Narrative Summary of Myths and Legends of China

Overview:

This book is a fascinating journey into the world of Chinese mythology, offering a deep dive into the intricate tapestry of beliefs and stories that have shaped the culture for centuries. It begins by examining the sociological foundation of Chinese society, exploring their origins, social structures, and cultural practices. It then delves into the fascinating realm of Chinese mythology, analyzing the origins and development of their cosmogonies, and presenting a vibrant pantheon of gods, goddesses, demons, and heroes. The text uncovers the unique characteristics of Chinese mythology and reveals how it reflects the societal and intellectual landscape. It explores the captivating stories of deities like P’an Ku, the creator of the universe, Nü Kua, the repairer of the heavens, and the Jade Emperor, a powerful ruler of the celestial realm. The book then dives into specific areas like the myths of thunder, lightning, wind, and rain, exploring the captivating tales associated with these powerful forces of nature. It also showcases the captivating story of Sun Hou-tzŭ, the Monkey King, and his incredible journey to the Western Paradise, a tale full of adventure and magic. Finally, the text explores a variety of other captivating legends, including those of the supernatural people, the casting of the great bell, and the origins of lakes and mountains. Reading this book allows one to understand the rich history of Chinese mythology and its impact on Chinese culture and the world.

Main Parts:

Introduction: Provides a thorough sociological overview of the Chinese people, encompassing their racial origin, inorganic and organic environment, sociological environment, physical, emotional, and intellectual characters, family structures (marriage, parents and children), political history, general and local government, laws, military system, ecclesiastical institutions, professional institutions, accessory institutions, bodily mutilations, funeral rites, laws of intercourse, habits and customs, sports and games, domestic life, industrial institutions, arts, agriculture, sentiments and moral ideas, religious ideas, superstitions, knowledge, and language.
Chinese Mythology: Explores the origins and characteristics of Chinese mythology, examining the reasons for its unique characteristics and its development over time.
Cosmogony: Delves into the fascinating creation myths of the Chinese, particularly the legend of P’an Ku, the mythical being who shaped the universe out of chaos.
The Gods of China: Introduces the diverse pantheon of Chinese deities, examining their origins, powers, and relationships to one another. It highlights the importance of ancestor worship and explores the deities of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
Myths of the Stars: Discusses the Chinese belief in astrology and the influence of celestial bodies on human affairs. It explores the various star gods, including the God of Literature, the Goddess of the North Star, and T’ai Sui, the celestial spirit who presides over the year.
Myths of Thunder, Lightning, Wind, and Rain: Explores the myths surrounding these powerful forces of nature and the deities associated with them, such as Lei Tsu, the Ancestor of Thunder, and Fêng Po, the God of the Wind.
Myths of the Waters: Examines the role of dragons in Chinese mythology, their powers, and their relationship to the waters. It explores the legends of the Dragon-kings, who rule the seas, and other aquatic deities.
Myths of Fire: Discusses the myths associated with fire and the deities who control it, including Ch’ih Ching-tzŭ, the personification of fire, and Chu Jung, the Red Emperor.
Myths of Epidemics, Medicine, Exorcism, Etc.: Examines the beliefs and stories surrounding illness, healing, and the expulsion of evil spirits. It explores the Ministry of Epidemics, the God of Medicine, and the Exorcists like P’an Kuan and Chung K’uei.
The Goddess of Mercy: Delves into the legend of Kuan Yin, the most beloved Buddhist deity in China, and her journey to become a Buddha, sacrificing her hand and eye to save her father.
The Eight Immortals: Presents the fascinating stories of these eight Taoist immortals, each representing different aspects of Chinese society and virtue, and their travels to the sea.
The Guardian of the Gate of Heaven: Explores the legend of Li Ching, the Pagoda-bearer, and his son No-cha, a powerful warrior who ultimately sacrifices himself to save his parents.
A Battle of the Gods: Examines the epic battles between the gods and demons, particularly the clash between Chun T’i and T’ung-t’ien Chiao-chu.
How the Monkey Became a God: Reveals the legendary journey of Sun Hou-tzŭ, the Monkey King, from his birth on Hua-kuo Shan to his role as protector of the Buddhist pilgrim Hsüan Chuang on his quest to the Western Paradise.
Miscellaneous Legends: Presents a variety of other captivating legends, including those of the supernatural people, the casting of the great bell, the origin of a lake, and the tale of the Miao people.

