The Jin Shanxin 金善信

Jin Shanxin (1273-1331) was a native of Changzhou, Wujun (now part of Jiangsu Province) during the Yuan Dynasty.

His courtesy name was Shizhi, and he came from a family with a long tradition of Confucian learning.

In his youth, Jin Shanxin was fond of the theories of Laozi and Zhuangzi. When he grew up, he wanted to leave home to seek Taoist teachings, but his parents opposed this. After a long while, he said, "The teachings of Laozi do not necessarily require one to disfigure oneself or cut off all ties with the world, as some people do today.

I feel that [practicing Taoism] is like a lotus flower growing from filth—one can engage with worldly connections on the outside while remaining free from internal conflicts and attachments. Why must I leave my parents then?" Thus, he gave up the idea of leaving home.

Jin Shanxin believed, "The ultimate sages of ancient times did not necessarily wear clothes made of grass, eat wild fruits, or live in caves on mountains. However, learning must have a teacher, so I will seek guidance from those who have mastered the Dao to correct my understanding."

Later, he traveled extensively to visit renowned Taoist masters to study the Dao: Master Lei of Xuanmiao Temple in Suzhou, who was capable of using Taoist talismans to control ghosts and spirits, became his teacher; he also studied under Mo Yueding, from whom he fully inherited the esoteric teachings that were not easily passed down.

Subsequently, Jin Shanxin built Renshou Guan (Renshou Taoist Temple), where he and his disciples delved into and explored the profound essence of Taoism, and their practices were quite effective in manifesting spiritual responses.

Jin Shanxin believed that the fundamental principle of attaining the Dao lies in the following: "When one’s mind and spirit reach the state of utter emptiness, free from being submerged in trivialities; when one’s vital energy (qi) is stabilized and inner light emerges; when all yin (the passive, material force in Taoist cosmology) is eliminated, all yang (the active, spiritual force) will gather naturally. After all, tangible things belong to yin, while intangible things belong to yang. As yang increasingly prevails over yin, one’s vital energy becomes more harmonious and refines one’s essence. Once I attain purity and tranquility, it will be no difficulty to reach the Dao."

Jin Shanxin gained the recognition of the Successor Celestial Master, who held the title of Duke of Liu. He was officially appointed as Daolu (administrator of Taoist affairs) of Guangde Circuit and Tidian (supervisor) of Renshou Guan, and was bestowed the title "Dharma Master of Embodying Benevolence, Upholding Righteousness, and Promoting the Dao."

He passed away due to illness in the second year of the Zhishun era (1331) at the age of 59.