Supernatural Powers and Deities

Many confuse Tao with being a deity rather than a source of life. In actual fact, Taoism in a polytheistic religion meaning there is not one single god to worship but a multitude of gods ore preferably, deities. These deities are apart of our universe and they can be equally obligated to movements of the Tao, as humans are. This is why they are more commonly recognised as deities rather than a god. They are often worshipped in temples and each deity is worshipped depending on the situation of the worshiper. The different qualities and attributes of the deities depend on the time of year they are worshipped at various ceremonies.

 

The more common deities are listed below along with what they are usually seen holding and their independent characteristics, qualities or attributes.

 

The highest deities in Taoism are collectively known as: San-ch’ing

They are all known for their purity and are said to be different manifestations of Lao Tzu. They all teach kindness. Individually, they are:

Yu-ching- jade pure

Shang-ch-ing- higher pure

T’ai-ch’ing- grand pure

 

Chang Kuo-Lao

Generally known for having a magic mule that could travel thousands of miles a day.

 

Han Chung-li

Represents military men. This deity was marshall of the empire and is often seen holding fan or peach.

 

Han Hsiang-tsu

Represent youth. This deity ate a peach of immortality and is usually seen holding fruit or flowers.

 

Ho Hsien-ku

This deity is the patron of women. She is frequently visualised holding a lotus blossom and a peach.

 

Li T’ieh-kuai

This deity represent the crippled and deformed and tries to alleviate human suffering, particularly for the poor.

 

Pa-hsien

This is the name for the eight immortals, a group of legendary figure that are prominent in Taoism. They all reach the state of human perfection through belief in Wu Wei and Tao.

 

Each of these deities and all the other deities are believed to have supernatural powers. This is largely to the reason that they are immortal. Their immortality is identified when they return to earth within a day of their passing. It is their ‘resurrection’ that distinguishes them from normal human beings.