Qiu Chuji(丘处机): Founder of the Longmen School in Daoism

Qiu Chuji (1148-1227), courtesy name Tongmi, sobriquet Changchunzi (Master of Eternal Spring), was a native of Qixia, Dengzhou (now Qixia, Shandong), a famous Taoist of the Jin Dynasty, and one of the "Seven Disciples of Quanzhen."

Qiu Chuji lost both parents at a young age and experienced the hardships of the world.

In his childhood, he yearned to cultivate and become an "immortal."

At the age of nineteen, he went alone to the Yanhua Cave on Kunlun Mountain to practice.

In September of the following year, he heard that the Taoist Wang Chongyang from Zhongnan Mountain in Shaanxi had come to Ninghaizhou to preach, so he went down the mountain to become his disciple, becoming a disciple of Wang Chongyang.

He was devout, quick-witted, and diligent in learning, and was deeply valued by Wang Chongyang.

After Wang Chongyang passed away, Qiu Chuji lived in seclusion in Fanxi (now Baoji, Shaanxi), Longzhou (now Longxian, Shaanxi), and other places, concentrating on cultivation, carrying a raincoat and hat, and was known as "Mr. Raincoat."

Later, Qiu Chuji went to Longmen Mountain in Raozhou (now Baoji City) to live in seclusion and practice, becoming the founder of the Longmen School of Quanzhen.

In the twenty-eighth year of Dading (1188), Qiu Chuji responded to the call of Emperor Shizong of Jin and went from Wang Chongyang's former residence to Yanjing (now Beijing), and was ordered to sculpt statues of Wang Chongyang and Ma Danyang (who had passed away) in the official temple, and presided over the Wanchun Festival.

Qiu Chuji gave the emperor the admonition of "maintaining prosperity and guarding success," and his reputation was greatly enhanced.

In the third year of Xingding (1219) of the Jin Dynasty, during Genghis Khan's westward expedition, he heard from the Central Plains people accompanying him that Qiu Chuji had superb magic skills, and sent envoys to summon him.

Qiu Chuji then took eighteen disciples, traveled for three years, traveled thousands of miles, and finally met Genghis Khan in the snow-capped mountains at the age of seventy-four.

Qiu Chuji advised Genghis Khan to "respect heaven and love the people as the foundation" and "cleanse the heart and reduce desires as the key," and was revered as a "god."

In the nineteenth year of the Yuan Dynasty (1224), Qiu Chuji returned to Yanjing and was ordered to manage Taoism in the world, living in the Tianchang Temple.

In the twenty-second year of the Yuan Dynasty (1227), Qiu Chuji passed away in the Tianchang Temple.

During the reign of Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty, he was posthumously honored as "Perfected Man of Eternal Spring, Expounding the Tao, and Teaching."

Qiu Chuji's surviving works include Great Alchemy Direct Point, On Nourishing Life, Fanxi Collection, and Mingdao Collection.

 

The Seven Disciples of Wang Chongyang

Master Qiu belonged to an extraordinary generation of Daoist practitioners. Wang Chongyang gathered seven primary disciples, each destined for greatness:

Name	Daoist Title	Region	Specialty	Legacy
Ma Yu	丹陽子	Shandong	Internal Alchemy	Eastern lineage founder
Tan Chuduan	長真子	Shandong	Ascetic practices	Southern transmission
Liu Chuxuan	長生子	Shandong	Scholarly study	Academic traditions
Qiu Chuji	長春子	Shandong	Diplomacy & Teaching	Dragon Gate founder
Wang Chuyi	玉陽子	Shandong	Mountain hermitage	Western schools
Hao Datong	太古子	Shandong	Meditation mastery	Northern lineage
Sun Buer	清靜散人	Shandong	Female cultivation	Women's practices

Among these "Seven Perfected Ones," Master Qiu's path would prove the most historically consequential, though each contributed invaluable wisdom to our tradition.

