Daoism Handbook (Handbook of Oriental Studies / Handbuch der Orientalisk - Part 4: China, 14) (Handbook of Oriental Studies/Handbuch Der Orientalistik) (Handbook of Oriental Studies: Section 4 China)

Thirty major scholars in the field wrote this new, authoritative guide to the main features and development of Daoism. The chapters are devoted to either specific periods, or topics such as Women in Daoism, Daoism in Korea and Daoist Ritual Music. Each chapter rigidly deals with a fixed set of aspects, such as history, texts, worldview and practices. Clear markings in the chapters themselves and a detailed index make this volume the most accessible key resource on Daoism past and present. This volume is part of the Handbook of Oriental Studies (Section 4, China). Kohn (religious studies, Boston U.) presents the work of 30 major scholars on the main features and development of Daoism, providing insight into the structure and organization of the religion from an integrative perspective. Each chapter deals with a fixed set of aspects--history, texts, worldview, and practices--with specific figures, texts, practices and other major themes highlighted for quick reference. Topics range from specific periods, schools and masters to women in Daoism, Daoism in Korea, elixirs and alchemy, immortality and transcendence, talismans and sacred diagrams, and Daoist sacred sites, art, and ritual music. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR This handbook provides key information on the Daoist tradition in an easily accessible yet highly readable format. It contains a coherent collection of thirty articles by major scholars in the field and presents the latest level of research available today. A highly useful resource for both scholars and students. I..............xi II..............1 III..............30 IV..............53 V..............74 VI..............109 VII..............134 VIII..............165 Edited By Livia Kohn. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes.