The contribution of the Dunhuang Daoist manuscripts on Daoist studies history

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article presents the progress made since 2000 in the studies of the Daoist Dunhuang manuscripts. By and large, these manuscripts have proved to be important primary sources for studying various aspects of medieval Daoism, including its history, classics and doctrines; and are particularly valuable for understanding Daoist texts in support of Buddhist teachings (經教道教) – the Daoist influence on Buddhist doctrines and the differences and commonalities between the Southern and Northern Daoist tradition. But on these topics, only a handful of scholars have investigated in depth by using Daoist Dunhuang manuscripts, leaving a vast vacuity that awaits to be filled.