The Taiyi Sect 太一教

Also known as the Taiyi Dao, it was one of the three new Taoist sects that emerged in northern China in the early Jin Dynasty.

Founded by Xiao Baozhen in Weizhou (with its administrative seat in present-day Jixian County, Henan Province) during the Tianjuan period of the Jin Dynasty (1138 - 1140). There are two theories about the origin of the name "Taiyi" used by this sect. One theory holds that the sect was named "Taiyi" because it passed down the Taiyi Sanyuan Fulu (the Three Yuan Talismans of Taiyi) (as recorded in The History of the Yuan Dynasty·Biography of Buddhists and Taoists).

Another theory suggests that the name comes from the meaning of "the primordial qi is indistinct, the Taiji is divided, and the supreme principle is pure and unified" (as stated in the Stele of Rebuilding Taiyi Guangfu Wanshou Palace in the 3rd year of the Zhiyuan period). It is said that Xiao Baozhen once received "secret talismans" from immortals and sages, was skilled in the techniques of "prayer and incantation", and also used talismans to treat people's illnesses, so he had a large number of disciples and became known to the imperial court. In the 8th year of the Huangtong period of Emperor Xizong of the Jin Dynasty (1148), the imperial court summoned him to the palace to treat the empress. He was highly respected and granted the title of "Taiyi Wanshou Guan" (Taiyi Longevity Temple) to the nunnery where he lived. After his death, Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty posthumously awarded him the title of "Taiyi Yiwu Zhenren" (Real Person of Taiyi with One Insight) and renamed "Taiyi Wanshou Guan" as "Taiyi Guangfu Wanshou Gong" (Taiyi Palace of Extensive Blessings and Longevity).

The second patriarch Xiao Daoxi (originally surnamed Han) and the third patriarch Xiao Zhichong (originally surnamed Wang) inherited his Tao. Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty conferred on the fourth patriarch Xiao Fudao the title of "Taiyi Zhonghe Renjing Zhenren" (Real Person of Taiyi with Moderation, Harmony, Benevolence and Tranquility).

The fifth patriarch Xiao Jushou (originally surnamed Li) was also treated with courtesy by Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty. In the 12th year of the Zhiyuan period (1274), the emperor ordered the construction of Taiyi Palace in the two capitals, appointed him to preside over the affairs of the palace, and also to offer sacrifices to the Liuding Gods. He was awarded the seal of Taiyi Sect Leader and the title of "Taiyi Yanhua Zhenchang Zhenren" (Real Person of Taiyi with Evolution and Pure Permanence). The sixth patriarch Xiao Quanyou (originally surnamed Li) succeeded him and was also granted the title of "Zhenren". In the 2nd year of the Yanyou period of Emperor Renzong of the Yuan Dynasty (1315), the seventh patriarch Xiao Tianyou (originally surnamed Cai), in the capacity of "Taichongxuan Tisu Yandao Zhenren" (Real Person of Supreme Mysterious and Simple Evolution), together with Zhang Liusun, the grand master of the Zhengyi Sect's Xuanjiao, and Sun Decheng, the leader of the Quanzhen Sect, held the Jinlu Puti Da Jiao (Golden Register Universal Salvation Ceremony) in Changchun Palace in Dadu (present-day White Cloud Temple in Beijing). In the 1st year of the Taiding period (1324), the seventh patriarch, together with Wu Quanjie, Xia Wenyong, Liu Shangping, etc., led thousands of Taoist masters and priests to hold the Jinlu Zhou Tian Da Jiao (Golden Register Universal Heaven Ceremony) in Chongzhen Wanshou Palace in Dadu.

The Taiyi Sect flourished for 200 years and was still active at the end of the Yuan Dynasty. After the seventh patriarch, there are no historical records, and its inheritance is unclear. The Taiyi Sect attached great importance to talismans and rituals, similar to the Zhengyi Sect; however, it stipulated that Taoists must become monks, which distinguished it from the Zhengyi Sect. The founder of the sect stipulated that all those who inherit the teaching and are not surnamed Xiao must change their surname to Xiao. During the Yuan Dynasty, it was deeply influenced by Neo-Confucianism and regarded loyalty, faithfulness, filial piety and kindness as the essentials of conduct.