Daode Zhenjing with Commentary by Emperor Huizong of Song (宋徽宗御解道德真經)

About 宋徽宗御解道德真經

Northern Song · by 趙佶

37,924 · about 126 min

Emperor Huizong of Song, Zhao Ji, was the eighth emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty. He revered Daoism and personally composed a commentary on the Dao De Jing, titled The Imperial Commentary on the Authentic Scripture of the Dao and Its Virtue. Completed in the final years of the Northern Song Dynasty, this work reflects the historical context of the court's veneration of Daoism at that time. The commentary blends Daoist philosophy with Confucian ethics and incorporates elements of Buddhist thought, embodying the trend of the convergence of the three teachings. The text primarily elucidates concepts such as the essence of the Dao, non-action, and governing the state and cultivating the self. Although it belongs to the exegetical tradition of Daoist classics, from a Buddhist perspective, its discourse on mind-nature shares common ground with the Dharma. As an imperial commentary, this work holds a unique position among Daoist scriptures and also serves as an important document for the study of Song Dynasty Neo-Confucianism and the relationship between Buddhism and Daoism.