Through history there were many Daoist sects across China. More or less they were different or similar in their teachings, practices and beliefs. At least there were hundreds of them existing through Chinese long and unique history. After 13th century most powerful were Zhengyi Dao and Quanzhen which are only sects that have remained official today. All other sects had to choose to incorporate into Zhengyi Dao or Quanzhen after 1949 under government regulation. In this article we are going to focus on history, practices and ideas of Zhengyi Dao. In next article it will be about Quanzhen sect. Generally it wont be mentioned much about Daoist teachings and beliefs since we already covered them a lot. Zhengyi Dao and Quanzhen have same Daoist doctrine, beliefs, deities and principles but there are differences in practices and in applying Daoism.
History of Zhengyi Dao
Zhengyi Dao can be translated as Way of Orthodox Unity. It is sect whichtakes roots from Way of Celestial Masters a first large organized Daoist movement formed in 140iesCE during Han dynasty( 206BC-221CE).
First Taoist larger organized movement with clergy appeared in first half of 2nd century when Zhang Daoling formed “Way of Five Pecks of Rice”. According to Legend Zhang Daoling had a dream in which Lao Tzu appeared and told him to lead people of the virtue. Condition for joining was to accept Taoist dogma and give 5 pecks of rice. Later it was changed to name “Way of Celestial Masters” In mountains of Sichuan province they functioned as secret organization living isolated and peaceful life. Only people of virtue could join. Because of poor situation and eunuch tyranny in 170ies Way of Celestial Masters called for ordinary people and peasants to join them in newly formed theocratic state. It exercised sovereignty in areas of todays Sichuan province. Name of state was Way of Celestial Masters and their aim was to establish equality among all people and achieve eternal peace within its borders. They prohibited violence on any kind of being. They even prohibited animal sacrificing as part of rituals. They offered help to hungry and poor by putting fresh food on some stands in towns and villages. There were many freedoms given to peasants including sexual freedoms as Taoist teaching was very open towards sex and considered it as natural thing and connection of yin and yang. Government officials were priests. Higher ranking priest took higher position in apparatus. On top was Celestial Master who by tradition had to be from lineage of First Celestial Master.
Taoist state ceased to exist in 215 when Cao Cao annexed it into territory controlled by him. However leader of that state Zhang Lu (successor of Zhang Daoling) wasn’t killed but was treated well by Cao Cao a Chancellor and General of imperial army. Afterwards there were few less successful attempts to create Taoist theocracy but by 6th century these attempts were abandoned. Way of Celestial Masters continued to operate as secret sect without territories but focused on living in nature and building temples and didn’t interfere anymore in state affairs. Focus was more on abilities not lineage but Celestial Master stayed as nominal tittle.
Zhang Daoling is quite legendary figure- it is believed that he has lived 123 years and was buried on Qingchengshan mountain in Sichuan. Also there are legends that he has achieved immortality. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Daoling
During Tang dynasty( 618-906) Zhengyi Dao sect was formed. It means Way of Orthodox Unity. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang dynasty who ruled at beginning of 8th century canonized Zhang Daoling and acknowledged forming of Zhengyi Dao. He gave them seat in Mount Longhushan in Jiangxi province. During Song dynasty( 960-1279) Zhengyi Dao was joined by other Daoist sects such as Lingbao and Shangqing. During Yuan dynasty was formed Quanzhen sect which was seated in Beijing. It was only sect which wasn’t affiliated to Zhengyi Dao. During Ming and Qing dynasties Zhengyi Sect was still seated in Longhushan and mostly was present in southern areas of China such as Sichuan, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Hubei, Jiangxi and Hunan. While Quanzhen was predominant in northern China in Beijing, Shandong, Henan, Shaanxi and Hebei. However these boundaries are not strictly determined today as is presence of both sects whole China.
