The Liu Yuanran 刘渊然

The Liu Yuanran 刘渊然

Paul Peng
Liu Yuanran (1351-1432) was a native of Gan County, Jiangxi Province, in the early Ming Dynasty.

His literary name was Tixuanzi (also recorded as Tiyuanzi).

History of the Ming Dynasty·Biography of Zhang Zhengchang states: He became a Taoist priest at Xiangfu Taoist Temple in his early years.
Later, he studied under Zhao Yuanyang at Ziyang Taoist Temple in Yudu County, and was taught the doctrines of the Jingming School of Loyalty and Filial Piety, Taoist talismans and incantations, as well as the "Golden-Fire Elixir" (a major alchemical elixir in Taoism). He was capable of summoning thunder, lightning, wind and rain, and subduing ghosts and spirits. He was also proficient in medicine.

When interacting with others, he regarded loyalty and filial piety as the fundamental principles of life.

In the 26th year of the Hongwu reign of Emperor Taizu (1393), he was summoned to the imperial capital and conferred the title "Senior Daoist". The number of his disciples and followers grew day by day.

He was ordered to reside at Chaotian Palace; later, Xishan Taoist Abbey was built for him to live in. In the early years of the Yongle reign of Emperor Chengzu (1403), he offended powerful officials and was exiled to Yunnan.

When Emperor Renzong ascended the throne (1425), Liu Yuanran was recalled to the imperial capital. He was conferred the title "True Person of Profound Emptiness, Supreme Dao, Mysterious Subtlety, Non-Action, Brilliant Example, Spreading Teaching, Solemn Tranquility, Universal Salvation and Eternal Spring", and was granted a official seal and imperial certificate, with the authority to oversee all Taoist affairs across the country.

In the first year of the Xuande reign of Emperor Xuanzong (1426), his title was promoted to "Great True Person". He later passed away in Nanjing. His deeds are also recorded in Records of the Jingming Taoist School.
Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

About the Author

Paul Peng

Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is one of the curators of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.

Read his full story →
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