THE LEGENDS AND FOLKTALES : China Legends

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Sandy: The Giant Fish-Turned Monk

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This is the story of how a warrior turned man-eating fish-ogre becomes a Buddhist friar. His name is Sand Monk, or Sandy or short. 
Shortly after Pigsy joins Tang Monk and Monkey King on their pilgrimage, the band arrives at the banks of an impassable river 300 miles wide. What’s worse, it’s inhabited by a ferocious beast that devours any human who strays too close to the shore. But for the Tang Monk and his disciples, this monster is their only hope of crossing. 
 
This creature was once a heavenly warrior who happened to be just a little too clumsy. One day, in the middle of a grand heavenly banquet, he accidentally shatters a crystal goblet that, regrettably, belonged to the Queen Mother of the West. Having infuriated the palace, he is exiled to the mortal world and turned into a river ogre with a fish spirit. He spends his days hidden in the massive Flowing Sands River, binging on unwary fishermen. 
 
Until, that is, our three pilgrims arrive. The monster sees them standing near the riverbank, looking desperately left and right for a way to cross. Sandy leaps out of the river and shape-shifts from a giant fish to his ogre appearance—matted red hair, a necklace of nine skulls, and an enormous, magical staff in hand—and pounces on them out of the river. 
 
Pigsy and the monster battle to a standstill, but as Monkey King joins the fray, the ogre-fish creature dives into the water to escape. Pigsy swims after him, knowing that only by convincing him to help could the party ever cross the river. 
 
Twice Pigsy fights tenaciously battles with the monster, but cannot defeat him. Finally, Monkey King lures him out of the water and is about to deliver the final blow when the monster hears of their holy quest. 
 
He decides to give up his evil ways and converts to Buddhism, becoming the human friar. His nine skulls carry the party across the river.

Sandy: The Giant Fish-Turned Monk

This is the story of how a warrior turned man-eating fish-ogre becomes a Buddhist friar. His name is Sand Monk, or Sandy or short. Shortl...

4:24:00 am

Meet the great Jade Emperor

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The Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝 yù huáng dà dì) is famously known as the leader of the Heavens in traditional Chinese folklore, especially in Taoism, and also in Journey to the West, the classic novel about Monkey King and Tang Monk on a dangerous quest for Buddhist scriptures. According to the Records of the Virtuous Jade Emperor, he was once the prince of the Shining Wondrous Kingdom (it sounds much more elegant in Chinese). 
 
This is a kingdom that existed a long, long time ago. Under the rule of the King of Pure Virtue and the Queen of Gilt Moonlight, the kingdom was peaceful and happy. But the king and queen were growing old and still heirless. “When I am gone, who will take care of the kingdom?” worried the elderly king. So he ordered the kingdom’s Taoist priests to pray to the deities for a son. For over half a year, the king and queen also prayed twice a day without fail and without results. 
 
Finally, their heartfelt appeal moved the Primeval Lord of Heaven. He created a child for the king and queen and then sent a Taoist deity to bring him to the couple. 
 
That night, fast asleep, the queen dreamed of a saintly glow enveloping the palace. The Taoist descended from the sky, holding a beautiful, radiant infant. Kneeling in front of the saint, the queen begged, “My king has no heir. I plead for your compassion that you may grant us this child.” The Taoist replied, “This is no ordinary child. One day he will attain the highest level of Tao. You must take good care of him.” The queen thanked the deity and held out her arms to receive the boy. The deity passed the child over, but he weighed as much as a mountain and the queen awoke in shock. She hurriedly went to inform the king who, wondrously, had the exact same dream. 
 
The next day, the queen discovered she was pregnant, and a year later, a beautiful prince was born. His body shone with golden radiance, lighting up the entire kingdom. When he came of age, he gifted the kingdom stores of food and gave treasures to the poor and the orphaned. 
 
Some time later, the old king passed away. After the prince ascended the throne, he ruled with wisdom and benevolence. But he soon realized that all beings in his kingdom were suffering and had no way of breaking the cycle of death and reincarnation. He thus abdicated the throne and, leaving the kingdom to a virtuous minister, entered the mountains. There, he sought the Way, or the Tao, hoping to unravel the mysteries of the universe and break through the limitations of mortality and suffering. 
 
