A. Sutherland – MessageToEagle.com – On the slopes of Wangsan, one of the peaks in the Jirisan that is one of the three most important mountains in South Korea, you can find a gigantic turtle-shaped rock weighing 127 tons.
Its giant shell is carved with ornate designs.
It rests flat against the mountainside, and is said to be one of the strongest sources of “ki” – the non-physical energy that animates all living things, everything that is alive including plants, animals and humans.
A great deal of mythology exists in regard to the turtle, a powerful animal, which was considered the ruler over the insects.
Because turtles live longer than other animals, they symbolize longevity and the turtle is still Asia’s symbol for longevity.
Especially under the influence of Taoism, the turtle shell is the symbol of heaven and the flat square underside the symbol of earth.
According to ancient beliefs in the Far East, the turtle carries the world on its back and its magic united heaven and earth.
It is also the symbol of fertility, vitality and great patience.
People believed that turtles had the power to predict the future. Fortune tellers used the shape of a turtle’s shell to forecast the future. Turtle images often form the base of steles or monuments to famous people, especially Buddhism monks.
Written by – A. Sutherland – MessageToEagle.com Senior Staff Writer
Copyright © MessageToeagle.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission of MessageToeagle.com
Julian F. Pas, Historical Dictionary of Taoism