Patriarchs

 Patriarchs

17th Patriarchs

The first patriarch of the White Stage, Jin-gong Zu Shi, Lu Zhong-yi, was born in Ji-ning, Shang-dong on April 24 in the 28th year of the rule of Ching Dynasty Emperor Tao-guang. He called himself "Senseless bloke". He was orphaned at a young age and led a very miserable life. He joined the army during the rule of Ching Emperor Guang-xu and through heavenly guidance, he became the disciple of Ching-xu Zu Shi, 16th patriarch, to pursue the study of Tao. He donated 100 silver dollars (dollar system at the time), and spent many years to cultivate the Tao under 16th patriarch's leading.

He did his daily chores, endured hardships and studied conscientiously to achieve holiness. When Liu Zu became old and senile, he sought heavenly advice and passed on the leadership to Jin-gong Zu Shi on March 15, in the 31st year of the rule of Ching Emperor Guang-xu. Thus, Jin-gong Zu Shi began to spread the gospel of Tao in Ji-ning of Shang-dong to salvage and cross people until February 2nd, 1925 when he passed away, aged 76. On March 3rd of the following year, Jin-gong Zu Shi returned with his youthful look to borrow the soul of Yang Chun-ling in Shan-xi to exhibit his divine power for 100 days. He was able to cite classics and Mi-le Scriptures for posterity.

 

Great Master

Great Master (18th Patriarch)

 

Great Master Zhang, also called Kui-sheng or Guang-bi, Tao-named Tian Ran, was born in Ji-ning of Shang-dong on July 19 in the 15th year of the rule of Ching Emperor Guang-xu. At the time of his birth the Heaven Temple was ablaze, the sky turned red and the Yellow River became crystal clear. These are signs from the heaven and earth to signify the birth of a saint. Great Master was born with special features, like the flat top head, the eyes with double pupils He was highly intelligent and endowed with magnanimous character. In 1915 he met Master Chu and from thence. He and Tao were inseparable and became very vigorous in the study of Tao. In 1920 Master Chu died and Great Master became the follower of Jin-gong Zu Shi. In 1925 Jin-gong Zu Shi died. In 1930 Great Master and Great Mistress were entrusted the responsibility to continue with the joint-leadership of Tao. Under their joint-leadership Tao flourished through very hard and trying times. In 1945, Tao has spread to all of China and in 1946 the believers in Xi-chuan had brought the faith to Cheng-du. Coinciding with the Mid-autumn festival of 1947, Great Master died at the age of 59. He was posthumously awarded the title of "Ancient Buddha" and his status was confirmed. His vow to look after the well-being of the sentient humans touched the hearts of all.

 

Great MistressGreat Mistress (18th Patriarch)

 

Great Mistress Sun, also known as Su-zheng or Ming-shan, Tao-named Hui-ming, was born in Shan-xian of Shang-dong on August 28, in the 21st year of the rule of Ching Emperor Guang-xu. In the early days she was well brought up by her family and was demure and virtuous by nature. She was initiated with Tao in 1918. She was compassionate and had deep faith. In 1930, there were changes in the trend of Tao. Great Master and Great Mistress received heavenly decree that the sexes were equal and could cultivate Tao together. With the help of the saints and sages and Buddhas, prophesies become true and Tao had descended upon the common mass of people. Great Mistress knew that the heavenly decree was not to be disobeyed and obediently assisted Great Master. In mid-Autumn 1947, Great Master died. All grieved, especially the disciples. Great Mistress put up with all her might to frought against the gale and brought calm to the Tao Order. Disciples were touched by Great Mistress dedication and virtue and decided to give up their families and career to spread the Dharha to preserve the sacred mission. In 1949 when China was in turmoil, Great Mistress retreated to Hong Kong. In 1954, Master Han was able to overcome all the difficulties to bring Great Mistress to Taiwan. Great Mistress's vision had touched the heaven and had turned crisis into opportunities. She made I-Kuan Tao what it is today, a legitimate entity to spread the faith of Tao, from Taiwan to all corners of the world. On February 23 of 1975, Great Mistress passed away at age 81. She was bestowed the title of "Mother Saint of Zhong Hua" after her death.

 

    * Great Scholars