The Fengdao kejie or "Rules and Precepts for Worshiping the Dao" dates from the early seventh century and is a key text of medieval Daoist priesthood and monasticism, which was first formally organized in the sixth century. Compiled to serve the needs of both monastic practitioners and priests in training it describes the fundamental rules, organizational principles, and concrete establishments of Daoist institutions. Speaking in their own voices and presenting the ideal Daoist life of their time, priests and recluses come to life in this fascinating ancient document. Livia Kohn here...

This volume brings together a comprehensive selection of Emile Durkheim's writings on religion. Besides helping to establish the discipline of sociology in France, Durkheim is widely recognized as one of the founding figures in the modern study of religion. Included are important sections of The Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1912), some of Durkheim's early reviews, articles, and extracts from books. The volume also contains comprehensive bibliographies, and early reviews of Durkheim's work on religion by such writers as van Gennep, Goldenwieser, Stanner, and the French sociologist...