On the morning of August 19, 2025, the 17th Sectarian Lecturing Activity of the Daoist Association of China was inaugurated at the Shanghai Taoist Academy. The President of the Daoist Association of China, Elder Li Guangfu, the Director of the Bureau of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Shanghai, Mr. Chen Chang, and Deputy Director Pan Yuanqing, the Vice-Presidents of the Daoist Association of China, Elder Meng Ziling, Elder Dong Zhongji, and Elder Ji Hongzhong, the Secretary-General of the Association, Elder Ding Changyun, the Vice-Chairman of the Consultative Committee, as well as lecturers, sect leaders, experts and scholars, and senior Taoist masters from all over the country attended the opening ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Elder Ji Hongzhong.

At the opening ceremony, the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China was played first. Daoist Master Li Guangfu delivered a speech, and Director Chen Chang, as well as Daoist Master Yao Shuliang, the president of the Shanghai Taoist Association, made speeches. 

 Dong Daozhong, the leader of Li Guangfu Temple, stated that learning from the precepts, following the scriptures, and adhering to the classics are important methods for practicing Taoism. The "Esoteric Teachings Sermon" activities organized by the Chinese Taoist Association not only serve as an important platform for the Taoist community to cultivate young talents and showcase the new era image of Taoism, but also represent a crucial approach for systematically promoting the Sinicization of Taoism and implementing the requirements of comprehensive strict governance of the religious community.

 Chen Chang highly affirmed the achievements of the Shanghai Taoist Association in promoting the healthy inheritance of Taoism, and put forward three requirements. First, it is necessary to comprehensively enhance the political stance and lead the Taoist community to continue to carry forward the fine tradition of patriotism and devotion to religion. Second, strict governance of the religion should be adhered to, and efforts should be made to further improve the standardization level of the self-construction of the Taoist community. Third, cultural nourishment of the religion should be vigorously promoted, and theoretical explanations and practical applications of the Sinicization of Taoism in Shanghai should be deepened.

Daoist Master Yao Shuliang extended a warm welcome to all the guests and representatives attending the event. He stated that the Taoist community in Shanghai will, through this year's Esoteric Teachings Lecture event, enable the ancient wisdom of Taoism to demonstrate its eternal vitality in the new era.

That morning, a demonstration preaching session was also held. Daoist Master Meng Zileng expounded on the original text of "Qizhuoliun" from the "Nanhua Scripture", elaborating on its main ideas such as the progression from "ignorance" to "knowledge" and then to "true knowledge", from "dream" to "awakening" and then to "true awakening", from "right and wrong" to "truth" and then to "divine truth". He further explained the key points of the ideas such as "following nature's way", "all things being the same", and "the unity of all things", and advocated that people should pursue a clear and tranquil state of mind in their lives.

After the demonstration sermon concluded, the leaders and guests inaugurated the exhibition of the 17th Xuanmen Sermon and Copying Manuscripts of the Chinese Taoist Association. The guests were very interested in visiting the exhibition of the copying manuscripts.

 Delivering sermons, especially on the "Tao Te Ching", has been a traditional practice of Taoism throughout its history and has been passed down to this day. It is an important way and means for the continuation of Taoism's teachings. During this year's Taoist preaching event, 18 Taoist priests will take the stage to deliver sermons. They will explain the scriptures and their meanings based on the chapters such as "Praise of the Supreme Deity", "Manifestation of Virtue", "Defense of Virtue", "Supreme Virtue", and "Manifestation of Essence" in the "Tao Te Ching", and provide interpretations that are in line with the requirements of China's current development and progress and are in line with the excellent traditional culture of China.