Foreword: 

This book, “Mysticism in The Investiture of the Gods” is a translation from the original Vietnamese text.

The Chinese classical epic, “Reward for the Seven Sages,” recounts the tale of two monks—one practicing Taoism and the other Buddhism. Both attained enlightenment, possessed supernatural abilities, and held deep knowledge of the principles governing the changes of heaven and earth. Qu Chang Chun (Wu Ch’eng en), the Taoist monk, served as the King’s advisor, while Bai Yun, the Buddhist monk, acted as the Queen’s teacher. Engaged in a competition for superiority, they demonstrated numerous miracles, yet also faced accusations of slander. Ultimately, one monk became bald, and the other lost his pagoda. However, they later resolved their worldly affairs and reconciled with each other. Each authored a book aiming to harmonize Taoism and Buddhism, resulting in the revered classical Chinese mythical epics “The Nomination of the Gods” (also known as “Creation of the Gods”) and “Journey to the West”.

Over time, individuals lacking comprehensive knowledge of mysticism made various additions and comments on these works, complicating understanding for others.

The purpose of this book is twofold: first, to entertain readers by retelling the story of “The Investiture of the Gods” (also known as “Creation of the Gods”), and second, to elucidate the supernatural by examining the past to better comprehend the present. This endeavor is undoubtedly not undertaken in vain.