Taoist Stories

Author: Yang Yuhui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-04-01
Features: Most existing Taoist scriptures are collected in the Zhengtong Daozang compiled during the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty. After the Ming and Qing dynasties, new Taoist texts were mainly included in the Daozang Waiji (External Scriptures of the Daoist Canon). Like religious scriptures such as Buddhist Scriptures and the Bible, Taoist texts are not merely profound teachings but also interpret their doctrines through vivid and thought-provoking stories. This book selects dozens of stories from various Taoist scriptures and presents them in modern vernacular. These stories largely reflect the ancient pursuit of life ideals and embody the Taoist philosophy and life aspirations. The selected stories are generally of four types: 1) Describing the origins of Taoist deities; 2) Narrating the cultivation journeys of famous immortals; 3) Reflecting Taoism's ideals and perspectives on life; 4) Illustrating the rewards and punishments of good and evil in the mortal world. The content of the stories covers various aspects, making them rich and diverse, and largely reflecting the complexity and diversity of Taoist thought. Many of these stories have long become classics in the history of Chinese culture, their rich imagination and profound wisdom deeply captivating people. It is believed that this Taoist Scriptures and Stories will not only provide readers with a window to understand Taoism but also offer joy and enlightenment in life.