Early Daoist Scriptures: 1 (Daoist Classics) - Hardcover

Bokenkamp, Stephen R

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0520203224 ISBN 13: 9780520203228

Publisher: University of California Press, 1997

Synopsis

Introducing the reader to ancient scriptures, this work provides a systematic and accesible overview of Daoism (c. 2nd-6th centuries). Representative works from each of the principle Daoist traditions comprise the basic structure of the book, with each chapter accompanied by an introduction that places the material within an historical context. Included are translations from the earliest Daoist commentary to Laozi's "Daode jing" (Tao Te Ching); historical documents relating the history of the early Daoist church; a petitioning ritual used to free believers from complaints brought against them by the dead; and two complete scriptures, one on individual meditation practice and another designed to rescue humanity from the terrors of hell through recitation of its powerful charms. In addition, Bokenkamp elucidates the connections Daoism holds with other schools of thought, particularly Confucianism and Buddhism.

About this title

Review:

"A diligent search of previous scholarship would turn up much of this information, but it heretofore has not been gathered together in a single volume and never with the immediacy of the Daoists' own words. This book will surely lead to a greater understanding of Daoism among Sinologists and scholars of religion."--Terry Kleeman, "Journal of Asian Studies

From the Back Cover:

"A work of historic proportions. . . . A whole new world of ancient religious life is being opened to us here, and readers can trust Bokenkamp to guide them through that world."--Russell Kirkland, University of Georgia

"Bokenkamp, whose previous works on Daoism are already deservedly well known and appreciated, presents complete translations of six major Daoist texts. His introductions to each of them delineate and elucidate some points of both the history and fundamental notions of Daoism, which so far have remained unclear or subject to debate. This book will undoubtedly provide a better understanding of Daoism."--Isabelle Robinet, author of "Taoist Meditation: The Mao-shan Tradition of Great Purity

About this edition

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0520203224
• ISBN 13: 9780520203228
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 520