Priests/Hierachy

The Celestial Master

The Celestial Master is the supreme leader of religious Taoism and was historically seen as the translator between the realms of Humanity and the Heavens. After the death of the Celestial Master in 2008, there has been no Celestial Master due to a number of claimants for the title of Celestial Master. Normally, the role is given to a relative of Zhang Daoling (the founder of the Celestial Masters), but no concrete heir has been laid forward. In mainland China, decisions are currently made by High Priests under the supervision of the CTA (Chinese Taoist Organization) operating without a Celestial Master.

CTA

CTA stands for the Chinese Taoist Organization which is in charge of making sure Taoist activities align with the government's ideology. It oversees Taoist temples, clergy and rituals. The CTA promoted a 'Sinizied Taoism', which is Taoism that blends Taoist values with socialist values.

The National Congress is the highest authoirty of the CTA, meeting every 5 years to elect new leaders.

The Chairman is the equivalent of the main religious leader of Taoism.

The Standing Committee are senior clergy who handle day-to-day operations.

High Priests, Senior Taoists

'High Merit Priests' or Gāogōng are ritual masters who perform major Taoist cerenomies. Taoist Elders, or Dàozhǎng oversee temples and are in charge of ordaining new priests.

Ordained Priests

Ordained Priests, or simply Shòulù Dàoshi are people who have a Lu. Lu's are registars and given out by Gāogōng and are basically stamps of heavenly approval. A Lu has the list of names of spirit generals and deities the priest can command. A Lu also contains the names of the deities you can command. There are three Lu levels, the higher the level, the more abilities you have.

Level 1 - Dongzhen Lu / Training time ranges from 3-5 years. With this, you can hold basic rituals and minor talismans (write word of power and religious symols which purity spiritual energies and drive away demons)

Level 2 - Dongshen Lu / Training time usually goes up to 5-10 years. With a Dongshen Lu, you can command low-level spirits.

Level 3 - Dongxuan Lu / Advanced exorcism and healing. Training takes around 10-15 years.

Level 4 - Dongshen Lu / Takes upwards of 20+ training years and allows for celestial communication with the Heavens.

Householder Priests

Huǒjū Dàoshi or Householder Priests are priests who are allowed to marry and live out secular lives whilst still performing rituals.

Monastic Priests

Chūjiā Dàoshi or Monastic Priests reside in temples and (uncommon in Zhengyi Daojiao, depends on others), follow celibacy.

Novices

Dàotóng or novices are disciples who are following training under a master.

Lay Followers

Non-ordained followers of the faith who participate in rituals.

Temples

Temples are led by an Abbot (Zhùchí), comparable to a Taoist pastor.