Page 364 - The Encyclopedia of Taoism v1_A-L

DAOMEN SHIGUI 325

1. "Origins and Branches of the Taoist Teaching" CDaojiao yuanpai" m~?Jlj{
~) expands on the introduction concerning the history of Taoism. Teachings
conveyed to *Huangdi prior to the appearance of the Daode jing are traced to
Taishang [*Laojun] in his manifestation as *Guangcheng zi. The textual trans-
mission of Zhengyi by the ancestral Celestial Master (zu tianshi tJ3.3( roJ), i.e.,
*Zhang Daoling (second century), *Jingming dao by *Xu Xun (trad. 239-374),
Lingbao by *Ge Xuan (trad. 164- 244), and *Shangqing by Lord Mao (*Maojun),
i.e., Mao Ying ;!if 7Jil., are all likewise said to have originated with Taishang
[Laojun). Followers of the Dao are advised to investigate the origins of scriptural
writings so that they will be able to discriminate between authentic and deviant
teachings.
2. "Scriptures and Registers of the Taoist Community" CDaomen jinglu" m F~
~~~) lists the scriptural writings of the Three Caverns (*SANDONC) of Laojun
critical to both esoteric and exoteric practices and recommends faithful recita-
tjon according to established procedure. Talismanic registers (*LU) conveyed by
Zhang Daoling, Ge Xuan, and Mao Ying are corn mended as historically efficacious
but many registers in circulation are said to be defective and in need of careful
review by qualified instructors.
3. "Guarding Quiescence in Seated Confinement" CZuohuan shoujing" ~ III ~ j1jJ)
outlines the essentials for pursuing a Quanzhen practice of solitary contempla-
tion, from the selection of an enlightened master and establishment of a retreat
in the wilderness to a list of readings.
4. "Practice of the Retreat Ritual" CZhaifaxingchi" 3l!'tf ~ ii:fif) links the sacrificial
offerings of high antiquity to the scriptural foundation of the Lingbao revelations
and finds unity in the schools behind major compilations on ritual practice.
5. "Lines of Transmission of Taoist Ritual" CDaofa chuanxu" m:f.ld$~) points
out the difficulty in recognizing false writings from the many branches of *leifa
(Thunder Rites) that arose from Qingwei and *Shenxiao schools of ritual. Find-
ing a qualified instructor is considered essential, as is staying clear of profiteers
selling registers and anyone engaging in spirit writing (see *foji) or other dubious
practices.
6. "Leadership of Abbots" CZhuchi lingxiu" 13: :fif~J[ :ffll ) takes up the qualifica-
tions, responsibilities, and restrictions governing those in charge of monastic
communities, with emphasis on seniority, profound devotion, and unswerving
dedication to established codes of conduct.
7. "Pursuing a Quest among Beclouded Waterways" CYunshui canfang" ~*
$ tr/J) concerns the physical and mental demands inherent in leaving home to
undertake a solitary study of the way of clarity and quiescence.
8. "Establishing Abbeys and Saving Humankind" CLiguan duren" :lz: Wl.ltA) sets
forth the responsibilities and regulations governing Taoist masters (*daoshi) who