The Xu Yangguo 徐阳果
Paul PengShare
Xu Yangguo was a native of Guangfu, Jiangsu Province during the Qianlong and Jiaqing reigns of the Qing Dynasty.
His original name was Renhe, with courtesy names Bingliang and Yuyun, and his art name was Zhitian.

The Lamp of the Heart at Jinge Mountain records: Yangguo had a thorough understanding of the principles of the I Ching and was well-versed in Buddhist doctrines. He resided temporarily in Tiger Hill (Hufu) and was known as a "kind-hearted person."
In the eighth year of the Jiaqing reign (1803), he formed a senior-junior disciple relationship with Master Lanyun (a Taoist Master of the Vinaya). He took Master Lanyun’s place in making great efforts to protect the Life-Release River at Tiger Hill, and also persuaded Hong Xi of Gusu (Suzhou) and others to provide assistance to Jinge Mountain—these deeds were indeed meritorious.
Later, he went to Huguan, where he founded a Shantang (Charity Hall) and built a Qiliusuo (Shelter for the Homeless), providing shelter for hundreds of displaced people.
Subsequently, he received the Three Great Precepts and adopted his current name (Yangguo).
He served as the Chief of Life Protection in Gusu (Suzhou) and was the Twelfth-Generation Master of the Vinaya in the Longmen (Dragon Gate) Sect of 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 →