hsien in Chinese philosophy, divine ‘immortals’ or ‘transcendents’ – spiritual beings who have attained the tao and are characterized by transcendence and immortality; a central ideal in religious Taoism. The idea has its roots in ancient Chinese religion; in its mature form, it signifies a being constituted by the purest and most potent form of vital energy (ch’i), which renders him/ her beyond the limitations of mundane life. Thus, hsien are often characterized by the power of flight. In poetry and philosophic discourse, hsien evokes fulfillment and freedom, especially from desire and the vagaries of human striving. In religious Taoism, there is an important debate whether immortality can be achieved through effort. Various methods that fall under the general rubrics of ‘internal alchemy’ (nei-tan) and ‘external alchemy’ (wai-tan) have been devised to bring about the perfected state. See also CH’I, TAOIS. A.K.L.C.