yosb:taoist things that keep me up at night: nezha, the lotus boy-prince, emerging from a bu
yosb: taoist things that keep me up at night: nezha, the lotus boy-prince, emerging from a bud of flesh pierced by an imperial sword. nezha, birthed into this world by an act of violence, bearing the mark on his forehead as sacred testament. nezha, a prince, conquering the dragon kings to halt the middle kingdom’s sacrifices of boys and girls. nezha, a son, disrupting the heavenly order. nezha, whose father’s last words to him are: “we raised you and you pay us back like this – you’d better die.” nezha’s father dropping the sword, unable to take his son’s life with that same tool that bestowed life upon him. nezha picking up that sword. nezha turning to say, “i alone take responsibility for what i have done. father, i return this flesh debt to you. let it unburden you.” nezha, committing suicide. -- source link