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| Early
Daoist Scriptures by Stephen R. Bokenkamp |
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Eastern philosophy and culture have always been a mystery
for western people and Stephen R. Bokenkamp in his book “Early
Daoist Scriptures” attempted to reveal a part of this
mystery. It is a very interesting book that involves both
professional researchers of Eastern civilization and ordinary
readers since the information is presented in quite an interesting
and vivid form that make the book attractive for all readers
regardless their preferences.
In fact the book is focused on the sacred texts of Daoism
that are of a paramount importance for the world cultures
at large and for Chinese in particular. The reason why these
texts, which are of the primary concern of the author of the
book, are of a paramount importance for Chinese culture is
the fact that for many centuries Daoism has played a central
role in the development of Chinese thought and civilization.
Unfortunately, Western readers are barely acquainted with
the sacred texts revealing the entity of Daoism since only
a few of the texts have been translated in English. At this
respect, the book of Stephen R. Bokenkamp can really help
in filling this gap in knowledge of western people concerning
Daoist sacred texts and Chinese civilization at large. Moreover,
Stephen R. Benkamp introduces western readers to the world
of ancient scriptures which have never been published in English
before. It means that his work is really innovative and original
and makes sacred Daoist texts accessible to the wide audience.
In general the book is characterized as a systematic presentation
of the sacred texts that provides a reader with an excellent
opportunity to get some information about the development
of early Daoism, its main trends and basic principles. To
put it more precisely, the book covers the period from the
2nd to the 6th c. C.E.
Furthermore, the author attempts to analyze the relation of
Daoist culture to other cultures developing in neighboring
countries. for instance, he indicates that “From the
fourth century of our era, we can observe the formation of
a Buddho-Taoist eschatology, in which the main actions…
are of the Buddhist origin, and in which conceptual stylistic,
and terminological elements are largely borrowed from popular
Mahayana… [Nonetheless] it was the Taoist vision that
provided the model for the structure as a whole. It was a
Taoist vision that provided a coherent complex of eschatological
expectations into which all these disconnected Buddhist themes
became incorporated and welded into an integrated whole, and
it was also Daoism that filled some essential gaps by providing
the materials for which there was no Buddhist counterparts:
the apocalyptic battle, the judgment, and the creation of
an ideal world” . However, Bokenkamp does not limit
himself relating Daoism to Buddhism only he also attempts
to trace the links of Daoism with another significant philosophical
school, namely with Confucianism that was also quite close
to Chinese culture.
Speaking about the structure of the book, it basically comprises
representative works from each of the principal Daoist traditions.
Each chapter of the book is accompanied by an introduction
that places the material within the historical and cultural
context. It should be pointed out that the book includes the
translation of such important works of Daoist culture as the
earliest Daoist commentary to Laozi’s Daode Jing (Tao
Te Ching), historical documents relating history of the early
Daoist church, a petitioning ritual used to free believers
from complaints brought against them by the dead, and two
complete scriptures, one on individual meditation practice
and another designed to rescue humanity from the terrors of
hell through recitation of its powerful charms.
Thus, taking into consideration all above mentioned, it is
possible to conclude that the book “Early Daoist Scriptures”
by Stephen R. Bokenkamp is quite interesting to read, it is
well structured and properly organized, provides information,
which have never been published in English before. This is
why it is possible to say that this book is particularly helpful
for those who are interested in Daoism. It will be particularly
for students on religion and scholars exploring sacred Daoist
literature because the book provides readers with a much-needed
introduction to Daoism. The book also serves as an overview
to every aspect of early Daoist tradition and all the seminal
practices, which have helped to shape the religion as it exists
nowadays. Consequently the book is absolutely necessary for
understanding Chinese civilization and it needs to be read
and the research started by the author has to be continued.
Bibliography:
1. Bokenkamp, S.R. (Ed.). Early Daoist Scriptures. Berkley:
University of California Press, 1997.
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