Beliefs:
Daoist beliefs are based on Daoist teaching which I already wrote several times. Daozang(canon) is their major source of teaching which containts Dao De Jing, Yi Jing, Zhuangtzu and other books. They believe that Lao Tzu is ancestor of Daoism not deity itself as Way of Celestial Masters used to believe. Therefore Lao Tzu is not worshipped by them but is highly respected as first teacher of Daoism. They primarily worship Daoist trinity of 3 supreme gods- Yuanshi Tianzun( Lord of Primordial Beginning) considered as manifestation of Jade Emperor, Lingbao Tianzun( a supreme pure one who considered as manifestation of Yin Yang ) and Taishang Laojun( a deification of Lao Tzu). They are definitely among most frequently worshipped Chinese gods and Jade Emperor is mostly worshipped together as member of 3 Pure Ones in form of Yuanshi Tianzun. Lao Tzu is only worshipped in his divine manifestation of Taishang Laojun as member of 3 Pure Ones. They are mostly worshipped for balance, good fortune and family happiness. This concept of 3 Pure Ones was defined during Han dynasty mostly by Way of Celestial Masters. Some Taoist temples contain statues of Guanyin deity, Milafo( Budai) and Xuanwu and other deities.
Practices:
Zhengyi Daoists consider as main aim to live in balance with nature and other people and maintaining balance of mind and body. In order to fulfill this good knowledge of inner alchemy or neidan is required. It is primary focused on balancing your life energy, soul and physical body. It is all done through meditation, exercises and special nutrition. These exercises include meditation which focuses primarily on qi energy. Point of Daoist meditation is to be closer to Dao by breathing in and out thus distributing and boosting qi energy through your mind and body. It is supposed to bring balance to your mind and body and boost balanced thoughts, harmonized condition of body and healthy life. Meditation is seen as way towards longevity and even immortality. Meditation requires focusing only on breath through body by your mind and thus dematerialization of your body and feeling only transcendental and spiritual existence. Here all senses except spiritual sense of circulating qi are turned off. Immortality is seen as highest level of self awareness and when after death of physical body your spirit stays alive.
Except meditation Zhengyi Daoshi practice Tao Yin and qi gong exercises which are also aimed on cultivating qi between mind and body. However qi gong exercises focus on equal attention on mind and body and circulating qi there by body movements and with control of the mind. Tao Yin and Qi Gong exercises are basis for balancing between mind and body boosting connection of mental and physical parts of your being. Tao Yin exercises are roots of Wudang or neidan martial arts such as Tai Chi which are of core importance for being closer to Dao.
Zhengyi Daoists are highly focused on close work with local community on district or sub-district levels or on village levels. They perform there daily services at mornings and evenings such as burning incense, praying to deities and offering fruits and tea to them. During other time of the day they make special fulu or talismans. Talismans are special drawings which depict some deity or symbol such as Bagua. They have primary purposes of protection from evil spirits or for transmitting message or wish to deities and Heaven. Talismans are sold to people in Daoist shops which belong to temple. People can use talismans to keep them in house or when they want to transmit special message they burn them. During large festivals such as Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Qingming Festival, Mid Autumn Festival, Qi Xi Festival and Hungry Ghost Festival Daoshi provide large temple fairs. Such fairs often spread through parts of city and village. They organize there large rituals devoted to special festival which include worships, giving blessings to people and offering food.
Zhengyi Daoist Morning Ritual
Zhengyi Daoists also perform some communal services such as weddings, funerals, fortune telling, counseling on Daoist issues( on fortune, illness, energies, nature, changes, balance), consecrating houses and exorcism.
They are supposed to know other things which classically were part of Daoist education and practices such as martial arts, calligraphy, astronomy, music and traditional medicine. Not everyone has to know everything but Daoist scholars choose discipline or two which they want to cultivate. Therefore they can teach those interested Taiji or qi gong or TCM to help curing people in traditional way such as acupuncture. 
Daoist talisman, http://taoisttalisman.blogspot.rs/2006/
There are regional and central educational institutions which belong to Daoist Association of China. After 5-6 years of education both male and female can become Daoist priests or Daoshi. This requires hard work, discipline, tolerance and deep spiritual sense. Daoist scholars must learn all Daoist classics, instructions for rituals and talisman drawing and some other Daoist arts. Citizens can register in Daoist Association and worship at temples when they want. Non-members can do the same too.
Daoist priestry is composed of 2 levels. Higher level are officially educated at Daoist institutions and ordained as priests. They can be specialized in Daoist philosophy, spirituality, Daoist literature, Tao Yin, qi gong, meditation and rituals. Higher Daoshi priests are higher educated Daoist priests who perform more complex rituals related to burial, birth, marriage, festivals, making talismans, cleaning house or objects from evil spirits. They can communicate on higher level than fashi with spirits, deities and ancestors. They also perform rituals on occassions such as festivals.
