Hu Shen
- HUSHIZHE, the guardian deity protecting against hail
- I Ching, an ancient manual for fortune-telling deeply rooted in Taoist and Chinese theories
- Confucian connections with Wen Wang and debates surrounding Confucius and I Ching
- Celestial Immortals in Taoism, their extraordinary abilities, and classification
- The pursuit of immortality, alchemy, and tales of Immortals during the Qin and early Han Dynasties
- The legendary Eight Immortals (BA XIAN) and their significance in Chinese mythology
Ancient Chinese Wisdom and Immortal Beings
The Chinese Deity Warding Off Hail
The guardian deity protecting against hail in Chinese mythology is known as HUSHIZHE. This deity is also referred to as the GUARDIAN KINGS.
The Ancient Fortune-Telling Manual
I CHING, also recognized as the Book of Changes, served as an ancient Chinese manual for fortune-telling. This manual, deeply rooted in Taoist and ancient Chinese cosmic theories, primarily focuses on interpreting the BAGUA or the EIGHT DIAGRAMS, formed by combining 64 hexagrams. The hexagrams, traditionally cast using YARROW STALKS, were arranged in specific combinations to create a comprehensive diagram. The I Ching guided Taoist and folk practitioners in understanding and sometimes influencing the future. Its origins remain uncertain, with legends suggesting associations with Emperor FUXI and the legendary emperor Wen Wang.
The Influence of I Ching in Confucianism
Wen Wang, considered a model emperor by CONFUCIUS, is linked with the I Ching, recognized as one of CONFUCIANISM's recommended texts. A Confucian scholar, Zhou Dunyi, used the I Ching as a foundation for his work on Confucianism called Taijitu shuo, emphasizing the connection between Confucius and the I Ching, though this connection is debated by present-day scholars.
Celestial Immortals in Taoism
IMMORTALS or HSIEN, known as Celestial Masters, are revered beings in TAOISM. Described as "supreme" or "perfect" humans, they possess extraordinary abilities, such as flying through the air and nourishing themselves with air. Initially introduced by ZHUANGZI as allegorical figures representing human ideals, later Taoist followers perceived them as actual beings. These Immortals are categorized into three classes: SHENG JEN (saints), CHEN JEN (souls of heroes), and XIAN REN (humans with godlike powers). Celestial Immortals reside in the heavens, while Terrestrial Immortals, considered wise beings, inhabit mythical forests and mountains on EARTH.
Immortality Pursuit and Classification
Visitors during the QIN and early HAN DYNASTIES shared tales of Immortals living on islands in the East. Magical ALCHEMY was said to be a means of reaching these ISLANDS OF THE IMMORTALS, involving the transformation of CINNABAR into gold. Three classes of Immortals were identified based on their heavenly abode and powers. These beings undergo a transformation that is likened to a seed leaving its husk, appearing as "normal" living beings with eternal youth. Notable among Chinese mythological figures granted immortality are the BA XIAN, also known as the Eight Immortals.