Title: Grand Master Fa Zhu Gong
Description: Legends of Grand Master Fa Zhu Gong
Description: Legends of Grand Master Fa Zhu Gong
REBORN - February 15, 2007 12:24 PM (GMT)
There are many legends regarding Grand Master Fa Zhu Gong.
Here are some, translated in English.
Episode One:
Fa Zhu Gong, born in 1024 AD as Zhang Ji Guan, aka Zi Guan, aka Zhang Sa, in the township of Yong Tai, Fujian. He was orphaned at four and live with his mother.
He learned marital art and Taoist magic at an early age.
One day, he ventured into a mountain in search of wood. In the depth of the forest, he saw two sages/immortals, with similar appearance and dressed in Taoist high priest robes playing chess. On the chess board there was a half red half green peach. Ji Guan approaches and observes the game with interest. The sages offer the peach to Ji Guan. After eating half of the peach, Ji Guan quietly discard the balance half peach as it don’t taste good. On seeing this, the sages immediately told Ji Guan to leave.
Ji Guan then left for home, carrying the day-collected wood. On the way, he rested at a pavilion. Nearby, there was a temple (更衣亭)and there live a famous Taoist High priest by the name of Master Fang Long Shu (方丈龙树法师).
Ji Guan consulted this Master and related the day event. Master Fang Long Shu then explained that these two sages/immortals are non other than Tai Shang Lao Cun (太上老君) and Yuan Shi Tian Cun (元始天尊). And the half red half green peach was a three thousand years heavenly peach! If he (Ji Guan) have completely eaten the whole peach he would have gained deity hood and able to ride the cloud (that is, travel/fly on a cloud). However, since he only eaten half the peach, he (Ji Guan) would have to cultivate and practice longer and do more good deeds in saving human sufferings and terminating devils and demons.
Ji Guan then asked the Master how could he meet these two immortals again.
Ji Guan then begged the Master: “I wish to go back to these two sages/immortals. Can you please assist me?”
The Master said: “ Tai Shang Lao Cun already ascended to heaven. Yuan Shi Tian Cun resides in the Purple cloud pavilion also in heaven. You’re still a human and can’t ride the cloud. So how can you find them?”
However, the Master advised. “On the 16th day of the 8th Month, you and your two brothers must be in Fuzhou. Zhang Zhen (章真) go to Jian Ting (建宁) and Xiao Xin (肖信) travel to Fuzhou Yang Jiao chou and wait there. When you saw a boat in the middle of the river, the three of you can ride this magic boat which will take you to Li-shan to culture and practice Tao magic. After which, you three will achieve deity hood and will reach a high level.”
Ji Guan immediately setoff as instructed and headed towards Li-shan, where he learned many mantras and scriptures and advanced in this Tao magic skill.
On the 49th day, he mastered all the thirty six heavenly star formations, 72 various Earthly stems combination and divination methods.
In their spare time, Ji Guan will chop wood to keep fit. Zhang Zhen plotted the land and planted rice. Xiao Xin pounded and grinded herbs into powder to make medicines.
One day, suddenly the weather changed drastically. The sky darkened and strong wind blows. The three brothers decided to leave the mountain to investigate. On the way, the whole forest suddenly gone up in flames, the river boiled and rose violently. In the mist of all this sudden violent happenings, a huge python appeared in the distant. A crow-faced deity that was causing all this disturbances.
The three brother concentrate and focus on this ‘thing’. Then they realized that it the coming of the Heavenly Master.
The Heavenly Master instructed: “Ji Guan, you must go help capture the devilish demon. Zhang Zhen and Xiao Xin, you two have other assignments.” Thus the three brothers departed on their separate way.
Ji Guan requested for a protective treasure. The Heavenly Master advised: “Your wood cutting tools are your protective treasures. It will protect you against any evil spirits.” Ji Guan bowed, thanks the Heavenly Master and took leave, hastily returning to the chaotic and troubled human world.
