Daoism
What is Daoism?
Intro to Daoism
The word in the dictionary meaning:
daoism
noun
philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events.
Daoists seek the path over the way.
The Dao, or 'Way', is a concept that relays all things adhere to a simple principle or force that guides naturally and without effort. The crux of Daoism is Wu Wei, or non-action, the idea that through letting nature flow the way it is intended, and ourselves flowing with it, we can reach a harmonious and balanced life.
How did it begin?
The Dao, or 'Way', is a concept that relays all things adhere to a simple principle or force that guides naturally and without effort. The crux of Daoism is Wu Wei, or non-action, the idea that through letting nature flow the way it is intended, and ourselves flowing with it, we can reach a harmonious and balanced life.
In a nutshell... and Diffusion
During these four periods Daoism has diffused the most. Many monasteries, and temples were built during these four periods and the monks within these structures the monks would spread the teachings of Tao Tsu towards the nearby community. Many of these citizens accepted the religion and started practising the religion.
Martial Arts
Tai Chi
Gods and Spirit
Beliefs
But many Taoists refer to Lao Tsu as the first god of Taoism. But does have gods but they are borrowed from other religions though.
Key Figures and Holy Book
Lao Tsu and Tao Te Ching
Holy Places
Five Peaks
Places of Worship
Shrines and Temple
Branches
Subdivisions
- SOUTHERN TAOISM
- NORTHERN TAOISM
Southern Taoism - is centralized mainly in Taiwan and Southern China
Northern Taoism - Is unknown to the modern world and it is mainly practiced in the mainland of China. It is also practiced by the modern Taoists.
Southern Taoism - A form of Cheng - i Taoism which is the only liturgical tradition of Taoism. The Cheng - i goes back to the 11th century. Mainly in this branch the priests would perform chiao (a liturgy) and this would harmonize the community with the cosmos. They also perform healing rituals and exorcism in the general public.
Northern Taoism - Subdivided from the Chuan Chen tradition. This was originated in the 12th century and its founders was Wand Chu’ung - yang. But this form puts more emphasis on the religion’s moral and spiritual discipline.
Aproximately 2,700,000 people follow Taoism
Location
Where is Daoism today?
Yin & Yang
The Yin and Yang symbol is used in daoism as a meaning of every side of bad has some good in it, ad every side of good has some bad in it. Daoist's believe no one person can be completly good, or bad either.
China's top beliefs
Even though daoism is number 2 on the list, it is a widespread belief.
Symbol
This subscript symbol refers to both daoism and taoism.
Is there a difference?
Daosim vs. Taoism
The difference depends on which romanization system you use: Wade-Giles or Pinyin? People in Taiwan use Wade-Giles, while people in Mainland China uses Pinyin. Taoism = Wade-Giles system, Daoism = Pinyin system. Both are called "dao jiao" in Mandarin Chinese, no matter what system you use. dao = tao, jiao = teachings; doctrine.