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What happened during Zhang Daoling's revelation in Sichuan in 142 CE?

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Understanding Taoism: Ancient philosophy and way of life — Taoism Questions and answers about the religio-philosophical Chinese tradition of Taoism.

In 142 CE, in the mountains of Sichuan, Zhang Daoling reportedly received a revelation from the deified Laozi, known as Taishang Laojun ("Lord Lao the Most High").12

During this event, Laozi bestowed upon Zhang the "orthodox and sole doctrine of the authority of the covenant" (zhengyi mengweifa). This revelation was intended to serve as a definitive replacement for existing religious practices, which were described as having degenerated into demonism.2

This encounter marked the beginning of the Tianshidao (Way of the Celestial Masters) movement, the first organized form of religious Taoism. The new doctrine established a framework for a "Taocracy," a religio-political organization where spiritual and temporal powers converged, emphasizing moral conduct, confession of sins, and faith-healing to cure illness, which was believed to be a punishment for evil deeds.21