Reference

The cicada metaphor is deeply connected to the concept of corpse deliverance, particularly within Taoist traditions. The cicada is viewed as a symbol of rebirth and transformation, as it molts its exoskeleton to become an adult insect. This process is likened to the shijie (尸解) practice in Taoism, where it is believed that an individual can shed their physical body much like a cicada sheds its shell, leaving behind a pseudo corpse to achieve spiritual immortality.

During the Han dynasty, jade amulets shaped like cicadas were placed in the mouths of corpses as a symbol of hope for rebirth. This practice underscores the belief in a continued existence beyond physical death, aligning with the concept of corpse deliverance. The cicada's life cycle, characterized by a long period underground followed by a brief but transformative emergence, mirrors the idea of spiritual rebirth after death.

In summary, the cicada metaphor enriches our understanding of corpse deliverance by providing a natural symbol for the process of shedding the physical body and achieving a higher state of being. This connection is evident in historical practices and continues to resonate in contemporary spiritual interpretations of the cicada's significance. For more detailed information, you can refer to sources like the Wikipedia entry on Shijie (Taoism) and the blog post on The Cicada in China from the National Museum of Asian Art.