Lü Dongbin
Immortal Leader, Scholar, and Poet
Immortal (Taoist deity)
Place of Origin: China
Origin Date: Lü Dongbin's legends date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE).
Domain: Wisdom, protection, literature.
Symbols: Sword, fly-whisk.
Attributes: Wisdom, literary talents, martial prowess.
Epithets: Immortal Leader, Lü Xian.
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents in other religions, but Lü Dongbin shares similarities with other deities associated with wisdom and protection, such as Athena in Greek mythology.
Religion: Taoism
Sacred Texts: Various Taoist scriptures and legends.
Iconography: Lü Dongbin is often depicted as a scholarly figure with a sword and a fly-whisk, sometimes shown in traditional Taoist robes.
Relations: Lü Dongbin is one of the Eight Immortals, often depicted in the company of the other immortals.
Description
Lü Dongbin is one of the most prominent figures among the Eight Immortals in Taoist mythology. He is celebrated as a scholar, poet, and swordsman, often depicted with a sword and a fly-whisk. Lü Dongbin is known for his wisdom, literary talents, and martial prowess. He is considered the leader of the Eight Immortals and is revered for his dedication to Taoist principles and his role in spreading Taoist teachings.
Narratives
The Birth and Early Life of Lü Dongbin
Lü Dongbin, also known as Lü Yan, was born during the Tang dynasty around 796 CE. His birth was marked by auspicious signs, including a fragrance that filled the room. Lü Dongbin was highly intelligent from a young age and achieved many academic accomplishments. However, he failed the top-level civil service exam twice and eventually abandoned his official position to pursue a life of spiritual cultivation.
Lü Dongbin's Encounter with Zhongli Quan
Lü Dongbin met Zhongli Quan, one of the Eight Immortals, at a wine store in Chang'an. Zhongli Quan recognized Lü Dongbin's potential and decided to test him with ten trials. Lü Dongbin passed all the trials, demonstrating his resolve and understanding of the Tao. Zhongli Quan then taught him the secrets of internal alchemy and the way to create the Golden Pill, leading to Lü Dongbin's transformation into an immortal.
Lü Dongbin's Transformation into an Immortal
After learning the secrets of internal alchemy from Zhongli Quan, Lü Dongbin underwent rigorous training and spiritual cultivation. He practiced meditation, alchemy, and other Taoist disciplines, eventually achieving immortality. This story highlights Lü Dongbin's dedication to self-cultivation and his attainment of spiritual enlightenment.
Lü Dongbin and the Legend of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea
One of the most famous stories involving Lü Dongbin is the legend of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea. In this tale, each of the Eight Immortals uses their unique powers and magical artifacts to cross the East Sea. Lü Dongbin is depicted using his sword to dispel evil spirits and create a path across the water. This story underscores the unity and cooperation among the Eight Immortals and their ability to overcome obstacles.
Lü Dongbin's Role as a Protector and Teacher
Lü Dongbin is often depicted as a scholarly, clever man with a genuine desire to help people obtain wisdom and enlightenment. He is known for his bouts of drunkenness and his love for drinking, which parallels several Taoist artists. Lü Dongbin's teachings emphasize the importance of harmony with nature, self-cultivation, and the pursuit of inner peace. He is also a prolific poet, with his works collected in the Quan Tangshi (Complete Tang Poetry).
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Lü Dongbin
Lü Dongbin is one of the most prominent figures among the Eight Immortals in Taoist mythology. He is celebrated as a scholar, poet, and swordsman, often depicted with a sword and a fly-whisk. Lü Dongbin is known for his wisdom, literary talents, and martial prowess.
Core Beliefs
Immortal and Scholar: Lü Dongbin is revered as one of the Eight Immortals, a group of legendary figures in Taoism who achieved immortality through their virtuous lives and spiritual practices. He is also celebrated as a scholar and poet, known for his literary contributions and intellectual achievements.
Master of Internal Alchemy: Lü Dongbin is considered one of the earliest masters of neidan, or internal alchemy. He is believed to have achieved immortality through the practice of alchemical techniques that cultivate the body's internal energies.
Protector and Exorcist: Lü Dongbin is often depicted with a sword, symbolizing his role as a protector and exorcist. He is believed to have the power to dispel evil spirits and protect his followers from harm.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Lü Dongbin is often depicted as a scholarly and clever man, sometimes shown with a sword and a fly-whisk. He is associated with the qualities of wisdom, protection, and spiritual enlightenment.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Lü Dongbin include the sword and the fly-whisk. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Lü Dongbin are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Chinese culture and mythology. He embodies the qualities of wisdom, protection, and spiritual transformation.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Lü Dongbin. These include offerings of incense, food, and other goods to seek his favor and protection. Rituals often take place in Taoist temples dedicated to the Eight Immortals.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Lü Dongbin can be found throughout China. These sites are often located in places associated with the Eight Immortals and Taoist practices.
Offerings: Offerings to Lü Dongbin typically include incense, food, and items related to his symbols, such as representations of swords and fly-whisks. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Eight Immortals Festivals: Various festivals dedicated to the Eight Immortals include prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek their blessings for protection and prosperity. These festivals often feature traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances.
Cultural Celebrations: Lü Dongbin's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Chinese heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Lü Dongbin for protection, wisdom, and success in their endeavors. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as one of the Eight Immortals and a symbol of wisdom and protection.
Lü Dongbin's role as one of the Eight Immortals and a master of internal alchemy embodies the core values and beliefs of Taoist mythology, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, protection, and the interconnectedness of all life.