A new reading of Míng Tàizǔ’s essay on the Three Teachings (Sānjiāo lùn 三教論)

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The translation and analysis of this imperial essay that scholars have described as "obscure" and "incoherent", draw attention to analogous and parallel structures as well as to clusters of concepts and individual terms. The text is not viewed solely as a linear, logical unfolding of a train of thought but as a composition of different topological clusters, explored in different variations and from various perspectives, and only comprehensible in relation to each other. The actual philological work lies in identifying these clusters and interpreting their relationships. From this, a new content analysis of the text follows, which can be grounded in the philological criteria mentioned above. It becomes evident that in this text the first Míng Emperor develops three ways of engaging with the Three Teachings (sānjiào), one of excessive and confused belief, on of skeptical disbelief and an appropriate position in the middle that recognises the Three Teachings as something that can be used in daily life and supports state order.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBeyond Boundaries
Subtitle of host publicationEssays on Theology, Dialogue, and Religion in Honor of Perry Schmidt-Leukel
EditorsMelanie Barbato, Mathias Schneider, Fabian Völker
Place of PublicationMünster
PublisherWaxmann Verlag
Pages261-273
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9783830998310
ISBN (Print)9783830948315
Publication statusPublished - 22 Oct 2024

Publication series

NameReligions in Dialogue
PublisherWaxmann
Number22
ISSN (Print)1867-1292

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