Taoism

Taoism Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Taoism refers to a variety of related philosophical and religious traditions and concepts. These traditions have influenced East Asia for over two thousand years and some have spread internationally. The Chinese character Tao (or Dao, depending on the romanization scheme) means "path" or "way", although in Chinese religion and philosophy it has taken on more abstract meanings. Taoist propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao: compassion, moderation, and humility. Taoist thought focuses on health, longevity, immortality, wu wei (non-action) and spontaneity.

History

Founder

The founder of Taoism is believed by many to be Lao-Tse (604-531 BC), a contemporary of Confucius. He was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted society during his lifetime. The result was his book: Tao-te-Ching (Daodejing). Others believe that he is a mythical character.

Development

Taoism started as a combination of psychology and philosophy but evolved into a religious faith in 440 BC when it was adopted as a state religion. At that time Lao-Tse became popularly venerated as a deity. Taoism, along with Buddhism and Confucianism, became one of the three great religions of China. With the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, state support for Taoism ended. Much of the Taoist heritage was destroyed during the next period of warlordism. After the Communist victory in 1949, religious freedom was severely restricted. The new government put monks to manual labor, confiscated temples, and plundered treasures. Several million monks were reduced to less than 50,000 by 1960. During the Cultural Revolution in China from 1966 to 1976, much of the remaining Taoist heritage was destroyed. Some religious tolerance has been restored under Deng Xiao-ping from 1982 to the present time.

Categories

There is debate over how, and whether, Taoism should be subdivided. Livia Kohn divided it into the following three categories:

• "Philosophical Taoism". A philosophical school based on the texts Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi;

• "Religious Taoism". A family of organized Chinese religious movements originating from the Celestial Masters movement during the late Han Dynasty and later including the "Orthodox" and "Complete Reality" sects, which trace back to Lao Zi or Zhang Daoling in the late Han Dynasty;

• "Folk Taoism". The Chinese folk religion.

This distinction is complicated by hermeneutic difficulty, making the categorization of Taoist sects and movements very controversial. Many scholars believe that there is no distinction between Daojia and Daojiao. Taoism does not fall strictly under an umbrella or a definition of an organized religion like the Abrahamic traditions, nor can it purely be studied as the originator or a variant of Chinese folk religion, as much of the traditional religion is outside of the tenets and core teachings of Taoism . Robinet asserts that the nature of Taoism can be better understood as a way of life rather than as a religion, as the adherents do not view Taoism in the manner analyzed by historians who were not Taoist and did not understand the subject. Many scholarly works conclude that Taoism is a school of thought with a quest for immortality.

The Symbol

This is a well known Taoist symbol. It represents the balance of opposites in the universe. When they are equally present, all is calm. When one is outweighed by the other, there is confusion and disarray. One source explains that it was derived from astronomical observations which recorded the shadow of the sun throughout a full year. The two swirling shapes inside the symbol give the impression of change -- the only constant factor in the universe. One tradition states that Yin (the dark side) represents the breath that formed the earth. Yang (the light side) symbolizes the breath that formed the heavens.

• The most traditional view is that "yin" represents aspects of the feminine: being soft, cool, calm, introspective, and healing.

• And "yang" the masculine: being hard, hot, energetic, moving, and sometimes aggressive. Another view has the "yin" representing night and "yang" day.

Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching, or Daodejing, is widely considered to be the most influential Taoist text. It is a foundational scripture of central importance in Taoism. It has been used as a ritual text throughout the history of religious Taoism. However, the precise date that it was written is the subject of debate: there are those who put it anywhere from the 6th century BC to the 3rd century BC.

Taoist commentators have deeply considered the opening lines of the Tao Te Ching. They are widely discussed in both academic and mainstream literature. A common interpretation is similar to Korzybski's observation that "the map is not the territory". The opening lines, with literal and common translation, are:

(Tao (way or path) can be said, not usual way)

"The Way that can be described is not the true Way."

(names can be named, not usual names)

"The Name that can be named is not the constant Name."

Taoism Highlights

Taoism Highlights Related

Taoism attraction highlights

• Mt. Taishan
• Mt. Qingchengshan
• Mt. Wudangshan
• Mt. Huashan
• Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area
• Gaomiao Temple at Zhongwei
• Mt. Hengshan
• Mt. Laoshan
• Mt. Qingyuanshan
• Qingyanggong Temple

Taoism FAQ & Travelers's Tips

1. Who are the Chinese?
2. Is there any religion that was originated from China?
3. What do religious Chinese people believe in nowadays?
4. What is the policy of China to Ethnic Groups?
5. What was the most powerful spiritual statement a person in ancient china could make?
6. Why China is called one of the Four Great Ancient Civilizations?
7. How to understand the insight of Buddhism?
8. What determines an ethnic group?
9. Where did the names of ethnic groups come from?

