Mysterious China – Che Gu Lun Pao Village and the Legend of the Iron Old Father Temple
Original Chinese Language Article By: Qianfeng Daoist Master Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺)
(Translated by Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD)
Overview: After five thousand years of the continuous development of culture in China, no matter what geographical area is explored and examined, there will always be found ancient, associated legends. Recently I travelled to Kuandian County in Liaoning province, and met my friend – Mr Liu Shiming (刘世明) – who showed me his research regarding the ‘Ai Yang Temple (爱阳庙 – Ai Yang Miao) situated in Fengcheng County’. I read this historical work that covered the temple’s origin and development, and was inspired to visit Fengcheng County to experience first-hand, the unique local culture that gave rise to the Ai Yang Temple. At the Ai Yang Temple I met with the old resident Daoist priest and had a very interesting discussion about the Daoist teachings developed in that area. What follows is the research notes about the Ai Yang Temple, as composed by Mr Liu Shiming.
Author: Liu Shiming
Introduction: The Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County lies in eastern Liaoning province, and was originally called Saima County. There is a village named Che Gu Lun Pao (车古轮泡) Village situated in the centre of Guanshui Town. This name sounds a little strange (as it translates as ‘Vehicle Ancient Wheel Water Village’), but the real question is why is there a village with a different name situated in a centre of a town – that does not carry the name of the town (Guanshui) itself? Why is it named Che Gun Lun Pao Village? What follows is the story of the beautiful legend that explains this situation.
Author: Liu Shiming
Introduction: The Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County lies in eastern Liaoning province, and was originally called Saima County. There is a village named Che Gu Lun Pao (车古轮泡) Village situated in the centre of Guanshui Town. This name sounds a little strange (as it translates as ‘Vehicle Ancient Wheel Water Village’), but the real question is why is there a village with a different name situated in a centre of a town – that does not carry the name of the town (Guanshui) itself? Why is it named Che Gun Lun Pao Village? What follows is the story of the beautiful legend that explains this situation.
Travelling to Fengcheng in the Northeast to Seek the Way Out
It is recorded in the Ming Dynasty history that the counties of Shandong and Hebei suffered many years of drought, famine, locusts and poor harvests. For a hundred miles around, no dogs barked, and the population was greatly diminished as people had no means to make a fire, and no food to cook upon it. Around 90% of the population died of starvation, and their bodies lay unburied in the streets and the fields. Some of those that were left banded together with their children, and headed northeast in an attempt to find a way out of this terrible situation.
One of those families that made the migration northeast was surnamed ‘Ma’ (马), and was comprised of three brothers. The eldest brother was called Ma Dong (马栋), the second eldest brother was called Ma Liang (马梁), and the youngest brother was called Ma Zhu (马柱). One day, the three brothers were called to the bedside of their ailing father, who said to them: ‘I am old and in ill-health. The area where we live is suffering calamity year after year, and there seems to be no end to the misery. The trees do not bear fruit, and the ground does not yield grain. You should all go to the northeast to find a way out. I have been told that this area is sparsely populated, and possesses ample natural supplies of vegetarian and animal food to benefit all concerned. The pheasants and deer run everywhere, the rivers and streams are over-flowing with fish, and rice grows everywhere and can fill the cooking-pots. If you all travel to this place, there will be a way out of this terrible situation and life will get better.’ After speaking, the old father took a final deep breath and departed for the West. The brothers, with tears in their eyes, buried their father with respect. The next day the family packed-up all their belongings and set-off on the dusty road toward the northeast. The journey was terribly difficult because of a lack of food and water, bad weather, and no place to take shelter, as many people along the way were in a destitute state. The entire migratory journey took around two months before these people finally arrived in the northeast.
However, part of this journey for the three Ma brothers involved leaving the Yantai area of Shandong in a small broken boat, (along with many other people also sailing in an equally dilapidated boat) as a means of continuing their journey further northeast. These boats spent two weeks on the water, before finally arriving at Dalian harbour (situated on the southern-tip of Liaoning province). Everything was in chaos, as masses of uprooted people were trying desperately to travel through the area with little or no provisions. The three brothers came ashore and with their youngest brother - Ma Zhu - becoming separated from his two elder brothers in the desperate rush of the crowd. Try as he might, Ma Zhu could not find his two brothers amongst the crowds as it was getting dark. Instead of waiting in one place, (and being hungry and thirsty), he was swept along with the multitude of refugees toward Kuandian County (originally called Saima County) situated near Dachuantou, at a place known locally as Nan Qingguo. As Ma Zhu was the youngest of his family, he was frightened and confused by the loss of his two elder brothers. He did not know what to do as the situation looked bleak and beyond hope. He stood in the street heart-broken and crying for his family.
Whilst crying, he heard an old man’s kindly voice ask: ‘Why is this child so sad and crying?’ Ma Zhu looked-up and saw an old man with long white hair and beard, but with a face that had the youthful look of a child about it. As the old man had a gentle disposition, Ma Zhu stepped forward and bowed. He answered: ‘Old man, I must speak the truth with you. I and my brothers are from Shandong, and we are all travelling to the northeast. I am sad because I have lost my two elder brothers in the crowds. As I am young and small, I am afraid of what might happen to me and so I am reduced to tears.’ The old man listened quietly to Ma Zhu and was moved by his plight. He replied: ‘Young man, you are all alone and friendless in the northeast, whilst I am a northeastern person who lives locally in these mountains. (I know all these mountains and have climbed them many times to cultivate the land and the like). As I am a lonely old man without a wife and children, why don’t you come to live with me at Nan Qingguo? If you do not mind, you can share my thatched house situated at the foot of the mountain. I can adopt you as my son, and teach you to cultivate the land using the wooden mallet (棒槌 – Bang Chui) digging up Ginseng (人参 – Ren Shen) for sale at the market, whilst also looking for your brothers. What do you think about all this?’ As Ma Zhu was in trouble at the time, he was over-joyed to hear this old man speak like this with such kindness, and immediately fell to his knees in gratitude. From this time onward, Ma Zhu and this old man were bound together by destiny, with Ma Zhu being extremely polite and showing excellent filial piety. This made the old man very happy and in return he taught Ma Zhu everything he knew about living in the northeast (and other things). In this state of tranquillity, the father and son got on so well that time flew by and the two even managed to save some money together. Ma Zhu lived with the old man on the mountain in Nan Qinggou and was very happy, even though he often thought of his two brothers and what had become of them – but this is a matter for later.
It is recorded in the Ming Dynasty history that the counties of Shandong and Hebei suffered many years of drought, famine, locusts and poor harvests. For a hundred miles around, no dogs barked, and the population was greatly diminished as people had no means to make a fire, and no food to cook upon it. Around 90% of the population died of starvation, and their bodies lay unburied in the streets and the fields. Some of those that were left banded together with their children, and headed northeast in an attempt to find a way out of this terrible situation.
One of those families that made the migration northeast was surnamed ‘Ma’ (马), and was comprised of three brothers. The eldest brother was called Ma Dong (马栋), the second eldest brother was called Ma Liang (马梁), and the youngest brother was called Ma Zhu (马柱). One day, the three brothers were called to the bedside of their ailing father, who said to them: ‘I am old and in ill-health. The area where we live is suffering calamity year after year, and there seems to be no end to the misery. The trees do not bear fruit, and the ground does not yield grain. You should all go to the northeast to find a way out. I have been told that this area is sparsely populated, and possesses ample natural supplies of vegetarian and animal food to benefit all concerned. The pheasants and deer run everywhere, the rivers and streams are over-flowing with fish, and rice grows everywhere and can fill the cooking-pots. If you all travel to this place, there will be a way out of this terrible situation and life will get better.’ After speaking, the old father took a final deep breath and departed for the West. The brothers, with tears in their eyes, buried their father with respect. The next day the family packed-up all their belongings and set-off on the dusty road toward the northeast. The journey was terribly difficult because of a lack of food and water, bad weather, and no place to take shelter, as many people along the way were in a destitute state. The entire migratory journey took around two months before these people finally arrived in the northeast.
