「輪迴」一詞原為佛教用語，然而卻深深影響近代民間宗教。從近代遊記類鸞書《洞冥寶記》、《地獄遊記》與《四海遊記》中輪迴概念的改變來看，鸞書所關注的部分已從原本地獄之刑罰轉向為真實世界的「轉生」。論文首先討論《洞冥寶記》、《地獄遊記》與《四海遊記》間輪迴的差異與改變，三本鸞書中的輪迴從投生的流程改變為一個具體的處所，再由處所「轉為我們生存的世界，顯示鸞書間對輪迴轉生關注點的不同。論文第三、四部分則集中討論《四海遊記》中對輪迴轉生的論述。第三部分處理人類轉生為水族的「懲罰」部分，筆者將鸞書中案例分為「單人轉生」與「多人同轉」進行討論。根據生前所做之惡行與轉生為水族的生活特性進行對照，將每個水族的特點及傳遞的訊息進行解構，探討轉生前所犯的罪業與轉生的關係，緊扣「帶業轉生」的意涵。第四部分則以水族修行中的「水族、動物轉生為人形、神祇」的部分為例，討論水族修行的意義與價值。藉著分析鸞書在非人類修行得道的敘述，推論鸞書在修行方面的處理及創新點。

The term ‘cyclic existence’ (lunhui 輪迴) originated in Buddhist discourse, but its influence in contemporary popular religion goes far beyond Buddhism. From looking at the changes in Phoenix [Hall] books resembling travel records) youji lei luanshu 遊記類鸞書) , such as the Precious Records of the Cavernous Netherworld (Dong mingbaoji 洞冥寶記), Travel Records of Earthly Prisons (Diyuyouji 地獄遊記) , and Travel Records of the Four Oceans (Sihaiyouji 四海遊記) , we see the focus of Phoenix [Hall] books already shifting from its original [concern with] punishment in earthly prisons to reincarnation in the real world. This paper first discusses the discrepancies and changes concerning cyclical existence in the works cited above. The ideas of cyclic existence within these three works changed from a flowing process of reincarnation to a specific location, and then from this location to our world of existence; [these depictions] demonstrate the varying points of concern towards cyclic existence and transmigration within Phoenix [Hall] books. The second and third portions of this paper focus the conversation on discussions of cyclic existence and transmigration in Travel Records of the Four Oceans. The third portion deals with the “Punishment” (chengfa 懲罰) section where human beings are reborn in aquatic forms. Idistinguish the examples in the Phoenix [Hall] books as “single person transmigration” (danrenzhuansheng 單人轉生) and “multiple persons transmigration” to advance the discussion. Based on a comparison between the evil conduct in a prior life and the special characteristics of aquatic rebirth, I deconstruct each trait of aquatic life and the message it imparts. I explore the relationship between the sinful karma of crimes prior to transmigration and [the act of] transmigration [itself] to tightly tie together the meanings of “bearing karma in transmigration.” The fourth section, in order to discuss the significance and value of aquatic life cultivation, takes an example of this from the section “Aquatic Life and Animals Reincarnated as Human Beings and Gods.” Through an analysis of the narrationin spirit writing books regarding transgressors’ cultivation to obtain the Way, we may draw conclusions on how Phoenix [Hall] books deal with aspects of cultivation and the books’ points of innovation.