Complete detailed information on Emperor Zhenwu (one of the Four Arctic Saints of Taoism)

Emperor Zhenwu is also known as Xuantian God, Xuanwu Emperor, Blessing True Monarch Xuantian God, Dangmo Tianzun, Yuxu Shixiang, Jiutian Demon-Conquering Patriarch, and Wuliang Patriarch. The full name is Zhenwu Dangmo Great Emperor. He is a Chinese The God of the North in myths and legends is the famous Yujing God among Taoist gods. Emperor Zhenwu was originally Zhuanxu's assistant god Xuanwu. Later Emperor Zhenwu succeeded Zhuanxu, the northern emperor, and became the emperor guarding the north. Zhuanxu became the ruler of the underworld. Emperor Fengdu. The main god enshrined in Wudang Mountain in Hubei Province is Emperor Zhenwu. The Taoist scriptures call him the "Sacred Emperor Zhentian Wuling should bless him", or "Emperor Zhenwu" for short. Chinese people call him the Demon God, the Patriarch of Repaying Favor, and the Patriarch of Pifa.

During the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Di, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, was given a title in response to the political needs, which had a great influence across the country. Therefore, according to folklore, he was the son of Pangu, the father of two emperors, Yan and Huang, and he was born as Fuxi and Dragon. He is the ancestral dragon of China, and has eight branches of heavenly dragons. He succeeded the Jade Emperor and became the third emperor of heaven.

The image of Emperor Zhenwu is very majestic. He is a hundred feet long, with his hair disheveled, and golden armor. He has a five-color turtle under his feet. He stands with a sword, his eyes are like lightning, and he is flanked by two generals: turtle and snake. The golden boy and girl who record the merits and demerits of the three realms.

The Taoist Scriptures say: Emperor Zhenwu is the eighty-second incarnation of Taishang Laojun. He was born in the Pure Joy Palace of the Pure Joy Kingdom in the Desireless Heavenly Palace in the Great Luo Realm. He is the son of the king. Queen Shansheng of Jingle Kingdom dreamed that she swallowed the sun and became pregnant. After fourteen months of pregnancy, she gave birth to a prince. The king and queen loved him extremely and named him "Tai Xuan". Taixuan showed his intelligence at an early age. At the age of ten, he could read various books and never forget them. The king and queen regarded him as the apple of his eye. However, Taixuan only wanted to practice Buddhism and devoted himself to Taoism, and vowed to wipe out the demons. Basic introduction Chinese name: Zhenwu Great Emperor Other names: Blessing Saint True Monarch Xuantian God, Golden Que Incarnation, Jiutiandang Demon Patriarch, Final Tribulation Relief of Suffering Tianzun. Mythological system: Taoism Belongs to: The Four Saints of the Arctic Residence: Wudang Mountain, Powerful Tongchu Mansion Chief: Holds the position of the Arctic for six days; controls wind and rain; destroys evil spirits, subdues goblins, and saves people Symbols: turtle, snake, Xuanwu, Spreading hair and barefoot, holding a sword, a soap paper, a fighting technique, a crow, and a black tiger patrolling the mountain. Parents: King Jingle, Queen Shansheng. Origin: Taishang Laojun. Eighty-two transformations. Master: Miao Le Tianzun, Fengqian Emperor, Zi Qi Yuanjun's birthplace: Jingle Palace of Jingle Kingdom Related books: "Zhenwu Lingying Atlas", "Zhenwu Miao Jing", etc.? Character origins, identity disputes, legends of gods, historical records, reasons for the name change, historical records, Taoist records , Baogao, Yangqi Mantra, "Wanli Xudao Zang", Emperor Renzong's imperial praise, Shengjiangri, unearthed cultural relics, character origins. According to the "Tai Shang Shuo Xuantian Great Sage Zhen Wu Ben Chuan Shen Mantra Miao Sutra" records: Emperor Zhen Wu was Tai Shang. The 82nd incarnation of Shang Laojun was born in the Wuyu Celestial Palace in the Great Luo Realm. He was the son of King Jingle and Queen Shansheng. The queen swallowed the sun in her dream and woke up pregnant. After one fourteen months and more than four hundred days, she was born in the royal palace, Jingle Palace. After he grew up, he left his family and his parents and went to Wudang Mountain to practice Taoism. After forty-two years of hard work, he ascended to heaven. The Jade Emperor issued an edict and granted him the title of Taixuan, and established it in the north. Emperor Zhenwu The term Xuanwu was originally the general name for the seven northern constellations among the twenty-eight constellations. There is a sentence in the "Yuanyou" chapter of Qu Yuan's "Chu Ci" that "calls Xuanwu and rushes to his subordinates." The shape of Xuanwu Qisu is like a turtle and snake, so the annotation says, "Xuanwu is called a turtle and snake. It is located in the north, so it is called Xuan. Its body has scales and armor, so it is called Wu." During the Kaibao period of the Northern Song Dynasty, the Xuanwu God descended on Zhongnan Mountain. In the seventh year of Dade's reign in the Yuan Dynasty (1303), Zhenwu was conferred the title of Yuansheng Renwei Xuantian God. Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty worshiped Zhenwu, and Zhenwu temples were built in the imperial offices such as prisons, bureaus, divisions, factories, and treasuries to enshrine the statue of Emperor Zhenwu. In the 10th year of Yongle (1412), Longping Hou Zhang Xin was ordered to lead more than 200,000 soldiers to build the Wudang Mountain Palace Group, which brought the incense of Emperor Zhenwu of Wudang Mountain to its peak. The "Blessing of the Holy Mantra" states that Emperor Zhenwu is "born from the Taiyin, the essence of the water level. He responds to the virtual and dangerous, and the tortoise and snake merge into each other. He travels around the world and deters all spirits." Therefore, Emperor Zhenwu belongs to water, so he should be able to control water and reduce fire, and relieve the troubles of water and fire. In the Ming Dynasty, many Zhenwu temples were built in the palace to pray for protection from floods and fires. One of the disputes over the identity is the northern god. "Chu Ci·Yuanyou" notes: "Xuanwu, the name of the northern god." "Historical Records·Tianguan Shu" says: "Beigong Xuanwu is empty and dangerous, and the danger is to build a house." "River Map" in Volume 6 of "Revisiting Weishu Collection": "The Black Emperor of the North, whose name is Ye Guangji, is Xuanwu.

