A God's Own Tale: The Book of Transformations of Wenchang, the Divin: The Book of Transformations of Wenchang, the Divine Lord of Zitong (SUNY series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture) - Softcover

Kleeman, Terry F.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791420027 ISBN 13: 9780791420027

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 1994

Synopsis

This scripture was revealed through spirit writing in 1181. It traces Wenchang's development through his many transformations culminating in his apotheosis as director of the Wenchang Palace and custodian of the Cinnamon Record that determines men's and women's fates. The god has since assumed a high position in the Taoist pantheon, has been introduced into the school system and Confucian temples, and now controls the all-important civil service examinations in China.

The text translated here provides a unique window into the religious world of Traditional China. Numerous anecdotes of good- and evil-doers reveal the ethical dilemmas facing men and women of the time, from social questions like infanticide and discrimination against women to more purely religious issues such as how evil gods are punished and how China's divergent religious traditions can be reconciled.

About this title

About the Author

Terry F. Kleeman is Assistant Professor of Chinese Language and Culture in the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania.

Edition details

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0791420027
• ISBN 13: 9780791420027
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 358