Abstract
- This article examines religious practices embedded in a board game designed by the Chinese Buddhist monk Ouyi Zhixu 蕅益智旭 (1599–1655). Not only are religious practices incorporated in the design of the board and dice, but Ouyi frequently discusses their importance in his instruction manual for the game.He emphasizes the profound moral and religious transformation that can result from practices, including recollection of Amitābha Buddha, repentance rituals, and meditation. Ouyi draws upon such practices to suggest that his own game can turn players’ thoughts towards enlightenment and overcome karmic obstacles, either by stimulating the compassionate response of Buddhas and bodhisattvas or by revealing one’s own Buddha nature. However, Ouyi does not fully explain the rules of play, which leaves room for ambiguity on the stance players should take towards the game; should it be performed like a religious practice, or just played? This article explores the religious and ludic possibilities that emerge when rituals and other religious practices appear in the context of a game.