Saturday, January 9, 2010

The Believing or not believing of Chinese Ghosts


Picture is (C) copyright to http://www.enghunan.gov.cn

There are many ghosts in Chinese culture. Ghosts have been believed and worshipped by Chinese for a few thousand years. Even Confucius said, "Respecting ghosts and gods, but away from them."

Many people believe ghosts, yet many don't. Chinese people often say, "If you believe it, there will be, but if you don't, there will not." Here is a story about this

saying.

Zhuxi was a famous scholar in the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279). He believed there were no ghosts in the world, so he decided to write an essay "No Ghost." It was said he was a great sage so even ghosts were afraid of him. If he said no ghosts, ghosts could no longer exist. When ghosts knew he was writing the essay, they gathered together to discuss this and decided to send the smartest ghost to entreat him abandon the writing.

So one night, the smartest ghost appeared at Zhuxi's desk and kowtowed towards Zhuxi repeatedly. Zhuxi was surprised and asked:

"Where comes the ghost? How dare you disturbing me at night."
"Yes, I am a ghost, but ..."
"Why don't you leave and why do you come in my study room?"
"I am here to entreat ..." replied the ghost.
"People are in the Yang world and ghosts are in the Yin world. We are in the different worlds so there are no way I can help you."
"I have very important things to entreat you, Sir."
"Ok, say it!"
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