Taoism (Daoism)
Asu Dhakal-Ajay Prabhu-Annabelle Kim
Origins of Taoism
Origin
Basic Religious Belief
Classification
Divisions of Taoism
Geographic Distribution of Taoism
Diffusion of Taoism
Holy Places and Holidays
Taoism has many holidays that are spread throughout the year. Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Ghost Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Double Ninth Day are all Taoism holidays. Some holidays, such as Chinese New Year, do not only apply to follows of Taoism but also to followers of other religions as well.
Where is Taosim Practiced Today?
Unique Features of Taoism
Key Figures
The picture below is a portrait of Lao Tse, the founded of Taoism.
Places of Worships
According to legend, Qing Yang Gong was said to be the birth place of the founder of Taoism, Lao Tsu, and is where he made the first sermon about Taoism. Ever since Taoism was established, this temple was said to be holy place for immortals to get together. According to recorded history, this temple was visited by two emperors of the Tang Dynasty. The temple was named by one of these two emperors. Because of this, Qing Yang Gong is regarded as a cultural and historical site of great importance in Chengdu.
Holy Texts
The second most important work is the Chuang Tzu or Zhuang Zi, written by the man of the same name.
The final main text is the Lie Zi, which was named after the man who was believed to have written it.
In the video below, the speakers mention the Tao te Ching and how in this very holy text, it is said that people should find their own path and find their own bliss. It also mentions that people should be one with nature. These two concepts appeal to people who are so trapped with their work or something that does not give them joy,
Religious Symbols
Chinese Gong Temple
Qing Yang Gong Temple (Green Goat Palace) is the oldest and largest Taoist temple in the Southwest of China. It is situated in the western portion of Chengdu City
Dao De Jing
The Tao Te Ching, or Daodejing also simply referred to as the Laozi, is a Chinese classic text. According to tradition, it was written around the 6th century BC by the sage Laozi.
The Eight Trigrams
The bagua are eight trigrams used in Taoist cosmology to represent the fundamental principles of reality, seen as a range of eight interrelated concepts.
Impact on Social and Family Structures
These two men are members of the Quanzhen branch. These people are only surrounded by men because this branch of Taoism does not permit marriage.
Impact on Cultural Beliefs and Expectations
The picture below shows how the Yin Yang symbol affects Taoists and how the Taoists incorporate this sign with their everyday life on Earth.