The Wang Wenqing 王文卿

Wang Wenqing (1093-1153) was a native of Jianchang Nanfeng (now part of Jiangxi Province) during the late Northern Song Dynasty and early Southern Song Dynasty.

His given name was Jun, courtesy name Shudao, and literary name Chonghezi.

In the first year of the Xuanhe era of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty (1119), he claimed to have encountered an extraordinary person (a hermit or immortal in Taoist context), who taught him the "Method of Flying Memorials to Worship the Emperor" (a Taoist ritual for presenting petitions to celestial emperors) and the "Scripture on Summoning Wind and Thunder" (a Taoist text on controlling natural phenomena through spiritual practice).

In the fourth year of the Xuanhe era (1122), he was summoned to the imperial capital. His teachings and practices met the emperor’s approval, so he was arranged to reside at Jiuyang Zongzhen Palace and conferred the title "Mr. Chongxu Miaodao" (Master of Void Tranquility and Wondrous Dao).

In the seventh year of the Xuanhe era (1125), he was further granted the official rank of "Te Shou Tai Su Da Fu" (Specially Appointed Grand Master of Primeval Purity) and the position of "Ningshen Dian Jiao Ji" (Librarian of the Hall of Condensed Spirits). Shortly after, he was again imperial decreed to hold the post of "Ningshen Dian Shi Chen" (Attendant of the Hall of Condensed Spirits), awarded the title "Jinmen Yuke" (Feathered Guest of the Golden Gate, a honorific for accomplished Taoists), and his parents were posthumously conferred honorary titles as well.

He was ordered by the emperor to perform the "Dafu of Rescuing and Delivering Wandering Souls" (a Taoist ritual for redeeming lost spirits) at Guangde Palace on behalf of the Nanchang Shoulian Division (a celestial Taoist authority in charge of spirit salvation). Soon after, he was promoted to "Liang Fu Shi Chen" (Attendant of the Two Administrative Offices) and given the updated title "Mr. Chongxu Tongmiao" (Master of Void Tranquility and Universal Wondrousness). He was also granted the official rank equivalent to "Tai Zhong Da Fu" (Grand Master of Supreme Harmony), the special title of "Te Jin Huiyou Ge Dai Zhi" (Specially Promoted Compiler of the Huiyou Pavilion), and the responsibility of "Zhu Guan Jiao Men Gong Shi" (Managing Affairs of the Taoist Community).

In the first year of the Jingkang era of Emperor Qinzong (1126), he petitioned to retire and return to the mountains. In the 13th year of the Shaoxing era of Emperor Gaozong (1143), he was summoned again but declined to attend.

In August of the 23rd year of the Shaoxing era (1153), he passed away without illness at the age of 61.

He authored Chongxu Tongmiao Shichen Wang Xiansheng Jia Hua (Family Sayings of Immortal Wang, Attendant of Void Tranquility and Universal Wondrousness). His famous disciples included Zhu Zhiqing, Xiong Shanren (Hermit Xiong), Ping Jingzong, and Yuan Tingzhi.

(Sources: Linchuan Xujiang Zhi [Records of Xujiang in Linchuan]; Lishi Zhenxian Tidao Tongjian [Comprehensive Mirror of Real Immortals and Their Cultivation of the Dao], Volume 53)