He Xiangu

He Xiangu (何仙姑) is the only female member of the Eight Immortals, a group of legendary figures from Chinese mythology. Her stories are steeped in Taoist philosophy and often emphasize virtues such as purity, grace, and spiritual enlightenment.

One of the most popular tales about He Xiangu involves her origin. She is said to have lived during the Tang Dynasty and was born in a wealthy and noble family. According to legend, He Xiangu had a divine encounter in her youth. She met a celestial being in her dream, who instructed her to eat powdered mica, which would make her immortal. Upon waking, she began to search for this substance and, after consuming it, stopped feeling hunger and thirst, thus beginning her path to immortality.

Another tale recounts that, while she was wandering in the mountains, she encountered Lu Dongbin, another of the Eight Immortals. Lu Dongbin recognized her potential for immortality and taught her the ways of Taoism, helping her to achieve her transcendent state.

He Xiangu is often depicted holding a lotus blossom or a peach, both of which are symbols of immortality in Chinese culture. The lotus is particularly associated with purity and enlightenment, as it rises unsullied from the mud, and He Xiangu's association with it signifies her transcendent nature.

During the journey to the East Ocean to attend a celestial banquet, she is said to have encountered a powerful storm that threatened to overturn the ship carrying the immortals. He Xiangu played her flute, and the sweet music calmed the waters, allowing their vessel to reach the shores safely.

In art and literature, He Xiangu is represented as a symbol of virtue and femininity. Her stories are often told to inspire women to pursue spiritual growth and to remind the wider audience of the importance of inner beauty and purity of the soul.

The stories of He Xiangu and the other Seven Immortals serve as allegories for Taoist teachings, each immortal’s story highlighting a different aspect of Taoist wisdom and the virtues necessary for spiritual advancement. She, in particular, embodies the Taoist ideals of serenity, grace, and inner strength.

The tales of He Xiangu emphasize her spiritual cultivation and virtue, which are integral themes in Taoist mythology. Here are a couple of stories that illustrate her journey and the values she represents:

Cultivation of Immortality

He Xiangu's journey towards immortality is said to have begun when she was instructed in a dream to consume mica, a substance believed to have magical properties. Heeding the advice, she searched for and found mica, which she ground into a powder and ingested. This act is symbolic of her following a divine path and showcases her commitment to spiritual practice. After consuming the mica, she no longer needed earthly sustenance and was able to live off the energy of the universe (Qi), demonstrating her detachment from worldly needs and her progression towards enlightenment.

Transcendence of Physical Boundaries

In another account, He Xiangu attained immortality through a series of trials that tested her resolve and purity. Unlike other immortals who often sought out disciples, she is portrayed as a solitary figure, focusing on her inner growth and harmony with nature. She often meditated in the mountains, communed with natural spirits, and was said to have learned the language of birds. Her ability to communicate with nature signifies a high level of spiritual attainment and a deep understanding of the Tao, the underlying principle of the universe.

Resisting Temptation

He Xiangu’s virtue is further highlighted in stories where she resists temptation. It is said that various men, both mortal and divine, were captivated by her beauty and grace, offering her riches and positions of power. However, she remained steadfast in her path, refusing to be swayed by material offers or the promise of status. This not only shows her commitment to her spiritual path but also serves as an example of the Taoist principle of simplicity and contentment with one's inner wealth.

Spreading Virtue

Although He Xiangu is often depicted in solitude, there are stories where she interacts with villagers, offering them insights into living a virtuous life. In one such tale, she aids a poor family by advising them on how to live harmoniously with their environment, leading to the family's prosperity. This act of kindness underscores her role as a teacher of virtue, demonstrating that the path to spiritual enlightenment also involves compassion and assistance to others.

The Lotus Symbol

The lotus flower she holds is a recurring motif in stories about her. The lotus grows from mud yet remains unstained, a parallel to He Xiangu’s own life. She was born into a noble family, surrounded by wealth and the potential for corruption, but maintained her purity and focused on her spiritual cultivation. The lotus represents her transcendent nature and her ability to remain untouched by the impurities of the world.

These stories, whether based on historical accounts, legends, or a mixture of both, serve to teach Taoist principles and the value of spiritual pursuit. He Xiangu is an embodiment of the Taoist ideal, living in accordance with the natural order of the universe and maintaining her virtue in the face of worldly challenges.