A god's own tale
Subtitle: the Book of transformations of Wenchang, the Divine Lord of Zitong
By: Terry F. Kleeman.
Series: SUNY series in Chinese philosophy and culture
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Albany
Language: eng
Number of pages: 335
Subjects: Zitongdijun hua shu.; Wenchang (Taoist deity)
Other titles: Zitongdijun hua shu. English.
Description: This scripture was revealed through spirit writing in 1181. It traces Wenchang's development through his many transformations culminating in his apotheosis as director of the Wenchang Palace and custodian of the Cinnamon Record that determines men's and women's fates. The god has since assumed a high position in the Taoist pantheon, has been introduced into the school system and Confucian temples, and now controls the all-important civil service examinations in China.

The text translated here provides a unique window into the religious world of Traditional China. Numerous anecdotes of good- and evil-doers reveal the ethical dilemmas facing men and women of the time, from social questions like infanticide and discrimination against women to more purely religious issues such as how evil gods are punished and how China's divergent religious traditions can be reconciled.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 297-320) and index.