. It is carved from materials like jade, wood, or bone. Its shape is slightly curved, resembling the character "心" (heart), with three points: the head and tail ends shaped like clouds or lingzhi mushrooms, and the central point being round. These three points subtly allude to the "Tao transforming into the Three Pure Ones" and also symbolize the "single-minded reverence for the Three Treasures" (Treasury of the Tao, Treasury of the Scriptures, Treasury of the Master).
如意在道教中具有极高的地位，是道士们常用的法器之一。在法事进行中，道士们常手持如意，念动咒语，施展法术。如意的形状寓意着道士们应一心向道，尊奉三宝。
The Ruyi holds a very high status in Taoism and is one of the commonly used implements by priests. During rituals, priests often hold the Ruyi, recite incantations, and perform magic. Its shape signifies that priests should be single-mindedly devoted to the Tao and revere the Three Treasures.

**引磬 (Yǐnqìng) - Hand Chime (or Guiding Chime)**
引磬是铜质法器，又名手磬。其形似小碗，底部连以木柄，以便携持。行走诵念时，敲击边，其清脆之声用以引导、控制行仪的速度，故名引磬。
The Hand Chime is a copper ritual implement, also known as the hand chime. It resembles a small bowl, with a wooden handle attached to the bottom for easy carrying. When walking or chanting, its edge is struck to produce a clear, crisp sound used to guide and control the pace of the ceremony, hence its name "Guiding Chime."
引磬在道教法事中常用于引导和控制行仪的速度。道士们通过敲击引磬，发出清脆的声响，以引导修行者保持正确的节奏和速度。同时，引磬的声响还能营造出庄严神圣的氛围，使修行者更加专注和虔诚。
In Taoist rituals, the Hand Chime is often used to guide and control the pace of the ceremony. By striking it, priests produce a clear sound to guide practitioners in maintaining the correct rhythm and speed. Simultaneously, its sound helps create a solemn and sacred atmosphere, making practitioners more focused and devout.

**镜子 (Jìngzi) - Mirror**
镜子在道教中也是一件重要的法器。道教认为镜子具有辟邪、驱鬼、照妖的作用。在古代，人们常用镜子来照妖驱鬼，认为镜子能反映出妖魔鬼怪的真实面目，从而使其无法遁形。在道教法事中，道士们也会使用镜子来驱邪避灾。
The mirror is also an important ritual implement in Taoism. Taoists believe mirrors have the power to ward off evil, expel ghosts, and reveal the true form of demons. In ancient times, people often used mirrors to expose and drive away demons and ghosts, believing the mirror could reflect their true forms, making them unable to hide. In Taoist rituals, priests also use mirrors to ward off evil and avert disasters.

**法鞭 (Fǎbiān) - Ritual Whip (or Purification Whip)**
法鞭又称净鞭或法杖，是道士在举行斋醮科仪时用以清坛净场的法器。法鞭通常用竹子或木材制成，上面装饰有金属或玉石的饰品。在法事进行中，道士们会挥舞法鞭，以清除坛场的杂念和邪气，确保法事的顺利进行。
Also known as the Purification Whip or Ritual Staff, it is an implement used by Taoist priests during rituals (zhāi jiào) to purify the altar space. The ritual whip is usually made of bamboo or wood, decorated with metal or jade ornaments. During the ritual, priests will brandish the whip to clear the altar space of distracting thoughts and evil energies, ensuring the ceremony proceeds smoothly.

**朝简 (Cháojiǎn) - Court Tablet (or Memorial Tablet)**
朝简又称笏，是道教徒在举行斋醮科仪时朝拜祖师、高真时所用的法器。朝简通常用竹子或木材制成，上面雕刻有云纹、龙凤等图案，象征着道士对高真祖师的尊敬和虔诚。在法事进行中，道士们会手持朝简，向高真祖师行礼，以示敬仰和祈求。
Also known as Hu (笏), the Court Tablet is an implement used by Taoists during rituals (zhāi jiào) when paying homage to patriarchs and exalted immortals (Gāozhēn). It is typically made of bamboo or wood, carved with cloud patterns, dragons, phoenixes, etc., symbolizing the priest's respect and piety towards the exalted patriarchs and immortals. During the ritual, priests hold the tablet and bow to the exalted patriarchs and immortals to show reverence and supplication.

**灯 (Dēng) - Lamp/Light**
灯在道教中也具有重要地位。在道教仪式中，点灯可以照亮黑暗、驱散邪恶，并引导神灵降临。道士们认为，灯是光明的象征，可以照亮人心中的黑暗，使人们更加虔诚和专注。因此，在道教法事中，点灯也是必不可少的环节之一。
Lamps/Light hold an important position in Taoism. In Taoist ceremonies, lighting lamps can illuminate darkness, dispel evil, and guide deities to descend. Taoist priests believe that the lamp is a symbol of light that can illuminate the darkness within the human heart, making people more devout and focused. Therefore, lighting lamps is also an essential part of Taoist rituals.

道教法器作为道教文化的重要组成部分，不仅具有深厚的历史底蕴和文化内涵，还在道教仪式和修行中发挥着重要作用。这些法器不仅代表着道士的权威和力量，更是道教信仰和文化的象征。通过了解这些法器，我们可以更好地理解道教文化，感受其神秘而独特的魅力。
As an important component of Taoist culture, Taoist ritual implements possess not only profound historical depth and cultural connotations but also play vital roles in Taoist ceremonies and cultivation. These implements represent not only the authority and power of the priests but also symbolize Taoist beliefs and culture. By understanding these implements, we can better appreciate Taoist culture and experience its mysterious and unique charm.