“Ji Gong Buddha,” Print, 8″ x11″, $5.95 Ea

“Ji Gong Buddha” is very popular and well respected by the traditional Chinese families, especially children. “Ji Gong” means “to Benefit the Public Impartially.” It has been more than eight hundred years since Ji Gong Buddha’s enlightenment. It was believed that Ji Gong Buddha was born in the Southern Song Dynasty (BC 1130) and named Li Shiu-Yuan. Because of the war, Li had symtoms of insanity and amnesia. He secluded himself from the public and focused his mind in learning Buddhism. During his seclusion, he realized that he was meant to serve the public… forever. A few years later, Li re-entered society with a new name of Dao-Ji. With justice and a kind heart, Dao-Ji assisted the poor people and facilitated the world of suffering. Unlike the traditional Buddhist monks, Dao-Ji was eccentric in behavior and broke the rule of the monastics. While cultivating in the Buddha’s teachings, Dao-Ji attains magical powers. He has the ability of communicating with spirit and deities. Dao-Ji uses his Hu lu (or Gourd) and magic fan to bring mercy and comforts to people suffering the mysterious issues, and he subdues and influences the evil spirit with benevolence. Since then, Dao-Ji has been revered as “Ji Gong Buddha.”