However, part of this journey for the three Ma brothers involved leaving the Yantai area of Shandong in a small broken boat, (along with many other people also sailing in an equally dilapidated boat) as a means of continuing their journey further northeast. These boats spent two weeks on the water, before finally arriving at Dalian harbour (situated on the southern-tip of Liaoning province). Everything was in chaos, as masses of uprooted people were trying desperately to travel through the area with little or no provisions. The three brothers came ashore and with their youngest brother - Ma Zhu - becoming separated from his two elder brothers in the desperate rush of the crowd. Try as he might, Ma Zhu could not find his two brothers amongst the crowds as it was getting dark. Instead of waiting in one place, (and being hungry and thirsty), he was swept along with the multitude of refugees toward Kuandian County (originally called Saima County) situated near Dachuantou, at a place known locally as Nan Qingguo. As Ma Zhu was the youngest of his family, he was frightened and confused by the loss of his two elder brothers. He did not know what to do as the situation looked bleak and beyond hope. He stood in the street heart-broken and crying for his family.
Whilst crying, he heard an old man’s kindly voice ask: ‘Why is this child so sad and crying?’ Ma Zhu looked-up and saw an old man with long white hair and beard, but with a face that had the youthful look of a child about it. As the old man had a gentle disposition, Ma Zhu stepped forward and bowed. He answered: ‘Old man, I must speak the truth with you. I and my brothers are from Shandong, and we are all travelling to the northeast. I am sad because I have lost my two elder brothers in the crowds. As I am young and small, I am afraid of what might happen to me and so I am reduced to tears.’ The old man listened quietly to Ma Zhu and was moved by his plight. He replied: ‘Young man, you are all alone and friendless in the northeast, whilst I am a northeastern person who lives locally in these mountains. (I know all these mountains and have climbed them many times to cultivate the land and the like). As I am a lonely old man without a wife and children, why don’t you come to live with me at Nan Qingguo? If you do not mind, you can share my thatched house situated at the foot of the mountain. I can adopt you as my son, and teach you to cultivate the land using the wooden mallet (棒槌 – Bang Chui) digging up Ginseng (人参 – Ren Shen) for sale at the market, whilst also looking for your brothers. What do you think about all this?’ As Ma Zhu was in trouble at the time, he was over-joyed to hear this old man speak like this with such kindness, and immediately fell to his knees in gratitude. From this time onward, Ma Zhu and this old man were bound together by destiny, with Ma Zhu being extremely polite and showing excellent filial piety. This made the old man very happy and in return he taught Ma Zhu everything he knew about living in the northeast (and other things). In this state of tranquillity, the father and son got on so well that time flew by and the two even managed to save some money together. Ma Zhu lived with the old man on the mountain in Nan Qinggou and was very happy, even though he often thought of his two brothers and what had become of them – but this is a matter for later.
Enter the Virgin Forest – Dig for Ginseng (人参 – Ren Shen) – Dream of Guan Di (关帝)
Initially, Ma Zhu kept it to himself that he worried about and missed his two elder brothers, but eventually mentioned the matter to the old man, and that he was upset and finding it difficult to sleep. Besides, his ‘new’ father was getting older and did not go into the mountains as much to cultivate the land in search of ginseng. Ma Zhu decided to travel through the mountains on his own, to find any suitable land to be cultivated and to search for his brothers, but after two years, suitable ginseng areas were few and far between, and he had not found any sign of his brothers. Then one day, after searching further afield, he came to the south slope of the highest mountainous area of Kuandian County called ‘Baishi lazi’ (白石砬子). The area was lined with rocks, and scattered with very old and strangely structured buildings surrounded (and protected) by tall trees, with vines creeping everywhere, and the white boulders situated on the mountain peak, shone with a dazzling light from the mid-day sun. Sometimes, Ma Zhu would see the odd bear, or hear the occasional tiger growl, and become scared, but then he would think of his two missing brothers and sadness would replace his fear. Often he would visit the sunny areas of the mountain and become tired, hungry and thirsty. He would drink out of fresh springs, and eat the dry vegetarian food growing all over. When he rested, his mind would wonder about what had become of his two brothers and tears would flow from his eyes. Often during these times, Ma Zhu would fall asleep on a bed of grass.
Ma Zhu, whilst asleep, once saw an iron bodied immortal Buddha manifest in front of him. The voice of Dao (道) said: ‘Previously I manifested in the Three Kingdoms Period as the personification of Guan Gong (关公). I have undergone self-cultivation on these mountains for thousands of years, and have sat in the deep forests becoming one with the qi (气) energy divine sky and the broad earth, whilst being blown by the wind, and affected by the sun and the moon. However, I think it is time for me to go into the world and spread the teachings of virtue and immortality. I need to perform this function as a gilded Buddha statue placed in a purpose-built temple. The problem is that there is no one to carry me down the hill and perform these tasks for me. I know that you have not been digging for several days now. If you would take me down the hill and arrange all this for me, I could ensure continued peace and tranquillity for you, and that you would have a continuous ginseng (and other crops) to farm. I could live permanently in this new temple, and would never want to leave it. Everyone could see my gilded image shining in the sun and the moon light. You will find my body a hundred meters from the ridge, to the left of where you are sleeping (and this place will bloom when my wishes are followed).’ After Guan Di finished his speech, the image disappeared in a puff of smoke, and Ma Zhu awoke from his sleep. After rubbing his eyes and thinking about what he had just seen, Ma Zhu went in search of the immortal’s body. As matters transpired, this was no ordinary dream and that had far-reaching implications for the future.
Initially, Ma Zhu kept it to himself that he worried about and missed his two elder brothers, but eventually mentioned the matter to the old man, and that he was upset and finding it difficult to sleep. Besides, his ‘new’ father was getting older and did not go into the mountains as much to cultivate the land in search of ginseng. Ma Zhu decided to travel through the mountains on his own, to find any suitable land to be cultivated and to search for his brothers, but after two years, suitable ginseng areas were few and far between, and he had not found any sign of his brothers. Then one day, after searching further afield, he came to the south slope of the highest mountainous area of Kuandian County called ‘Baishi lazi’ (白石砬子). The area was lined with rocks, and scattered with very old and strangely structured buildings surrounded (and protected) by tall trees, with vines creeping everywhere, and the white boulders situated on the mountain peak, shone with a dazzling light from the mid-day sun. Sometimes, Ma Zhu would see the odd bear, or hear the occasional tiger growl, and become scared, but then he would think of his two missing brothers and sadness would replace his fear. Often he would visit the sunny areas of the mountain and become tired, hungry and thirsty. He would drink out of fresh springs, and eat the dry vegetarian food growing all over. When he rested, his mind would wonder about what had become of his two brothers and tears would flow from his eyes. Often during these times, Ma Zhu would fall asleep on a bed of grass.
Ma Zhu, whilst asleep, once saw an iron bodied immortal Buddha manifest in front of him. The voice of Dao (道) said: ‘Previously I manifested in the Three Kingdoms Period as the personification of Guan Gong (关公). I have undergone self-cultivation on these mountains for thousands of years, and have sat in the deep forests becoming one with the qi (气) energy divine sky and the broad earth, whilst being blown by the wind, and affected by the sun and the moon. However, I think it is time for me to go into the world and spread the teachings of virtue and immortality. I need to perform this function as a gilded Buddha statue placed in a purpose-built temple. The problem is that there is no one to carry me down the hill and perform these tasks for me. I know that you have not been digging for several days now. If you would take me down the hill and arrange all this for me, I could ensure continued peace and tranquillity for you, and that you would have a continuous ginseng (and other crops) to farm. I could live permanently in this new temple, and would never want to leave it. Everyone could see my gilded image shining in the sun and the moon light. You will find my body a hundred meters from the ridge, to the left of where you are sleeping (and this place will bloom when my wishes are followed).’ After Guan Di finished his speech, the image disappeared in a puff of smoke, and Ma Zhu awoke from his sleep. After rubbing his eyes and thinking about what he had just seen, Ma Zhu went in search of the immortal’s body. As matters transpired, this was no ordinary dream and that had far-reaching implications for the future.
