Research on Dunhuang Documents Regarding Tang Dynasty Taoist Temples and Ordination Ranks
Texts about Taoist oaths in Dunhuang manuscripts provide detailed information about the ordination ranks used in Taoist monasteries during the Tang dynasty,and reveal the correlation between these ranks and the temple system of organization practiced within Taoism at the time.Lay disciples who practiced the Dao De Jiing道德经(The Classic of Virtue and the Tao)and those who practiced the Shijie Jing十戒经(Scripture of Ten Precepts)could receive the first two ordination ranks at the same time.It has been found that there were many names used for addressing male and female disciples of the first rank.Receiving ordination ranks and practicing Taoism in Taoist temples were not strictly correspondent to one other.For example,many Taoist followers could practice the precepts listed in scriptures,and then obtain clerical certificates that allowed them to practice in Taoist temples after becoming well-versed in these practices.Taoist priests could also receive ordination in different ranks from multiple temples.
Dunhuangmanuscripts about Taoist oathsTaoist templesTaoist ordination ranks
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