Page 365 - The Encyclopedia of Taoism v1_A-L

THE ENCYCLO P ED IA OF TAOISM A- L

dedicate themselves to what is considered to be the mission of highest priority,
the alvation of others.
9. "Cash Crops and Land Taxes" O ingu tianliang" ~~ EI3 m) takes up the financial
management of a monastic estate, largely dependent upon annual tax revenue for
structural maintenance as well as for the various rituals conducted throughout
the year on behalf of the community. Any attempt to sell goods and services for
personal profit reportedly leads to commensurate punishment.
ID . "Restoration of Palaces and Abbeys" CGongguan xiuqi" '§. {~lE) makes a
case for state support on the basis of historical precedent, owing to the insuf-
ficiency of local tax revenue for keeping an abbey fully maintained.

Judith M. BOLTZ
ID BoltzJ. M. 1987a, 241- 42

* Zhang Yuchu; Zhengyi; MONASTIC CODE

daoshi

"master of the Dao"; Taoist master; Taoist priest or priestess

Since about the sixth century, Taoist organizations have commonly used the
term daoshi to denote an ordained cleric In relation to the broader community,
such a person "represented Taoist culture on a professional basis" (Reiter 1998,
vii). Within the Taoist community, the designation was generally reserved for
a person who (a) has mastered specific efficacious knowledge connected to
the Dao, and the ritual skills whereby such knowledge can be put into effect
in the world; and (b) who has therefore been authorized to employ such
knowledge and skills for the benefit of the community. The precise nature of
such knowledge and skills were determined by the traditions of the specific
religious community that authorized and conducted the ordination.
Modern scholars have yet to produce a complete and balanced picture of
the roles and functions of daoshi throughout history. Their explanations usu-
ally mirror their general conceptions of the nature and contours of Taoism
itself. In addition, understanding the Taoist priesthood has been hampered by
its marginalization in modern China: while scholars studying the Buddhist or
Christian priesthood have always been able to observe and interact with many
such priests- from the ordinary cleric who fulfills only standard roles, to the
outstanding exemplars of the tradition's highest ideals- students of Taoism