What is Tianxin Sect 天心派?
Paul PengShare
The Tianxin Sect is one of the branches derived from the three major talismanic sects. It was founded in the Northern Song Dynasty and prevailed until the Yuan Dynasty. Its founder, Rao Dongtian, was known as the "First Ancestor of Tianxin".

The three-volume Shangqing Gusu Lingwen Guilu (The Spiritual Text and Ghost Regulations of the Essence of Shangqing) written by Rao Dongtian represents the propositions of the Tianxin Sect. It states: "Guard the vital energy and speak little; abstain from profit, sound, and beauty; establishing merits is the foremost, followed by repenting for faults; rescuing people from diseases, famines, floods, and droughts is the greatest merit; loyalty, filial piety, harmony, docility, benevolence, and trustworthiness are the fundamental conducts. Those who practice these, even if they have not yet paid homage to the Supreme Lord, will reside among immortals due to the hidden virtue accumulated."
Its contents also include 120 articles such as ghost regulations, jade standards, and ritual procedures for practicing magic. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, the Tianxin Taoist methods once flourished. However, from the Ming and Qing dynasties onwards, there were no more records of the activities of this sect.
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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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