1

The Taoist “Renaissance”

Jeff Richey, Ph.D.

REL 213

Taoism and the Arts of China

Berea College

Short Term 2004

2

SONG 宋 DYNASTY CHINA (960-1279 CE)

Confucian scholars help stabilize Song dynasty after fall of Tang 唐 (618-906)

Grateful Song emperors embrace Confucianism and continue late Tang anti-Buddhist policies, although some support Taoism

After 1126, northern Song is lost to Jin 金 “ barbarians,” intensifying perception of dynastic and social fragility

General religious tone of Song: moralistic, nationalistic, syncretistic 　

3

TAOISM IN THE SONG

1019: Emperor orders first organization of Taoist canon (collection of authoritative texts)

1119: First mass printing of Taoist canon

1126: After loss of north, traditions based on Celestial Masters (Tianshi 天師 ) flourished in the south, while new traditions arose in the north – the “Taoist Renaissance”

4

“RENAISSANCE” OR “REFORMATION”?

Under foreign domination (Jin, 1127-1279; Yuan 元 , 1279-1368), Taoist movements in northern China undergo a radical transformation

Previous ritual traditions disregarded

Syncretic adaptation of Buddhist and Confucian elements

Strong emphasis on personal morality

1281: All Taoist texts burned by imperial order

Gradual disappearance of Taoism from public view

5

QUANZHEN 全真 (COMPLETE PERFECTION)

Founded by Wang Chongyang 王重陽 (1112-1170), ex-Confucian official

Interiorizes previously external practices (e.g., alchemy)

Spiritualizes previously physical goals (e.g., immortality)

Syncretistic blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism

Ascetic in character and monastic in organization

6

INNER ALCHEMY (NEIDAN 内丹 )

7

SEVEN TAOIST MASTERS (Qidaoshi 七道師 )

“Folk novel”: compiled by unknown author from oral sources

Possibly as early as Ming 明 (1368-1644), but probably dating from early Qing 清 (1644-1911)

Describes “Seven Perfecteds of the North” (Beiqizhen 北七真 )

Provides “road map” to Quanzhen spiritual path

8

MA DANYANG 馬丹陽(1100s)

Converted by Wang Chongyang along with his wife, Sun Bu’er 孫不二

PROBLEM: complacency

SOLUTION: simplicity

SACRIFICE: wealth

9

SUN BU’ER 孫不二 (1119-1182)

Converted by Wang Chongyang along with her husband, Ma Danyang 馬丹陽

PROBLEM: intellectualism

SOLUTION: selflessness

SACRIFICE: beauty

10

QIU CHANGCHUN 丘長春 (1148-1227)

Succeeded Wang Chongyang as Quanzhen leader

Courted by various emperors

PROBLEM: impatience

SOLUTION: faith SACRIFICE:

security

11

LIU CHANGSHENG 劉長生(1147-1203)

Became active Quanzhen missionary and eventual head of Quanzhen tradition

PROBLEM: sexual desire

SOLUTION: control SACRIFICE:

reputation

12

TAN CHANGZHEN 譚長真 (1123-1185)

Popularized idea of Quanzhen self-cultivation for solitary laypersons

PROBLEM: pride SOLUTION:

discipline SACRIFICE:

comfort

13

HAO TAIGU 郝太古(1149-1212)

Became active Quanzhen missionary

Incorporated Chan 禪 Buddhist ideas into Quanzhen

PROBLEM: inflexibility

SOLUTION: altruism SACRIFICE: property

14

WANG YUYANG 譚長真 (1142-1217)

Emphasized wuwei 無爲 as ideal for Quanzhen practice

PROBLEM: competitiveness

SOLUTION: meditation

SACRIFICE: respect

15

THEMES IN SEVEN TAOIST MASTERS

Importance of isolation in self-cultivation:1. Spatial isolation2. Social isolation

Importance of discipline in self-cultivation:1. Physical discipline2. Mental discipline

Harmony of the “Three Teachings” 　 　 　(Sanjiao 三教 ):

1. Buddhism2. (Neo-) Confucianism3. Taoism

16