Ancient Cultivation Stories: Bian Dongxuan of the Tao School

[This is one of many ancient stories of cultivation passed down through history in China, taken by contemporary people as myths. These stories are not a part of Falun Dafa itself, but Falun Dafa is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and it’s ancient history of cultivation. These stories are included on Clearharmony because they can help place Falun Dafa within a rich historical and cultural tradition of cultivation.]

During the late years of Kaioyu’s time in Tang Dynasty, in Ligru county of Shuxju there lived a female Taoist priest called Bian Dongxuan who had cultivated the Tao and taken divine medicine for forty years. When she was 84 years old, one day an elder carrying a cake visited Bian and said .“ I am an immortal living in the Sum shu. I came specially to arrange your return because you have attained the Tao. The cake is made of power of jade essence and has been treasured by all immortals. In recent times most cultivators who had attained Tao take it. You may feel free to take it, no pressure. Seven days after taking it, you definitely will be able flying to the paradise of immortals.” Bian took it and the elder said. “I am returning first now and you may follow.” The elder disappeared after saying these words.

After two days had passed, Bian Dongxuan suddenly felt her body light and found her teeth and hair renewed. Thus she said to her disciples. “ The head of immortals called me to return, so I will depart before long. Only I keep thinking about all of you, how can I not feel regret? All of you have to cultivate Tao diligently and closely. Don’t take delight in relishing in worldly affairs, which can only result in falling into decay.” Seven days later, when her disciples and others came to ask her for the schedule of activities, they saw concentrated purple clouds around and heard conversations from high above.. They dared not enter the room, standing outside the door. Soon the door opened, and Dongxuan jumped up and stood on purple clouds, about 100 ft from ground, and said good-bye to her disciples and other priests. Meanwhile the governor of the province, officers and citizen, about several hundreds, looked with respect from afar and gave a salute. Soon the sun came out and the purple air changed into likeable clouds with five colors. Dongxuan slowly rose, and after a long time the purple air faded away.