Introduction of Heavenly Master Ge Hong (四天師系列之抱朴仙公葛天師)

 
Ge Tian Shi (葛天師) aka Heavenly Master Ge, referring to 2 people, Ge Xuan (葛玄) aka Ge Xiao Xian (葛孝先) & Ge Hong (葛洪) aka Ge Ji Chuan (葛稚川). Ge Hong is the Grand-nephew of Ge Xuan (葛洪為葛玄從孫).

Ge Xuan, born in the Three Kingdom Period (生于三國時代), hometown in Jiang Xi Province, Ju Ku Area (家鄉於江西句窖).

Since young, Ge Xuan had been putting effort in doing self-cultivation and learning of Spiritual Skills. After growing up, Ge Xuan seek Mastership under the famous Taoist Priest Zuo Ci (左慈), from then, Ge Xuan was being imparted with the manuals on Internal-balancing of Energies, such as Jiu Ding Dan Jing (九鼎丹经), Tai Qing Dan Jing (太清丹经), Jin Yi Dan Jing (金液丹经), etc.

Besides learning Cultivation Skills from Zuo Ci, Ge Xuan also went to Jiang Xi Province Mountain Ge Zao (江西阁皂山) to learn Talisman Skills, etc. After mastering the Skills, Ge Xuan traveled around in the Country to assist the needy. Due to his compassionate and kindness, the folks respected him as an Immortal Priest, which later gave him the titles Ge Xian Gong (葛仙公) & Tai Ji Xian Gong (太極仙公).

Ge Hong, born in Western Jin Dynasty (CE284 生于西晉), hometown in Dan Yang Ju Rong Area (家鄉於丹阳句容).

Due to the influences from his family, Ge Hong started his learning and cultivation at a very young age. Due to his Granduncle Ge Xuan was a well-known Taoist Cultivated Person, Ge Hong got a lot of privileges while he was doing his self studying.

After growing up, besides learning the Spiritual Skills, doing self cultivation, Ge Hong also concentrate on knowledge of Taoism Theory, Taoism Preaching, Chinese Medicine and Elixir-producing.

As an "addicted" Elixir-producing person, Ge Hong always traveled around in the whole Country to look for special ingredients and objects for the producing process.

One year, while he knew that in Jiao Zhi Country (交趾國 today known as Vietnam 今越南) produced a type of stone-grains that could enhanced the energy of Elixirs, without consideration, Ge Hong traveled to Jiao Zhi Country to search for the substance.

After returning to China, Ge Hong shifted to Mountian Fu Luo (浮羅山) with his whole Family.

From then, he started his long term producing of Elixirs (main objective in assisting the poor and sick).

At an old age, Ge Hong compiled all his learning, knowledge and History into a book. Due to his title known as Bao Pu Zi (抱朴子), this book was named after him as Bao Pu Zi. Till today, this book can still be purchased in bookstores.

On CE364, while he was about to complete the final batch of Elixirs, Ge Hong got his Enlightenment in the Elixir Room. At the time, he was 80 years old.

On the moment of his Enlightenment, he was being summoned to the Celestial Palace to meet up with Jade Emperor (玉皇大天尊). Due to his Uprightness and willingness in assisting the infinite quantity of sufferings, Ge Hong was being bestowed with the Heavenly Master – Tian Shi (天師之職).

From then, Ge Hong and his Granduncle Ge Xuan were being honoured as the 2 Heavenly Master Ge in our Chinese Deity System.

For High Res Pics, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1912803398/pic/list