...This chapter explores the influence of Chinese conceptions of medicine and immortality in the development of the ideal religious type, known as “hijiri.” It begins with a discussion of “medicine hunts” undertaken by the court in the Yoshino region of Yamato in accordance...

...This chapter talks about Ge Hong's attempt to systematize the Western Han's beliefs in immortality, to defend them against detractors, and to insist on their core value for his tradition. Ge Hong argues that physical immortality is possible and can be attained through the practice of instrumental...