“The great leap is not in the body, but in the soul.”
Part One: The Beginnings
The novel opens in 18th-century China, where Wang Lun, a fisherman’s son, lives a simple life. After a violent encounter with corrupt officials, he flees his village and joins a wandering sect of martial artists and mystics. Wang Lun becomes disillusioned with the oppressive Qing dynasty and begins to question authority, setting the stage for his transformation.
Part Two: The White Lotus Society
Wang Lun is drawn into the White Lotus Society, a secretive Buddhist sect that resists the Qing regime. He rises through its ranks, gaining followers who believe in his spiritual and revolutionary vision. The society’s blend of religious devotion and rebellion against tyranny inspires Wang Lun to embrace his role as a leader.
Part Three: The First Leap
After a brutal crackdown by imperial forces, Wang Lun leads his followers in open revolt. The rebellion spreads, but internal divisions weaken the movement. Wang Lun makes his “first leap”—a symbolic act of defiance—by publicly denouncing the emperor and declaring a new path of resistance.
Part Four: The Second Leap
As the rebellion falters, Wang Lun retreats into meditation, seeking divine guidance. He emerges with a new philosophy: nonviolent resistance. His “second leap” is a shift from armed rebellion to spiritual defiance, urging his followers to reject violence while still opposing oppression. This confuses both his allies and enemies.
Part Five: The Third Leap
Imperial forces eventually capture Wang Lun. Facing execution, he makes his “third leap”—a final act of transcendence. Rather than resist or plead for mercy, he accepts his fate with serenity, turning his death into a symbol of unbroken defiance. His legacy lives on among his followers.
Key Ideas
- Spiritual rebellion against tyranny
- The conflict between violence and nonviolence
- Charismatic leadership and its pitfalls
- Religious mysticism as resistance
- The cyclical nature of revolution
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in historical fiction set in imperial China
- Those exploring themes of rebellion and spirituality
- Fans of philosophical and politically charged literature