Taoist Sects
Among the principal Taoist
sects to emerge were:
-
The Heavenly (or Celestial)
Masters sect, founded in West China in the second century A.D. It
was founded by Chang Tao-ling (AD 34?-156?) who reputedly possessed
remarkable healing powers. It advocated faith healing through the
confession of sin and at one time recruited members as soldiers
and engaged in war against the government.
In the 11th century, the sect obtained a large tract in Jiangxi
province that remained an important Taoist center until 1927. The
sect still flourishes in Taiwan and continues to pay homage to Zhang
Daoling, who is regarded as immortal. 
-
The Supreme Peace sect,
also founded in the second century A.D., adopted practices much
like those of the Heavenly Master sect and launched a great rebellion
that went on for several years before ending in 205 A.D.
-
The Mao-shan (Mount Mao)
sect, founded in the 4th century, introduced rituals involving both
external and internal alchemies, mediumistic practice, and visionary
communication with divinities.
-
The Ling-pao (Marvelous
Treasure) sect, also founded in the 4th century, introduced the
worship of divinities called T'ien-tsun (Heavenly Lords)
-
The Ch'uan-chen (Completely
Real) sect was founded in the 12th century as a Taoist monastic
movement.
-
Eventually the Heavenly
Master sect absorbed most of the beliefs and practices of the other
sects and, in the 20th century, became the most popular Taoist group.
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