The Zhuang Chun 庄椿

Zhuang Chun was a native of Changzhou during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1736-1795).

His courtesy name was Yuchen, and his literary names included Mengyuan and Tiebai Daoren (Taoist of the Iron Cypress).

He came from a prominent clan in his native prefecture. Since childhood, he had admired Taoism; when he grew up, he gained a profound mastery of the profound essentials of Taoism. After moving to Suzhou, he practiced asceticism in Pengbai Shanfang (Pengbai Mountain Lodge) of Yuanmiao Guan (Yuanmiao Temple). He was proficient in the Fushui Shu (the Taoist art of talismans and sacred water) and skilled in Qirang (rituals for supplication and exorcism) to dispel demons—all his practices were remarkably effective.

In the 20th year of the Qianlong reign (1755), a severe drought struck the Wu region (the area around Suzhou). Zhuang Chun performed a rain-prayer ritual that proved highly effective, and his fame spread far and wide.

(From Yuanmiao Guan Zhi (Annals of Yuanmiao Temple), Volume 4)