The plot of the tale of the three elders belongs to the wandering ones. It is known in various modifications: the number of elders, their prayers, the location of the action, etc. vary. This story is also known in oral retellings, such as, for example, the story of the storyteller Erofei, recorded (by M.I. Semevsky) and in written monuments. In the latter case, the legend is associated with the Western translation of the story about the appearances of Augustine, bishop. Hipponian (354-430), which has been known in Russia since the 16th century. Prince A.M. Kurbsky, who heard it from Maxim the Greek, but did not know whether it had been translated into Russian before him. In Augustine's story, instead of Tolstoy's three elders, one elder is depicted, whom Augustine saw, returning from the Council of Carthage, on one island Mediterranean Sea“empty and uninhabited people,” where his ship brought him. The hermit was “naked” and “many-year-old”; he was born in “African soil,” “from the Italian language.” From his answers to Augustine’s questions, it turned out that he knew the prayers “by no means skillfully and inconsistently,” “putting them above the ground,” that is, by mixing up the order of words. Augustine was amazed at his devotion to God and at the same time at his “unart,” and began to teach him prayers. He covered his nakedness with his clothes and swam further when the wind became favorable. On the second day, the “shipwomen” from above saw a man on the sea who was chasing the ship like “a swiftly flying bird or an arrow shot from a bow,” as he approached asking him to wait for him: “Wait, for God’s sake, wait for me, a sinner.” The bishop, who came up, saw the elder sailing on the sea, spreading half of his clothes across the water and holding half of them instead of a sail. And having reached the ship, the elder went up with a prayer to Augustine, who was prostrate before him: “Rise up, O bishop, I pray that you have forgotten these prayers that you have learned, and I pray now that you will study them again, as they are foolish.” And having repeated his prayers again, he got off the ship, sat down again on his clothes and returned to the desert in the same way, sailing across the sea “with the fastest desire according to the first custom.”
We see how close the basis of Tolstoy’s story is to Augustine’s legend, but of course, Tolstoy did not use it; undoubtedly he became acquainted with this legend through oral, folk, Russian transmission. According to P.I. Biryukov, Tolstoy heard a legend from the Olonets storyteller V.P. Shchegolenok (see about him above in the commentary to the story “How People Live”); However, it should be noted that in the notebook with Tolstoy’s notes and legends that he heard from Shchegolenok, this legend was not preserved. It cannot be emphasized enough that in his story about the three elders, Tolstoy, in order to give vitality to the narrative, moved away from it the miraculousness that is necessary in all tales about the three elders, and imagined catching them on the water with the vision of a bishop.
Tolstoy's work on the story "The Three Elders" (three manuscripts and proofreading) can be divided into two editions and a stylistic reworking of the text, which was called the third edition by the copyist. The main difference between the two editions is in the depiction of the bishop’s vision or dream: The first story about the dream more closely conveys the old legend, since here everyone present sees something mysterious (for example, the “shipwomen” in Augustine’s legend). Tolstoy, in the first outline of the story, depicted that the people were the first to notice the elders running on the water and the bishop, having heard the general conversation, approached those gathered (his dream is visible only from the words: “everything fell silent and the bishop thought... raised his head”). In the second edition, Tolstoy deviated from the usual legend: the first bishop sees (his dream is depicted: “his eyes ripple, here and there the light will play on the waves. Suddenly he sees”...): he rises, shows the helmsman asking him to see what is visible on the sea; The helmsman screams in horror, the people have risen... Let us note an interesting detail: in the first edition the elders walk on the water without holding on to each other; in the second, they hold hands with each other, as at the first meeting on the island; The bishop remembers most vividly in his dream the first impression he had of the sight of the elders in reality.
The writing of the story “The Three Elders” probably dates back to June 1885. In one letter to V.G. Chertkov (Ch) on June 18, 1885, Tolstoy talks about writing a new story for “The Mediator”: “I wrote another story for you , and, it seems, better than before.” The compiler of explanatory notes to these letters, A.K. Chertkova, expresses the idea that this story, “The Three Elders,” is “a very beloved legend” by Tolstoy. L. Ya. Gurevich suggests that Tolstoy was talking here about another story - about “The Candle”.
