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Revision as of 06:32, 17 January 2008
Cai Shen (simplified Chinese: 财神; traditional Chinese: 財神; pinyin: Cáishén) is the Chinese god of prosperity. He can be referred to as Zhao Gongming or Bi Gan. 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.
Cai Shen's name is often invoked during the Chinese New Year celebrations. He 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.
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.
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.
Notes
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