"The people of the Han Dynasty believed that there was not only one god of the north, but three. "Huainanzi Tianwenxun" called them Zhuanxu, Chenxing, and Xuanwu. Because it was more complicated and difficult for the people to grasp, Xuanwu was still regarded as the god of the north. 2. Being the water god. According to the Yin and Yang and the five elements, the north belongs to water, so the god of the north is the water god. Wang Yi's "Nine Chapters of Huaiju" says: "The sky turtle is the water god. "Book of the Later Han·Biography of Wang Liang" says: "Xuanwu, the name of the water god, is also the official of the sky, water and earth." "The River Map" in Volume 6 of "The Collection of Reconstruction of Weishu": "The place where the seven gods in the north actually start from is fighting, controlling the north, and controlling the wind and rain. "Because rainwater is necessary for the survival of all things, the water god attribute of Xuanwu is deeply believed by people. Thirdly, it is a symbol of the interaction of yin and yang in the evolution of all things. Wei Boyang of the Eastern Han Dynasty said in "Book of Changes Shen Tongqi": "Guan Guan Jujiu, in the river continent. A graceful lady, a gentleman is fond of quarrels. The male never lives alone, and the female never lives alone. Basalt turtles and snakes support each other. It is clear that the male and female are mutually exclusive. "The example of the tortoise and the snake entangled in the circle is used to illustrate the point that yin and yang must be consistent. Fourth. The person in charge of the war is the important support of Emperor Gou Chen, the patron saint of sword immortals, and the protector of martial arts people. The turtle is The shield and black snake are the swords, and the Bingtian Sword Xiuzhen is the highest deity in Wudang Mountain Taoism. Because the seven constellations in the north (Dou, Niu, Nu, Xu, Danger, Room, and Wall) form a turtle shape, with Teng underneath it. Snake star, so the turtle and snake are combined; it is located in the north, belongs to water, and its color is mysterious, so it is called Xuanwu. These characteristics of Xuanwu not only won the universal belief of all walks of life in China, but also laid the foundation for Xuanwu to evolve into a Taoist god after the Tang and Song Dynasties. 5. Xuantian God, the god who controls the evil spirits of the three realms, is one of the four saints of the North Pole. He is directly subordinate to the Ziwei Emperor of Zhongtian North Pole and was enthroned in the north by the Jade Emperor. He was later ordered by Yuanshi Tianzun Fuzhao. . The duty of the Four Saints of the North Pole is to subjugate the evil spirits of the three realms, and to capture the ghosts and demons of the three realms, so that the evil leaders of the three realms do not dare to harm the living beings. He saved all sentient beings in the final calamity of the five calamities and defeated the evil sects of magic. He surrendered to Xuantian and was not allowed to fall into evil views. According to the legend of the gods, the North Pole Blessing True Monarch was the Zhenwu Great Emperor, as recorded in "Manuscripts of the History of the Qing Dynasty." : “The Holy Lord of the Arctic Blessing and the City God of Dongyue are worshiped on the Longevity Festival. "Emperor Zhenwu is also known as God Xuantian, Patriarch Jiutiandangmo, and Patriarch Wuliang. He is the God of the North. Emperor Zhenwu is also called God Xuantian and God Blessing Saint True Monarch Xuantian. He is the famous Yujing God among Taoist gods. The main god worshiped in Wudang Mountain is Emperor Zhenwu. The Taoist scriptures refer to him as the "Sage Emperor Zhentian Wuling Yingyou", or "Emperor Zhenwu" for short. After the Ming Dynasty, he was known as the Patriarch of the Demon God. , has great influence across the country, and is particularly popular in modern folk beliefs. One of them is the God of the North. "Chu Ci·Yuanyou" notes: "Xuanwu is the name of the northern god. "Historical Records Tianguan Shu" says: "Xuanwu in Beigong is empty and dangerous, and the danger is to build a house." "The River Map" in Volume 6 of "Revisiting the Collection of Weishu": "The Black Emperor of the North, whose name is Ye Guangji, and whose spirit is Xuanwu. "The people of the Han Dynasty believed that there was not only one god of the north, but three. "Huainanzi Tianwenxun" called them Zhuanxu, Chenxing, and Xuanwu. Because it was more complicated and difficult for the people to grasp, Xuanwu was still regarded as the god of the north. Second, he is the god of water. According to the five elements of yin and yang, the north belongs to water, so the god of the north is the god of water. Wuyi's "Nine Chapters Huaiju" says: "The sky turtle is the god of water. "Book of the Later Han·Biography of Wang Liang" says: "Xuanwu, the name of the water god, is also the official of the sky, water and earth." "The River Map" in Volume 6 of "The Collection of Reconstruction of Weishu": "The place where the seven gods of the north actually start from is fighting, controlling the north, and controlling the wind and rain." "Because rainwater is necessary for the survival of all things, the water god attribute of Xuanwu is deeply believed by people. Thirdly, it is a symbol of the interaction of yin and yang in the evolution of all things. Wei Boyang of the Eastern Han Dynasty said in "Book of Changes Shen Tongqi": "Guan Guan Jujiu, in the river On the island, there are graceful ladies and gentlemen who like to play games. The male is never alone, and the female is never alone. The black tortoise and the snake are entwined to support each other to show that the male and female are dependent on each other after all. "The example of the tortoise and the snake entangled in the circle is used to illustrate the point that yin and yang must be consistent. Fourth, the host of the war, the important support of Gou Chen, the patron saint of the swordsman, and the protector of martial arts people. The spirit turtle As the shield, the black snake is the sword, and the Bingtian Sword Xiuzhen is the highest deity in Taoism in Wudang Mountain. The seven constellations in the north (Dou, Niu, Xu, Danger, Room, and Wall) form a turtle shape, with a flying snake underneath. Star, so the Jiao Snake is combined; it is located in the north, belongs to water, and its color is mysterious, so it is called Xuanwu. The true king of Xuanwu always uses a sword to kill monsters and hoe demons, because the sword is faster than flying through the clouds and fog. The fifth is. The God of Ming. The turtle has become a symbol of longevity and immortality because of its long lifespan. "Historical Records: Biography of Turtle Ce" says that it can guide the last breath.

