Why was Tai'an, famous for Mount Tai, a real ghost town in ancient times?

Some people say that when returning from the Five Mountains, one should not look at the mountains; upon returning from Mount Tai, one should not look at the mountains. This shows the importance of Mount Tai! Tai'an is famous for Mount Tai, and many people travel to Tai'an to climb Mount Tai. But many people don't know that Tai'an was a ghost town in ancient times. There are three main reasons: one is the propaganda of feudal kings; the other is the propaganda of Buddhists and Taoists; and the third is the propaganda of literati.

1. The propaganda of the feudal kings strengthened this impression

Many people know that Qin Shihuang granted Zen to Mount Tai, mainly because of the important status of the people of Mount Tai. Mount Tai is related to the five elements. In the theory of five elements, the east belongs to wood. In Wuchang, it means benevolence and righteousness, and in Bagua, it means shock (the one who shocks is me). There is a description in "The Book of Changes" that "the emperor was shocked". For emperors, Mount Tai was really important.

It is the supreme honor for an emperor to be granted the title of Zen to Mount Tai. Back then, Duke Huan of Qi wanted to grant the title of Zen, but he was opposed by Guan Zhong. Even sage monarchs like Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty did not grant Zen status. They believed that Mount Tai was a sacred mountain and they could not easily go there to grant Zen status. The theory that the sacred mountain can cure ghosts has been circulating for a long time. There is such a record in "Book of the Later Han·Wuhuan": The souls of the deceased return to Daishan Mountain. It is also for this reason that it arouses the awe of monarchs.

Some monarchs believe that Mount Tai is a place to cure ghosts, so they dare not go there easily. The monarchs believed and the ministers agreed. This idea spread from top to bottom, and the people gradually believed that Mount Tai was a place to cure ghosts, and Tai'an was a place where ghosts often went. This does not mean that Tai'an is not good, but it means that Tai'an is a place where souls and gods gather.

Besides Mount Tai, there is another famous mountain in Tai'an called Haoli Mountain. We often say that the soul returns to Haoli, and Songli refers to Haoli Mountain. "Historical Records" once recorded: "On the first day of the Jiawu period in December, I went to Zen in Gaoli and worshiped the earth behind the temple." Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty visited Mount Tai many times, mainly to consolidate the country forever, but this behavior became a joke for later generations. In any case, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty attached great importance to this place.

Not only Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty valued it, but other monarchs also valued it. In addition to the monarch, some Buddhist and Taoist people also valued this place. The main reason why they attach importance to it is for the further development of Buddhism and Taoism, so that more people can believe in their ideas. They know the place of Mount Tai in people's hearts, so they closely combine Mount Tai with the views they promote.

2. The propaganda of Buddhist and Taoist people has deepened this impression

Many people know that Buddhism was introduced to the country during the Han Dynasty. The White Horse Temple is a proof that Taoism is native to us. . Buddhism and Taoism developed very well in the Wei and Jin Dynasties because their propaganda was in line with the context of the time. Buddhism emphasizes cause and effect and reincarnation. If you endure the present moment, you can be a good person and enjoy glory and wealth in the next life. Taoism emphasizes taking pleasure in time, muddle along, and adapting to the needs of some people, Buddhism and Taoism have flourished.

In order to expand its influence, Buddhism promotes Mount Tai. Puzhao Temple means "Buddha's light shines everywhere" and is for the purpose of promoting Buddhism. It is located very close to Mount Tai. The same is true for Yuquan Temple. Because there is Gushan in the south and Yuquan in the east, it is named Gushan Temple, also known as Yuquan Temple. The purpose of being very close to Mount Tai is to enhance the position of Buddhism in everyone's hearts. Some people cannot climb to the top of the mountain, so it is possible to stay at the foot of the mountain. This is why the Buddhist temple was built near the foot of Mount Tai.

In the Buddhist view, Haoli Mountain, also known as Senluo, belongs to the place of judgment in the underworld (according to the old people, it is better to tell the truth in this kind of place. This kind of superstitious thought is not worthy of belief. ). They also promote the Yin and Yang Realm and Meng Po Soup, mainly to make everyone awe and believe in their claims. Taoism promotes Mount Tai even more. The Jade Emperor Pavilion, Sanyang Temple, Guandi Temple, etc. are all Taoist buildings.

Buddhist and Taoist thoughts are mainly to explain human life and death, which objectively deepens the gloomy meaning of Tai'an. In fact, these do not exist. Do not believe it, let alone spread it. After all, we are scientifically educated people, so we naturally know that these things are feudal superstitions. As for some people who believe them, it is just to make themselves feel awe and not do bad things. From this perspective, there are still some positive factors.

3. The propaganda of literati made everyone believe this rhetoric

Literati have nothing to do and are willing to use their own knowledge to elaborate some ideas. Cao Cao's "Hao Li Xing" said that more people died in Haoli and it became a gathering place for ghosts and gods.

There is a saying in Yuefu poems, "Whose home is in the wormwood? There is no wise or foolish man who gathers souls." In the Three Kingdoms period, there was also a saying that "at the end of life, the soul will go to the hell of Mount Tai", which deepened everyone's impression. Many people believe that Haoli Mountain is the location of ghosts and should not be visited easily except in case of emergency. The theory of Tai'an's ghost town spread like wildfire.

The description of the literati may be to express new ideas, or it may be to sell fear, which objectively deepens the rhetoric of Tai'an Ghost Town. Many ordinary people, without knowledge and culture, believe it when they see them say this. No matter what, when you go to Tai'an, you must see Mount Tai and Haoli Mountain. If you don't visit Mount Tai, you are not a true man! Mount Tai is a sacred mountain that can cure ghosts; Mount Haoli is where ghosts go. Then, Tai'an has become a place where ghosts and gods get along. Do you know the mystery in it? Everyone is welcome to leave a message and let’s discuss it together!