Early Daoist Scriptures

Bokenkamp, Stephen R.

ISBN 10: 0520203224 / ISBN 13: 9780520203228

Published by Berkeley: University of California Press, 1997

About this Item

Full Cloth. First Edition. Introduces the reader to ancient scriptures never before published in the West, providing a systematic and accessible introduction to early Daoism. Illustrations & Tables. Footnotes. Glossary of Chinese Characters. Works Cited. Index. 502 pp. Fine w/ Fine dj. Seller Inventory # 740

Bibliographic Details

Title: Early Daoist Scriptures

Publisher: Berkeley: University of California Press

Publication Date: 1997

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: New

Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

Edition: 1st Edition.

About this title

Synopsis:

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 Included are translations of the earliest Daoist commentary to Laozi's Daode jing (Tao Te Ching); historical documents relating the history of the early Daoist church; a petitioning ritual used to free believers from complaints brought against them by the dead; and two complete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.

Review:

What do we know about Daoism (Taoism) beyond Laozi and that slightly more obscure fellow Zhuangzi? A complex and colorful religious system grew up in China paralleling the developments of Buddhism and Confucianism, and yet there have been next to no translations of its key scriptures--until now. Scholar Stephen Bokenkamp has brought us six religious texts dating from the 3rd to the 6th centuries CE. These works, originally meant for secret transmission, span the concerns of the Daoist cosmos. They delineate sect origins, describe the unfolding of the universe, and tell the story of Laozi's journey to India and his influence on Buddhism. There are petitions to the vast bureaucracy of deities; guided meditations and visualizations; alchemical recipes for achieving longevity; and serpents, dragons, and gods galore. Given the intricacies and specialized terminology of religious Daoism, it is little wonder that more texts have not been translated. Bokenkamp's copious notes and extensive introductions make this volume all the more valuable and a necessary addition to any budding Daoist's bookshelf. --Brian Bruya