True form (Taoism)

In Taoism, the concept of a true form () is a metaphysical theory which posits that there are immutable essences of things — that is, images of the eternal Dao without form. This belief exists in Chinese Daoist traditions such as the Three Sovereigns corpus, where they emphasise the capacity of talismans, charts, and diagrams to depict both "true forms" and "true names" (真名, ''Zhēn míng'') of demons and spirits. These talismanic representations are considered to be windows into the metaphysical substance of the entities whose "true form" and "true name" they depict. Since both the "true form" and the "true name" of an entity are two sides of the same coin, diagrams and talismans, could serve as apotropaic amulets or summoning devices for the deities the Taoists believed populated the cosmic mountains.

Taoists created charts (albums) depicting these "true forms" to help guide them safely through holy places during their pilgrimages, later they created talismans (charms) which displayed these true form charts. A talisman was more easily carried on the person and provided protection for seekers of the ''Dao'' as they journeyed into these mountainous areas.

This concept should not be confused with the Confucian concept of a "true form" (深情, literally “feelings buried deep within”). Provided by Wikipedia