Chinese DaMo Qigong / Chi Gung

History

The Chinese Taoism has a close relationship with Mt. Wudang in a long run. As early as in Zhou Dynasty to Eastern Han Dynasty many internal alchemists and hermits longed for seeking a hermitage place deep in Mt. Wudang to start their practice. Also, because of the rich herb resources in the deep mountains many herbal medicine pickers prefered to get as many rare herbs as possible in exachange for wealth. The old classic "Disgram Cannon"has the following recording: Wudang, the hatching nest for immortals, shelters endless prominent and nameless accomplished alchemists and hermits in the deep valleys and high caves." Yee Xee, the famous disciple of Lao Tzu, once practiced internal alchemy in First Heavenly Gate with his disciple Yee Gui. Now tourists still can find some traces in their practice cave, closeby a small temple was set up in memory of them. Dai Meng, a famous army general in Han Dymasty, undressed the millitary uniform and studied internal alchemy with his teacher here in Wudang. Ma Ming Sheng, Yin Chang Sheng, widely-known alchemy practitioners in Eastern Han Dynasty, once sought to retreat here in Wudang to practice alchemy in company with green mountains, lucid creeks and deep green bamboo.

Ever since the foundation of Taoism, Mt. Wudang gradually became the most ideal location for Taoists activities in central China.

As time elapsed into Wei-Jin South and North Dynasty, the Tao- practitioners who moved into Mt. Wudang increased in the number. In the Tang and Song Dynasty, Wudang Taoism evolved into its booming development time, during which famous Taoist figures such as Yao Jian, Sun Si Miao, Lu Dong Bing, Guo Tian Wei, Chen Tuan, etc. began to establish their hermitage house here for their undertakings one by another. The Ming Dynasty anounced the full-fledging period for development of Wudang Taoism, and Zhen Wu was respected as God at the royal palace, and Zhang San feng, the famous Taoist in Mt. Wudang, was called upon to show up in the court. Also, more than three hundred thousand labor force was ordered to construct around 33 temples in around the Mt. Wudang. The emperors, to make Mt. Wudang more prominent and represent royal stateliness, granted many many titles as "Grand Mountain Super Harmony,""Mysterious Mountain Super Harmony,""Administrating World Mysterious Mountain," etc., in an aim to make it the number one mountain under the heaven, which can be qualified to become the court temple for better control.

The rulers, due to the need for better control and administration, made lot of efforts to artificially establish Mt. Wudang as an example or a model to represent the royal power. In the same time, the following elements such as the ancient religion, the witch practice in circulation amoung common people, the development of Yin Yang and Five Element ideology and the immortals belief and pursuit also contributed a lot to the formation of Wudang Taoism, which makes up an important branch in the composition of China Taoism system.

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Sects

Before the Northern Song Dynasty, there is no prominent sect division within Wudang Taoism. But commom people like to divide it into two categories, one is Elixir and Caldron sect, another is Incantation sect. After South Song Dynasty, they gradually evoled into Chuan Zhen sect, Zheng Yi sect, Five Dragon sect, Purity and Nothingness sect, etc., Though there are some difference existing among them but the mainstream inclined to the seek a harmonization among all sects.

Chuan Zhen Sect

In 1167, a Taoist from Shan'Xi came and settled down in Mt. Wudang to establish the Chuan Zhan sect of Taoism. He upheld the combination of three religions (Buddhism, Taoism and Conficiuism). The following "authentic"decree was also set up to "cleanse the heart-mind, settle down the true intention, store the Shen and secure the Chi."The following "authentic deeds"was enacted for disciples to accord with as to"help the poor and deliver them out of the bitterness, stand behind others and become selfless with all." Therefore, common people name this sect as Chuan Zhen sect (Complete authenticity in Chinese). The main classics for the sect includes Tao Te Purity and Stillenss, Wisdom Heart-mind Sutra, Piety Cannon, etc. In 1275, Wang Si Zhen came and lodged in Five Dragon temple to teach the ideas of the sect and his disciples once reached more than 100.

Zheng Yi sect

All incantation sects of Taoism are given the name as Zheng Yi nowadays in Mt. Wudang. It was originally created by Zhang Tao Ling, who was worshipped as the Heavenly teacher. Also, some people called the sect "Heavenly Teaching sect." In 1304, then famous Taoist Zhang Yu Cai became the headmaster of this sect and in fact control the affairs related to Dragon and Tiger mountain, Ge Zhao Mountain and Mao Mountain. Afterwards, all Taoism sects who practice incantation were given the name as Zheng Yi sect, who worships Zheng Yi Cannon and practices symbols and incantation to drive away evil effects, captivate ghosts and call for fortune for all people. At the end of Han Dynasty, the Zheng Yi began to move into Mt. Wudang area and become the mainstream of Wudang Taoism for a while.

