Research on the Structure of the "Early Transmitted Manuscripts" of the Tao Te Ching and Its Evolution

Author: Ning Zhenjiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The structure of the Laozi refers to the division of chapters, the order of chapters, the division of sections, and the order of sections in the book. The current structure of the Laozi in its present form was not achieved overnight; it has undergone a long process of evolution and formation. Therefore, this book refers to the Laozi manuscripts that existed before the current form, were still in a stage of development and evolution, and had structural differences (more or less) from the present version as the "early manuscripts" of the Laozi. Based on case studies of the Guodian Chu Bamboo Slips Laozi and the Mawangdui Laozi, this book conducts an in-depth study of the structural manifestations and evolution of the division of chapters, the order of chapters, the division of sections, and the order of sections in the "early manuscripts" of the Laozi. The chapter arrangement of the Laozi in this book still follows the commonly accepted current version. In terms of phrasing, it is based on the Mawangdui Jia and Yi texts, Chu Bamboo Slips, and Wang texts, with the He Shanggong text, Fu Yi text, Jinglong Stele, and other texts as important references for collation. With archaeological discoveries like the Chu Bamboo Slips and Mawangdui Jia and Yi texts, as well as the research achievements of countless experts over the years, one of the most meaningful tasks in the current field of Laozi studies in China is to pool wisdom and collective efforts to present a more faithful transmission of Laozi's thoughts to the public, based on the Mawangdui Jia and Yi texts, Chu Bamboo Slips, and Wang texts, supplemented by the He Shanggong text, Fu Yi text, Jinglong Stele, and other manuscripts, to replace the widely accepted current version, which is riddled with errors.