Early Daoist Scriptures

Stephen R. Bokenkamp, Peter Nickerson

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English

University of California Press
29 June 1999

Religion & beliefs; Taoism; Sacred texts

Series: Daoist Classics

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 Included are translations of the earliest Daoist commentary to Laozi's Daode jing (Tao Te Ching); historical documents relating the history of the early Daoist church; a petitioning ritual used to free believers from complaints brought against them by the dead; and two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

By: Stephen R. Bokenkamp
Contributions by: Peter Nickerson
Imprint: University of California Press
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: Revised ed.
Volume: 1
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 680g
ISBN: 9780520219311
ISBN 10: 0520219317
Series: Daoist Classics
Pages: 520
Publication Date: 29 June 1999
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Stephen R. Bokenkamp is Professor of East Asian Languages and Culture at Indiana University.

Reviews for Early Daoist Scriptures

"""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"