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Daoism is a tradition that, along with Confucianism, has shaped Chinese life for more than 2,000 years. It's not a religion, nor a philosophy, it's a 'way of life'.
The word Dao can be translated as the way or path. It's a natural order of things, a force that flows through every living and sentient object, as well as through the entire universe. As Daoist you try to become one with the Dao, become one with the cosmos and all things. When the Dao is in balance, it is possible to find perfect happiness, inner peace.
It was Sima Qian who first mentionned something about Daoism in his historical work Shiji (110 B.C.). He mentioned the Daojia who were one of the Six Schools at that time: Yin-Yang, Confucian, Mohist, Legalist, School of Names and Daoists. But Daoism was founded by Laozi and Zhuangzi. Laozi wrote the Daodejing and Zhuangzi named his work after himself: Zhuangzi.
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Baxian Monastery 八仙庵 |
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Baxian Monastery, Baxian Palace or Temple of Eight Immortals is located in Wudao Shenzi Street (五道什字街), near Changle Fang Street. This places was first built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), but other buildings were added during the following dynasties. But even before this place had any connection with Daoism, it was a part of the previous imperial palace of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Lateron, during the late Qin Dynasty, the '8-Power Allied Forces' invaded Beijing. Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi fled to Xi'an and lived there, that's when it was called Baxian An Palace.
The Eight Immortals, who live on Penglai Mountain Isand, became popular during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and can be found back in arts, mythology and literature. The most famous one is Lü Dongbin (吕洞宾). The other Seven are: Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, Han Xiangzi, Tie Guaili, Cao Guojiu, Lan Caihe and He Xiangu. In Chinese mythology, the Eight Immortals can use their powers to give life and destroy evil.
This place is called the Temple of Eight Immortals because a late Song Dynasty student once saw the 8 Immortals here. Moreover, this is the place where Lü Dongbin converted Wang Chongyang into Daoism. Wang Chongyang lateron became the founder of Quanzhen Daoism (全镇道教). Yuxian Bridge is the place where they first met.
Mainly the temple area can be divided into 3 parts: the five halls dedicated to the protective god of Daoism Wang Lingguan, 2 halls with color-painted statues of the great 8 and the main hall. Note the bell and drum tower on each side of the first square. In every hall you will see some wall-paintings of the Immortals.
There are still some Daoist monks living in this place, as you look around, you will see them playing Chinese chess, reading the newspaper or just trying to keep the place clean. They sometimes ask money if you want to take a picture of them, but if you act as if you don't understand them and quickly take your picture, there is no problem. There is also a small souvenir shop, where you can buy small statues of the Immortals and other Daoism related items. This place is not overrun by tourist. Mostly Chinese come here to pay their respect.
Outside the temple, there are a lot of street markets where you can buy some antiques.
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Chenghuang Temple 城隍庙 |
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Chongyang Palace 重阳宫 |
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Chongyang Palace lies in Hu County, in the west of Xi'an City. This is the ancestral hall and resting place of Wang Chongyang, the founder of Quanzhen Daoism.
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Louguan Observatory Temple 楼观台 |
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Once old home of Yin Xi and birthplace of Laozi's Daodejing.
When Laozi was travelling to westwards he encountered Yin Xi, who was very stunned by the appearing of Laozi. Yin Xi invited Laozi in his home, where he later would teach his disciples and bring the Daodejing into existence.
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Xiangzi Temple 湘子庙 |
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