The Cao Zhen 曹瑱

The Cao Zhen 曹瑱

Paul Peng

Cao Zhen (?–1207)

Cao Zhen was a native of Fangzhou, Shaanxi Province, during the Jin Dynasty. He styled himself "Chaoxuzi" (Master Chaoxu).

According to Zhongnan Shan Zuting Xianzhen Neichuan (Inner Biographies of the Immortal Sages from the Ancestral Court of Zhongnan Mountain):
In his youth, Cao Zhen was known throughout his hometown for his filial piety toward his parents and fraternal duty to his siblings. When he grew up, he repeatedly achieved high ranks in imperial examinations. In the 14th year of the Dading era (1174), after reading through Taoist scriptures extensively, he developed a resolve to study the path of immortality.

He became a disciple of Ma Danyang. In the 20th year of the Dading era (1182), he accompanied Ma Danyang on his eastward journey back to Ninghai. After Ma Danyang passed away, Cao Zhen went to the coastal regions to study under Qiu Changchun (another renowned Taoist master).

During the Mingchang era, by order of Qiu Changchun, Cao Zhen, together with Su Xuezhong and Liu Wuran, propagated Taoist doctrines and initiated new disciples in the Yanji region (encompassing present-day Beijing and Tianjin, and parts of Hebei Province).

In the 7th year of the Taihe era (1207), he resided temporarily at Yongshou Guan (Yongshou Taoist Temple) in Yandu (the capital of the Jin Dynasty, now modern-day Beijing). Not long after, he passed away due to illness.

In the 5th year of the Yuan Dingzong era (1250), he was posthumously conferred the honorific title "Yili Huizheng Chaoxu Zhenren" (Perfected One Chaoxu, Who Assists Establishment and Upholds Benevolence and Righteousness).
Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

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 one of the curators of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.

Read his full story →
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