Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s1.t4.2

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.