Laojun

Laojun, also known as Taishang Laojun (太上老君; "Grand Supreme Old Lord"), is a major celestial deity in Daoism and in Chinese folk religion. In religious contexts, Laojun is identified with Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher traditionally credited with composing the Dao De Jing. As a divine figure, Laojun embodies the Dao, wisdom, moral virtue, and the pursuit of longevity, and is regarded as a venerable teacher who oversees aspects of cosmic order and spiritual cultivation.

Origins and role: In Daoist tradition, Laozi is revered as a heavenly sage whose teachings became a source of revelation for deities and immortals. The title Taishang Laojun emphasizes his exalted, patriarchal status within the Daoist pantheon. In various sects, he is treated as a personification of the Dao itself or as an emanation of celestial authority, reflecting the close link between Laozi’s philosophy and religious practice.

Iconography and worship: Taishang Laojun is typically depicted as an elderly man with a long beard, dressed in refined robes, and sometimes seated or standing with symbolic objects such as a scroll or a scepter. He is widely venerated in Daoist temples, monasteries, and household altars, where he is prayed to for wisdom, protection, and longevity. His worship is intertwined with both formal temple rites and everyday devotional practices in China, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities.

Cultural presence: Beyond formal ritual, Laojun appears in Daoist literature and popular religious narratives as a revered teacher who grants instruction to mortals and immortals alike. The figure of Laojun remains a central bridge between Laozi’s historical legacy and his status as a divine elder in religious contexts.