Lü Dongbin

Lu Dongbin (Chinese吕洞宾/吕洞宾, Pinyin Lǚ Dongbin, Lü Yan also (吕岩, Lǚ Yan), Lu Chunyang (吕纯阳, Lǚchúnyáng ) or to Lü ​​(吕祖, Lǚzǔ ) ) is a famous Daoist Immortal Chinese mythology. It belongs to the group of the Eight Immortals, and was probably a historical figure, are handed down through the diverse myths and legends.

According to legend, Lu Dongbin is to have, for example, once climbed the mountain Lü and there have encountered a dragon, who gave him a magic sword, with which he could reach the sky.

The story of Lü Dongbins inauguration and tests on the spiritual path is one of the most famous Taoist stories.

Daoism considered Dongbin as a precursor of the school of the perfect reality ( Quanzhen ) and many Daoist works are inspired by him. He is said to have lived during the Tang Dynasty or the early Song Dynasty, and is considered one of the most important figures of both the popular and the esoteric Daoism. During the Northern Song Dynasty him and his teacher Zhongli Quan have been attributed to many texts of Neidan. From the Southern Song Dynasty, he is said to have written texts on various topics. The alleged work Lü Dongbins distinguished in that it combines Confucianism, Buddhism and classical, religious and alchemical Taoism.

Through literary sources of the late 12th century, it was demonstrated that Lu Dongbin was a religious cult figure as miracle workers which was particularly revered by the underprivileged classes. This led to Lü ​​Dongbin was often referred to social critique. So his name was mentioned, for example in poems on temple walls, to criticize corruption and injustice. Lü Dongbins name was not only used by Daoists, but also persecuted Buddhists under Song Huizong in this way. Likewise also subversive groups based on him.

The Taoist cult of Lü Dongbin is still active today.