What is The Bojia Dao 帛家道?
Paul PengThe Bojia Dao (The Bojia Sect) was a Taoist sect active during the Wei and Jin dynasties. It emerged from folk rituals practiced by Taoist priests in the Central Plains (northern China) and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, who operated under the name of Bo He. This sect was widely active in northern China and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang area.
Bo He, the founder of Bojia Dao, is listed in Ge Hong's *Biographies of Immortals* as an "Earthly Immortal." He cured the renowned Taoist Yu Ji of an illness and transmitted the *Taiping Jing* (Classic of Great Peace) to him, suggesting a connection with the Taiping Dao (Way of Great Peace). Bo He also obtained scriptures such as the *Three Emperors Astronomical Characters*, *True Forms of the Five Sacred Mountains*, and *Elixir Recipes*. The Bojia Dao later propagated the *Inner Scripture of the Three Emperors* and *True Forms of the Five Sacred Mountains*, and maintained links with the Tianshi Dao (Celestial Master Dao).
| Definition | Bojia Daoism is a relatively minor Taoist sect characterized by the use of talismans, ritual ceremonies, and folk beliefs. It emphasizes the use of talismans and rituals to ward off evil spirits and seek blessings. |
| Origins | The exact origins of Bojia Daoism are unclear, but it may be related to ancient shamanism, folk beliefs, or certain Taoist sects. It likely emerged from ancient worship of nature and mysterious forces. |
During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the Bojia Dao began to gain traction among the upper classes. In the Northern and Southern Dynasties, it prevailed in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region and influenced the formation of the Shangqing School (Highest Clarity Sect). Over time, it gradually declined and either merged with the Tianshi Dao or the Shangqing School.
| Talismans and Rituals | The core of Bojia Daoism is the use of talismans and ritual ceremonies. Talismans are believed to ward off evil spirits, while rituals are used for blessings, rain prayers, healing, and other purposes. |
| Folk Beliefs | Bojia Daoism is closely integrated with folk beliefs, and many local folk beliefs and customs retain elements of Bojia Daoism, such as blessings and exorcisms. |
| Deity Worship | Bojia Daoism worships a variety of deities, including the Jade Emperor, the True Martial Deity, and some local deities. |
| Cultivation Methods | Bojia Daoism’s cultivation methods include talisman creation, ritual ceremonies, and scripture recitation, aimed at communicating with deities and obtaining protection. |
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This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.
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