Presidents of the Chinese Taoist Association
Since its establishment in 1957, the Chinese Taoist Association, as the national organization for Taoism in China, has played a significant role in promoting Taoist development, preserving traditional culture, and implementing religious policies. Below is a list of its presidents and their major contributions, compiled from publicly available sources:
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Yue Chongdai (1957–1958)
The first president, abbot of Taiqing Palace in Shenyang, initiated the establishment of the Chinese Taoist Association, laying the foundation for its organizational structure and marking the beginning of standardized Taoist management in New China. -
Chen Yingning (1961–1969)
The second president, a pioneer in modern Taoist theoretical reform, was revered as the “Contemporary Supreme Lord Laozi.” He promoted academic research on Taoism and authored works like Annotations on the Huangting Jing, contributing to the modernization of Taoist thought. -
Li Yuhang (1980–1992)
The third and fourth president, he revitalized the association’s operations after the Cultural Revolution and advanced the implementation of religious policies. He founded the Chinese Taoist Academy and proposed the “self-sustaining temple” model, strengthening the institutional development of Taoism. -
Fu Yuantian (1992–1997)
The fifth president, an abbot of the Quanzhen School, formulated the Regulations for the Management of Taoist Temples, promoted standardized Taoist education, and expanded its international presence. -
Min Zhiting (1998–2004)
The sixth president, he oversaw the compilation of the Zhonghua Daozang (Chinese Taoist Canon), facilitated the inclusion of Taoist music in the intangible cultural heritage list, and established the “Taoist Culture Festival,” enriching Taoist cultural activities. -
Ren Farong (2005–2015)
The seventh and eighth president, he advocated for the “Sinicization of Taoism,” promoted global translations of the Tao Te Ching, and actively engaged in charitable activities, enhancing Taoism’s societal impact. -
Li Guangfu (2015–present)
The ninth and tenth president, also president of the Wudang Mountain Taoist Association, successfully led the inclusion of Wudang Tai Chi in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and championed the concept of “Ecological Taoism,” integrating Taoist principles with modern ecological ideals.
These presidents, through their efforts, have significantly contributed to the revival and global spread of Taoism in modern society.
The Life and Contributions of Zhang Zhishun
Zhang Zhishun (November 24, 1912–July 28, 2015), with the Taoist name “Mi Jingzi” and nicknames like “Nine-Turn Returning Yang Taoist” and “Immortal on Earth,” was a 21st-generation disciple of the Quanzhen Longmen School from Shenqiu County, Henan Province. He served as honorary president of the Hainan Taoist Association, honorary abbot of Wanshou Baxian Palace in Xi’an, and president of the Cili County Taoist Association in Hunan. He was renowned for his profound spiritual practice, exceptional medical skills, and dedication to helping others.
Life Overview
Born into a poor family, Zhang faced hardship at age 7, begging due to war and family decline. At 17, he became a disciple of Liu Mingcang, a 20th-generation Quanzhen Longmen master, at Biyun Temple in Huaxian, Shaanxi, formally entering monastic life. He performed menial tasks in temples while diligently practicing, mastering the “Vajra Skill” and self-studying traditional Chinese medicine, becoming adept in acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies. He developed the “Five Tigers Encircling Sheep Acupuncture Method” and treated the poor for free, particularly excelling in curing complex illnesses like cancer, embodying the Taoist principle of “compassionate heart for the world.”
In his later years, Zhang lived in seclusion in Zhongnan Mountain, overseeing the construction of Wansheng Palace and Huangzhong Palace. In 2015, at age 103, he foresaw his passing, bathed, changed clothes, and attained “feather-like ascension” at Yuchan Palace in Hainan. His simplicity and patriotism, such as rejecting offers from Thai dignitaries to stay abroad, earned him widespread respect.
Major Contributions
- Temple Construction: He facilitated the clarification of property rights for Louguantai and built Wansheng Palace, Wulei Mountain Temple, and Huangzhong Palace, contributing to Taoist revival.
- Authorship: He authored Qiti Yuanliu (commentaries on Taoist classics), Mi Jingzi’s Prescriptions for Helping the World (compiling medical remedies), and Eight Vajra Longevity Skills (promoting wellness practices), leaving a lasting legacy.
- Helping Others: Living frugally, he treated the poor for free, rejecting fame and wealth, earning the title “Immortal on Earth.” He turned Yuchan Palace in Hainan into a thriving center, attracting numerous devotees.
- Cultural Dissemination: From 1992, he lectured at Sun Yat-sen University and in Thailand, spreading Taoist wellness culture. His “Vajra Longevity Skills” gained global recognition.
Relation to the Chinese Taoist Association
While Zhang Zhishun never served as president of the Chinese Taoist Association, he participated in its first national conference in 1957 and the second meeting of the third council in 1982, reflecting his influence in the Taoist community. He focused more on personal cultivation, helping others, and local Taoist affairs rather than national leadership roles.
Sayings of Zhang Zhishun
Zhang Zhishun’s simple yet profound Taoist philosophy is reflected in his widely quoted sayings, drawn from his writings and disciples’ records, offering insights into cultivation, wellness, and life:
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“With virtue but no Tao, one is wise and will succeed; with Tao but no virtue, one becomes a demon and will fail.”
Emphasizing that virtue is the foundation of cultivation, warning that Tao without virtue is harmful. -
“The Great Tao is simple; true cultivation values authenticity.”
Advocating for simplicity in Taoist practice, opposing elaborate rituals and advocating natural, heartfelt cultivation. -
“Cultivate the heart first; a righteous heart leads to a righteous Tao.”
Stressing that a pure and upright heart is the starting point for aligning with the Tao. -
“Helping others brings boundless merit; selfishness harms both others and oneself.”
Reflecting his altruistic approach, encouraging good deeds to accumulate merit. -
“To nurture the body, first nurture qi; to nurture qi, first nurture the heart.”
Summarizing Taoist wellness, emphasizing that mental harmony is key to health, as taught in his “Vajra Longevity Skills.” -
“The Tao is in daily life; walking, standing, sitting, and lying are all cultivation.”
Suggesting that cultivation should permeate everyday actions, not be confined to formal practice. -
“The human body is a Taoist temple; life and nature are the true scriptures.”
Highlighting that the body itself is a sacred space for cultivation, embodying the principles of inner alchemy. -
“Illness arises from the heart; medicine cures through the heart.”
Noting that many ailments stem from emotional imbalances, advocating holistic healing combining acupuncture and mental care. -
“Do not seek immortality, but live with a clear conscience.”
Despite his longevity, he emphasized living virtuously over chasing eternal life. -
“Love the country, love the religion; only then is cultivation upright.”
Reflecting his patriotism, he believed Taoist practice should align with national and societal harmony.
Conclusion
The presidents of the Chinese Taoist Association have laid a strong foundation for Taoism’s modern development through institutional efforts, cultural preservation, and global outreach. Meanwhile, Zhang Zhishun, with his exemplary life, profound cultivation, and timeless sayings, stands as a model of Taoist virtue. His teachings and actions embody the Taoist principle of “helping the world and guiding others,” offering enduring wisdom for both practitioners and modern society.
