Fang-shih Chin., lit. “master of prescriptions”; magician; precursor of Taoist sages and priests (tao-shih). The earliest reports about fang-shih date from the 3d century B.C. E. These magicians (shamans) lived mainly on the north eastern coast of China and were proficient in a great variety of arts (Chin. , fang-shu) such as astrology, astronomy, spirit healing, prophecy, geomancy, sexual practices, the science of calendars, etc. They were in the possession of prescriptions for attaining immortality and were believed to be experts in the search for the isles of the immortals (P’eng-lai, Fang-chang, Ying-chou), which secured them the patronage of rulers. They made use of drugs and talismans (fu-lu), developed physical exercises and breathing techniques aimed at the prolongation of life, and enlisted the help of gods. For all these reasons they played an important part in the creation of religious Taoism (tao-chiao), their knowledge and proficiencies forming the basis of various streams within the tao-chiao. One of the most famous and influential fang-shih was Li Shao-chün.
Source: The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zen. Shambhala Publications, Inc.
Fang-shih documents
Books on Fang-shih
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