REDISCOVER
RELIGIONS
TAOISM
What is Taoism?
Taoist devotees believe in the Tao or “The Way,” which indicates the essential process of the universe. Unlike other religions that acknowledge the existence of afterlife, Taoism has no elaboration of life after death. Rather, they look towards the idea of being eternal, and look towards achieving immortality.
​
Though perfect immortality has not been achieved by anyone, Taoists still believe that longevity is important so that they can harmoniously live with their natural environment. To achieve this ideal, they have developed many interesting ways to extend their lifespan.
Daoism originated from early China’s rituals. This makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly when it was developed. However, it can be confirmed that the concept of Tao predominant in this belief. Lao Tzu is the recognizer founder of this religion.
Origins of Taoism
Lao Tzu and Zhuangzi
Lao Tzu was believed to be an archivist who decided to leave China when he had grown very old. He was also the one who wrote the Tao Te Ching, the before he left China, though some believe that his followers wrote some parts of it.
​
The Tao Te Ching is considered as the sacred writing of Taoism, but the writings of Zhuangzi are also important. Some of the themes found in Zhuangzi's book featured themes of early Daosim.
​
Others believe that Taoism had neither a founder nor a founding date, and that it originated from a variety of religious and philosophical traditions in China, which included shamanism and animism.
Beliefs and Tradition
Zhuang Zi
Lao Tzu
The purpose of one’s existence in the context of Taoism is to be in harmony with the Tao by following Wu Wei. Wu Wei or “non-action” is not to be taken literally or that a person should remain idle. Instead, it emphasizes that people should be flexible, and that they should blend and merge with the works of nature.
Taoists also believe in the chi, which is also known as "the eternal life force". Chi flows between the yin and yang. The yin flows downward and is a negative energy whereas the yang is the flow of positive energy and moves upwards, to the heavens.
​
These two may be opposites, but they are complementary. Both are essential in maintaining the balance of the universe and are constantly intertwined with one another.
Yin and Yang
Taoists also celebrate the birthdays and important dates of emperors, patrons, Taoist gods and goddesses, and of their founder, Lao Tzu. They also celebrate major festivals like Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Ghost festival and the Festival of Lanterns.
​
The gender views of Taoists are the most empowering for both genders. This is because Taoist practitioners believe in the idea of balancing male and female (yin and yang) energies. For instance, men could be encouraged to adopt a feminine attitude. In the same manner, women may strive to be more masculine.
Dragon Boat Festival