An Examination of Local Daoist Activities during the Northern Dynasties: A Study of Daoist Stelae Inscriptions

This paper analyzes 67 Daoist stelae from the Northern Dynasties (439–589 CE), uncovered through archaeological investigations, revealing early local Daoist activities overlooked by mainstream Daoist scriptures and historical records. By comparing stelae inscriptions with Daoist scriptures, this paper argues that stele-related Daoist activities included altar establishment, visualization, and other stable Daoist fasting rituals associated with the roles of ‘Inspector of the Retreat’, ‘Server of Scriptures’, ‘Server of Incense’, and ‘Server of Lamps’. The findings suggest that the Southern Lingbao jing 靈寶經 tradition spread to the Guanzhong 關中 and Guandong 關東 regions in northern China, significantly influencing local Daoism in the north.