Upper Purity Sect ?

It was created in Eastern Jin Dynasty. First in circulation south of China, especially in Mt. Mao Shan in Jiang Su province, therefore gaining the name as Mao Shan sect. Upper Purity sect regards Yellow Court Cannon as the their creed book, and termed Grand Thoroughfare Cannon, Ci Yi Five Old Treasure Cannon and Tai Shang Shu Ling Da You Miao Cannon as their most reading scriptures. Also, they respected Primeval Heavenly King, Tai Shang Da Dao worthiness, Tai Wei Heaven Emperor, Lao Tzu as their highest Gods. In 1141, Toaist Shun Ji Ren wandered into Mt. Wudang and settled down in Five Dragon temple, teaching disciples and renovating the collapsed houses. Beacause he based his activity solely at this location, some people call the sect as "Upper Purity Five Dragon Sect."

Purity and Nothingness Sect

This is the most influencial Taoism sect originated from Upper Purity sect who practiced incantation and claimed all methods came from Pimeval Heaven God. In Song and Yuan Dynasty this sect was once very populer in south of China and their main classics include Qing Wei Elixir Knack, Qing Wei Fasting Knack, Qing Wei Immortal Lineage ? together with 268 volume of Tao Knack Collection which talks about the decree of the sect. Tao knacks, fasting rituals, commandment, most of which contents were supplied by Huang Sun Shen . Therefore, Huang Sun Shen served as the important figure in the development of the sect. This sect evolved to form two branches, one was south branch, Xiong Dao Hui serving as the headmaster; another is nothern brance with Zhang Dao Gui as headmaster. The northern branch based upon their activity in Mt. Wudang and later their disciples increased to reach more than several hundreds. Zhang Dao Gui was originaly apprenticed to Wang Zhen Chang, a Taoist of Chuan Zhen sect. Later Zhang Dao Gui transferred his learning to Zhang Shou Qing who was originaly a Chuan Zhen Taoist. Therefore, this northern branch should be regarded as a combination sect between Chuan Zhen and Qing Wei. Zhang Shou Qing stayed in Mt. Wudang for more than 20 years and his disciples reached 4,000 and in middle Yuan Dynasty many Taoists in Purple Heaven Palace and Grand Harmony and other temples were his disciples.

San Feng Sect

In Ming Dynasty the famous Taoist Zhang San Feng came to settle down in Mt.Wudang. Selecting places to construct temples and teaching disciples, Zhang San Feng began to set up San Feng sect who proposed the combination of three religion (Buddhism, Taoism and Confuciusism), cultivation of self for the benefit of the others and esteeming Zhen Wu as the highest God. The San Feng lineage proceeded as follows: Zhang San Feng to Lu Qiu Yun, Liu Gu Quan, Yang San Cheng, Zhou Zhen De, Li Xing Zhi, Qiu Xuan Qing. Li Xing Zhi also transferred his learning to Zhi Dao Ren, Shu Fu Chu; Qiu Xuan Qing to Yan Shan Ming, Pu Shan Yuan, Ma Shan Ning, etc. The Taoism Sects Chronicle, an ancient book circulating in Wudang area, has the recording that the San Feng sect had eight branches.

Dragon Door Sect ?

Chou Chu Ji, the disciple of Wang Cong Yang, created the sect. In 1669 Wang Chang Yue, the resurgence successor of Dragon Door sect, began his journey southward with his disciples from Beijing and set up alter to offer his teachings in Yu Xu Temple in Wudang. Ever since then the Dragon Door sect became the mainstream of Wudang Taoism and many Taoists were disciples of the sect. In Qing Dynasty, the Dragon Door sect became more and more popular, in place of Zheng Yi sect and such circumstance continued till today.

Xuan Wu Sect

In Yong Le Period of Ming Dynasty (1413) then emperor ordered the start of the big construction project in Mt. Wudang. Zhang Yu Qing,one Taoist from Zheng Yi sect, acted upon the order and called more than four hundred of Taoists from nearby provinces and brought them to Mt. Wudang. Among them around 20 were assigned with important posts in the many Wudang temples. All these Taoist regarded Zhen Wu as the common God and respected Zhang San Feng as their founder. Therefore, people call them Zhen Wu Xuan Wu sect. In 1989, upon the common understanding, the Taoism association agreed to change the name of the sect as "Wudang Xuan Wu sect." This sect boarsts lots of classics, amoung them Zhen Wu Cannon remains the mainstay.

Lang Mei Sect

It is the typical local sect in Wudnag area. In 1412, then Taoist Priest Shun Bi Yun in Southern Cave Temple created the sect. His disciple called him as Pure Green Grand Master.?


