The Wang Chuyi 王处一
Paul PengShare
Wang Chuyi (1142–1217)
Wang Chuyi was a native of Ninghai (now Muping District, Shandong Province) during the Jin Dynasty.
As recorded in Volume 3 of Xu Bian Lishi Zhenxian Tidao Tongjian (Continued Mirror of the Path of Perfected Immortals Through the Ages): His courtesy name was Yuyang, and his literary names included "Jinyangzi" (Master Jinyang), "Yuyangzi" (Master Yuyang), "Huayangzi" (Master Huayang), and "Lianfeng Yishi" (Recluse of Lotus Peak). He was known among the people as "Yuyang Zhenren" (Perfected One Yuyang).
In the 8th year of the Dading era (1168), he met Wang Chongyang, the founder of the Quanzhen School of Taoism, and formally became his disciple. He practiced Taoism in Yinxia Cave on Kunyu Mountain, and later lived in seclusion in Yunguang Cave on Tiecha Mountain in Wendeng County. He was the founder of the Yushan Branch of the Quanzhen School.
In the 27th year of the Dading era (1187), Emperor Shizong of the Jin Dynasty issued an imperial edict summoning him to the imperial court. His responses to the emperor’s questions fully met the imperial will.
In the 28th year of the Dading era (1188), he was summoned to the capital again. The imperial court ordered the construction of Xiuzhen Guan (Xiuzhen Taoist Temple) for him, granted a plaque inscribed with golden calligraphy, and appointed him to preside over the Taoist ritual (jiao) for the Wanchun Festival (the emperor’s birthday).
In the 3rd year of the Taihe era (1203), Emperor Zhangzong of the Jin Dynasty ordered him to preside over the "Pudu Da Jiao" (a grand Taoist ritual for universal salvation) at the Taiqing Palace in Bozhou.
In the 7th year of the Taihe era (1207), the Yuan Imperial Concubine presented him with a set of Xuandu Baozang (a collection of Taoist scriptures), which was placed in the Shenshui Yuxu Guan (Shenshui Yuxu Taoist Temple).
Wang Chuyi passed away in the 5th year of the Zhenyou era (1217) at Shenshui Yuxu Guan during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Jin Dynasty. In the 6th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1296), he was posthumously conferred the title "Yuyang Tixuan Guangdu Zhenren" (Perfected One Yuyang, Who Embodies Mystery and Broadly Benefits All). He was one of the "Seven True Disciples of the North" of the Quanzhen School.
During his nine years of practicing Taoism in Yunguang Cave, he compiled more than 600 of his own poems, ci (a traditional Chinese poetic form), songs, and prose, which were collected under the title Yunguang Ji (Collection of Cloud and Light).
In addition, he authored works such as Xiyue Huashan Zhi (Records of Huashan Mountain, the Western Great Mountain) and Qingzhen Ji (Collection of Pure Truth), in which he expounded his Taoist thoughts, including the concepts of "quietness and non-action," "realizing truth and returning to simplicity," "cultivating inner alchemy," and "nurturing nature for longevity."
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 the curator 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 →
