The Xia Zhicheng 夏志诚
Paul PengShare
Xia Zhicheng (1173-1255) was a native of Zhangqiu, Jinan, during the Jin and Yuan dynasties. He styled himself Daoist Qingpin (Daoist of Poverty and Purity).
His family had been farmers for generations, and he was known in his hometown for accumulating good deeds. At the age of 19, he refused to marry.
In the first year of the Taihe era (1201), he became a disciple of Qiu Chuji, studying and seeking the profound principles of Quanzhen Taoism, and he persisted in this pursuit day and night without interruption.
Later, he followed Qiu Chuji on his westward journey to the Mongol Empire, and after returning to Yanjing (modern Beijing), Qiu Chuji appointed Xia Zhicheng to manage the affairs of Yuxu Guan (Yuxu Temple).
A few years later, he was again appointed by Qiu to take charge of the affairs of Baiyun Guan (Baiyun Temple). In the fourth year of the Zhengda era (1227), when Qiu Chuji passed away (ascended to immortality in Taoist terms), the Real Person Qinghe (Master Qinghe) invited Xia Zhicheng to oversee the affairs of Changchun Palace. Whenever he handled matters, he did so with wholehearted dedication; in his conduct, he was sincere; towards wealth, he was indifferent; when dealing with others, he was lenient; in serving superiors, he was respectful; in interacting with people, he was honest. All his disciples admired and respected his virtues.
In the 14th year of the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Yuan Dynasty (1242), he asked to retire due to old age and live in leisure. In the third year of the reign of Emperor Dingzong of the Yuan Dynasty (1248), the Taoist leader, the Real Person Zhenchang (Master Zhenchang), conferred on him the title "Master of Innate Virtue and Quiet Purity, Upholding the Dao Without Action" in accordance with imperial favors, and also awarded him a golden crown and a brocade robe.
Xia Zhicheng passed away in the fifth year of the reign of Emperor Xianzong of the Yuan Dynasty (1255) at the age of 83. In the second year of the Zhongtong era (1261), he was posthumously awarded the title "Real Person of Innate Virtue, Upholding the Dao Without Action".
Details of his life can be found in Volume 4 of A Study on the Origin and Development of Changchun Taoism.
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 one of the curators 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 →
