U.S. Temple Project

Letter from Master Tseng

My name is Yun Xiang Tseng; I am a Taoist priest from the Wu Dang Monastery in China. I have been practicing the ancient Taoist Wu Dang tradition for thirty years now. I am the 14th generation Zhang San Feng lineage, 25th generation Dragon Gate branch (Longmen sect) lineage, authorized to practice and teach the authentic Wu Dang Taoist teachings that have passed on in an unbroken living tradition for 700 years. I am writing to you today because this living tradition, this vast storehouse of ancient wisdom that stretches back 5,000 years is in jeopardy.

The Cultural Revolution ravaged the Wu Dang monastery, scattering priests and leaving the treasury of Taoist culture in shambles. Temple buildings that have served the Taoist cultures of China for thousands of years have been demolished. The remaining buildings have been neglected and are in dire need of renovation and are currently facing ruin. The Wu Dang monastery, made up of over 100 buildings, is considered one of the most respected, religious and culturally significant and sacred sites in China.

My Master sent me to the United States 20 years ago to preserve the Wu Dang Monastery and its ancient Taoist wisdom and healing traditions. I have resided in the United States for 20 years and I have traveled from New York to Florida, from Georgia to Alaska teaching Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Kung Fu. In this time I have met thousands of kind and generous students who have impressed me with their genuine interest in studying the wisdom and healing arts of the Wu Dang Taoist tradition.

It is my mission to establish an authentic Wu Dang Monastery in North America. My aim is to preserve the ancient culture that is on the brink of destruction in China and to continue to teach the students in the United States and elsewhere who are free to practice this ancient wisdom tradition. The climate of freedom in the United States and the generous heart of the American people will make this mission possible. I have relocated from New York to Colorado and have been struck by the relationship between the Native American healing traditions and The Wu Dang healing arts. It is my wish to preserve Wu Dang Taoism for the world and to make connections with other healing traditions.

Unless great efforts are made, the vast treasury I have been entrusted with will not be able to take root in the United States, grow and flourish and will face a threatened future. It is my wish and responsibility to train the next generation. I am urgently and sincerely appealing for funds to begin the creation of the Wu Dang Monastery here in North America. The Association for Chinese American Enrichment is a non-for profit 501©3 organization and all funds are fully tax deductible. Please consider making a donation to preserve the ancient healing arts and wisdom of Taoism. I welcome and appreciate any size donation. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of this in more detail, please contact us. Thank you.