Muzha (mythology)
Muzha is a folk character in Chinese mythology. Muzha appears in many classical literary works including Fengshen Yanyi, The Collection of Gods in Three Religions and Journey to the West. According to folklore, Muzha was born a human during the end of the Shang dynasty to General Li Jing. He is a disciple of the Bodhisattvas Samantabhadra and Guanyin. He had two brothers, Nezha and Jinzha. Muzha is worshipped as a deity in Chinese folk religion, known as Muzha Tianzun. His birthday is the eighth day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar.
Historicity
Mucha, short for Pratimokṣa in Chinese, was a historical figure in Han Buddhism during the era of Tang Empire. He was an apprentice of Master Sangha, along with Hui-an and Hui-yen.As Master Sangha was seen as an avatar of Avalokiteśvara, Mucha was later fictionalized as Kuan Yin's apprentice in the Zajü Journey to the West during the Great Yuan period. Afterwards, he was further blend with Hui-an as "Mucha Hui-an" in the Chinese classic novel Journey to the West during the Great Ming period.
Legends
Muzha's story is recorded in volume 7 of . According to Muzha Subdues the Demons and the Great Sage of Sizhou Captures Shuimu from Recording Ghost Book, Muzha assists his master Guanyin to transform into Sangha and subdue the water monster.''Fengshen Yanyi''
In the classic Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi, he was born as Li Muzha is the second son of Li Jing and Lady Yin. In appearance, Muzha is seen wearing a small top knot, a silk sash, linen shoes, and a cotton like garment. Thus, Muzha was seen as a celestial being — such as that of a superiorman — in appearance.For many years, Muzha had left his father, Li Jing, to study under the Superiorman Universal Converter of White Egret Cave. Following the rebirth of Nezha, and the near death of Li Jing, Li Jing would run into Muzha — as to save his life. Muzha would react with great anger towards Nezha and would soon battle it out with his renowned long sword against the fire-tipped spear. Soon enough during their fierce duel, Li Jing would try to make another escape; this was the point in which Muzha would be defeated by Nezha's golden brick — which thrust him to the ground due to its great weight. Following this point, Muzha would later present himself before Li Resounding, one of four superiormen of Nine Dragon Island. Muzha chose to immediately kill Li Resounding at the first sign of defiance towards his words. Muzha would remain as a celestial protector of the Western Foothills, with Nezha and Jinzha following this point.