Short description
A view of Chinese religion from the Taoist perspective, which is based on the hypothesis that all Chinese rites of passage are structured by Yin-Yang cosmology. The rituals of marriage, birthing, initiation and burial and all major annual festivals are described.
Long description
This is a view of Chinese religion from the Taoist perspective, derived from fieldwork in Taiwan, Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China. The book is based on the Taoist hypothesis that all Chinese rites of passage and festivals are structured by the Yin-Yang five element cosmology. Buddhist and Taoist meditations of emptying, marriage, birthing, initiation, burial, ancestor rituals and the annual festivals are described through the eyes of the experts called on to serve family and village needs. The work ends with a view of religion in the People's Republic of China during a period of renewal and restoration.