How does one become an apprentice and enter Taoism?

Many friends often ask me, "Daoist master, how does one convert to Taoism? How can one find a master?"

Many friends are fascinated by Taoism. So, how does one learn Taoism? How does one start learning, practicing, and ultimately seeking the Way?

Regarding the topic of how to convert to Taoism, today I will guide you through learning.

Conversion

    In Daoism, "皈依" refers to taking refuge in the "Three Treasures" of Dao, Scriptures, and Master.

In the "Morning and Evening Practice Scripture," there is the "Three Refuges": "The first refuge is the unsurpassed treasure of the Dao. May all beings vow to serve the Celestial Sovereign, to escape the cycle of reincarnation forever. The second refuge is the unsurpassed treasure of the Scriptures. May all beings, life after life, hear the true teachings. The third refuge is the unsurpassed treasure of the Master. May all beings learn the highest teachings and never fall into wrong views."

Taking refuge in the Dao implies following the guidance of the heart and correcting oneself with Daoist principles. On this path, reciting sacred names becomes the key to liberation. With a sincere heart and a sense of gratitude, one can break free from the suffering of reincarnation. Taking refuge in the Dao is the foundation of spiritual liberation and a recognition of inner truth.

Taking refuge in the Scriptures serves as a guide and support on this path. Scriptures act as a mirror reflecting the principles of the Dao, illuminating the darkness within us and enlightening our wisdom. Throughout the practice, we continually cleanse ourselves, using the scriptures to illuminate our hearts and reveal the Dao within, ultimately realizing enlightenment. Therefore, scriptures serve as the bridge to our cultivation and the foundation of our practice.

A Master plays a crucial role in taking refuge. Masters are our guides and mentors, embodying morality and compassion as they teach sentient beings. After taking refuge, we should respect all fellow practitioners and regard the Master and other Daoists with reverence, setting an example and guiding others in faith, practice, and conduct. Considering it our duty to save sentient beings and viewing salvation as the greatest virtue.

However, the purpose of taking refuge is not for wealth, fame, or relief from illness but for the complete liberation of the soul. On this path, making vows and saving others and oneself become our ultimate goals. Because true liberation on this path is not an individual pursuit but the spiritual elevation of the soul, walking the path of salvation and refuge.

Therefore, the Three Refuges, established by ancient sages, are the first step on the path of ascension and the first entrance into virtue. To become an immortal, a Daoist, or a sage, it all begins with these Three Refuges.

So, taking refuge in the Three Treasures requires sincerity and opportunity.

When you encounter a Daoist master whose moral and spiritual achievements are recognized, you have found the opportunity to seek apprenticeship and the path to Daoism.

The Process of Taking Refuge:

In the Daoist tradition, according to the ancestral system, all who enter the religion are required to pay five dou of rice as the cost of entry.

So, becoming a disciple of the Daoist tradition is divided into several stages:

1. Apprentice Disciple:

An apprentice disciple is a student who has not formally taken a master. It is the first stage before formal apprenticeship. At this stage, one only needs to pay a certain tuition fee to study with the master. An apprentice disciple cannot directly address the master but can only refer to them as "teacher" or "sir." The master's obligation to an apprentice disciple is solely to teach, without any other responsibilities. Of course, there are special circumstances where the master may allow the disciple to bypass this stage.

2. Registered Disciple:

A registered disciple can be considered as a probationary disciple. They are often apprentice disciples with good qualities recognized by the master. At this stage, they can submit a formal letter of application and have their name recorded as a reserve disciple, subject to further scrutiny. The master will impart further knowledge to registered disciples and assess their moral qualities.

3. Initiate Disciple:

An initiate disciple is a true "disciple." As an initiate disciple, one is officially accepted into the lineage and granted entry into the inner circle. At this stage, the master will conduct a special initiation ceremony for the disciple. The master will give the disciple a "disciple badge" and offer prayers to the "Three Emperors and Three Officials." With heaven and earth as witnesses, both master and disciple assume corresponding responsibilities and obligations. "One day as a master is a lifetime as a father." An initiate disciple has the obligation to support the master in old age and until the end of life, never betraying the sect. At the same time, the master guides the disciple's words and actions and takes on certain karmic consequences for the disciple's behavior.

    After formally becoming an initiate disciple, according to the master's arrangement, once the disciple's moral conduct is perfected, they may be released from apprenticeship. During this period, according to Daoist regulations, the disciple will receive rituals such as transmission of the Taoist robe/cap, conferral of the Daoist certificate/precepts, and so on.