I am in Dalian and am very interested in Taoist cultivation! How do I become a disciple?

Go to the nearby Taoist temple... If you are destined, you will meet a master who is suitable for you...

Since the Xuanyuan family studied Taoism under Kongtong, Xuan The door apprenticeship has a history of more than 5,000 years. It has a long history. There are two types of apprenticeship, one is to become a monk and become a monk, and the other is to become an apprentice, which is what we call a teacher. These are two different things.

The master you worship when you become a monk (or when you first enter Taoism and take refuge) is called your master, also called your mentor, or your master, which means you should treat your teacher like your father. This is the origin of "once a teacher, always a father". Taoism believes that becoming a monk is the second reincarnation. The master worshiped at this time is like a reborn father, so we call him "Master". Under normal circumstances, when becoming a disciple, the master will choose a good day to set up a dojo and hold a formal apprenticeship ceremony. Then the master will give the apprentice a Taoist name and become the first generation disciple of a certain sect. In the Preface to the Ceremony of the Quanzhen Taoist Crown and Scarf Ceremony, it is mentioned that “If my master did not ask for a crown and scarf when he became a monk, but my master traveled far away, or has become an immortal, he can pay special respects to my master, and set up my master’s memorial tablet next to him, and follow the crown and scarf. There is no need to change the name of this master and the Dharma name he will take later.” This shows the importance of this master.

However, cultivating Taoism is a long-term matter. There are many problems that need to be solved and a lot of knowledge that needs to be understood, which requires learning. Generally, after three years of becoming a monk, if you can withstand the master's inspection, which is equivalent to passing the exam, the master will invite three, four, or seven or eight virtuous Taoist priests from nearby temples to hold a "crown scarf" ceremony for the disciple. It shows that he is truly a monk. Then he encouraged his disciples to go down the mountain, visit famous teachers, and search for the great road. After coming down from the mountain, you can look for famous teachers and learn from them. This is "paying homage to the teacher", which is what people call "paying homage to the master". There is some difference in meaning from "worship the master".

This master is the one who preaches, teaches and resolves doubts. The word "master" appeared as early as the Warring States Period, and it was used to refer to teachers from the beginning. There is a saying in "The Biography of Guliang": "It is the father's sin to restrain a child until he becomes a master." During the Warring States Period, the teacher was called master. The King of Qin asked a foreigner to try to recite poems and books. The foreigner declined and said, "Young master." "Abandoning the teachings, I have never been taught by a master, and I am not accustomed to reciting." The "master" here is related to teaching, and obviously refers to the teacher.

Worshiping a master is like opening your eyes and being reincarnated. You only worship one in your life, but you can worship many teachers. Your own master (dushi) is your own personal master, and you can only have one in your life. If you see a famous Taoist in the future and then go to become a master of that person, it will be considered unfilial. Whenever you go to study or visit, you must also wear a crown and scarf before receiving ordination (the first one is to pass on the teachings and confer the urn). He asked his master for permission. As a master, before accepting a disciple, if you know that this person already has a master, then you can never accept this person as a disciple, you can only accept him as a student.

The following are the precautions for Taoist apprenticeship:

1. Many people are asking how to find a master? The master who converts to Taoism must be a Taoist clergy member recognized by the state. Usually he is a Taoist priest or a highly educated Taoist. Most of them depend on their fate with the master.

2. There are many "famous teachers" in today's society who ask everyone to highlight their talents. Most of them are cheating money and sex or have no level. You should first accumulate more good deeds, and you will meet those who have the opportunity. The teacher must also consider personal character and virtue before accepting them. If you accept them casually, you may not learn anything real, and it will cost money.

3. Taoism pays attention to the orthodox inheritance of the Dharma. Never learn those evil methods. Either the mind will become more arrogant or the mind will become more greedy, and ultimately there will be no good end. [The orthodox Dharma lineage requires the master to open an altar, pray to the upper world, and enter the Taoist scriptures. Only with this can you be recognized by the master and the ancestor].

4. Nowadays, most of the so-called "masters" in Taoist temples and temples are actually commercialized, and there are very few who are qualified. (Of course, there are also some masters hiding among them, but it depends on personal opportunities)

5. Taoists must also learn to a certain level and obtain permission from the Taoist temple or master to which they belong. Accepting disciples is not something that ordinary Taoists can accept at will.

Let me say it again: If you want to worship the Master, you must first accumulate more good deeds. If you have the opportunity, you will meet him. The Master must also consider your personal character and virtue before accepting it. If you accept it casually, I guess you You can't learn anything real and spend money.