Story Summary
Discover the origin of Li Tieguai and the Beggar. Witness the transformation of a handsome sage into a crippled immortal in this classic Chinese legend.
Before he was known as the Iron Crutch, Li Xuan was a handsome and brilliant sage, a favored student of the Great Lord Laozi. One day, his spirit was summoned to the celestial realms for a divine meeting. He instructed his young disciple to guard his physical body for seven days. 'If my spirit does not return by then,' he warned, 'you may cremate my remains.' For six days, the disciple remained faithful. However, on the eve of the seventh day, he received word that his mother was dying. Torn between duty and filial piety, he burned the body early and rushed home. When Li Xuan’s soul returned to the mortal plane, he found only a pile of cooling ash. Desperate for a vessel, his spirit entered the only body nearby: a starving, crippled beggar who had just perished in the woods. Awakening with a matted beard, a lame leg, and an iron crutch, the once-beautiful sage realized that physical form is but a fleeting illusion. He embraced his new appearance, becoming Li Tieguai, the powerful protector of the sick and the needy.
The Moral
True worth and wisdom are found in the spirit and one's actions, rather than in physical beauty or outward appearances.
“The soul is the master; the body is but a guest house that we inhabit for a night.”
Fun Fact
Li Tieguai is often considered the patron deity of pharmacists and the sick, frequently depicted with a gourd that emits a mysterious, healing smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Li Tieguai and the Beggar?
The story teaches that the physical body is merely a temporary vessel. True immortality and virtue reside in the spirit, reminding us not to judge others by their outward appearance.
Why did the disciple burn Li Tieguai's body?
The disciple's mother was on her deathbed, and he felt a duty to see her. He burned the body on the sixth day instead of the seventh to fulfill his filial obligations.
Who is Li Tieguai in Chinese mythology?
He is one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism. He is often depicted as a beggar with an iron crutch and a gourd that contains magical medicine.
What does the iron crutch symbolize?
The iron crutch symbolizes the support provided to the weak and the resilience of the soul. It also serves as a reminder of his unexpected transformation and humility.
Who was Li Tieguai's teacher?
He was a student of Laozi, the legendary founder of Taoism. His mastery of spiritual travel was a direct result of Laozi's profound teachings.
How did Li Tieguai feel about his new body?
Though initially shocked, he accepted his fate with grace. He realized that his new form allowed him to walk among the suffering without the distractions of vanity.