TAI-YI

[Chinese] "The Supreme One", also known as Da-yi "the Great One". During the Han Dynasty, Tai-yi was venerated as part of the triad of the three ones (San-yi) and became a personified deity. The followers of his cult believed that he was assisted by Si-ming, the Ruler of Fate. Tai-yi became the highest deity and was said to dwell in the polar star, while the five legendary emperors (as rulers of the cardinal points) became his subjects. He is also venerated together with the god of the sun. In Taoism, specifically the Inner Deity Hygiene School, he is the most important deity within the human body.