Introduction#
“A Study of Chinese Esoteric Arts” is one of Professor Li Ling's representative works, which systematically summarizes the knowledge of early Chinese esoteric arts by combining archaeological materials for the first time. It has significant enlightening implications for the study of the history of Chinese science and technology, Chinese intellectual history, and even Chinese culture. The release of the new edition further promotes in-depth research in this area.
Content Overview#
The book is divided into two parts. The first part discusses numerology, including divination by formulas, selection techniques, tortoise shell divination, and yarrow stalk divination; the second part discusses esoteric techniques, including alchemy, qi manipulation, guidance, and sexual arts. Professor Li Ling reveals the terminology system and methodological principles of ancient esoteric arts through the interpretation of unearthed bamboo and silk manuscripts, placing these materials within the academic context of cataloged works such as the "Han Shu: Yiwen Zhi," exploring their significance in intellectual history.
Thematic Analysis#
The most striking part of the book is the detailed classification and analysis of numerology and esoteric techniques. Professor Li Ling not only focuses on the technical aspects of these skills but also delves deeper into their position and significance within ancient philosophical systems. For example, he points out that numerology and esoteric techniques form the knowledge foundation of philosophical schools such as the Yin-Yang school and Daoism, emphasizing the importance of these skills in ancient society.
Research Methods#
In the book, Professor Li Ling employs two core methods: philology and bibliography. The philological method is reflected in the interpretation of special terms in the bamboo and silk manuscripts, while the bibliographic method places the materials of numerology and esoteric techniques within the academic context of ancient cataloged works, understanding their position and significance in the intellectual world of ancient people.
Evaluation and Impact#
“A Study of Chinese Esoteric Arts” is praised as "a restoration of the ancient intellectual world," providing valuable perspectives and materials for understanding ancient Chinese culture. The in-depth analysis of numerology and esoteric techniques in the book not only fills the gaps in the study of the knowledge system in ancient intellectual history but also provides a reliable starting point for further research.
Conclusion#
In summary, “A Study of Chinese Esoteric Arts” is a work of significant academic value. It not only provides rich materials and a new perspective for studying ancient Chinese esoteric arts but also offers important insights for understanding ancient Chinese thought and culture. Both academic researchers and ordinary readers with a strong interest in Chinese culture will gain a lot from reading this book.