Wu Chengzhen
Wu Chengzhen | |
---|---|
![]() Wu in 2023 | |
Born | Wu Yuanzhen January 14, 1957 |
Nationality | Chinese |
Occupation | Taoist abbess |
Years active | 1984–present |
Known for | First ordained female abbess in Taoist history |
Wu Chengzhen (Chinese:
Early life[edit]
Wu Yuanzhen (Chinese:
Career[edit]
Early career[edit]
Wu began work as a cook and gardener at the Changchun Taoist Temple of Wuhan.[2] She studied with Xie Zhongxin, the 22nd fangzhang of Baiyun Temple in Beijing and after four years, in March 1984 she became a monk.[1][3] The Changchun Temple, built during the Yuan dynasty, is one of the most important in China.[4] In 1995, Wu was appointed the temple's zhuchi (lower-ranking abbess),[2] and was selected as vice president of the Taoist Association of Wuhan.[4] One of her main duties is fundraising. Taoist clergy depend on public donations for their public works projects. Wu reportedly has around 10,000 followers who annually donate at least 2 million yuan (US$292,920),[5] used to care for the poor and children who have dropped out of school, widows, as well as for construction projects for bridges, roads,[3] schools, and disaster relief.[2]
Later career[edit]
In 2001,[2] Wu completed a master's degree in philosophy at Huazhong University of Science and Technology She became president of both the Hubei province and Wuhan Taoist Associations in 2007.[1] In 2009, Wu began studying for her doctorate degree at Renmin University of China with a thesis topic which evaluates the function of Taoism in creating a harmonious society.[2] In 2009, she was unanimously elected by all of the leaders in all the Changchun Temple's departments to serve as their principal abbess.[2] Her ordination was held on 15 November, 2009.[1][3][5] In 2014, Wu traveled to the United States and helped found the U.S. Taoist Association.[6]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e "
首位 道教 女 方丈 :走 在 修 炼的路上 至 真 至 诚吴诚真". China Daily (in Chinese). Beijing, China. 14 December 2009. Retrieved 6 December 2015. - ^ a b c d e f g h Nilsson, Erik; Rui, Guo. "First woman leader of Taoist clerical orthodoxy". China Daily. Beijing, China. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ a b c "First Chinese principal Taoist abbess". Beijing, China: People's Daily. 17 November 2009. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ a b "
中国 道教 首位 女 方丈 诞生 千余信众欢聚相庆(图)" (in Chinese). Wuhan, China: Sohu. 15 November 2009. Retrieved 6 December 2015. - ^ a b Keen, Zhang; Wu, Jin (17 November 2009). "Daoists appoint first ever female abbot". Beijing, China: China Organization. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ Ash, Lorraine (17 November 2014). "East Hanover hosts rare Taoist ceremonies". East Hanover, New Jersey: Daily Record. Retrieved 6 December 2015.