The Ghost Festival in Medieval China

A well researched and well written account on the Ghost Festival. I began with limited knowledge about Chinese history, beliefs, and traditions yet was able to read this without difficulty. I found the evolution of Mu-lien's story rather fascinating. In the beginning he is an ordinary son who tries to atone for the sins of his mother, who has died and turned into a hungry ghost. As the decades pass, Mu-lien begins a close relationship with the buddha. He implores Buddha to help his mother and release her from her torments. Eventually Mu-lien's character journeys into hell (similar to Dante's Inferno) to rescue his mother. Along the way he sees the many levels and torments in hell.

The author explores not only the history of mu-lien, but touches on ancient Chinese society and the rise of religion in the culture. He also discusses how the festival brought the culture together, yet also kept it separate.