Lineages and Transmission

Tracing the Sacred Path from Jiangxi to the World

The Unbroken Chain: The transmission of Liuren Fa Jiao represents an unbroken chain of masters and disciples extending from the Tang Dynasty through modern times. The lineage ensures the preservation of authentic teachings while adapting to new geographic and cultural contexts.

Liuren Fa Jiao Lineage and Transmission Chart
六壬法教传承图 · Liuren Fa Jiao Lineage and Transmission Chart

🏛️ The Fuying Hall Lineage (六壬伏英舘)

The Liuren Fuying Hall represents the most widely disseminated branch of the three original halls founded by Li Chunfeng's descendants. The name "Fuying" (伏英) means "Crouching Heroes" or "Hidden Excellence," reflecting the tradition's association with capable individuals who remained modest and protected the common people.

Classification within Southern Folk Magic Traditions:

Liuren Fa belongs to the "Hakka-lineage Da Xian Wei Ling Fa" (客家系大顯威靈法) - the Hakka transmission branch of the "Great Manifestation of Divine Power" folk magic traditions. This classification positions Liuren within the broader family of Southern Chinese esoteric practices that share:

  • The invocational formula "大顯威靈" (Da Xian Wei Ling - Great Manifestation of Divine Power)
  • Hakka cultural identity and language preservation
  • Master-disciple transmission requiring formal initiation (過教)
  • Practical protective magic serving common people
  • Geographic transmission from Guangdong through Hakka diaspora to Southeast Asia (Nanyang)

See Related Traditions: Da Xian Wei Ling for detailed exploration of this shared spiritual philosophy across sister lineages.

在南方民间法术传统中的分类：

六壬法屬於「客家系大顯威靈法」 - "大显威灵"民间法术传统的客家传承分支。这一分类将六壬定位于南方中国秘传修持大家族中，共享以下特征：

  • 召请口诀"大顯威靈"
  • 客家文化认同与语言保存
  • 需要正式过教仪式的师徒传承
  • 服务百姓的实用护身法术
  • 从广东经客家散居至东南亚（南洋）的地理传播路径

详见相关传统：大显威灵，深入探讨这一跨姊妹法脉的共同灵性哲学。

The Core Transmission Path

📚 Note on Historical Reconstruction

The following lineage represents a historical reconstruction from oral traditions, altar documents, and master testimonies. Liuren transmission occurred primarily through secretive master-disciple relationships in rural communities, leaving few written records. The masters listed below reflect the current consensus among Fuying Guan lineages based on corroboration across multiple sources, though specific details (dates, locations, alternate name spellings) may vary between branches.

These are not definitive historical facts but the best available understanding of how the tradition passed through time. Variations in spelling and naming (due to oral transmission, regional dialects, and hand-copied texts) are common and expected.

  1. Li Chunfeng's Third Son - Legendary founder of the Fuying Hall during the Tang Dynasty, emphasizing holistic balance of healing, secular protection, and spiritual evolution
  2. Jiazhi Old Monk / Tianzhi He (甲志老和尚 / 田志和) - Longhu Mountain (龙虎山), Jiangxi Province. This Buddhist monk is recorded in multiple altar genealogies as the direct teacher of Li Fahui. The variation in names (甲/田, 志/和) likely stems from handwritten text variants and dialect pronunciation differences. Current consensus treats these as referring to a single historical figure rather than separate individuals. Sometimes referenced as being from Shaolin Temple. This figure represents the merger between Liuren arts and broader Taoist-Buddhist liturgical traditions.
  3. Master Li Fahui (李法辉) - Fengyang Prefecture, Jiangxi Province (some sources say Anhui). Pivotal figure who systematized and refined the "Fa Ben" (法本, Dharma Manuals) that form the basis of contemporary practice. Direct disciple of Jiazhi/Tianzhi monk according to all mainstream lineage charts.
  4. Master Luo Faming (罗法明) - Migrated to Yaziду (Duck Crossing, 鸭仔渡), Huiyang County, Guangdong Province, specifically the Hakka heartlands
  5. Master Zeng Famiao (曾法妙) and Master Zeng Faping (曾法平) - The "二曾" (Two Zengs), based in Pingshan area. Their parallel transmissions created the distinct branch houses (房分) within Fuying Guan that continue today
  6. Master Liang Fachu (梁法初) & Master Liang Fayu (梁法余) - Facilitated 20th-century expansion into Hong Kong, working alongside the Zeng lineages
  7. Contemporary Masters including Situ Fazheng (司徒法正) and others - Instrumental in modernizing the presentation while maintaining traditional essence

