Kaiyuan Astronomical Treatise (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: (Tang) Qu Tan Xi Da, edited and annotated by Chang Bingyi
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-09-01
Features: The Yuankai Zangjing (Comprehensive Treatise on Astrology of the Kaiyuan Era) is a monumental work of ancient Chinese astrology and one of the most important astronomical texts. It integrates astronomy and astrology, blending science and superstition, combining the "Three Principles of Inquiry into the Relationship between Heaven and Humanity and the Transformation of Past and Present" with divination, making it one of the most distinctly Eastern ancient astronomical works. The Yuankai Zangjing was a dedicated work, and after its publication, feudal dynasties regarded it as top secret, monopolizing it for the imperial family and strictly prohibiting its dissemination outside. As a result, almost no copies survived in later generations. By the time of the modern era, even the imperial palace no longer had a copy of it. It was not until the 44th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1616) that Cheng Mingshan of She County, Anhui, discovered a manuscript copy of the Yuankai Zangjing by chance while gilding an ancient Buddha statue. This brought the book back into the light of day, allowing us to see this timeless masterpiece today. However, due to subsequent copying and dissemination, many manuscript copies of this book have been passed down. For example, the Beijing Library alone has at least three manuscript copies, which are largely identical in format and wording, with numerous errors and omissions. Among them are the photocopied edition of the Siku Quanshu (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries), the standalone editions published by China Bookstore and Yue Lu Book Company, and the Siku Shushe Lei Congshu series published by Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House.