Medieval Daoist Ordination: Origins, Structure, and Practice

Author: Livia Kohn

Source: Acta Orientalia Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, Volume 56, Numbers 2-4, 27 November 2003 , pp. 379-398(20)

Publisher: Akademiai Kiado

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Abstract:

Medieval Daoist ordination developed under Buddhist influence in the fifth century, but retained models of ancient Chinese blood covenants. While following the Buddhist model, which was essentially a membership ceremony, in its formalities and overall organisation, in its essence Daoist ordination was an empowerment and transference of allegiance, not from the family to an overlord, but from the world to the celestial realm. Daoists through ordination do not just leave the family but become active members of an otherworldly administration, with all the powers and obligations of this role.

Keywords: rites of passage; ordination; transmission myth; pledges; blood covenants; codes; precepts; Buddhist ceremonies

Document Type: Research article

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