The Cheng Benhuan 程本焕

Cheng Benhuan was a native of Longmen in Western Qin (now part of Gansu Province) during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. His literary name was Xiangyan.

From an early age, he became a Taoist monk at Ziyun Guan (Ziyun Taoist Temple) and had a strong aspiration to study the Dao (Tao).

He was also proficient in Confucian classics, had a passion for poetry and prose, and extensively read the works of various ancient philosophers (the "Zhuzi" tradition).

Later, he chose to settle in Xiangshan to cultivate his mind and refine his inner self (a core Taoist practice of self-cultivation). In the 2nd year of the Qianlong reign (1737), Taoist Preceptor Bai Fuli held an altar to perform Taoist rituals and expound on the Dao. Impressed by Cheng Benhuan’s simplicity, sincerity, and purity, Bai conferred the Three Great Precepts (a set of high-level core precepts in Taoism) upon him and entrusted the transmission of the Daoist lineage to him.

From that point on, Cheng Benhuan’s dedication to pure Daoist cultivation became even firmer. For three years, he recited and chanted the Huang Jing (the "Imperial Scripture," a key Taoist scripture). People coming from all directions admired his dignified Daoist demeanor, and his reputation as a virtuous Taoist master grew increasingly prominent.

In the 33rd year of the Qianlong reign (1768), he ascended the altar to explain Taoist precepts and propagate the profound teachings of the Dao.

He was the 15th Precept-transmitting Taoist Preceptor.

(From The Origin and Development of the Supreme Taoist Precepts Lineage)