Opening the Dragon Gate. by Chen Kaiguo and Zheng Shunchao, translated by Thomas Cleary. Wang Liping (1949- ) the 18th generation transmitter of Dragon Gate Taoism is heir to a tradition of esoteric knowlege and practice accumulated and refined over 11 centuries.   His learning began when three elderly Masters appeared at his parents' doorstep begging for food, then disappeared.  He found himself absentmindedly wandering around, ultimately wending his way towards the place where the Masters had pitched camp. "The teachers had found their disciple and the future transmitter of Dragon Gate Taoism had found his Guides." In the autumn of 1962, Wang Liping began his apprenticeship in Taoist wizardry that would last for fifteen years.