The Mao Weiqian 毛惟谦

Mao Weiqian (1275-1337) was a native of Yiyangli, Guixi (now part of Jiangxi Province) during the Yuan Dynasty. His courtesy name was Zhongyi, and people of his time honored him with the title "Mr. Liu Qiu Yu" (Mr. Liu of the Autumn Cosmos).

According to the Stele Inscription of Mr. Mao by Chen Lü: Mao Weiqian studied under Zeng Guanweng at Longhu Mountain (a sacred site of Taoism). His teacher tested him on multiple occasions, and Mao Weiqian demonstrated consistent moral integrity and resolve in every test. Thus, his teacher instructed him to wear Taoist robes, formally initiated him as a disciple, and imparted the essential teachings of Taoism to him. Mao Weiqian’s reputation and fame grew increasingly widespread over time. The 38th Successor Celestial Master (of the Taoist Celestial Master lineage) promoted him to the position of Daozheng (Administrator of Taoist Affairs) of Yangzhou. Later, the 39th Successor Celestial Master appointed him to take charge of the official documents and records of the Celestial Master Mansion. Mao Weiqian handled these duties calmly and appropriately, never making a single mistake or omission.

In the early years of the Taiding era (1324-1328), the Great Master of the Xuanjiao Sect (a major Taoist school of the Yuan Dynasty) recommended Mao Weiqian to the imperial court. He was then conferred the title "Su Dharma Master of Pure Truth and Profound Subtlety" and appointed to oversee the affairs of Guangfu Lingzhen Palace in Yongjia. Later, he returned to his former residence at Longhu Mountain, where he restrained his intellectual vanity and talent, lived in a state of calm indifference without striving for fame or gain, and wandered leisurely among the mountains and waters.

People of that era, impressed by his clear, serene demeanor and broad-minded spirit, called him "Mr. Qiu Yu" (Mr. Autumn Cosmos).

In the third year of the Zhiyuan era (1337), Mao Weiqian passed away without suffering from any illness at the age of 60.