Quanzhen and Zhengyi are the two major sects of Taoism.
Taoism is an inherent religion in China, with a history of more than 1,800 years. It is closely connected with Chinese local culture, deeply rooted in the fertile soil of China, has distinctive Chinese characteristics, and has had a profound impact on all aspects of Chinese culture. In particular, Feng Shui, Zhouyi divination, horoscope analysis, releasing animals to do good deeds, etc., make people inseparable from it.
Taoists are often called "Taoist priests". Why is it called a Taoist priest? According to "Taixiao Lang Shu Jing", "People walking on the great road are called Taoist priests." "The body and mind are in order, and they follow the Tao, so they are called Taoist priests."
Taoist priests who follow the master can be divided into "Zhengyi" Taoist priests , "Quan Zhen" Taoist priests, etc. According to the academic affairs in the palace, it can be divided into "head of the family", "master of the palace", "knowing guest", etc. The other type is ordinary believers, known as "lay Buddhists" or "believers". "Gongguan" is the most important organizational form of Taoism. The temple is a place where Taoist monks practice Buddhism, worship gods and hold ceremonies. Taoism also has some economic organizations (such as vegetarian food departments, tea factories, etc.), educational organizations (Taoist classes, Taoist classics classes, etc.), and charitable organizations (nursing homes, medical clinics, etc.).
1. About the Quanzhen Sect
The Quanzhen Sect pays attention to the cultivation of inner and outer elixirs. Inner elixir refers to the cultivation of human essence, energy, and spirit, and is the main cultivation method of the Quanzhen sect; outer elixir refers to the method of preparing an edible elixir using lead, mercury and medicine. According to the original regulations, Taoist priests of the Quanzhen Sect are all monastic Taoist priests, and there are four basic requirements: first, not to get married; second, not to eat meat; third, they must also wear Taoist attire in daily life; fourth, they must tie their hair, face, and beard. They all live in the palace. Quanzhen Taoism, also known as Quanzhen Religion, is an important sect of Chinese Taoism. It was founded by Wang Chongyang in Zhongnan Mountain, Shaanxi from the late Northern Song Dynasty to the early Southern Song Dynasty.
Generally speaking, the teachings of Quanzhen Sect inherit the inner alchemy ideas of Zhongli Quan and Lu Dongbin. In addition, it advocates the unity of the three religions and the equality of the three religions, and believes that the core of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism is "Tao". The principle of its religious practice is "suffering oneself and benefiting others". Moreover, the monastic system is implemented, and Taoist priests do not encourage marriage.
2. About the Zhengyi Sect
In the Zhengyi Sect, Taoist priests mainly focus on the activities of using talismans to summon gods, drive away ghosts, and pray for blessings and warding off disasters. According to tradition, all Taoist priests of this sect are non-monastic Taoists. They can get married, have children, and live a family life; Follow the customs. Commonly known as "Fire Dwelling Taoist". Zhengyiyi is one of the two major sects of late Chinese Taoism. It is based on the long-term development of Tianshi Tao and Longhu Sect, with Longhu Sect as the center, and gathers various Fulu Taoist sects to form a large Fulu sect.
Disciples of the Zhengyi sect can stay at home and get married. In real life, many lay people who understand Taoism mostly belong to the Zhengyi sect, represented by Longhushan and Maoshan magic.
Zhengyiyi has Zhang Tianshi as its leader and "Zhengyi Sutra" as its main classic. Taoism mainly focuses on drawing talismans and chanting mantras. Taoist priests generally marry wives and have children, and do not need to become monks.
The Quanzhen sect and the Zhengyi sect have mostly integrated in teachings and rituals. The Quanzhen sect also uses spells in their sutras and confessions, and some Taoist priests of the Zhengyi sect also practice inner elixirs.