A god's own tale : the Book of transformations of Wenchang, the Divine Lord of Zitong / Terry F. Kleeman.
Language: English Original language: Chinese Series: SUNY series in Chinese philosophy and culturePublication details: Albany : State University of New York Press, c1994.Description: xv, 335 p. : ill. ; 24 cmISBN:- 0791420019
- 9780791420010
- 0791420027 (pbk.)
- 9780791420027 (pbk.)
- 299/.51482 20
- BL1942.85.W45 K56 1994
Item type | Current library | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
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The Anton Library of Chinese Studies General Stacks | BL1942.85.W45 K56 1994 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) | Available | TBC00000819 |
Includes bibliographical references (p. 297-320) and index.
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.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
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