A test for Taoist masters that requires the climbing of a 108-step sword ladder was held at the Beitian Temple in Hualian's Ji-an Township April 17.
An abbot of the Beitian Temple said in Taoism, taking a test is a must for general Taoist priests or shamans to move up in the hierarchy to become master priests, and climbing a ladder that has 108 sharp sword blades is a major part of the challenge.
The sword ladder is different from a knife ladder. Each rung of the knife ladder has only has one sharp edge, whereas both the top and bottom of a sword ladder rung are sharp blade edges, making it easier for climbers to get hurt. The slightest loss of concentration could result in cuts to the instep as well as the sole, a testament to the difficulty of the test.
The Beitian Temple started holding the sword ladder-climbing ritual five years ago, attracting quite a few candidates each year. This year, a total of 10 people decided to challenge the ladder, two of them female.
Before the solemn and dignified ceremony started, temple workers climbed up to the "ladder," with "eight trigram" scarves tied to their waists to protect the candidates during the test. A group of priests from the temple then started imploring the gods to descend to the secular world, seeking to expel any bad vibes and spirits from the area. Next, a "pioneer official" carried some 40 kilograms of ritual instruments on his back up the ladder to make each rung sacred.
The "pioneer official" must be a master shaman. This year, the job was assumed by Liu Jing-rui, a bank worker. Though he had already passed the test four years ago, he still faced the challenge with a high degree of trepidation and care. After sprinkling water and coarse salt on the ladder, he then began to climb the ladder barefoot, with incantations being chanted during the climb.
The 40 kilograms of ritual instruments on his back were such a burden that he had to stop many times on his way up, making the audience tremble in concern for him. When Liu eventually reached the top of the 108-rung sword ladder, he successfully cast off two sacred cups, which meant that the gods had consented that the ladder could be used as a test for others who sought to move up in the hierarchy.
The challengers attracted a great amount of attention as well. Yan Yi-yi and Zhang Zi-qi, a husband-and-wife pair, said as devoted Taoists determined to acquire their master status, they have not been sleeping together for a period of 49 days as a gesture to cleanse themselves. They have also abstained from various foods.
Zhang said the climb requires extra care. She admitted that she was deeply afraid of cutting her hands or feet, or falling from a considerable height during the ascent. However, her willpower ultimately overshadowed the blazing sun that made her a bit dizzy at times, and she made it up the ladder to pass the test. She and her husband said with delight to each other, "Congratulations, Taoist priest."
(This article originally appeared in “The Liberty Times” April 18.)