Despite its reputation as a bloodthirsty killer, the Chinese hunter deity, Guanyin, is a revered and highly respected figure in Chinese culture. Many people believe that the Creator is one of the most important in Chinese history. It is not only a great source of wisdom and strength, but it is also a symbol of protection and good luck.
Lu-Ban
Among the many Chinese deities, Lu-Ban is a name worth remembering. It was said that Lu-Ban was a legendary carpenter and inventor and is credited with many of the more practical and valuable tools of his trade. His wife may have even devised an excellent way to protect him from the rain.
The Chinese have the propensity to make a fetish out of their ancestors. It is not surprising that many of their myths are rooted in the belief that their ancestors were among the first to enter the great unknown.
The Chinese have also had a longstanding appreciation of animals. Using short-winged hawks for hunting small birds was a Chinese tradition as far back as the 3rd century BCE. The Miao people considered eating dog meat to be taboo. The Chinese also use slash-and-burn agriculture to clear their fields.
The Chinese are also a nation of scientists. One of the most interesting facts is the existence of an intelligent species that can remold its surroundings. The Chinese have a longstanding fascination with the universe and the origins of life.
An excellent example of the Chinese ethos is their belief that every individual is an essential link in a chain-like system. As such, the Chinese view each individual as an ancestor of the next. In this way, the Chinese deeply respect the ancestors above. This explains why a good number of Chinese cults pay homage to the likes of Lu-Ban.
Aside from its plethora of myths, Chinese culture also has a rich history of invention. Among the stories attributed to the Chinese were the earliest gyroscopes, the earliest flight simulators, and the first self-propelled automobiles.
Shen Nong
Among the most eccentric Chinese gods is the hunter deity Shen Nong. He was born in the mountains southwest of the Qi Mountains, near modern-day Shaanxi province, in 28 BCE. Shen Nong is considered the father of Chinese medicine and agriculture. He is said to have invented farming tools such as plows, axes, and hoes. Shen Nong was also said to have discovered the medicinal properties of many herbs. In addition, he is credited with the discovery of tea.
In ancient China, gods were more like semi-zoomorphic entities than staid regional rulers. According to Sima Zhen, Shennong was the patriarch of the ancient Chinese forefathers. He was also said to be the relative of the Yellow Emperor. Shennong is also thought to have played a part in the creation of the Guqin.
According to the Scripture of Mountains and Seas, the gods of the mountains have human faces on three of their heads. Other gods are described in the scripture as having dragon heads. These are scary creatures. They have a terrifying collection of freaks.
Some artists depict Shen-Nong with a mountain-shaped head. Others show him with a half-snake or half-human body. He is known for his unusual pose. In some artwork, he is depicted in a reversed semi-conical shape with his head and body sunk in his lap. Shen-Nong is also known as the ‘bull-headed.’ His head is said to be as challenging as bronze. He is also known to wear a simple robe made from foliage.
The Chinese word for Shen-Nong is ‘Shennongding,’ which is interpreted as “Spirit Farmer.” In some artwork, Shen-Nong is depicted munching on a branch or sitting with a bunch of herbs. Shen-Nong has also developed siege boats that can take on targets near the coast.
Caishen
Probably the most widely invoked god in Chinese mythology is Caishen, which is translated as the God of Wealth. He is incredibly honored during Chinese New Year celebrations. He is usually depicted riding a black tiger and carrying a golden rod. He is surrounded by attendants who take wealth symbols.
The most widely recognized incarnation of Caishen was during the early Qin dynasty. He was also credited with the invention of irrigation and farming techniques. However, the origin of Caishen’s cult is debated. Some believe that he started as a mortal and was later deified. Others think that he was reincarnated several times through the ages.
Caishen’s cult has been associated with many historical figures. It needs to be made clear which of these incarnations is based on fact. Many myths describe the life of Caishen before he became deified.
Caishen’s original form was not connected with money. His cult is associated with many historical figures and legends. Some of these legends are related to the period of the Shang dynasty.
Another incarnation of Caishen is Cai Shen, a loyal general of King Zhou of the Shang dynasty. He was credited with supporting the dynasty by using magic. The Confucious honored him as “one of the three men of the virtue of Shang.” During his lifetime, he was known as Emperor Xin. However, he was overthrown by King Wu.
Caishen is also associated with other important gods, such as Shennong, who was associated with agriculture. He is also related to the gods of love and marriage. Some esoteric Buddhist schools recognize Caishen as a reincarnation of the Buddha.
Zhong Kui
During Chinese New Year, many believers pay special attention to the legend of the Chinese hunter deity Zhong Kui. His myth is a source of comfort and inspiration for those facing oppression or hardship. Moreover, his story also offers an opportunity for those who are not included in the power and wealth of the Chinese empire.
The legend of Zhong Kui is said to have originated in the Tang Dynasty. The story began when Zhong Kui was born in the Zhongnan Mountains of central China. During his early years, Zhong Kui was rejected by the court because of his appearance. He hoped to gain access to the imperial court but was denied because of his ugly appearance. Despite this, Zhong Kui was still viewed as brilliant among his peers. Eventually, King Yama recognized his potential and commissioned him to protect the emperor.
King Yama also gave Zhong Kui the mandate to protect all people and was given the title of “general who prevents evil things.” King Yan also granted Zhong Kui great authority in the underworld.
After Zhong Kui’s death, his friend Du Ping buried him. In his afterlife, Zhong Kui was rewarded with supernatural abilities, including the ability to resurrect a ghost. During his lifetime, Zhong Kui battled demons and magical creatures on Earth and Hell. He was also tasked with maintaining order among ghosts.
The legend of Zhong Kui has been portrayed in several movies and television shows. He has also been featured in video games. Zhong Kui’s portraits are also widely hung outside businesses in Asia. His likeness is also painted on doors to protect against evil spirits.
Guanyin
Traditionally, the Chinese hunter deity Guanyin is seen as a female figure in East Asia Buddhism. She is a symbol of kindness, compassion, and patience. She is also revered as an agricultural goddess and protector of the poor.
Guanyin is usually depicted as a young woman wearing flowing white robes. Two warriors often flank her. The warriors are either historical general Guan Yu or bodhisattva Skanda. Some coastal areas of China worship Guanyin as the protector of fishermen.
Guanyin is also a famous symbol in prints accompanying the novel Golden Lotus. She is also revered in Tibet as Chenrezig. Usually, she is portrayed as a beautiful, attractive woman. She is also said to be all-seeing and can hear world sorrows.
According to one Chinese legend, Guanyin was transformed into an attractive lady when she killed a white demon snake. Many men attempted to hit her with silver, but her hair would float away. Guanyin was then married to a man who shot her hair with silver. The couple later gave birth to a son named Chen Jinggu. His long beard and bulging eyes are symbols of his deity status.
In some Buddhist schools, Guanyin is depicted in a male form. These schools often associate Guanyin with the Nilakantha Dharani mantra. Other schools of Buddhism also view Guanyin in male or female form.
In East Asian Buddhism, Guanyin is a principal deity. She is also called the Goddess of Mercy. Several prominent temples are dedicated to her in East Asia. She is also a significant deity in Caodaism and Zaili teachings. Some schools also regard Guanyin as a teacher.
Some Chinese believe that Guanyin is the embodiment of a Taoist god. This is because she is believed to have been immortal. She is also thought to have created the Chinese writing system.
