The Preface to All Taoist Scriptures of Taoist scriptures 一切道经序

The Preface to All Taoist Scriptures of Taoist scriptures 一切道经序

Paul Peng

Preface to All Taoist Scriptures

The original author is unknown.

It was not included in the Zhengtong Taoist Canon (Daozang).

According to Dunhuang Manuscript No. S1513, the first line is titled "Imperially Composed Preface to All Taoist Scriptures", followed by 21 lines of preface text.

The preface is written in parallel prose style, mourning the passing of Emperor Xiaojing, and issuing an imperial order to transcribe 36 volumes of All Taoist Scriptures in his memory.

Research shows that Emperor Xiaojing was Li Hong, the eldest son of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty. He was established as the crown prince in the first year of Xianqing (656) and passed away in the second year of Shangyuan (675), posthumously titled Emperor Xiaojing.

This preface was presumably written by Empress Wu Zetian or Emperor Gaozong to mourn Li Hong.

Though short in length, it proves that the Taoist Canon (i.e., All Taoist Scriptures) had already been compiled by the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty at the latest.
Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

About the Author

Paul Peng

Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.

Read his full story →
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