Transformations in Daoist Ritual Texts and Other Daoist Literature Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties

Dear Colleagues,

As a native and influential traditional religion of China, Daoism has shaped the lives of Chinese people for thousands of years. In this religious tradition, words hold a sacred significance, and many Daoist scriptures are believed to have been transitted to humans from the heavens. Daoist scriptures are central to ritual and other religious practices. Some classical texts are transmitted from the master as the main and even only cherished resource, and other ritual scripts are utilised in Daoist ritual and transmitted or circulated amongst the small group of local Daoists.

Because the many sects and traditions of the institutionalized Daoist religion have centered on their scriptures and other sacred writings, they have been held in the highest esteem and have served as indispensable guides and resources for the beliefs and practices of Daoist believers. Due to many historical factors, the Daoist scriptural traditions underwent fundamental changes since the Ming and Qing dynasties. However, modern research into these changes has not been adequately addressed.

In particular, two types of Daoist writings warrant renewed attention. First, there are ritual texts preserved by Daoist priests that are still utilized in modern Daoist ritual and other practices. Second, there are literati writings recognized as "Daoist literature" that reflect their own experiences and understandings of the Daoist religion. These two types of Daoist writings spread widely and became an important part of social activity and social practices. During the spread of these activities and practices, these two types of Daoist writings also underwent changes, which are reflected in the shifts in society and religion as well as the changes in politics, history, and culture.

We cordially invite you to contribute an academic paper to our journal on the theme of "Transformations in Daoist Ritual Texts and Other Daoist Literature Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties". Selected papers may encompass, but are not limited to, the exploration of the following research topics:

1. The composition and evolution of Daoist scriptural texts since the Ming and Qing Dynasties
2. The practical applications of Daoist texts in religious contexts since the Ming and Qing Dynasties
3. The circulation and transmission of religious texts within the Daoist communities since the Ming and Qing Dynasties
4. The artistic and symbolic dimensions of Daoist writings since the Ming and Qing Dynasties
5. Innovation and transmission of contemporary Daoist texts since the Ming and Qing Dynasties

Since the mid-20th century, the study of trends in various humanities disciplines through sociological or social historical approaches has been on the rise. In light of this, a multidisciplinary approach is preferred. Approaches from history, sociology, and anthropology are particularly welcomed. To bolster your arguments and perspectives, please support your findings with concrete case studies, meticulous analysis, and references to relevant literature.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, you initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200–300 words summarizing your intended contribution. Please send it to the Guest Editors, Dr. Jing Li ([email protected]), Dr. Bony Schachter ([email protected]), and Dr. Jacopo Scarin ([email protected]), or to the Assistant Editor of Religions, Ms. Margaret Liu ([email protected]). Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

Deadline for abstract submission: 31/12/2023

Deadline for full manuscript submission: 31/8/2024

We are looking forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Jing Li
Dr. Bony Schachter
Dr. Jacopo Scarin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• Daoist canonical texts
• Daoist literature
• Daoist ritual texts
• religious writings
• contemporary Daoist texts
• transformation of texts
• symbolism in writing
• circulation of texts
• Daoist community