(Pre-order) Daoist Liturgy of the Most High for Daily Recitation

The Daoist Liturgy of the Most High for Daily Recitation (Taishang xuanmen gongke jing 太上玄門功課經) 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 performance includes the recitation of texts from a broad spectrum of Daoist traditions, including scriptures, chants, divine proclamations, litany of repentance, incantations, and hymns, which offers major insights into the living Daoist beliefs and ritual traditions in contemporary Chinese communities.

This complete, meticulous English translation, based primarily on an extant Chinese edition from 1906, is presented in a bilingual format with the original Chinese text, 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 anyone interested in Chinese culture and religion, and in inter-religious dialogues.

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The broader Daoist tradition undeniably deserves an accurate popular presentation in translation, but it has not received one. This translation is a groundbreaking initiative and a first step towards introducing China’s own higher religion to an international readership.Executed to a high standard, this translation will be seen as an innovation of historical significance and will lead to greater recognition of a religious tradition that is a considerable adornment to Chinese civilization.

Ritual texts are central to the Daoist tradition, yet hardly any have been translated into English. This translation is a lucid, artful presentation of an extremely important liturgy. It will inaugurate a long overdue contribution to the fields of Daoist studies, Sinology, and religious studies. Executed with great skill, the translation is accurate and eloquent, elucidating the complex metaphors, mythological and historical figures, and nomenclature of the Daoist tradition in thoughtfully rendered English.