In traditional Chinese culture, immortals are the objects of people's yearning and reverence, and they have won people's admiration for their extraordinary abilities, eternal life and noble morals. Among the many immortals, there is an existence known as "earth immortals", who cultivate in the human world, but have the ability to surpass mortals. So, in Chinese folklore, what is an earth immortal?
Earth Immortal: As the name suggests, it is a person who cultivates to become an immortal on the earth. They are a special kind of immortals in Taoism, alongside the heavenly immortals, the gods, the ghosts, etc. The characteristics of the earth immortals are that they cultivate in the human world, and by absorbing the aura of heaven and earth, they refine the essence and energy in their bodies, and finally reach the state of immortality and transcendence of life and death.
The origin of the earth immortals can be traced back to ancient Chinese myths and legends. In ancient books such as "The Classic of Mountains and Seas" and "The Romance of the Gods", there are records about the immortals. They are often depicted as possessing magical spells, capable of calling wind and rain, driving away evil spirits, and even changing the shape of mountains and rivers. Their appearance often indicates changes in the world, or the occurrence of major historical events.
In Chinese folklore, the image of the earth immortal is varied. Some earth immortals are Taoist priests, and they have mastered powerful spells through the cultivation of Taoism; Some earth immortals are ordinary people, and they have the opportunity to cultivate because of some kind of coincidence; There are also earth immortals who are animals and plants, and they have finally incarnated into human form through thousands of years of cultivation. No matter what kind of image of the earth immortals, they all have abilities beyond mortals, and they are mysterious beings in people's hearts.
The lifestyle of the earth immortals is also different from that of ordinary people. They don't need food or water, they just need to absorb the aura between heaven and earth to stay alive. They are not bound by the world and are free to move between heaven and earth. Their lives are full of mystery and fantasy, which makes people yearn for them.
In Chinese folklore, the role of the earth immortal is also very important. They are not only objects of worship, but also objects of appeal. When people encounter difficulties or disasters, they will turn to the earth immortals for help, hoping that they can cast magical spells to help them solve their problems. And the earth immortals often use their wisdom and strength to help people get through difficulties.
In fact, the earth fairy has a high status in folklore and is considered by the folk to be a god who blesses the people to live and work in peace and contentment. Although with our current technology, this is very superstitious. But in ancient times, there were many meanings of earth immortals, such as:
Respect for nature and the environment. As a deity who guards natural resources such as land and water, Dixian emphasizes that human beings should respect nature, protect the environment, and pay attention to Taoism and nature, which is actually consistent with the concept of green development advocated by modern society. By inheriting the culture of earth immortals, for example: the mountains are not high, the immortals are famous, the water is not deep, and the dragons are spiritual, which can remind the people at that time to pay attention to environmental protection and cherish natural resources.
The spirit of diligence and pragmatism. Dixian often appears as a hard-working and pragmatic person, who cares about the lives of the people and strives to solve practical problems for the people. This spirit is also relevant to modern society, which can inspire people to work hard and strive to create a better life.
The concept of harmonious coexistence. As a part of folk beliefs, the earth fairy emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, man and society. This concept is of great significance to modern society, which can help people establish correct values and promote social harmony and stability.
The inheritance of traditional culture. Dixian culture is an important part of traditional Chinese culture, and through the inheritance of Dixian culture, we can carry forward the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation and enhance national pride and cultural self-confidence.
Inspiration for artistic creation**. Dixian has rich images and stories in folklore, providing rich material for literary and artistic creation. Many literary works, operas, film and television works are based on the theme of the earth fairy, showing the charm of the earth fairy culture.
In short, as a folk belief, although the earth fairy has a mythological color, the life wisdom and values behind it still have practical significance. By inheriting the culture of the immortals, we can draw wisdom from it and provide useful inspiration for the development of modern society.