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

Description

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 over vast distances 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. Similar in style, content, and vintage to the popular Buddhist novel Journey to the West (also known in English as Monkey), 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 being taken seriously 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, readers who enjoy international fiction, and readers with an interest in Daoism. Contents Preface & Acknowledgments Translator’s Introduction Preface Prologue 1 At Mount Pheasant Yoke, a Crane Refines Himself / At the Banks of the River Xiang, a Musk Deer Receives His Punishment 2 Seeking Escape from Samsara, the Crane Boy Is Reborn / Discussing Astrology and Physiognomy, Zhong and Lü Conceal Their Names 3 Han Yu Inscribes His Name on the Tiger Placard / Xiangzi Drinks the Wedding Cup in the Nuptial Chamber 4 Zhong and Lü Appear on Gold Sprinkle Bridge / Han Xiang Studies the Dao on Sleeping Tiger Mountain 5 By Cutting Down the Hibiscus, Mme. Dou Criticizes Luying / While Waiting at the City Gate, the Crowds Tease Xiangzi 6 Abandoning His Family Bonds, Xiangzi Cultivates Himself / A Transformed Beauty Tempts Xiangzi for the First Time 7 Tiger and Snake Block the Road to Test Han Xiang / Monsters and Demons Flee from Perfect Fire 8 A Bodhisattva Manifests a Numinous Sign as He Ascends to the Upper Realm / Han Xiangzi Guards the Elixir Cauldron with Firm Concentration 9 Han Xiangzi’s Name Is Recorded at the Purple Office / Two Shepherds Recognize a Divine Immortal 10 Bragging and Boasting, Turtle and Egret Bring Calamity upon Themselves / Singing Daoist Songs, Han Xiangzi Moves the Crowd 11 In Disguise, Xiangzi Transmits a Message / A Stone Lion Is Transformed into Gold 12 When Tuizhi Prays for Snow, Xiangzi Ascends the Southern Shrine / The Dragon King Bows and Follows Orders 13 Riding an Auspicious Cloud, Xiangzi Is Saluted by Emperor Xianzong / Discoursing on Complete Perfection, Xiangzi Chants a Poem 14 Rushing in at a Birthday Banquet, Xiangzi Engages the Guests in Conversation / Hearing of Nourishing Primordial Yang, Tuizhi Does Not Become Enlightened 15 Manifesting His Divine Powers, Xiangzi Lies Snoring on the Ground / A False Daoist Drinks Merrily before the Assembled Guests 16 Xiangzi Enters the Underworld to Examine the Registers of Life and Death / He Summons Immortal Maidens to Deliver Birthday Greetings 17 By His Divine Powers, Han Xiangzi Manifests Transformations / Lin Luying Is Entangled in Love 18 Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Respectfully Welcomes the Buddha Bone / Han Tuizhi’s Indignant Protest Gets Him Banished 19 Banished to Chaozhou, Tuizhi Travels to His Post / Crossing the River of Love, Xiangzi Rows the Boat 20 At the Village of Beautiful Women, a Fisherman and aWoodcutter Open Tuizhi’s Mind / On a Snowy Mountain, a Herdboy Awakens Tuizhi from His Confusion 21 Inquiring into His Fortune, Tuizhi Seeks an Oracle in a Temple / Seeking to Assuage His Hunger and Thirst, Tuizhi Stays in a Thatched Hut 22 Sitting in a Thatched Hut, Tuizhi Sighs to Himself / Expelling a Crocodile, the Celestial Generals Bestow Blessings on the People 23 Arduous Cultivation Leads Tuizhi to an Awakening / Willingly Guarding Her Chastity, Luying Remains Steadfast and Virtuous 24 Returning Home, Han Xiang Manifests His Transformative Powers / Shooting a Parrot, Mme. Dou Remains Attached to Her Illusions 25 Master Lü Sends a Dream to the Cui Family / Mother Zhang Two Makes a Marriage Proposal at the Han Mansion 26 Minister Cui Pretends to Act in the Public Interest while Taking Revenge for a Private Grudge / Two Fishermen Sit Together as They Cast Their Lines 27 At the Zhuowei Hermitage, Master and Servants Meet Again / Caring for an Ox, Han Yu Awakens to the Dao 28 On Cheating Mountain, a Woodcutter Shows the Way / Mother and Daughter-in-Law Cultivate Themselves in Magu’s Hermitage 29 A Bear-Man Carries Han Qing across the Mountain Ranges / An Immortal Transmits Mysterious Secrets to Mme. Dou 30 The Musk Deer Is Freed from HisWater Prison / The Han and Lin Families Together Realize the Sacred and Transcend the World Notes