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Glite Dictionary
Spiritual Jewel

Spiritual Jewel

9.9
A god in the Taoist Trinity linked to Lao-tse
  • noun
  • Literature
translation icon : Joya Espiritual
  • The temple was dedicated to the Spiritual Jewel, reflecting its central role in Taoist worship.

Examples

  • Scholars often debate the characteristics and symbolism attributed to the Spiritual Jewel within the Taoist Trinity.

  • The Spiritual Jewel represents wisdom in Taoism.

  • Many Taoist scriptures mention the Spiritual Jewel as an embodiment of original energy and wisdom.

  • Many followers pray to the Spiritual Jewel for guidance.

  • Many Taoist scriptures mention the Spiritual Jewel as an embodiment of original energy and wisdom.

  • The temple was dedicated to the Spiritual Jewel, reflecting its central role in Taoist worship.

  • Scholars often debate the characteristics and symbolism attributed to the Spiritual Jewel within the Taoist Trinity.

Synonyms

Shen-pao
vsSpiritual Jewel
  • Literature
9.9

A god in Taoism linked with the wise teacher Lao-tse

is the same role but emphasises its central status in cosmology
Heavenly Jewel
vsSpiritual Jewel
  • Literature
9.9

A Taoist god who is the first of the three main gods

focuses on identification with Lao-tse rather than ordinal position
Tien-pao
vsSpiritual Jewel
9.9

The first of three important gods in Taoism

highlights identification with Lao-tse rather than only being first

Surface Forms

Spiritual Jewel singular
Spiritual Jewels plural

Morphology

spiritual + jewel

A B1 learner who knows 'spiritual' (religious/immaterial) and 'jewel' (a prized gem or admired person) can infer this refers to a revered or valued religious person/element, so part of the meaning is predictable from the constituents. However, the detailed, culture-specific sense — a particular member of the Taoist Trinity identified with Lao‑tse — cannot be derived from the words alone, making the expression only partially transparent.

Etymology

Spiritual Jewel comes from Taoist images of a bright, hidden jewel or pearl that holds original life and wisdom. Because Lao-tse was seen as the person who carried this special power, the Spiritual Jewel came to mean a main god or a source of divine energy in the group of three in Taoist belief.