“The Three Elders” was published for the first time in “Niva” 1886, 13, column. 330-334 (censored March 26, 1886). The subtitle “From folk tales on the Volga", which is not in all manuscripts of the story and in the first editions of the Collected Works in 1886. The manuscripts also do not contain the subtitle that was placed in the first edition of the story in the Niva magazine: “Three Elders, a Folk Legend.” From this we can see that these added subtitles, which are not only common, but also short, do not belong to Tolstoy. That it was not the Volga legend that served as the basis for the story, but rather the northern one, is evident from the names of the local, northern ones. It is interesting that Tolstoy’s story served as the basis new fairy tale about the Three Elders who know only one prayer, “Three of you, three of us, have mercy on us,” and who, with the help of the bishop, memorize “The Father’s Prayer” and then, forgetting this prayer, follow the ship “scratching the water.” This story was recorded in the Yenisei province in 1900 by A. A. Makarenko. From what has been said, it is clear how great the degree of vitality of this plot is.
DESCRIPTION OF MANUSCRIPTS.
The story is preserved in three manuscripts and a proof copy. The manuscripts belong to the Archive of V. G. Chertkov, transferred to the State Technical Committee, and are stored in folder 8 under Nos. 27, 28 and 29. Proofreading - in BL under code. V, 9, 5 pp.
1) No. 27. Autograph, F° and 4°, 4 sheets. Apparently written in one sitting, with minor blots. On ob. sheet 1 - an excerpt from “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” (not the first edition, by someone else’s hand). Title: “The Three Elders” and a reference to the Gospel of Matthew. VI. 7-8. Beginning: “Sailed to the ship? Bishop from the city of Arkhangelsk to Solovetsky”... On the cover in the hand of A. L. Tolstoy: “Three Elders (draft).”
2) Manuscript No. 28. Copy by V. G. Chertkov, with numerous amendments and additions by Tolstoy. 4°, 14 pp. On the cover in blue pencil: “Second Edition.” Title: “Three Elders.” Beginning (after the epigraph from Matthew VI. 7-8): “Sailed on the ship? bishop from the city of Arkhangelsk to Solovki”... The changes and corrections are significant: For example. in the 1st edition, the elders running on the sea were first seen not by the bishop, but by other travelers, who began to look and reason; the bishop approaches, asks and then peers and sees the elders. In the second edition, the bishop sees the elders first, the rest are asleep. The bishop approaches the helmsman and asks to see what? visible; he sees the elders, is horrified and screams; the people jump up, and everyone sees the elders approaching the ship.
3) Manuscript No. 29. A copy by V. G. Chertkov from the previous one. 4°, 13 sheets of lined notebook paper, with corrections and additions by Tolstoy’s hand and another. Title: “Three Elders.” Beginning (after the epigraph from Matthew VI. 7-8): “Sailed on the ship? Bishop from the city of Arkhangelsk to Solovki”... Sheets with signs of being in the printing house. Apparently, they typed from this manuscript for the publication. 1886. Amendments not made by Tolstoy from proofreading. On the cover in blue pencil: “Third edition.”
4) Proofreading for publication. 1886 (Works of L.N. Tolstoy, part 12. M. 1886), with amendments and additions by Tolstoy himself and S.A. Tolstoy and signed by S.A. Tolstoy for printing.
The publication is based on the text of “Works of Gr. L. N. Tolstoy. Part 12. Works recent years. M. 1886", pp. 154-162.
"Domestic Notes" 1864, v. 152.
G. 3. Kuntsevich, “The Three Elders” by L. N. Tolstoy and “The Tale of the Apparitions to Augustine” (Historical and literary collection, dedicated to Vs. I. Sreznevsky), L. 1924, pp. 201-296.
Biryukov, P. I. L. N. Tolstoy. Biography. Ed. 3, vol. 2, p. 122.
V. I. Sreznevsky “Language and legend in the notes of L. N. Tolstoy” (F. S. Oldenburg, to the fiftieth anniversary of scientific and social activity 1882-1932, Collection of articles, p. 476).
