The scripture on the ten kings and the making of purgatory in medieval Chinese Buddhism

Abstract

Between the seventh and ninth centuries, the Chinese mind became preoccupied with a concept of the afterlife that persists into modern times. To be reborn, the deceased must successfully negotiate passage through ten courts of law, each ruled by a magistrate or king. The pains of transition from death to rebirth can be alleviated by the intercession of the living with contributions to the Buddhist church and bribes of spirit money.

Contents

App. 10. Manuscript Copies of The Scripture on the Ten Kings -- App. 11. A Chronology of the Life of Chai Feng-ta -- App. 12. Texts Copied by a Man in His Eighties -- App. 13. Texts and Inscriptions Mentioning Tao-chen -- App. 14. The Bodhisattvas in The Scripture on the Ten Kings.