View on Life:

Ancestor Worship: A central tenet of Chinese religion, reflecting the importance of family and lineage, and the belief that deceased ancestors continue to influence the living.
Taoist Philosophy: Emphasizes harmony with nature, the importance of the ‘Way’ (tao), and the pursuit of immortality through spiritual cultivation.
Buddhism: Preaches compassion, the cycle of rebirth, and the possibility of achieving enlightenment through good deeds and meditation.
Confucianism: Focuses on ethics, social harmony, and the importance of education and respect for hierarchy.
Yin-Yang Dualism: A pervasive belief system that views the universe as a balance between opposing forces, the masculine yang (active, light, positive) and the feminine yin (passive, dark, negative), emphasizing the interconnectedness and dynamism of all things.
Supernaturalism: Belief in spirits, demons, and other supernatural beings, reflecting the influence of these forces on human lives and the importance of propitiation and ritual in maintaining harmony.

Scenarios:

P’an Ku’s creation of the universe: The mythical being P’an Ku shapes the world from chaos, embodying the process of order emerging from disorder.
Nü Kua’s repair of the heavens: The mythical goddess mends the broken heavens after a catastrophic battle, signifying the restorative power of harmony and the importance of maintaining balance.
The journey of the Eight Immortals: The eight immortals travel to the sea, showcasing their diverse talents and abilities, and demonstrating the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through exploration and adventure.
The capture and release of Sun Hou-tzŭ: The Monkey King’s adventures highlight his rebellious nature, his struggle with authority, and his eventual transformation into a protector of the Buddhist faith.
Hsüan Chuang’s journey to the Western Paradise: The Buddhist pilgrim’s epic journey to obtain the sacred scriptures, guided by the Monkey King, represents the quest for knowledge, enlightenment, and the triumph of good over evil.
Miao Shan’s journey to Buddhahood: The goddess sacrifices her hand and eye to heal her father, demonstrating the power of compassion, selflessness, and the possibility of achieving enlightenment through acts of virtue.
The building of Peking: The story of the city’s founding reveals the importance of planning, leadership, and the belief in the power of supernatural forces to influence destiny.
The marriage of the River-god: The superstitious practice of offering a bride to the River-god to appease his wrath and ensure the safety of the people.

Challenges:

P’an Ku’s struggle against chaos: Embodies the primal struggle between order and disorder, and the effort required to create a stable and habitable world.
Nü Kua’s restoration of the heavens: Highlights the challenge of maintaining cosmic balance and the consequences of imbalance.
Sun Hou-tzŭ’s battle against the demons: Represents the ongoing conflict between good and evil, and the hero’s struggle to control his own powerful but sometimes destructive nature.
Hsüan Chuang’s journey to the Western Paradise: Highlights the trials and tribulations encountered on the path to enlightenment, demanding courage, resilience, and steadfast commitment.
Miao Shan’s sacrifices to achieve Buddhahood: Reveals the challenges of renouncing worldly desires and pursuing spiritual perfection, demanding selflessness and unwavering faith.

Conflict:

The clash between Heaven and Earth: The duality of yin and yang represents the dynamic forces of creation, and their potential for both harmony and conflict.
The battle between good and evil: A central theme in many Chinese myths, exemplified by the conflicts between gods and demons, and the struggle of heroes to uphold virtue and vanquish evil.
The struggle between human desires and spiritual aspirations: A common theme in many legends, such as the Monkey King’s battles with his own unruly nature, and Miao Shan’s sacrifices to achieve Buddhahood.
The tension between tradition and change: Exemplified by the evolution of Chinese mythology itself, as new ideas and influences from other cultures are integrated into the existing belief system.

Plot:

P’an Ku’s creation of the universe: A simple but powerful story arc, showcasing the emergence of order from chaos, culminating in P’an Ku’s self-sacrifice, providing the raw materials for the world.
Nü Kua’s repair of the heavens: A linear story arc, illustrating the dramatic consequences of cosmic imbalance and the heroic efforts required to restore order and harmony.
The journey of the Eight Immortals: A series of interwoven episodes, showcasing the individual talents and challenges faced by each immortal, culminating in their triumph over the forces of darkness.
Sun Hou-tzŭ’s adventures: A complex, nonlinear narrative, following the Monkey King’s rebellious nature, his encounters with various deities and demons, his imprisonment, and his eventual transformation into a protector of Buddhism.
Hsüan Chuang’s pilgrimage to the Western Paradise: A linear but complex journey, following the pilgrim’s quest for the sacred Buddhist scriptures, overcoming numerous obstacles and trials, culminating in his successful return and his elevation to a position of spiritual authority.
Miao Shan’s journey to Buddhahood: A series of interwoven trials, showcasing the goddess’s unwavering commitment to her spiritual path, her sacrifices to heal her father, and her eventual triumph over adversity and the attainment of Buddhahood.

