MENG-PO

Also known as MONG-PO, LADY-MENG, MENG-P'O, MENG-PO-NIANG-NIANG, MI-HUNG-TANG, MENG-PO-NIANG

Underworld Goddess of Forgetfulness and Amnesia

MENG-PO, often known simply as Lady Meng ('Dream'), is the Buddhist Goddess who dishes out the Bittersweet Broth of Oblivion. This is a mystic brew made from herbs and pond water which she prepares for the souls of the dead.

The only thing that passes from one incarnation to the next is Karma, which is why no-one remembers their past lives. This amnesia is supposed to be an act of mercy. It may not seem fair to lose the wisdom and knowledge you accumulate during your life — but on the other hand it does prevent cheating.

There is no known antidote to Lady Meng's potion (although some people claim that hypnotic regression can help you remember past lives). Only BUDDHA himself managed to shake off the effects — after meditation revealed to him his previous lives.

Having read the gory details of what happens to you in FENG-DU every time you die, we're very happy to forget the whole thing.