📜 The Pingshan Transmission Path (坪山傳承)

Documented Lineage as Recorded in Altar Genealogies:

1. 龍虎山甲志老和尚（田志和老師公） #傳下
Jiazhi Old Monk (also Tianzhi He) from Longhu Mountain

⬇️ Transmitted down to
2. 江西鳳陽府李法辉祖師 #傳下
Patriarch Li Fahui from Fengyang Prefecture, Jiangxi Province

⬇️ Transmitted down to
3. 惠陽縣鸭仔渡羅法明老師公 #傳下
Master Luo Faming from Yaziду (Duck Crossing), Huiyang County

⬇️ Transmitted down to
4. 寶安縣坪山石灰坡曾法平老師公 #傳下
Master Zeng Faping from Shihuipo (Lime Slope), Pingshan, Bao'an County

This lineage chart appears in contemporary altar documents, recruitment materials, and master testimonies across multiple Fuying Guan branches. The formula "甲志老和尚（田志和老師公）→ 李法辉 → 罗法明 → 曾法平/曾法妙" represents the mainstream consensus on the transmission path from Longhu Mountain through the Hakka heartlands to modern Hong Kong and Southeast Asian lineages.

Textual Variants: Alternative spellings like "少林甲志和尚" (Shaolin Jiazhi Monk) or variations in 甲/田 and 志/和 appear across different sources. These are understood as textual variants from handwritten transmission and oral pronunciation differences, not references to separate historical figures. No current evidence supports splitting this into multiple distinct teachers before Li Fahui.

What Was Transmitted: Through these master-to-disciple lineages, the complete 六壬法科 (Liuren Ritual Procedures) were passed down, including the powerful methods of 驱邪制煞 (expelling evil spirits), 破邪解降 (breaking curses), and 禁止小人官非 (preventing malicious people and legal troubles). Each generation received not just knowledge, but spiritual authority (法力) to practice these arts effectively.

💡 The Hakka Connection

The migration pattern from Jiangxi through Guangdong to Hong Kong and beyond reflects the movement of the Hakka people (客家人). As the Hakka settled in new territories, they carried Liuren protections as spiritual insurance against the hardships of displacement. This made Liuren Fa Jiao particularly suited to the "Liu Min" (Vagabond) lifestyle.

🏙️ Hong Kong Transmission

The 20th-century migration to Hong Kong transformed Liuren Fa Jiao from a rural protective tradition into an urban spiritual practice. Hong Kong became a major hub for the tradition, with masters establishing altars and teaching disciples in the densely populated city.

Characteristics of the Hong Kong Lineage

  • Urban Adaptation: Practices were adapted for apartment living and urban spiritual needs
  • Preservation Focus: Emphasis on maintaining traditional teachings despite modern pressures
  • Altar Establishment: Home altars became central to practice in absence of temple spaces
  • Modernization: Contemporary masters began documenting and systematizing teachings for broader transmission
  • Global Diaspora: Hong Kong became a launching point for worldwide dissemination to Chinese communities

Hong Kong Masters and Contributions

The Hong Kong lineage is sometimes referred to as the "Huizhou" (惠州) lineage due to its connections with masters from that region. Masters like Liang Fachu and Liang Fayu were instrumental in establishing the tradition in Hong Kong during the mid-20th century, training disciples who continue to practice and teach today.

🌴 Nanyang Transmission (Southeast Asia)

The Gaozhou Liuren lineage has a distinctive transmission to Nanyang (南洋), the traditional Chinese term for Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Singapore. This transmission developed separately from but in parallel with the Hong Kong lineage, creating unique regional characteristics.

Founder: Xie Guangming (谢光明)

Styled: Yaonan (耀南)

The founder originated from Tanchazhai Wanjiao Village, Dianbai County, Gaozhou Prefecture, Guangdong Province during the late Qing Dynasty. He systematically organized the Liuren Fuying Guan (Six Ren Crouching Hero Hall) tradition in the Dianbai region, establishing what is known as the "Xie Guangming lineage."

