英文摘要 |
The ”journey” in ”Journey to the west” 西遊記can be understood in different ways. Building on previous studies, this paper investigates the meaning of the term ”文章遊戲textual frolic” and how it is used to describe the progressively deeper stages in the practice of Daoist inner alchemy. This paper also examines how changes in name and form of the protagonist are used to represent the various transformations and levels of experience of the novel's characters. Also covered are the use of metonymical expressions and the softening of boundaries through the use of poetic metaphor, pithy formulas, and humor. Finally, this paper examines how the three stages of inner alchemy-refinement of essential matter into vital breath 煉精化氣, refinement of vital breath into spirit 煉氣化神, and refinement of spirit back to emptiness 煉神還虛-are presented metaphorically in the novel in terms of critical junctures and battles with demons along the journey. We can see how the master and his disciples practice austerities and interact with the demons, causing their bodies to shift, interchange and integrate, culminating in a unity of body and mind which transcends the ordinary human condition. |