Point of View:

Third person perspective: The vast majority of the text is presented from a third-person omniscient perspective, providing a comprehensive overview of the various deities, events, and beliefs.
First person perspective within legends: Some legends are told from the perspective of the protagonist, such as in the stories of Shên I, the Divine Archer, and Ch’un-yü Fên, offering a more intimate and engaging perspective.
Folklore perspective: The text often presents information from the perspective of common beliefs and traditions, revealing the popular understanding of the myths and legends.

How it’s Written:

Narrative style: The book primarily employs a narrative style, weaving stories and legends to present information about Chinese mythology.
Descriptive language: The text utilizes vivid and descriptive language to create a rich and immersive experience for the reader, bringing the mythical figures and events to life.
Example: “From his eyes shone golden streaks of lightning, which filled the palace of the North Pole Star with light. This light subsided as soon as he was able to take nourishment.” This excerpt from the legend of Sun Hou-tzŭ’s birth utilizes vivid imagery and descriptive language to paint a picture of the monkey’s powerful birth and its significance within the celestial realm.

Tone:

Informative: The text aims to inform the reader about Chinese mythology in a comprehensive and objective manner.
Respectful: The text displays a respectful tone towards the mythology and beliefs, acknowledging their significance within Chinese culture.
Engaging: The author employs a storytelling approach to present the material, making it both informative and entertaining for the reader.

Life Choices:

Miao Shan’s renunciation of worldly desires: The goddess chooses to pursue a spiritual path, renouncing her royal status and privileges to devote herself to achieving enlightenment.
Sun Hou-tzŭ’s rebellion and redemption: The Monkey King’s actions reveal his struggle between fulfilling his own desires and adhering to a higher moral code, ultimately choosing to serve a greater purpose.
Hsüan Chuang’s commitment to the Buddhist faith: The pilgrim priest chooses to embark on a difficult journey to the Western Paradise, demonstrating his unwavering devotion to his faith and his mission to bring knowledge and enlightenment to his people.

Lessons:

The importance of family and lineage: The stories of Sun Hou-tzŭ, Miao Shan, and Ch’ên Kuang-jui reveal the importance of filial piety, family loyalty, and the enduring bonds of blood.
The transformative power of good deeds: The stories of Miao Shan and Sun Hou-tzŭ demonstrate that acts of compassion, selflessness, and repentance can lead to redemption and spiritual growth.
The pursuit of enlightenment and knowledge: The journeys of Hsüan Chuang, Miao Shan, and the Eight Immortals highlight the quest for understanding and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through hardship and sacrifice.
The importance of balance: The belief in the interplay of yin and yang emphasizes the need for harmony between opposing forces, and the consequences of imbalance.

Characters:

P’an Ku: The mythical creator of the universe, a powerful being who shapes the world from chaos.
Nü Kua: The mythical goddess who repairs the heavens, demonstrating the restorative power of harmony and the consequences of imbalance.
Yü Huang: The Jade Emperor, a powerful ruler of the celestial realm, often seen as the embodiment of cosmic justice.
Sun Hou-tzŭ: The Monkey King, a rebellious and powerful figure who embodies human nature’s both its potential for good and evil.
Hsüan Chuang: The Buddhist pilgrim who undertakes the arduous journey to the Western Paradise to obtain the sacred scriptures.
Miao Shan: The Goddess of Mercy, a selfless and compassionate figure who sacrifices her hand and eye to heal her father and ultimately attains Buddhahood.
Li Ching: The father of No-cha, a general who faces the challenges of raising a rebellious and powerful son.
Chiang Tzŭ-ya: A wise and skillful general who plays a crucial role in the founding of the Chou dynasty.

Themes:

The power of compassion and selflessness: Exemplified by the stories of Miao Shan and Hsüan Chuang, who sacrifice their own well-being to help others, highlighting the importance of empathy and altruism.
The struggle for control and power: Revealed in the stories of Sun Hou-tzŭ and the various demons, showcasing the consequences of unchecked ambition and the need for self-control.
The importance of balance and harmony: The belief in yin-yang dualism underscores the interconnectedness of all things and the necessity of maintaining equilibrium.
The transformative power of belief: Revealed in the stories of Miao Shan and Sun Hou-tzŭ, where faith and devotion play a crucial role in their journeys of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Principles:

Ancestor worship: The belief that deceased ancestors continue to have an influence on the living and that honoring them through rituals and sacrifices is essential for maintaining harmony and well-being.
The Way (tao): The Taoist concept of a universal, natural order, emphasizing living in harmony with the universe, seeking balance, and pursuing inner peace and enlightenment.
Karma and reincarnation: The Buddhist belief in the cycle of rebirth and the importance of good deeds in determining one’s future.