On the way, Ji Guan reached a mystic island where he saw two hemp ropes on the path. The two hemp rope suddenly turned into two long snakes. One of them quietly stole away. Ji Guan quickly seized it but it quickly coiled rounded his neck. With his magical skill learned from his Heavenly Master, he finally managed to control the snake. Various magical colors radiated in its eyes and it loud breathing sound can be heard from a distant. Suddenly the snake became a precious sword. (This is the sword that he always carried. And also why there’s always a snake coiled rounded one of his hands).
Here are some, translated in English.
Episode One:
Fa Zhu Gong, born in 1024 AD as Zhang Ji Guan, aka Zi Guan, aka Zhang Sa, in the township of Yong Tai, Fujian. He was orphaned at four and live with his mother.
He learned marital art and Taoist magic at an early age.
One day, he ventured into a mountain in search of wood. In the depth of the forest, he saw two sages/immortals, with similar appearance and dressed in Taoist high priest robes playing chess. On the chess board there was a half red half green peach. Ji Guan approaches and observes the game with interest. The sages offer the peach to Ji Guan. After eating half of the peach, Ji Guan quietly discard the balance half peach as it don’t taste good. On seeing this, the sages immediately told Ji Guan to leave.
Ji Guan then left for home, carrying the day-collected wood. On the way, he rested at a pavilion. Nearby, there was a temple (更衣亭)and there live a famous Taoist High priest by the name of Master Fang Long Shu (方丈龙树法师).
Ji Guan consulted this Master and related the day event. Master Fang Long Shu then explained that these two sages/immortals are non other than Tai Shang Lao Cun (太上老君) and Yuan Shi Tian Cun (元始天尊). And the half red half green peach was a three thousand years heavenly peach! If he (Ji Guan) have completely eaten the whole peach he would have gained deity hood and able to ride the cloud (that is, travel/fly on a cloud). However, since he only eaten half the peach, he (Ji Guan) would have to cultivate and practice longer and do more good deeds in saving human sufferings and terminating devils and demons.
Ji Guan then asked the Master how could he meet these two immortals again.
Ji Guan then begged the Master: “I wish to go back to these two sages/immortals. Can you please assist me?”
The Master said: “ Tai Shang Lao Cun already ascended to heaven. Yuan Shi Tian Cun resides in the Purple cloud pavilion also in heaven. You’re still a human and can’t ride the cloud. So how can you find them?”
However, the Master advised. “On the 16th day of the 8th Month, you and your two brothers must be in Fuzhou. Zhang Zhen (章真) go to Jian Ting (建宁) and Xiao Xin (肖信) travel to Fuzhou Yang Jiao chou and wait there. When you saw a boat in the middle of the river, the three of you can ride this magic boat which will take you to Li-shan to culture and practice Tao magic. After which, you three will achieve deity hood and will reach a high level.”
Ji Guan immediately setoff as instructed and headed towards Li-shan, where he learned many mantras and scriptures and advanced in this Tao magic skill.
On the 49th day, he mastered all the thirty six heavenly star formations, 72 various Earthly stems combination and divination methods.
In their spare time, Ji Guan will chop wood to keep fit. Zhang Zhen plotted the land and planted rice. Xiao Xin pounded and grinded herbs into powder to make medicines.
One day, suddenly the weather changed drastically. The sky darkened and strong wind blows. The three brothers decided to leave the mountain to investigate. On the way, the whole forest suddenly gone up in flames, the river boiled and rose violently. In the mist of all this sudden violent happenings, a huge python appeared in the distant. A crow-faced deity that was causing all this disturbances.
The three brother concentrate and focus on this ‘thing’. Then they realized that it the coming of the Heavenly Master.
The Heavenly Master instructed: “Ji Guan, you must go help capture the devilish demon. Zhang Zhen and Xiao Xin, you two have other assignments.” Thus the three brothers departed on their separate way.
Ji Guan requested for a protective treasure. The Heavenly Master advised: “Your wood cutting tools are your protective treasures. It will protect you against any evil spirits.” Ji Guan bowed, thanks the Heavenly Master and took leave, hastily returning to the chaotic and troubled human world.
