Introduction of Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling (張道陵天師簡介)

Introduction of Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling

(張道陵天師簡介)

Zhang Dao Ling (张道陵) aka Zhang Ling (张陵) or Zhang Fu Han (张辅汉), in Taoism, he was known as Heavenly Master Zhang (張天師), which was the Founder of Taoism (道教) in Han Dynasty 西漢 (Founder of Zheng Yi Sect 正一派).

According to Taoist Records, Master Zhang was the 9th Generation descendant of Premier Zhang Liang 張良 (Premier of Emperor Liu Bang 劉邦之臣).

In Taoism Records, Master Zhang's birthday was recorded as AD34, on the 18th Day of Lunar 5 Month (或農曆五月十八日).

Since young, Master Zhang had been very hardworking in studying all types of skills and reading of different records of past Sages and Poets.

At the age of 7, he was able to recite and memorized the classic Dao De Jing written by Lao Zi (老子道德經).

Slowly, he also studied Astrology, Medical Skills, Ancient Nature Environment Skills, etc (which in later part of the History, helped him in setting up of Taoism).

AD59, Master Zhang passed his Imperial Examination and was being appointed as Chong Qing Area’s Magistrate Officer (重慶), at that time, he was 25 years old.

After several years of dealing with all sorts of Political issues, human-conflict issues, Master Zhang was very disappointed, soon he resigned from his post and continued to study other Spiritual Skills.

AD89 – AD105, Master Zhang led his disciples to all places in China to study and observe the nature changes and how the other commoners lived.

During the traveling period, Master Zhang and his disciples arrived at Jiang Xi Province (江西省), Mt Long Hu (龍虎山). After inspecting the area, he decided to make Mt Long Hu as his cultivation venue.

From then, he started to make elixirs, gather medicines, etc.

After several tries of making such elixirs, at 60 years old, Master Zhang successfully created the 1st type of elixir for "Eternal Youth" (長生藥).

AD142, Supreme Master Tai Shang Lao Jun (太上道祖) appeared at Master Zhang's cultivation venue, in-order to pass him the manuals on Taoism, from then, Master Zhang started his School of Taoist Teachings.

At the age of 90, upon knowing that diseases break-off in Si Chuan Province (四川省), Master Zhang led his disciples to the diseases areas to assist the commoners from the sufferings. Knowing that the commoners in the areas were too poor to pay, Master Zhang advised them to just bring 5 bushel of rice (五斗米) as a form of return, from then, Master Zhang's Sect was known as 5 Bushel Sect, in Chinese called Wu Dou Mi Jiao (五斗米教).

AD159, Master Zhang handed over the Leadership of Wu Dou Mi Jiao to his elder son, Master Zhang Heng (張衡). After the hand-over, Master Zhang and his wife got their enlightenment (得道). At that time, Master Zhang was believed to be 123 years old.

Since then, Wu Dou Mi Jiao (later known as Zheng Yi Sect 正一派) continued to promote the Culture of Taoism. Till today, Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling had passed-down his teachings for 64 Generations (傳教至今已64代).

In Taiwan today (今日台灣), Master Zhang Yuan Xian 張源先天師 (the 64th Generation Heavenly Master of Taoism) is still trying his best to promote the Culture of Taoism, every year, thousands of Zheng Yi Sects Disciples do visit him to pay their homage.

In Year 2008, 19th Day of Lunar 9 Month, 64th Heavenly Master Zhang Yuan Xian got his Immortal-hood. And so now, in Taiwan, The Great Patriarch Zhang Mei Liang (張美良大真人 son of 63rd Heavenly Master Zhang En Pu), got over the Leadership of Zheng Yi Sect.