What is the Jianzhai 监斋?
Paul PengShare
Jianzhai (Supervisor of Offerings) is one of the "Three Masters," ranking second only to the High Priest (Gong).

The duties of Jianzhai are as follows:
To overall oversee the ritual charter, administer ceremonial regulations, correct the conduct of altar officials, and uphold the solemnity of the ritual hierarchy;
To meticulously detect improprieties, impart instructions with composure, maintain strictness and dignity, and ensure no negligence or abuse of authority, namely to supervise the codes and laws of ritual protocols.
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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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