He cultivated his spirit arduously for 3,200 kalpas to finally attain enlightenment and become a Taoist saint, and spent another 100,000,000 kalpas gaining enough virtue to become the ruler of Heaven. How long is one kalpa? About the time between a universe’s creation and subsequent recreation.

Meet the great Jade Emperor

The Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝 yù huáng dà dì) is famously known as the leader of the Heavens in traditional Chinese folklore, especially in Taois...

4:21:00 am

Dragons

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Myths and legends of Western cultures frequently depict dragons as brutish monsters that are usually slain by heroes; however, Chinese myths paint the dragon as a more elegant and mystical figure. In Daoism, dragons are benevolent spirits who are kind to humans and associated with prosperity. Dragons slept in the winter and emerged in the spring. In art, dragons are shown playing with a flaming ball or pearl, symbolizing thunder. It is believed that the dragons' playing caused the rain to fall. The Long Wang, or 'dragon kings,' were the gods of lakes, rivers and oceans, and offerings were made to them during droughts. 
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Dragons

Myths and legends of Western cultures frequently depict dragons as brutish monsters that are usually slain by heroes; however, Chinese myt...

4:16:00 am

Chinese Dragon

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Myths and legends of Western cultures frequently depict dragons as brutish monsters that are usually slain by heroes; however, Chinese myths paint the dragon as a more elegant and mystical figure. In Daoism, dragons are benevolent spirits who are kind to humans and associated with prosperity. Dragons slept in the winter and emerged in the spring. In art, dragons are shown playing with a flaming ball or pearl, symbolizing thunder. It is believed that the dragons' playing caused the rain to fall. The Long Wang, or 'dragon kings,' were the gods of lakes, rivers and oceans, and offerings were made to them during droughts. 
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Chinese Dragon

Myths and legends of Western cultures frequently depict dragons as brutish monsters that are usually slain by heroes; however, Chinese myt...

4:14:00 am

Yin and Yang

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From popular martial arts films to Japanese animation to small jewelry sold in stores, you have likely seen the Yin-Yang symbol in your daily life. But do you know where it originated? As it turns out, according to Chinese mythology, the Yin-Yang plays a part in the creation of the world. The story of Yin and Yang is just one aspect of the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology. Chinese myths started off with a wide variety of gods and goddesses and have since been introduced from various belief systems brought to the country, such as Daoism, Buddhism and, to a lesser extent, Hinduism.

Yin and Yang

From popular martial arts films to Japanese animation to small jewelry sold in stores, you have likely seen the Yin-Yang symbol in your da...

4:06:00 am

The Poet Li Bai

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Known as the “Immortal Poet,” Li Bai (701–762) is often considered the greatest Chinese poet of all time. His was the epitome of the classic Tang Dynasty poetry (tang shi). Li Bai was a wandering spirit, and his travels across China led him into the company of Daoists, literary men, and high officials, who often admired him greatly. 
 
In addition to being a prolific writer and a student of Daoism, Li Bai (also spelled Li Bo and Li Po), is famous for the fact that much of his inspiration for poetry came after drinking. The contemporary Chinese poet Du Fu wrote of Li Bai in his poem Song of Eight Drinking Deities: 
 
Li Bai, challenging others to drink, creates  
one hundred verses, 
 
Sleeping in the bars of Chang-an, 
 
Even if the emperor calls him to board the ship  
he does not oblige, 
 
Calling himself the great immortal of wine. 
 
On some occasions, however, Li Bai’s drinking backfired. During the reign of Tang emperor Xuanzong, Li Bai had the honor of serving as a court scholar. But after a drinking episode one day, he badly insulted one of the emperor’s favorite eunuchs. The eunuch soon found an opportunity to slander Li Bai in front of the emperor, prompting the poet’s removal from the palace. 
 
A few years later, a friend of Li Bai’s received a prominent position and was able to arrange for the poet to be invited back to work for the emperor. But again, Li Bai’s luck turned sour when his acquaintance revolted against the ruler, causing all those who worked under him, including Li Bai, to be sent away from the capital. 
 
