The Chen Jingyuan 陈景元

Chen Jingyuan (1035-1094) was a native of Nancheng, Jiangxi, during the Northern Song Dynasty. His courtesy names were Taichu and Taixu, and his literary name was Bixuzi.

In the 2nd year of the Qingli era of Emperor Renzong (1042), he entered the Taoist order and studied under Han Zhizhi, a Taoist priest at Tianqing Guan (Tianqing Taoist Temple) in Gaoyou. At the age of 18, he went to Tiantai Mountain, where he studied under Zhang Wumeng and attained the "heart seal" (profound enlightenment) of Laozi and Zhuangzi’s teachings.

During the reign of Emperor Shenzong, Chen became famous for his Taoist arts. He was summoned to the imperial capital by imperial edict, and his responses to the emperor’s inquiries fully met the imperial will. For this, he was bestowed the title "Master Zhenjing" and appointed to oversee Taiyi Palace. In the 5th year of the Xining era (1072), he presented his annotated version of Tao Te Ching to the emperor. By imperial decree, he was appointed as "Youjie Dujian" (Assistant Supervisor of the Right Division) and "Tongqianshu Jiaomen Gongshi" (Co-signatory for Taoist Affairs), and later was promoted repeatedly to "Zuoyoujie Fudaolu" (Deputy Director of Taoist Affairs for the Left and Right Divisions).

His poetry, calligraphy, and painting were all renowned in his time, and scholars from all over the country gathered to study under him. He maintained friendships with figures like Wang Anshi and Wang Gui as "fangwai friends" (spiritual friends outside the secular world). Chen submitted a memorial to the emperor, proposing that when there were vacancies for Taoist officials, candidates should first pass a standardized examination on ten key doctrines from three Taoist scriptures—Tao Te Ching, Nan Hua Jing (Zhuangzi), and Lingbao Duren Jing (Lingbao Scripture for Delivering All Beings)—and then those who were diligent in Taoist practices and had outstanding achievements should be selected for the positions. Emperor Shenzong approved his proposal. From then on, the level of Taoist learning, moral character, and Taoist arts among Taoist officials improved significantly.

Later, citing "bearing the responsibilities of an official and encountering suspicion in every matter" as the reason, Chen retired to Lushan Mountain to live in seclusion.

He passed away from illness in the 9th year of the Yuanyou era (1094) at the age of 60. His works include: one volume each of Nan Hua Zhen Jing Zhangju Yinyi (Phonetic and Semantic Annotations to the Chapters of the Authentic Nan Hua Jing), Nan Hua Zhen Jing Zhangju Yushi (Supplementary Notes to the Chapters of the Authentic Nan Hua Jing), and Shangqing Dadong Zhen Jing Yujue Yinyi (Phonetic and Semantic Annotations to the Jade Profound Secrets of the Authentic Shangqing Dadong Scripture); six volumes of Xisheng Jing Jizhu (Collected Annotations to the Xisheng Jing); Yuanshi Wuliang Duren Shangpin Miaojing Zhu (Annotations to the Supreme Sublime Scripture of the Primordial Heavenly Lord for Delivering All Beings); Bixuzi Qinchuan Zhizhi (Direct Instructions Handed Down by Bixuzi); two volumes of Chongxu Zhide Zhen Jing Shiwen (Explanations of the Text of the Authentic Chongxu Zhide Jing); and ten volumes of Daode Jing Cangshi Zuanwei Pian (Essential Compilations from the Repository of the Tao Te Ching). These works clearly expound both philosophical principles and practical meanings, incorporate the essence of annotations from various scholars, elaborate on the secret teachings passed down by his mentors, and explain the profound meanings of "purity and tranquility" (a core Taoist concept). They were highly influential works of his time.

(From Lishi Zhenxian Tidao Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror of Authentic Immortals Through the Ages) and Daode Zhenjing Cangshi Zuanwei Kaiti (Introduction to the Essential Compilations from the Repository of the Authentic Tao Te Ching))