Mysticism and Kingship in China

Abstract

In this book, Julia Ching offers a magisterial survey of over four thousand years of Chinese civilisation through an examination of the relationship between kingship and mysticism. She investigates the sage-king myth and ideal, arguing that institutions of kingship were bound up with cultivation of trance states and communication with spirits. Over time, these associations were retained, though sidelined, as the sage-king myth became a model for the actual ruler, with a messianic appeal for the ruled. As a paradigm, it also became appropriated by private individuals who strove for wisdom without becoming kings. As the Confucian tradition interacted with the Taoist and the Buddhist, the religious character of spiritual and mystical cultivation became more pronounced. But the sage-king idea continued, promoting expectations of benevolent despotism rather than democratisation in Chinese civilisation.

How heaven and humanity are united as one: Tong as an alternative to tianren heyi

“…Li (2014), andYu (2014). TRHY also appears in English scholarship, see Ching (1997), C. Cheng (2011), Perkins (2014), and Yao (2017. For TRHY in media coverage, see Li (2014).…”

“… 8 8 Many Chinese scholars advance Qian and Ji's discussions, see Cai (1994), C. S. Li (1994), Ren (1996), S. Y. Zhang (2007), Liu (2011), C. Y. Li (2014), and Yu (2014). TRHY also appears in English scholarship, see Ching (1997), C. Cheng (2011), Perkins (2014), and Yao (2017). For TRHY in media coverage, see Li (2014).…”

The Canonization of Ancient Hebrew and Confucian Literature

“…The interpretation of the canon, and eventually the canon itself, came under a pressure from the very forces that first promoted its establishment. 74 The fact that the Hebrew canon did not experience these kinds of resolute changes indicates a more balanced distribution of power from 'above' and 'below'. The existence of different versions of the Christian Old Testament points precisely to the inability in the churches to adjust or streamline their canons.…”

The Origins of the Jesuit Authority and Influence at the Court of Emperors Wanli (1572–1620), Shunzi (1644–1661) and Kangxi (1661–1722) and in the Wider Circles of the Chinese Society in the Light of the Works of Thomas Szpot Dunin (1644–1713)

“…In Chinese tradition " auctoritas" can be linked to "dao, 道" and "de,德" (charismatic power). See:Wang, Bao, Guan, 2020;Ching, 1997. 2 On Tomasz Szpot Dunin (ca 1645-1713, his life and legacy see:Danieluk, 2017.…”