六朝灵验类小说名义界定及其理论阐释

Definition and theoretical explanation of efficacious novels during the Six Dynasties

灵验类小说作为一种特殊类型的小说,学界至今没有一个统一的称谓和界定。从小说类型学角度来看,灵验类小说的名义界定不仅要注重题材和内容,还要关注形式与内涵,并结合政治、思想和文化因素,对灵验类小说文化内涵作进一步的梳理:其创作主体是"为佛教文化所化之人",对佛教文化有着强烈的文化认同感;其叙事内容由形式和意识两个层面构成。要之,六朝灵验类小说侧重对观音灵验事迹的记录,是时代主题的反映,也是佛教文化传播进程的映射。

As to efficacious novels as a special type of fiction,there is no agreed appellation and definition in the academic circle.From the theory of novel typology,the name and definition of efficacious novels are not only the subject matter and the content,but also the form and connotation.By combining these with political,ideological and cultural factors,the present essay attempts to undertake further combing of efficacious novels,believing that the subjects of their creation are“those cultivated by Buddhist culture”who strongly share cultural identity with Buddhism,and that the content of narration consists of such two levels as form and consciousness.In a word,efficacious novels during the Six Dynasties lay emphasis on recording Kuanyin's efficacious deeds,which is the theme of that age,reflecting the dissemination process of Buddhist culture as well.