Zhongli Quan
Immortal Zhongli, Han Zhongli
Immortal (Taoist deity)
Place of Origin: China
Origin Date: Zhongli Quan's legends date back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE).
Domain: Wisdom, longevity, magic, alchemy.
Symbols: Fan with a tassel of horse hairs, peach of immortality.
Attributes: Wisdom, mystical abilities, power to create silver and gold, resurrection.
Epithets: Immortal Zhongli, Han Zhongli.
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents in other religions, but Zhongli Quan shares similarities with other deities associated with wisdom and longevity.
Religion: Taoism
Sacred Texts: Various Taoist scriptures and legends.
Iconography: Zhongli Quan is often depicted as a potbellied, bearded old man holding a fan with a tassel of horse hairs, sometimes shown with a peach of immortality.
Relations: Zhongli Quan is one of the Eight Immortals, often depicted in the company of the other immortals.
Description
Zhongli Quan is one of the Eight Immortals in Taoist mythology, known for his association with death and the power to create silver and gold. He is often depicted as a potbellied, bearded old man holding a fan with a tassel of horse hairs. Zhongli Quan is celebrated for his wisdom and mystical abilities, including the power to resurrect the dead and transform stones into precious metals. He is also known for his love of wine and his quest for immortality.
Narratives
The Birth of Zhongli Quan
Zhongli Quan, also known as Han Zhongli, was born during the Han dynasty. His birth was marked by auspicious signs, including bright beams of light filling the labor room. He did not stop crying until seven full days had passed, and he began speaking either seven days or seven years later, declaring his connection to the immortal realm. This story highlights Zhongli Quan's divine origins and his destined greatness.
Zhongli Quan's Military Career
Following his father's example, Zhongli Quan became a member of the court and advanced to be a general of one of the armies of the Han dynasty. During his time as a general, his army fought against Tibet. In his last battle, he was beaten by the Tibetans, forcing him to flee into the mountainous areas.
Zhongli Quan's Encounter with the Old Man
While fleeing into the mountains, Zhongli Quan encountered an old man who led him to a spiritual sanctuary. There, he learned the ways of the immortal rituals and extensive amounts of alchemy. After three days of teaching, he was dismissed and told to use his newfound powers to serve his people. When he turned back to talk to the man, he and his home had vanished.
Zhongli Quan's Use of Alchemy
Using his power of alchemy and his magical fan, Zhongli Quan created silver and gold coins from stones and saved people from poverty and famine. This story highlights his benevolence and his ability to transform and help those in need.
Zhongli Quan's Ascension to Immortality
There are two stories that depict how Zhongli Quan became one of the immortals. In the first, it was through his continuous use of immortal powers and his magical fan that eventually caused his descent into the shimmering cloud of the immortals. In the second, he achieved immortality through his dedication to Taoist practices and his virtuous deeds.
The Legend of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea
One of the most famous stories involving Zhongli Quan 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. Zhongli Quan is depicted using his fan to create a path across the water. This story underscores the unity and cooperation among the Eight Immortals and their ability to overcome obstacles.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Zhongli Quan
Zhongli Quan is one of the Eight Immortals in Taoist mythology, known for his association with alchemy, longevity, and the power to create silver and gold. He is often depicted as a potbellied, bearded old man holding a fan with a tassel of horse hairs.
Core Beliefs
Immortal and Alchemist: Zhongli Quan 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 an alchemist, known for his ability to transform base metals into precious ones and for his knowledge of elixirs of immortality.
Symbol of Longevity and Prosperity: Zhongli Quan's fan is believed to have the power to resurrect the dead and transform stones into silver or gold. His association with these abilities symbolizes longevity, prosperity, and the transformative power of alchemy.
Protector and Benefactor: Zhongli Quan is known for his benevolent nature, often helping those in need. He is believed to have saved people from poverty and famine by creating silver and gold coins from stones. His story highlights his dedication to helping others and his role as a protector and benefactor.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Zhongli Quan is often depicted as a potbellied, bearded old man holding a fan with a tassel of horse hairs. He is associated with the qualities of wisdom, protection, and spiritual enlightenment.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Zhongli Quan include the fan and the peach. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Zhongli Quan 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 Zhongli Quan. 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 Zhongli Quan can be found throughout China. These sites are often located in places associated with the Eight Immortals and Taoist practices.
Offerings: Offerings to Zhongli Quan typically include incense, food, and items related to his symbols, such as representations of fans and peaches. 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: Zhongli Quan'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 Zhongli Quan 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.
Zhongli Quan's role as one of the Eight Immortals and an alchemist embodies the core values and beliefs of Taoist mythology, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, protection, and the interconnectedness of all life.