On the way, Ji Guan reached a mystic island where he saw two hemp ropes on the path. The two hemp rope suddenly turned into two long snakes. One of them quietly stole away. Ji Guan quickly seized it but it quickly coiled rounded his neck. With his magical skill learned from his Heavenly Master, he finally managed to control the snake. Various magical colors radiated in its eyes and it loud breathing sound can be heard from a distant. Suddenly the snake became a precious sword. (This is the sword that he always carried. And also why there’s always a snake coiled rounded one of his hands).
REBORN - February 16, 2007 01:02 AM (GMT)
Episode 2: Shi Gu Tong (石壶洞)
One day, Ji Guan reached a place known as ‘Shan Shi Gu’(山石鼓) in De Hua Jiao Xi (德化蕉溪).
At night, brilliant crystal light radiated the skyline. Ji Guan knew that there is a demon.
Immediately headed there to investigate. A forest demon, disguised as a young and handsome man was taking a maiden, as it’s new bride.
The whole celebration was just going on with music and noise that could be heard from a distant. Everyone was talking, singing and laughing. It was such a joyful atmosphere.
When the bride sedan was on it way and passing a quite country side path, Ji Guan transformed himself as the bride and seated in the bride sedan and was carried into the forest demon hideout (a cave) at Shi Gu Tong (石壶洞) in ShiNu mountain (石牛山).
Upon reaching Shi Gu Tong, Ji Guan transformed back to his original self. Immediately drew his magical sword and attack the forest demon. Unknowing to Ji Guan, there dwelled five devil spirits (五通鬼) as well (which was protecting the cave). A ferocious struggle begun. Both side were evenly matched. The battle was fought for seven day and seven nights, till his face turned black.
However, eventually Ji Guan was captured. He was locked in the cave and burnt. At the critical moment, his two other brothers (Zhang Zhen and Xiao Xin) arrived.
When Zhang Chen arrived, he used all his strength and power and smeared into pieces the huge rock that was blocking the cave entrance. Unfortunately, one of the broken rock flew and hitted Ji Guan's head, causing his forehead to swear. Zhang Chen was so embrassed that immeditely his face turn red. That is why all his statue showed him as red faced. When Xiao Xin arrived (riding a cloud), he saw what have happended and was so angry that his face turned green! (This is also why his statue always showded him as green faced! The three brothers then fought and subsequently subdued the five devil spirits. These five devil spirits then became their protective assistants. After the battle, the three brothers stayed at the cave (Shi Nu Tong) to cultivate and improved on their magical skills. And the local prayed to them as their savior, addressing them as the Three Holy One (三位圣君), namely Zhang Gong Shen Jun (张公圣君); Zhang Gong Zheng Ren (章公真人) and Xiao Gong Shen Zhe (肖公圣者). A temple named Shi Gu Shi (石壶寺) was built to honor them.
One day, Ji Guan reached a place known as ‘Shan Shi Gu’(山石鼓) in De Hua Jiao Xi (德化蕉溪).
At night, brilliant crystal light radiated the skyline. Ji Guan knew that there is a demon.
Immediately headed there to investigate. A forest demon, disguised as a young and handsome man was taking a maiden, as it’s new bride.
The whole celebration was just going on with music and noise that could be heard from a distant. Everyone was talking, singing and laughing. It was such a joyful atmosphere.
When the bride sedan was on it way and passing a quite country side path, Ji Guan transformed himself as the bride and seated in the bride sedan and was carried into the forest demon hideout (a cave) at Shi Gu Tong (石壶洞) in ShiNu mountain (石牛山).
Upon reaching Shi Gu Tong, Ji Guan transformed back to his original self. Immediately drew his magical sword and attack the forest demon. Unknowing to Ji Guan, there dwelled five devil spirits (五通鬼) as well (which was protecting the cave). A ferocious struggle begun. Both side were evenly matched. The battle was fought for seven day and seven nights, till his face turned black.
However, eventually Ji Guan was captured. He was locked in the cave and burnt. At the critical moment, his two other brothers (Zhang Zhen and Xiao Xin) arrived.
