Min Yide (1758-1836), styled Xiaogen and also known by the alternative name Lanyunzi, was a native of Wuxing (present-day Huzhou, Zhejiang). He was a renowned Taoist priest in the Qing Dynasty and the 11th-generation descendant of the Longmen School.
Min Yide was intelligent and studious, and he studied under Gao Dongli, a senior Taoist priest of the Longmen School. In the 33rd year of the Qianlong reign (1768), after Gao Dongli passed away, Min Yide continued to learn Taoism from Shen Yibing, a disciple of Gao Dongli. Later, he visited the Taoist of Jizu (a native of Yuezhi and a disciple of Wang Changyue) at Jizu Mountain in Yunnan, and received the Western Zhu magic methods from him. In his later years, Min Yide lived in seclusion in Jinge Mountain, presided over Chunyang Palace, and devoted himself to practicing Taoism.
Min Yide's works include Jinge Xindeng (eight volumes), Daozang Xu bian (Supplementary Compilation of Taoist Canon), Gushu Yinlou Cangshu (Books Collected in the Hidden Pavilion of Ancient Books), etc.
Life and Spiritual Lineage
Min Yide was born in Wuxing, now modern Huzhou in Zhejiang Province. He was noted for his sharp intellect and eagerness to study Taoism.
| Year | Age | Event Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1768 | 10 | Death of his first master, Gao Dongli, a prominent Longmen Taoist. |
| After 1768 | — | Studied under Shen Yibing, a disciple of Gao Dongli, continuing his Taoist training. |
| Later | — | Traveled to Jizu Mountain in Yunnan, where he met Taoists from the Jizu tradition (including disciples of Wang Changyue), and received teachings on Western Zhu Doufa (斗法，Taoist ritual magic). |
| Late Life | — | Retired to Jinguai Mountain, serving as abbot of Chunyang Palace, focusing on Taoist cultivation. |
Contributions and Works
Min Yide was a prolific writer and compiler of Taoist texts. His notable works include:
| Title (Chinese) | English Translation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 《金盖心灯》 | The Heart Lamp of Jinguai (8 volumes) | A comprehensive Taoist scripture reflecting his teachings and spiritual insights. |
| 《道藏续编》 | Supplement to the Taoist Canon | A collection of Taoist texts expanding upon the traditional Taoist canon. |
| 《古书隐楼藏书》 | Collection of Ancient Texts from Yinlou | Compilation of rare and ancient Taoist manuscripts. |
The Longmen Sect (Dragon Gate School)
Min Yide belonged to the Longmen sect, one of the most influential Taoist schools derived from Quanzhen tradition. Key features include:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded: | 13th century, by Qiu Chuji, a disciple of Wang Chongyang |
| Focus: | Internal alchemy (neidan), moral cultivation, meditation, and ritual practice |
| Influence: | One of the most prominent Taoist schools in China, with a strong monastic system and large following |
| Lineage: | Min Yide is recognized as the 11th generation successor, maintaining and transmitting teachings |
Taoist Practices Associated with Min Yide
- Neidan (Internal Alchemy): Cultivation of body, breath, and spirit to achieve harmony and immortality.
- Dòufǎ (斗法): Taoist ritual magic involving exorcism and spiritual battles, notably learned from Jizu Mountain Taoists.
- Meditation and Moral Cultivation: Emphasis on self-discipline, ethical behavior, and inner spiritual development.
Summary Table: Key Facts About Min Yide
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Min Yide (闵一得) |
| Courtesy Name | Xiaogen (小艮) |
| Sobriquet | Lanyunzi (懒云子) |
| Birth–Death | 1758–1836 |
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