The Hei Bai Wuchang 黑白无常 Black and White Impermanence
Paul PengShare
Hei Bai Wuchang, also known as "Wuchang", refers to Bai Wuchang and Hei Wuchang, collectively called "Er Ye Wuchang". They are gods specialized in capturing evil ghosts. In mythological legends, Bai Wuchang always wears a smiling face and a long hat with the words "You're here too" written on it; Hei Wuchang has a fierce look, and his long hat is inscribed with "We're catching you right now".
Why are there black and white Wuchang? The distinction between Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang is not based on differences in skin color or clothing. Instead, the "black" and "white" here are just representations of yin and yang attributes. Specifically, Hei Wuchang symbolizes the yin entity, while Bai Wuchang represents the yang entity. This is consistent with the contrasting color scheme of the yin-yang fish in the Tai Chi diagram, where black stands for yin and white for yang. It can be seen that the concept of "Wuchang" is inseparable from the Tai Chi diagram, and its theoretical basis is the theory of yin and yang.
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About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
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