		History The Chinese Taoism has a close relationship with Mt. Wudang in a long run. As early as in Zhou Dynasty to Eastern Han Dynasty many internal alchemists and hermits longed for seeking a hermitage place deep in Mt. Wudang to start their practice. Also, because of the rich herb resources in the deep mountains many herbal medicine pickers prefered to get as many rare herbs as possible in exachange for wealth. The old classic "Disgram Cannon"has the following recording: Wudang, the hatching nest for immortals, shelters endless prominent and nameless accomplished alchemists and hermits in the deep valleys and high caves." Yee Xee, the famous disciple of Lao Tzu, once practiced internal alchemy in First Heavenly Gate with his disciple Yee Gui. Now tourists still can find some traces in their practice cave, closeby a small temple was set up in memory of them. Dai Meng, a famous army general in Han Dymasty, undressed the millitary uniform and studied internal alchemy with his teacher here in Wudang. Ma Ming Sheng, Yin Chang Sheng, widely-known alchemy practitioners in Eastern Han Dynasty, once sought to retreat here in Wudang to practice alchemy in company with green mountains, lucid creeks and deep green bamboo. Ever since the foundation of Taoism, Mt. Wudang gradually became the most ideal location for Taoists activities in central China. As time elapsed into Wei-Jin South and North Dynasty, the Tao- practitioners who moved into Mt. Wudang increased in the number. In the Tang and Song Dynasty, Wudang Taoism evolved into its booming development time, during which famous Taoist figures such as Yao Jian, Sun Si Miao, Lu Dong Bing, Guo Tian Wei, Chen Tuan, etc. began to establish their hermitage house here for their undertakings one by another. The Ming Dynasty anounced the full-fledging period for development of Wudang Taoism, and Zhen Wu was respected as God at the royal palace, and Zhang San feng, the famous Taoist in Mt. Wudang, was called upon to show up in the court. Also, more than three hundred thousand labor force was ordered to construct around 33 temples in around the Mt. Wudang. The emperors, to make Mt. Wudang more prominent and represent royal stateliness, granted many many titles as "Grand Mountain Super Harmony,""Mysterious Mountain Super Harmony,""Administrating World Mysterious Mountain," etc., in an aim to make it the number one mountain under the heaven, which can be qualified to become the court temple for better control. The rulers, due to the need for better control and administration, made lot of efforts to artificially establish Mt. Wudang as an example or a model to represent the royal power. In the same time, the following elements such as the ancient religion, the witch practice in circulation amoung common people, the development of Yin Yang and Five Element ideology and the immortals belief and pursuit also contributed a lot to the formation of Wudang Taoism, which makes up an important branch in the composition of China Taoism system. ? Sects Before the Northern Song Dynasty, there is no prominent sect division within Wudang Taoism. But commom people like to divide it into two categories, one is Elixir and Caldron sect, another is Incantation sect. After South Song Dynasty, they gradually evoled into Chuan Zhen sect, Zheng Yi sect, Five Dragon sect, Purity and Nothingness sect, etc., Though there are some difference existing among them but the mainstream inclined to the seek a harmonization among all sects. Chuan Zhen Sect In 1167, a Taoist from Shan'Xi came and settled down in Mt. Wudang to establish the Chuan Zhan sect of Taoism. He upheld the combination of three religions (Buddhism, Taoism and Conficiuism). The following "authentic"decree was also set up to "cleanse the heart-mind, settle down the true intention, store the Shen and secure the Chi."The following "authentic deeds"was enacted for disciples to accord with as to"help the poor and deliver them out of the bitterness, stand behind others and become selfless with all." Therefore, common people name this sect as Chuan Zhen sect (Complete authenticity in Chinese). The main classics for the sect includes Tao Te Purity and Stillenss, Wisdom Heart-mind Sutra, Piety Cannon, etc. In 1275, Wang Si Zhen came and lodged in Five Dragon temple to teach the ideas of the sect and his disciples once reached more than 100. Zheng Yi sect All incantation sects of Taoism are given the name as Zheng Yi nowadays in Mt. Wudang. It was originally created by Zhang Tao Ling, who was worshipped as the Heavenly teacher. Also, some people called the sect "Heavenly Teaching sect." In 1304, then famous Taoist Zhang Yu Cai became the headmaster of this sect and in fact control the affairs related to Dragon and Tiger mountain, Ge Zhao Mountain and Mao Mountain. Afterwards, all Taoism sects who practice incantation were given the name as Zheng Yi sect, who worships