Moving the Buddha Statue from the High Mountain to Che Gu Lun Pao Village
After searching as instructed, Ma Zhu discovered a classical looking iron Buddhist statue in the area indicated, and for a moment he saw the image change to that of an old man with bright flashing eyes, and long white beard blowing in the wind, looking every inch a Daoist immortal. He loosened his belt to tie the Buddha statue to his back. He looked to the west and saw that it was getting late (as the sun was setting). At the beginning he felt tired, but as he started to walk step by step down the hill with the Buddha statue on his back, his tiredness completely disappeared. However, as this Buddha image was also Guan Di (Guan Gong), as the journey continued, the weight of the single statue increased, and this made Ma Zhu sweat and breathe deeply – although he walked non-stop for two days in this manner, until he came to the main road at Changlingzi, where he rested. At that moment, a farmer began to approach from the opposite direction slowly leading an ox pulling a cart (throwing twisted branches on the road to help the ox and cart grip the floor and not sink into the mud). When he saw Ma Zhu he hurried over and paid his respects. Ma Zhu said: ‘I have been walking for two days with this special Buddha statue that is really Guan Di in disguise. I am exhausted and cannot take another step. Can you give me and this statue a ride? I have no silver coins to give you, only some loose change, a little ginseng and a wooden mallet.’ The farmer was surprised to hear the statue was also Guan Di and made a respectful salute. The farmer then said: ‘Do not mention it, of course I will give you and your statue a ride, where do you want to go?’ Ma Zhu said: ‘Guan Di said that it must not be a special or important place, but rather somewhere that is ordinary. Guan Di will guide the ox and cart, and will stop it from going in the wrong direction, or to the wrong place. If need be, he will stop the ox and cart from moving at all.’
After hearing this, the farmer suggested: ‘Let us walk and talk naturally, and see where the ox takes the cart!’ There was a strange atmosphere surrounding the cart as the ox pulled the iron Buddha statue along the road, as Ma Zhu and the farmer continued to walk and talk together. Eventually, the ox and cart arrived at the area that would become later known as the ‘Cart Ancient Wheel Water’ Village (but at that time was a small body of water then situated to the west of Guanshui Town, but which is today, a dry area covered with buildings). The farmer tried to encourage the ox to continue, but the ox, despite its best efforts, could not move the cart. The ox pulled so hard that eventually the axle on the cart broke in two, and the old left wheel rolled swiftly into the small lake. The area gets its name from the cart, the old wheel that rolled-off it, and the small river it rolled into, hence ‘Cart Ancient Wheel Water’ Village. Both the farmer and Ma Zhu were startled to see the ox and cart rendered stationary by the hidden force of the will-power of Guan Di. Ma Zhu fell to his knees and said: ‘My Lord Guan Di, surely this cannot be the place that you want your statue positioned? It is only sparsely populated (as Guanshui Town only then possessed three families – the Wang [王], the Cong [丛], and the Zhu [朱]) and there is no one to establish an altar and regularly light incense in your honour. Around ten (Chinese) miles further on from here, (just over three Western miles), there is the famous walled-city of ‘Ai Yang’ (爱阳) – (during the Ming Dynasty Ai Yang was a densely populated city). With respect, surely it would be better to place your Buddha statue in Ai Yang City where multitudes of people have commercial interests, and the finance to gild the statue, build your temple, and organise correct ritual and worship?’ As Ma Zhu finished saying this, he suddenly saw the eyes of the Buddha statue ‘sparkle’ with light. This divine manifestation told Ma Zhu that Guan Di understood exactly what he had said and that he had agreed to travel onward. With that, Ma Zhu asked the elderly local fishermen to help lift the Buddha statue out of the broken cart and onto his back, before bidding them farewell and continuing the journey toward Ai Yang City.
After searching as instructed, Ma Zhu discovered a classical looking iron Buddhist statue in the area indicated, and for a moment he saw the image change to that of an old man with bright flashing eyes, and long white beard blowing in the wind, looking every inch a Daoist immortal. He loosened his belt to tie the Buddha statue to his back. He looked to the west and saw that it was getting late (as the sun was setting). At the beginning he felt tired, but as he started to walk step by step down the hill with the Buddha statue on his back, his tiredness completely disappeared. However, as this Buddha image was also Guan Di (Guan Gong), as the journey continued, the weight of the single statue increased, and this made Ma Zhu sweat and breathe deeply – although he walked non-stop for two days in this manner, until he came to the main road at Changlingzi, where he rested. At that moment, a farmer began to approach from the opposite direction slowly leading an ox pulling a cart (throwing twisted branches on the road to help the ox and cart grip the floor and not sink into the mud). When he saw Ma Zhu he hurried over and paid his respects. Ma Zhu said: ‘I have been walking for two days with this special Buddha statue that is really Guan Di in disguise. I am exhausted and cannot take another step. Can you give me and this statue a ride? I have no silver coins to give you, only some loose change, a little ginseng and a wooden mallet.’ The farmer was surprised to hear the statue was also Guan Di and made a respectful salute. The farmer then said: ‘Do not mention it, of course I will give you and your statue a ride, where do you want to go?’ Ma Zhu said: ‘Guan Di said that it must not be a special or important place, but rather somewhere that is ordinary. Guan Di will guide the ox and cart, and will stop it from going in the wrong direction, or to the wrong place. If need be, he will stop the ox and cart from moving at all.’
After hearing this, the farmer suggested: ‘Let us walk and talk naturally, and see where the ox takes the cart!’ There was a strange atmosphere surrounding the cart as the ox pulled the iron Buddha statue along the road, as Ma Zhu and the farmer continued to walk and talk together. Eventually, the ox and cart arrived at the area that would become later known as the ‘Cart Ancient Wheel Water’ Village (but at that time was a small body of water then situated to the west of Guanshui Town, but which is today, a dry area covered with buildings). The farmer tried to encourage the ox to continue, but the ox, despite its best efforts, could not move the cart. The ox pulled so hard that eventually the axle on the cart broke in two, and the old left wheel rolled swiftly into the small lake. The area gets its name from the cart, the old wheel that rolled-off it, and the small river it rolled into, hence ‘Cart Ancient Wheel Water’ Village. Both the farmer and Ma Zhu were startled to see the ox and cart rendered stationary by the hidden force of the will-power of Guan Di. Ma Zhu fell to his knees and said: ‘My Lord Guan Di, surely this cannot be the place that you want your statue positioned? It is only sparsely populated (as Guanshui Town only then possessed three families – the Wang [王], the Cong [丛], and the Zhu [朱]) and there is no one to establish an altar and regularly light incense in your honour. Around ten (Chinese) miles further on from here, (just over three Western miles), there is the famous walled-city of ‘Ai Yang’ (爱阳) – (during the Ming Dynasty Ai Yang was a densely populated city). With respect, surely it would be better to place your Buddha statue in Ai Yang City where multitudes of people have commercial interests, and the finance to gild the statue, build your temple, and organise correct ritual and worship?’ As Ma Zhu finished saying this, he suddenly saw the eyes of the Buddha statue ‘sparkle’ with light. This divine manifestation told Ma Zhu that Guan Di understood exactly what he had said and that he had agreed to travel onward. With that, Ma Zhu asked the elderly local fishermen to help lift the Buddha statue out of the broken cart and onto his back, before bidding them farewell and continuing the journey toward Ai Yang City.
Temple Building – Statue Gilding – Guan Di Manifests
Oddly, as Ma Zhu walked toward Ai Yang City, the weight of the Buddha statue seemed to lessen. This was because Guan Di was deliberately assisting the process of travel to Ai Yang City because he very much liked the sound of the place and was very much eager to arrive. (At that time the wall around Ai Yang City was famous for its four gates, and the armed guards who carefully protected them). After arriving at the city walls, the armed guards prevented Ma Zhu from entering the city, and he said to them: ‘Please fetch the officer of the watch, as I have an important spiritual task to perform within Ai Yang City.’ After listening to this request, the guards summoned the officer, who asked Ma Zhu what his business was in the city. Ma Zhu looked up at the officer (who was a ‘General’) and immediately recognised his eldest brother! After Ma Zhu exclaimed ‘Big Brother!’, the General looked a little closer at Ma Zhu and realised that he was his youngest brother! With that the two brothers sat down together in the great hall and with tears in their eyes, discussed the different experiences that they had both had since splitting-up. After explaining how he had come into possession of the Buddha statue, Ma Zhu asked his big brother how it was that he had become a General. The Eldest brother explained that many families from the Shandong area are renowned for their mastery of martial arts – and that the Ma family is one of them. He also said that for a long time both he and Ma Zhu’s other brother looked everywhere for him, but could not find him, and that even when they asked people far and wide if they had seen a lost child, but no one had any information. The two brothers then travelled to Ai Yang City where they saw notices asking for volunteers with martial arts experience to join the local garrison that patrols the city-wall. As we had nowhere else to go and were desperate for work, we applied. We both passed all the martial and academic tests and became city guards. As we proved ourselves time and again through our martial prowess, we were promoted and I eventually became a General – whilst your other brother also holds an important military post. Then the three brothers were re-united and Ma Dong ordered the sergeant to butcher a sheep and arrange a banquet of celebration. The three brothers ate and drank together, laughing and crying as the evening progressed. Then Ma Zhu asked his two brothers: ‘We have been united because of the divine intervention of Guan Di. He has blessed us in his manner through the Buddha statue that I carry, which Guan Di has asked to be gilded and placed in a purpose-built temple. What do you both think of this?’ Both brothers replied: ‘You do not have to ask, of course we will help you accomplish these important tasks!’ After this the three brothers worked together to raise funds to gild the Buddha statue and build a temple for Guan Di. Eventually all was completed, and Guan Di’s statue was worshipped with respect in his newly consecrated temple at Ai Yang City. A further statue was cast of ‘Zhou Cang’ (周仓) – a loyal follower of Guan Di in the Three Kingdoms Period – who was carrying a raised sword whilst riding a horse. This was also placed in Guan Di’s temple as a means of all year round protection.
