黄巾の亂の宗教性 : 太平道教法との關連を中心として

Abstract

Without understanding the social and economic background of the closing days of Later Han, it will be difficult to grasp the meaning of the Yellow Caps who played a leading role in disrupting the ancient Chinese Empire. Since the nucleus of the Yellow Caps consisted of the followers of T'ai-p'ing Taoism, this creed will provide the key to elucidate the nature of the great rebellion. The idea has been current that the creed of T'ai-p'ing Taoism was nothing but simple penitence and incantation, which were intended to cure illness. But certainly this was not all. By that time there was already in existence the worship of deified Huang-ti and Lao-tzu who were supposed to confer the believers with longevity and wealth and happiness. This creed, called Huang-Lao-Tao, occupied an important place in T'ai-p'ing Taoism. Participation in mass of the peasants in the rebellion seems largely due to another phase of T'ai-p'ing Taoism, i.e., its charity organizations for helping the poor.