Li Tieguai Enters the Immortal Realm | STORY

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00:00 - Intro
00:37 - Lao Zi founder of Taoism
01:22 - Immortal party
01:53 - Getting ready for the journey
03:47 - Seventh day
04:32 - Return from the immortal realm
05:54 - Searching for a body
07:21 - Taking on a new body
08:08 - Lao Zi returns
09:34 - First gift: Iron crutch
10:21 - Second gift: Magical gourd


Li Tieguai (Lǐ tiě guǎi 李铁拐) ) is the first of the Eight Immortals (Bā xiān 八仙), in Taoism, representing harmony, balance, and the rejection of corruption. His journey to immortality is marked by spiritual devotion, transformation, and selflessness. Originally a handsome and proud young man named Li Xuan (Lǐ xuán 李玄), he studied under Laozi (Lǎo zǐ 老子), the founder of Taoism, for 40 years, undergoing tests to prove his devotion. He rejected earthly temptations like wealth and sensuality, earning magical rewards that helped him achieve spiritual mastery, including the ability to fly and a pill that cured hunger and illness.

One of the most iconic parts of his story is how he came to inhabit his crippled, beggar’s body. While his spirit traveled, his disciple mistakenly burned his original body. Upon returning, Li Tieguai found his body gone and, in desperation, entered a beggar’s body, letting go of his attachment to his former form. Laozi supported him with an iron crutch, a golden band for his hair, and a magical gourd. The gourd, symbolic of Taoist healing and compassion, allowed Li to perform miracles, cure ailments, and guide others to immortality.

Li Tieguai’s powers included the ability to walk through fire, cross water, and shrink to the size of a pebble. He dedicated his life to healing the sick, aiding the poor, and guiding others on the path to immortality. His compassionate nature and resilience made him a symbol of spiritual strength. Li Tieguai’s crutch is now associated with traditional Chinese medicine, symbolizing both healing and perseverance.

His story serves as a reminder that true power lies in selflessness and inner strength, transcending the physical world and embracing Taoist principles. The Eight Immortals, who live in mystical realms and achieve immortality by rejecting greed, serve as timeless role models, showing that greatness can be achieved through balance, humility, and dedication to the Tao.



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Music Credits :
Aaron Kenny - Imperial Forces
Jeremy Blake - When Day Breaks

Edited by @iwestez