The Wang Shouyan 王寿衍

Wang Shouyan (1270-1350) was a native of Hangzhou during the Yuan Dynasty.

His courtesy name was Meisou, and his literary names were Xuanlan and Xiyue Sanren (Wanderer of the Stream and Moon).

From childhood, Wang Shouyan was deeply committed to Taoism. In the 21st year of the Zhiyuan era (1284), Taoist "True Person" Chen Yigao served as a literary official for Prince Liang and resided at Sisheng Yanxiang Temple. Wang Shouyan was initiated as Chen’s disciple there.

At the age of 15, he accompanied Chen Yigao to the imperial capital, where he was presented to Crown Prince Yu (the heir apparent) in the Eastern Palace. Later, when Chen Yigao traveled north with Prince Liang, Wang Shouyan went with him and they stayed at Hachamudun. In the 24th year of the Zhiyuan era (1287), Wang Shouyan was put in charge of the overall affairs of Sisheng Yanxiang Temple.

In the 25th year of the Zhiyuan era (1288), the 36th Successor Celestial Master conferred upon him the title of "Lingmiao Zhenchang Dharma Master" and appointed him as Daolu (Administrator of Taoist Affairs) of Yuanzhou Circuit.

Before taking up this post, he was reassigned to the position of Tiju (Administrator) of Kaiyuan Palace in Hangzhou.

In the 29th year of the Zhiyuan era (1292), the 37th Successor Celestial Master added the honorific "Chongjiao" (Promoter of Teaching) to his title.

In the 1st year of the Yuanzhen era (1295), he received an imperial edict (sealed with the imperial jade seal) appointing him as Tidian (Supervisor) and Abbot of Yousheng Temple in Hangzhou. In the 3rd year of the Dade era (1299), he was ordered by imperial decree to travel north with Princess Hulashen and assigned to serve Prince Jin. In the 5th year of the Dade era (1301), he was officially appointed as Daolu of Longxing Circuit and Tidian cum Abbot of Yulong Wanshou Palace. In the 8th year of the Dade era (1304), he was officially appointed as Tidian cum Abbot of Kaiyuan Palace. In the 1st year of the Huangqing era (1312), Emperor Renzong specially conferred upon him the title of "Lingmiao Zhenchang Chongjiao True Person".

In the 1st year of the Yanyou era (1314), his title was changed to "Hongwen Fudao Cuide True Person"; he was placed in charge of all Taoist temples and palaces in Hangzhou Circuit, retained the post of Abbot of Kaiyuan Palace, and was granted a silver official seal, with a rank equivalent to the second grade of imperial officials.

In the 4th year of the Yanyou era (1317), he was ordered by imperial decree to conduct sacrificial rituals on behalf of the court at the Northern Great Mountain (Beiyue Hengshan), the Jidu Water God Shrine, the Altar of Heaven (Tiantan), Zhongqiu Shrine, and Chaoyuan Palace in Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng).

In the 2nd year of the Zhishun era (1331), he was ordered by imperial decree to go to Longhu Mountain to supervise Taoist ritual ceremonies (jiao). In the 1st year of the Zhiyuan era (1335, a later era with the same name), he presided over the construction of a grand Golden Register Ritual (Jinlu Da Jiao, a major Taoist sacrificial ceremony) at Sisheng Yanxiang Temple.

Wang Shouyan had profound insight and a broad-minded bearing. Though holding high and prominent positions, he remained humble; though in a position of abundance and honor, he stayed modest. He dedicated himself to supporting Xuanjiao (a major Taoist school of the Yuan Dynasty) and promoting the legacy of Taoist ancestors, so his reputation in the Taoist community grew increasingly prominent.

In dealing with people and matters, he was particularly free from rigid formalities. He had a nature of being generous in giving and enjoyed composing essays and poems.

In the 10th year of the Zhizheng era (1350), he passed away at Kaixuan Taoist Abbey on Bailiao Mountain in Deqing County, Huzhou, at the age of 81.

His well-known disciple was Chen Zihao.