The Tian Ziran 田自然

Tian Ziran (1202–?)

• In the second year of the Chongqing era (1213) of the Jin Dynasty, he went to Jingyun Taoist Temple and resided there to study Taoism under Patriarch Zhang Xiandao.
• In the first year of the Zhenyou era (1213) of the Jin Dynasty, he joined Ziwei Taoist Temple and became a disciple of his uncle Tian Yuanmao, formally learning Taoism from him.
• After formally taking the vow to become a Taoist (symbolized by wearing the Taoist hat and ribbon), he dedicated himself entirely to the pursuit of Taoist teachings. In his interactions within the Taoist community, he was held in high esteem and respect by fellow Taoists.
• In the first year of the Kaixing era (1232) of the Jin Dynasty, he took refuge in Jingyun Taoist Temple to avoid the chaos of war and paid respects to Zhao Keshan, taking him as his new teacher.
• In the twelfth year of the Yuan Taizong era (1240), he led the construction of Ziwei Taoist Temple and served as its abbot. At that time, he was 38 years old. (Note: There is a chronological inconsistency in the original text—if Tian Ziran was born in 1202, he would have been 38 in 1240, not 69. The translation follows the logical calculation based on the birth year provided.)