The Xiao Baozhen 萧抱珍
Paul PengShare
Xiao Baozhen (?–1166) was a native of Weizhou (present-day Jixian County, Henan Province) during the transitional period between the Song and Jin dynasties.
In his youth, he claimed to have obtained a secret Taoist talisman bestowed by an immortal. Skilled in the Taoist arts of prayer and exorcism, he often used talismans and "talisman-charged water" to treat illnesses for common people in villages and counties, and employed prayers and incantations to dispel locust plagues—his practices were quite effective.
In the early years of the Tianjuan era (1138–1140), he founded the Taiyi Sect (a Taoist school) under the name of transmitting the "Taiyi Sanyuan Talismanic Doctrine," and established Taiyi Hall, the first Taoist hermitage, in Jixian County, Henan.
He held the view that "the term 'Taiyi' (the Great Unity) derives from the meanings of the primordial qi in its chaotic, unseparated state, the division of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji), and the pure oneness of the supreme principle."
His sect used Taoist talismanic and shamanistic rituals to govern the world, and adopted Laozi’s teachings for self-cultivation. In northern China, the number of its followers grew day by day, and it gained approval from the royal family of the Jin Dynasty.
In the 8th year of the Huangtong era of Emperor Xizong of Jin (1148), Xiao was summoned to the capital to treat members of the royal family. The emperor bestowed an order to rename his hermitage "Taiyi Wanshou Guan" (Taiyi Longevity Taoist Temple), which was soon renamed "Taiyi Guangfu Wanshou Gong" (Taiyi Palace of Universal Blessings and Longevity). From then on, the Taiyi Sect became prominent.
In the 2nd year of the Dading era of Emperor Shizong of Jin (1162), an imperial edict was issued allowing people to purchase Taoist ordination certificates by donating grain. Taking this opportunity, Xiao Baozhen founded two more Taoist temples—Taiqing Guan and Yingxiang Guan—and initiated a large number of disciples.
With the support of the imperial court, the Taiyi Sect developed rapidly. Xiao Baozhen passed away in the 6th year of the Dading era, and was posthumously awarded the honorific title "Zhenren (True Person) of Taiyi Who Awakens to the Dao and Transmits the Teachings," commonly known as "Zhenren of One Awakening."
Accounts of his life can be found in The Biography of Buddhist and Taoist Figures in the History of the Yuan Dynasty.
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 the curator 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 →