"Baopuzi" also said that it can guide, and said: "When I was young in Chengyang, I was hunting and fell into a tomb in the sky. I was hungry. I saw a big turtle in the tomb. It turned around several times, and its direction was unpredictable. It opened its mouth to swallow. Either 俛 or Yang. Just try to follow what the turtle does, and you will no longer be hungry. "In addition, the first place of Xuanwu in the north is Dou Su, commonly known as Nandou. "The Book of Stars" says: "The clouds and stars in the South Dipper are responsible for the life span of the emperor, and they are also the position of the prime minister." Jin Qianbao's "Sou Shen Ji" quoted Guan Ren as saying: "The South Dipper is for life, and the Beidou is for death." So people believe it. Worshiping Nandou can increase your longevity. These characteristics of Xuanwu not only won widespread belief from all walks of life, but also laid the foundation for Xuanwu to evolve into a Taoist god after the Tang and Song Dynasties. The general name of seven places in the north among the twenty-eight places in the Xuanwu version. It has been recorded in the Warring States classics. Emperor Zhenwu's "Chu Ci·Yuanyou" contains the sentence "Calling Xuanwu and running for his subordinates". Hong Xingzu's "Supplementary Notes to Chu Ci" Volume 5 says: "Xuanwu is a tortoise and a snake, located in the north, so it is called Xuanwu, and its body has scales and armor, so "Book of Rites·Quli" says: "Xing, Zhuniao in front and Xuanwu in the back, Qinglong on the left and white tiger on the right." Note: "Xing, Zhuniao, Xuanwu, Qinglong and White Tiger are all in the four directions." The name is...the military conducts the law, and it is used to direct the four directions and clean up the military formation. "Huainanzi Tianwen" matches the gods of the four directions with the four heavenly emperors, and calls Xuanwu the assistant of Zhuanxu. Said: "The water in the north has its emperor Zhuanxu, and its assistant Xuanming... its god is Chen Xing, and its beast Xuanwu." Weishu "He Tu" regards Xuanwu as the essence of the Black Emperor, saying: "The Black Emperor of the North, the god His name is Ye Guangji, his essence is Xuanwu. "He is also said to be the Black Emperor of the North. His body is Xuanwu. He has a double face and a thick head." "Baopuzi Neipian·Zaying" written by Ge Hong of the Eastern Jin Dynasty calls him Lao. Jun Li Dan "has twelve green dragons on the left, twenty-six white tigers on the right, twenty-four red birds in front, and seventy-two Xuanwu in the back" to protect him. The image of Xuanwu in Duan Chengshi's "Youyang Zazu" of the Tang Dynasty is still a turtle and snake. The third volume of the "Sequel" of the book says: "In the eighth year of Taihe, Taoist Zhu often traveled to Mount Lu, and when he was resting on a rock in a stream, he suddenly saw a snake. Like a pile of silk brocades, it turned into a giant turtle. When I visited the old man on the mountain, he said it was Xuanwu. "Yu Ti's "Ling Ying Lu" of the Five Dynasties also recorded the story of a man killing a turtle and snake and causing misfortune. It is said that this turtle and snake are the "Xuanwu God". also". Taoist priest Liang Xingyang refers to "Manuscripts of Qing History·Etiquette". The image of Zhenwu described in Taoist scriptures is black hair, gold armor and jade belt, sword in hand, eyes angry, turtles and snakes on his feet, and a round light on his head. The image is very powerful. "Yuanshi Tianzun Speaks of Northern Zhenwu Miaojing" Xuanzhu, Emperor Zhenwu turned out to be the prince of Jingle Kingdom. He was born as a god and could observe the subtleties and know luck. When he grew up, he was very brave and devoted himself to spiritual practice. He vowed to eliminate all demons in the world and refused to inherit the throne. Later, he met Lord Zixu Yuan, who taught him the supreme secret way. He traveled across the East China Sea, and met the gods who taught him the sword. Entered Wudang (Taihe Mountain) to practice. After twenty-four years of residence, he achieved great success and ascended in the daytime. The Jade Emperor ordered the town to be in the north to take charge of Xuanwu. He also changed the name of Mount Taihe to Wudang Mountain, which means "No one without Xuanwu is enough to block it." During the Tianxi period of the Song Dynasty (1017-1022), he was named "Zhenwu Lingying Zhenjun" by imperial edict. In the seventh year (1303) of the great virtue of the Yuan Dynasty (1297-1308), he was conferred the title of "God of Light, Saint, Benevolence, and Power of Xuantian", and he became the highest god in the north. The Ming Dynasty was a period when Emperor Zhenwu was prominent and folk beliefs were most widespread. In the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang's son, King Yan Zhu Di, launched the "Jingnan Rebellion" and seized the throne. Legend has it that Emperor Zhenwu appeared to help King Yan throughout his actions. Therefore, after Zhu Di ascended the throne, he issued an edict to confer Zhenwu as the "God of Zhenwu Xuantian in Arctic Town" and built eight palaces and temples in Wudang Mountain on a large scale. The huge Taoist architectural complex of Gong Erguan, Thirty-six Nunnery, Seventy-two Rock Temples, Thirty-nine Bridges and Twelve Pavilions has made Wudang Mountain a world-famous Taoist holy land, and the "Golden Palace" was built on the top of Tianzhu Peak. , enshrining the statue of Emperor Zhenwu. Due to the emperor's strong promotion, Emperor Zhenwu's belief reached its peak in the Ming Dynasty, and a large number of Zhenwu temples were built in the palace and among the people. Nowadays, Emperor Zhenwu is enshrined in the temple. He usually has his hair spread and barefoot, sitting upright in the hall. Next to him are statues of turtle and snake generals, or a golden boy and a jade girl. It is said that the former is a great guardian god, and the latter specializes in recording the good and evil deeds in the three realms for Zhenwu. Zhenwu's birthday is the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar.

