Daoist Writs and Scriptures as Sacred Beings

Authors

  • Jihyun Kim Seoul National University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/post.38025

Keywords:

Daoist Scripture, Sacred Writs, Veneration of Scripture, Visualization, Recitation, Qi

Abstract

The formation and solidification of canonical scriptures in Daoism facilitated the establishment and development of the religious tradition. In particular, medieval Daoism was grounded on a unique conception of writs and scriptures. The Daoist concept of scripture is founded on a belief system in which letters and sounds are particular forms of qi, or the omnipresent “pneuma and energy.” Such a way of thinking provides a lead for understanding the Daoist veneration of scriptures and other various practices. The aim of this paper is to explore the characteristics of Daoist canonical scriptures as “sacred beings,” mainly through an investigation of the Daoist perspective on scriptures, scripture-worship, and the relationship between scripture and practice.

Author Biography

  • Jihyun Kim, Seoul National University

    Jihyun Kim, Associate Professor, Department of Religious Studies, College of Humanities, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea.

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Published

2019-08-02

How to Cite

Kim, J. (2019). Daoist Writs and Scriptures as Sacred Beings. Postscripts: The Journal of Sacred Texts, Cultural Histories, and Contemporary Contexts, 10(1-2), 122-143. https://doi.org/10.1558/post.38025