Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences: Journey to the Land of the Dead: Traditional Chinese Beliefs in Trials before the Last Judgment

Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences / Journey to the Land of the Dead: Traditional Chinese Beliefs in Trials before the Last Judgment

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Issue: Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences. 2017 10 (1)
Authors: Storozhuk, Alexander G.
Contact information: Storozhuk, Alexander G.: Saint-Petersburg State University 7/9 Universitetskaia nab., St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia;
Keywords: China; folksy beliefs; gods and deities; traditional culture; post-mortal judgement; history; religion
Abstract: The article covers the traditional Chinese issue of the so-called “post-mortal journey” of a soul (or aggregate of souls) to the place of the Final Judgment, carried out by the Infernal Supreme Jury. The main goal of the research was an attempt to recreate a clear and consistent outline of this journey, having been fixed in the number of texts and traditional ritual forms throughout the centuries. The research is based on the comparative-historical method, founded on texts of the Chinese folksy religion and on the modern temple practices. As a result the produced outline gives the detailed characteristics of a great many minor gods and deities, believed to register, examine and convoy the newly deceased souls to the Inferno. The results of the survey may be useful for studies in the traditional Chinese religion, literature, art as well as for the comparative philosophic researches. Main conclusions of the research are: “Minor gods of death” – a soul’s first post-mortal guides and guardians – play a greater role in folksy beliefs than the headmasters of prominent departments of the Inferno. These spirits become independent and unique phenomena no matter what classical religious traditions they ascend to. In spite of being fearsome cruel these spirits happen to be somehow surprisingly attractive and dear to a common believer (which can be proved with the evidences from both: traditional Chinese customs and modern mass-culture)
Pages: 117-123
Paper at repository of SibFU: https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/30765

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