This lineage is distinct from the Hong Kong lineage of Luo Faming/Luo Faping, though the core flower characters (hua zi 花字) and talismanic scripts share similarities, suggesting both may trace back to earlier sources such as the Dragon Tiger Mountain Li Fahui tradition.

创始人：谢光明

号：耀南

创始人源自清末广东省高州府电白县谭茶宅湾角村。他在电白地区系统化整理六壬伏英馆传统，形成了被称为"谢光明一脉"的体系。

这一法脉与香港罗法明/罗法平系统有所不同，尽管核心花字与符箓文字高度相似，说明二者可能都追溯到更早的源头，如龙虎山李法辉传统。

The Nanyang Lineage Transmission

First Generation: Maoshan Huang Shigong (茅山黄师公)

The most senior ancestor, representing the Maoshan tradition's connection to Liuren practice. Maoshan represents one of the foundational Daoist talismanic schools of Southern China.

Second Generation: Lin Qingxiao (林清孝)

Transmitted the teachings from the Maoshan tradition.

Third Generation: Ding Cihai (丁赐海)

Continued the lineage transmission through the Qing Dynasty.

Fourth Generation: Yu Qingjiang (余清江)

Maintained the tradition and passed it forward.

Fifth Generation: Yao Nan (耀南)

Important transitional figure. Note: Different from Xie Guangming, who was also styled "Yaonan".

Sixth Generation: Yuan Shishan (袁世善)

Continued the unbroken transmission.

Seventh Generation: Xie Guangming (谢光明, styled Yaonan 耀南)

The systematizer who organized and documented the tradition for Nanyang transmission.

第一代：茅山黄师公

最资深的祖师，代表茅山传统与六壬实践的连接。

第二代：林清孝

从茅山传统传承教法。

第三代：丁赐海

在清朝期间延续法脉传承。

第四代：余清江

维护传统并向前传递。

第五代：耀南

重要的过渡人物。注：与同样号耀南的谢光明是不同的人。

第六代：袁世善

延续不间断的传承。

第七代：谢光明（号耀南）

系统化整理者，为南洋传承组织和记录了传统。

Nanyang Regional Characteristics

  • Cultural Syncretism: Integration with Malay and Peranakan (Straits Chinese) spiritual practices
  • Earth God Prominence: Greater emphasis on Datuk Gong/Tu Di Gong (土地公) worship, reflecting Southeast Asian animist influences
  • Practical Focus: Strong emphasis on immediate practical applications for business success and family protection
  • Five Ghosts Carrying Wealth: The Wu Gui Yun Cai (五鬼运财) practice became particularly prominent in Nanyang tradition
  • Community Structure: Often practiced within clan associations and Chinese temples
  • Language Preservation: Maintained use of Cantonese and Hakka dialects in ritual language

🏯 Qinglong Gong - The Nanyang Headquarters Altar (总坛)

清龙宫 (Qinglong Gong / Pure Dragon Temple)

The Main Headquarters Altar (总坛) for the Gaozhou Liuren lineage in Southeast Asia is located at:

清龙宫 Pure Dragon Temple
35, Jalan Railway 1/2, Seksyen 1
46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
📍 View on Google Maps

As the 总坛 (Zongtan), Qinglong Gong serves as the central altar and spiritual headquarters for practitioners of the Gaozhou lineage throughout the Nanyang region. This temple maintains the authentic transmission of Xie Guangming's systematization and hosts major festival celebrations including the Liuren Immortal Master's Birthday (Lunar 3/18) and Attainment Day (Lunar 6/22).

The establishment of a dedicated 总坛 in Petaling Jaya reflects the maturation of the Nanyang lineage from individual home practice to an organized temple-based community, providing a central gathering place for disciples, ritual ceremonies, and lineage transmission.

清龙宫（Pure Dragon Temple）

高州六壬法脉在东南亚的总坛位于：

清龙宫 Pure Dragon Temple
马来西亚雪兰莪州八打灵再也第一区
Railway 1/2路35号
邮政编码46000
📍 在谷歌地图上查看

作为总坛，清龙宫是南洋地区高州法脉弟子的中心神坛和灵性总部。这座庙宇维护着谢光明系统化的正统传承，并举办包括六壬仙师诞辰（农历三月十八）和得道日（农历六月二十二）在内的重大节日庆典。

在八打灵再也建立专门的总坛，反映了南洋法脉从个人家庭修行走向有组织的庙宇社群的成熟，为弟子、仪式典礼和法脉传承提供了中心聚集场所。

🌏 The Nanyang Context

Southeast Asian Chinese communities faced unique challenges as minorities in diverse societies. Liuren Fa Jiao provided spiritual support, protection against discrimination, business success strategies, and community cohesion. The "Hundred No Taboos" philosophy proved especially valuable in multicultural environments where traditional Chinese ritual purity was difficult to maintain.