1. Who are the Chinese?

   The people of China have always been a diverse group. Beginning in 221 B.C.E. the ethnic groups of China were first unified under the Qin Dynasty. This short-lived dynasty was followed by one of the longest, the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E.- 220 C.E.)

   Today the majority of the Chinese population (92%) is called Han or "sons of Han after this dynasty". Within the Han majority are many ethnic groups that speak 7 mutually unintelligible dialects such as Cantonese and Fujianese and maintain their own customs and traditions. Despite their differences these ethnic groups have been absorbed into the Han majority. A common written language and a strong central government, both created by the Qin and refined by the Han and later dynasties, are the ties that hold the Han majority together.

   Fifty-six ethnic groups, including the majority Han people, live in China. An ethnic group is recognized by the Chinese government as a group of people of common origin living in a common area, using a common language, and having a sense of group identity in economic and social organization and behavior. Non-Han ethnic groups are referred to as ethnic minorities but are considered Chinese citizens. Since 1949 ethnic minorities have been politically equal to the Han majority and are guaranteed special representation in the National People's Congress.

   The constitution prohibits discrimination against and oppression of any ethnicity. Historically this has not always been the case nor have the Han always dominated China's political and economic arenas. Twice, China was ruled by non-Han nationalities: The Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) established by the Mongolians, and China's last dynasty, the Qing, ruled by the Manchus. The First Republic of China (1911) recognized the Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Hui (Muslim) and Tibetan people through its five colored flag. But persecution and forced assimilation into the majority way of life under the Guomindang (National People's Party 1928-1937) and during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) created tension between the Han and the ethnic minorities, some which still exist today. Through financial aid, material resources and exemptions to national policies like the "one child" policy for ethnic minority in urban areas, the government is working towards its goal of a "unified, multi-ethnic state" as declared in the constitution.
   




2. Is there any religion that was originated from China?

   Yes. China is the homeland of Taoism.
   
   Taoism refers to a variety of related philosophical and religious traditions and concepts. These traditions have influenced East Asia for over two thousand years and some have spread internationally. The Chinese character Tao (or Dao, depending on the romanisation scheme) means "path" or "way", although in Chinese religion and philosophy it has taken on more abstract meanings. Taoist propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao: compassion, moderation, and humility. Taoist thought focuses on wu wei (non-action), spontaneity, transformation and emptiness/omnipotence. An emphasis is placed on the link between people and nature, and that this link lessens the need for rules and order, leading one to a better understanding of the world and one's surroundings.
   
   Nature and ancestor spirits are common in popular Taoism. Organized Taoism distinguishes its ritual activity from that of the folk religion, which some professional Taoists (Daoshi) view as debased. This sort of shamanism is eschewed for an emphasis on internal alchemy among the "elite" Taoists.
   
   Chinese alchemy, astrology, cuisine, several Chinese martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine, fengshui, and many styles of qigong breath training disciplines are intertwined with Taoism throughout history.




3. What do religious Chinese people believe in nowadays?

   China is a country with a great diversity of religious beliefs. As the communication developed during the long history of China, Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism have become some main religion for modern Chinese people.

   • Buddhism has a history of 2,000 years in China. Currently China has 13,000-some Buddhist temples and about 200,000 Buddhist monks and nuns. Among them are 120,000 lamas and nuns, more than 1,700 Living Buddhas, and 3,000-some temples of Tibetan Buddhism and nearly 10,000 Bhiksus and senior monks and more than 1,600 temples of Pali Buddhism.
     
     
   • Islam was introduced into China in the seventh century. Nowadays in China there are ten national minorities, including the Hui and Uygur, with a total population of 18 million, whose faith is Islam. Their 30,000-odd mosques are served by 40,000 Imams and Akhunds.
     
     
   • Catholicism was introduced into China intermittently in the seventh century, but it had not spread widely until after the Opium War in 1840. At present, China has four million Catholics, 4,000 clergy and more than 4,600 churches and meeting houses.
     
     
   • Protestantism was first brought to China in the early 19th century and spread widely after the Opium War. There are about 10 million Protestants, more than 18,000 clergy, more than 12,000 churches and 25,000-some meeting places throughout China.
     
     
   China has the following national religious organizations: Buddhist Association of China, Taoist Association of China, Islamic Association of China, Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, Chinese Catholic Bishops' College, Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee of the Protestant Churches of China, and China Christian Council.
   In the course of the country's long history, the various religions in China have become part of the traditional Chinese thinking and culture. It is traditional for Chinese religious believers to love their country and religions. The Chinese government supports and encourages the religious circles to unite the religious believers to actively participate in the construction of the country.
   