Titles of all dynasties in the world: Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was granted the title of Blessing Saint Xuanwu Ling Yingzhenjun Song Zhenzong was called Zhenwuling Yingzhenjun With the title Xuantian God, Taizu of the Ming Dynasty restored the title of Zhenwu Dangmo Tianzun to Ming Chengzu and was granted the title of Arctic Town Tianzhenwu Xuantian God. Historical records record that Bai Haiqiong once said that "Yousheng was born in the Zhou Dynasty"; and according to the "Taihe Mountain Annals": "The emperor passed down from his ancestors. Xian (that is, the father of Emperor Zhenwu) was the king of Jingle, and Jinley ruled the land, and Jun (Junzhou, today Danjiangkou) was the land of the land (also known as the land of the land, refer to the country of the land and the country of Mi), so Named Gongyan." This shows that it is reasonable to say that Yousheng was the son of the Kingdom of Zhou. But You Shengzhen had actually been born as an official of the Zhou Dynasty before, and his birth to the Luzi Kingdom was a matter of another life (see the eighty-two transformations of Zhenwu). According to historical records, "Jing Le Zhi Lu", Prince Zhenwu of King Lu, also known as King Jin Le, did not love the country but loved cultivating immortals. He resolutely became a monk and went to the Wudang Holy Mountain southeast of Junzhou City to practice. Forty-two years later, he attained enlightenment and ascended to the throne, eventually becoming Taoism worships gods. ". "Taihe Mountain Chronicles" records that "anyone who is not Zhenwu is not worthy of it", which means that Wudang is the holy place where the "Xuanwu Emperor" (also known as Zhenwu Emperor) worshiped by Chinese Taoism came into being. The total of the seven in the north of the twenty-eight constellations in the Xuanwu Book The name has been recorded in the classics of the Warring States Period: "Chu Ci·Yuanyou" has the sentence "call Xuanwu and run to his subordinates". Volume 5 of Hong Xingzu's "Chu Ci" says: "Xuanwu is called a turtle and snake, and it is located in the north, so it is called Xuanwu." "The body has scales and armor, so it is called Wu". "Book of Rites·Quli" says: "Go, the red bird in front and the Xuanwu in the back, the green dragon on the left and the white tiger on the right. "Note: "Xing, the army is coming out." Zhuniao, Xuanwu, Qinglong, and White Tiger are the names in the four directions. ...The army follows the law and does this above, so as to rectify the four directions and order the military formation to be in order. "Huainanzi Tianwen" matches these four gods with the four emperors, calling Xuanwu the assistant of Zhuanxu, saying: "The water in the north has Zhuanxu as its emperor, and Xuanming as its assistant... Its god is Chenxing, and its beast Xuanwu." "Weishu "He Tu" regards Xuanwu as the essence of the Black Emperor, saying: "The Black Emperor of the North, the name of the god is Ye Guangji, and the essence is Xuanwu. "Also said: "The black emperor of the north has a body of Xuanwu. He has a face with his head between his sides, and his eyes are deep and his ears are thick. " Ge Hong of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, "Baopuzi Neipian·Zaying", said that Laojun Li Dan had "twelve green dragons on the left, twenty-six white tigers on the right, twenty-four red birds in front, and seventy-two Xuanwu in the back." As a guard. The image of Xuanwu in Duan Chengshi's "Youyang Zazu" of the Tang Dynasty is still a turtle and snake. The third volume of the book's "Sequel" says: "In the eighth year of Taihe, Taoist Zhu often visited Mount Lu and rested on a rock. I saw a snake like a pile of brocade, and it turned into a giant turtle. When I visited the old man in the mountain, he said it was Xuanwu. "Yu Ti's "Ling Ying Lu" of the Five Dynasties also records the story of people hoeing a turtle and snake to death and causing misfortune. It is said that this turtle and snake is the "Xuanwu God". Reasons for the name change Historical records have different opinions on the reason why Xuanwu was renamed Zhenwu. One theory is: This is said to avoid the taboos of Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty (Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty was once named Xuanxiu and Xuankan). This theory is found in books such as "Ji Shuo Chuan Zhen". Another theory is to avoid the taboos of Zhao Xuanlang, the "sage ancestor" of the Zhao and Song Dynasties. This theory is found in "Zhu Ziyu Lei" "After Xuanwu was changed to Zhenwu, the name Xuanwu was rarely mentioned. In the Northern Song Dynasty, the image of Zhenwu was still a turtle and a snake. In the Southern Song Dynasty, the legend of Zhenwu's personification began to become more and more popular. The theory that the Four Saints are the generals in heaven is recorded in Song Gaocheng's "Shi Yuan" in the first year of Song Zhenzong's Tianxi reign (1017-1022). Hall. In the leap month of the second year, a spring gushed down the side of the hall, and people were not thirsty. People who were sick and sick were healed by drinking more." Upon hearing this, Zhenzong issued an edict to build a temple and named it "Xiangyuan". Thus the personified Zhenwu was born. According to " According to books such as "Yi Jian Zhi" and "Yun Lu Man Chao", his images include many Taoist figures wearing feather combs, wearing hair and holding swords (so he is called the Patriarch of Phi Hair). As a great god enshrined in Taoism, Zhenwu is quite brave. Moreover, it has widespread and profound beliefs among the people, and it can no longer be used as the original image of stars, turtles and snakes on the Taoist altar. Therefore, legends about Zhenwu's life experience and miracles gradually spread, and "Tao Zang" gradually spread. , "Tongkao of Xuwen", "Encyclopedia of Searching Gods of Three Religions", "Tongjian of Immortals of All Dynasties" and other books contain many legends and magical stories about Zhenwu's life experience. The image of Zhenwu described in Taoist scriptures is recorded in the Taoist scriptures. He has black hair, gold armor and a jade belt, a sword with angry eyes, a tortoise and a snake on his feet, and a round light on his head. He has a very powerful image. "Yuanshi Tianzun said the Northern Zhenwu Miaojing" records that Emperor Zhenwu was originally the prince of Jingle Kingdom, born in In the Jingle Palace, one is born with the spirit of the gods, who can observe the subtleties and know the fortune.

