Daoism Studies

The Theory of “Min De Gui Hou”—Interpretation of the 18th Chapter of Laozi’s Tao Te Ching

Zhan Shichuang

2019(1): 1-13.

Abstract ( 30 )

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Daoism misses the beautiful ancient days when Dao was prevailing, but it does not shy away from reality. The 18th chapter of Laozi’s Tao Te Ching centers on the social problems arising from historical changes. Laozi mentions "ren yi" (benevolence and righteousness), "xiao ci" (filial and piety) and "zhong" (loyalty) without particular emphasis, but simply used historically rational statements. This demonstrates Laozi's dialectical thinking style of looking at both sides of arguments. The core purpose of Laozi's philosophical thinking is to guide people: to cultivate inner strength to achieve absolute sincerity and no delusions, in line with “tian de” (virtues of Heaven); and then to behave in an impartial and unselfish way, in line with “tian dao” (Dao of Heaven). The virtues of human can only be accumulated by conforming to the virtues and Dao of Heaven.

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Theories, Methods and Perspectives of European Studies of The Daoist Canon

Zhang Chongfu

2019(1): 14-24.

Abstract ( 42 )

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This paper analyses and summarizes the theories, methods and perspectives of European studies of The Daoist Canon. This paper holds that: European scholars adopt the theories of Western historical periodization, the Tang-Song transformation and micro-history to classify The Daoist Canon by three historical periods and two circulation modes; they take the lead in adopting the methodologies of digital humanities and internal textual criticism to chronologize the Daoist scriptures in The Daoist Canon; and they adopt the perspective of cultural anthropology to argue that as a great contribution to the cultural gene bank of human civilization, The Daoist Canon preserves rich cultural traditions and original ideas and wisdom, whose thinking mode is of great significance in making up for and solving the crisis of Western epistemology. Finally, this paper discusses the implication of European studies of The Daoist Canon and argues that the study requires not only macro theoretical guidance, but also the comprehensive application of micro methods.

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Mazu Scriptures and Rituals under the Influence of Daoism

Huang Jianxing, Hai Xiang

2019(1): 25-39.

Abstract ( 91 )

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The Mazu belief is closely related to Daoism. Under the influence of Daoism, the Ming and Qing dynasties produced lots of Mazu scriptures and rituals. The scriptures are mainly recited in rituals, which not only helps to promote the Mazu belief and Daoism, but also has the function of building up the morality. The rituals under the influence of different schools of Daoism have different content and characteristics. The Mazu rituals influenced by the Zhengyi Daoism have the similar structure with Daoist rituals, while the ones influenced by the Lvshan Daoism present shamanic and dramatic characteristics.

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Inner Elixir Practice and Taking Herbal Medicine in the Ming Dynasty

He Zhenzhong

2019(1): 40-49.

Abstract ( 80 )

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The combination of inner elixir practice and taking herbal medicine had been fully developed in the Ming dynasty, since alchemists improved their inner elixir practice by taking herbal medicine. This is because these two practices share the same goal: to compensate the lost energy (Jing, Qi, and Shen) in the course of life. Admittedly, they have their own understanding, in that alchemists regarded taking herbal medicine as the basis for inner elixir practice, while the TCM physicians attempted to prolong life and cure diseases by taking herbal medicine.

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A Review of Master Chen Yinke’s Research on the History of Daoism

You Shen

2019(1): 50-58.

Abstract ( 42 )

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In the 1930s and 1940s, Master Chen Yinke wrote a series of papers on the history of Daoism. First of all, he acknowledged Daoism’s status and contribution of in traditional Chinese culture, and highly praised Daoism’s tolerant and innovative attitude towards foreign thoughts, regarding it as the "true spirit of Daoism". Secondly, he focused on the relationship between Daoism and politics in the Wei, Jin and Southern and Northern dynasties, as well as the mutual exchange and influence between Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. In addition, by analyzing and demonstrating historical facts and making bold inferences, he made pioneering contributions to the research on the history of medieval Daoism.

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An Analysis of the Time Sequence of Several Alchemical Scriptures Based on the Time Axis of Xing Ming Gui Zhi

Chen Jinping

2019(1): 59-77.

Abstract ( 62 )

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Based on the time axis of Xing Ming Gui Zhi, This paper discusses the time sequence of several alchemical scriptures in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Through detailed textual comparisons, the author comes to the conclusion that Xing Ming Gui Zhi appeared earlier than works such as Dan Jing Mi Jue, Yin Zhenren Donghua Zhengmai Huangji Hepi Zhengdao Xianjing, Yin Zhenren Liaoyang Dian Wenda Bian, Wei Yan Zhai Yao, Wu Pin Jing, whereas Dan Jing Mi Jue appeared relatively late.

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The Study of Huang Di Yin Fu Jing in the Late Ming Dynasty and the Case of Conspiratory Papers: A Case Study of Zhang Wei and Lv Kun

Zhang Yonghong

2019(1): 78-100.

Abstract ( 62 )

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Zhang Wei and Lv Kun, the political opponents in the Wanli era of the late Ming Dynasty, were both related to the Case of Conspiratory Papers and had studied the Daoist classic, namely Huang Di Yin Fu Jing in depth. The popularity of the study of Huang Di Yin Fu Jing in the late Ming dynasty, in a sense, mirrored the public mindset and social currents at that time, which had been reflected in the dramatic Case of Conspiratory Papers and summarized by Zhang Wei and Lv Kun’s respective commentaries and annotations on Huang Di Yin Fu Jing.

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Daoist Scriptures of the Liumen Community — A Case Study of the “Separate Transmission outside the [Mainline] Teachings” in Late Qing and Republican Times

Volker Olles

2019(1): 101-115.

Abstract ( 60 )

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In the late Qing and Republican times, the Confucian Liumen (“Liu School”) community in Sichuan printed and circulated a large amount of Daoist works, thus playing an important role in the “separate transmission outside the [mainline] teachings” of Daoist scriptures. This paper provides a preliminary listing of Daoist scriptures handed down by the Liumen community, and grouped them into the three categories of ritual, morality, and self-cultivation according to the community’s division of labor between Dao and Ritual.

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A Scriptural Study of Yu Zhi Xin Yi in Wu-Shang Pi-Yao

Yin Changjie

2019(1): 116-132.

Abstract ( 35 )

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The 35^th volume of WuShang PiYao begins with a paragraph about Yu Zhi Xin Yi, which is of great value to study the Daoist rituals in the Six Dynasties period, and therefore has already been studied and defined by the scholars. For a long time, scholars have been focusing on the will of secular emperors embodied in Yu Zhi Xin Yi, but rarely addressed its scriptural and religious meaning. This paper analyzes the text about Yu Zhi Xin Yi, and WuShang PiYao as a whole, in an attempt to restore Yu Zhi Xin Yi’s specific reference and offer a new explanation of its meaning.

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Redrawing the Map of Religions in China?— A Review of Shijiao: A Comparative Research on the Fashi Ritual Traditions in South China

Zhang Chaoran

2019(1): 133-138.

Abstract ( 43 )

PDF (4261KB) ( 56 )

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