For centuries Daoism (Taoism) has played a central role in the development of Chinese thought and civilization, yet to this day only a few of its sacred texts have been translated into English. Now Stephen R. Bokenkamp introduces the reader to ancient scriptures never before published in the West, providing a systematic and easily accessible introduction to early Daoism (c. 2nd-6th C.E.). Representative works from each of the principal Daoist traditions comprise the basic structure of the book, with each chapter accompanied by an introduction that places the material within a historical and cultural context. Included are translations of the earliest Daoist commentary to Laozi's Daode jing (Tao Te Ching); historical documents relating the history of the early Daoist church; a petitioning ritual used to free believers from complaints brought against them by the dead; and two complete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. In addition, Bokenkamp elucidates the connections Daoism holds with other schools of thought, particularly Confucianism and Buddhism. This book provides a much-needed introduction to Daoism for students of religion and is a welcome addition for scholars wishing to explore Daoist sacred literature. It serves as an overview to every aspect of early Daoist tradition and all the seminal practices which have helped shape the religion as it exists today. 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 "A diligent search of previous scholarship would turn up much of this information, but it heretofore has not been gathered together in a single volume and never with the immediacy of the Daoists' own words. This book will surely lead to a greater understanding of Daoism among Sinologists and scholars of religion."--Terry Kleeman, "Journal of Asian Studies "A work of historic proportions. . . . A whole new world of ancient religious life is being opened to us here, and readers can trust Bokenkamp to guide them through that world." Russell Kirkland, University of Georgia "Bokenkamp, whose previous works on Daoism are already deservedly well known and appreciated, presents complete translations of six major Daoist texts. His introductions to each of them delineate and elucidate some points of both the history and fundamental notions of Daoism, which so far have remained unclear or subject to debate. This book will undoubtedly provide a better understanding of Daoism." Isabelle Robinet, author of Taoist Meditation: The Mao-shan Tradition of Great Purity "A work of historic proportions. . . . A whole new world of ancient religious life is being opened to us here, and readers can trust Bokenkamp to guide them through that world."—Russell Kirkland, University of Georgia "Bokenkamp, whose previous works on Daoism are already deservedly well known and appreciated, presents complete translations of six major Daoist texts. His introductions to each of them delineate and elucidate some points of both the history and fundamental notions of Daoism, which so far have remained unclear or subject to debate. This book will undoubtedly provide a better understanding of Daoism."—Isabelle Robinet, author of Taoist Meditation: The Mao-shan Tradition of Great Purity " Early Daoist Scriptures combines the latest and best of world scholarship on the Daoist religion with fluent and accurate translations of essential primary sources. Professor Bokenkamp gives both the general public and specialist alike our first study of religious Daoism that tells the story of the development of its rich and complicated beliefs, practices, and institutions in historical and social context. Elegantly and cearly written, the book is a delight to read; it should also be the authoritative word on the subject for years to come." —Suzanne Cahill, University of Ca