Master Li Cheng Yu was the 24th generation Master from the Longmen School. Her Taoist name was Cheng Yu. Cheng Yu means pure jade. Nobody remembers her original name. She was born in 1872 and passed away in 2002. She became a Priestess at the early age of ten. Master Li devoted her entire life to preserving, developing and promoting Taoist religious practice, Taoist healing arts and Taoist wisdom. She was a living manifestation of kindness, mercy and conscience. She was dedicated to the Taoist community in China and to internal alchemical practice.

Many Masters from both Taoist and other schools in China traveled long distances to visit with her. She also had many students who came to her from all over China. At the age of six Master Yun Xiang Tseng (Chen) was chosen to study under Master Li Cheng Yu at Wu Dang Mountain. He stayed there for ten years until she sent him to the United States in 1991 to share this ancient wisdom and healing art.

Master Li's steadfast wish is for the renovations to continue at Wu Dang Temple and to preserve the spiritual gems of Taoist culture. Master Chen continues her legacy through his support of the Monastery in China and in his efforts to construct the first Wu Dang Taoist Monastery in the United States.

 The Foundation was conceived by Master Yun Xiang Tseng, who promised Grandmaster Li Cheng Yu to help 10,000 people by bringing the traditions, practices and secrets of Taoism to the West.

Mission

We believe that Taoist Culture is a treasure of humanity that is irreplaceable and critical to the preservation of wellness and balance in the world.  Between the rapid modernization of China and lack of awareness in the West, the traditional seats of Taoism, its preservation and its continuity are being threatened.  

Photo courtesy of Linda Hug.

The Association for Chinese Enrichment, Inc. which does business as "North American Wu Dang Taoist Foundation", preserves this ancient culture by creating awareness, promoting and assisting in the preservation of existing sites and practices in China and through the establishment of new Taoist sites in America.  The Foundation creates and delivers curricula and accredited programs in Taoist philosophy and lifestyle practices, sponsors conferences, trips and other educational events to promote Chinese and American cultural exchange.

The North American Wudang Taoist Foundation, educates Americans and Chinese who want to learn more about each other's culture.For Americans who are interested in learning ancient Chinese healing practices, Taoist philosophy and martial arts or conducting business in or touring China, the foundation serves as a clearinghouse and arranges various events. The foundation advises Chinese immigrants on obtaining U.S. citizenship and how they might participate in the American economy by better learning English, American laws, customs and business practices. The NAWTF will enrich the educational experience of American and Chinese students by managing an international student exchange program in the future.

GOALS

To preserve and perpetuate the ancient culture, traditions and practices of Wudang China and Taoism.  These practices include:

• Healing and Preventative Practices such as Traditional Herbals, Acupuncture, Tuina Massage, Qi Healing, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Meditation
• Traditional Arts such as Feng Shui, I Ching, Face Reading
• Talisman Drawing, Ceremonial Arts, Taoist Music
• Martial Arts – Internal Kung Fu and Tai Chi
• Taoist Philosophy
• Ancient Longevity and Internal Alchemy.

To ensure the quality and authenticity of the teachers and teachings being presented to the public. 

U.S. TEMPLE PROJECT

Letter from Master Tseng

My name is Yun Xiang Tseng; I am a Taoist priest from the Wu Dang Monastery in China. I have been practicing the ancient Taoist Wu Dang tradition for thirty years now. I am the 14th generation Zhang San Feng lineage, 25th generation Dragon Gate branch (Longmen sect) lineage, authorized to practice and teach the authentic Wu Dang Taoist teachings that have passed on in an unbroken living tradition for 700 years. I am writing to you today because this living tradition, this vast storehouse of ancient wisdom that stretches back 5,000 years is in jeopardy.

The Cultural Revolution ravaged the Wu Dang monastery, scattering priests and leaving the treasury of Taoist culture in shambles. Temple buildings that have served the Taoist cultures of China for thousands of years have been demolished. The remaining buildings have been neglected and are in dire need of renovation and are currently facing ruin. The Wu Dang monastery, made up of over 100 buildings, is considered one of the most respected, religious and culturally significant and sacred sites in China.

Photo courtesy of Ken McCray.

My Master sent me to the United States 15 years ago to preserve the Wu Dang Monastery and its ancient Taoist wisdom and healing traditions. I have resided in the United States for 15 years and I have traveled from New York to Florida, from Georgia to Alaska teaching Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Kung Fu. In this time I have met thousands of kind and generous students who have impressed me with their genuine interest in studying the wisdom and healing arts of the Wu Dang Taoist tradition.

It is my mission to establish an authentic Wu Dang Monastery in North America. My aim is to preserve the ancient culture that is on the brink of destruction in China and to continue to teach the students in the United States and elsewhere who are free to practice this ancient wisdom tradition. The climate of freedom in the United States and the generous heart of the American people will make this mission possible. I have relocated from New York to Colorado and have been struck by the relationship between the Native American healing traditions and The Wu Dang healing arts. It is my wish to preserve Wu Dang Taoism for the world and to make connections with other healing traditions.

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