Shortly after, another associate of Li Bai’s who worked for the emperor, managed to rescue the poet from banishment. Li Bai then wrote some of the most famous lines of Chinese poetry:  
 
White King City I left at dawn in the morning  
glow of the clouds, 
 
The thousand-mile journey to Jiang Ling,  
completed in a single day, 
 
On either shore the gibbons' chatter sounds  
without pause, 
 
While my light boat skims past thousands of crags. 
 
According to historical records, Li Bai concluded his life’s journey in the town of Xuan, passing away from “excessive drinking.” He left behind 20 volumes of writing and some 900 poems. The popularity of Li Bai’s poems continues to dominate Chinese poetry today and various nicknames capture his legacy—“Wine Immortal,” “Poet Transcendent,” “Immortal Exiled from Heaven,” and “Poet Knight-Errant.

The Poet Li Bai

Known as the “Immortal Poet,” Li Bai (701–762) is often considered the greatest Chinese poet of all time. His was the epitome of the class...

3:56:00 am

The tales of Confucious

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When Confucius came to the earth, the Kilin, that strange beast which is the prince of all four-footed animals, and only appears when there is a great man on earth, sought the child and spat out a jade whereon was written: “Son of the Watercrystal you are destined to become an uncrowned king!” And Confucius grew up, studied diligently, learned wisdom and came to be a saint. He did much good on earth, and ever since his death has been reverenced as the greatest of teachers and masters. He had foreknowledge of many things. And even after he had died he gave evidence of this. 
 
Confucius with his disciples. 
“Confucius and His Disciples Yanzi and Huizi at the “Apricot Altar””. Illustration by Kano Tan’yû. Mid-17th century. 
 
Once, when the wicked Emperor Tsin Schi Huang had conquered all the other kingdoms, and was traveling through the entire empire, he came to the homeland of Confucius. And he found his grave. And, finding his grave, he wished to have it opened and see what was in it. All his officials advised him not to do so, but he would not listen to them. So a passage was dug into the grave, and in its main chamber they found a coffin, whose wood appeared to be quite fresh. When struck it sounded like metal. To the left of the coffin was a door, which led into an inner chamber. In this chamber stood a bed, and a table with books and clothing, all as though meant for the use of a living person. Tsin Schi Huang seated himself on the bed and looked down. And there on the floor stood two shoes of red silk, whose tips were adorned with a woven pattern of clouds. A bamboo staff leaned against the wall. The Emperor, in jest, put on the shoes, took the staff and left the grave. But as he did so a tablet suddenly appeared before his eyes on which stood the following lines: 
 
O’er kingdoms six Tsin Schi Huang his army led, To ope my grave and find my humble bed; He steals my shoes and takes my staff away To reach Schakiu—and his last earthly day! 
 
Tsin Schi Huang was much alarmed, and had the grave closed again. But when he reached Schakiu he fell ill of a hasty fever of which he died. 
 
Note: The Kilin is an okapi-like legendary beast of the most perfected kindness, prince of all the four-footed animals. The “Watercrystal” is the dark Lord of the North, whose element is water and wisdom, for which last reason Confucius is termed his son. Tsin Schi Huang (B.C. 200) is the burner of books and reorganizer of China famed in history. Schakiu (Sandhill) was a city in the western part of the China of that day.When Confucius came to the earth, the Kilin, that strange beast which is the prince of all four-footed animals, and only appears when there is a great man on earth, sought the child and spat out a jade whereon was written: “Son of the Watercrystal you are destined to become an uncrowned king!” And Confucius grew up, studied diligently, learned wisdom and came to be a saint. He did much good on earth, and ever since his death has been reverenced as the greatest of teachers and masters. He had foreknowledge of many things. And even after he had died he gave evidence of this. 
 
Confucius with his disciples. 
“Confucius and His Disciples Yanzi and Huizi at the “Apricot Altar””. Illustration by Kano Tan’yû. Mid-17th century. 
 
