Provisions on the Quanzhen School of Taoists to preach precepts
To strengthen Daoist self-construction, inherit the Quanzhen sect’s ordination rituals, standardize ordination activities, and strictly uphold doctrinal teachings, these regulations are established in accordance with the “Regulations on Religious Affairs,” “Management Methods for Religious Organizations,” and the “Constitution of the Chinese Taoist Association.”
1. The Quanzhen sect Daoist ordination activities are hosted by the Chinese Taoist Association, co-hosted by the Daoist associations of the provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities directly under the Central Government where the temples are located, with the ordaining temples undertaking the responsibility. No other units or individuals may hold ordination activities.
2. The Chinese Taoist Association must report to the National Religious Affairs Bureau for review and approval when organizing Quanzhen sect Daoist ordination activities.
3. Procedures for temples applying to host ordination activities:
– The temple intending to host ordination activities must submit a written application to the provincial, autonomous region, or municipal Daoist association after obtaining consent from the local People’s Government’s religious affairs department.
– After seeking opinions from the local People’s Government’s religious affairs department, the provincial, autonomous region, or municipal Daoist association will decide and report to the Chinese Taoist Association.
4. Conditions required for temples to host ordination activities:
– Legally registered Daoist places of worship built and managed according to monastic traditions.
– Well-organized management and strict Daoist discipline.
– A permanent Daoist congregation of more than 20 people.
– A revered abbot serving as the ordination master.
– Capability to conduct ordination ceremonies.
– Necessary ritual items, facilities, and related funds for the ordination activities.
5. The ordination master, chief seat, covenant witness, discipline monitor, nominator, ritual performer, decorum corrector, examination conductor, registration officer, welcoming master, and altar protector are invited by the Chinese Taoist Association.
6. Conditions for the ordination master:
– Patriotic and devout, law-abiding.
– Strict in observance, virtuous and respected.
– Knowledgeable in scriptures, capable of preaching and guiding students.
– Dignified appearance, authoritative demeanor.
– Already ascended to the position of abbot, at least 45 years old, proficient in Quanzhen ordination rituals.
7. Conditions for the Quanzhen sect Daoists to receive ordination:
– Patriotic and devout, law-abiding, with pure faith, upright conduct, healthy in body and mind, dignified appearance, and adherent to Quanzhen rules.
– Initiated into the “Dao, scripture, master” three treasures, belonging to a traditional lineage, crowned for more than 2 years, living in monastic solitude, practicing vegetarianism, fully ordained.
– Possession of a Daoist clergy certificate.
– Familiarity with Daoist doctrines, basic scriptures, and ceremonial proprieties.
8. Procedures for applying for ordination:
– The applicant fills out the application form provided by the Chinese Taoist Association, approved by the Daoist association, Daoist college, or resident temple where the applicant is based, and submitted in order to the provincial, autonomous region, or municipal Daoist association.
– For applicants from areas without a provincial, autonomous region, or municipal Daoist association, the application is made through the local Daoist association or resident temple to the Chinese Taoist Association.
– Cross-province, autonomous region, or municipality applications for ordination are not allowed.
– The Chinese Taoist Association, after reviewing and publicly announcing qualified applicants, permits participation in the pre-ordination examination.
– Only those who pass the examination may enter the altar to receive ordination and are collectively referred to as ordinands.
9. Ordinands must receive ordination at the altar, with special circumstances allowing for simplified ordination.
10. Quanzhen sect Daoists aged over 75 years and having been crowned for over 30 years may apply for simplified ordination, following the requirements of Article 9.
11. The ordination precepts are based on the Initial Truth Precepts, Middle Extreme Precepts, and Heavenly Immortal Precepts.
12. Quanzhen sect Daoists who undergo ordination receive a Pure Precept Certificate, precept scriptures, and ritual implements from the ordination altar. The Pure Precept Certificate, stamped with the Chinese Taoist Association’s special seal for ordination, serves as proof of undergoing Quanzhen sect ordination.
13. The number of ordinands is determined by the Chinese Taoist Association based on the actual situation of the hosting temple, and the ordination altar may not increase it arbitrarily. The ordination activity duration is generally no less than 28 days.
14. The hosting temple may appropriately charge necessary fees to the ordinands, with the fee standard approved by the Chinese Taoist Association.
15. Daoists who renounce Daoist faith or severely violate rules