Early Daoist Scriptures (Daoist Classics , No 1)

What do we know about Daoism (Taoism) beyond Laozi and that slightly more obscure fellow Zhuangzi? A complex and colorful religious system grew up in China paralleling the developments of Buddhism and Confucianism, and yet there have been next to no translations of its key scriptures--until now. Scholar Stephen Bokenkamp has brought us six religious texts dating from the 3rd to the 6th centuries CE. These works, originally meant for secret transmission, span the concerns of the Daoist cosmos. They delineate sect origins, describe the unfolding of the universe, and tell the story of Laozi's journey to India and his influence on Buddhism. There are petitions to the vast bureaucracy of deities; guided meditations and visualizations; alchemical recipes for achieving longevity; and serpents, dragons, and gods galore. Given the intricacies and specialized terminology of religious Daoism, it is little wonder that more texts have not been translated. Bokenkamp's copious notes and extensive introductions make this volume all the more valuable and a necessary addition to any budding Daoist's bookshelf. --Brian Bruya