Imagine being summoned by a brutal conqueror, not to face your demise, but to share the secret to immortality. This was the extraordinary, and true, story of Master Changchun, a revered Daoist master, and his perilous journey to the court of Genghis Khan in 1219.
Forget Sun Tzu's tactics. Enter the Hsu-Tang Library, a groundbreaking series delving into the heart of premodern Chinese literature. Unlike their Greek and Roman counterparts, these classics remain largely unexplored, promising a world beyond familiar names. Prepare for irreverent jokes, emperors in brothels, and a glimpse into the fascinating moral landscapes of a bygone era.
"Daoist Master Changchun's Journey to the West," translated for the Hsu-Tang Library, offers a firsthand account of this remarkable odyssey. Witness a world unseen through 13th-century eyes, traversing vast landscapes and encountering foreign customs. But remember, this is more than a travelogue.
Master Changchun embarked on a mission, following in the footsteps of Lao Tzu, to spread the Daoist "Way" to "barbarian" peoples. The text subtly portrays the violence of Mongol rule, reminding us this was a diplomatic dance on a tightrope. Changchun, though unwavering in his principles, remained at the mercy of the Khan, who yearned for the secrets to longevity.
Changchun's return wasn't without rewards. The Khan, satisfied with his newfound knowledge, granted tax exemptions and religious authority to the Daoist sect. But power often comes at a cost. A later Buddhist account paints a contrasting picture, accusing Changchun's followers of exploiting their privileged position. Was this journey a noble quest for peace, or a self-serving power grab?
Whatever the truth, Changchun and the Khan's fates were intertwined. Both died within days of each other in 1227. Their encounter resonates across centuries, offering a complex tapestry of diplomacy, religious power struggles, and the enduring quest for immortality.
The Hsu-Tang Library, with "Daoist Master Changchun's Journey to the West" as its first tile, invites you to explore the unfamiliar and unexpected. Dive into this classical garden of literature, witness history unfold, and challenge your preconceptions of a world long gone. The secrets lie not just in longevity, but in the unexplored narratives waiting to be discovered.