Intentions of the Characters:

P’an Ku: To bring order and form to the universe, creating a habitable world for beings to exist.
Nü Kua: To restore harmony to the cosmos, maintaining balance and preventing further chaos.
Yü Huang: To uphold cosmic justice and rule the celestial realm, ensuring order and stability.
Sun Hou-tzŭ: Initially, to assert his independence and power, but later to demonstrate his strength and skill in service of a greater purpose.
Hsüan Chuang: To obtain the sacred Buddhist scriptures and spread the teachings of enlightenment, seeking to alleviate suffering and guide others towards a path of virtue.
Miao Shan: To achieve enlightenment and become a Buddha, dedicating herself to helping others and spreading compassion throughout the world.

Unique Vocabulary:

T’ai chi: The Grand Terminus, the ultimate source of all things in Chinese philosophy.
Tao: The ‘Way,’ the guiding principle of Taoist philosophy, representing natural order and harmony.
San Chiao: The Three Religions, referring to Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
K’uei: A constellation associated with the God of Literature, symbolizing the pursuit of learning and scholarship.
Shan Hai Ching: The Hill and River Classic, a ancient Chinese text containing descriptions of mythical creatures and lands.

Anecdotes:

The legend of Chang Tao-ling: This story illustrates the desire for immortality and the power of magic in achieving it. It also reveals the tension between the pursuit of personal enlightenment and the potential for deception and manipulation.
The tale of the Monkey King (Sun Hou-tzŭ): This epic narrative showcases the Monkey King’s rebellious nature, his adventures in the heavens and the underworld, and his eventual transformation into a protector of Buddhism. It embodies the themes of power, rebellion, and the transformative power of faith.
The story of Miao Shan: This legend emphasizes the power of compassion and selflessness, demonstrating the ability of a human being to achieve enlightenment through unwavering devotion and sacrifice. It also explores the complexities of family relationships and the potential for conflict between duty and personal aspirations.

Ideas:

The importance of filial piety: A fundamental concept in Chinese culture, emphasizing respect for parents and elders, and the duty to care for them.
The interconnectedness of all things: A core belief in Chinese philosophy, recognizing the interdependence of all aspects of the universe, and the impact of individual actions on the larger cosmic order.
The pursuit of immortality: A persistent theme in Chinese mythology, reflecting the desire for a life beyond the limitations of mortality and the belief in the possibility of achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Facts and Findings:

The origin of the name ‘China’: Most authorities believe it derives from the name of the feudal state of Ch’in, which unified the country and established the monarchy.
The existence of the “Great Wall of China”: A massive defensive structure built over centuries to protect China from invaders, stretching for thousands of miles.
The origins of the queue: A hairstyle mandated by the Manchu dynasty, symbolizing their dominance over the Chinese people.
The impact of Buddhism on Chinese culture: Introduced to China in the first century A.D., Buddhism has profoundly influenced Chinese religion, philosophy, and social practices.

Statistics:

The population of China: At the time of the book’s writing, the population was approximately 400,000,000.
The number of animals sacrificed to Confucius each year: Approximately 66,000.
The number of pictures of the Kitchen-god worshipped twice a month: Around 60,000,000.
The number of Buddhist and Taoist priests praying at the Temple of Hua Shan: Fifty.
The number of Buddhist priests enslaved in Slow-carts Country: Around five hundred.
The number of difficulties faced by Hsüan Chuang on his journey to the Western Paradise: Eighty-one.

Point of View:

The text is written from a largely objective point of view, presenting the mythology and legends as they are understood within Chinese culture. The author avoids imposing a Western interpretation or judgment on the material, instead aiming to provide a comprehensive and respectful exploration of the beliefs and stories.

Perspective:

The book provides a unique perspective on Chinese culture, revealing the intricate tapestry of beliefs, stories, and practices that have shaped the nation’s history and identity. It highlights the depth and complexity of Chinese mythology and its enduring significance in shaping the worldview and daily lives of the people. It also offers a glimpse into the historical and cultural influences that have shaped the development of Chinese mythology, demonstrating its interconnectedness with social structures, philosophical ideas, and religious practices.

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