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Communicating with the Dead. Early Chinese Practices – Historical Record and Contemporary Reflections

Communication with the deceased relatives has been and up to nowadays still is a very important part of Chinese culture and everyday life. It has been described in early Chinese historical and philosophical texts as well as medieval fictional stories.

In my seminar talk I intend to trace the connection between the historical record and some religious practices in contemporary China to demonstrate the continuity and innovation in the Chinese tradition of divination and sacrifice.

The audience will have a chance to try a simple divination act in class using wooden blocks jiaobei.

Bio

Katja Koort is a lecturer in Chinese studies at Tallinn University. She has received her MA from Estonian Institute of Humanities and PhD from Tallinn University. The focus of her research has been on Early Chinese philosophical teachings and later development of neo Confucian thought. Koort has published articles and taught University courses giving overview on Chinese ideas of life and death, Underworld, and religious practices concerning afterlife.