Cosmology:
The Three Realms (三界 sānjiè) - the universe is divided into the Heaven Realm and the Earth Realm, with the Mortal Realm in between. The term is ultimately derived from the Three Realms of Hinduism & Buddhism, but these novels use it to refer to...
• The Heavens (天 tiān) : where the Jade Emperor rules at the head of the Celestial Court. Characters in several novels rebel against the Heavens to change their fate or to seek vengeance for perceived wrongs. Immortal cultivation is often (though not always) said to go against the Will of Heaven.
• The Mortal Realm (人界 rénjiè) (人间 rénjiān) : also called the human world. The setting of most of these novels, although some later branch out to explore the other realms.
• The Earth (地 dì) : contains the Underworld (地狱 dìyù) in its depths. The Underworld is also commonly called the Netherworld (冥界 míngjiè) or the Yellow Springs (黄泉 huángquán).
Six Paths of Reincarnation (六道轮回 liùdào lúnhuí) :
In the cycle of reincarnation, it is possible to be reborn as either a [1] Deva, [2] Asura, [3] Human, [4] Animal, [5] Hungry Ghost or [6] a Tormented Being in Hell.
[Note: Devas & Asuras are reborn in the Heaven Realm, Humans & Animals are reborn in the Mortal Realm, and Hungry Ghosts & Hell-beings are reborn in the Earth Realm.]
Karma (业 / 缘 / 因果 / 功德): Cosmic merit or demerit accumulated throughout one's life based on one's deeds. Determines which type of reincarnation (out of the Six Paths) they will experience in their next life. Some novels expand on this concept and have Karma affect even the daily lives of the characters or bind certain characters together through karmic ties/relationships.
Dao (道 dào): The origin and source of all things. It can be translated in many different ways, including The Way / Road / Path / Method. According to Daoism, it is the absolute principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the principles of Yin and Yang and signifying the way, or code of behavior, that is in harmony with the natural order. In these novels, characters often try to gain insights into the Dao, which can give them supernatural powers or even control over aspects of the natural world.
Yin & Yang (阴阳 yīnyáng): The duality present in all aspects of the universe. For instance: Yin is Female / Soft / Death / Dark / the Moon, while Yang is Male / Hard / Life / Light / the Sun - the comparisons are endless. Yin & Yang describe how opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they mutually give rise to each other.
Five Elements (五行 wǔxíng): Wood (木 mù), Fire (火 huǒ), Earth (土 tǔ), Metal (金 jīn), & Water (水 shuǐ). The fundamental elements which compose everything in the universe. They have a detailed cyclic relationship, and each of them have several symbolic meanings. Somewhat analogous to the Western Four Elements.
Qi (气): The vital energy which exists in all things. The cultivation of Qi is a major theme in Wuxia, Xianxia & Xuanhuan novels.
• Qi is sometimes written as "Ki" or "Chi". It can be translated in many different ways, including Breath / Vital Breath / Pneuma / Vital Energy / Spiritual Energy. (etc...)
• Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth (天地之气 tiāndì zhī qì) - the natural energy of the world.
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Beings & Creatures:
Gods (神 Shén) : Supernatural beings of tremendous power. In Xuanhuan novels, it's often possible to attain some form of godhood through cultivation.
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Chinese Terms, Honorifics And Mythologies
RandomThis book provides a comprehensive guide to commonly used honorifics, terms, and units in the Chinese language. It serves as a valuable resource for individuals who are using Chinese terms to write their stories', offering explanations and examples...
