The Celestial Masters, was a movement that emerged in the 2nd century CE. The founders of the Celestial Masters was Zhang Daoling, and Tao, assuming the identity of Laozi.
Founders:
- Zhang Daoling
- Tao
Core Mission:
- Unite humanity
- Unlock and share cosmic and metaphysical knowledge
- Combat false beliefs and liberate humanity
Members of the Order
- Tao
- Teo
- Markandeya
- Kobayashi Ihono
- About 25,000 of Teachers and Sage Monks
Ideology
Preceded by
Succeeded by
- Taoist Order
- Daoist Harmony Fellowship
- Unity Society
- Confucian Order
- Xianwu Wushu
- Water Dao
- The Eternal Path
- Way of the Rising Phoenix
142 CE
In 142 CE, Tao assumed the identity of Laozi, a revered philosophical master from centuries earlier. Tao skillfully directed Zhang to carry out her agenda, leveraging his influence and followers.
The result of Tao’s manipulation was the establishment of a new order known as the Celestial Masters. Zhang Daoling, became the central figure in the formation of the Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion.
The Celestial Masters clashed with the Yellow Turbans, followers of Buddhism, in the Buddhist-Taoist War. Under Kou Qianzhi’s leadership, they actively campaigned against Buddhism, engaging in martial arts battles.
During the Three Kingdoms period, the Celestial Masters faced persecution and moved in Sichuan, and the movement developed a distinct organization with temples, clergy, and a structured hierarchy.
Taoism expanded beyond Sichuan, reaching other parts of China.
Tang
During the 6th – 7th Centuries, the Celestial Masters encountered increased difficulties, contending with rival Daoist sects and enduring periods of persecution initiated by imperial authorities. The Celestial Masters persevered through the centuries, although their influence experienced denial.
The Tang Empire marked a transformative phase with emperors who sought mystical and alchemical knowledge. The establishment of Daoist monasteries and the classification of Taoist texts marked the period before the long Asian war.
The aftermath of the war, however, brought about a series of complex events in the 9th century. during this period, the Sweet Dew Incident, the proscription against Buddhism, and the Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution unfolded, reflecting a dynamic interplay of alliances, betrayals, and conflicts. The political landscape experienced shifts with rising and falling emperors, shaping the destinies of nations.
End
The Celestial Masters faced challenges and internal strife during this turbulent era, the war and political upheavals led to the emergence of new orders. The shifting power dynamics prompted individuals to seek solace and meaning, giving rise to diverse movements influenced by Daoist, Buddhist, and other traditions.
The Celestial Masters end gave rise to new orders that emerged from the ashes of political, religious, philosophical and military conflicts.
- Taoist Order: A Taoist organization that is the main successor of the Celestial Masters and preserve and disseminate traditional Taoist teachings, encompassing philosophical, and alchemical aspects.
- Daoist Harmony Fellowship: Emerging in response to the political and social upheavals, this order emphasized harmony with nature, integrating Daoist principles with practices that promoted balance and well-being.
- Unity Society: A syncretic order that harmonizes Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, fostering a unified approach to spiritual growth and enlightenment.
- Confucian Order: Dedicated to the principles of Taoism and Confucianism, this order changed China’s politics but was destroyed by the Mongol Empire.
- Xianwu Wushu: Martial arts Taoist order.
- Water Dao: A contemplative order of Taoism, exploring its transformative power and its connection to nature, it was absorbed by the Taoist Order in 1455.
- The Eternal Path: Embracing a nomadic lifestyle, this Taoist order still emphasizes simplicity, detachment, and oneness with the natural world, drawing inspiration from the wandering sage archetype. This Order/Society is one of the oldest societies that are still active having more than 1,000 members, today.
- Way of the Rising Phoenix (Fenghuang Gongfu School): Rooted in martial arts, this Taoist order incorporates phoenix symbolism, symbolizing transformation and renewal, as practitioners seek physical and spiritual refinement through kung fu practices. Rival of Xianwu Wushu until 1689 when Fenghuang Gongfu School was split into 4 school’s.
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