Early Daoist Scriptures

Author: Stephen R. Bokenkamp
Secondary Author: Peter Nickerson
ISBN: 9780520219311

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 Included are translations of the earliest Daoist commentary to Laozi's Daode jing (Tao Te Ching); historical documents relating the history of the early Daoist church; a petitioning ritual used to free believers from complaints brought against them by the dead; and two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

Publisher: University of California Press
Publish Date: 1999

Subjects: Body, Mind & Spirit / I Ching, Social Science / Ethnic Studies / General

This book is available in the following Community Centers: Cross-Cultural Center (Location: Religion/Spirituality (RLGN))