CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS - University of Oregon

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ch'ang fg- ^ j^, and the other "Quick-Death", Tsao-kai-sze JfL f£
5E. These two monsters hurl the victims into the foaming torrent
beneath, where they are wafted towards the Four Continents (1),
there to be reborn as men, animals, birds, fishes or insects (2).
The romantic story of the "Records of Western Kingdoms",
Si-yiu-hi "j^f $fc f£ (3), has helped much in popularizing the doctrine
of the Buddhist Hades. Here is found related the fanciful descent
of the emperor T'ai-tsung •% ^ (A.D. 627-650), of the T'ang Jjg
dynasty, to the Underworld, his interview with the Ten Presidents,
and the prolongation of life which he obtained through
nivance of P f an-kwan -j|| *^, the registrar who keeps
Life and Death".
the con-
the "Book of
(1) According to Buddhist cosmogony, these 4 continents or islands, lie
respectively South, East, North, and West of M* Meru, the fabulous moun-
tain forming the centre of the universe. India and China are comprised
within the limits of the first continent. Mayers. Chinese Reader's Manual.
p. 310. — Chinese Superstitions. Vol. I. p. 133. note 2.
(2) See the "Wheel of Metempsychosis". Chinese Superstitions. Vol. I.
Illustration n° 60 ; Vol. VII. Illustration n° 53.
(3) Si-yiu-lti Bf^tlE- A fanciful account of the adventures of a Buddhist
monk, named Yuen-chwctng yt $£, who went to India in the 7*h century, and
after sojourning 17 years in the country, returned with 657 volumes, images
and pictures, all relating to Buddhism. Wylie. Notes on Chinese Literature.
p. 202.— Giles. Chinese Biographical Dictionary, p. 313.