The Daoist Tradition An Introduction

by Komjathy, Louis

• ISBN13: 9781441168733
• ISBN10: 1441168737
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-08-22
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic

Summary

Using a historical, textual and ethnographic approach, this is the most comprehensive presentation of Daoism to date. In addition to revealing the historical contours and primary concerns of Chinese Daoists and Daoist communities, The Daoist Tradition provides an account of key themes and defining characteristics of Daoist religiosity, revealing Daoism to be a living and lived religion. Exploring Daoism from a comparative religious studies perspective, this book gives the reader a deeper understanding of religious traditions more broadly. Beginning with an overview of Daoist history, The Daoist Tradition then covers key elements of Daoist worldviews and major Daoist practices. This is followed by a discussion of the importance of place and sacred sites as well as representative examples of material culture in Daoism. The work concludes with an overview of Daoism in the modern world.

The book includes a historical timeline, a map of China, 25 images, a glossary, text boxes, suggested reading and chapter overviews. A companion website provides both student and lecturer resources: www.bloomsbury.com/the-daoist-tradition-9781441168733/

Author Biography

Louis Komjathy is Assistant Professor at the University of San Diego, USA, and Research Associate at Shandong University, PRC. He also serves as Founding Co-Chair of the Daoist Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion and as Founding Co-Director of the Center for Daoist Studies.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Historical Overview 1. Approaching Daoism \ 2. The Daoist Tradition \ Part 2: The Daoist Worldview 3. Ways to Affiliation \ 4. Community and Social Organization \ 5. Informing Views and Foundational Concerns \ 6. Cosmogony, Cosmology, and Theology \ 8. Virtue, Ethics and Conduct Guidelines \ Part 3: Daoist Practices 9. Dietetics \ 10. Health and Longevity Practice \ 11. Meditation \ 12. Scriptures and Scripture Study \ 13. Ritual \ Part 4: Place, Sacred Space and Material Culture 14. Temples and Sacred Sites \ 15. Material Culture \ Part 5: Daoism in the Modern World 16. Daoism in the Modern World