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What, a middle finger?




Woah, why is this deity pointing a middle finger at us?


Meet Wang Tianjun (王天君), also known as Wang Tian Lingguan (王天灵官), a celestial general who occupies an important position in the Taoist pantheon. His responsibility: Regulating the cosmic forces, such as thunder, lightning, and disease. Devotees sought his protection during times of floods and pestilence, which happened often in ancient times. It’s not like you could go get yourself a Covid vaccine.


In his right hand, he cracks a whip (神鞭), symbolizing his ability to subdue the wild elements. In his left hand, he, erm, gives the one-finger salute 😂 But it’s not meant to be offensive.


It is a mudra, one of the many symbolic hand gestures found in Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism that carry spiritual significance. Often used in rituals, meditation, and art, they are believed to channel the body’s energy or convey certain intentions, emotions, or states of mind.


This specific mudra represents the act of driving away evil and malevolent forces.


Hmmm… kinda similar to how we mortals use it nowadays!

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