先秦的变形观念及其发展

先秦基本上没有随意变形的观念,其变形主要为客观变形和隐显变化两种:客观变形以自然物为主要对象,一般是客观的、被动的;隐显变化以神鬼为主要对象,一般具有自由性和主动性,但只存在隐和显两种状态。以后,两种变化逐渐融合,先后出现了鬼神随意变形和精怪随意变形等形式,至魏晋,变形观念完全成熟。在变形观念的发展中,神仙思想、外丹黄白术、佛教观念等先后起了重要作用。

Changing Idea in Pre-Qin Dynasty and Its Development

Generally speaking, there was no free changing idea before the Qin Dynasty. There were two types of form changing in pre-Qin Dynasty: one was the objective and passive change in form and structure; another was concealed or apparent change. The main object of the passive change was natural things, and the change was usually objective and passive. The main object of the concealed or apparent change was ghost, and the change was free and subjective. But it only took one form, either concealed or apparent. Afterwards, these two types of changes gradually blend with each other. At first, free changing form of ghost emerged, and then free changing form of spirits appeared. The changing idea became mature in the Wei Dynasty and Jin Dynasty. During the evolving course of the changing idea, the thought of supernatural being and that of Buddhist played an important role.