The Zhang Shanyuan 张善渊

The Zhang Shanyuan 张善渊

Paul Peng

Zhang Shanyuan (1206–1275)

Zhang Shanyuan was a native of Benji in Zhao Prefecture (now Zhaoxian County, Hebei Province) during the Jin and Yuan dynasties, and his courtesy name was Jidao.

According to The Epitaph of Master Zhang, the True and Peaceful: Zhang Shanyuan’s father, Zhang Pu, was a disciple of Xiao Fudao—the fourth patriarch of the Taiyi Dao (Great Unity Dao). Influenced by this, Zhang Shanyuan entered the Taoist order.

After the chaos of wars at the end of the Jin Dynasty, when Zhang Shanyuan heard that Xiao Fudao had crossed the river northward, he rushed to serve him. Xiao Fudao immediately appointed him to oversee the affairs of Taiqing Taoist Temple.

In the second year of the Yuan Xianzong era (1252), Zhang Shanyuan accompanied Xiao Fudao on a northern journey to meet the imperial prince at his residence. He was then awarded the additional title "Master Zhenjing" (True and Peaceful Master) and reassigned to the position of "Tiandian" (Overseer) of Taoist Affairs in the Weihui Circuit.

Zhang Shanyuan was inherently upright, resolute, and virtuous. He was quick-witted in handling matters and skilled at making decisions. He loved reading and had a thorough knowledge of various historical records and the works of the Hundred Schools of Thought. He was also proficient in Taoist arts, particularly skilled at performing prayer rituals (daorang) and sacrificial ceremonies (jiaoji).

Zhang Shanyuan passed away from illness in the twelfth year of the Yuan Zhiyuan era (1275) at the age of 70.
Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

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 →
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