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What Is Chinese Taoism?

What Is Chinese Taoism? thumbnail
The yin yang symbol is found on many Chinese objects, such as this pair of baoding balls.

Throughout history, China has incorporated religion into daily life, family and survival. "Attempts to manipulate the forces which shape the human and natural worlds have been a key element in all China's religious traditions," according to Bob Whyle in an article published by the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding. Taoism originated in China but merged with Buddhism in some regions, altering some of the original teachings. Taoism also moved to new countries through migration, resulting in various forms of the tradition that is both a religion and a philosophy.

  1. History

    • Taoism emerged at the same time as the rise of Confucianism in 600 BC. Early doctrines pointed to a historical scholar, Lao tzu, within the Eastern Chou dynasty as the source of Taoism. Lao tzu wrote a 5,000-word document describing his ideas. Many books have translated the document, creating different interpretations of Taoism. In early Taoism, folk and aristocratic sectors were created, but the distinction slowly faded away. During the reign of Emperor Yang, Taoist temples emerged. Women became Taoist nuns, creating a romantic feel within the religion. Taoism was suppressed by Qing rule and foreign influences but continued to impact Chinese culture. The earlier teachings of Taoism continue to influence poets and artists.

    Tao Te Ching

    • Lao tzu is traditionally believed to have written the book "Tao Te Ching." The Chinese debate the authorship of the Tao Te Ching and the time period during which the book was compiled. The 5,000-word book contains 81 chapters and comprises Lao tzu's philosophy on life, strength and virtue. The Tao Te Ching is comprised of two parts. Chapters 1 through 37 are titled Tao Ching, and chapters 38 through 81 are called Te Ching. The first section highlights the Tao, translated as "path" or "way." The Chinese Taoists believe that Tao exists as the final reality. The Te section of the Tao Te Ching explains personal power and moral superiority. Besides laying the groundwork for Taoism, the Tao Te Ching influenced other Chinese teachings, including Neo-Confucianism, Chinese Buddhism and Legalism.

    Philosophy

    • Taoist philosophy encourages personal characteristics of spontaneity, simplicity, openness, genuineness, detachment and transformation. The Taoist perspective focuses energy on achieving and maintaining harmony with the Tao. This process is called enlightenment. Taoists incorporate nature and the value of simplicity in all areas of life. The Tao Te Ching teaches three senses of the Tao. The first sense emphasizes ultimate reality. According to Julia Hundoble, author of "Taoism, Basic Fundamentals of the Way," the Tao equates with undefined, unformed and unlimited reality. The second sense describes the Tao as the force of all things in the universe. The third sense reminds Taoists that human life is intertwined with the universe.

    Sacred Symbols

    • The idea that the life force contains two sides in interaction is depicted in the yin-yang symbol. Yin characteristics include femininity, darkness, coolness, the earth and the moon. Yang characteristics include masculinity, light, heat, the sun and heaven. The yin-yang symbol demonstrates that both sides move cyclically and provide balance in life.

      A number of mountains are considered holy within the Taoist way, including Mt. Huashan, Mt.Longhushan, Mt. Wuyishan and Mt.Qingcheng. Temples built to honor Taoism include the Temple of the Eight Immortals and the Qingyang Temple. The Eight Immortals are depicted in drawings as a man, a woman, the young, the old, the noble, the humble, the rich and the poor Chinese. The eight figures were considered gods who punished evildoers.

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