The Wu Quanjie 吴全节

Wu Quanjie (1269-1346) was a native of Anren, Raozhou (now Yujiang County, Jiangxi Province) in the Yuan Dynasty.

His courtesy name was Chengli, and his literary name was Elder Xianxian (the Leisurely Elder).

He became a Taoist monk in his childhood and studied under Master Li of Daguan Hall in Qingzhengyi Palace on Longhu Mountain. Later, he further pursued his studies with Lei Siqi of Kongshan (Empty Mountain), delving deeply into the doctrines of The I Ching (Book of Changes) and Laozi (Tao Te Ching).

In the 24th year of the Zhiyuan era (1287), Master Zhang Liusun summoned him to the imperial capital. Wu Quanjie then studied under Zhang Liusun and assisted in ritual ceremonies.

In the 30th year of the Zhiyuan era (1294), Emperor Chengzong of the Yuan Dynasty granted him an audience. He gained the emperor’s profound favor, was ordered to accompany the emperor on imperial tours, and repeatedly received commissions to preside over sacrificial rituals for famous mountains, rivers, and waterways.

In the 2nd year of the Dade era (1298), by imperial decree, he was appointed as "Xongsu Chongdao Xuande Dharma Master" (Dharma Master of Quiet Simplicity, Venerating Dao, and Mysterious Virtue) and Tidian (Supervisor) of Chongzhen Wanshou Palace in Dadu (the Yuan Dynasty capital, present-day Beijing).

In the 11th year of the Dade era (1307), when Emperor Wuzong ascended the throne, Wu Quanjie was appointed "Successor Master of Xuanjiao" (Mysterious Teaching), "Chief Tidian of Taoism in Jianghuai, Jingxiang and Other Regions", and "Xuande True Person of Honoring Literature and Promoting Dao". He was awarded a silver official seal, holding a rank equivalent to the third grade in the imperial official hierarchy.

In the 3rd year of the Zhida era (1310), his ancestors and father were posthumously conferred with honors. He was ordered to return to his hometown to glorify his family lineage.

In the 2nd year of the Zhizhi era of Emperor Yingzong (1322), Wu Quanjie succeeded Zhang Liusun, taking charge of Xuanjiao. He was appointed "Tejin Shangqing" (Extraordinary Grand Minister), "Great Master of Xuanjiao", and "Xuande Guanghua True Person of Honoring Literature and Expanding Dao". He concurrently served as the chief supervisor of Taoism in Jianghuai, Jingxiang and other regions, and was put in charge of Taoist affairs at the Jixian Academy. He held a first-grade silver official seal.

In the 2nd year of the Taiding era (1325), he was additionally granted the titles of "Duke of Rao", "Guanglu Dafu" (Grand Master of Glorious Prosperity), and "Dasitu" (Minister of Education and Rituals). From the reign of Emperor Renzong (1316) to the 2nd year of the Zhishun era (1331), he successively received imperial orders to hold jiao (Taoist ritual ceremonies) at Longhu Mountain, Zao Mountain, Juqu Mountain and other places. In his later years, he retired and returned to Longhu Mountain.

Throughout his life, he was highly revered by the imperial family. He enjoyed associating with scholar-officials and was known for his chivalrous spirit. He was well-read, proficient in writing prose and composing poetry. His work Kan Yun Ji (Collection of Cloud-Watching Essays) consists of 26 volumes and was circulated in the world. He focused on Taoist classic theories, fulu (Taoist talismans) and zhaijiao (Taoist fasting rituals), and was also versed in the esoteric techniques of refining golden elixirs. In his later years, he also created Huanshu Tang Hua (Paintings of Huanshu Hall) and Xiantian Tu (Diagram of the Primordial Heaven). He also authored Xiantan Ji (Record of the Immortal Altar).

He passed away in the 6th year of the Zhizheng era (1346) at the age of 78. He was the second Great Master of Xuanjiao in the Yuan Dynasty.