Tang Dynasty Religious Beliefs and Society

Author: Rong Xinjiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: This book takes a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach for the first time to comprehensively elaborate on the religious beliefs of the Tang Dynasty and their relationship with society, covering various aspects such as the history of religion, the history of thought, the history of art, the history of law, and the history of cultural exchange. However, this book is not a comprehensive general history in a chapter-based format. Instead, it is structured around an overall framework conceived by the editor, with each scholar contributing their original research findings. This collection can be considered one of the most authoritative interdisciplinary studies on the Tang Dynasty in recent years, representing the cutting-edge level of current research on the history of Tang religious beliefs and the social history of the Tang Dynasty.
This volume employs research methods from history, religious studies, archaeology, linguistics, and other fields to analyze various religious and belief-related topics popular in Tang society from both religious and social perspectives. It attempts to connect these issues with the broader social structure of the time, not only fully demonstrating the problem awareness and academic standards of the scholars but also providing an alternative perspective on the interaction between Tang society and religion.
The focus of this collection is on religion, yet it analyzes Tang society from different angles. In terms of content, it explores religious and belief forms across multiple social strata, regions, and ethnic groups. In terms of social structure, it pays attention not only to the relationship between the emperor, the upper aristocracy, and religion but also examines the beliefs of the common people. In terms of geographical space, it balances local and central perspectives. In terms of social activities, it encompasses state systems, rituals, laws, and social customs, among other aspects.