Liturgy of the Most High for Daily Recitations - (Hardcover)

About the Book

A complete, meticulous English translation of the The Daoist Liturgy of the Most High for Daily Recitations, which is performed in Daoist temples every morning and evening.

Book Synopsis

The Daoist Liturgy of the Most High for Daily Recitations (Taishang xuanmen gongke jing) is performed in Daoist temples every morning and evening. The ritual aims at a perfected state for self-cultivation and serves as a religious prayer for universal salvation from sufferings and calamities in the world. The liturgical text includes recitations from a broad spectrum of Daoist traditions, including scriptures, chants, divine proclamations, litany of repentance, incantations, and hymns, which offers major insights into living Daoist beliefs and ritual traditions in contemporary Chinese communities. The complete, meticulous English translation is accompanied by annotations and a well-researched introduction that situates the liturgical text in its historical context and examines how the spiritual practices and ritual performances are described. Together, they provide the religious, textual, and historical depth for readers to understand the rich and indigenous religion of Daoism in China, highly recommended for those interested in Chinese culture and religion, and in inter-religious dialogues.

About the Author

Lai Chi Tim is Professor of Daoist Studies in the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he is also the Founding Director of the Centre for Studies of Daoist Culture and the Executive Associate Director of the Institute of Chinese Studies. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Divinity School, specializing in Daoism and the history of religions. His current research interests include the modern history of Daoism, Daoist ritual tradition in Guangdong, Daoist spirit-writing practices, and the Qing Daozang jiyao (Essentials of the Daoist Canon).