Traditional Chinese beliefs in the afterlife described in “Yuli baochao”: Orthodox Buddhism and popular beliefs

Abstract

“Yuli baochao”, or “Precious Copies of Jade Tablets”, is one of the most popular books known as “morality”, or “shanshu” genre books (善书). They were widely spread among the common people of China. The origins of “Yuli” date back to the Song period; they had been constantly amended and added to throughout their existence up to the present time. “Precious Copies” were propagated by faithful followers as the book itself states that its copying and distribution is of great virtue. It is therefore not surprising that many copies exist today.
The content of the “Precious Copies of Jade Tablets” presents a special interest. It describes Chinese popular beliefs in the afterlife that emerged over time and now comprise a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist and local religious beliefs.

Keywords:

China, popular beliefs, popular literature, “Yuliba ochao”, “Precious Copies of Jade Tablets”, Shanshu genre, mythology, religion, Chinese culture, afterlife