Character Profile
Lu Dongbin, also known as Lü Yan, was a renowned Tang Dynasty Taoist and one of the Eight Immortals. His iconic image features a white-haired elder carrying a Pure Yang sword and a medicine gourd, symbolizing Taoist principles of benevolence.
Origins
According to Tongjian of Realizing Immortality, Lu was born in 798 AD in Yongle County. Legend states he attained immortality under the tutelage of Zhongli Quan, becoming one of the Five Northern Patriarchs of Quanzhen Taoism.
Storyline
The Journey to the East recounts how Lu saved a starving dog with his golden elixir. The ungrateful animal then bit him, inspiring the idiom “A dog bites Lu Dongbin – failing to recognize kindness.” This tale reflects Taoist philosophy of self-cultivation before helping others.
Relationships
- Lu Dongbin: Central figure among the Eight Immortals
- The Dog: Represents ignorant humanity
- Zhongli Quan: Lu’s mentor
Literary References
- Journey to the East (Ming Dynasty, Yu Xiangdou)
- Records of Patriarch Lü (Yuan Dynasty Taoist text)
- Complete Biographies of Immortals (Ming Dynasty, Wang Shizhen)
Festivals & Customs
- Lü Zu’s Birthday: Annual Taoist rituals on April 14th
- Anti-Dog Biscuits: Jiangsu-Zhejiang region’s Qingming Festival food
- Dog Exorcism: Fujian coastal ceremony on the 9th day of the 1st lunar month
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