Tolstoy's yearbook of 1913. P. 1914. II. 25, 2 pr. t. 85, p. 229.
See “Russian fairy tales and songs in Siberia and other materials.” Krasnoyarsk, 1902, edited by Potanin.
Three star elders
In Chinese houses there are always figurines of three star gods: Fu-sing, Lu-sing and Shou-sing, who bestow prosperity, wealth and longevity. The deities of the house bring great luck to the household. They are all called Sanfu (“three star elders”) or San-sin (“three stars”), since they are a triad of stellar spirits.
– Fu-hsing is the “star of happiness.” In Chinese astronomy, a star in the central part of the sky was considered the location of happiness. The deity Fu-sin symbolizes great luck which brings money and prosperity, material well-being. Usually the god Fu-hsing is depicted surrounded by many coins, symbolizing wealth and abundance. Often depicted as a heavenly official with an unrolled scroll in his hands, on which is written: “Heaven sends happiness.”
– Lu-xing (from “lu” - “official salary” and “xing” - “star”), or Guan-xing (“star of officials”). Star and deity of career, especially revered by officials. He is depicted as an old man riding a deer (“lu” - “deer”, a homonym for the word “lu” - “official salary”). Since making a career means living in abundance, this deity is also considered a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Lu-sin is also a symbol of worthy heirs and continuation of the family. He is often depicted holding or next to a child, or surrounded by children. This deity also symbolizes family authority, then he is depicted holding a scepter and papyrus (symbols of power) in his hands.
– Shou-shin is the “star of longevity.” So in ancient China The star was called Canopus. The appearance of a star foreshadowed long life for the sovereign and the country, and its absence in the sky foreshadowed wars and disasters. The longevity deity Shou-xing is especially popular in China. He is depicted as an old man, in one hand of whom there is a staff with a gourd tied to it (a symbol of the prosperity of offspring) and a paper scroll (a symbol of longevity), and in the other - a peach (a symbol of longevity and immortality). He is also often depicted emerging from a peach. The most powerful symbol of longevity is Shou-shin. The deity Shou-shin is also responsible for happiness and health, patronizes the sick and healers.
For many centuries, the Chinese have revered a talisman representing the three star elders. These are traditional Feng Shui souvenirs, made in the form of three elderly men holding an object in their hands. They can be found in almost any home in China. According to legend, the elders are the most bright stars from the constellation Ursa Major, symbolizing all the benefits that people need.
The figures are endowed with the ability, family harmony, happiness and financial well-being. They can be purchased and used as a Feng Shui talisman separately, but the three elders have the greatest power when they form a single composition.
Magical abilities of feng shui elders
Elder Fu Xing (Fuk) brings money luck, business prosperity and simple human happiness based on possession material assets. This deity can hold a golden bowl with coins in his hands, and he is also depicted surrounded by all kinds of jewelry. In a group of elders, Fu Xing is traditionally placed in the center, he can be a head taller than his comrades.
Lu Xing (Bow) is the deity of abundance and fertility. Its attributes are fruits (most often peaches) and nuts. Lu Xing is often depicted with a child in his arms, since, in addition to attracting wealth, he symbolizes the multiplication and prosperity of the family. This elder strengthens the authority of the head of the family, in his department there is cohesion and friendly relations between relatives. In order to raise a child as a worthy person, you need to turn to Lu Xing for help. You can find a figurine of this deity with a whistle and a scepter - symbols of power and influence. He willingly helps public figures and politicians.
Shu Sin (Sau) is the god of longevity. His name is associated with good health, divine protection and long years of life. His attributes - the fruit of the peach tree and the fleet-footed deer are ancient symbols eternal life. An old man can hold a ginseng staff in his hands, medicinal plant, which has been used in Chinese medicine since ancient times.
Where to put the three elders
A suitable place for mascots is the living room, dining room, all places where the family gathers. Talismans do not need to be activated. Figurines of elders can be installed separately, but maximum effect give three talismans together. They symbolize a single force that bestows wealth, health and happiness. From legends it is known that the three deities personified by the stars of the Big Dipper bring prosperity, prosperity and good luck.
