The Quest for Immortality in China

Immortality, the ability to live forever without aging or dying, has been a long-standing dream of many people throughout history. In China, the quest for immortality has been pursued by emperors, alchemists, and commoners alike, with various methods and results. In this blog post, we will explore some of the fascinating stories and discoveries related to immortality in China, from ancient times to the present day.

The Elixir of Immortality in Jiangnan Ware

One of the most recent and intriguing discoveries related to immortality in China is the elixir of immortality that was found in a tomb in Jiangnan ware, a region in southern China. The elixir was contained in a bronze vessel that dates back to around 202 BC, during the Pre-Han period, when China was divided into several warring states. The tomb belonged to a nobleman named Liu He, who was the grandson of the first emperor of the Han dynasty, Liu Bang.

The elixir was identified as a liquid that had a yellowish color and a strong alcohol smell. According to the analysis of the liquid, it contained several organic and inorganic compounds, such as potassium nitrate, alunite, and mercury. These substances are known to be used in ancient Chinese alchemy, which aimed to create a substance that could grant eternal life to the user. However, mercury is also highly toxic, and could cause severe damage to the human body, such as nerve damage, organ failure, and death.

The discovery of the elixir of immortality in Jiangnan ware is a rare and valuable evidence of the ancient Chinese alchemical practices and beliefs. It also raises questions about why Liu He, who died at the age of 62, did not use the elixir himself, or whether he did and it failed to work. Perhaps he was unaware of the elixir’s existence, or he was skeptical of its effects, or he was afraid of its side effects. The mystery remains unsolved, but the elixir of immortality in Jiangnan ware is a fascinating piece of history that sheds light on the human desire for immortality.

The Alchemical Art of Becoming Immortal

The elixir of immortality in Jiangnan ware is not the only example of the alchemical art of becoming immortal in China. In fact, alchemy, the practice of transforming base metals into gold or other valuable substances, was also closely linked to the pursuit of immortality in China. Alchemy was not only a scientific endeavor, but also a spiritual and religious one, as alchemists believed that by refining the essence of nature, they could also refine their own bodies and souls, and achieve a state of perfection and immortality.

One of the most famous and influential alchemists in China was Ge Hong, who lived in the 4th century AD. Ge Hong wrote several books on alchemy, medicine, and Taoism, the philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes harmony with nature and the way of life. Ge Hong claimed that he had learned the secrets of immortality from an immortal master, who taught him how to make elixirs, practice meditation, and perform rituals. Ge Hong also collected and recorded many recipes and methods for making elixirs, some of which involved mercury, arsenic, sulfur, and other toxic substances.

However, not all alchemists were as lucky or as skilled as Ge Hong, who claimed to have lived for over a hundred years. Many alchemists, especially emperors who were obsessed with immortality, ended up poisoning themselves or their subjects with their elixirs. One of the most notorious cases was that of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who unified the country and built the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army. Qin Shi Huang was so afraid of death that he sent many expeditions to search for the elixir of immortality, and consumed many potions that contained mercury. He died at the age of 49, and his tomb is said to be surrounded by rivers of mercury.

Another tragic example was that of Emperor Tang Xuanzong, who ruled during the golden age of the Tang dynasty in the 8th century AD. Tang Xuanzong was infatuated with his favorite concubine, Yang Guifei, who was considered one of the four beauties of ancient China. He lavished her with gifts and favors, and neglected his duties as an emperor. He also entrusted his alchemical affairs to a Taoist priest named Li Fuguo, who claimed to have the elixir of immortality. Li Fuguo gave Tang Xuanzong and Yang Guifei many elixirs, which caused them to suffer from various illnesses and symptoms, such as hair loss, tooth decay, and mental instability. Tang Xuanzong and Yang Guifei died in their 50s, and their deaths were followed by a rebellion that almost toppled the Tang dynasty.

The alchemical art of becoming immortal in China was a risky and dangerous endeavor, that often resulted in more harm than good. However, it also reflected the human curiosity and creativity, as well as the human longing for immortality.

The Black Fuji Creature and Its Immortality Effect

While alchemy was one of the main methods of pursuing immortality in China, it was not the only one. Another method was to use natural substances, such as herbs, minerals, or animals, that were believed to have an immortality effect. One of the most mysterious and elusive substances that was sought after by many immortality seekers was the Black Fuji creature, a legendary animal that was said to live in the mountains of China.

The Black Fuji creature, also known as the Black Fox, the Black Dog, or the Black Bear, was described as a black-furred animal that resembled a fox, a dog, or a bear, depending on the source. It was said to have a lifespan of thousands of years, and to possess supernatural powers, such as shape-shifting, invisibility, and telepathy. It was also said to be able to produce a pearl in its mouth, which was the source of its immortality. Whoever could obtain the pearl or the flesh of the Black Fuji creature would be able to live forever, or at least extend their lifespan significantly.

However, the Black Fuji creature was also very elusive and cunning, and would not easily reveal itself to humans. Many stories and legends tell of the encounters and adventures of people who tried to capture or hunt the Black Fuji creature, but often failed or met with misfortune. Some of the stories are humorous, such as the one where a hunter tried to lure the Black Fuji creature with a roasted chicken, but the creature turned the chicken into a snake and scared the hunter away. Some of the stories are tragic, such as the one where a woman married a man who was actually the Black Fuji creature in disguise, and he left her after she gave birth to their child, who also inherited his father’s powers and appearance.

The Black Fuji creature and its immortality effect have been a source of fascination and wonder for many people in China, and have inspired many works of art and literature, such as paintings, poems, novels, and operas. The Black Fuji creature is also a symbol of the mystery and beauty of nature, and the human desire to explore and understand it.