Ancient Cultivation Story: Deity Wang Yuan Zhi

Wang Yuan Zhi, a Taoist priest, was a local resident in Langya in Shandong province. His father, Wang Tan Xuan, was the state government of Yangzhou, while his mother was the daughter of Ding Chiou, the Minister in charge of military horses and wagons. One night, the mother dreamt about clouds and a phoenix coming down towards her and after this she was pregnant. During her pregnancy, the mother also heard some voices from inside her belly. One monk named Bau Heou told Wang Tan Xuan, “After your son is born to the world, he will become a highly praised Immortal.”

Wang Yuan Zhi showed signs of being very wise and intelligent at an early age, and educated himself by reading books of all fields. Later he arrived at Mao Shao (one of the holy places of Taoism in Jiangsu province). Here he became the disciple of Dao Hong Ching from whom he learned the Tao Law. When Yang Guang, who later became the emperor of the Sui Dynasty, was given the position of Lord of Jin guarding Yuangzhou, he built Yuging Xuantan (The mystery Altar of Jade Clarity) and invited Wang Yuan Zhi to be the head of the altar. Since the Lord of Jin had asked some of his high-ranking officials to invite Wang, Wang Yuan Zhi came to visit Yang Guang. But Yang Guang was scared to see Wang Yuan Zhi, who turned his hair and beard white in an instant. As a result, Wang was asked to go home immediately. Later, Wang appeared as usual.

Before Li Yuan became the first emperor of the Tang dynasty, Wang Yuan Zhi once told him in private the auspicious sign of his becoming an emperor. Therefore, the Lord of Chin, Li Shimin, and one of his staff dressed themselves as common people and came to visit Wang Yuan Zhi. When greeting them, Wang said, “One of you must be a saint, maybe the Lord of Chin.” As a result, Li Shimin told Wang the truth. Wang proceeded to tell them, “You will be an emperor of supreme peace. I hope that you will cherish your own reputation and take good care of yourself.” After Li Shimin was crowned as Tang Tai Chung (the emperor of the Tang dynasty), Li offered Wang an official title. But Wang firmly refused the offer and insisted on returning to Mao Shan.

During the ninth year of Zhenguan, Tang Tai Chung helped Wang Yuan Zhi to build the Supreme Peace Temple in Mao Shan in Runzhou. Inside the temple, fourteen monks became his disciples. Tang Tai Chung even wrote letters to encourage him. One day, Wang Yuan Zhi told one of his followers, “I have seen the record book of the Immortals’ good and bad deeds. Because I have hurt a child’s lips during my childhood, I cannot ascend to the heaven in the daytime. Now I am provided the position of being in charge of Shaoshishan in Henan province. I am about to leave for Shaoshishan.” The next day, Wang Yuan Zhi bathed himself and put on some new clothes and a new hat. Then he burned some incense and passed away at the age of 126, being honoured “Mr. Shengxuan” (Ascend to Mystery).

Adapted from Taiping Guangji.

Translated from Chinese at
http://www.yuanming.net/articles/200211/14148.html