Taoist Monasticism: Origins and Practices

Monasticism means leaving one's family and entering the Taoist path. The monastic system in Taoism did not exist at the beginning of Taoism, but gradually emerged, and it may even have appeared under the influence of the Buddhist monastic system.

Generally, the northern sects represented by the Quanzhen School of Taoism advocate that Taoist priests should become monastics, while the southern sects represented by the Zhengyi School of Taoism do not lay much emphasis on it, and Taoist priests can live at home. After the Jin and Yuan dynasties, taking the Quanzhen Longmen School in Wudang Mountain as an example, the Taoist priests in Wudang Mountain were all monastics who left their families and lived in temples. Those who wish to enter the Tao first need to 拜 a teacher and go through a strict three - year test. If their conduct is considered qualified, a ceremony will be held, and they will obtain Taoist robes, hats, and Taoist certificates to become official Taoist priests. Before the Yuan Dynasty, Taoist priests could accept disciples and teach scriptures and techniques.

During the Ming Dynasty, the Taoist temples became the imperial family temples, and Taoist priests without a government - issued ordination certificate were not allowed to live in various Taoist temples in Wudang Mountain. Since the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, each Taoist temple has been able to accept disciples on its own. When recruiting Taoist disciples, those who wish to enter the Tao are required to make seventeen vows first, that is, seventeen guarantees. They are:

1. Do not kill living beings, because it will cut off the holy lineage;

2. Never drink alcohol, because it will corrupt one's nature;

3. Never eat meat, because the body is of the same nature as all living beings;

4. Do not eat any pungent food, because it will hinder one from ascending to heaven;

5. Do not commit lust, because it will disrupt one's mind;

6. Do not speak of others' faults, because people dislike hearing them;

7. Do not be greedy for wealth, because it will hinder the practice of Tao;

8. Diligently cultivate merits and virtues to adorn oneself;

9. Do not disturb others, because it will create grudges and karmic obstacles;

10. Do not give up on benefiting others, because others are no different from oneself;

11. Never tell lies, because people will not believe you;

12. Never be slack, because it will weaken the heart of pursuing Tao;

13. Learn all expedient methods to achieve the wisdom of enlightenment;

14. Never steal, because one must keep one's promise and repay;

15. Continuously practice fasting at home to achieve a unified mind;

16. Always contemplate the emptiness and tranquility of all Dharmas to quickly progress on the Taoist path;

17. Always be simple and silent like a fool to keep oneself peaceful.

道教出家制度与十七愿
Taoist Monasticism and the Seventeen Sacred Vows

The Evolution of Taoist Monastic Tradition

出家 (Chujia) - literally meaning "leaving home" - represents the profound spiritual commitment of abandoning worldly life to enter the sacred realm of Taoist practice. This monastic tradition, while not original to early Taoism, evolved gradually and may have been influenced by Buddhist monastic systems.

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The practice of Taoist monasticism varies significantly between different schools, creating a rich tapestry of spiritual approaches within the broader Taoist tradition.

全 Quanzhen Taoism (全真道)

Northern School - Complete Reality

Requires mandatory monasticism
Emphasizes celibacy and communal living
Focuses on internal alchemy (neidan)
Strict adherence to monastic rules

正 Zhengyi Taoism (正一道)

Southern School - Orthodox Unity

Allows married priests
Permits family life and home residence
Focuses on ritual practice and ceremonies
Hereditary priesthood traditions

武当山 - Wudang Mountain: A Case Study in Monastic Evolution

Jin-Yuan Period (1115-1368): Foundation

Following the Jin-Yuan dynasties, Wudang Mountain became home to the Quanzhen Dragon Gate sect (全真龙门派), where all Taoist priests were required to be celibate monastics living in temple communities.

Initiation Process:

Three-year probationary period → Formal ceremony → Receiving Taoist robes, hat, and ordination certificate

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644): Imperial Patronage

Wudang became the imperial family temple. Only Taoists with official court ordination certificates (度牒) were permitted to reside in the mountain's temples and monasteries.

Qing Dynasty (1644-1912): Autonomous Ordination

Beginning in the Qianlong reign, individual temples gained the authority to ordain their own disciples, decentralizing the monastic system.

十七愿 - The Seventeen Sacred Vows

Upon entering monastic life, initiates must solemnly pledge to uphold these seventeen fundamental commitments:

Ethical Foundation (Vows 1-6)

1. 不杀生命 - No Taking of Life

To preserve the sacred seed of compassion

2. 永不饮酒 - No Consumption of Alcohol

To prevent corruption of natural habits

3. 永不血味 - No Eating of Meat

To maintain unity with all living beings

4. 不食一辛 - No Pungent Foods

To avoid obstacles to heavenly ascension

5. 不犯淫欲 - No Sexual Misconduct

To prevent self-disturbance of the mind

6. 不说他过 - No Speaking Ill of Others

For people detest hearing criticism

Spiritual Discipline (Vows 7-12)

7. 不贪财货 - No Greed for Wealth

As it obstructs the spiritual path

8. 勤修功德 - Diligent Cultivation of Merit

For self-purification and spiritual beauty

9. 不恼乱人 - No Causing Disturbance

To avoid creating resentful karma

10. 利人不舍 - Never Abandoning Compassion

Treating others as oneself

11. 永不妄语 - No False Speech

So people will trust your words

12. 永不懈怠 - No Laziness

To prevent retreat from the spiritual path

Advanced Practice (Vows 13-17)

13. 修学一切方便 - Learning All Skillful Means

To achieve complete wisdom

14. 永不盗物 - No Stealing

Ensuring trustworthy character

15. 长内修斋 - Perpetual Internal Fasting

To achieve mental purification

16. 常照诸法空静 - Constant Contemplation of Emptiness

To rapidly advance on the Way

17. 常敦默如愚 - Remaining Humble and Silent

For inner peace and tranquility

Contemporary Relevance and Global Influence

The Taoist monastic tradition and the Seventeen Vows continue to attract spiritual seekers worldwide. These ancient principles offer a comprehensive framework for ethical living, mental discipline, and spiritual development that transcends cultural boundaries.

修

Self-Cultivation

Personal development through disciplined practice

道

The Way

Following the natural order and cosmic harmony

德

Virtue

Embodying compassion and wisdom in daily life

The Eternal Path

"Through the sacred commitment of monasticism and the faithful observance of the Seventeen Vows, the Taoist practitioner embarks upon a transformative journey - leaving behind the ordinary world to discover the extraordinary realm of spiritual awakening and unity with the eternal Tao."