In general, the development trend of Taoism in the Qing Dynasty was on the decline. Because the rulers of the Qing Dynasty lacked faith in and understanding of Taoism, even though they often politically utilized Taoism to win over the Han people, they always kept a strict guard over Taoism, especially Zhengyi Dao, due to the close relationship between Taoism and folk secret religions and secret societies at that time. This situation seemed completely opposite to that of the Ming Dynasty. In the Ming Dynasty, Zhengyi Dao was favored for a time, while Quanzhen Dao was neglected and mainly carried out its activities among the people; in the Qing Dynasty, however, Zhengyi Dao was strictly controlled, and Quanzhen Dao was greatly favored by the rulers.
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The Qing Rulers' Control over Zhengyi Dao
Emperor Shunzhi required Zhengyi Dao to "not confuse and mislead the ignorant people". Emperor Kangxi believed that seeking immortality and longevity was of no benefit to the world, and seeking medicinal formulas was foolish, so he only as a routine granted titles to the leaders of Zhengyi Dao as a formality. Emperor Yongzheng advocated that the three teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism) each had their own strengths and none was indispensable. He affirmed the function of Taoism and showed kindness to the descendants of the Heavenly Master and Lou Jinyuan, a Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain.
Starting from Emperor Qianlong, the Qing court increasingly restricted Taoist activities. Taoism's status continued to decline, its organizational development basically stagnated, and there was no innovation in its doctrines and teachings. Emperor Qianlong restricted the organizational development of Zhengyi Dao to Longhu Mountain, prohibiting it from preaching and conferring talismans in other places. He also demoted the official rank of the Zhengyi True Man from the second grade to the fifth grade. During the Daoguang period, an order was issued to stop the Zhengyi True Man from going to the capital to pay homage to the emperor. The relationship between Zhengyi Dao and the rulers was cut off, and it could only develop among the people.
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The Further Development of the Longmen Sect of Quanzhen Dao in the Qing Dynasty
Quanzhen Dao was obscure in the Ming Dynasty. After entering the Qing Dynasty, Wang Changyue, the seventh master of the Longmen Sect of Quanzhen Dao, carried out a lot of activities to revitalize his sect, which increased the strength of the Longmen Sect and brought about a revival. Wang Changyue's preaching activities not only attracted a large number of believers but also won the protection and support of the Qing court. Emperor Shunzhi supported the preaching activities of Quanzhen Dao in Beijing, which provided the most fundamental basis for the development of Quanzhen Dao. Even today, the Longmen Sect of Quanzhen Dao remains one of the more influential sects in Taoism.
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This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.
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About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
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