We will continue the introduction in this article about the Jade Tablet and Lotus of the An Baxian Daoist symbols:
- the Pure Yang Sword (纯阳剑)
- the Banana-Leave Fan (芭蕉扇)
- the Jade Tablet (玉板)
- the Lotus (莲花)
- the Fish Drum (渔鼓)
- the Golden-Purple Flute (紫金萧)
- the Flower Basket (花篮)
- the Gourd (葫芦)
For background of the Eight Immortals, check here.
Cao Guojiu: The Jade Tablet
The Symbol
The third Daoist symbol we introduce is the Jade Tablet, which is Cao Guojiu‘s magical cultivated tool. In the representation of “men and women, old and young, rich and poor, noble and lowly,” Cao Guojiu represents the “noble.”
In Daoist cultivation, the Jade Tablet symbolizes the belief in “truth and principles.”
Although it is commonly found in later interpretations that the Jade Tablet is the yin-yang clapper, a musical instrument used in some regions of China for rain prayers, the more accurate and original version of Jade Tablet is perhaps not a musical instrument.
Considering Cao Guojiu’s status, image, and earlier records, the Jade Tablet’s prototype is actually the jade ceremonial tablet, which ancient Chinese officials held when discussing state affairs with the emperor. This was a standard accessory for civil officials.
History of The Ceremonial Tablet
The history of the ceremonial tablet is very long, with the earliest mentions dating back to the Xia Dynasty (circa 2070 BCE – 1600 BCE). More verifiable records show that as early as the Zhou Dynasty, the “Book of Rites” (《礼记》) detailed specific shapes and usage norms, giving it at least a 2000-year history.
The ceremonial tablet, held in front of the body with both hands, required dignified posture. Officials would record their tasks and speeches on it in advance, similar to modern speech notes. Different forms of the tablet indicated the rank of the officials.
Thus, the ceremonial tablet represented the solemn etiquette of the state, embodying the rules and principles governing its operation.
The prototype of the ceremonial tablet is the “Gui” (圭). The emperor held the “gui,” while officials held the ceremonial tablet. In classical Chinese, words expressing principles and standards is “gui” and “nie.”
Therefore, the Jade Tablet symbolizes the “belief in truth and principles” in Daoist cultivation: it represents laws, reason, principles, and standards.
Daoism teaches, “The Dao produces One, One produces Two, Two produces Three, and Three produces all things.” All things are born from the original point, which is the principle, the “One.”
The Immortal
Cao Guojiu, one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese folklore and Daoism, was said to be the grandson of Cao Bin and the brother of Empress Cao, wife of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty. Hence, he was closely related to the royalty.
His name was Yi, also known as Jingxiu.
He is often depicted wearing an official’s hat and red robe, holding a jade ceremonial tablet.
The story of Cao Guojiu, the immortal represented by the Jade Tablet, also embodies the belief in “truth and principles.”
The Stories of Cao Guojiu
According to the “Comprehensive Mirror of Immortals” (《神仙通鉴》), Cao Guojiu was naturally kind-hearted and indifferent to wealth and status, deeply loving the Daoist way of purity and emptiness.
Retreating From Power and Wealth
He had a younger brother who was arrogant and unruly, eventually breaking the law.
Cao Guojiu felt deeply ashamed and retreated to the mountains and caves, focusing on studying the great truths, wearing coarse cloth and a straw hat, and often fasting for days.
Meeting Grandmasters
One day, he met the two grandmasters Zhongli Quan and Lyu Dongbin (the two immortals we introduced here).
The grandmasters asked, “We heard you are cultivating. What are you cultivating?”
Cao Guojiu replied, “I am cultivating the Dao.”
The grandmasters asked, “Where is the Dao?”
Cao Guojiu pointed to the sky.
The grandmasters asked again, “Where is the sky?”
Cao Guojiu pointed to his heart.
The grandmasters smiled and said, “If the heart is empty, the sky is the Dao. You have already seen your true nature.”
Thus, the grandmasters taught him the secret techniques of returning to truth and led him into the ranks of immortals.
He Xiangu: The Lotus
The Symbol
The fourth symbol we introduce is the Lotus, which is He Xiangu‘s magical tool. In the representation of “men and women, old and young, rich and poor, noble and lowly,” He Xiangu represents “woman.”
In Daoist cultivation, the Lotus symbolizes the belief in “clarity and tranquility.”
Lotus in Chinese Culture
In Chinese traditional culture, whether Daoist, Confucian, or Buddhist, the lotus has always been cherished.
This admiration is closely related to the characteristics of the lotus plant itself.
The lotus grows rooted in the muddy waters of ponds, drawing nutrients from the filthy muck. Despite its origin in foul-smelling mud, the blossoming flower remains unstained, with water droplets sliding off its petals without leaving a trace. Hence, in Chinese culture, a person with noble character is often likened to the lotus, described as “emerging unstained from the mud.”
Therefore, in Daoist cultivation, the lotus represents “clarity and tranquility“: maintaining inner peace and avoiding the defilements of the mundane world, striving for the Dao, transcending worldly desires, and not being polluted by earthly temptations.
He Xiangu and Her Stories
The story of He Xiangu, the owner of the Lotus, exemplifies clarity and tranquility. As a woman in feudal society, to detach from the mundane world and pursue the Dao was even more difficult and hence more remarkable.
According to the “Guangdong General History” (《广东通志》), He Xiangu was from Zengcheng, the daughter of He Tai. She was born during the Kaiyao period of the Tang Dynasty.
Childhood & Her Daoist Cultivation
At her birth, purple clouds surrounded the room, and she had six fine hairs on her forehead. By the age of four, she could lift objects weighing one “jun” (about 15 kg). She was filial to her parents, quiet, and gentle in nature.
He Xiangu lived in Chugang, a place known for its mica production. One time, She dreamt of an old man who taught her the method of consuming an elixir, gradually making her feel light and healthy.
Then, she wrote a poem that read:
"Fengtai's mica is like heavenly flowers,
Refined into hibiscus white clouds sprout;
Laughing at the deluded Governor of Goulou,
Where else can one seek the elixir's clout?"
Indeed, a phoenix later visited her home, prompting her to rename herself “Fengtai Yun.”
Leaving Home
One day, facing north towards Luofu Mountain, He Xiangu said, “I want to visit Luofu Mountain.” Her parents found her words strange. Without telling her, they secretly arranged a marriage for her.
On her wedding night, she suddenly disappeared, leaving behind a poem between the screen and the inkstone, which read:
"Magu scolds me for lingering in the dust,
Once separated, the paths to immortality are far apart.
I will go to Cangzhou to play under the bright moon,
Riding a yellow crane, listening to the celestial flute."
The next morning, they found only a shoe left by the well.
Shortly after, a Daoist from Luofu Mountain arrived, having seen He Xiangu on Magu Rock, a place far from where He Xiangu lived and impossible to travel overnight for any ordinary woman.
He Xiangu told the Daoist, “Go to Zengcheng and tell my family to retrieve the shoe from the well.”
