Lu Qingdu (simplified: 鹿清笃, traditional: 鹿清篤, Jyutping: luk6 cing1 dou2, pinyin: Lù Qīngdǔ) was a disciple of the Quanzhen Order and the apprentice of Zhao Zhijing. He was known for his antagonistic relationship with Yang Guo, whom he bullied and tormented during Yang Guo’s time at the Quanzhen Order, ultimately meeting his end when he participated in his master’s rebellion against the order.
Background
Quanzhen Training
Lu Qingdu entered the Quanzhen Order as a young disciple and was eventually taken as an apprentice by Zhao Zhijing, one of the senior members of the order. His training would have followed the traditional Quanzhen curriculum, emphasizing both martial arts and Daoist philosophical principles.
His name “Qingdu” (清笃) combines the characters for “clear/pure” (清) and “sincere/earnest” (笃), reflecting the Quanzhen Order’s emphasis on moral cultivation and sincere practice. The surname “Lu” (鹿) means “deer,” an animal associated with longevity and spiritual pursuits in Chinese culture.
Role in the Order
As Zhao Zhijing’s apprentice, Lu Qingdu would have been positioned within the complex hierarchy of the Quanzhen Order during a period of significant change. The order was dealing with various challenges, including conflicts with other martial arts schools and internal power struggles.
His relationship with Zhao Zhijing would have exposed him to both the martial traditions of the order and the political complexities that existed within the Quanzhen hierarchy during this era.
Martial Arts
Quanzhen Foundation
Lu Qingdu’s martial arts training was grounded in the traditional Quanzhen system, which emphasized:
- Internal Energy Cultivation: Development of Quanzhen neigong for building internal strength and longevity
- Swordplay: Training in the classical Quanzhen sword techniques
- Daoist Philosophy: Integration of martial practice with Daoist principles of harmony and balance
Training Under Zhao Zhijing
As Zhao Zhijing’s apprentice, Lu Qingdu would have received instruction in:
- Advanced Quanzhen martial techniques
- Sword fighting methods
- Internal energy cultivation practices
- The philosophical foundations of Quanzhen martial arts
His level of achievement would have depended on his natural talent, dedication to practice, and the quality of instruction he received from his master.
Character and Personality
While detailed accounts of Lu Qingdu’s personality are limited, his position as a Quanzhen disciple suggests certain characteristics:
- Dedication to Practice: Commitment to the rigorous training required by the Quanzhen Order
- Respect for Hierarchy: Understanding of the master-disciple relationships that governed the order
- Moral Cultivation: Exposure to the ethical teachings that were central to Quanzhen philosophy
Legacy and Significance
Lu Qingdu represents the younger generation of Quanzhen practitioners who came of age during a period of significant change in the martial arts world. His story illustrates the continuity of the Quanzhen tradition even as the order faced various external and internal challenges.
His relationship with Zhao Zhijing also provides insight into the master-disciple relationships that were fundamental to the transmission of martial arts knowledge and philosophical teachings within the Quanzhen Order.
See Also
- Zhao Zhijing - His master and teacher
- Quanzhen Order - The martial-religious order he belonged to
- The Return of the Condor Heroes - The novel in which he appears