Biography

Hao Datong, born on the third day of the first month in the year of Gengshen (1140) during the Jin Xizong period of Tianjuan, in Ninghai, Shandong.

Hao Datong was well-versed in Laozi and Zhuangzi's philosophy and the Book of Changes, and he excelled in divination and fortune-telling. In the seventh year of Dading (1167), he became a disciple of Wang Chongyang, converted to Quanzhen Daoism, and later succeeded as the leader of the sect. Additionally, he founded the Huashan School of Quanzhen Daoism and maintained close ties with the Taoist Talismanic Sect.

In the first year of Chongqing (1213) on the last day of the twelfth month, Hao Datong passed away at the Xiantian Temple in Ninghai. After his passing, Emperor Shizu of Yuan bestowed him the title 「Guangning Tongxuan Taigu Zhenren,」 and Emperor Wuzong of Yuan further honored him as 「Guangning Tongxuan Miaojie Taigu Zhenjun.」

In Taiwan, some Taoist temples still celebrate Hao Datong's birthday on the third day of the lunar new year, known as the Birthday of Taigu Zhenren.

Hao Datong in Jin Yongs Novels

In Jin Yong's novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes, Hao Datong appears alongside the other six patriarchs, but with limited appearances.

In The Return of the Condor Heroes, he has a more significant role, particularly in the events surrounding Yang Guo's defection from Quanzhen Daoism. He had a dispute with Sun Nonni of the Ancient Tomb Sect and inadvertently killed her.

He appears in chapters: (Condor) 25-26, 34-35; (Return) 4-6, 11-14, 20-23, 27-28, 37-39.

Works

• Three Teachings and the Book of Changes

• Straightforward Words on Teaching

• The Heart Sutra Explained

• The Sutra of Deliverance from Suffering Explained

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• Taigu Collection

Further Reading

References

• 郝大通 (Chinese)

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