By zone Bagua hairdryer Shui of the three elders can be installed in the Family, Wealth or Career zone. A favorable location for these souvenirs is the zone of Helpers and Patrons. It is best to choose some niche for the figurines so that the star elders can calmly, without interference, “meditate” and “activate” their energy. This way they can be as useful as possible for their owners.
The power of hieroglyphs
Chinese Feng Shui masters advise that in order for the transaction to be profitable, you need to write the hieroglyph Fu on the folder with documents. It may be invisible, the main thing is to attract attention higher powers for an important operation. The hieroglyph Shu will help strengthen the body's defenses. It is depicted on a red ribbon and carried with you when health or life is in greatest danger.
In order not to dry up the flow of money, you need to keep your savings in a red envelope with the outline of the hieroglyph Lu. The talisman has very great power; other protective magical objects, for example, should not be in the same room with it. It is better if the elders are the only talisman in the house.
If one of the Feng Shui figurines breaks
If it so happens that the figurine of one of the elders is damaged, then you cannot throw it away - by doing this you will show disrespect for the Feng Shui symbol and bring trouble to your home. The Chinese always “bury” an old figurine by burying it in the ground or throwing it into fast river. The remaining figures should be placed in different rooms or given to someone one at a time. You need to buy yourself a new Feng Shui talisman - a whole set of three star elders who will take the place of their predecessors.
Chinese deities - elders
There are many representatives in the pantheon of Chinese gods. Everyone is responsible for something different. A person of a Euro mentality is unlikely to be familiar with most of them. But there are some deities that are known in the most remote corners of our planet. These rightfully include the three star elders - the more popular Chinese deities who are respected and worshiped in the world.
Star elders are Chinese gods who can bestow wealth, longevity and health. These figures are used both individually and together. They symbolize the three fundamental successes of the family: the health and longevity of its members, family power, and also authority and material prosperity.
The names of the elders are Lu-Xing, Fu-Xing, Shou-Xing. Each has its own properties.
Lu-Xing - is responsible for wealth and riches, is a symbol of righteous heirs, and also patronizes procreation. You can often see images of the god with a child in his arms, also next to him. May be surrounded by children. The deity symbolizes the authority of the family. An old man is depicted with a scepter in his hands, as well as a scroll - signs of power and strength.
Fu-Xing - patronizes happiness and good luck, which is attracted to the house. It can also bring money, material wealth and prosperity. In addition, he is usually depicted surrounded by many coins. They symbolize wealth and wealth. He is the tallest among the elders, so it is correct to place him in the center of the trio.
Shou-Shin is the god of health and longevity. In fact, in all cases he can be seen depicted with a peach and a deer - signs of longevity. It happens that the composition is complemented by pine, another symbol responsible for longevity, but this is only if the figure is made in strict accordance with classical Chinese ideas. The hand of the deity holds a staff, which is carried by travelers. But it is not ordinary, but is made from ginseng root, which also represents longevity.
Where to place the pieces
Three star elders - where to put them
In China, Chinese deities are respected, and their meaning can sometimes be interpreted differently. After all, each deity can have many colors of meanings, and simply knowing them is not enough. It is necessary to place the talisman correctly so that it gives away all its properties and brings only benefits to the house. And in the case of 3 star elders, this rule also applies.
The elders are located in the center of the house. They directly give the central part the greatest energy. According to the teaching of the 5 elements, the center of an apartment or house unites other areas surrounding it. And the elders help to connect all these aspects together, giving them unusual strength and energy.
It happens that the center of the house is not in the best and most comfortable place, which makes placing the elders impossible. In this case, their place is in the living room or the room where the whole family almost always gathers. If you follow Chinese traditions, then in their houses, sculptures and images of these elders are given separate rooms (if the house is rich enough). According to belief, it is believed that the elders should not be disturbed, giving them the opportunity to “meditate”, which requires privacy. If it is not possible to devote a whole room to them, then it is best to organize a place around the figurines, which will be the necessary suitable factor for “meditation”. To do this, the figures are placed on the highest table in the living room. They can also be given a niche in the dining room if you have a separate one.
