It is hoped a more complete consideration of this text will be posted to this site in future.
This divine autobiography was communicated by spirit writing ("fuji" or "fuluan") in 1181 CE mainly through the medium Liu Ansheng, though he had assistance from two sons and a cousin.
It records the various transformations of the god in this world and beyond. This transpires through the centuries and includes some of the god's impact on historical events. The reader may notice a somewhat bureaucratic aspect to concepts of the divine. This is not only because this god eventually becomes responsible for the civil service examinations and the careers of the scholar officials.
One telling example is the story of the woman informed in a dream that because she had died in a previous life before a divine decree for her death by lightning could be carried out, this was about to transpire in this life. Her noteworthy response was to go and stand under a tall tree as clouds darkened the sky and thunder rumbled and say:
This bride's death accords with karma and cannot be rejected. I worry much about the following: First, my husband is poor and my mother-in-law old. If they lose a wife at this late date who will serve them? Second, my mother and father taught and instructed me since my youth. If I am executed by Heaven, it will humiliate them. Third, I am now seven months pregnant. If by some remote chance I should have a boy, this will provide a descendant for the Zhi family. Now the first two problems cannot be avoided. My only worry is that the Zhi family will be left without descendants. I ask a slight extension of three months, so that I might die after giving birth. (p. 244)
The local god forwarded this prayer to Wenchang. Wenchang, "Submitted a memorial on her behalf." (p. 244) She was not executed.
This edition is richly furnished with explanatory material, including an historical survey of the cult of this significant deity.