Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s1.t4: Stories of Gods and Demons
Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s1.t4
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Stories of Gods and Demons
v2.c10.s1.t4.1
Shenmo Xiaoshuo (Gods and demons fiction) refers to a genre of long novels that appeared in the late Yuan and early Ming Dynasty and revolves around deities and monsters. This concept was first coined by Lu Xun in 1923. According to Lu Xun, this genre has three masterpieces - *The Journey to the West* by Wu Cheng’en, *The Investiture of the Gods* by Xu Zhonglin and *Sanbao Taijian Xiyang Ji*’by Luo Maodeng, and it begins with Pingyao Zhuan (The Sorcerer’s Revolt) by Luo Guanzhong. Similar works include *Xiyou Ji*, *Hou Xiyouji*, *Xu Xiyouji*, *Xiyou Bu* and the like. He is of the opinion that this genre is preoccupied with describing the struggle between gods and demons, and between the righteous and evil. Gods are righteous and represent orthodox imperial power, and a combination of Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism while demons are vicious and traitorous. This is the case for each and every fiction of this genre.
v2.c10.s1.t4.2
Gods and demons fiction appeared in late Yuan or early Ming Dynasty which flourished from the mid Ming Dynasty until late Ming and Qing dynasties. A great number of such tales constitutes a unique genre in the history of Chinese fiction. The influence of Buddhism is evident, but, more important, these fictions are all under the influence of tantric Buddhism, which was popular in China in Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. This text has been influenced significantly by two main traditions, one is Chinese Buddhist Tantric tradition, while the other is the Tibetan Buddhist Tantric tradition. The effects of Tantric Buddhism on *Gods and Demons Fiction* is evident in three respects - first, tantric deities appear in these novels and represent the righteous side; second, tantric spells and mantras are frequently used; and third, tantric magic is a major means for the struggle between gods and demons.
v2.c10.s1.t4.3
(Xue Keqiao)