As things settled down, Ma Zhu spent much of his time with his brother in the General’s Office where good food and drink was always available. Suddenly Ma Zhu remembered that Guan Di had promised that a bountiful crop of ginseng if his temple was built. He asked his brother what he thought about this, and he replied that he thought it was entirely possible. The next day, Ma Zhu left Ai Yang City with two attendants and rode hastily back in the direction Nan Qinggou (where he had lived and farmed with the old man who had adopted him). When he reached the place where Guan Di’s Buddha statue was found, he saw a tall and strong crop of red beans being blown in the wind (which when harvested could be used to fatten chickens). He took a small amount for his own needs, and then started to tap the ground with his wooden mallet, whereupon he started to uncover perfectly formed ginseng plants (some of which looked like a man and woman stood together).
After harvesting in this manner, Ma Zhu and his two attendants took the collected produce to the local market and called-out to the shopkeepers that they had arrived with their ‘treasure’. After the surprised locals inspected his goods, the head man said: ‘I have supervised this market for over fifty years and I have never seen such a high quality or good number before – how much do you want?’ Ma Zhu explained that these ginseng roots had come directly from Guan Di and that he dare not put a price upon them. Ma Zhu then explained to the head man, the complete story about the new Guan Di temple in Ai Yang City, who then agreed to pay in silver for the entire crop, which he then donated to the temple. It soon became common knowledge that there was a new Guan Di Temple and everyone from this area started to flock to it for blessings and cures from illness. From that day onwards, this special ginseng was available only from the new Guan Di Temple.
In the past many people had to ‘eat bitter’ during their lives of hardship, but today in China many people now ‘eat sweet’. True riches and honour are generated through the cultivation of virtue that reveals the divine-sky in the destiny of each person. This is how good health and a tranquil life is achieved. Although events may appear random on the surface, there is a hidden cause and effect in operation.
Postscript: Ai Yang City has always occupied an important strategic position that has meant that its territory has been fought over many times. During the War of Liberation, the famous battle of Xinkailing started near Ai Yang City. One day the KMT attacked Ai Yang City by air and the people fled into the Guan Di Temple for shelter and protection. Three bombs fell into the grounds of the temple, and despite penetrating the ground, none exploded. The local people reported that the image of Guan Di appeared in the sky over the temple and deflected the bombs, preventing them from exploding. From that time onwards, everyone knew the power of Guan Di as both a spirit and a god. In 1958, a local farmer noticed that a part of the millet crop around Ai Yang City had been trampled and eaten. At first it was thought that a cow had been responsible, but on the ground horse-hoof prints, which were followed back to Guan Di Temple. Inside it was found that Zhou Cang’s horse had millet hanging from its snout! The villagers were amazed to see this and understood that even the horse statue in the temple possessed magical power. During the Cultural Revolution, the Red Guards destroyed the temple as part of the ‘sweep away all superstition’ campaign and no one knew what became of the Buddha statue. However, in 1997, after the period of reform and opening-up, the government, with the support of the local people, had the Guan Di Temple re-built and the Buddha statue (which had been subsequently found) repaired and re-installed. The 18th day of the 4th lunar month is the founding day for this temple, and even today the place is packed with visitors. Thousands of men and women come in droves to light incense and request blessings up until this day.
Note: Although I have researched this topic and tried to find out all the facts, it may be that others know different versions of these events, or have more information. This is to be expected as I am only one person. However, the above story is as accurate as I could get it, and offers a clear over-view of the subject.
Research Compiled: by Liu Shiming (Manchu) and finalised in June, 2014.
Tel: 13904953187
Daojia, Qianfeng Prenatal School
Qianfeng Hermitage; Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2015.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://752315496.blog.163.com/blog/static/88300182201641695323173/
Oddly, as Ma Zhu walked toward Ai Yang City, the weight of the Buddha statue seemed to lessen. This was because Guan Di was deliberately assisting the process of travel to Ai Yang City because he very much liked the sound of the place and was very much eager to arrive. (At that time the wall around Ai Yang City was famous for its four gates, and the armed guards who carefully protected them). After arriving at the city walls, the armed guards prevented Ma Zhu from entering the city, and he said to them: ‘Please fetch the officer of the watch, as I have an important spiritual task to perform within Ai Yang City.’ After listening to this request, the guards summoned the officer, who asked Ma Zhu what his business was in the city. Ma Zhu looked up at the officer (who was a ‘General’) and immediately recognised his eldest brother! After Ma Zhu exclaimed ‘Big Brother!’, the General looked a little closer at Ma Zhu and realised that he was his youngest brother! With that the two brothers sat down together in the great hall and with tears in their eyes, discussed the different experiences that they had both had since splitting-up. After explaining how he had come into possession of the Buddha statue, Ma Zhu asked his big brother how it was that he had become a General. The Eldest brother explained that many families from the Shandong area are renowned for their mastery of martial arts – and that the Ma family is one of them. He also said that for a long time both he and Ma Zhu’s other brother looked everywhere for him, but could not find him, and that even when they asked people far and wide if they had seen a lost child, but no one had any information. The two brothers then travelled to Ai Yang City where they saw notices asking for volunteers with martial arts experience to join the local garrison that patrols the city-wall. As we had nowhere else to go and were desperate for work, we applied. We both passed all the martial and academic tests and became city guards. As we proved ourselves time and again through our martial prowess, we were promoted and I eventually became a General – whilst your other brother also holds an important military post. Then the three brothers were re-united and Ma Dong ordered the sergeant to butcher a sheep and arrange a banquet of celebration. The three brothers ate and drank together, laughing and crying as the evening progressed. Then Ma Zhu asked his two brothers: ‘We have been united because of the divine intervention of Guan Di. He has blessed us in his manner through the Buddha statue that I carry, which Guan Di has asked to be gilded and placed in a purpose-built temple. What do you both think of this?’ Both brothers replied: ‘You do not have to ask, of course we will help you accomplish these important tasks!’ After this the three brothers worked together to raise funds to gild the Buddha statue and build a temple for Guan Di. Eventually all was completed, and Guan Di’s statue was worshipped with respect in his newly consecrated temple at Ai Yang City. A further statue was cast of ‘Zhou Cang’ (周仓) – a loyal follower of Guan Di in the Three Kingdoms Period – who was carrying a raised sword whilst riding a horse. This was also placed in Guan Di’s temple as a means of all year round protection.
As things settled down, Ma Zhu spent much of his time with his brother in the General’s Office where good food and drink was always available. Suddenly Ma Zhu remembered that Guan Di had promised that a bountiful crop of ginseng if his temple was built. He asked his brother what he thought about this, and he replied that he thought it was entirely possible. The next day, Ma Zhu left Ai Yang City with two attendants and rode hastily back in the direction Nan Qinggou (where he had lived and farmed with the old man who had adopted him). When he reached the place where Guan Di’s Buddha statue was found, he saw a tall and strong crop of red beans being blown in the wind (which when harvested could be used to fatten chickens). He took a small amount for his own needs, and then started to tap the ground with his wooden mallet, whereupon he started to uncover perfectly formed ginseng plants (some of which looked like a man and woman stood together).
