The Zhang Dechun 张德纯

Zhang Dechun was a native of Luoyang in the late Yuan Dynasty. His original given name was Heng, and his literary name was Bizhi (Jade-like Mushroom). As recorded in Jingai Xindeng (The Lamp of the Heart at Golden Canopy): His family was wealthy for generations, and he enjoyed associating with alchemists and practitioners of esoteric arts, while being tireless in discussing and studying [Taoist teachings].

Later, due to the fall of his family and suffering from illness, he realized that all his previous pursuits were nothing but delusions, which brought no benefit to his physical and spiritual well-being. Thus, he abandoned his family to become a Taoist monk. At the age of over 30, he studied under Zhao Daojian and devoted himself to mastering the fundamental doctrines of the Longmen Sect (Dragon Gate Sect) of Taoism.

He served his teacher for 18 years. During this period, although he never received explicit instruction (from his teacher), his sincerity and respect remained unwavering. Recognizing that Zhang Dechun was a talent destined for the Taoist community, Zhao Daojian imparted to him the "Heart Method" (the core, esoteric teaching of Taoism). Later, Zhang Dechun lived in seclusion on Huashan Mountain (Mount Hua) and dedicated several decades to upholding and propagating the disciplinary teachings (of the Longmen Sect).

He passed away in July of the 27th year of the Zhizheng era (1367). He was regarded as the second-generation "Disciplinary Master" (Lüshi) of the Longmen Sect.