The Duan Zhijian 段志坚

Duan Zhijian was a figure active during the Jin and Yuan dynasties. He studied under Yin Zhiping and became a Taoist monk.

In the second year of the Tianxing era of Emperor Aizong of the Jin Dynasty (1233), he followed Yin Zhiping on a journey from Shandong, traveling to places such as Beijing, Jianzhou, and Yizhou. They ascended the altar to preach the Dao at various Taoist temples including Huayang Guan, Louzhen Guan, Kaiyuan Guan, Yuxu Guan, and Chaoyuan Guan. During these visits, Duan Zhijian discussed Taoist metaphysics and expounded on the Dao with fellow Taoist practitioners, and also addressed topics related to society and human affairs.

Duan Zhijian compiled the recorded dialogues and teachings of the Taoist master Yin Zhiping during this northern journey into a four-volume work titled Records of Master Qinghe’s Journey and Teachings in the North. This book was printed and circulated among the public. Accounts of Duan Zhijian’s life and deeds can be found in Stele Inscription on the Life and Daoist Deeds of Master Yin Qinghe.