⚖️ Comparing the Lineages

While both Hong Kong and Nanyang lineages share the same fundamental teachings from the Fuying Hall tradition, regional adaptations have created distinctive emphases:

Aspect Hong Kong Lineage Nanyang Lineage
Primary Focus Preservation of traditional teachings Practical application and cultural adaptation
Environment Urban Hong Kong, high-rise apartments Tropical Southeast Asia, shophouses and temples
Cultural Context Chinese majority, cosmopolitan city Chinese minority in multicultural societies
Earth God Practice Standard Tu Di Gong worship Syncretic Datuk Gong practice with local influences
Prominent Practices Balanced emphasis across all Five Degrees Strong focus on Wu Gui Yun Cai and prosperity work
Documentation More systematic written materials Stronger oral tradition, master-to-disciple
Language Cantonese primary, increasing Mandarin Cantonese, Hakka, regional Chinese dialects

Important Note: Despite these differences, both lineages maintain the core teachings of the Fuying Hall. The flower characters (hua zi), fundamental talismanic scripts, and the Five Degrees structure remain consistent. Regional variations represent adaptation to local needs rather than doctrinal divergence.

🔱 The Other Two Branches

While the Fuying Hall has become the most widespread, the other two original branches founded by Li Chunfeng's other sons continue to exist, though with less global reach:

Liuren Fenghuo Academy (六壬風火院)

Founded by: The Eldest Son of Li Chunfeng

Primary Focus: High-intensity protective rituals, aggressive exorcisms, and "Fire and Wind" internal alchemy

Characteristics:

  • More martial and combative approach to spiritual protection
  • Emphasis on "Fire" (aggressive yang energy) and "Wind" (rapid movement and change)
  • Specialized in removing severe spiritual afflictions and curses
  • Advanced internal alchemy practices (neidan 内丹)
  • Smaller number of disciples due to intensive training requirements

Liuren Qunying Hall (六壬群英舘)

Founded by: The Second Son of Li Chunfeng

Primary Focus: "Heroic" communal aspects, brotherhood, and social protection

Characteristics:

  • Strong emphasis on community and brotherhood (similar to martial arts schools)
  • Protection of communities and social groups rather than just individuals
  • Integration with "Heroes of the Rivers and Lakes" (江湖) culture
  • Ritual practices for group protection and collective prosperity
  • Historical association with merchant guilds and community defense organizations

🤝 The Three Branches as One Tradition

Li Chunfeng's wisdom in creating three distinct branches ensured the tradition's survival across different social strata: the Fenghuo Academy for those seeking intensive spiritual cultivation, the Qunying Hall for community leaders and protectors, and the Fuying Hall for the broadest possible transmission to common people. Together, they represent a complete system of protection, healing, and spiritual development.

🔐 Lineage Verification and Authenticity

In the age of the internet, many claim to teach Liuren or related traditions. Authentic transmission can be verified through:

  • Master-Disciple Relationship: Legitimate Liuren teaching requires formal initiation (Guojiao 過教) from a qualified master
  • Lineage Documentation: Authentic practitioners can recite their lineage back to recognized masters
  • Altar Establishment: Proper practitioners have established a lineage altar with the Thirteen Guardians
  • Dharma Manuals: Possession of authentic Fa Ben (法本) passed down from the master
  • Community Recognition: Acknowledged by other legitimate practitioners within the tradition
  • Ethical Practice: Adherence to "Xingshan Jide" (行善積德, Doing Good and Accumulating Merit)

⚠️ A Word of Caution

The teachings presented on this website are for educational and cultural preservation purposes. True mastery of Liuren Fa Jiao requires direct transmission from a qualified master within an authentic lineage. Those seeking to practice should approach with respect, humility, and a genuine commitment to helping others. The tradition is not a path to power but a responsibility to serve.