Golden Dragon to the West (legend)

Once upon a time, in the ancient lands of East Asia, there lived a wise and powerful ruler known as the Jade Emperor. He was believed to be the forefather of many East Asian cultures, including China, Korea, and Japan. The Jade Emperor was revered for his wisdom, fairness, and immense spiritual knowledge.

One day, the Jade Emperor received a divine message from a Deva's voice. The voice commanded him not to harm a Golden Dragon that would be accompanying him on a journey across the regions. Intrigued and filled with a sense of duty, the Jade Emperor prepared for his journey, knowing that something extraordinary awaited him.

As the Jade Emperor ventured forth, he encountered various challenges and obstacles along the way. With the Golden Dragon by his side, he found the strength and guidance he needed to overcome these trials. The dragon's majestic presence inspired awe and wonder among the people they encountered on their journey.

During their travels, the Jade Emperor learned of a menacing Nāga, a fearsome creature causing chaos in the region. Determined to bring peace and protect his people, the Jade Emperor made the difficult decision to confront and defeat the Nāga. With his strategic wit and the Golden Dragon's assistance, the Jade Emperor managed to outsmart the Nāga and ultimately behead it.

In a surprising turn of events, as the Nāga lay defeated, a deva appeared before the Jade Emperor. Impressed by his courage and compassion, the deva revealed that the Golden Dragon was not an ordinary creature but a divine being in disguise. The deva rewarded the Jade Emperor for his noble actions by healing the dragon, transforming it into a magnificent Golden Dragon.

Riding upon the Golden Dragon's back, the Jade Emperor returned to his kingdom, accompanied by a multitude of followers who had witnessed his remarkable journey. He shared the story of the Golden Dragon and its significance, urging his people to embrace the dragon's symbolism and the tales that surrounded it.

Over time, the stories of dragons and their association with the Jade Emperor became deeply intertwined with the various Eastern religions practiced in East Asia. Buddhist, Shinto, Confucian, and other spiritual traditions incorporated the dragon's symbolism, recognizing its power, wisdom, and protection.

In a parallel comparison to the Jade Emperor's journey, the creation of the concept of Yin and Yang emerged as a significant aspect of East Asian culture. Similar to the significance of Abraham in religious traditions, Yin and Yang symbolized the balance and harmony of opposing forces. This concept became deeply ingrained in the cultural and spiritual practices of the region, shaping the beliefs of generations to come.

And so, the legend of the Jade Emperor and his journey with the Golden Dragon continues to inspire and captivate the hearts and minds of those who hear its tale. Their stories serve as reminders of the profound connections between humanity, divinity, and the enduring power of myth and legend.

## Trivia

* Yoyo, a figure traditionally believed to be of Chinese descent, is regarded as the forefather of East Asian cultures such as China, Korea, and Japan since the 1st century. According to legend, Yoyo embarked on a journey across these regions accompanied by a dragon after receiving a covenant from a Deva monk's voice, ordering him to spread the symbol of the golden dragon. Yoyo became the first person to spread this symbol, realizing the luck and freedom it represented. Riding the dragon, he led his followers to accept dragons and their associated stories, which eventually became intertwined with Buddhist, Shinto, Confucian, and other Eastern religions in East Asia, In a parallel comparison, the creation of the concept of Yin and Yang in East Asian culture can be likened to the significance of Abraham in religious traditions. Abraham, traditionally considered the first Jew, is believed to have made a covenant with God. As a result, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all recognizing Abraham as their first prophet, are collectively referred to as the Abrahamic religions.