The Meng Zhizhou 孟智周
Paul PengShare
Meng Zhizhou
Meng Zhizhou was a native of Jianye in Danyang (present-day Jiangning County, Jiangsu Province) during the Southern Dynasties, and was known by the sobriquet "Xiao Meng" (Little Meng).
He was erudite and knowledgeable. As stated in San Dong Zhu Nang (The Pearl Satchel of the Three Grottoes) and Shang Qing Dao Lei Shi Xiang (Matters Related to the Daoist School of Shangqing): During the Liu Song Dynasty (one of the Southern Dynasties), he gave lectures at Chongxu Abbey and composed Shifang Chanwen (Repentance Text for the Ten Directions). He had a comprehensive grasp of most Daoist scriptures.

When Prince Liang Jinghui (Liang Jinghui Wang) governed the region of Shenzhi, he invited Meng Zhizhou to ascend the altar and lecture on Daoist scriptures.
Fa Yun, a Buddhist monk from Guangzhai Temple, once delivered lectures on Buddhist scriptures, demonstrating profound understanding and eloquent expression. When he interacted with Meng Zhizhou, Meng responded with equally elaborate and persuasive arguments—his explanations of Daoist doctrines were clear and illuminating, leaving all the Buddhist monks present sighing in admiration and submission.
It is recorded that he once wrote works including Laozi Yishu (Commentaries on the Meaning of Laozi), a five-volume text, and Daode Xuanyi (Profound Meaning of the Dao and Its Virtue), a thirty-three-volume text.
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 →