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(), is a term for Taoist incantations and magic symbols, written or painted as talisman or () by Taoist practitioners. These practitioners are also called () or the sect, an informal group made up of priests from different schools of Taoism. These charms and amulets are also not confined strictly to Taoism as they have been incorporated in to several forms of Chinese Buddhism, and have descendants such as the of Japanese Buddhism and Shinto. (), or () are instructions to deities and spirits, symbols for exorcism, and medicinal potion recipes or charms to assist with ailments. () is a register of the membership of the priests, as well as the skills they are trained in. Other names for in English include Taoist magic writing, magic script characters, magic figures, magic formulas, secret talismanic writing, and talismanic characters. The research into the history of Taoist symbols and symbolism has always been a challenge for scholars because historically, Taoist priests have often adopted mystical images and written symbols to express their thoughts and knowledge, meaning that both the deciphering and interpretation of these symbols as well as the history behind them isn't easily found in the primary sources. According to scholar Yang Zhaohua, while a number of the earliest known Taoist talismans were "simple and legible", later talismans were deliberately cryptic to signify their divinity. Other scholars of Taoism like James Robson and Gil Raz have made the claim that the incomprehensibility of what is written down is a defining feature of most talismanic script, they argue that the illegibility is central to the talisman's perceived authority and efficacy. During the Eastern Jin dynasty period (317–420) it was already not needed for a user of Taoist talismans to be able to decipher them in order for them to be perceived as "applicable for their intended purpose". Ge Hong noted in his Baopuzi that as long as the talisman's inscription or shape was authentic, it didn't matter if the user was literate or illiterate in the script, the talisman would be functional.