Fortune-tellers and Philosophers: Divination In Traditional Chinese Society
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- Synopsis
- Providing an analysis of Chinese divination as a means of organizing and interpreting reality, Richard Smith examines a wide variety of mantic techniques - from the use of the hallowed Yjing to such popular practices as siting (geomancy), astrology, numerology, physiognomy, the analysis of written characters, meteorological divination, the use of mediums (including spirit-writing), and dream interpretation. As he explains the pervasiveness and tenacity of divination in China, the author explores not only the connections between various mantic techniques but also the relationship between divination and other facets of Chinese culture, including philosophy, science and medicine. He discusses the symbolism of divination, its aesthetics, its ritual aspects, and its psychological and social significance, pointing out that in traditional China divination helped to order the future, just as history helped to order the past, and rituals the present.
- Copyright:
- 1992
Book Details
- Book Quality:
- Publisher Quality
- Book Size:
- 446 Pages
- ISBN-13:
- 9780429710759
- Related ISBNs:
- 9780367009939, 9780367159801, 9780429039799
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Date of Addition:
- 12/12/21
- Copyrighted By:
- Taylor & Francis.
- Adult content:
- No
- Language:
- English
- Has Image Descriptions:
- No
- Categories:
- Nonfiction, Social Studies, Politics and Government
- Submitted By:
- Bookshare Staff
- Usage Restrictions:
- This is a copyrighted book.