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Revision as of 03:27, 14 September 2007
Bi Gan （比干, pinyin:bǐgān） or as he can be known as Wen Cai Shen （文財神, pinyin:wéncáishén） is the Chinese god of wealth or fortune. Though Cai Shen started as a Chinese folk hero, later deified and venerated by local followers and admirers, Taoism and Pure Land Buddhism also came to venerate him as a god.
Popular Depiction
Cai Shen is often depicted riding a black Tiger and holding a golden rod. He may also be depicted armed with any one of several iron weapons.
Deification
Several versions of Cai Shen's political affiliation and subsequent deification are circulated. It is unclear whether he is a genuine historical figure, though the vast majority of stories agree that Cai Shen lived during the early Qin dynasty.
New Years
Cai Shen's name is often invoked during New Years celebrations.
Mistaken identity
Cai Shen is often mistaken as "Wu Cai Shen,"（武财神, pinyin:wǔcáishén ）a separate deity who also rides a tiger and holds a rod.
Status in Pure Land Buddhism
In Pure Land Buddhism, Cai Shen is Buddhist deity in the form of the "Buddha of Future Time" who resides in Pure Land or Western Paradise.
Reference
Source: Pinyin translated with CozyChinese.COM
References
- http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9073579/Tsai-Shen
- http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9073579/Tsai-Shen
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