Wang Deed True Supernatant Lingbao Dafa "study

In this dissertation, we take the canon which is called Shang-qing Ling-bao Da-fa (The Great Rites of the Shang-ch'ing ling-bao da-fa) as the research object. There are two editions of Shang-qing Ling-bao Da-fa in Taoist canon, of which one was edited by Wang Qi-zhen, and another was done by Jin Yun-zhong. In this dissertation, we pay more attention to the former which was edited by Wang Qi-zhen in Song dynasty. According the material in this canon, we find a liturgical tradition that regards the ritual as a important part in Taoism. The source of the liturgical tradition which combines the meditation of Shang-qing and liturgy of Ling-bao can be traced back to Jin dynasty. Some important canons were edited by master of this sect, which have a far reaching influence. We study the content of Shang-qing Ling-bao Da-fa firstly, and recover the earlier canon of Dong-hua which is named Tian-tai Si-shi-jiu Ping. Then, we describe the developing history of Dong-hua. The most important characteristic of Dong-hua is that the rite has two aspects change. On the one hand, it inherits the tradition both of Shang-qing and Ling-bao. On the other hand, it also transforms the rite of tradition. For example, the rite of Dong-hua has the character of region in Zhejiang, and most of Taoist of this sect live in his own home. These characters show that the sect turns into a new mode to meet the need of the change of the social environment. Basing on the content of the rite, we analyze the three parts of rite such as performance of body, document to god and meditation. The ritual mode of Dong-hua has affected the other sects after Song dynasty, even some Taoist rite today.The dissertation is composed of seven chapters. The first chapter traces back to the original state that combines the Shang-qing and Ling-bao in Wei-jin dynasty. And then, Shang-qing, Ling-bao, Zheng-yi constitute a whole system of Taoism. The relationship between Shang-qing and Ling-bao is closer than ever. For example, the famous master Si-ma Chen-zheng of Shang-qing also knows much more about the rite of Ling-bao. At the same time, affected by Brahman, many incantations enter into the rite of Taoism in Tang dynasty. As a result, a lot of sects appear in Song dynasty such as Shen-xiao, Jing-ming, Tian-xin, Dong-hua. And Dong-hua is a new type in these sects.The second chapter introduces the editors of two canons of Shang-qing Ling-bao Da-fa. First of all, we find out the time that two canons come into being. The author of the canon is the important clue for us to conclude the period of canon. The active time of Wang Qi-zhen has been confirmed by some material about his brother Wang Ling-bao. Some canons which have relationship with Shang-qing Ling- bao Da-fa are also introduced in the chapter. It reflects the deep influence and important status of Shang-qing Ling-bao Da-fa in Dao zang.In the third chapter, we show the history and four stages in the development of Dong-hua. The main content in the fourth chapter is Dao-fa (The Great Rites of the Way) of Shang-qing Ling-bao Da-fa which was edited by Wang Qi-zhen. The characters and mode of the sect are described too. We believe that there are some change happened when some Taoist sects develop in regional area. The rule that"Fa must consist with Lu"(Rite consist with Register) has transformed into that"Fa and Lu is dividable". That means that the knowledge of"Dao-fa"is impart disciple and needn't to obey the rule again. The change meet the need of the development of sect in regional society, because those Taoist almost live in their own house. Few of them can obtain the"Lu"from Long-hu Mountain. The authority of giving the"Lu"is empowers to Long-hu Mountain by emperor of Song dynasty.In the fifth and sixth chapters, the rite of Zhai-Jiao and Lian-du are described. Salvation of the ghost of ancestor is the purpose of these rites. The idea of salvation appears for long time ago, and different dynasty has different modality. Lian-du is the most important rite in South Song dynasty. Many kinds of rites of Lian-du are introduced in chapter sixth. Shang-qing Ling-bao Da-fa has done a few innovations in their rites.We classify the rite into three parts: performance of body, document for God and meditation. The function of each part and relation among them are explained in the seventh chapter.Finally, we claim that Shang-qing Ling-bao Da-fa set a standard for Ling-bao liturgy over the centuries.