A God's Own Tale: The Book of Transformations of Wenchang, the Divine Lord of Zitong

https://architecturasinica.org/bibl/SAX7KXTN

Preferred Citation

Kleeman, Terry F. A God’s Own Tale: The Book of Transformations of Wenchang, the Divine Lord of Zitong. SUNY Series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture. Albany, New York: State University of New York Press, 1994.

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Abstract

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.

Additional Citation Information

Publication

Title: A God's Own Tale: The Book of Transformations of Wenchang, the Divine Lord of Zitong

Author: Kleeman, Terry F.

URI: https://architecturasinica.org/bibl/SAX7KXTN 

URI: https://www.zotero.org/groups/architecturasinica/items/SAX7KXTN  Link to Zotero Bibliographic Record

URI: https://www.zotero.org/groups/2267085/items/SAX7KXTN  Link to Zotero Bibliographic Record

Language: eng

Place of Publication: Albany, New York

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Date of Publication: 1994

Series

Title: SUNY series in Chinese philosophy and culture

 

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