<P> A seventh - century work, the Sandong Zhunang ("Pearly Bag of the Three Caverns"), embellished the relationship between Laozi and Yinxi . Laozi pretended to be a farmer when reaching the western gate, but was recognized by Yinxi, who asked to be taught by the great master . Laozi was not satisfied by simply being noticed by the guard and demanded an explanation . Yinxi expressed his deep desire to find the Tao and explained that his long study of astrology allowed him to recognize Laozi's approach . Yinxi was accepted by Laozi as a disciple . This is considered an exemplary interaction between Daoist master and disciple, reflecting the testing a seeker must undergo before being accepted . A would - be adherent is expected to prove his determination and talent, clearly expressing his wishes and showing that he had made progress on his own towards realizing the Tao . </P> <P> The Pearly Bag of the Three Caverns continues the parallel of an adherent's quest . Yinxi received his ordination when Laozi transmitted the Daodejing, along with other texts and precepts, just as Taoist adherents receive a number of methods, teachings and scriptures at ordination . This is only an initial ordination and Yinxi still needed an additional period to perfect his virtue, thus Laozi gave him three years to perfect his Dao . Yinxi gave himself over to a full - time devotional life . After the appointed time, Yinxi again demonstrates determination and perfect trust, sending out a black sheep to market as the agreed sign . He eventually meets again with Laozi, who announces that Yinxi's immortal name is listed in the heavens and calls down a heavenly procession to clothe Yinxi in the garb of immortals . The story continues that Laozi bestowed a number of titles upon Yinxi and took him on a journey throughout the universe, even into the nine heavens . After this fantastic journey, the two sages set out to western lands of the barbarians . The training period, reuniting and travels represent the attainment of the highest religious rank in medieval Taoism called "Preceptor of the Three Caverns". In this legend, Laozi is the perfect Daoist master and Yinxi is the ideal Taoist student . Laozi is presented as the Tao personified, giving his teaching to humanity for their salvation . Yinxi follows the formal sequence of preparation, testing, training and attainment . </P> <P> The story of Laozi has taken on strong religious overtones since the Han dynasty . As Taoism took root, Laozi was worshipped as a god . Belief in the revelation of the Tao from the divine Laozi resulted in the formation of the Way of the Celestial Master, the first organized religious Taoist sect . In later mature Taoist tradition, Laozi came to be seen as a personification of the Tao . He is said to have undergone numerous "transformations" and taken on various guises in various incarnations throughout history to initiate the faithful in the Way . Religious Taoism often holds that the "Old Master" did not disappear after writing the Tao Te Ching but rather spent his life traveling and revealing the Tao . </P> <P> Taoist myths state that Laozi was conceived when his mother gazed upon a falling star . He supposedly remained in her womb for 62 years before being born while his mother was leaning against a plum tree . (The Chinese surname Li shares its character with "plum".) Laozi was said to have emerged as a grown man with a full grey beard and long earlobes, both symbols of wisdom and long life . Other myths state that he was reborn 13 times after his first life during the days of Fuxi . In his last incarnation as Laozi, he lived nine hundred and ninety years and spent his life traveling to reveal the Tao . </P>

Who wrote the way and its power the basic text expressing daoist though
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