Zheng Yi Cannon and practices symbols and incantation to drive away evil effects, captivate ghosts and call for fortune for all people. At the end of Han Dynasty, the Zheng Yi began to move into Mt. Wudang area and become the mainstream of Wudang Taoism for a while. Upper Purity Sect ? It was created in Eastern Jin Dynasty. First in circulation south of China, especially in Mt. Mao Shan in Jiang Su province, therefore gaining the name as Mao Shan sect. Upper Purity sect regards Yellow Court Cannon as the their creed book, and termed Grand Thoroughfare Cannon, Ci Yi Five Old Treasure Cannon and Tai Shang Shu Ling Da You Miao Cannon as their most reading scriptures. Also, they respected Primeval Heavenly King, Tai Shang Da Dao worthiness, Tai Wei Heaven Emperor, Lao Tzu as their highest Gods. In 1141, Toaist Shun Ji Ren wandered into Mt. Wudang and settled down in Five Dragon temple, teaching disciples and renovating the collapsed houses. Beacause he based his activity solely at this location, some people call the sect as "Upper Purity Five Dragon Sect." Purity and Nothingness Sect This is the most influencial Taoism sect originated from Upper Purity sect who practiced incantation and claimed all methods came from Pimeval Heaven God. In Song and Yuan Dynasty this sect was once very populer in south of China and their main classics include Qing Wei Elixir Knack, Qing Wei Fasting Knack, Qing Wei Immortal Lineage ? together with 268 volume of Tao Knack Collection which talks about the decree of the sect. Tao knacks, fasting rituals, commandment, most of which contents were supplied by Huang Sun Shen . Therefore, Huang Sun Shen served as the important figure in the development of the sect. This sect evolved to form two branches, one was south branch, Xiong Dao Hui serving as the headmaster; another is nothern brance with Zhang Dao Gui as headmaster. The northern branch based upon their activity in Mt. Wudang and later their disciples increased to reach more than several hundreds. Zhang Dao Gui was originaly apprenticed to Wang Zhen Chang, a Taoist of Chuan Zhen sect. Later Zhang Dao Gui transferred his learning to Zhang Shou Qing who was originaly a Chuan Zhen Taoist. Therefore, this northern branch should be regarded as a combination sect between Chuan Zhen and Qing Wei. Zhang Shou Qing stayed in Mt. Wudang for more than 20 years and his disciples reached 4,000 and in middle Yuan Dynasty many Taoists in Purple Heaven Palace and Grand Harmony and other temples were his disciples. San Feng Sect In Ming Dynasty the famous Taoist Zhang San Feng came to settle down in Mt.Wudang. Selecting places to construct temples and teaching disciples, Zhang San Feng began to set up San Feng sect who proposed the combination of three religion (Buddhism, Taoism and Confuciusism), cultivation of self for the benefit of the others and esteeming Zhen Wu as the highest God. The San Feng lineage proceeded as follows: Zhang San Feng to Lu Qiu Yun, Liu Gu Quan, Yang San Cheng, Zhou Zhen De, Li Xing Zhi, Qiu Xuan Qing. Li Xing Zhi also transferred his learning to Zhi Dao Ren, Shu Fu Chu; Qiu Xuan Qing to Yan Shan Ming, Pu Shan Yuan, Ma Shan Ning, etc. The Taoism Sects Chronicle, an ancient book circulating in Wudang area, has the recording that the San Feng sect had eight branches. Dragon Door Sect ? Chou Chu Ji, the disciple of Wang Cong Yang, created the sect. In 1669 Wang Chang Yue, the resurgence successor of Dragon Door sect, began his journey southward with his disciples from Beijing and set up alter to offer his teachings in Yu Xu Temple in Wudang. Ever since then the Dragon Door sect became the mainstream of Wudang Taoism and many Taoists were disciples of the sect. In Qing Dynasty, the Dragon Door sect became more and more popular, in place of Zheng Yi sect and such circumstance continued till today. Xuan Wu Sect In Yong Le Period of Ming Dynasty (1413) then emperor ordered the start of the big construction project in Mt. Wudang. Zhang Yu Qing,one Taoist from Zheng Yi sect, acted upon the order and called more than four hundred of Taoists from nearby provinces and brought them to Mt. Wudang. Among them around 20 were assigned with important posts in the many Wudang temples. All these Taoist regarded Zhen Wu as the common God and respected Zhang San Feng as their founder. Therefore, people call them Zhen Wu Xuan Wu sect. In 1989, upon the common understanding, the Taoism association agreed to change the name of the sect as "Wudang Xuan Wu sect." This sect boarsts lots of classics, amoung them Zhen Wu Cannon remains the mainstay. Lang Mei Sect It is the typical local sect in Wudnag area. In 1412, then Taoist Priest Shun Bi Yun in Southern Cave Temple created the sect. His disciple called him as Pure Green Grand Master.? Please feel free to contact Mr. Wang Tao lao@damo-qigong.net Copyright© Wudang Taoist Internal Alchemy. All rights reserved.