ABSTRACT: Utilizing an interpretive model based on "family resem-blances," this paper provides a survey of Daoist teachers and organizations in North America, giving particular attention to those individuals who fall on the "close relations" (Daoist priests, lineage holders) side of the spectrum. The paper first discusses the question of identity with respect to American Daoists. The author advocates the principle of self-identification as an initial methodology, with the additional distinction of Daoist adherents (birthright and convert) and sympathizers. Next, the paper discusses Daoist teachers and organizations in North America via two primary chartological methods: (1) a chronological discussion of the social history of Daoism in North America; and (2) an interpretive framework centering on three models, namely, literati, communal or ritual, and self-cultivation. The author emphasizes that the predominant model in American Daoism centers on self-cultivation, focusing particularly on personal health and healing.*
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
November 2004
Research Article|
November 01 2004
Citation
Louis Komjathy; Tracing the Contours of Daoism in North America. Nova Religio 1 November 2004; 8 (2): 5–27. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/nr.2004.8.2.5
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Client Account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Could not validate captcha. Please try again.