Overview
The Fengdao kejie or ""Rules and Precepts for Worshiping the Dao"" dates from the early seventh century and is a key text of medieval Daoist priesthood and monasticism, which was first formally organized in the sixth century. Compiled to serve the needs of both monastic practitioners and priests in training it describes the fundamental rules, organizational principles, and concrete establishments of Daoist institutions. Speaking in their own voices and presenting the ideal Daoist life of their time, priests and recluses come to life in this fascinating ancient document. Livia Kohn here offers the first complete annotated translation of the Fengdao kejie. She begins with three introductory chapters that outline the development of Daoist organizations and institutions, discuss the date and compilation of the work, and present key issues of terminology and worldview. The text itself contains eighteen sections that address the importance of karma and retribution, the creation of buildings, sacred statues, and scriptures, the design of sacred utensils and ritual clothing, the organization and structure of the ordination hierarchy, as well as a number of essential rituals, from the recitation of the scriptures to the daily devotions and the ordination ceremony. The Daoist Monastic Manual offers a clear and vibrant description of the lifestyle and organizational structures of medieval Daoism, rooting the religion in the concrete reality of daily activities.
Full Product Details
Author: Livia Kohn (Professor of Religion, Professor of Religion, Boston University, USA)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Dimensions:
Width: 24.40cm
, Height: 2.10cm
, Length: 15.90cm
Weight: 0.467kg
ISBN: 9780195170702
ISBN 10: 0195170709
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 08 July 2004
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: To order
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.
Reviews
Thanks largely to Livia Kohn, we can say that the institutions of medieval Daoism are beginning to come to light. --China Review International<br> Kohn's meticulous translation brings the medieval world to life, giving readers a fascinating glimpse into the inspiring life of Chinese men and women who took up monastic vows. Highly recommended. --CHOICE<br>
<br> Thanks largely to Livia Kohn, we can say that the institutions of medieval Daoism are beginning to come to light. --China Review International<p><br> Kohn's meticulous translation brings the medieval world to life, giving readers a fascinating glimpse into the inspiring life of Chinese men and women who took up monastic vows. Highly recommended. --CHOICE<p><br> An outstanding contribution to Daoist studies. --Religion<p><br>
Author Information
Livia Kohn is Professor of Religion at Boston University. She has written or edited many books including, most recently, Monastic Life in Medieval Daoism: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (2003).