When he grew up, he was very brave and devoted himself to spiritual practice. He vowed to eliminate all demons in the world and refused to inherit the throne. Later, he met Lord Zixu Yuan, who taught him the supreme secret way. He traveled across the East China Sea, and met the gods who taught him the sword. Entered Wudang (Taihe Mountain) to practice. After forty-two years of residence, he was successful and ascended in the daytime. The Jade Emperor ordered the town to the north to take charge of Xuanwu. He also renamed Mount Taihe to Wudang Mountain, which means "No one without Xuanwu is strong enough to block it." ". During the Tianxi period of the Song Dynasty (1017-1022), he was named "Zhenwu Lingying Zhenjun". In the seventh year of Dade's reign in the Yuan Dynasty (1303), he was conferred the title of "God of Light, Saint, Benevolence and Power of Xuantian", making him the highest god in the north. The Ming Dynasty was a period when Emperor Zhenwu was prominent and folk beliefs were most widespread. In the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang's son, King Yan Zhu Di, launched the "Jingnan Rebellion" and seized the throne. Legend has it that Emperor Zhenwu appeared to help King Yan throughout his actions. Therefore, after Zhu Di ascended the throne, he issued an edict to confer Zhenwu as the "God of Zhenwu Xuantian in the North Pole Town", and built large-scale palaces and temples in Wudang Mountain, including eight temples. The huge Taoist architectural complex of Gong Erguan, Thirty-six Nunnery, Seventy-two Rock Temples, Thirty-nine Bridges and Twelve Pavilions has made Wudang Mountain a world-famous Taoist holy land, and the "Golden Palace" was built on the top of Tianzhu Peak. , enshrining the statue of Emperor Zhenwu. Due to the emperor's strong promotion, Emperor Zhenwu's belief reached its peak in the Ming Dynasty, and a large number of Zhenwu temples were built in the palace and among the people. The temple is dedicated to Emperor Zhenwu, who usually sits in the hall with his hair spread bare and barefoot. Next to him are statues of two generals, a turtle and a snake, or a golden boy and a jade girl. It is said that the former is a great guardian god, and the latter specializes in recording the good and evil deeds in the three realms for Zhenwu. Zhenwu's birthday is the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar. Wudang Mountain is often said to be the base of Emperor Zhenwu. The bronze statue cast in the Ming Dynasty is enshrined in the golden dome. In front of it is the Eight Immortals Table on both sides of the two generals: Zhou Gong, Peach Blossom, and Water and Fire. On the third day of the third month of the third lunar month, Wudang Mountain is crowded with people. , there is an endless stream of pilgrims, and the excitement is extraordinary. The picture on the right is attached to the statue of Emperor Zhenwu on the Golden Summit of Wudang Mountain. Baogao Xuantian Baogao⑴ The Ceremony of True Heart Conversion to Life. In the sixth day of Hunyuan, the leader of the Dharma Teaching⑵. Cultivation and enlightenment, and relief from all the deluded people⑶. For the benefit of all living beings, eliminate disasters and obstacles ⑷. Eighty-two transformations, the founder of the three religions⑸. Great mercy and compassion, helping those who are in distress⑹. The general manager of Sanyuandu, the envoy of Jiutian Youyi⑺. Zuo Tiangang North Pole and Right Yuan General ⑻. To suppress the heaven and help the people obey, the true martial spirit should respond⑼. Good fortune and prosperity, kindness and righteousness. The true king of Xieyun, the god of governance and blessings⑾. Yuxu Shixiang, Xuantian God⑿. The incarnation of Jinque, the Demon Lord⒀. [Notes] ⑴ Xuantian Baobao: Xuantian, also known as Xuandi and Xuantian God. According to the Taoist scriptures, Emperor Xuan is the descendant of Qi from Jinque Laojun of the Xuanwu Qisu in the north, and the Laojun is the incarnation of Yiqi Yuan Shen. He is the great god of the north, with the functions of protecting the country and the family, granting blessings and eliminating disasters. Volume 22 of "Shangqing Lingbao Jidu Dacheng Jinshu" "Xuandi's Jiao Ke" says: "The God of Xuantian should be aware of the incomprehensible, and show signs of danger, the wonderful way is broad, and he can avoid obstacles to reveal them. It is majestic, has no way to change, and has great appreciation and observation. If you worship it, you will always enjoy it, and if you pray, you will have feelings and understanding." Emperor Xuan was in charge, so Zhang Jiyi of "Tao Zang Ji Yao" "Tao Men Ji" is also called "North Pole". "Edict". Baogao, the imperial edict is the imperial edict. ⑵ The six days of Hunyuan, the leader of the teaching: Hunyuan refers to the beginning of the creation of heaven and earth, when chaos was not divided into Hongyuan. Six days, refers to the six days of desire. They are Huang Zengtian of Taihuang, Yuwantian of Taiming, Hetongtian of Qingming, Pingyutian of Xuantai, Jutian of Yuanming Dynasty and Moyitian of Qiju. One theory is that the Great Emperor of Zhongtian, North Pole and the Five Emperors of the Five Directions are collectively called the Six Heavens. Transmitting the Dharma refers to carrying forward the Taoism. The leader refers to the person with the highest status in the teaching, which refers to God Xuantian. The Taoist Scriptures call Emperor Xuan the incarnation of generations. It is said that God Xuantian began to spread the teachings and save all living beings when he was in the sixth day of Hunyuan. ⑶ Cultivation and enlightenment, and relief from the crowd of fans: According to the Taoist Scriptures, Emperor Xuan was originally the prince of King Jingle. Born as a spirit, he can see the subtle things and know the far things. He is long-lasting and brave, and he only devotes himself to practice. Later, he went to Wudang Mountain to practice and stayed there for forty-two years to achieve success and achieve enlightenment. God ordered us to go to the north of the town. Emperor Xuan made a vow to save all sentient beings and educate the masses. ⑷ Universally benefit all living beings and eliminate disasters and obstacles: Disasters and obstacles include all disasters and demonic obstacles in nature. After Emperor Xuan became enlightened and became a true man, he determined to save all sentient beings and eliminate evil spirits and disasters. This is a tribute to Emperor Xuan's great virtue. ⑸Eighty-two transformations, the founder of the three religions: Eighty-two transformations refers to the incarnation of Emperor Xuan. "The Great Sage Xuantian Zhenwu Ben Chuan Shen Mantra Miao Jing" states: "The Holy Ancestor Xuanyuan transformed into Emperor Xuanwu eighty-two times." The three religions refer to Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Emperor Xuan saved all living beings and eliminated disasters and obstacles, and his Taoist career flourished. The Supreme Emperor appointed him as the founder of the three religions. ⑹ Great compassion, rescuing the suffering: Great compassion, loving kindness and compassion. Great compassion means compassion for the world. To save people from suffering and disasters, and to save sentient beings from suffering and disasters. This praises Emperor Xuan's great virtue. ⑺The general manager of Sanyuandu, the envoy of Jiutian Youyi: Sanyuan refers to heaven, earth and water.

