Taoist Priest(道士):

In Chinese, it is pronounced as: dào shì，Written as:

The title “Taoist Priest” refers to the clergy of Taoism. Taoist priests play a crucial role in Taoist beliefs and practices. They are not only the officiants of religious rituals but may also be philosophers, doctors, diviners, and practitioners of Chinese alchemy.

Historically, the transmission of Taoist knowledge has always been from master to disciple. Without guidance from a master, the teachings do not descend, and those who impart the teachings must be selective. To become a Taoist priest, one must receive sacred scriptures or Talismans/FuLu. Once initiated, their primary duty is to practice Taoism, maintain fasting and worship rituals, adhere to religious precepts, chant scriptures, burn incense, light lamps, and abstain from mundane affairs.

Within the Taoist community, there are various classifications of Taoist priests. After the Jin and Yuan dynasties, the Quanzhen Sect emerged, establishing a monastic system that required its Taoist priests to remain celibate and live in Taoist Temples. From then on, Taoist priests were divided into those who live in solitude and those who do not. Taoist priests of the Quanzhen Sect are celibate, vegetarian, and reside in Taoist temples. Men are referred to as Qian Dao and women as Kun Dao; both grow long hair, which is tied up into a bun on top of the head, and may wear a cap. Zhengyi Sect Taoist priests are allowed to marry and eat meat. Disciples of the Zhengyi Sect must undergo a transmission ceremony, while disciples of the Quanzhen Sect must accept a ceremonial scarf to become true Taoist priests.