BAOJUAN Meaning and
Definition
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Baojuan is a term used in Chinese culture to refer to a type of religious literature that emerged during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and reached its peak of popularity in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). The term "baojuan" translates to "precious scroll" or "valuable booklet" in English.
Baojuan are literary works that are deeply influenced by Chinese folk religion, Buddhism, and Daoism. They are often written in vernacular Chinese rather than classical Chinese, making them accessible to a wider audience of common people. Baojuan usually consist of short stories, legends, and moral teachings, and are meant to serve as didactic and spiritual guidance.
The content of baojuan varies widely, covering a range of religious topics such as the lives of deities, folk legends, moral parables, and guidelines for ethical behavior. Many of these texts offer explanations for common human problems and provide solutions through spiritual practice or moral lessons.
Baojuan were primarily produced as woodblock print booklets to be read aloud or privately by individuals, and they were often illustrated with elaborate prints. These booklets were widely circulated and played a central role in popular religious practices and rituals, often serving as tools for proselytization as well.
The study of baojuan provides valuable insights into the religious beliefs, practices, and cultural values of the Chinese people throughout history. Today, baojuan continue to be important cultural artifacts, studied by scholars and appreciated by those with an interest in Chinese religious and literary traditions.
Etymology of BAOJUAN
The word "baojuan" is a Chinese term that originated from the combination of two characters: "bao" (寶) and "juan" (卷).
The character "bao" (寶) means "treasure" or "precious". It conveys the idea of something valuable or important. In the context of "baojuan", it signifies that the texts contained in these booklets are considered precious or significant.
The character "juan" (卷) means "scroll" or "volume". It refers to a type of traditional Chinese document format that consists of a long strip of paper or silk, rolled up for storage and reading.
Together, "baojuan" (寶卷) translates to "precious scroll" or "treasured volume", suggesting the importance and value attributed to these booklets in Chinese culture.