Duzongguan originally refers to the chief executive who manages specialized affairs. This refers to the official position of Emperor Xuan. Jiutian refers to the nine fields of the sky, which are the center, four upright and four even. "Lu's Spring and Autumn Annals" states: "There are nine fields in the sky. What are the nine fields? That is, the nine directions of the sky. The center is Juntian, the east is Cangtian, the northeast is Biantian, the north is Xuantian, the northwest is Youtian, the west is Haotian, and the southwest is Zhutian. The sky is hot in the south, and the sky is sunny in the southeast. "You Yi Shi, Yi Tong "Yi". Refers to the patrol officer. ⑻General Zuo Tiangang Bei Bei Youyuan: This sentence is easy to make mistakes if you don’t segment it carefully. In the past, the sentences were often broken up as "Northern Tiangang on the left, General Yuan on the right", which was not smooth. Marshal Shentianpeng was called "Jiutian Shangfu, General Manager of the North Pole Zuoyuan Capital", so he should be called "General Zuo Tiangang/Beijing Youyuan General". The so-called left and right names refer to the current main and deputy names. Beiji Youyuan may refer to Ziwei Youyuan, that is, the general who commanded the Zuo Tiangang Army to protect Ziwei Youyuan. The second is that the right wall is connected to the right and it is one of the five armies. ⑼ Suppressing heaven and aiding obedience, Zhenwu Lingying: Suppressing heaven and aiding obedience is the position of Emperor Xuan in the immortal world. Emperor Xuan was originally the prince of King Jing Le. Later, he met Zixu Yuanjun and was taught the secrets of the Tao. Then he traveled to the East China Sea. He met the god of heaven and was given a sword. He entered Wudang to practice, realized the Tao and became true. Following the order of the god, he went to the north of Zhenzhou to subdue the gods and help him obey. Zhenwu Lingying, the title of Emperor Xuan, full name is Zhenwu Lingying Zhenjun of Northern Town. ⑽Fortune is spreading, benevolence is strong: Fortune is spreading, which means that Emperor Xuan's merit benefits the world. Kindness, charity and charity. Right in line, really strong. This is a tribute to Emperor Xuan's great virtue. ⑾The True Monarch of Xieyun, the God of Governance and Blessing: This is the honorific title of Emperor Xuan's immortal position. ⑿Yuxu Master, Xuantian God: Yuxu is the residence of the Jade Emperor. Master, minister, immortal position, assisting the Jade Emperor in governing the immortal world. This shows Emperor Xuan's noble taste. Xuantian God is the title of Emperor Xuan. ⒀The incarnation of the Golden Que, the Demonic Emperor: The Golden Que is where the Emperor of Heaven resides. This reference refers to the Emperor of Heaven. Incarnation, the body of change. This means that Emperor Xuan was originally the incarnation of the Emperor of Heaven. There are also various opinions about the incarnation of Emperor Xuan. "The Encyclopedia of Searching Gods from the Sources of Three Religions" quotes "Hundong Chiwen" to say that Emperor Xuan is the incarnation of Yuanshi; It is called the incarnation of Taishang Laojun. Or it can be said to be the incarnation of Emperor Jinque Taiping, the Queen of Jinque, but Emperor Taiping, the Queen of Jinque, is himself the incarnation of Taishang Laojun who saved people and brought in the people in the last days. In early Taoism, he was called "Emperor Taiping Li Zhen, the Queen of Jinque". Renchen's next life The pseudonym Li Hong is the Lord of Taiping. It is quite similar to the theory of Maitreya's birth, so during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, cult rebellions were often organized under the banner of this. Perhaps this is also the origin of Emperor Zhenwu's nickname, "Final Tribulation Relief of Suffering Heavenly Lord". Drain the demons, get rid of the evil spirits. This was the great wish that Emperor Xuan made before he started practicing Taoism. Tianzun, the honorific title for the immortals who have attained Taoism. This is a tribute to Emperor Xuan's determination to cultivate and eliminate evil spirits. Baogao of repaying one's kindness ⑴ The ritual of surrendering one's heart to one's destiny. Xuanyuan should be transformed, and martial arts can be divided into true states (2). Thinking of all living beings like us, we have the appearance of liberation⑶. The parents conceived the baby for ten months and nursed it for three years (4). A lot of hard work and diligent thinking⑸. Pity my parents, they are decaying day by day. Now that I hold on to the idea of ??equality, I will destroy all dangers of greed and anger. Treat the Emperor as your teacher, pray for your kindness and repay your kindness⑺. I wish that my present parents may live longer and longer, and that my ancestors in the past may be reborn as soon as possible⑻. The Great Sage is Great Merciful, Great Benevolence and Great Filial Piety. Eighty-two transformations, repaying the kindness to the leader⑼. The God of Blessings and True Martial Arts, the God of Blessings and Governance⑽. Yuxu Shixiang, Xuantian God. The incarnation of Jinque will help the suffering God in the final calamity⑾. [Notes] ⑴Repaying the favor: That is, repaying the favor to the parents, praying for true martial arts to protect the parents and extend their life and happiness. Therefore, Taoism also calls "Emperor Zhenwu" as the Patriarch who repays his kindness; ⑵ Xuanyuan Yinghua, Wuqu Fenzhen: Xuanyuan is the Patriarch Xuanyuan. In the Tang Dynasty, Taishang Laojun was granted the title of "Emperor Xuanyuan". Therefore, Xuanyuan is Taishang Laojun. Strain differentiation. Wu Qu is divided into Zhen, Wu Qu is Zhen Wu. There are scriptures that call Zhenwu "Wu Qu Lingying". ⑶Thinking of us all living beings, we have the appearance of salvation: Thinking of us, thinking of kindness and compassion. There is a difference between having a form and having no form. Taoism refers to the innate as having no phase and the acquired as having phase. That is, it has an image and a body. Liberation, that is, reincarnation. ⑷Parents conceive for ten months and nurse for three years: All human beings must be conceived in the mother's body for ten months before they can be born satisfactorily, and they must nurse for three years before they can become adults. "Vipassana Sutra" says, "Parents are harmonious and a person is born. In the beginning, the first month is the cell, and the essence and blood coagulate. In the second month, the fetus is formed, and the embryo is shaped. In the third month, the Yang God is the three souls, which move and give birth." In April, the Yin spirit is used to calm down the body. In May, the five elements are stored in order to calm the spirit. In June, the six laws are used to nourish the internal organs. In July, the seven essences are used to open up the mind. In August, the eight scenes are used. The divine tool brings true spirit. In the ninth month, the palace cloth is used to stabilize the essence. In the tenth month, all things are fulfilled, and Yuanhe feeds without stopping. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are really a lot of hard work, and the ardent hope of growing up.

