Follow the Dragon

"Legend of the Water Dragon" is inspired by one of the many tales in Chinese folklore about the Yangtze River in China. According to legend, long ago during a terrible drought, a divine water dragon – out of compassion for the humans who were unable to grow crops – created widespread waves of water, rain, and wind that stretched across hundreds and thousands of miles. The water dragon became a famous legend and is regarded as the heavenly power behind the great Yangtze (Long River) in China.

The elements of nature do not oppose each other – an articulate balance is created when they are combined. The image of "Dragon Couple" represents the Taoist concept of “yin” and “yang,” or feminine and masculine energies. Yin is represented by the wavy sea, fog, wind, and clouds – dark, soft, and cooling qualities are considered yin. Yang is represented by the dragons with their gold scales, red flames, silver beards, and white claws – bright, sharp, and warming qualities signify yang. Chi-Jen Liu gives the dragons spherical eyes of wisdom to suggest their ability to see in all directions and penetrate the opaque mist of dualistic Nature.

In Chinese mythology, the dragon is regarded as a guardian creature. It guards the realm between heaven and earth and it has been said that dragons come down to man with helpful messages. "Dragon Constellation" shows the emergence of a golden dragon that is formed by the auspicious alignment of the stars and planets. When this happens, a blessing from heaven is manifest in the form of spiritual guidance, artistic inspiration, or world events. The deities hovering in the sky and the figures worshiping them from below remind us to reach our goals by seeking divine aid. Flying birds and sailboats symbolize smooth sailing in our endeavors.

The figures in the center of "Code of the Dragon Clouds" represent the teacher-student relationship in Taoism. Their interaction is set upon a golden stage hewn out of mountain rocks. The kneeling man represents the seeker of truth, simplicity, and virtue, which are fundamental qualities in Taoism. We can imagine the long journey he has taken to find the sanctuary hidden inside this valley. Above him, the stars have aligned in dragon-like constellations and mark this auspicious moment. The standing man represents his Taoist master. The waterfalls around them symbolize the disciple’s purification and the master’s overflowing wisdom.

In Chinese Buddhism, Quan Yin is often portrayed in spiritual art. She is known as the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Many Eastern religions revere this personification because she represents the motherly aspect of God. In "Quan Yin Spreads Wealth of Compassion," the appearance of dragon constellations unlock the gates between heaven and earth and Quan Yin descends with a jar of blessings which she pours upon a school and organic farm below. The school represents cultivation of intelligent and progressive thinking. The farm symbolizes living in harmony with nature by growing food sustainably. At the bottom left, ships approach a city of the future. They come from distant places to share global ideas and goods with others. Chi-Jen Liu says, "When you encounter opportunities for wealth and achievement, Quan Yin encourages you to choose the path of kindness instead of greed."

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