Empowered Writing explores the inherent powers of Chinese talismans; petitions; registers; and holy scriptures; presenting a systematic study of their exorcistic and apotropaic properties. The book divides into three parts: tallies; petitions; and scriptures―all inherently empowered since they originate from the very same primordial energy as Dao; the heavens; and highest gods. Using a vast arsenal of original sources; the book traces the unfolding and transformation of empowered writing from the Warring States period through the Six Dynasties; closely examining the different kinds of writing; their uses; and interpretation as well as relating uniquely Daoist features to imperial and Buddhist usages.
#158437 in Books imusti 2001-12-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 4.90 x .70 x 7.50l; .59 #File Name: 0192802062320 pagesOxford University Press; USA
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An excellent read in this time of so called "fake news" ...By Philip R.An excellent read in this time of so called "fake news" and the media and journalists being called "the enemies of the state".Here is a quote from this book that somewhat speaks to today:"The price for abdicating democratic responsibilities and placing uncritical trust in the 'firm leadership' of seemingly well-intentioned political authority was paid dearly by Germans between 1933 and 1945. Even if a collapse into new forms of fascism is inherently unlikely in any western democracy; the massive extension of the power of the modern State over its citizens is in itself more than sufficient cause to develop the highest level possible of educated cynicism and critical awareness as the only protection against the marked images of present-day and future claimants to political 'leadership'." pp. 268 - 269.After reading Ian Kershaw's "The Hitler Myth: Image an Reality in the Third Reich" you will see that journalists and historians provide "the only protection against the marked images of present-day and future claimants to political 'leadership'." Of course; critical citizens too.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Hitlers biographer writes againBy Kreg FamilyguyKershaw is an important writer on the man Adolph Hitler; and world war two from the mind of the man who was bent on restoring Germany to what he felt was its rightful place: dominate on the European continent2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Much better than anticipatedBy Tommy P.Initially; the first pages; appear to be historical fiction; however; as the book proceeds so called fiction become basic fact. This book exposes many facets of the Nazi regiment previously somewhat misunderstood. I do admit that it is difficult reading but once the prose is understood; very informative.