When Zhang Chen arrived, he used all his strength and power and smeared into pieces the huge rock that was blocking the cave entrance. Unfortunately, one of the broken rock flew and hitted Ji Guan's head, causing his forehead to swear. Zhang Chen was so embrassed that immeditely his face turn red. That is why all his statue showed him as red faced. When Xiao Xin arrived (riding a cloud), he saw what have happended and was so angry that his face turned green! (This is also why his statue always showded him as green faced! The three brothers then fought and subsequently subdued the five devil spirits. These five devil spirits then became their protective assistants. After the battle, the three brothers stayed at the cave (Shi Nu Tong) to cultivate and improved on their magical skills. And the local prayed to them as their savior, addressing them as the Three Holy One (三位圣君), namely Zhang Gong Shen Jun (张公圣君); Zhang Gong Zheng Ren (章公真人) and Xiao Gong Shen Zhe (肖公圣者). A temple named Shi Gu Shi (石壶寺) was built to honor them.
REBORN - February 16, 2007 01:29 PM (GMT)
三位圣君
章公真人; 张公圣君; 肖公圣者
Fazhu Gong with the five devils:
章公真人; 张公圣君; 肖公圣者
Fazhu Gong with the five devils:
REBORN - February 16, 2007 03:24 PM (GMT)
Episode 3 : Deity make a pathway overnite (神仙鋪路的故事)
On day, Ji Guan left Yong Tai on a journey. He have to pass through a dangerous mountain stockade. The only path was a narrow, windy, rugged and dangerous pathway.
It was summer and the weather was burning hot.
He missed the cool mountain air of Yong Tai. With a heavy load on his shoulder, he was panging heavily and whole body wetted with sweat. With a blurred vision, he can only see the green color of the surrounding tree. He recalled the various difficult journey that he have done before. He also recalled those days with of crowded lifestyle. Unconsciously, he passed through the 3400 stepped rugged ravine.
Ji Guan was very concerned for other travelers passing through this difficult and dangerous pathway. He was afraid that the traveler will be hurt by the rough rocks and windy pathway and also might lost their way. So he used an iron talon to break down each big boulders and marked each turn to guide travelers.
The next morning, all the villager was surprised to see that such a tedious task can be done in one night work! The long, rugged, dangerous and windy pathway was now a flat smooth stone pathway. Everyone was stunned but at the same time very happy. News traveled fast. A Deity have make a pathway story was quickly spreaded far and wide.
REBORN - February 17, 2007 05:26 AM (GMT)
Episode 4: A shadow digging a canal.
Near Yong Tai there’s a place known as Wu Tong Wei (梧桐尾). It’s a mountainous region. It have many farmlands as well. Due to a long dry spell, all the farm land were dried and cracked, causing serious shortage of grain and thus serious starvation and sufferings. The local people prayed for rain each year. Unfortunately, their prayers were not answered.
When Ji Guan (riding a cloud) reached this place, he saw the whole area a piece of dried wasteland (with nothing growing on it). There was such hardship and suffering and starvation. Ji Guan was saddened by the sight.
At that time, the locals were gathering in front of a Dragon King temple, performing a ritual to request for rain to fall. Various banners and strolls were hanged. Smoke from the burning joss sticks clouded the area. All the people were there praying and begging loudly for the rain to fall.
Inside the temple, people were also praying very hard to the Deities there. Ji Guan approaches and makes his way into the temple. On the wall handed many petitions for government assistances. But the local government couldn’t care less. Instead, they are still collecting taxes.
Ji Guan then went round inspecting the place. He decided to dig a canal (to bring water to this town). He found a source of underground waterway. He purchased a cow and a iron plow from a nearby village.
The next morning, he wakes early. Thick fog still covered the whole region. Ji Guan immediately started work digging the canal. He labored whole day till his whole body ached. Suddenly, he saw a lady standing in front shouting loudly: “Strange! Strange! Everyone come and see. A ‘shadow’ is digging a canal!” Her voice loud and clear and can be heard from a distant. The shadow suddenly disappeared. Many people came forward to have a good look. Strangely, all that left behind was the iron plow struck in the ground. Till this day, the iron plow is still there!