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Cited by 68Chinese history and philosophyStudy and Philosophy of ReligionIndian and Buddhist Studies

Early Daoist Scriptures

Stephen R., Bokenkamp·1997·University of California Press eBooks
DOI 10.1525/9780520923126
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Abstract

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 Included are translations of the earliest Daoist commentary to Laozi's Daode jing (Tao Te Ching); historical documents relating the history of the early Daoist church; a petitioning ritual used to free believers from complaints brought against them by the dead; and two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

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Crossref · 10.1525/9780520923126

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  • Han Fei's approach to the Laozi is reminiscent of early commentaries to that text in that he tried to show how the language of the original could be illuminating for his purposes, not to offer a faithful interpretation by academic criteria.

    “Han Fei's approach to the Laozi is reminiscent of early commentaries to that text (such as the Xiang'er Commentary 想爾注 ; e.g., Bokenkamp 1997 : 30-31) in that he tried to show how the language of the original could be illuminating for his purposes, not to offer what we would uphold, by our academic criteria, as a faithful interpretation.”

    From Introduction: Han Fei and the Han Feizi (2013) · cites this paper as Bokenkamp 1997

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Authors
Stephen R., B.
Venue
University of California Press eBooks
Publisher
University of California Press
Published
1997-12-31
DOI
10.1525/9780520923126
OpenAlex
W4234150628
Cited by
68
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 4 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 5
FWCI
0.74
Type
book
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
University of California Press eBooks (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Chinese history and philosophy
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Philosophy › Study and Philosophy of Religion
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Indian and Buddhist Studies
Keywords
early Daoism, Daoist scriptures, Laozi, Tao Te Ching, charm, meditation practice, hell, Confucianism, Buddhism, Chinese religion

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