Among the various methods of destiny prediction in Vietnam, Purple Star Astrology is one of the most widely known. The person credited with compiling and systematizing this divination method is said to be Chen Tuan, also known as Xi Yi Lao Tzu, who lived during the Northern Song Dynasty in China. He was renowned for his extraordinary ability to foresee the future.
In this series of articles, NgocNga.net will explore the life of Master Chen Tuan and the legends surrounding why he is recognized as the pioneer of Purple Star Astrology.
Who Was Zi Wei Dou Shu‘s Master Chen Tuan?
Nguyen Cong Tru, a renowned Vietnamese scholar, composed a Ca Tru poem in praise of Chen Tuan:
“A jug of wine and a bag of poems on the mountain slope,
Leisurely contemplating the game of chess in Chang’an.
As the Later Zhou dynasty changed hands,
Chen Xi Yi retreated to seclusion in Mount Hua.
For decades, amidst the muddy world,
The fire of literature and martial arts still burned in the alchemy furnace.
What burden do old shoulders bear?
Carrying two peaceful emperors upon them.
Glancing ahead, the dawn of the Song Dynasty emerges,
The noble clouds are now bright and clear.
Dreaming in Chenqiao of a small kingdom,
At dusk, the spring deepens as the sun and moon endure.
A jug of wine, a bag of poems, a game of chess, and a melody of strings,
When content, he nods and laughs atop his donkey,
Unconcerned with swords and carriages of the court,
Beyond the reach of worldly burdens,
He enjoys a life of serenity granted by the heavens.”
Chen Tuan’s surname was Chen, given name Tuan, and courtesy name Xi Yi. He was a native of Mount Hua, which today is located in the southern part of Huayin County, Shaanxi Province. He was born prematurely and could not walk until he was two years old. As a child, he was often sick. However, by the age of eight, he had already demonstrated exceptional talent, prompting his father to wholeheartedly teach him astronomy and calendrical sciences.
Mount Hua is known as the Western mountain among China’s Five Great Mountains. Its main peak rises to 1,997 meters above sea level, second only to Mount Heng in the North. With its steep and majestic terrain, Mount Hua is famed as “the most perilous mountain under heaven.” Since ancient times, it has been a haven for Taoist hermits who lived free from worldly attachments. Chen Tuan, the most famous of them, was widely regarded as an immortal. He was honored with titles such as Chen Tuan Lao Tzu and Xi Yi Lao Tzu. As the legendary “Sleeping Immortal,” he was known for his ability to sleep for extended periods. Until the Republic of China era, he remained a household name throughout the country.