Zhang Liusun (1248-1321), courtesy name Shihan, was a native of Guixi, Xinzhou (present-day Guixi, Jiangxi), and a famous Taoist in the Yuan Dynasty. Zhang Liusun entered Longhu Mountain to study Taoism from an early age. After Kublai Khan, the Yuan Emperor Shizu, pacified Jiangnan, he ordered Zhang Zongyan to go north to Dadu, and Zhang Liusun accompanied him. In 1278, Zhang Liusun built the Chongzhen Longevity Palace in Penglai Fang, Dadu, which was designated as the main mountain of the Tianshi Taoism. Zhang Liusun was skilled in Zhaijiao rituals, talismans, and other matters, and was deeply appreciated by Kublai Khan. He was repeatedly ordered to travel to famous mountains and rivers to offer sacrifices on his behalf.
The emperors of the Yuan Dynasty revered Taoism and bestowed many titles upon him. Kublai Khan, the Yuan Emperor Shizu, conferred upon Zhang Liusun the title of "Grand Master of Xuanjiao"; Emperor Chengzong specially granted him the title of Senior Minister and cast a Shangfang sword with the inscription "The Great Yuan Emperor bestows upon Senior Minister Zhang"; Emperor Wuzong added the title of "Great Perfected Person," placing him above the Grand Scholar and in charge of Taoist affairs in various regions; Emperor Renzong conferred the title of "Assisting Completion, Praising Transformation, Protecting Fortune, Grand Master of Xuanjiao," and added the honor of Opening the Mansion with the Same Three Divisions. In 1321, Zhang Liusun passed away.
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| Timeline of Li Zhichang's Major Life Events |
|---|
| 1220 (Yuan Taizu 15th year): Accompanied Qiu Chuji on the western journey to meet Genghis Khan in the Snowy Mountains |
| 1227 (Yuan Taizu 22nd year): Appointed as Dudaolu (Chief Daoist Administrator) and head of Changchun Palace affairs |
| 1238 (Yuan Taizong 10th year): Succeeded as leader of Daoist affairs |
| Court Title: "True Inheritor of the Orthodox Daoist Lineage, Master of演教真常真人" |
| 1261 (Yuan Zhongtong 2nd year): Posthumously honored as "True Master of Supreme Virtue and Propagation" |
Literary Legacy: The Western Journey Record
Li Zhichang's masterwork, Record of the Western Journey of Master Changchun (《長春真人西遊記》), stands as our most detailed account of this historic expedition. Written in two volumes, this text provides invaluable insights into:
- Geographic Knowledge: Detailed descriptions of Central Asian territories previously unknown to Chinese scholars
- Cultural Exchange: Observations on the customs and beliefs of various peoples encountered
- Diplomatic Wisdom: How Daoist principles facilitated communication across cultural barriers
- Spiritual Insights: The master's teachings adapted for a Mongol audience
The work demonstrates how our ancestors maintained their spiritual center while engaging with the wider world. Li Zhichang's careful observations show a mind trained in Daoist principles of wu wei (non-action) and careful attention to natural patterns.
Su Yuanlang: The Enigmatic Master
The brief mention of Su Yuanlang in our sources hints at another significant figure, though details remain scarce. This reminds us that many accomplished practitioners chose to remain in obscurity, following the Daoist principle that "the sage does not make himself known."
The Yuan Dynasty Context: Daoism Under Mongol Rule
The period of these masters represents a fascinating chapter in Daoist adaptation. When the Mongols conquered China, they inherited a complex religious landscape. Rather than suppressing Chinese traditions, they often incorporated useful elements into their administrative system.
Why Mongols Valued Daoist Masters
Practical Governance Skills:
- Daoists had experience managing large temple complexes and communities
- Our emphasis on harmony and balance appealed to rulers seeking stability
- Many masters possessed literacy and administrative capabilities
Spiritual Authority:
- Chinese subjects respected Daoist teachers, making them valuable intermediaries
- Our non-aggressive philosophy posed no political threat
- Concepts like the Mandate of Heaven could be adapted to legitimize Mongol rule
Cultural Bridge-Building:
- Masters like Zhang Liusun and Li Zhichang facilitated communication between cultures
- Daoist flexibility allowed adaptation to new circumstances without losing essential teachings
- Our universal principles (like balance and natural order) transcended ethnic boundaries
Lessons for Modern Practitioners
These historical examples offer profound insights for contemporary followers of the Way:
Adaptability Without Compromise: Our ancestors showed how to engage with changing circumstances while maintaining core principles. They didn't resist foreign rule with violence but found ways to preserve and even expand Daoist influence through wisdom and service.
Documentation and Preservation: Li Zhichang's careful record-keeping reminds us of our responsibility to preserve teachings for future generations. In our digital age, we face similar challenges in maintaining authentic transmission.
Universal Appeal: The respect these masters earned from Mongol rulers demonstrates that genuine spiritual cultivation transcends cultural boundaries. The Way (Dao) speaks to universal human needs, regardless of ethnicity or political system.
Conclusion: The Eternal Way
Zhang Liusun, Li Zhichang, and their contemporaries navigated one of China's most turbulent periods by embodying Daoist principles of flexibility, wisdom, and service. They remind us that the Way is not confined to any particular era, culture, or political system.
Their legacy challenges us modern practitioners to consider: How can we apply their examples of adaptive wisdom to our own times? How can we preserve essential teachings while remaining relevant to contemporary seekers?
As the Dao De Jing teaches us, "The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao." Yet through the lives and works of masters like these, we catch glimpses of that eternal principle manifesting in human form, guiding us along the pathless path that is our shared spiritual heritage.
May their examples inspire us to cultivate both inner transformation and outer service, following their footsteps along the Way that has no end.
