Description
Book SynopsisThis work argues that the most profound and far-reaching effects of Buddhism on Chinese culture occurred at the level of practice, specifically in religious rituals designed to cure people of disease, demonic possession, and bad luck.
Trade Review"Strickmann unearths the history, literature, and fundamental assumptions of Buddhist and Taoist religious rituals and offers a wealth of astute social and literary commentary. He combines the highest standards of philological and historical scholarship with an eye for the spiritually bizarre, the socially telling, and the psychologically gripping detail—all in a style that is elegant, entertaining, well-organized, and always accessible."—Stephen F. Teiser, Princeton University
"Strickmann's love for his subject shines through in his sprightly and witty writing; his work also demonstrates impeccable scholarly authority."—J.W. Dippmann, Central Washington University
"This fascinating book, amassing a wealth of scholarship on Daoism and Tantric Buddhism, expands our vision and draws attention to numerous important topics in the study of East Asian religions."—
Daoist Studies"This thought-provoking book is an important contribution to the study of medicine and religion in medieval China... that looks critically at the mutual influences and intersections of Taoist and Buddhist practices..."—
Journal of American Academy of Religion"As a guide to the jungle of curious elements in Chinese and Japanese medieval cultures,
Chinese Magical Medicine is a highly fascinating study."—
History of ReligionsTable of ContentsPreface 1. Disease and Taoist law 2. Demonology and epidemiology 3. The literature of spells 4. Ensigillation: a Buddho-Taoist technique of exorcism 5. The genealogy of possession 6. Tantrists, foxes and shamans.
