Master Lui Jou

Lui Dong Bun, known in Daoism as the “Master of Pure Yang,” or Grandmaster Lui Jou. Originally a Confucian scholar, Lui Dong Bun was well-versed in the classics. Some claim he passed the imperial examination in 825 CE and served as a local official. Disillusioned by the chaos of uprisings, he abandoned worldly pursuits and retreated to Zhongtiao Mountain caves with his wife, leading him to adopt the name "Dong Bun" ("Dong" refers to the caves they inhabited, and "Bun" signifies being a guest of the cave). 

 

Before renouncing his official duties, Lui Dong Bun distributed his wealth to the poor, performing numerous acts of kindness. According to folklore, during his cultivation, he encountered Great Grandmaster Hon Jung Lei, who became his master and taught him alchemical techniques. After achieving immortality and attaining enlightenment, he dedicated himself to guiding others toward salvation, often traveling far and wide to heal the sick without accepting any form of recompense.

 

Lui Dong Bun's altruism and commitment to aiding the needy earned him great admiration and a legendary reputation. After his ascension, the people of his hometown built the "Lui Temple" in his honor, which was later converted into a Daoist temple during the Jin dynasty due to Lui's strong Daoist affiliations.