Researches Into Chinese Superstitions

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. We collect into this chapter. Under a general heading, written charms, hwa-fu petition and all kinds of magic scripts, devised by Buddhist monks, and especially by Taoist priests, tao-shi if, for the purpose of curing diseases, preventing or checking epidemics, expelling demons, counteracting evil influences and obtaining the protection of the Gods in all human ills. AS the misfortunes which befall men here below are countless, one may imagine the various devices, which these cunning folks, ever on the look out for gain, constantly invent. The drawing up of charms is one of the chief pursuits of Taoist priests, tao-shi 55: j; They have always some ready for every imaginable case, disease and condition, to which poor suffering mortals may be exposed.