In Taoism, usually Taoist Organisations, Priests, Spiritual Masters or Taoists will used Tai Ji (Balancing Sign 太極陰陽) or Ba Gua (Trigram 八卦) to represent Taoism or Teaching of Big Dao (大道), but to be more accurate, shall be the Symbol shown below.
This Symbol in Chinese is known as Fu (黻 with 2nd Pronouciation 拼音第二聲), sounds the same as Fu as in Prosperity (同音福) or Fu as in Talisman (或符). In Taoism, this Symbol got another Official Addressing Term known as Xuan Xi (玄璽), meaning the Spiritual & Highest Authority Seal. In Chinese History, a few Chinese Emperors ever ordered their Officers to create Xuan Xi too. Such Xuan Xi for Chinese Emperors were to represent Immediate-respones or Extremely-important and so, whenever an Officer saw the chopping of such Xuan Xi, no matter how busy oneself was, he had to dash to meet-up with the Emperor, if not, oneself would be beheaded.
So when was this Taoist Symbol First being introduced to the Taoists?
This Symbol was First introduced to the Taoist Society in Late Han Dynasty (漢朝末年) when Heavenly Master Zhang (張天師) started to promote Taoism (same texts recorded as far before Qin Dynasty, this symbol was being introduced 又有記載在秦朝之前已有此符標的存在). From then, this Symbol was being sew onto Taoist Robes (道袍絳衣) & engraved onto any Taoist Spiritual Objects/Weapons (道教法器).
So what is the Spiritual Meaning of this Character?
This Character got a few Spiritual Meaning:
1) To Eliminate Negative & Usher in Prosperity (驅邪避凶/納祥迎吉)
2) To Eliminate One's Unpleasant Issues (除優淨神)
3) To Cease Misfortune & Create New Cycle (消災解厄)
4) To Bless of Prolonging of One's Life-span (延壽增歲)
5) To Bless Oneself of Attaining Immortal-hood (題名紫庭)
6) Last, use in Taoist Rituals to summon Deities, Immortals & other Spiritual Beings (遣神差將)
Other Usages for this Taoist Symbol:
1) To be printed or being chopped on Letters/Cards that being sent to fellow Taoists
2) To be included in any form of Taoist Spiritual Decorations or Scrolls
3) To be included in any form of Spiritual Items such as Talismans or Flags.
No wonder it's quite commonly seen in Taoism.
ReplyDeleteBtw, what's the Fu in Chinese Character?
Is Enhancing on the Symbol needed?
This Symbol got no Chinese Character unlike the Wan for Buddhism (卍).
ReplyDeleteDue to this Symbol was not being Well-impart in the Ancient Era, now People only know it sounds like Fu.
No need enhancing.
So anyhow can just draw this sign?
ReplyDeleteUsually we will ask people to draw it, if not, print it out.
ReplyDeleteMy mistake, it was supposed to be "so anyone can just draw this sign?".
ReplyDeleteWho are the people that you all will ask people to draw?
Usually we will ask Priests, Elders or Spiritual Master to do the drawing.
ReplyDeleteBut if you want, you can draw yourself. But remember, to do it the same as the 2nd Pic.
Is there any reason for the first sentence mentioned?
ReplyDeleteMeaning that both are proportionately drawn?
No meaning, it is a form of Respect.
ReplyDeleteYes.
Oh, I see.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Shih Fu Jave, can oneself draw the symbol of 'FU' when one is contemplation or after having done meditation, where one's heart is as pure as the 'VOID'. If we can, then what are the effects of the 'FU' drawn by us?
ReplyDeleteIf you want, you can try it.
ReplyDeleteTo me the symbol looks more powerful turned around so the lines are pointing north and south. Has an Inca look about it. In fact i really like it. Im thinking of having a T shirt made like this. It would not cause any offense i hope.
ReplyDeleteI like the look when turned around. If i showed the turned around (lines pointing north/south) symbol I would hope this would be ok?
ReplyDeleteFor the symbol to turn around, then it does not represent Taoism anymore, so you are not using it for Taoist Purposes, of cos you can do that.
ReplyDeleteBut I love it because its Taoist. I would love to think that by turning it, it still has the same power and meaning , but becoming a secret symbol. I think Christians might have something to say when you show a cross upside down. They definitely wont like it, haha. But a cross is still a cross whichever way its shown? I just wouldnt want to upset my Taoist brothers in the same way. But as you say, it should be ok.
ReplyDeleteHahaha, just dont tell the others that you have turn our Taoist Symbol upside-down, if not, they will turn you in that way too... hahaha...
ReplyDelete