Lü Dongbin is a legendary Chinese scholar and poet who lived during the Tang dynasty whose lifetime supposedly spanned two hundred and twenty years. Elevated to the status of an immortal in the Chinese cultural sphere by Daoists, he is one of the most widely known of the group of deities known as the Eight Immortals. Lü is also a historical figure and mentioned in the official history book History of Song. He is widely considered to be one of the earliest masters of neidan, or internal alchemy. He is also depicted in art dressed as a scholar carrying a sword to dispel evil spirits.
Zhang Lu's painting of Lü Dongbin, early 16th century
Yongle Gong, the main shrine to Lü and his burial place
The Immortal Lü Dongbin Appearing over the Yueyang Pavilion, Yuan dynasty.
The Daoist immortal Lü Dongbin crossing Lake Dongting, dated to the Song dynasty
Taoism or Daoism is a diverse tradition indigenous to China, variously characterized as both a philosophy and a religion. Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao—generally understood as being the impersonal, enigmatic process of transformation ultimately underlying reality. The concept originates in the Chinese word 道, which has numerous related meanings: possible English translations include 'way', 'road', and 'technique'. Taoist thought has informed the development of various practices within the Taoist tradition and beyond, including forms of meditation, astrology, qigong, feng shui, and internal alchemy. A common goal of Taoist practice is self-cultivation resulting in a deeper appreciation of the Tao, and thus a more harmonious existence. There are different formulations of Taoist ethics, but there is generally emphasis on virtues such as effortless action, naturalness or spontaneity, simplicity, and the three treasures of compassion, frugality, and humility. Many Taoist terms lack simple definitions and have been translated in several different ways.
Laozi Riding an Ox by Zhang Lu (c. 1464–1538)
Illustration of "The Debate on the Joy of Fish" from the Zhuangzi
Han dynasty Chinese talisman, part of the Wucheng Bamboo-slips [zh]
Zhang Daoling, the first Celestial Master