Chinese gods

Author: Wang Shizhen (Ming Dynasty), edited by Li Kehe, translated by Zhang Huaying
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: The compilation of The Immortals of China, based on The Complete Biography of Immortals, while also referencing The Records of Immortals, The Continued Records of Immortals, and related historical texts. Considering the inconsistent styles and varying lengths of the original texts, early immortals were recorded in a more concise and archaic manner, while later immortals had overly complex life stories with obvious artificial. Therefore, during the compilation, we made significant cuts to repetitive content. The publication of this book aims to help readers, both Chinese and foreign, understand the general picture of Chinese native immortals, especially those of Taoism, and to showcase, from one perspective, the evolution of folk customs and cultural thought in ancient China. Thoughtful readers may discover the development of the concept of revering heaven and fearing deities, as well as the behavioral of those seeking immortality, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the origins and essence of the divine path. Since the original text covers many aspects of mystical culture, the language is ancient and obscure, and many Taoist terms are difficult to translate into modern Chinese, let alone into English. Errors in translation may be unavoidable, and we sincerely hope that scholars will kindly correct them.