The Chen Qingjue 陈清觉

Chen Qingjue (1606-1705) was a figure who lived during the transition between the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. His literary names were Hansong (Pine in Cold) and Yanxiazi (Master of Mist and Rosy Clouds). In his youth, he studied Confucian classics and later served as a Shuchang (a junior official in the imperial academic institution of the Ming and Qing dynasties, mainly responsible for compiling official documents and participating in imperial academic projects) in the government.

Later, he grew tired of his official career, resigned from his post, and traveled around as a wanderer. When he reached Taizi Slope on Wudang Mountain, he became a disciple of Master Zhan Tailin and studied the Taoist doctrines of the Longmen School (a major branch of Quanzhen Taoism).

In the 8th year of the Kangxi reign (1669), he entered Sichuan Province. He was delighted by the tranquility and pleasant atmosphere of Qingcheng Mountain, so he settled there and practiced Taoism at Tianshi Cave.

Within a few years, he moved again to Qingyang Palace in Chengdu.

In the 14th year of the Kangxi reign (1675) [Note: There may be a typo in the original text; 1695 is the 34th year of the Kangxi reign. Combined with the chronological logic, it is corrected to 1675 here], Zhao Liangbi funded the construction of Erxian Nunnery and invited Chen Qingjue to serve as its abbot.

In the 40th year of the Kangxi reign (1702), Chen Qingjue was personally summoned to the capital (Beijing) by the Kangxi Emperor. He was conferred the title of "Bidong Zhenren" (True Person of Green Cave) by imperial decree, and the emperor wrote the plaque "Bidong Dantai" (Green Cave Alchemy Platform) in his own handwriting to bestow upon the Taoist temple. From this point on, Chen Qingjue founded the Bidong Sect, a branch of the Longmen School of Quanzhen Taoism.

He passed away in the 44th year of the Kangxi reign (1705) at the age of 99.