Lineage
We recognize that it isn’t every day that one meets a Daoist Priest. When the opportunity to be ordained was offered to Greg, he was able to embark on a journey and experience that few undertake. His own exploration and understanding of what it means to be a part of this lineage and tradition continues to grow, and this account of what that involves is helpful for putting context around the tradition.
Our main lineage is the Yu Qing Huang Lao Pai of Shang Qing Daoism. Shang Qing can be translated as Highest Purity, and is an order of Daoism that originated approximately 1650 years ago. Yu Qing translates as Jade Purity. Huang refers to the Yellow Emperor, and Lao refers to Lao Zi, early influencers of Daoism. It is a highly mystical tradition, by which I mean it’s focus is largely on self-cultivation, meditation, and individual spiritual revelation and transcendence. I belong to the 89th generation of this lineage, with the Daoist name 玄惠 Xuan Hui (Mandarin) / Jyun Wai (Cantonese), meaning something like Benefit the Mystery/Mysterious Gentleness.
This is the main lineage of Daoism I belong to, having been initiated by my Sifu, Jeffrey Yuen, who in turn was initiated by his grandfather, Grand Master Yuwen, who, in turn, was orphaned and grew up at a Daoist monastery at Hua Shan as an infant in the 1870’s.
I also belong to the 27th generation of the Long Men Pai of Quan Zhen Daoism under Jeffrey Yuen. Quan Zhen can be translated as Completed Perfection, and Long Men as Dragon Gate. Pai means a school/sect/lineage. This lineage originated approximately 850 years ago. Within this lineage, my Daoist name is 惠瑞 Gao Rui (Mandarin) / Gou Seoi (Cantonese), meaning something like Lofty Auspiciousness. This lineage descends to me from Jeffrey via the individual who ordained him as a Dragon Gate Priest, 25th Generation Dragon Gate Priest, Grand Master Lu, of the New York City 應道觀 Ying Dao Guan Daoist Temple, which is where I received my ordination. This temple is officially recognized and sanctioned by the Bai Yun Guan, White Cloud Monastery in Bei Jing, the world headquarters of the Quan Zhen Long Men Pai. Pictured in the photos on this page is Master Lu, Jr., who is the current abbot of the Ying Dao Guan. Jeffrey and Master Lu, Jr. both belong to the 26th Generation of the Quan Zhen Long Men Pai, under Master Lu, Sr., who was the founding abbot of the Ying Dao Guan.
Master Lu, Jr. served as an official witness of my ordination and acceptance as a disciple under Jeffrey, and also as the sort of master of ceremonies for the proceedings. Jeffrey also asked Master Lu, Jr. to give me my Dragon Gate name, 瑞/Rui.
Burning of Incense, Offerings, and a Register with my name to Heaven
Jeffrey, Master Lu Jr., my wife Grace, and I after the ceremony
Me offering Jeffrey tea in my discipleship acceptance ceremony
Master Lu Jr. overseeing and proclaiming Jeffrey as my Sifu
Certificate fashioned by Master Lu acknowledging me as a 27th generation inheritor of the Quan Zhen Long Men Pai
Calligraphy that reads “Yu Qing / Jade Purity” presented to me by Jeffrey Yuen
Wearing the ceremonial robe I inherited from 87th generation Yu Qing Pai Grand Master Yuwen, gifted to me by Jeffrey.
On March 21st of 2022, I had the great fortune of being ordained into two Daoist spiritual traditions under my Sifu, Jeffrey Yuen. The ceremony took place at the…