Books in the Asian Religions and Cultures series

A study of the religious aspects of Chinese alchemy and its relation to the Taoist traditions of the early medieval period.

This book examines the interrelationship between narrative, ritual, and royal authority, including discussions of Daoism, yin-yang, and Buddhist doctrine, as depicted in a variety of texts from The Chronicles of Japan (7th century) to The Tale of the Heike (14th century).

This text 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.

This innovative book shows that throughout its history, contrary to received assumptions, Buddhism developed a sophisticated philosophy of materiality-one that allowed human beings to give shape and expression to their deepest religious and spiritual ideas.

Focusing on oracular texts, this text examines the role of divination in Chinese culture, particularly in religious practice. Drawing on ancient and modern sources, the author establishes the oracular sequence of important but obscure works.

This book is a detailed examination of a Chinese women's cult that confronts the dangers of pregnancy, childbirth, and childhood diseases.

The essays in this volume focus on the historical, institutional, and ritual context of a number of Japanese Buddhist paintings, sculptures, calligraphies, and relics-some celebrated, others long overlooked.