The Evolution and Social Customs of Monks and Nuns in Narratives of Past Dynasties

Literary images of monks and nuns have gone through a complex process of evolution since their emergence.Although there is no lack of images of eminent and virtuous monks past dynastic narratives,generally speaking,the images of monks and nuns have gradually changed from noble and unsullied to secular,from being respectful to disdainful and even hateful.Especially in the Ming and the Qing Dynasties,licentious monks and nuns were common.Their bad habits and behaviors not only corrupted the monastery,but also harmed society.The evil change of images of monks and nuns in literary works is due to the mutual influence and joint action of innate human evil and the evil of social customs.By exploring the evil transformation trajectory of monks and nuns in the narratives of past dynasties,especially the narratives of the Ming and the Qing Dynasties,and analyzing the causes of these changes,this article has profound significance on literary history and a positive sociological effect.