The Way of Complete Perfection 
A Quanzhen Daoist Anthology

Originating about 1163 CE, Quanzhen (Complete Perfection) Daoism is one of the most important Daoist movements in Chinese history. It remains the dominant form of monastic Daoism in the modern world, especially in its Longmen (Dragon Gate) lineage. This landmark anthology provides complete or partial translations of twenty-one Quanzhen texts. Most have never been translated or even discussed in scholarly literature. Louis Komjathy gives particular attention to work completed by the Quanzhen movement’s founder, Wang Chongyang (1113–1170 CE), and his first generation disciples. Translations include representative works from every major genre of Quanzhen literature, from poetry and discourse records to didactic texts, commentaries, and hagiographies. Three monastic manuals from the late medieval and late imperial periods of Quanzhen history are also included. An introduction to Quanzhen Daoism begins the work, and each chapter provides discussions of the history and topics relevant to each translation.

Table of Content

List of Illustrations

Preface

Acknowledgments

List of Abbreviations

Orientations



1. Poetic Insights



2. Direct Instruction



3. Daily Practice



4. Alchemical Transformation



5. Scripture Study



6. Hagiographical Ideals



7. Monastic Life



Appendix 1. Quanzhen Technical Glossary

Appendix 2. Quanzhen Texts Translated in
The Way of Complete Perfection



Chinese Character Glossary

Bibliography

Index

About the author

Louis Komjathy is Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego. His previous books include
Cultivating Perfection: Mysticism and Self-transformation in Early Quanzhen Daoism;
Handbooks for Daoist Practice; and
Title Index to Daoist Collections.