Kòu Qiānzhī a reforma Cesty nebeských mistrů

The article sums up the content of the reformatory text Lǎojūn yīnsòng jièjīng ascribed to Kòu Qiānzhī (365–448). First, the text justifies the reform by telling the account of Lǎojūnʼs revelation of the New Code and the investiture of Kòu with the title of Heavenly Master. The Heavenly Mastersʼ clergy is criticized for itʼs lack of ability to communicate with the spirits, for automatic hereditary transmission of official titles, and for general corruption. Thereafter, the article explains the function of the supernatural beings divided in three levels – the True Officials of the Earth linked to the system of karmic retribution; the Immortals as the donors of the potion of immortality; and the Lǎojūn himself, announcing his future coming as a doomsday. Finally, the article sums up the reform of the Heavenly Masters church, concerning the official titles, the system of dioceses, the reduction of annual offerings, and miscellaneous rituals including the sexual rites. Kouʼs text incorporates certain Buddhist elements into the rather conservative 44 teaching of the Heavenly Masters. It also fights the political ambitions of Daoist priests and popular messianistic beliefs. On the level of soteriology, Kòu postulates moral behaviour and ritual fasting as the only way to the salvation of the believers and their ancestors.