The Xie Shouyuan 谢守源

Xie Shouyuan (1134–1212), courtesy name Huaiying, was a native of Yongjia (now part of Zhejiang Province) during the Southern Song Dynasty.

Endowed with keen intelligence and quick wit from a young age, he could grasp the essence of all Confucian classics, philosophical works, and historical records at a single glance. He passed the imperial examination and was admitted to the Shangxiang (Imperial College). Later, he served as a scholar in the residence of Duke Cao Zhongjing. After encountering the True Person Huangfu Tan, he gave up his Confucian scholar’s hat (abandoning his Confucian official career) and officially registered as a Taoist practitioner.

In the 13th year of the Chunxi era of Emperor Xiaozong’s reign (1186), the Transportation Commissioner of Jiangxi requested Xie to take charge of the Yulong Wanshou Palace on Xishan Mountain.

In the first year of the Shaoxi era of Emperor Guangzong’s reign (1190), he was conferred the title "Great Master Guanfu" (Great Master of Observing the Return to the Dao) and appointed as the "Eminent Scholar in Charge" of the Shouning Guan (Shouning Taoist Temple) in the imperial capital.

Xie thoroughly studied books of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism (the "Three Teachings") and various philosophical schools. He compiled Taishang Laojun Hunyuan Huangdi Shilu (Veritable Records of the Hunyuan Emperor Lord Laozi) in seven volumes, which he presented to the emperor. This work caused a great sensation among both the imperial court and common people. In the 4th year of the Shaoxi era (1193), he served again as the abbot of Yulong Wanshou Palace.

In the first year of the Jiatai era of Emperor Ningzong’s reign (1201), he was reappointed as the official in charge of ritual practices (burning incense and cultivating the Dao). Occasionally, he would borrow lecture halls in Buddhist monasteries to preach Buddhist doctrines.

He once wrote Hunyuan Shilu (Abridged title of Veritable Records of the Hunyuan Emperor) and inscribed Jindan Faxiang Lun (Treatise on the Manifest Forms of the Golden Elixir) on silver leaves, which he hid in a cave to await discovery by future generations.

In his later years, he resigned from his official posts and returned to Zihua Peak in Rui’an, Yongjia, where he founded Jiuxing Palace (Nine Stars Palace) and resided there.

In the second month of the 5th year of the Jiading era of Emperor Ningzong’s reign (1222), he passed away without suffering from any illness at the age of 79.

His disciples privately conferred on him the posthumous title "Mr. Xiuwen Fujiao Guanfu" (Mr. Guanfu, Who Cultivates Literature and Assists Education).

(From Lishi Zhenxian Tidao Tongjian Xubian [Continued Comprehensive Mirror of Real Immortals Who Embodied the Dao Through the Ages], Volume 5)