The Story of Han Xiangzi: The Alchemical Adventures of a Daoist Immortal

כריכה קדמית
University of Washington Press, 2007 - 472 עמודים

In this seventeenth-century Chinese novel, Han Xiangzi, best known as one of the Eight Immortals, seeks and achieves immortality and then devotes himself to converting his materialistic, politically ambitious Confucian uncle--Han Yu, a real historical figure--to Daoism. Written in lively vernacular prose interspersed with poems and songs, the novel takes its readers across China, to the heavens, and into the underworld. Readers listen to debates among Confucians, Daoists, and Buddhists and witness trials of faith and the performance of magical feats. In the mode of the famous religious novel Journey to the West, The Story of Han Xiangzi uses colorful characters, twists of plot, witty dialogue, and action suitable for a superhero comic book to convey its religious message--that worldly life is ephemeral and that true contentment can be found only through Daoist cultivation.

This is the first translation into any Western language of Han Xiangzi quanzhuan (literally, The Complete Story of Han Xiangzi). On one level, the novel is a delightful adventure; on another, it is serious theology. Although The Story of Han Xiangzi's irreverent attitude toward the Confucian establishment prevented its acceptance by literary critics in imperial China, it has remained popular among Chinese readers for four centuries.

Philip Clart's introduction outlines the Han Xiangzi story cycle, presents Yang Erzeng in his social context, assesses the literary merits and religious significance of the text, and explores the theory and practice of inner alchemy. This unabridged translation will appeal to students of Chinese literature and to general readers who enjoy international fiction, as well as to readers with an interest in Daoism.

The open access publication of this book was made possible by a grant from the James P. Geiss and Margaret Y. Hsu Foundation.

תוכן

Preface
3
Seeking Escape from Samsara the Crane Boy Is Reborn Discussing
25
Han Yu Inscribes His Name on the Tiger Placard Xiangzi Drinks
38
By Cutting Down the Hibiscus Mme Dou Criticizes Luying
65
Abandoning His Family Bonds Xiangzi Cultivates Himself
78
8
99
Recognize a Divine Immortal
112
into Gold
137
Riding an Auspicious Cloud Xiangzi Is Saluted by Emperor Xianzong
173
Rushing in at a Birthday Banquet Xiangzi Engages the Guests
190
Manifesting His Divine Powers Xiangzi Lies Snoring on the Ground
206
By His Divine Powers Han Xiangzi Manifests Transformations
235
Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Respectfully Welcomes the Buddha
251
Banished to Chaozhou Tuizhi Travels to His Post Crossing the River
265
At the Village of Beautiful Women a Fisherman and a Woodcutter Open
281
זכויות יוצרים

When Tuizhi Prays for Snow Xiangzi Ascends the Southern Shrine
155

מהדורות אחרות - הצג הכל

מידע על המחבר (2007)

Philip Clart is professor of Chinese studies at the University of Leipzig. He is the author of Die Religionen Chinas (Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht Verlag, 2009); and translator of The Story of Han Xiangzi: The Alchemical Adventures of a Daoist Immortal (University of Washington Press, 2007).

מידע ביבליוגרפי