Daoist Identity: History, Lineage, and Ritual

Kohn, Livia, and Harold D. Roth (editors)

ISBN 10: 0824825047 / ISBN 13: 9780824825041

Published by University of Hawaii Press, 2002

About this Item

Stiff color pictorial wraps. New/as issued. 1st ptg. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

Seller Inventory # 055549

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Daoist Identity: History, Lineage, and Ritual
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0824825047
• ISBN 13: 9780824825041
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: New
• Book Type: Book
• Seller catalogs:
  • Philosophy
  • Myth, Religion & Folklore

About this title

Synopsis

Daoist Identity is an exploration of the various means by which Daoists over the centuries have created an identity for themselves. Using modern sociological studies of identity formation as its foundation, it brings together a representative sample of in-depth analyses by eminent American and Japanese scholars in the field.

The discussion begins with critical examinations of the ways identity was found among the early movements of the Way of Great Peace and the Celestial Masters. The role of sacred texts and literary culture in Daoist identity formation is discussed. The volume then focuses on lineage formation and the increasing role of popular religious practices, such as spirit-writing, in modern Daoism since the Song dynasty. Finally it discusses the Daoist adaptation and reinterpretation of Buddhist rites, such as the feeding of souls in hell and the use of ritual gestures, and the changes made in contemporary Daoism in relation to traditional rites and popular practices.

Contributors: Asano Haruji, Suzanne Cahill, M. Csikszentmihalyi, Edward L. Davis, Terry F. Kleeman, Livia Kohn, Mabuchi Masaya, Maruyama Hiroshi, Mitamura Keiko, Mori Yuria, Peter Nickerson, Charles D. Orzech, Harold D. Roth, Shiga Ichiko, Tsuchiya Masaaki.

About the Author

Livia Kohn, Ph.D., is Professor Emerita of Religion and East Asian Studies at Boston University. The author or editor of over sixty books (including the annual Journal of Daoist Studies), she spent ten years in Kyoto doing research. She currently serves as the executive editor of Three Pines Press, runs international conferences and workshops, and guides study tours to Japan.