Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s3.t2.7

v2.c10.s3.t2.7

In this novel, *Chanjiao*, a combination of Buddhism and Daoism, represents the righteous side and supports Ji Fa to overthrow the Shang Dynasty, while *Jiejiao*, a group of evil-doers and demons, represents the evil side and assists King Zhou, but is defeated at last. The influence of Buddhism, especially that of esoteric Buddhism, is visible everywhere. In particular, some Buddhist figures are remodeled into Daoist persons. For instance, the prototype of Li Jing, “the Pagoda-wielding Heavenly King”, is Vairocana, who is one of the four heavenly kings and has a son, named ‘Nalakābara’, and his deeds are mentioned in Tantric texts, such as ‘*Pishamen Tianwang Jing*’ and ‘*Pishamen Yigui*’. The story of Nezha enjoys lasting popularity. Besides, several tantric figures become Daoists. For example, Dipamkara is turned into Randeng Daoren, Cundi Avalokitesvara into Zhunti Daoren, Samantabhadra into Puxian Zhenren, and Manjusri into Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun.