Quote Originally Posted by ghostexorcist View Post
I think the fact that the Classic was mentioned in noted Chinese stories shows that it was well known at that time. As for Gan Fengchi, I have no official documentary evidence that he practiced the Classic. However, I think the similarities between his skills and those taught in the Classic, and that a character based on him used the Classic, suggests that he may have been a practitioner himself. I'll be sure to search Chinese documents about his life before I decide to officially publish the article. That may not be for years given my lackluster Chinese skills at the moment.
Greetings ghostexcorcist,

Widely known is not the same as widely practiced, as you have written.

I suggested the use of annotation for the oral histories as a means to preserving the knowledge, until such documentary evidence becomes available that can support it or otherwise. This way speculation that you have offered is kept to a minimum and traditions are respected. There is no shame or fault in writing "There is no documentary evidence to support this". Otherwise, I appreciate your contributions.

mickey