The Liu Zhizhen 刘志真

Liu Zhizhen was a native of Santang in Shaanxi during the Jin and Yuan dynasties. His courtesy name was Zichang, and his literary name was "Chunxi Zi" (Master of Pure Radiance). He had a passion for the works of Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor) and Laozi (founder of Taoism), so he abandoned his family to become a Taoist priest.

As recorded in The Stele of Daoist Master Liu, the Universal Benefactor, on His Conduct and Practice, he resided in Xuandu Palace, where he met Han Xianweng (Immortal Elder Han, a term of respect for a Taoist adept). From Han, he received the transmission of the "Precious Pearl Illumination Method" (a Taoist spiritual practice).

In the 11th year of the Taizong era of the Yuan Dynasty (1239), Taoist Master Song Piyun carved and published Taoist scriptures in Hefen (a historical region covering parts of present-day Shanxi and Shaanxi). Liu Zhizhen went there to follow Song, treating him as his mentor and observing the etiquette of a disciple. Song Piyun taught him the "Purple Void Talisman Secrets" (esoteric Taoist knowledge related to talismans), and Liu Zhizhen studied diligently and practiced earnestly. Later, he was further taught the "Shangqing Three Grottoes and Five Thunders Talisman Method" (a high-level Taoist ritual and talismanic practice associated with the Shangqing School).

Liu Zhizhen’s mastery of Taoist doctrines and practices advanced significantly, and he became famous for his "supernatural manifestations" (miraculous responses to his rituals). When Kublai Khan (later Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty) was still the Crown Prince, he heard of Liu’s reputation and tested him on his talismanic methods—all of which yielded remarkably obvious and effective responses. The Crown Prince then bestowed upon him "imperial wine" and a "celestial robe" (a robe symbolizing spiritual sanctity), and conferred on him the additional title of "Master of Universal Beneficence" (Puji Dashi). Liu was retained to live in the imperial guest quarters, ready to be summoned when needed. From this point on, his reputation in the Taoist community grew day by day, and his influence prevailed for a time.

In the first year of the Zhongtong era (1260), an imperial edict ordered Liu Zhizhen to go to Changchun Palace (a major Taoist temple in the Yuan capital) to hold the "Luotian Qingjiao" (a grand Taoist ritual for celestial worship and blessing). Liu presided over this important ceremony. The following year, he was commanded by the emperor to conduct prayer rituals at the "Yue Du"—the sacred mountains (Yue) and rivers (Du) that were venerated in traditional Chinese religion.

On his way back, he passed through his hometown and decided to stay there permanently, no longer returning to the capital. He eventually passed away due to illness at the age of sixty-six.