The Great Journey West: Meeting Genghis Khan

The most famous episode of Qiu Chuji's life reads like legend, yet historical records confirm its reality. In 1219, when Master Qiu was already 71 years old, he received simultaneous invitations from three of the world's most powerful rulers:

• The Jin Emperor (ruling northern China)
• The Song Emperor (ruling southern China)
• Genghis Khan (conquering across Central Asia)

Rather than choosing the easy path of imperial comfort in familiar China, the old Daoist made an extraordinary decision. He would travel thousands of miles across dangerous territory to meet the Mongol conqueror—not for personal gain, but because he sensed an opportunity to influence history toward compassion.

The Epic Journey: By the Numbers

Journey Stage	Distance	Duration	Challenges Faced
Beijing to Samarkand	2,000+ miles	2 years	Desert crossing, mountain passes
Age at departure	71 years old	-	Physical hardship for elderly traveler
Companions	19 disciples	-	Protecting and teaching young monks
Seasons traveled	Through 3 winters	-	Extreme weather conditions

I have walked portions of this route myself. Even with modern conveniences, the landscape humbles you. Imagine this elderly master, carried by faith and purpose across such vastness.

The Historic Meeting: Wisdom Conquers Power

When Qiu Chuji finally reached Genghis Khan's court in 1222, their conversations became one of history's most remarkable dialogues between spiritual wisdom and worldly power. The Khan, expecting magical elixirs of immortality, instead received profound teachings about governance and compassion.

Key Teachings Qiu Shared with Genghis Khan:

On Immortality: "There are methods for maintaining health and prolonging life, but no medicine for immortality. True longevity comes from virtue and restraint."

On Governance: "Heaven loves life and hates killing. A ruler who protects his people's lives will see his dynasty endure."

On War: "The greatest victory is won without fighting. Mercy toward the conquered brings lasting peace."

On Personal Cultivation: "Control your desires, and you will control your empire. The sage rules by not-ruling."

These teachings, recorded by Qiu's disciple Li Zhichang in the Journey to the West (not the famous novel, but a historical account), influenced Mongol policy for generations.

Founding the Dragon Gate Sect

Upon returning to China, Master Qiu established what would become the most influential Daoist lineage in Chinese history: the Longmen Pai (龍門派, Dragon Gate Sect). This sub-school of Quanzhen Daoism emphasized:

Core Dragon Gate Principles:

1. Dual Cultivation - Balancing internal alchemy with active service
2. Monastic Discipline - Structured community life with clear rules
3. Educational Mission - Teaching literacy and philosophy to common people
4. Medical Practice - Healing as spiritual service
5. Social Engagement - Addressing poverty and social problems

Our Dragon Gate lineage continues today. When you meet a Daoist priest in China or overseas, chances are high they trace their ordination through Master Qiu's spiritual descendants.

The Dragon Gate Monastery System

Qiu Chuji revolutionized Daoist monasticism by creating a systematic approach to spiritual development:

Training Stage	Duration	Focus	Requirements
Novice	3 years	Basic texts, discipline	Memorize core scriptures
Junior Monk	5 years	Advanced study, service	Teaching assistance
Senior Monk	7+ years	Specialization	Choose focus area
Master	Lifetime	Leadership, transmission	Proven wisdom

Daily Schedule in Dragon Gate Monasteries:

• 4:00 AM - Rising bell, personal meditation
• 5:00 AM - Morning prayers and chanting
• 6:00 AM - Simple breakfast, silence maintained
• 7:00 AM - Work assignments (farming, maintenance, copying texts)
• 11:00 AM - Main meal of the day
• 1:00 PM - Study period, reading classical texts
• 3:00 PM - Individual practice (qigong, internal alchemy)
• 5:00 PM - Evening meal
• 7:00 PM - Community discussion, teaching sessions
• 9:00 PM - Personal reflection, preparation for sleep
• 10:00 PM - Lights out, silence until dawn

This structure, refined over centuries, produces practitioners capable of both deep spiritual realization and practical service to society.

Qiu Chuji's Literary Legacy

Master Qiu was not only a spiritual teacher but also a prolific poet. His verses combine profound philosophy with accessible language, making Daoist wisdom available to ordinary people. Here are themes from his most celebrated works:

Major Poetic Collections:

• "Songs of the Dao" - Basic teachings in verse form
• "Mountain Reflections" - Nature mysticism and meditation guidance
• "Traveling Songs" - Insights from his journey to meet Genghis Khan
• "Instructions for Disciples" - Practical guidance for cultivation

His poetry remains popular today. Unlike dense philosophical treatises, these verses speak directly to the heart while conveying sophisticated spiritual insights.

