Question

4. In Tang dynasty author Du Guangting’s Yongcheng jixian lu, how is Queen Mother of the West portrayed as a teacher and a keeper of the keys to immortality? Give two examples to support your points

Answer 1

Following are the examples of immortality of Queen Mother​

1. A Goddess' Realm

​​​​​​​In many accounts, Xiwangmu is reputed to live on the Kunlun Mountain . One representation of the goddess’ realm is seen in an earthenware lamp from the 1 st / 2 nd century AD, kept today in the Yale University Art Gallery. Xiwangmu is the central figure of this artefact, and is shown seated on a throne. The goddess’ throne is flanked by the moon and the sun, which represent the two cosmic forces, ‘yin’ and ‘yang’, and she is attended by three of her followers – a rabbit pounding the elixir of immortality, a three-legged bird, and a nine-tailed fox

​​​​​​ 2.The Peach Banquet

Xiwangmu is closely associated with the secrets of immortality, in particular, the Peaches of Immortality. In Chinese mythology, these peaches are known also as Pantao , meaning ‘Flat Peach’, and are reputed to grow in Xiwangmu’s garden. According to one version of the story, the peach trees bear fruit once every 3000 years, and a sumptuous banquet would be hosted by the goddess to celebrate the joyous occasion