Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of the Taoist Trinity; identified with Lao-tse: In Taoist theology, "spiritual jewel" is a title for one of the Three Pure Ones, the highest deities, specifically associated with the deified Laozi (Lao-tse), the traditional founder of Taoism.

Usage Notes

• This is a specialized theological term from Taoism. It is a proper noun and is typically capitalized in English contexts: Spiritual Jewel.
• It is used almost exclusively in discussions of Taoist religion, philosophy, or comparative mythology. It is not used in everyday conversation.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Spiritual Jewel is often depicted in Taoist art holding a pearl or a book.
  • In the Taoist Trinity, the Spiritual Jewel represents the divine aspect of Lao-tse.

Advanced Usage

• The term is part of a triad. The full Taoist Trinity consists of the Jade Pure (associated with the Dao itself), the Supreme Pure (associated with Lingbao Tianzun), and the Spiritual Jewel (associated with Lao-tse).

Variants and Related Words

• Laozi / Lao-tse: The historical/philosophical figure traditionally identified as the author of the and later deified as the Spiritual Jewel.
• Three Pure Ones (Sanqing): The collective term for the Taoist Trinity of which the Spiritual Jewel is a member.
• Daode Tianzun: Another name for the same deity, meaning "Heavenly Lord of the Way and its Virtue."

Synonyms

• Daode Tianzun: The more formal Chinese-derived name for the same deity.
• The Third Pure One: A descriptive synonym referencing its position in the triad.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• The Taoist Trinity: The central group of deities, context necessary for understanding the term "Spiritual Jewel."
• Deification of Laozi: The process by which the philosopher Laozi became worshipped as the divine Spiritual Jewel.

Noun

1. a member of the Taoist Trinity; identified with Lao-tse