The Wu Zifu 吴自福

Wu Zifu (1280-1355) was a native of Kuozhou during the Yuan Dynasty, which corresponds to present-day Lishui County, Zhejiang Province.

His courtesy name was Meijian. Originally, his family was from Wuxing. Since his ancestors held official positions in Kuozhou, their descendants later became permanent residents of Kuozhou.

As recorded in his Epitaph: Wu Zifu entered Zixu Taoist Temple and studied under Master Ye Bangyan to become a Taoist priest. He read Tao Te Ching and Huangting Jing, and fully comprehended the essential ideas of these classics.

When he grew older, his virtues and moral integrity became particularly prominent. The Celestial Master of the Zhengyi Sect heard of his noble reputation and moral character, so he conferred on him the title "Chongde Qingxiu Ningmiao Dharma Master" (a title signifying high status in the Taoist community) and awarded him a purple robe trimmed with gold. Wu Zifu was also appointed to take charge of the affairs of Zixu Taoist Temple. By nature, Wu Zifu was filial to his parents and friendly to others, and he was able to care for people. He led the Taoist community for as long as fifty years.

In the 15th year of the Zhizheng era (of the Yuan Dynasty), he passed away without suffering from any illness, at the age of seventy-five.