Nezha’s father The Exquisite Pagoda of Heavenly King Li: Father-Son Relationships and the Path to Reconciliation in Chinese Culture

The Exquisite Pagoda of Heavenly King Li

symbolizes the complexity of father-son relationships and the path to reconciliation in traditional Chinese culture, embodying the wisdom of "harmony as the most precious value."

In the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, the exquisite pagoda held by Heavenly King Li is not only his iconic magical instrument but also a symbol rich with cultural and philosophical significance. This pagoda represents the complex relationship between Li Jing and his son, Nezha, and embodies the traditional Chinese wisdom of "harmony as the most precious value."

The Origin of the Pagoda: Father-Son Conflict and Buddhist Mediation

The story of Nezha is well-known in China. Born as a flesh ball, he was seen as an ominous sign by his father, Li Jing. At the age of seven, Nezha killed the Third Prince of the Dragon King, committing a grave sin. To appease the Dragon King's wrath, Li Jing forced Nezha to take his own life. Nezha returned his bones to his father and his flesh to his mother, severing all ties with his parents in the most extreme way. However, his soul did not dissipate but instead sought help from Buddha in the Western Paradise.

Buddha revived Nezha using lotus roots as his bones and lotus leaves as his flesh, granting him divine powers to subdue demons. After his rebirth, Nezha sought revenge against his father. Li Jing, helpless, turned to Buddha for assistance. Buddha gifted Li Jing an exquisite golden pagoda adorned with layers of Buddha statues and radiant light. This pagoda not only symbolized the power of Buddhism but also served as a medium to reconcile the father and son. Buddha instructed Nezha to regard Buddha as his father, ultimately resolving their conflict.

The Symbolic Meaning of the Pagoda: The Delicate Balance of Father-Son Relationships

In Journey to the West, the relationship between Li Jing and Nezha is always marked by subtle tension. Although they are nominally father and son, Li Jing harbors a lingering fear of Nezha. In the chapter "Four Visits to the Bottomless Pit," Li Jing becomes furious when Sun Wukong accuses him and raises his sword to strike, only to be blocked by Nezha. Li Jing, shocked and frightened, quickly retrieves the exquisite pagoda and holds it in his hand before reprimanding Nezha. This scene vividly portrays Li Jing's complex emotions toward his son: a mix of paternal authority and underlying fear.

The pagoda is not just a magical instrument for Li Jing; it is also a "protective talisman" for maintaining the father-son relationship. It symbolizes the father's control and protection over his son, reflecting the traditional Chinese ethical concept of "the father as the guiding principle." However, the existence of the pagoda also hints at the fragility of their relationship—only through the intervention of Buddhist power can their conflict be resolved.

The Chinese Cultural Value of "Harmony as the Most Precious"

The story of Li Jing and Nezha is not just a mythological tale but also a reflection of the Chinese cultural emphasis on "harmony as the most precious value." The intervention of Buddhism softens the tense father-son relationship, and the pagoda becomes a symbol of reconciliation. This concept of "harmony" is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, emphasizing communication, tolerance, and understanding as ways to resolve conflicts rather than confrontation and strife.

Promoting Chinese Cultural Elements: Cultural Derivatives of the Exquisite Pagoda

As an important symbol of Chinese culture, the exquisite pagoda is not only present in mythological stories but can also be integrated into modern life as a cultural derivative. We can incorporate pagoda designs into home decor, jewelry, and cultural creative products, giving them modern aesthetic and practical value.

Through these products, we can not only promote Chinese culture but also allow more people to learn about the story of Li Jing and Nezha, experiencing the profound philosophy embedded within it.

Conclusion

The exquisite pagoda of Heavenly King Li is not just a magical instrument but also a symbol of father-son relationships, Buddhist wisdom, and the Chinese cultural value of "harmony as the most precious." Through this story, we can better understand the essence of traditional Chinese culture and integrate it into modern life, creating products with cultural significance that allow the world to appreciate the charm of Chinese culture.

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