After harvesting in this manner, Ma Zhu and his two attendants took the collected produce to the local market and called-out to the shopkeepers that they had arrived with their ‘treasure’. After the surprised locals inspected his goods, the head man said: ‘I have supervised this market for over fifty years and I have never seen such a high quality or good number before – how much do you want?’ Ma Zhu explained that these ginseng roots had come directly from Guan Di and that he dare not put a price upon them. Ma Zhu then explained to the head man, the complete story about the new Guan Di temple in Ai Yang City, who then agreed to pay in silver for the entire crop, which he then donated to the temple. It soon became common knowledge that there was a new Guan Di Temple and everyone from this area started to flock to it for blessings and cures from illness. From that day onwards, this special ginseng was available only from the new Guan Di Temple.
In the past many people had to ‘eat bitter’ during their lives of hardship, but today in China many people now ‘eat sweet’. True riches and honour are generated through the cultivation of virtue that reveals the divine-sky in the destiny of each person. This is how good health and a tranquil life is achieved. Although events may appear random on the surface, there is a hidden cause and effect in operation.
Postscript: Ai Yang City has always occupied an important strategic position that has meant that its territory has been fought over many times. During the War of Liberation, the famous battle of Xinkailing started near Ai Yang City. One day the KMT attacked Ai Yang City by air and the people fled into the Guan Di Temple for shelter and protection. Three bombs fell into the grounds of the temple, and despite penetrating the ground, none exploded. The local people reported that the image of Guan Di appeared in the sky over the temple and deflected the bombs, preventing them from exploding. From that time onwards, everyone knew the power of Guan Di as both a spirit and a god. In 1958, a local farmer noticed that a part of the millet crop around Ai Yang City had been trampled and eaten. At first it was thought that a cow had been responsible, but on the ground horse-hoof prints, which were followed back to Guan Di Temple. Inside it was found that Zhou Cang’s horse had millet hanging from its snout! The villagers were amazed to see this and understood that even the horse statue in the temple possessed magical power. During the Cultural Revolution, the Red Guards destroyed the temple as part of the ‘sweep away all superstition’ campaign and no one knew what became of the Buddha statue. However, in 1997, after the period of reform and opening-up, the government, with the support of the local people, had the Guan Di Temple re-built and the Buddha statue (which had been subsequently found) repaired and re-installed. The 18th day of the 4th lunar month is the founding day for this temple, and even today the place is packed with visitors. Thousands of men and women come in droves to light incense and request blessings up until this day.
Note: Although I have researched this topic and tried to find out all the facts, it may be that others know different versions of these events, or have more information. This is to be expected as I am only one person. However, the above story is as accurate as I could get it, and offers a clear over-view of the subject.
Research Compiled: by Liu Shiming (Manchu) and finalised in June, 2014.
Tel: 13904953187
Daojia, Qianfeng Prenatal School
