The Ultimate Guide to Tao Mastery: Unveiling the Secrets of Hell's Paradise

Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku takes a significant stride forward in its storyline with the introduction of the series' intrinsic power system, Tao. By revealing the deliberate structure of Shinsenkyō, the true nature of the Elixir of Life, the existence of the Tensen, and providing basic knowledge of Tao, the essence that permeates existence, the narrative reaches a pivotal turning point.

In this world, the Tensen, who reign over the island, are revered as gods. As scholars-turned-masters of Tao, they have achieved immortality through rigorous training in the Five Training Paths to Immortality. However, their loyal companions, known as the Dōshi, are individuals who aspire to attain the same enlightenment by undertaking the same training methods. But what truly defines these individuals and their purpose?

Tan

Tensen Drink Tan – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 9

The enigmatic object referred to as "The Elixir of Life" by the ruling shogunate and the members of the Vanguard Party (known as "Tokijiku no Kagu no Mi" in Iwagakure) has been unveiled as a powerful concoction known as "Tan," derived from the life force of living humans. The Aza Brothers' actions have indicated that a mysterious pit on the island serves as the extraction point for the Tao of humans, which is then transformed into a special beverage consumed by the Tensen, immortal beings who hold sway over Shinsenkyō like deities, granting them extended lifespans. These Tensen are actually homunculi created by Rien, the wife of Chinese explorer Jofuku (Xu Fu), who was sent by the Tang Dynasty emperor to search for the fabled Elixir of Life. Rien's arrival on Shinsenkyō can be traced back to 220 CE at the latest, a staggering 1600 years before the culmination of the Edo Period, the era in which the Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku story is set.

Rien's objective is to fulfill her husband's assigned task, but instead of discovering the secret of immortality, her relentless research over the span of a thousand years has led her to a profound comprehension of the Tao. The Tensen, Dōshi, and even the mindless Sōshin are all outcomes of Rien's investigation and serve as living proof of her advancement in mastering the Tao and crafting the flawless Elixir of Life. With not just herself but eight other individuals devoting their existence to the mastery of the Tao, Rien is able to accelerate her learning process more effectively than if she were to undertake her research single-handedly. However, what will prove to be an invaluable asset in Rien's quest to create the perfect Elixir of Life is the unexpected arrival of a particular group of criminals and their samurai companions.

Tao

Tao can be defined as the fundamental force of existence, encompassing the energy that fills both living and non-living entities. This concept is present in various belief systems, including Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, where it draws inspiration directly from Taoism and Buddhism. In these philosophies, "the Tao/Dao" (represented by the character 道 and translating to "The Way") symbolizes the natural flow and order of the universe, embodying the essence of wisdom. However, understanding Tao is not a matter of learning or intellectual comprehension. Rather, it is a realization that unfolds through lived experiences. Its essence surpasses the boundaries of ideas and concepts, as it is the very fabric of reality itself.

This enigmatic nature of Tao extends to its interpretation in Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, as demonstrated by Mei's perplexing description of it as "Strong. Weak." Even the most skilled combatants in the group struggle to grasp its true meaning. The understanding of Tao as the life energy or the fundamental force of existence is crucial to the narrative of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, as it serves as the foundation for the series of events occurring on the island of Shinsenkyō for centuries. One aspect of Tao that has yet to be introduced in the anime is its "elemental" attributes, which govern the flow and behavior of Tao in the world of Jigokuraku. These attributes are influenced by the Chinese philosophy of Wuxing, known as the Five Phases, which revolves around the interplay of five primal forces: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

Cycles of Reality

Tao – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 7

In the world of Wuxing, there are numerous interpretations and perspectives surrounding the various phases or agents involved. However, two fundamental perspectives dominate the discussions: the generative interaction and the destructive interaction. The generative interaction illustrates the flow of elements as they support and nurture one another in a specific order. Conversely, the destructive interaction showcases how one element overcomes another. For instance, Wood overcomes Earth, Earth overcomes Water, Water overcomes Fire, and Fire overcomes Metal, which, in turn, overcomes Wood, thus completing the cycle. This process aligns with the alchemical nature and purpose of Wuxing.

In the captivating realm of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, characters will soon discover their Tao's elemental affinity, along with its corresponding elemental bane and boon. These five elements serve as the foundation for the Five Paths of Immortality in Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku. They represent distinct methods that, when combined, can guide individuals towards mastering their Tao. Interestingly, this concept bears a striking resemblance to the alchemical ideal of transmutation, where base metals are transformed into gold. While the series and other sources do not explicitly state the correlation, it is plausible that the five methods align with the different elements. This notion gains support from historical records, where Rien assigned each Tensen to oversee a specific training method. This assignment may stem from a natural affinity or, more likely, due to the inherent incompatibilities between the methods and the Tensen.

Five Training Methods

Lord Tensen Tan Party – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 9

Dō'in (導引), Taisoku (胎息), Shu'itsu (守一), Shūten (周天), and Bōchū Jutsu (房中術) encompass the Five Training Methods essential for an individual's transformation into a Tao master. These concepts draw inspiration from authentic Taoist principles and have made appearances in various anime and popular culture.

Do'in, specifically managed by Ran who possesses Water Tao, focuses on physical training. It is believed to be associated with the Wood element. The purpose of Do'in is to foster a harmonious connection between the body and the mind, recognizing that physical empowerment in martial arts contributes to the path of mastery.

Taisoku is a training method that focuses on breathing techniques and is led by Zhu Jin, who possesses the Water Tao. Interestingly, Taisoku may also be associated with the Fire element. The term "taixi" is often translated as "breathing like an embryo," but French sinologist Catherine Despaux suggests a different interpretation, seeing the "tai" kanji as representing the "womb." This alternative understanding leads to the concept of "womb breathing," which involves focusing on the lower abdomen, also known as the "lower dantian" or "Tanden" in martial arts and Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku. This area is considered the main source of life energy, known as qi, ki, or reishi. It is also referred to as the "golden stove," aligning it with the element of Fire.

Shu'itsu, on the other hand, is a training technique centered around meditation and is overseen by Gui Fa, who possesses the Metal Tao. Meditation is renowned for its ability to achieve stillness, peace of mind, and similar states by focusing one's thoughts. The Earth element may be associated with this form of training due to its grounding nature and the journey towards self-awareness that meditation entails.

Shūten practices a unique form of training that focuses on understanding the body's natural pathways and organs. This training is guided by Mu Dan, who possesses the Earth Tao. The main focus of Shūten's training is the flow of energy within the body, suggesting a possible elemental association with Water.

On the other hand, Bōchū Jutsu, also known as "The Art of the Bedchambers," is a training method that involves sexual intercourse. Tao Fa and Ju Fa, who possess the Wood and Fire Tao respectively, are introduced to this practice. In Taoist beliefs, sexual acts are seen as an exchange of vital energy known as jing, which is the internal energy within the body. It is believed that through this exchange, participants can benefit from each other's vitality. This practice symbolizes the connection between Yin and Yang, serving as a bridge between heaven and earth. Due to the emphasis on contrasting elements and the symbolic significance of this practice, Bōchū Jutsu is associated with the Metal element, representing the final moment in the alchemical cycle – the meeting of heaven and earth.