Fashi are on lower rank than Daoshi( Daoist priest) and must be ordained by Daoist priest to perform rituals. Magicians can perform some exorcism rituals, make fortune telling, healing, perform rituals on some festivals, consecrate house, calculate feng shui of objects and give business advices.Lower ranked Daoists are often composed of rural or urban self-taught teachers and priests who can teach some of their students as well. They usually act as feng shui advisors, fortune tellers, astrologists, cosmologists, healers and martial arts teachers. All this is allowed and legal until they act irrationally when they propose extremist or apocalyptic beliefs or lie to people. Martial arts teachers are not considered fashi and do not have to be ordained by Daoshi. Ritual performers and magicians are usually called fashi what means magician.
Magicians can also act as medians between humans and spirits. Both in cities and villages many constructors still ask fashi for advice about best position for new construction in order to have a balance in nature.
Life:
Zhengyi school doesn’t require monastic life. Zhengyi Daoshi live usually in their homes in cities or villages. They also have free time and right for holiday. Some of lower ranking Daoshi are allowed to hold other jobs and Daoist service appears to be only part time. While higher ranking are fully employed by Daoist temple. Zhengyi Daoshi have right to marry and have children. Sometimes they practice Daoist retreats to mountains in order to get closer to nature, strengthen qi, increase balance of yin yang in bodies or generally to harmonize mind and body. It is done through walking, meditation, Tao Yin, qi gong and Taiji. There are also Zhengyi Daoists who live in temples which are further from cities or villages such as those on Wudangshan or Qingchengshan. They practice and teach martial arts there. During week they are on mountains and during weekends and holidays in nearby towns or villages with families.
Zhengyi Daoshi are supposed to live under 5 precepts:
1) No killing
2) No stealing
3) No spreading lies
4) No sexual misconduct
5) No taking of intoxicants
In addition to 5 major precepts there are about 27 other rules which regulate everyday life of Zhengyi Daoshi. They generally must live in harmony with nature, harmony with Dao, balance with other beings and people and follow 3 treasures such as simplicity, patience and compassion. When it comes to diet and intoxicants members of Zhengyi sect are allowed to eat meat and occasionally use some alcohol.
When it comes to sexual misconduct in case of Zhengyi sect it means no sex with other people except with spouses. Zhengyi school of Daoism is very tolerant when it comes to sexuality. It encourages sexual intercourse and consider it as normal and natural activity. Its purpose is seen as connection and interaction between yin and yang when male and female engage in sexual activity. Sexual intercourse is seen as very good for health, interaction of qi( exchange of qi between male and female) and longevity. They consider that both male and female should equally enjoy in sex. Males sperm is seen as bodily manifestation of qi and thus it isn’t encouraged too much to waste it. In intercourse male and female are supposed to please each other and achieve orgasm for both. Ejaculating is considered to be reserved only for making children. There are special techniques which explain how to achieve orgasm without ejaculation. All these sexual practices and techniques are recorded in ancient Daoist books.
Major spots:
At Wudangshan, http://www.middlewayalchemy.com/chinese-martial-arts.php
In Beijing major Zhengyi sect temple is Dongyue temple which dates from 14th century.On sacred Mount Taishan( Shandong province) there are also Zhengyi temples besides Quanzhen and Buddhist temples. Wudangshan ( Hubei province) is also mostly Zhengyi sect mountain but there are also Quanzhen hermits. Wudangshan is most famous among fans of martial arts. You can also visit a lot of Daoist temples in Chengdu city a capital of Sichuan province. In Sichuan province you can see a Qingchengshan another Zhengyi mountain, which si considered as place where Zhang Daoling created Taoist doctrine. There are many old Daoist temples there. And of course a former headquarters of Zhengyi Dao Longhushan is also open for visitors. Except beautiful nature there are many very interesting temples that belong to Zhengyi school of Daoism.
Some data borrowed from: http://www.daowest-cultivation.com/daoism/daoist-sects/zhengyi-dao-orthodox-unity-daoism.html
cover photo source: https://www.roughguides.com/article/pictures-of-yunnan-china/
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