Controversial Story And Secret Knowledge Of Li Ching-Yuen Who Lived For 256 Years

Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - The story of Li Ching-Yuen is shrouded in controversy. Although much has been written about this extraordinary and mysterious being, little is known about his true identity and secret knowledge that helped him become the world's oldest man.

Li Ching Yuen. Credit: Public Domain

Li Ching-Yuen was born on an uncertain date in Qijiang Xian, Sichuan, Qing Empire, China. Some sources say he was born in 1736, while others mention 1677. What makes Li Ching-Yuen so extraordinary is that his alleged lifespans of 197 and 256 years far exceed the most extended confirmed lifespan.

If the story of Li Ching-Yuen could be confirmed, he would be recognized as the world's oldest man.

Li Ching-Yuen was a person who lived in peace with nature. He spent most of his time in the mountains and worked as an herbalist. The herbs he collected and used helped him to reach an astonishing age.

Based on what is known, Li Ching-Yuen was said to be a much-loved figure in his community, marrying 23 times and fathering over 200 children. In 1749, at 71, he joined the Chinese armies as a martial arts teacher. For almost 40 years, he survived on a diet of herbs such as lingzhi, goji berry, wild ginseng, gotu kola, and rice wine.

Whereas Li Ching-Yuen claimed to have been born in 1736, Wu Chung-chieh, a professor at Chengdu University, asserted that Li was born in 1677. According to a 1930 New York Times article, Wu discovered Imperial Chinese government records from 1827 congratulating Li on his 150th birthday and further documents later congratulating him on his 200th birthday in 1877. In 1928, a New York Times correspondent wrote that many of the older men in Li's neighborhood asserted that their grandfathers had known him when they were boys and that he, at that time, was a grown man.

According to an intriguing story, Li Ching-Yuen was not the only extremely long-lived person in the region. One of Li Ching-Yuen's disciples mentioned Li had once encountered an even older 500-year-old man who taught him Qigong exercises and dietary recommendations that would help him extend his lifespan to superhuman proportions.

Li Ching-Yuen used herbs all his life. Credit: Public Domain

What secret knowledge did Li Ching-Yuen possess that helped him become so old?

It is said that on his deathbed, he whispered, "I have done all that I have to do in this world." What did he mean by that? What did he refer to?

When Li Ching-Yuen was asked what his secret was to longevity, he replied: "Keep a quiet heart, sit like a tortoise, walk sprightly like a pigeon and sleep like a dog." It was the advice Li gave to Wu Pei-fu, the warlord, who took Li into his house to learn the secret of an extremely long life.

Li maintained that inward calm and peace of mind combined with breathing techniques were the secrets to incredible longevity.  His diet would have played a significant role.  But it is fascinating that the old living person in recorded history attributes his long life to his state of mind.

Many dismiss the possibility of such long lifespans, and yet, in ancient texts, myths, and legends, we are frequently told about gods' and superhumans' incredibly long lifespans.

Written by - Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com

Updated on January 25, 2023

Copyright © AncientPages.com  All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission of AncientPages.com