⑹I am now reciting the idea of ??equality and destroying all dangers of greed and anger. Equality is the law of equality. Dangerous and cunning in the world. Greed and anger are human desires. ⑺Emperor Li is the teacher, and the prayers are repaid with the following words: Li, respectful ceremony. Emperor, Emperor Xuan Tianwu. The book of prayers for repaying favors is based on the words of "Tai Sheng Yuan Shi Tian Zun Speaks of Zhen Wu Miao Sutra Volume 2 Chapter 4 of Repaying Favors": "Humans are the spirit of all things, and their nature is shaped. Even a hair, a hair, should not be taken lightly. Heaven's grace and ancestor's virtue, The good roots of the previous kalpa were nurtured by my parents. ...If there are ordinary people in the world who wake up and think about the suffering of their parents, they should fast and bathe, and recite this sutra diligently. "⑻ May my parents be reincarnated. , Longevity and longevity, the ancestors of the past were reborn early: disciples of Xuanmen, became monks and practiced Buddhism. The most filial husband. My parents now and my ancestors in the past have all benefited from Dao's grace and can escape the suffering of reincarnation forever. ⑼Eighty-two transformations, repaying the kindness of the leader: Eighty-two transformations, that is, Emperor Zhenwu transformed according to people, things, and events. There are always eighty-two ways of transformation. He is the leader of Xuanmen's Repaying Gratitude cult. ⑽ Bless the saint Zhenwu, the God of good fortune for the world: According to the "Yuanshi Tianzun Speaks of Zhenwu Miaojing", it says: Zhenwu "has been quiet through many calamities, and has been generous from generation to generation. He has stabilized the country and benefited the people, and has cultivated great stability... He does not float on the laws of heaven, and he does not rebel against his parents. He descends tortoises to lie down. Snake, all the turmoil will disappear. With sincere thoughts, you will soar." ⑾The incarnation of the Golden Que will help the suffering deity in the final tribulation: It is the full honorific title of the leader of the Repaying the Gratitude. The same explanation as above is the theory of the incarnation of Emperor Jinque. Uphold the mantra and uphold the Xuantian Great Sage. The Northern Rengui Supreme Spiritual God Jin Que should be incarnated as a supreme general. He is really powerful and majestic. The gold belt presses the divine front, the turtle and the giant snake, hold the holy feet of Six Ding Liujia, and follows the eight evil generals in front and rear to eliminate disasters and bring blessings. Unbelievable and return to life. I am dedicated to offering the "Wanli Continuing Dao Zang". Xuantian God's hundred-character holy name "Wanli Continuing Dao Zang" 》: In the six days of Hunyuan, the leader of teaching, cultivating and enlightening, saving all the lost people, universally benefiting all living beings, eliminating disasters and obstacles, eighty-two transformations, the founder of the three religions, great mercy and compassion, rescuing the suffering, the manager of the Three Yuan Capital, the wandering envoy of the Nine Heavens , the general of Zuo Tiangang, North Pole and Right Yuan, suppresses heaven and helps obedience, is a true martial spirit, has good fortune and prosperity, is benevolent and righteous, is a true king of cooperation, and is a god of good fortune in governing the world. Yuxu Shixiang, Xuantian God, Jinque incarnates as Dangmo Tianzun. Emperor Renzong praised him as the God of Zhentianwu and longevity. The ancestor of all things, his great virtue can be appointed. The essence penetrates Xuantian, and the aura is magnificent. Xingyi's sect protects Datong. Looking at the incense and respecting it, five blessings follow. The Holy Advent Day is the seventh day of the first lunar month. February 8th. March 3rd. Christmas; the ninth day of the lunar month. The fourth day of April.

