張留孫の登場前後 : 發給文書から見たモンゴル時代の道敎

Abstract

This article is primarily an analysis of the inscriptions given to Taoist temples by leaders of Taoist sects during the Yuan dynasty. It attempts to interpret the context of these inscriptions and use this material as a basis to discuss how these sects were organized, and the extent to which they were influenced by the structure of the Mongol government. During the Yuan dynasty, Taoist sects were permitted to select Taoist priest for themselves (度牒). It was common practice for sect members to select high priests from among their own numbers (甲乙住持). For these two practices to coexist, it was necessary for there to have existed a well-defined and equitable organizational structure. This in turn would allow each sect to operate more effectively. As a result of this structure, these sects became increasingly powerful. In an attempt to centralize power in Handi 漢地, Mongke-Qa'an appointed one leader to oversee all the Taoist sects. Qubilai-Qa'an, however, preferred to distribute power equally among the sects, and he thus empowered each sect. After the period of the rule of Temur-Qa'an, successive rulers adopted Qubilai-Qa'an's policy, although in addition they gave special authority to the qualified Taoist priest. This imbalance of power gradually led to the erosion of the effectiveness of the organizational structure of each sect. As a result, a decline in the power of these sects followed. This imbalance of power leading to a less well-defined organizational structure and ultimately to a decline in power was also a characteristic feature of the Mongol government.