It would be great to add ambience to the room with artistic panels where the elders will be depicted. It is better to place it in the northwestern sector of housing, where we have the Assistant zone. In addition, the elders themselves can also be placed in the sectors: Careers, 7 and Wealth. They own kind are universal and will have a beneficial effect on family members in any of the listed zones. Naturally, the quality of this impact will have its own nuances depending on the location of the figures.
Three star elders - the main deities
If we compare the power of the deeds of the figures and artistic depictions of the elders, then the masters say that it is better to have the main deities of Chinese mythology in the form of figurines and figurines. But, as is clear, Feng Shui is the science of symbols. Therefore, any image of one or another deity will carry an energetic message associated with one or another person. It does not matter what kind of reduced copy of an object that has sufficiently strong radiation can act as a successor to this energy. If it is not possible to arrange a home waterfall in the southeastern sector, what do we put there? That's right - his image. Symbolism begins to work and bring goodness!
You can choose 1 or 2 star elders. You don't have to use them all together. The main thing is that you like the choice and correspond to the goals you set for it. The hopes you have. If wealth is needed, then one old man; if longevity, then another. This way you can choose the necessary combination, place the talismans in your own rooms, create a harmonious balance of energies in the apartment and live a relaxed life.
Of course, these are not all Chinese deities that are found in the pantheon, but the elders are among the most revered and famous. That's why we described them. Use their power for good purposes, and may good luck accompany you!
Any of the three star elders (Fuk, Luk, Sau) is a wonderful symbol of the family hearth, protecting the home and family, giving happiness, longevity, health and prosperity. Of course, placing the three elders Fu, Lu and Shu together is more effective, but placing the elders separately is also possible.
Has the highest rank among all star elders Fu Xing - he is a symbol of wealth and good luck. Phucoften depicted with a scepter, which symbolizes success in all endeavors, and with an ingot of gold, which attracts wealth to the house. This sage will bring good luck to those who care about their career, strive to achieve success in all their affairs, and have stable financial growth.
The second in rank goes to Fu Lu Xing. It symbolizes love, faithfulness and long relationship, family happiness and the happiness of children and grandchildren. He is usually depicted holding a scroll and sometimes holding a child. Another role assigned to this sage is high place in service, because he is an old manOnionalso the embodiment of an official holding a high position.
The third elder is Shou Xing. He is depicted as a gray-haired, high-browed old man, thereby symbolizing the acquired wisdom for long years life.
Shu Xing is a symbol good health and longevity. He is often depicted with a gourd in his hands or a peach, which is also a talisman of health.Saualso a symbol of virtue, he is condescending and supportive of sincere, generous people, not prone to hypocrisy and greed, avarice and arrogance.
Usually the star elders are located in this order - in the middle is Fu, Lu stands in right hand from him, and Shu to the left. But this order is completely unimportant, that is, if you arrange the star elders in any other order to your liking, their strength will not decrease.
It is important what place the star elders occupy in your home. They must be at least one meter above the floor, and stand on a solid board.
Fu, Lu, Shu can be placed in almost every room of your home so that they increase your wealth, give good luck and good health.
If you are striving for growth career ladder and high pay for your labor - place three star elders in your study or office.
You can also put this talisman in the dining room to bless a happy, long and healthy life in family.
Directors can place three star elders (Fuk, Luk, Sau)behind yourself to attract success in business.
Like many other talismans, it is not advisable to place the three star elders in the bathroom, toilet or kitchen.
Three star elders will be a great gift for anyone. Moreover, it is one of the most suitable talismans for the eighth period in which we are all now living.
Fook, Bow, Sau -This is a wonderful gift for parents and grandparents, the three wise men will protect their health and give them many more years of happy life.
Star EldersPhuc, Bow, Saucan be given to a young family so that their children are healthy, and family life smooth and happy.
And, of course, this is a wonderful gift for a boss or director. Three wise men will help him develop his business and make all his endeavors profitable and successful.
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