Qianfeng Hermitage; Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2015.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://752315496.blog.163.com/blog/static/88300182201641695323173/
华夏神奇——车古轮泡村与铁老爷庙的传说
导读:在华夏5千年沉积的文化中我们不论走到哪里都能从那片人文地理中找到中华文明,找到传奇的故事。这次去辽宁省宽甸县认识了一位朋友刘世明先生,他把一份关于《凤城县爱阳庙》历史的来历以及故事编修了一份资料,拜读后认为很有地方文化特色我又亲自走访了凤城县爱阳庙,和庙内江道长进行交流和了解。
爱阳庙
本文作者:刘世明先生
道家千峰先天派;千峰草堂;赵明旺
本文作者:刘世明先生
前言:在辽宁省宽甸满族自治县内(原来叫赛马县)灌水镇有一个村子叫车古轮泡村,听起来该村的名字有点稀奇古怪,该村位于灌水镇中心地带。关于车古轮泡村为什么不叫灌水村,而叫车古轮泡村呢?这里有一段美丽而传奇的故事。
求生路 闯关东 一路风尘
话说明朝年间,山东河北一带连年大旱,加上蝗灾不断,庄稼棵粒无收。正是百里无人烟,千里没犬吠,饿殍遍野,十人之八九饿死在路旁。迫不得已,当地百姓成群结队,拖儿带女,开始闯关东,以求得一条生路。
闯关东的人群中,有一马姓人家,家里共兄弟三人,老大马栋,老二马梁,老三马柱。这天哥仨的老爹含泪把兄弟三人叫到床前说:“我也老了,又重病在身,咱们家乡连年遭灾,棵粒无收,日子实在过不下去了,你们哥几个闯关东去吧。听说那地方富余,人烟稀少,棒打狍子瓢舀鱼,野鸡飞到饭锅里。你们弟兄到关东去闯一闯吧!也许有一条生路。”说话此话,老爹长叹一声,撒手西去。哥仨痛哭流涕,含泪埋葬了老父亲。第二天收拾行囊开始风尘仆仆的闯关东之路。一路上,风餐风宿露,饥不择食,受尽千辛万苦,行程两月有余,终于踏上了东北的土地。
这一天,哥三个和逃难人一起从山东烟台乘坐两艘破木船,在海上颠簸了半个月有余,终于来到大连码头。一路上逃难的人络绎不绝,人山人海,熙熙攘攘,哭爹喊娘一片荒乱。单说这三兄弟一起上的船,下船的时候老三马柱哪还见到两个哥哥的影子,左找右找就是找不到两个哥哥,此时已是日落西山,天色渐晚,怎耐腹中又饥又渴,只好随着逃难的大队人马来到宽甸县(原来叫赛马县)大川头南青沟的地方。此时的马柱儿无亲无故,年龄又小,真是叫天天不应,喊地地不灵。只有在路边啼哭,想起两位哥哥。此时也不知走在哪里,更是伤心欲绝,放起悲声,甚是凄凉。
正在啼哭之时,马柱听到一个老者的声音:“孩子有何伤心事,如此啼哭?”马柱抬头一看,只见一位童颜鹤发的老者,面带慈祥,马柱一见,上前施了一礼。说:“老伯,实不相瞒,我和哥哥从山东闯关东过来,不曾想和二位哥哥走散,我年龄又小在此地举目无亲,落难于此,所以伤心痛哭,”老者听马柱一说,也觉得马柱实在可怜。说道:“孩子,我在此处放山(东北人叫上山挖棒槌称为放山),你在东北举目无亲,我也是一个孤老头子,膝下无儿无女,在南青沟山下有一个茅草屋,如你不嫌弃的话,就到我那去吧。我把你当着干儿子,教你放山挖棒槌,日后也好慢慢打听到你两个哥哥的下落,不知你意下如何?”。马柱此时正在落难一听此话,大喜过望,倒头便拜,口称谢义父搭救之恩。从此马柱和老伯相依为命,马柱对老人十分孝顺,问寒问暖,照顾周到,老伯很是感激,把自己所有的放山经验全部传授给了马柱。不知不觉马柱在南青沟住了三年有余。马柱在老人的帮助下通过放山,也有了一定积蓄,父子俩此时到也过得安稳,只是马柱还经常地想念两位哥哥,此是后话。
钻老林 挖人参 关帝托梦
暂不说马柱两们哥哥不知去向,单说马柱在老伯家也时常想念哥哥。有时想起的时候,也是唉声叹气,夜不能眠。这一年闯关东的也越来越多,挖棒槌的人也多了起来,怎奈马柱的义父年事已高,已上不动山了,所以挖的棒槌也越来越少了。马柱只好自己找地方到人烟稀少的地方去放山。马柱这几年跑了很多大山,也没能挖到大山货。这一天来到了白石砬子(宽甸县最高山)南坡,但见怪石林立,古树参天,藤条缠绕,遮天盖日,白色的砬子在阳光下更是耀眼夺目。不时的见到野猪黑熊、听到虎哮狼嚎。甚是有些害怕,此时又想起了两个哥哥,不免落起泪来。马柱走到一个阳坡地带。不觉感到又渴又累,掏出干粮就着山泉水,吃了起来。吃完干粮,马柱搂了捆干草,躺下身子,太阳照在身上暖洋洋,迷迷糊糊,马柱不知不觉在山坡上睡着了。
正睡香甜之时,来了一个铁身铁面佛像,在马柱面前站下。开口道:“小公子,我本是三国里的关云长,关公转世,在此山修行千年,我在这深山老林已受那日月寒风,天地之灵气,想要下山修成正果,苦于没有人将我带下山去,给我修度金身好成正果。我知道你多日没能挖到棒槌,如你能将我的佛身带下山去,给我修建庙宇,我也好有个安身之处,保一方平安。如果我看中的那个地方,我就不想走了,你也搬不动我了,我就在你左边不远的山梁上,你前行百米,便可见到我的金身。”说完此话只见关帝神像一溜青烟随风飘去,不见踪影。马柱忽然惊醒。揉了揉睡眼,举目观看,哪有什么铁老爷神像,想了想梦中之事,甚觉奇怪,半信半疑地按照梦中关帝所说的山梁一步一步的走了过去。这一去,非同小可,更是引出了一段千古佳话。
背神像 下高山 车轮滚泡
这马柱走到神像指出的地方,举目一看,果然见得一尊铁老爷神像。但见:“铁面闪光耀眼目,长须飘飘神仙风。”马柱见到神像与梦中所见一模一样。不敢怠慢,倒头便拜。说到:“铁老爷金身,你我也是前世有缘,我俩才能得以相见,我一定把你带下山去,为你安排去处,使你修成正果。”说完解下腹中腰带绑好神像,看看已红日西沉,天色渐晚,背起神像一步步的走下山去。马柱背起神像,开始并不觉得很累,一直往有人烟的大路走去。再说那关老爷神像。毕竟是钢铁铸造,开始背起时并不觉得太累,哪知越背越沉,走不多时,便大汗淋淋,气喘吁吁,不免走一路歇一气,走了两天好不容易来到长岭子的大道上休息。正在此时,对面来了个老农赶着一个牛大角(甲)车(古时木轮牛车)支扭支扭慢悠悠的走了过来,马柱一见忙上前施礼道:“老人家,我在山上背了一个关公神像,背了两天才来到这里,实在走不动了,你能否给我打个脚(捎个脚),我也没什么银两给你,现有两棵二角(甲)子(二角(甲)子就是两个叶的小人参)小棒槌送给你吧,全当做为脚费。”老农一看见关帝神像也觉得惊奇。忙说:“不必客气,那就放到我的车上吧。送你一程,不知你要送到哪里去?”马柱儿说:“关老爷在给我托梦时说过,它看中了的那个地方,他就不走了,我们牛车也拉不动了。”
老农一听,忙说:“那走吧,到时拉不动再说吧!”马柱和老农一边走一边说着话,也甚觉稀奇,走着走着,当牛车走到车古轮泡子边时(现灌水镇西侧,泡子现已干枯,上面已盖上了楼房)。只见老牛使足力气,牛车就是不动,这时二人又帮忙推车,牛车仍然纹丝不动,说时迟,那是快,只见牛车车轴顿时断为两截。左边的车轮一溜烟似的滚进旁边的泡子里(从此此地便取名叫做车古轮泡子了)。这马柱和老农一看傻了眼,心想莫不是关帝老爷看中了这个地方,所以不动了,马柱这时跪在关帝像前说道:“关帝老爷,你看中的这个地方不行,此地人烟稀少(当时灌水镇只有三户人家,王家,丛家,朱家),没有人能长年给你供奉香火,前面十几里就是有名的爱阳城(爱阳城在明朝是个古城,人烟绸密)。在那里人烟绸密,商甲如云,很多善男信女,你何不到爱阳城去,我在那给你修建庙宇,供奉金身,你看如何?”哪知马柱话刚说完,只见铁老爷目光闪闪发光,炯炯有神,似乎听懂了马柱的话,马柱忙求人将老人的车轮从大泡子中捞了出来,千恩万谢地告别老人,背起关帝神像向爱阳城方向走去。
建庙宇 安金身 关帝显灵
