IMMORTAL SISTERS: Secret Teachings of Taoist Women

A classic exposition of the humanitarian aspect of Taoism is to be found in the story of the distinguished Immortal Sister Zhao of the Song dynasty (960-1278 AD) After overhearing her receiving esoteric instructions on rainmaking, her brother asked her why spiritual immortals, who had transcended the mundane world, would bother to do such things as make rain. Immortal Sister Zhao replied, “Those who have now attained spiritual immortality but cannot as yet live in heaven number in the thousands. They are all in various places on earth accumulating virtue, carrying out practical undertakings so that they may eventually make the ascent. Some of them take care of rivers and lakes, some of them manage the hidden government, some are in charge of mountains. They work to benefit ten thousand generations, to rid the earth of what is harmful, to heal the sick and eliminate problems, acting mercifully toward the troubled and uplifting the fallen, rescuing the weak and helpless.

“Their hidden works are carried out in secret, their virtuous deeds are practiced covertly. Such is their range that they cannot be encompassed in one generalization. But the spiritual immortals do not take pride in themselves, and are want of becoming known to the public; therefore worldly people do not get to hear about them.”      
Introduction pp.xiii Translated and edited by Thomas Cleary