MOUNT OF A HUNDRED FLOWERS, THE. The Mount of a Hundred Flowers is associated with Taoism (q.v.), one of the religions or ethical systems of China. The founder of Taoism, Lao-tsze (sixth century), recom mended a life of simplicity, quiescence, purity, content, and inaction (or non-interference). Such a life, when faithfully practised, no doubt resulted in longevity. When Taoism degenerated, the later Taoists sought to attain longevity by more artificial practices. One of these was a practice known as Self-training. The ascetic sat cross-legged in an upright position, not, as in the case of the Buddhist, that he might attain to Nirvana (q.v.), but that he might lengthen out his days to an extent surpassing that of the old Taoists. " This atti tude was believed to promote longevity, since it tended to keep the breath in the lungs, and thus to ward off death, which is the final result of the unceasing expira tions. The fact also of remaining still, and excluded from the world, helped to suppress that other enemy of life, the passions " (R.K.D.). This ideal of longevity or even of eternal life is illustrated by the legend of the Mount of a Hundred Flowers cherished by the mountain eers of China. The Mount of a Hundred Flowers is a very
sacred peak in the mountain range which runs from Peking across the provinces of Chih-li and Shantung. The mount is covered with wild flowers. " There, according to the legend, live, partly embedded in the soil, certain ancient Taoist hermits. By a long course of absolute conformity with Nature [Tao] they have attained immortality, and are now in the enjoyment of unearthly bliss. To use a Taoist phrase, their faces are washed by the rains of heaven, and their hair combed by the wind. Their arms are crossed upon their breasts, and their nails have grown so long that they curl round their necks. Flowers and grass have taken root in their bodies and flourish luxuriantly; when a man approaches them, they turn their eyes upon him, but do not speak " (Balfour). Some of these old sages are move than three hundred years old. See Robert K. Douglas, Con fucianism and Taouisrn; Frederic H. Balfour, " Taoism," in R.S.W.