A Study on the Evolution of the Concept of"Immortal"in the Han and Jin Dynasties
Inspected from the morphological changes,the meaning of"Xian"(immortals)extends from the description of a specific appearance to the meaning of transcendence.After combining the ascending meanings,a relatively primitive universal meaning of"spirit"was formed."Xian"fully possesses religious significance until it has combined the meaning of longevity by Fangxian Dao.During the Han and Jin dynasties,"Xian"was often used interchangeably with spirits and gods,referring broadly to the group of immortals who possesses heterogeneous and special abilities.The notion of immortals has changed in three aspects:idea,methodology and relationship.Specifically,in terms of idea,the concept has evolved from a diverse group with various abilities to practitioners focused on achieving longevity.Methodologically,there has been a shift from reliance on belief to personal cultivation.In terms of relationship,the transition has occurred from independent individuals to a strict hierarchical order.On this premise,Ge Hong proposed a different theory of immortals from his predecessors.According to Ge Hong,first,immortals are human beings.Second,longevity is the most important thing for immortals.Third,longevity is achieved through learning.Fourth,learning is the true nature of human beings and the two elements of learning are teacher and aspiration.
Han and Wei-Jin dynastiesimmortalFangxian DaoDaoismGe Hong
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