4. What is the policy of China to Ethnic Groups?

   China is a united and multi-national country. China has 56 ethnic groups. Han people accounts for about 92 percent of the whole population and the rest of the people from other nationalities over 8 percent. During the long process of historical development, many people from various minority nationalities gradually get used to living in compact communities in areas mainly populated by Han people.
   
   A new policy towards the many ethnic groups of China is: all ethnic groups within the boundaries of the People's Republic of China are equal. They establish unity and mutual aid among themselves, and shall oppose imperialism and public enemies in their midst so that the People's Republic of China will become a big fraternal and cooperative family comprising all its ethnic groups. 'Greater nationalism' and 'local nationalism' should be opposed. Acts of discrimination, oppression and dividing the various nationalities should be prohibited.

   Many Ethnic Groups protected by this policy retain their own traits. Under this policy, many ethnic groups develop well in politics, economy, culture, and religion. Some influential ethnic groups such as: Yao Ethnic Group, Zhuang Ethnic Group, Miao Ethnic Group, Uygur Ethnic Group, Tibetan Ethnic Group, Dong Ethnic Group
   



5. What was the most powerful spiritual statement a person in ancient china could make

   Being empty was the highest spiritual to ancient Chinese people. Being empty doesn't refer to being mindless, nevertheless, when someone wouldn't think highly of material substance, he wouldn't care the existence of anything, because having equals not having, and vice versa. When one doesn't care anything's existence, he can concentrate on the process of his project and finally fulfill his personal achievement.

   Now you might ask: how can one achieve anything without the help of material substance. Well, materialism can be the very cause of failure. Caring too much about substance around you will distract you or lead you to a wrong way. There is a Chinese saying: there is always a way to climb up a mountain, which means, caring too much about substance is not necessary because everything you need will come to you eventually.
   
   



6. Why China is called one of the Four Great Ancient Civilizations?

   The history of China is told in traditional historical records that refer as far back as the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors about 5,000 years ago, supplemented by archaeological records dating to the 16th century BC. China is one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations. Chinese civilization originated with city-states in the Yellow River valley. 221 BC is the commonly accepted year when China became unified under a large kingdom or empire. Successive dynasties in Chinese history developed bureaucratic systems that enabled the Emperor of China to control the large territory.
   
   With the development of the economy of China, China becomes very strong and affluent. Many areas form their own cultural environment. The customs, living style, economic conditions and so on is different from other areas. They form their special cultures. Some local culture are very famous and interesting, such as Shu Culture, Hakka Culture, Dongba Culture. While Lop Nur Culture exhibits to us the past ancient civilization of Lop Nur. Lop Nur Culture was a bright pearl on the ancient Silk Road.
   




7. How to understand the insight of Buddhism?

   Buddhism is one of five main religions existed in China. The essence of the Buddha's teachings is summed up in the Four Noble Truths of his first sermon. The Buddha's quest was to find a way beyond personal suffering, not through reliance on dogmas, creeds or philosophies but in actual experience based in insight. He ruthlessly exposed the nature of life realising that, due to impermanence and death, life can never be apart from suffering. This suffering arises primarily because we crave permanence, ego-enhancing credentials and safety: to go beyond suffering necessitates going beyond this craving, an endeavour that demands an examination of the self. The Buddha proclaimed: Life is suffering, Suffering is due to wanting, and especially wanting connected with the self, Suffering diminishes when this wanting is abandoned, the way how to do it.

   Chinese Zen, or Chan as it is called in China, is a way of life that encourages clarity of mind, compassion to all sentient beings and a wisdom that comes from going beyond the concerns of self. The famous Shaolin Temple is a Temple of Zen.



8. What determines an ethnic group?

   There are several aspects that determines whether one kind of people can form an ethnic group.

   • Distinct language: While hundreds of Chinese dialects are spoken across China, a minority language is not simply a dialect. Rather, it is a language with distinct grammatical and phonological differences from Chinese. Language families include Sino-Tibetan, Altaic, Indo-European, Austro-Asiatic, and Austronesian. Twenty-one ethnic minority groups have unique writing systems.
     
     
   • A Recognized Indigenous Homeland: A territory within the national boundaries of China, from which the group originated. Native history and mythologies are interwoven into this native land.
     
     
   • Distinctive Customs: Ranging from dress, marriage rituals, cuisine, religion, and so forth.
   
   
   • A Strong Sense of Identity: Feeling of relation with other members of the group, along with historically perceived friends and enemies among other groups.

9. Where did the names of ethnic groups come from?

   Many of the original Chinese names for minorities come from a long history of contempt. In 1951, the use of derogatory names was abolished, but the new, currently used names were set by Han Chinese. As the Communist Party has relaxed its iron grip in recent years, minorities have been given flexibility in choosing their own official names.