Records of Master Xiyi of Taihua 太华希夷志
Paul PengRecords of Master Xiyi of Taihua
Compiled by Zhang Lu, Administrative Intendant of Hezhong Prefecture in the Yuan Dynasty.
Completed in the Jiayin year of the Yanyou reign (1314), it comprises two volumes and is included in the Biographies category of The Dongzhen Section in the Daozang.
Records of Master Xiyi of Taihua
This book is a biography of Master Xiyi, namely Chen Tuan, a famous Taoist Priest of the Five Dynasties and early Northern Song Dynasty. He lived in seclusion on Huashan Mountain cultivating The Dao for many years. Admiring his noble character and integrity, the author compiled this Records of Master Xiyi of Taihua from records in ancient books and popular sayings to commemorate him.The first volume mainly narrates Chen Tuan’s family background, early life, and his journey to Taoism, as well as his refusal of invitations from Emperor Shizong of Zhou, Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty to take official positions, choosing instead to live in seclusion and cultivate the Dao, up to his settlement on Huashan Mountain.
The second volume records events after Chen Tuan moved to Huashan: his predictions of fortune and misfortune for others, and his friendships with recluses such as Li Qi, Lü Dongbin, and the Taoist Master Mayi.
Appended at the end of the book are the words and deeds of Chen Tuan’s later disciples: Zhong Fang, Mu Xiu, Li Zhicai, Shao Yong, Wei Ye, and others. The entire book contains a fuller account than Biography of Chen Tuan in History of the Song Dynasty.
