by Brian GriffithLike peasants in medieval Europe, the “superstitious” villagers of ancient China believed that everything was alive. To them, the streams, forests, mountains, or shorelines seemed enchanted like the landscapes of ancient Japan. In the days of humanity’s childhood, the world seemed vibrant with spirits of majestic power and beauty, be they … [Read more...] about China’s Childhood.
Brian Griffith.
The Dream of Unspoiled Nature and Uncorrupted Human Virtue.
by Brian Griffith In Chinese mythology, the legend of a lost “golden age” looms very large. The dawn of history is idealized as an original paradise, like a memory of childhood bliss. When early Daoists spoke of the Golden Age, they said it was a time of wonder, natural beauty, and real equality. With fond and likely exaggerated memory, they called it … [Read more...] about The Dream of Unspoiled Nature and Uncorrupted Human Virtue.
from THE FALL AND RISE OF CHINESE GODDESSES: Women in Primitive Daoism.
by Brian Griffith Like other saviors, Laozi (Lao Tzu) had a mother, and as her son was increasingly deified, she became a virginal mother of the deity. Reportedly, the mother of Laozi was none other than the Jade Maiden of Profound Wonder, who may be the same Jade Maiden who lived with Peng Gu, the first man (Chan, 1990, 39). As first described in Han times, Peng Gu had … [Read more...] about from THE FALL AND RISE OF CHINESE GODDESSES: Women in Primitive Daoism.
CHINESE GODDESSES: The Legend Emerges as a Future Dream.
by Brian GriffithAfter the first emperor conquered the whole Middle Kingdom in 221 BCE, China usually remained an empire under varying degrees of martial law. People were then ranked by their value to the rulers, and given privileges or restrictions accordingly. Women were generally regarded as existing to serve more powerful men. According to Pan Shaoping, “in the … [Read more...] about CHINESE GODDESSES: The Legend Emerges as a Future Dream.
Spiritual Adventures of Chinese Goddesses.
by Brian Griffithfrom his upcoming book, CHINESE GODDESSES (Exterminating Angel Press, Spring 2012)In reading the lives of immortal Chinese women we find broad patterns, like versions of Joseph Campbell’s hero journeys. Each immortal has a kind of life story, which tells her deeds and how she attained goddess-hood. The stages of their journeys often reflect natural phases … [Read more...] about Spiritual Adventures of Chinese Goddesses.