说也奇怪,原来神像背在身上很沉,这一次马柱觉得身止的神像轻了很多,心想关帝莫不是看中了爱阳城那个地方,一路轻轻快快,不知不觉来到爱阳城(当时爱阳城是边外古城,很有名气,四个城门,都有军士把守),想要进得城去,哪知守城护卫不让马柱进城。马柱对护卫守军说道:“你可禀报你家大将军,我有重要事情和他相商。”守城护卫不敢怠慢,前去禀报。马柱带着佛像,来到将军府上,见到护城将军,大将军见到马柱,开口道:“在下何人,有何事需要禀报?”马柱抬头一看,这一看不要紧,惊得马柱目瞪口呆,大喜过望,喊了声:“大哥!”大将军一楞,仔细一看,这不是三弟吗?走下坐椅,将兄弟扶起。当时兄弟二人在大堂上抱头痛哭,诉说着分别之事。马柱对大哥诉说了兄弟分手后的奇遇以及怎样放山,怎样见到关老爷神像等事,与哥哥细说了一遍。马柱这时又问哥哥是如何来到此地当上护城大将军的。原来山东人十人之中八九人都会武功,当年老大,老二和马柱走散以后,哥俩找兄弟老三不见,很是着急,怎奈怎么打听寻找,并无音讯。哥俩这一天走到爱阳城地界,来到城下,见有人在城下观看告示。便也上前观看,原来是本地守城元帅招身有武功的人编入军队镇守边关。此时哥俩正在关东举目无亲,便前来应试,不想双双都被录取,因二位哥哥武功高强,立了不少战功,后来朝廷将哥哥提拔护城大将军,其二弟也在军中担任要职。兄弟三人相见皆大欢喜,马栋忙叫军士杀猪宰羊,大摆宴席,又把二弟招了回来相见,兄弟三人开怀畅饮,诉说着分别之情,每每想起往事,感慨万千,热泪盈眶。此时马柱对二位哥哥说:“我们此次相见,多亏了关帝老爷显灵之神威,才使我们哥仨相见。铁老爷在托梦时,我也答应给他修庙宇安金身。不知二位兄长意下如何?”二位兄长一听,说:“那有什么可说的,一定照办。”从此,三位弟兄在爱阳城给关老爷修建庙宇,把关帝神像供奉在庙中,又铸造守卫周仓的神像和坐骑,也供奉在庙中,那周仓手握大刀,横眉竖目,威武无比,整年护卫在庙中。
闲言少叙,却说马柱在将军府中住了多日,整天大哥好酒好肉招待,甚觉清闲。忽然想起关老爷在梦中应允的如能给它建筑庙宇,修成正果,保佑马柱放山挖到人参宝宝,并对二位哥哥说起此事,二位哥哥说道:“宁可信其有,不可信其无。”第二天马柱当即备好快马,带了两个随从,马不停蹄的又来到了南青沟,按照铁老爷梦中所示山梁,走了不远,但见一片红豆随风摆动(棒槌结籽呈红色,鸡腰子形),一大片棒槌足有二十几棵。这马柱也不贪财,掏出红线,对着两个大的棒槌大喊一声:“棒槌”(放山在挖棒槌前,必须报号、绑红线,这是山规,已防棒槌逃走),将两棒槌绑住。对于挖棒槌马柱本也是轻车熟路,手到擒来。蹲下身子,扒开浮土,轻轻使用挖铲,不多一时将两棵棒槌挖了出来。但见都已长成人形。正是一男一女模样,为一对。当下称了一下,两棵棒槌都足有八两重。正所谓七两为参,八两为宝。两棵棒槌价值连城,无法估价,好不欢喜,余下的小棒槌让它继续生长,等长大后在去采挖。
马柱与两位随从将两棵棒槌用树皮和苔藓包好,带下山来,来到收购棒槌山货庄喊了声:“掌柜的,快来接宝。”那掌柜老板不敢怠慢,掏出花镜细细的打亮起来,吃惊不小,对马柱说道:“我开此山货庄,已有五十年有余,从未见到如此大山货,小公子你看你要多少银两?”这马柱也是精细之人,怕要少了亏了自己,怕要多了担心老板不给,便在老板的炕边躺了一下,又起来躺下,连躺了三次也没好开口。这时老板一见忙说:“你要三躺银子,实在不多,忙叫手下备了马车,将银子拉到爱阳城,回到府中。将挖到八两大人参告诉了二位哥哥,三兄弟大喜,更是对关老爷的神灵深信不疑。从此关帝庙更是兴旺,香火不断,整年有善男信女前来进香,凡是有病有灾的人前来许愿进香,无所不灵,关帝庙从此后名声远扬。至此,三兄弟在此购买良田,建筑庄园,娶妻纳妾,子女成群,安居乐业,好一个平安富贵盛世,从此过着美好的日子。
这正是:不曾吃得苦中苦,哪有今日甜中甜,
富贵在天终有命,福禄安康靠奇缘。
后记:爱阳城自古以来,乃是兵家必争之地。解放战争时期,著名的新开岭战役就在爱阳城附近打响。有一天,国民党的飞机轰炸爱阳城,全村老百姓都跑到关老爷庙院中躲避,其中有三颗炸弹正好落在关老爷庙的院中,入地三尺并没炸响。人们都说是关老爷显灵,使三颗炸弹哑火,没能爆炸,保佑了老百姓。从此,人们相信关老爷更有神灵。还有一桩奇事,在1958年,爱阳城农民老戴一家种了一片谷子,不知被谁家牲口吃了一片,看到地里有马蹄印,便顺着马蹄印找去,一直找到关老爷庙中,但见关老爷的坐骑——赤兔马,嘴里还叼着没有吃完的谷穗,人们这才相信,原来不但关老爷有神灵,连他的坐骑马匹同样灵验。更是深信不疑。
文化大革命时期,“横扫一切牛鬼蛇神”,红卫兵将爱阳城全部拆毁、扒掉,关老爷庙被推倒,神像也知去向,关帝庙毁于一旦。改革开放后,在当地百姓的要求和政府的支持下,于1997年又重建了关老爷庙,奉请了关老爷神像,供奉在庙中,每年四月十八(农历)是关帝庙的庙会,庙会期间,人山人海。善男信女成群接队前来顶礼莫拜,从此香火不断,延续到今。
注:根据民间传说整理,有些情节可能与流传不符,加之作者写作水平有限,错误在所难免,敬请海函批评指正。
搜集整理者:刘世明 (满族) 于2014年6月完稿
联系电话:13904953187
导读:在华夏5千年沉积的文化中我们不论走到哪里都能从那片人文地理中找到中华文明,找到传奇的故事。这次去辽宁省宽甸县认识了一位朋友刘世明先生,他把一份关于《凤城县爱阳庙》历史的来历以及故事编修了一份资料,拜读后认为很有地方文化特色我又亲自走访了凤城县爱阳庙,和庙内江道长进行交流和了解。
爱阳庙
本文作者:刘世明先生
道家千峰先天派;千峰草堂;赵明旺
本文作者:刘世明先生
前言:在辽宁省宽甸满族自治县内(原来叫赛马县)灌水镇有一个村子叫车古轮泡村,听起来该村的名字有点稀奇古怪,该村位于灌水镇中心地带。关于车古轮泡村为什么不叫灌水村,而叫车古轮泡村呢?这里有一段美丽而传奇的故事。
求生路 闯关东 一路风尘
话说明朝年间,山东河北一带连年大旱,加上蝗灾不断,庄稼棵粒无收。正是百里无人烟,千里没犬吠,饿殍遍野,十人之八九饿死在路旁。迫不得已,当地百姓成群结队,拖儿带女,开始闯关东,以求得一条生路。
闯关东的人群中,有一马姓人家,家里共兄弟三人,老大马栋,老二马梁,老三马柱。这天哥仨的老爹含泪把兄弟三人叫到床前说:“我也老了,又重病在身,咱们家乡连年遭灾,棵粒无收,日子实在过不下去了,你们哥几个闯关东去吧。听说那地方富余,人烟稀少,棒打狍子瓢舀鱼,野鸡飞到饭锅里。你们弟兄到关东去闯一闯吧!也许有一条生路。”说话此话,老爹长叹一声,撒手西去。哥仨痛哭流涕,含泪埋葬了老父亲。第二天收拾行囊开始风尘仆仆的闯关东之路。一路上,风餐风宿露,饥不择食,受尽千辛万苦,行程两月有余,终于踏上了东北的土地。
这一天,哥三个和逃难人一起从山东烟台乘坐两艘破木船,在海上颠簸了半个月有余,终于来到大连码头。一路上逃难的人络绎不绝,人山人海,熙熙攘攘,哭爹喊娘一片荒乱。单说这三兄弟一起上的船,下船的时候老三马柱哪还见到两个哥哥的影子,左找右找就是找不到两个哥哥,此时已是日落西山,天色渐晚,怎耐腹中又饥又渴,只好随着逃难的大队人马来到宽甸县(原来叫赛马县)大川头南青沟的地方。此时的马柱儿无亲无故,年龄又小,真是叫天天不应,喊地地不灵。只有在路边啼哭,想起两位哥哥。此时也不知走在哪里,更是伤心欲绝,放起悲声,甚是凄凉。
正在啼哭之时,马柱听到一个老者的声音:“孩子有何伤心事,如此啼哭?”马柱抬头一看,只见一位童颜鹤发的老者,面带慈祥,马柱一见,上前施了一礼。说:“老伯,实不相瞒,我和哥哥从山东闯关东过来,不曾想和二位哥哥走散,我年龄又小在此地举目无亲,落难于此,所以伤心痛哭,”老者听马柱一说,也觉得马柱实在可怜。说道:“孩子,我在此处放山(东北人叫上山挖棒槌称为放山),你在东北举目无亲,我也是一个孤老头子,膝下无儿无女,在南青沟山下有一个茅草屋,如你不嫌弃的话,就到我那去吧。我把你当着干儿子,教你放山挖棒槌,日后也好慢慢打听到你两个哥哥的下落,不知你意下如何?”。马柱此时正在落难一听此话,大喜过望,倒头便拜,口称谢义父搭救之恩。从此马柱和老伯相依为命,马柱对老人十分孝顺,问寒问暖,照顾周到,老伯很是感激,把自己所有的放山经验全部传授给了马柱。不知不觉马柱在南青沟住了三年有余。马柱在老人的帮助下通过放山,也有了一定积蓄,父子俩此时到也过得安稳,只是马柱还经常地想念两位哥哥,此是后话。
钻老林 挖人参 关帝托梦
暂不说马柱两们哥哥不知去向,单说马柱在老伯家也时常想念哥哥。有时想起的时候,也是唉声叹气,夜不能眠。这一年闯关东的也越来越多,挖棒槌的人也多了起来,怎奈马柱的义父年事已高,已上不动山了,所以挖的棒槌也越来越少了。马柱只好自己找地方到人烟稀少的地方去放山。马柱这几年跑了很多大山,也没能挖到大山货。这一天来到了白石砬子(宽甸县最高山)南坡,但见怪石林立,古树参天,藤条缠绕,遮天盖日,白色的砬子在阳光下更是耀眼夺目。不时的见到野猪黑熊、听到虎哮狼嚎。甚是有些害怕,此时又想起了两个哥哥,不免落起泪来。马柱走到一个阳坡地带。不觉感到又渴又累,掏出干粮就着山泉水,吃了起来。吃完干粮,马柱搂了捆干草,躺下身子,太阳照在身上暖洋洋,迷迷糊糊,马柱不知不觉在山坡上睡着了。
