Zhang Yu (1277-1348), also known as Zhang Tianyu, courtesy name Boyu, and sobriquet Zhenju, was a native of Qiantang (present-day Hangzhou, Zhejiang). He was a famous Maoshan Taoist, writer, calligrapher, and painter of the Yuan Dynasty. Zhang Yu studied under Yu Ji and possessed a refined poetic talent. At the age of twenty, he abandoned his home to become a Taoist, traveling to famous mountains such as Tiantai and Kuocang. Later, he went to Maoshan to become a disciple of Zhou Dajing, a disciple of Xu Daoqi, the 43rd patriarch of Maoshan, and received the Dadong Jinglu.
He also went to Kaiyuan Palace in Hangzhou to study under the Xuanjiao Taoist Wang Shouyan, with the Taoist name Sizhen. In 1313, Zhang Yu followed Wang Shouyan to the capital, residing in the Chongzhen Longevity Palace. Due to his established reputation as a poet, officials, literati, and scholars in the capital vied to associate with him. Later, Zhang Yu left the capital and returned to Kaiyuan Palace in Hangzhou. In 1321, Kaiyuan Palace was destroyed by a great fire.
The following year, Zhang Yu returned to Maoshan, presiding over the Chongsou Temple and the Chongxi Temple in Zhenjiang. In 1336, Zhang Yu resigned from his Taoist position. Zhang Yu authored "Outer History of Shanshi Collection" in three volumes, "Biyan Xuanhui Ling" in two volumes, and "Xunshan Zhi" in fifteen volumes, all of which are no longer extant. He also wrote "Xuan Shi," namely "Xuan Pin Lu" in five volumes, which is currently preserved in the "Zhengtong Daozang." In addition, he has a collection of poems, "Juqu Outer History Collection," in several volumes, which is included in the "Siku Quanshu."
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The Way of the Daoist
Our Three Treasures (三寶)
In our tradition, we cultivate three fundamental treasures:
Jing (精) - Essence The vital energy stored in our bodies, particularly in the lower dantian. We preserve and refine this through practices like qigong and careful diet.
Qi (氣) - Vital Energy The life force that flows through all things. Through breath work and meditation, we learn to circulate and direct this energy for healing and spiritual development.
Shen (神) - Spirit The consciousness that transcends the physical. This is cultivated through meditation, study of sacred texts, and ethical living.
Daily Practices
My typical day begins before dawn - not from rigid discipline, but because this is when the qi is purest. Here's what a dedicated practitioner might engage in:
Morning (寅時 - 3-5 AM)
- Standing meditation facing east to greet the rising yang energy
- Breathing exercises to circulate morning qi
- Study of classical texts like the Daodejing or Zhuangzi
Midday (午時 - 11 AM-1 PM)
- Preparation of herbal medicines for the community
- Consultation with those seeking guidance
- Practice of internal alchemy techniques
Evening (酉時 - 5-7 PM)
- Sunset meditation to balance yin and yang
- Calligraphy practice (writing is a form of moving meditation)
- Reflection on the day's lessons
The Maoshan Tradition
The historical Zhang Yu belonged to the Maoshan (茅山) school, one of the most respected Daoist lineages. This isn't merely an academic distinction - it represents centuries of refined practice:
Core Teachings
- Shangqing (上清) Scriptures: Advanced texts on spiritual transformation
- Thunder Magic: Working with celestial energies (not stage magic!)
- Healing Arts: Using herbs, acupuncture, and energy work
- Ritual Practice: Ceremonies that harmonize communities with natural cycles
Modern Relevance
What might seem archaic to Western minds actually contains profound wisdom about living in harmony with natural rhythms. When Zhang Yu "called rain," he was likely performing rituals that helped communities prepare mentally and practically for seasonal changes, while his deep meditation practices may have allowed him to sense approaching weather patterns with remarkable accuracy.
Misconceptions and Clarifications
We Are Not...
- Hermits: While we value solitude for cultivation, most Daoists serve their communities
- Magicians: Our "supernatural" abilities come from years of disciplined practice, not tricks
- Fatalists: The Dao teaches adaptation and wise action, not passive acceptance
We Are...
- Healers: Using traditional Chinese medicine and energy work
- Philosophers: Deeply engaged with questions of existence and ethics
- Ecologists: Understanding humanity's place within natural systems
- Teachers: Sharing practical wisdom for harmonious living
The Path Forward
For those drawn to our way, remember that becoming a true Daoist takes decades of sincere practice. It's not about gaining supernatural powers or escaping worldly responsibilities. Rather, it's about finding your authentic place within the grand pattern of existence.
The rain I call comes not from commanding nature, but from understanding my role within it. When I align myself properly with the Dao, what needs to happen naturally occurs - whether that's healing rain for drought-stricken fields or simple clarity for a troubled mind.
