The Travels of an Alchemist - The Journey of the Taoist Ch'ang-Ch'un From China to the Hindukush at the Summons of Chingiz Khan Review

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The Travels of an Alchemist - The Journey of the Taoist Ch'ang-Ch'un From China to the Hindukush at the Summons of Chingiz Khan ReviewThis is an incredible primary source, first hand account of a Chinese Taoist entourage that accompanied their master Ch'ang Chun (b1148) to the field headquarters of Genghis Khan in the Hindu Kush at his request, beginning in 1219. This tale was recorded by Li Chih-Ch'ang (b1193), who became a disciple of Chun in 1218 and traveled with his master on the long journey.
After Chun's death in 1227, Li became the Registrar of the Ch'uan-chen Taoist sect and Intendant of the Ch'ang-chun Temple. After the death of Genghis Li met with the new Khan Ogedei and in 1223 was appointed tutor to the crown princes in Peking. In 1233 he was ordered to build the Taoist temple in the new Mongol capitol at Karakorum. In 1238 Li became the chief abbot of the sect, and died in 1278 (I am not sure when he composed the "Hsi Yu Chi" as this book is known in the Taoist cannon).
Genghis summoned Ch'ang Ch'un in the hopes of learning the Taoist secrets of immortality. Their discourse is interesting as you would be hard pressed to find two more opposite characters. When the Khan asked if he had the elixir, Ch'un simply replied, "I have means of protecting life, but no elixir that will prolong it."
This is an adventure story that tells the tale of a very long and unique journey. Along the way there are many interesting characters. There is Liu Wen, the herbal master and adviser to the Khan. Chinkai, the highly decorated Mongol warlord who led the military escort that brought Ch'ang Chun to the Khan.
Perhaps the most interesting is the Kitan prince Yeh-lu Ch'u Ts'ai (1190-1244) who was the young governor of Peking when it fell to the Mongols. He became the Khan's Chinese secretary and adviser and wielded considerable power. There is an interesting historical fiction series about him called, "The Mystery of Genghis Khan" that postulates he was a leader in the conspiracy that armed Genghis and allowed his forces to begin their domination, and there is a considerable amount of plausible ideas put forward that I found interesting.
This book is not an easy read, especially if you are unfamiliar with the people and name-places, and the various inconsistencies in the spelling across the numerous sources. The book includes a very sorry map that certainly won't save anyone unfamiliar with the geography, so you may need a better one. Lastly, this text was first published in english in 1931 and was composed, I believe, sometime prior to 1878, so the writing style is, well, ancient.
Nevertheless I love the book and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Mongols, and their relations with the Chinese. This is one of a very few first hand accounts of the Mongols of this period available in english, and it is full of valuable information. Enjoy the journey.The Travels of an Alchemist - The Journey of the Taoist Ch'ang-Ch'un From China to the Hindukush at the Summons of Chingiz Khan Overview

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