Once, when the wicked Emperor Tsin Schi Huang had conquered all the other kingdoms, and was traveling through the entire empire, he came to the homeland of Confucius. And he found his grave. And, finding his grave, he wished to have it opened and see what was in it. All his officials advised him not to do so, but he would not listen to them. So a passage was dug into the grave, and in its main chamber they found a coffin, whose wood appeared to be quite fresh. When struck it sounded like metal. To the left of the coffin was a door, which led into an inner chamber. In this chamber stood a bed, and a table with books and clothing, all as though meant for the use of a living person. Tsin Schi Huang seated himself on the bed and looked down. And there on the floor stood two shoes of red silk, whose tips were adorned with a woven pattern of clouds. A bamboo staff leaned against the wall. The Emperor, in jest, put on the shoes, took the staff and left the grave. But as he did so a tablet suddenly appeared before his eyes on which stood the following lines: 
 
O’er kingdoms six Tsin Schi Huang his army led, To ope my grave and find my humble bed; He steals my shoes and takes my staff away To reach Schakiu—and his last earthly day! 
 
Tsin Schi Huang was much alarmed, and had the grave closed again. But when he reached Schakiu he fell ill of a hasty fever of which he died. 
 
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCU6Jn94QaQ3gWHRCtge1-NUOQC3w9z7nteyYu4IKZSxaNt9Zmtyyryoh0bqulHXzXa4fKpBl_QdqVR45lLOcner0NMOekCkpshQ2k3W4vHhewGq9uwvyiLQIOiysXU2hKC9ziaJ_2wzz/s1600/9781504041232-book-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a>Note: The Kilin is an okapi-like legendary beast of the most perfected kindness, prince of all the four-footed animals. The “Watercrystal” is the dark Lord of the North, whose element is water and wisdom, for which last reason Confucius is termed his son. Tsin Schi Huang (B.C. 200) is the burner of books and reorganizer of China famed in history. Schakiu (Sandhill) was a city in the western part of the China of that day.

The tales of Confucious

When Confucius came to the earth, the Kilin, that strange beast which is the prince of all four-footed animals, and only appears when th...

3:55:00 am

The Jade Emperor

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The Jade Emperor is a prominent deity in Chinese mythology and is regarded as the supreme ruler of heaven, determining how events transpired in the heavens and earth. To conduct the affairs of the universe, the emperor would summon all of the deities to his palace on the first of the year to appoint or promote them to various positions, which involved overseeing things such as war, wealth, water and time itself. 
 
The origin of the Jade Emperor himself varies widely. In some lore, he was born as a regular human who achieved immortality and became the Jade Emperor. Other stories depict him as a deity who predated creation. The Jade Emperor is frequently shown seated on his throne, dressed in robes that are embroidered with dragons.

The Jade Emperor

The Jade Emperor is a prominent deity in Chinese mythology and is regarded as the supreme ruler of heaven, determining how events transpi...

3:45:00 am

The Loyalty of Yue Fei

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Back during the twelfth century, toward the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, China was invaded from the north. The weak imperial court was in desperate need of capable warriors. 
 
Yue Fei was more than capable—he studied special martial arts techniques and could simultaneously shoot nine arrows through a bull's-eye 240 paces away. However, he faced a dilemma. On the one hand, he wanted to battle the invaders and defend his country; on the other hand, he wanted to stay back and look after his elderly mother. These two virtues—loyalty and filial piety—were both treasured by ancient Chinese, and now they seemed to compete. Yue Fei was torn. 
 
To encourage him, his mother asked him to take off his shirt, and tattooed four Chinese characters on his back: jing zhong bao guo—“serve the country loyally.” Now able to fulfill both his mother’s wish and his duty to the country, Yue Fei promptly went off to battle. 
 
As he rose through the ranks to become the Song’s most-celebrated general, Yue Fei never lost a battle. On one occasion, he stopped 100,000 Jurchen invaders with only 500 men. 
 
He took great care of his soldiers when they were sick or injured—personally treating their wounds and calling on the families of those who died. He kept his troops to a strict moral code, forbidding them from pillaging or taking advantage of common folk. He became, and remains today, China’s symbol of unwavering loyalty. 
 
And yet, Yue Fei’s great popularity led to great jealousy.

The Loyalty of Yue Fei

Back during the twelfth century, toward the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, China was invaded from the north. The weak imperial court w...

3:37:00 am

THE LEGENDS AND FOLKTALES

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