Definition

Noun: 1. A member of the Taoist Trinity: In Taoist theology, "Tien-pao" refers to one of the Three Pure Ones, the highest deities in the Taoist pantheon. These three celestial beings represent the fundamental principles and manifestations of the Tao.

Usage Notes

• "Tien-pao" is a specialized theological term from Taoism. It is not used in everyday conversation but appears in religious, academic, or historical texts discussing Taoist belief systems.
• The term is often capitalized as a proper noun when referring to the specific deity.
• It is more common to see the term translated or explained as "Celestial Treasure" or "Heavenly Treasure," which is the meaning of the Chinese characters.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Tien-pao is venerated as one of the supreme manifestations of the Tao.
  • In Taoist temples, statues often depict the Tien-pao alongside the other two members of the Trinity.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used within the specific context of the Taoist Trinity or Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). The other two members are Ling-pao (Numinous Treasure) and Shen-pao (Divine Treasure).

Variants and Related Words

• Three Pure Ones / Taoist Trinity: The collective group to which Tien-pao belongs.
• Yuanshi Tianzun: A more common name for the deity associated with the title Tien-pao, often considered the first of the Three Pure Ones.
• Celestial Treasure / Heavenly Treasure: The English translation of the term "Tien-pao".

Synonyms

• Celestial Worthy (a common English translation for the titles of the Three Pure Ones).
• Yuanshi Tianzun (the specific name of the deity).

Notes on Different Meanings

• This word has a single, specific meaning within Taoist cosmology. It does not have other general definitions in English.

Noun

1. a member of the Taoist Trinity