The fifth day of May. The seventh day of June.

The seventh day of July.

August 13th.

September 9th. The five dragons holding the saint in the Yan Palace of Nanshan soar in the daytime.

October. 20th.

November. The seventh day of the lunar month.

December. Twenty-seventh day. Same for leap months. Unearthed cultural relics In June 2014, villagers in Liaozhai Village, Jitan Town, Dengzhou City, Henan Province discovered a group of statues of Emperor Zhenwu carved from white marble from the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties while excavating the town’s sewers. This group of 3 statues of Emperor Zhenwu are carved from exquisite white marble: the largest one is 75 cm tall and 50 cm wide, wearing a dragon robe and jade belt, with turtles and snakes on its feet, a round light on the top, sitting on colorful auspicious clouds, and a clear and solemn face. , the shape is lifelike and solemn; the other two statues belong to the "standing class" in front of Emperor Zhenwu, which are slightly smaller, both 68 cm tall and 45 cm wide, with the same peaceful expression and concentration. The statue is located more than 1 meter underground and is now stored in a bank vault. Jitan Town is located at the intersection of Tuan River, Zhao River and Yanling River. It was often flooded in ancient times. During the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, people built the Yu'an Temple here to worship Emperor Zhenwu, to ward off monsters and quell floods. In 1946, the temple was destroyed by war. The statue is undoubtedly a work from the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties. It is extremely rare in China and has high archaeological value.