Zhenyuan Daxian (), also known as Zhenyuanzi (), is a character from the 16th century Chinese novel ''

Journey to the West ''Journey to the West'' () is a Chinese novel published in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty and attributed to Wu Cheng'en. It is regarded as one of the greatest Classic Chinese Novels, and has been described as arguably the most popu ...

'' and a Taoist deity who is the patriarch of all Earth's Immortals in Taoist pantheon. His

dojo A is a hall or place for immersive learning or meditation. This is traditionally in the field of martial arts, but has been seen increasingly in other fields, such as meditation and software development. The term literally means "place of the ...

is Wanshoushan Wuzhuang Guan, one of the only two officially listed Dongtianfudi in ''Journey to the West''.

''Journey to the West''

According to ''Journey to the West'', Zhenyuan Daxian is based in Wuzhuang Temple (五莊觀) on Longevity Mountain (萬壽山) in . In his temple, there is a special Ginsengfruit (人參果) tree that was formed when primeval chaos was first being divided, before the separation of Heaven and Earth. The fruit of the tree is known as "Grass-returning Cinnabar" or "manfruit". The tree produces only 30 fruits every 9,000 years and is shaped like an infant less than three days old. Just by smelling the fruit, a person can extend his lifespan by 360 years; a person who eats the fruit can live an additional 47,000 years. Zhenyuan and

Tang Sanzang Tang Sanzang () is a central character in the 16th century novel ''Journey to the West'' by Wu Cheng'en. Tang Sanzang is based on the historical Buddhist monk Xuanzang. He is also widely known by his courtesy name, Tang Seng, () or Sanzang (). ...

had been friends in Tang Sanzang's previous life as Golden Cicada (Chinese: 金蟬子), a disciple of the

Buddha Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha, was a śramaṇa, wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist tradition, he was ...

. Soon, upon the protagonists' arrival at his temple during their journey, he was invited by

Yuanshi Tianzun Yuanshi Tianzun (), the ''Celestial Venerable of the Primordial Beginning'' or the ''Primeval Lord of Heaven'', is one of the highest deities of Taoism. He is one of the Three Pure Ones () and is also known as the ''Jade Pure One'' (). He resides ...

to listen. However, he had instructed his servants Qingfeng (清風; literally "Clear Wind") and Mingyue (明月; literally "Bright Moon") to give two fruits to Tang Sanzang. Tang Sanzang is frightened when he sees that the fruit looks like a premature infant and refuses to eat it. Qingfeng and Mingyue eat the fruits themselves and are seen by

Zhu Bajie Zhu Bajie (), also named Zhu Wuneng, is one of the three helpers of Tang Sanzang and a major character of the 16th century novel ''Journey to the West''. Zhu means " swine" and Bajie means " eight precepts". Buddhist scholars consider that both e ...

Sun Wukong The Monkey King, also known as Sun Wukong ( zh, t=孫悟空, s=孙悟空, first=t) in Mandarin Chinese, is a legendary mythical figure best known as one of the main characters in the 16th-century Chinese novel ''Journey to the West'' ( zh, ...

, however, steals another three fruits for himself and his two juniors. When Qingfeng and Mingyue realize that some of the fruits are missing, they accuse Sun Wukong of theft and call the pilgrims names. Sun Wukong destroys the Ginseng fruit tree in anger and escapes with his companions. When Zhenyuan returns to his temple, he is furious after learning the truth from Qingfeng and Mingyue. He pursues the protagonists and captures them twice after they attempt to flee again. Later he agrees not to punish them if Sun Wukong can find a way to revive the tree.Journey to the West, Wu Cheng'en (1500–1582), Translated by Foreign Languages Press, Beijing 1993. Sun Wukong visited the Sanxing and many high deities in the heavenly court, but none of them knew how to revive the tree. Finally, he went to

Guanyin Guanyin () is a Bodhisattva associated with compassion. She is the East Asian representation of Avalokiteśvara ( sa, अवलोकितेश्वर) and has been adopted by other Eastern religions, including Chinese folk religion. She ...

and told her what had happened. Guanyin says, The conflict is eventually resolved when

helps them restore the Ginseng fruit tree back to life. Zhenyuan is so pleased that he gives up his desire for revenge and becomes

sworn brothers Blood brother can refer to two or more men not related by birth who have sworn loyalty to each other. This is in modern times usually done in a ceremony, known as a blood oath, where each person makes a small cut, usually on a finger, hand or ...

with Sun Wukong. He treats all of them to a fruit feast before seeing them off on their journey.

Character evaluation

According to the descriptions in the novel, Zhenyuan Daxian is the great god who interacts with the

Three Pure Ones The Three Pure Ones (), also translated as the Three Pure Pellucid Ones, the Three Pristine Ones, the Three Divine Teachers, the Three Clarities, or the Three Purities, are the three highest gods in the Taoist pantheon. They are regarded as pure ...

, indicating his incredibly esteemed status. A couplet hung outside his Daoist temple reads, "Longevity like the immortals, a household with the same lifespan as heaven," suggesting an extraordinary level of longevity. Sun Wukong, who has seen much of the world, naturally finds this claim hard to believe, saying, "Five hundred years ago, when I caused a ruckus in the Heavenly Palace, I never heard such words at Laozi's gate." Furthermore, Wuzhuang Temple doesn't venerate the Three Pure Ones, the Four Sovereigns, or other celestial authorities; they only offer incense to "heaven and earth". According to the two attendants, Qingfeng and Mingyue, only one word, "heaven," deserves the incense of Zhenyuan Daxian, while the word "earth" isn't worthy. Additionally, Zhenyuan Daxian refers to the Three Pure Ones as his friends, the Four Sovereigns as acquaintances, Jiuyao (九曜, nine heavenly deities) as juniors, and the Origin Stars (元辰) as guests. This leads to questions about the true identity of Zhenyuan Daxian. Qing dynasty Daoist hermit stated: "Within the sleeves of Zhenyuan Daxian, the universe resides, vast and capable of encompassing all beings. Yet, it cannot capture those who move freely. Even if it could, they would escape, and if captured again, they would break free once more, just as if never ensnared. The universe may be immense, but the heart within is even greater. With this heart, one can transcend the boundaries of the universe. Although referred to as puppets, who among them truly controls whom?".

Worship

Zhenyuan Daxian is not formally worshiped within temple rituals or practices. However, among Taoist followers, it is a common practice to have a statue or representation of Zhenyuan Daxian in their homes.

References

{{Journey to the West Chinese deities Chinese gods Journey to the West characters Shapeshifting