• Taoism is a belief system that emphasizes the natural cycles of the universe
• Many historians do not agree on several ‘facts’ about the origin of Taoism due to contradictory evidence
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One of the most favorable theories among scholars is that Taoism was founded during or soon after the warring
States period
• The first and main book of Taoist belief is known as the Tao-Te-Ching, meaning “Classic of The Way of Virtue”
• The Philosophical proverbs were written by a semi-legendary figure, often referred to by the names Lao-Tzu or Laozi
• Lao tzu usually depicted as archive keeper in the imperial library who compiled the Tao-te-Ching Before leaving west
• archaeologists discovered over 800 bamboo slips in the Jishan District’s tomb complex
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These bamboo strips are called the Guodian-Chu Strips
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Among these slips is the very first version of the Tao-Te-Ching in recorded history.
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This caused a controversy among historians because many of them had previously claimed Lao-Tzu lived during the Han dynasty, which did not exist until 206 B.C.E
• Unlike many other belief systems, Taoism does not dictate how disciples should live their day to day lives
• Lao-Tzu’s doctrine of Wu-Wei describes the futility of man's attempt at control, it directly translates to “inaction”
• A commonly held misconception about Taoism is that Taoists worship the Tao similar to how other belief systems would worship a god. However, Tao does not describe a singularity,
• The birth of new life out of the Tao is known as Yuan-Qui
• Taoism was originally created and absorbed into Chinese culture as a reaction to the Increasing influence of Legalism and Confucianism.
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Legalism is a system of governing that claims man is inherently evil so strict legal codes must be put in place to keep order in China.
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This inspired the spread and advancement of Taoist thought as opposition to the Legalist movement.
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As Taoism spread, it sought to replace existing religions.
• However, this was di ffi cult because classic Taoism o ff ers little organized worship or ritual so it does not usually fulfill the same needs some people have when looking for a religion.
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Many Monasteries across the world function as both Buddhist and Taoist centers of worship
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There was a split in Taoism, on one side it remained a way of Philosophical thinking known as Tao-Chiao but as it spread, Taoism blended with local polytheistic/animistic cultures creating religious Taoism.
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Wherever Taoism spreads it flows into the current culture seamlessly leaving little to no trace of its infiltration.