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The “Shen Lu Tu” (The Divine Road Scroll) is a crucial religious artifact in the Dongba religion of the Naxi people, primarily used in funerary rites and rituals to guide the souls of the deceased. According to Naxi belief, after death, the soul must return to the land of the ancestors. This return is facilitated under the guidance of the Dongba priests, who interpret the images on the Shen Lu Tu. During the ritual, priests unfurl the scroll and stand beside it while chanting the “Yin Shen Lu Jing” (Scripture for Guiding the Divine Road), gradually helping the soul ascend from the bottom of the scroll through various layers, passing each checkpoint of the underworld, until the soul either reincarnates in the human world or ascends to the divine realm. The Shen Lu Tu is an indispensable part of Naxi culture, serving not only as a key tool in funerary ceremonies but also as a mystical instrument for the salvation of souls.

 

In the Naxi language, the Shen Lu Tu is called “Hengri Pi,” meaning “the Dongba’s judgment and guidance for the deceased’s path to the divine world.” Its core function is to help souls escape the suffering of the ghost realm and be reborn as humans or ascend to the gods. This artwork, rich in religious symbolism and unique painting style, provides valuable insights for the study of Chinese painting.

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The Shen Lu Tu showcases the exquisite painting skills of the Naxi people, depicting 33 layers of heavens and over 300 deities, testing the spatial handling abilities of any artist. Presented as a long scroll, it unfolds an eternal world beyond finite space, evoking a sense of sacred presence.

 

For artists deeply engaged in spatial art, the Shen Lu Tu is undoubtedly an endless source of inspiration. Each layer is filled with mystery and profound meaning, prompting contemplation on life, death, soul, and rebirth. This painting reveals the boundless charm of the Chinese long scroll format through its unique allure.