
Early Daoist Scriptures
Stephen R. Bokenkamp(Author)
University of California Press
1st Edition
Published on 29. June 1999
Book
Paperback/Softback
520 pages
978-0-520-21931-1 (ISBN)
Description
For centuries Daoism (Taoism) has played a central role in the development of Chinese thought and civilization, yet to this day only a few of its sacred texts have been translated into English. Now Stephen R. Bokenkamp introduces the reader to ancient scriptures never before published in the West, providing a systematic and easily accessible introduction to early Daoism (c. 2nd-6th C.E.). Representative works from each of the principal Daoist traditions comprise the basic structure of the book, with each chapter accompanied by an introduction that places the material within a historical and cultural context. Included are translations of the earliest Daoist commentary to Laozi's "Daode jing (Tao Te Ching)"; historical documents relating the history of the early Daoist church; a petitioning ritual used to free believers from complaints brought against them by the dead; and, two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.
This book provides a much-needed introduction to Daoism for students of religion and is a welcome addition for scholars wishing to explore Daoist sacred literature. It serves as an overview to every aspect of early Daoist tradition and all the seminal practices which have helped shape the religion as it exists today.
This book provides a much-needed introduction to Daoism for students of religion and is a welcome addition for scholars wishing to explore Daoist sacred literature. It serves as an overview to every aspect of early Daoist tradition and all the seminal practices which have helped shape the religion as it exists today.
More details
Series
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Berkerley
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
5 figures, 4 tables
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
680 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-520-21931-1 (9780520219311)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Bokenkamp Stephen R.
Early Daoist Scriptures
E-Book
09/2020
1st Edition
De Gruyter
€34.49
Available for download
Persons
Stephen R. Bokenkamp is Professor of East Asian Languages and Culture at Indiana University.