Xiao Baozhen, the founder of the Taiyi Dao school

Xiao Baozhen, a figure who left a profound mark on the development of Taoism. Although his exact birth year is difficult to trace, he was active in the early Jin Dynasty. He was from Weizhou, Weihui Road (now Weihui City, Henan Province), and also known as Yuan Sheng.

In the early years of Tianjuan during the reign of Emperor Xizong of the Jin Dynasty, Xiao Baozhen's religious activities gradually emerged. Originally, he received the secret talismans from an immortal. Through painstaking study and practice, he evolved them into the unique "Taiyi Three - Yuan Talisman." Centering around this, he founded a religious sect and began preaching in Weizhou, officially kicking off the development of Taiyi Taoism. Taiyi Taoism adheres to unique doctrines. It uses the teachings of Laozi to cultivate the body and mind, guiding believers to seek peace and transcendence in their inner world. It participates in worldly affairs with the techniques of witches and shamans, hoping to have a positive impact on society through mysterious rituals and powers. At the same time, it uses the method of talismans to help the world and save people, relieving the people of diseases, eliminating disasters, and praying for blessings. Xiao Baozhen especially emphasized that "inner cultivation is the main focus, and talismans are for application." He advocated that believers study the *Tao Te Ching* in depth, understand the philosophical idea that "weakness is the essence of the Tao," and was also deeply influenced by Confucianism. He integrated traditional Confucian ethics such as loyalty and filial piety into the religious doctrines, enabling Taiyi Taoism to find a unique balance between seclusion from the world and engagement in it.

In 1148 (the 8th year of Huangtong), Xiao Baozhen's reputation spread far and wide, attracting the attention of Emperor Xizong of the Jin Dynasty. He was summoned to the imperial court, and Emperor Xizong bestowed the name "Taiyi Wanshou Guan" on the nunnery where he lived. This undoubtedly greatly enhanced the influence and status of Taiyi Taoism. In 1166 (the 6th year of Dading), Xiao Baozhen passed away. Before his death, he left an important will, stipulating that those who succeed to the teachings in the future and are not surnamed Xiao must change their surname to Xiao, ensuring the uniqueness and stability of the sect's inheritance.

Later generations highly recognized Xiao Baozhen's contributions. In 1252 (the 2nd year of the reign of Emperor Xianzong of the Yuan Dynasty), he was posthumously honored as "Taiyi Yīwù Zhenren." Kublai Khan, Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty, even highly praised him, saying, "Achieving enlightenment in the Tao, expounding the Three - Yuan through talismans, founding the gate of Taiyi, secretly assisting in governance and transformation, and silently safeguarding the country. Even Zhang Daoling of the Han Dynasty and Kou Qianzhi of the Wei Dynasty could not surpass him." He was also granted the title of "Taiyi Yīwù Chuanjiao Zhenren," and the "Taiyi Wanshou Guan" was renamed "Taiyi Guangfu Wanshou Gong," highlighting the important position of Xiao Baozhen and the Taiyi Taoism he founded in the history of Taoism development. 

How Foreign Believers Can Obtain Taoist Tokens and Receive Blessings

For foreign believers who want to obtain Taoist tokens and experience the mysterious blessings from the East, they can do so through the following methods:

Online Taoist Temple Platforms

Nowadays, many Taoist temples in China have official websites or online platforms.,such as Longhu Mountain Store.

On these platforms, believers can learn about the types, effects, and acquisition methods of Taoist tokens. Some Taoist temples also offer online form a bond (the act of forming a bond with the Taoist culture) services. Believers only need to follow the instructions on the website, fill in relevant information, and pay a certain fee (some are free for form a bond, but only postage needs to be paid), and they may obtain their desired Taoist tokens. Before placing an order, be sure to carefully read the relevant instructions of the Taoist temple to ensure that you understand the origin, use, and relevant precautions of the tokens.

Professional Taoist Culture Institutions

There are also some professional institutions abroad that are engaged in the dissemination of Taoist culture. These institutions usually have close cooperation with Taoist temples or Taoist organizations in China. They regularly hold Taoist cultural activities, such as lectures and seminars. In these activities, there may be displays and form a bond activities of Taoist tokens. Believers can follow the official websites and social media accounts of these institutions to obtain activity information in a timely manner and actively participate. In addition, these institutions may also sell some authorized Taoist tokens in their online stores, and believers can purchase them with confidence.

Visiting Taoist Temples

If conditions permit, foreign believers can visit Taoist temples in China in person and participate in the Dharma assemblies and blessing activities held by the temples. In these activities, not only can they experience the religious atmosphere of Taoism up close, but they can also consult the Taoist priests in the temple about Taoist beliefs and cultivation issues. They also have the opportunity to obtain Taoist tokens blessed by the Taoist priests. When visiting the Taoist temple, respect the religious etiquette and regulations of the temple and maintain a humble and reverent attitude.