Historical Impact: Beyond Religion

Qiu Chuji's influence extended far beyond Daoist circles:

Political Influence:

• Mongol Religious Policy - His teachings promoted religious tolerance
• Administrative Reforms - Advocated merit-based appointments over nepotism
• Legal Precedents - Influenced Mongol legal codes toward mercy

Cultural Contributions:

• Educational Expansion - Established schools throughout northern China
• Medical Advancement - Promoted integration of Daoist and traditional medicine
• Literary Development - His accessible poetry influenced Chinese literature

Social Reform:

• Women's Rights - Supported education for women, following his dharma-sister Sun Buer
• Class Mobility - Opened Daoist training to people of all backgrounds
• Charitable Works - Established hospitals and relief centers

Modern historians increasingly recognize Master Qiu as a figure whose influence shaped Chinese civilization as profoundly as any emperor or general.

Lessons for Modern Practitioners

What can contemporary seekers learn from Qiu Chuji's extraordinary life?

Courage in Service:

At 71, when most would seek comfort, he embarked on a dangerous journey because he saw an opportunity to reduce suffering in the world.

Practical Wisdom:

He combined deep spiritual cultivation with effective action, proving that mysticism and worldly engagement can reinforce rather than contradict each other.

Diplomatic Skill:

Rather than condemning Genghis Khan's violence, he found ways to redirect that energy toward protection and construction.

Institutional Vision:

He created lasting structures that continued his work long after his death, understanding that personal enlightenment must serve future generations.

Cultural Bridge-Building:

He found common ground between different traditions—Daoist, Confucian, Buddhist, and even Mongol shamanic beliefs.

In our current era of global challenges, Master Qiu's example shows how spiritual practitioners can engage constructively with power while maintaining their integrity.

The Dragon Gate Tradition Today

Eight hundred years after Master Qiu's death, the Dragon Gate lineage remains vibrant:

Global Presence:

• Major monasteries in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong
• Growing communities in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia
• Online teachings reaching seekers worldwide

Modern Adaptations:

• Urban Centers - Dragon Gate temples in major cities
• Lay Practice Groups - Training for non-monastic practitioners
• Academic Programs - University courses in Daoist philosophy
• Healthcare Integration - Daoist medicine in modern medical settings

Contemporary Challenges:

• Maintaining authenticity while adapting to modern contexts
• Training qualified teachers for international communities
• Preserving classical Chinese texts and practices
• Balancing tradition with contemporary social needs

Walking in Master Qiu's Footsteps

For those inspired by Qiu Chuji's example, consider these practical steps:

Study His Teachings:

• Read translations of his poetry and letters
• Study the historical accounts of his journey
• Understand Quanzhen Daoist philosophy
• Learn about traditional Chinese culture and history

Cultivate His Virtues:

• Courage - Take principled stands despite personal cost
• Compassion - Seek to reduce suffering wherever you find it
• Wisdom - Balance idealism with practical effectiveness
• Humility - Serve others without seeking personal glory

Apply His Methods:

• Combine personal cultivation with social engagement
• Build bridges between different communities and traditions
• Create lasting institutions rather than seeking only personal achievement
• Use whatever influence you have to promote harmony and justice

Master Qiu showed us that the highest spiritual attainment expresses itself through service to the world. This remains the Dragon Gate way.

Conclusion: The Eternal Spring Continues

Qiu Chuji earned his Daoist name "Changchun" (Eternal Spring) not because he achieved personal immortality, but because the wisdom he planted continues flowering across centuries. His life demonstrates that authentic spiritual cultivation naturally leads to beneficial action in the world.

In our troubled times, when religious extremism and political polarization divide communities, Master Qiu's example offers a different path. He showed how deep spiritual conviction can motivate practical compassion, how authentic wisdom can speak to power without compromising integrity, and how one person's courage can influence the course of history.

The Dragon Gate he opened still welcomes sincere seekers. The path he walked still leads to wisdom. The spring he planted still waters the roots of human flourishing.

May his example inspire your own journey along the Way.

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Written in the mountains of Shandong, near where Master Qiu once walked