Lão quân

Definition
  1. Proper Noun:
    • Laojun: A title of veneration in Daoism (Taoism), meaning "The Most High Lord Lao" or "The Supreme Elderly Lord." It refers to the deified form of the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi (Lao Tzu), who is revered as the founder of Daoism and a supreme deity.
    • Taishang Laojun: The full and most common honorific title, "Taishang Laojun," is often used interchangeably with "Laojun." It emphasizes his supreme, primordial status within the Daoist pantheon.
Usage Examples
  • Proper Noun:
    • Trong Đạo Giáo, Lão quân được tôn thờ như một vị thần tối cao. (In Daoism, Laojun is worshipped as a supreme deity.)
    • Tranh vẽ thường miêu tả Thái Thượng Lão Quân cưỡi một con trâu xanh. (Paintings often depict Taishang Laojun riding a green ox.)
    • Ngôi đền này thờ phụng Lão quân. (This temple venerates Laojun.)
Advanced Usage
  • The concept of Laojun represents the philosophical ideas of Laozi transformed into a religious figure. He is often associated with the creation and transmission of sacred Daoist texts and esoteric alchemical knowledge.
  • In religious context, Laojun is sometimes invoked as a source of wisdom, protection, and immortality.
Variants and Related Words
  • Thái Thượng Lão Quân (Proper Noun): The Supreme Elderly Lord; the full honorific title.
  • Lão Tử (Proper Noun): Laozi; refers primarily to the historical or philosophical figure, the author of the (Tao Te Ching).
  • Đạo Giáo (Noun): Daoism (Taoism), the religious and philosophical tradition.
Synonyms
  • Lord Lao
  • The Most High Lord Lao
  • The Supreme Old Lord
Related Cultural Concepts
  • Đạo Đức Kinh (Proper Noun): The (Tao Te Ching), the classic text attributed to Laozi.
  • Thần tiên (Noun): Immortals; deities in Daoist belief. Laojun is considered the chief among them.
  • Luyện đan (Verb): To practice alchemy. Laojun is a patron of Daoist alchemical traditions.