The Wang Fu 王浮

He lived during the reign of Emperor Hui of the Western Jin Dynasty.

As recorded in Volume 15 of Chu San Zang Ji Ji (A Collection of Records on the Translation of the Tripiṭaka) by Sengyou of the Liang Dynasty, Wang Fu once compiled Laozi Huahua Jing (The Scripture of Laozi Transforming into a Barbarian). This text elaborates that Laozi, together with Yin Xi (the Guardian of the Pass), traveled westward beyond the Flowing Sands (a historical term referring to the arid regions west of ancient China), propagated the great Dharma (Buddhist teachings), and later transformed into the Buddha’s form, founding Buddhism in Tianzhu (an ancient Chinese name for India).

This scripture later became the focal point of debates between Buddhism and Taoism. It served as the main basis for Taoists to attack and belittle Buddhism, exerting a profound influence on subsequent generations.

Wang Fu also wrote Shenyi Ji (Records of Divine Wonders), which has been lost.

Lu Xun compiled a one-volume edition titled Wang Fu’s Shenyi Ji, which is included in Gu Xiaoshuo Gouchén (An Anthology of Lost Ancient Novels).