“The great increase of wealth and power under [the Han] Dynasty [206 BC to 221 AD] led to a gradual deterioration in the character of the rulers and officials. The rigid Confucian regulations became burdensome to the people, who ceased to respect their leaders. Confucianism lost its hold as the complete solution of the problems of life. At the same time, Taoism had become a veritable jumble of meaningless and superstitious rites which served to support a hoard of ignorant and selfish priests. The high religious ideals of the earlier Taoist mystics were abandoned for a search after the elixir of life during fruitless journies to the Isles of the Immortals which were supposed to be in the eastern sea.”
from Buddhism and Buddhists in China by Lewis Hodous
Can I get a witness? What the hell, I’m just going to publish it.
Boghul & Acephale 