Introduction to Taoism
Place of Origin:
Taoism (also known as Daoism) is a native Chinese religion often associated with the
philosophical and political text, Daode Jing. The Daode Jing was written around the 3rd4th century BCE during the Han Dynasty in Ancient China. However, before Taoism
became a true organized religion, it was commonly studied as literature at school.
Students would be taught the philosophical texts of the Daode Jing. However, it was not
until the late 142 CE, that Taoism became an organized religion. To this day, Taoism is
one of the most commonly practiced religions in China. As a matter of fact, elders around
the globe are engaged in Taoism practices such as TaiC’hi, Fengshui, and even Herbal
medicines.
Key Figure:
Taoism, unlike other religions, does not technically have a religious key figure (lord).
For this reason, because LaoZi was known as the author of “Daode Jing” (the influential
scripture) he is known to be the leader of Taoism. However, Zhang Daoling was the first
founder of the first Taoist religious group around 142 C.E. Many other ancient
philosophers were also responsible or credited for the contribution in the Taoism
scripture, as a result they are also known as the key figures of the religion. Other key
figures of Taoism includes ZhuangZi, Zhang Jue, Ge Hong, Ge Hong, and Chen Tuan.
Key Beliefs:
The basis of Taoism is in the belief of not a Lord, but rather an underlying power of
the universe. The Tao cannot be defined by certain characteristics, yet it is not “nothing”.
The religion does not entail that the follower has a relationship with a personal God, but
rather it is system of guidance for it’s believers. Taoists believe in Gods or Goddesses
(also called Deities) that are worshipped in Taoist Temples. Deities hold a title and
particular role in Taoist religion. Beliefs of Taoist Religion is listed to the left.
Key Practices:
In Taoism, the religion itself is based off the various practices the people of this
religion take part in. All practices in Taoism are focused on connecting the body, mind
and soul. This is done through meditation, martial arts and ceremonial practices
(chanting). The spiritual elements in this religion are the focus. More than anything
Taoism can be referred to as a philosophy as it is a connection to self through various
rituals. The practices are built from the Tao, as they are created to allow an individual to
find oneself, and learn to live in the flow of the universe. In every form of ritual in
Taoism the Three Tan Tian, referring to the lower middle and upper of the body are
highlighted; abdominal, heart center, and between the eyebrows. This is due to the three
treasures in Taoism including sexual essence, energy and spirit.
Religious Text:
Although there are various books based off the ways of Taoism, the three main
religious texts that provide the framework of the Taoist ways are The Lieh-tzu, The Tao-
te Ching, and the Chung-tzu. All of these books contain insight into the philosophy of
Taoist ways. Also, through various ancient stories and fables, we are taught the
importance of self respect as well as respect to the world of nature around us. The
religion of Taoism is a perspective on life, and through these books we can begin to
accumulate a better understanding.
Symbols and Images:
The religion of Taoism is represented by one universal symbol, the ying-yang. This
symbol consists of two energies. Yin is the first energy represented by the black shapes
within the outer circle. The yin represents darkness, water, passive, downward, cold,
contracting and weak behaviors. The second energy is the yang which is represented by
the white shapes. This energy represents light, fire, and air, bright, active, upward, hot,
expanding, and strong behaviors. Heaven was created by the Yang (light) and earth was
created by the Yin (darkness). The outer circle represents “everything” while the black
and white shapes inside the outer circle; represent the interaction between two energies.
Although these forces are completely opposite, they still exist with one another in perfect
harmony. The two dots represent the idea that nothing is entirely good or bad. It is
believed to be the foundation of the entire universe, underlying everything in creation,
developing parenthood, and also for treating diseases.
Scared Faith Days:
There are many different religious and sacred faith days that are celebrated in Taoism
tradition. These holidays fall on different days each year depending on the solar and lunar
calendars. The solar and lunar calendars are based on solar and lunar cycles. The first,
most popular celebration is Chinese New year. This is arguably the most important of all
Taoist holidays. This holiday represents a fresh start to the beginning of the New Year.
Houses are typically cleaned and decorated in celebration of this holiday. Red envelopes
(Hong Bao) are passed out as gifts containing money. The red of the envelope represents
good luck while the amount of money in the envelope is often some lucky number. A
traditional dragon dance often takes place, mimicking the movement of the river spirit.
Another popular tradition is the Lantern Festival. This is directly following Chinese New
year and is also the birthday of Tianguan, a Taoist God. At night, children will go out
carrying bright lanterns to scare away the Kuei (evil spirits) who are dispersed by light
and noise. Tangyuan’s (a sweet, sticky, dumpling) are eaten to symbolize sticking
together and forming family unity. Another religious day is Tomb Sweeping day. This
day serves two purposes; to celebrate the coming of Spring, and to remember, honor and
tend to the graves of deceased ancestors or loved ones. An interesting tradition is to
colour eggs and then break them open to symbolize the opening of a new life, Spring.
Another common tradition is for families to go on outings, to sing, dance and fly kites to
welcome Spring. The final religious day is known as Double Ninth Day. 9 is the
quintessential Yang number. When this number is doubled it is potentially dangerous.
That is why this is a day where people try to protect themselves. They often climb
mountains in order to climb to a higher position which is symbolic of an increase of
health, happiness, and prosperity. They also drink chrysanthemum wine which is believed
to have many physical and spiritual benefits. And finally they carry sprigs of Dogwood as
it prevents disease and protects one’s health. The Taoism religion is filled with many
cultural activities which bond members and form community.
Overall Impact on the World:
The religion of Taoism is represented by one universal symbol, the ying-yang. This
symbol consists of two energies. Yin is the first energy represented by the black shapes
within the outer circle. The yin represents darkness, water, passive, downward, cold,
contracting and weak behaviors. The second energy is the yang which is represented by
the white shapes. This energy represents light, fire, and air, bright, active, upward, hot,
expanding, and strong behaviors. Heaven was created by the Yang (light) and earth was
created by the Yin (darkness). The outer circle represents “everything” while the black
and white shapes inside the outer circle; represent the interaction between two energies.
Although these forces are completely opposite, they still exist with one another in perfect
harmony. The two dots represent the idea that nothing is entirely good or bad. It is
believed to be the foundation of the entire universe, underlying everything in creation,
developing parenthood, and also for treating diseases.