The Huangfu Tan 皇甫坦

Huangfu Tan (?-1178) was a figure in the early Southern Song Dynasty, with the courtesy name Lüdao. He once resided in Linzi and Xiaqiu, where he mastered the "Art of Avoiding the Five Deficiencies". Later, he withdrew to Anjing Temple on Mount Emei in Sichuan. The Miaotong True Immortal taught him the essential principles of "Empty Kan and Solid Li" (a core Taoist cosmological concept involving the Five Elements and Yin-Yang) as well as the secrets of the Inner and Outer Golden Elixirs. In his daily life, he often practiced quiet sitting; over time, the outer malleoli of his feet became flat and level. A few years later, a pearl-like luminous flame appeared on the top of his head—this was indeed a sign that he had achieved complete mastery of his cultivation.

In the 27th year of the Shaoxing era of Emperor Gaozong of the Southern Song Dynasty (1157 AD), he cured the Empress Dowager’s eye disease using the "Breath Regulation Therapy" (a Taoist healing technique that involves regulating and emitting vital energy through breathing). The Empress Dowager thus addressed him as "Master Immortal".

The Emperor summoned him and asked about the way to attain longevity and prolonged vitality. Huangfu Tan replied, "Prioritize purity, emptiness, and freedom from excessive desires. 'Even ten thousand volumes of alchemical classics are not as good as upholding [the Dao].'"

The Emperor praised and admired his answer, bestowing upon him copies of the Tao Te Ching, Huangting Jing (Yellow Court Scripture), and Yinfu Jing (Hidden Talisman Scripture) transcribed by the Emperor himself. Huangfu Tan then returned to Mount Qingcheng.

In the first year of the Longxing era of Emperor Xiaozong (1163 AD), the Emperor ordered him to stay at Xianying Temple by West Lake. In the first year of the Qiandao era (1165 AD), he was summoned to tour Mount Wudang. In the second year of Qiandao (1166 AD), he stayed again at Xianying Temple.

In the third year of Qiandao, he conducted prayers for the state at Mount Qianshan, Mount Lushan, and Mount Qingcheng.

In the ninth year of Qiandao (1173 AD), he answered the imperial summons four times, and the Emperor bestowed the plaque name "Qingxu Hermitage" upon his residence.

In the autumn of the fifth year of the Chunxi era (1178 AD), Huangfu Tan passed away due to illness.

His leading disciples included Cao Mishen and Xie Shouhao.

(Source: Lishi Zhenxian Tidao Tongjian Xupian (Continuation of the Comprehensive Mirror of the Authentic Immortals and Practitioners Through the Ages), Volume 3; History of the Song Dynasty·Biographies of Recluses)