正睡香甜之时,来了一个铁身铁面佛像,在马柱面前站下。开口道:“小公子,我本是三国里的关云长,关公转世,在此山修行千年,我在这深山老林已受那日月寒风,天地之灵气,想要下山修成正果,苦于没有人将我带下山去,给我修度金身好成正果。我知道你多日没能挖到棒槌,如你能将我的佛身带下山去,给我修建庙宇,我也好有个安身之处,保一方平安。如果我看中的那个地方,我就不想走了,你也搬不动我了,我就在你左边不远的山梁上,你前行百米,便可见到我的金身。”说完此话只见关帝神像一溜青烟随风飘去,不见踪影。马柱忽然惊醒。揉了揉睡眼,举目观看,哪有什么铁老爷神像,想了想梦中之事,甚觉奇怪,半信半疑地按照梦中关帝所说的山梁一步一步的走了过去。这一去,非同小可,更是引出了一段千古佳话。
背神像 下高山 车轮滚泡
这马柱走到神像指出的地方,举目一看,果然见得一尊铁老爷神像。但见:“铁面闪光耀眼目,长须飘飘神仙风。”马柱见到神像与梦中所见一模一样。不敢怠慢,倒头便拜。说到:“铁老爷金身,你我也是前世有缘,我俩才能得以相见,我一定把你带下山去,为你安排去处,使你修成正果。”说完解下腹中腰带绑好神像,看看已红日西沉,天色渐晚,背起神像一步步的走下山去。马柱背起神像,开始并不觉得很累,一直往有人烟的大路走去。再说那关老爷神像。毕竟是钢铁铸造,开始背起时并不觉得太累,哪知越背越沉,走不多时,便大汗淋淋,气喘吁吁,不免走一路歇一气,走了两天好不容易来到长岭子的大道上休息。正在此时,对面来了个老农赶着一个牛大角(甲)车(古时木轮牛车)支扭支扭慢悠悠的走了过来,马柱一见忙上前施礼道:“老人家,我在山上背了一个关公神像,背了两天才来到这里,实在走不动了,你能否给我打个脚(捎个脚),我也没什么银两给你,现有两棵二角(甲)子(二角(甲)子就是两个叶的小人参)小棒槌送给你吧,全当做为脚费。”老农一看见关帝神像也觉得惊奇。忙说:“不必客气,那就放到我的车上吧。送你一程,不知你要送到哪里去?”马柱儿说:“关老爷在给我托梦时说过,它看中了的那个地方,他就不走了,我们牛车也拉不动了。”
老农一听,忙说:“那走吧,到时拉不动再说吧!”马柱和老农一边走一边说着话,也甚觉稀奇,走着走着,当牛车走到车古轮泡子边时(现灌水镇西侧,泡子现已干枯,上面已盖上了楼房)。只见老牛使足力气,牛车就是不动,这时二人又帮忙推车,牛车仍然纹丝不动,说时迟,那是快,只见牛车车轴顿时断为两截。左边的车轮一溜烟似的滚进旁边的泡子里(从此此地便取名叫做车古轮泡子了)。这马柱和老农一看傻了眼,心想莫不是关帝老爷看中了这个地方,所以不动了,马柱这时跪在关帝像前说道:“关帝老爷,你看中的这个地方不行,此地人烟稀少(当时灌水镇只有三户人家,王家,丛家,朱家),没有人能长年给你供奉香火,前面十几里就是有名的爱阳城(爱阳城在明朝是个古城,人烟绸密)。在那里人烟绸密,商甲如云,很多善男信女,你何不到爱阳城去,我在那给你修建庙宇,供奉金身,你看如何?”哪知马柱话刚说完,只见铁老爷目光闪闪发光,炯炯有神,似乎听懂了马柱的话,马柱忙求人将老人的车轮从大泡子中捞了出来,千恩万谢地告别老人,背起关帝神像向爱阳城方向走去。
建庙宇 安金身 关帝显灵
说也奇怪,原来神像背在身上很沉,这一次马柱觉得身止的神像轻了很多,心想关帝莫不是看中了爱阳城那个地方,一路轻轻快快,不知不觉来到爱阳城(当时爱阳城是边外古城,很有名气,四个城门,都有军士把守),想要进得城去,哪知守城护卫不让马柱进城。马柱对护卫守军说道:“你可禀报你家大将军,我有重要事情和他相商。”守城护卫不敢怠慢,前去禀报。马柱带着佛像,来到将军府上,见到护城将军,大将军见到马柱,开口道:“在下何人,有何事需要禀报?”马柱抬头一看,这一看不要紧,惊得马柱目瞪口呆,大喜过望,喊了声:“大哥!”大将军一楞,仔细一看,这不是三弟吗?走下坐椅,将兄弟扶起。当时兄弟二人在大堂上抱头痛哭,诉说着分别之事。马柱对大哥诉说了兄弟分手后的奇遇以及怎样放山,怎样见到关老爷神像等事,与哥哥细说了一遍。马柱这时又问哥哥是如何来到此地当上护城大将军的。原来山东人十人之中八九人都会武功,当年老大,老二和马柱走散以后,哥俩找兄弟老三不见,很是着急,怎奈怎么打听寻找,并无音讯。哥俩这一天走到爱阳城地界,来到城下,见有人在城下观看告示。便也上前观看,原来是本地守城元帅招身有武功的人编入军队镇守边关。此时哥俩正在关东举目无亲,便前来应试,不想双双都被录取,因二位哥哥武功高强,立了不少战功,后来朝廷将哥哥提拔护城大将军,其二弟也在军中担任要职。兄弟三人相见皆大欢喜,马栋忙叫军士杀猪宰羊,大摆宴席,又把二弟招了回来相见,兄弟三人开怀畅饮,诉说着分别之情,每每想起往事,感慨万千,热泪盈眶。此时马柱对二位哥哥说:“我们此次相见,多亏了关帝老爷显灵之神威,才使我们哥仨相见。铁老爷在托梦时,我也答应给他修庙宇安金身。不知二位兄长意下如何?”二位兄长一听,说:“那有什么可说的,一定照办。”从此,三位弟兄在爱阳城给关老爷修建庙宇,把关帝神像供奉在庙中,又铸造守卫周仓的神像和坐骑,也供奉在庙中,那周仓手握大刀,横眉竖目,威武无比,整年护卫在庙中。
闲言少叙,却说马柱在将军府中住了多日,整天大哥好酒好肉招待,甚觉清闲。忽然想起关老爷在梦中应允的如能给它建筑庙宇,修成正果,保佑马柱放山挖到人参宝宝,并对二位哥哥说起此事,二位哥哥说道:“宁可信其有,不可信其无。”第二天马柱当即备好快马,带了两个随从,马不停蹄的又来到了南青沟,按照铁老爷梦中所示山梁,走了不远,但见一片红豆随风摆动(棒槌结籽呈红色,鸡腰子形),一大片棒槌足有二十几棵。这马柱也不贪财,掏出红线,对着两个大的棒槌大喊一声:“棒槌”(放山在挖棒槌前,必须报号、绑红线,这是山规,已防棒槌逃走),将两棒槌绑住。对于挖棒槌马柱本也是轻车熟路,手到擒来。蹲下身子,扒开浮土,轻轻使用挖铲,不多一时将两棵棒槌挖了出来。但见都已长成人形。正是一男一女模样,为一对。当下称了一下,两棵棒槌都足有八两重。正所谓七两为参,八两为宝。两棵棒槌价值连城,无法估价,好不欢喜,余下的小棒槌让它继续生长,等长大后在去采挖。
马柱与两位随从将两棵棒槌用树皮和苔藓包好,带下山来,来到收购棒槌山货庄喊了声:“掌柜的,快来接宝。”那掌柜老板不敢怠慢,掏出花镜细细的打亮起来,吃惊不小,对马柱说道:“我开此山货庄,已有五十年有余,从未见到如此大山货,小公子你看你要多少银两?”这马柱也是精细之人,怕要少了亏了自己,怕要多了担心老板不给,便在老板的炕边躺了一下,又起来躺下,连躺了三次也没好开口。这时老板一见忙说:“你要三躺银子,实在不多,忙叫手下备了马车,将银子拉到爱阳城,回到府中。将挖到八两大人参告诉了二位哥哥,三兄弟大喜,更是对关老爷的神灵深信不疑。从此关帝庙更是兴旺,香火不断,整年有善男信女前来进香,凡是有病有灾的人前来许愿进香,无所不灵,关帝庙从此后名声远扬。至此,三兄弟在此购买良田,建筑庄园,娶妻纳妾,子女成群,安居乐业,好一个平安富贵盛世,从此过着美好的日子。
这正是:不曾吃得苦中苦,哪有今日甜中甜,
富贵在天终有命,福禄安康靠奇缘。
后记:爱阳城自古以来,乃是兵家必争之地。解放战争时期,著名的新开岭战役就在爱阳城附近打响。有一天,国民党的飞机轰炸爱阳城,全村老百姓都跑到关老爷庙院中躲避,其中有三颗炸弹正好落在关老爷庙的院中,入地三尺并没炸响。人们都说是关老爷显灵,使三颗炸弹哑火,没能爆炸,保佑了老百姓。从此,人们相信关老爷更有神灵。还有一桩奇事,在1958年,爱阳城农民老戴一家种了一片谷子,不知被谁家牲口吃了一片,看到地里有马蹄印,便顺着马蹄印找去,一直找到关老爷庙中,但见关老爷的坐骑——赤兔马,嘴里还叼着没有吃完的谷穗,人们这才相信,原来不但关老爷有神灵,连他的坐骑马匹同样灵验。更是深信不疑。
文化大革命时期,“横扫一切牛鬼蛇神”,红卫兵将爱阳城全部拆毁、扒掉,关老爷庙被推倒,神像也知去向,关帝庙毁于一旦。改革开放后,在当地百姓的要求和政府的支持下,于1997年又重建了关老爷庙,奉请了关老爷神像,供奉在庙中,每年四月十八(农历)是关帝庙的庙会,庙会期间,人山人海。善男信女成群接队前来顶礼莫拜,从此香火不断,延续到今。
注:根据民间传说整理,有些情节可能与流传不符,加之作者写作水平有限,错误在所难免,敬请海函批评指正。
搜集整理者:刘世明 (满族) 于2014年6月完稿
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