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What is Taoism?

By Jane Harmon
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 35,777
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Taoism is an ancient religion and philosophy that began in China some 2,500 years ago. Tao, also transliterated 'Dao' in English, means literally the Way, and Taoism is simply guidelines for living a good life, in harmony with nature and the universe. Taoism is contemporary and complementary to Confucianism, although Taoism claims to precede Confucius - one can adhere simultaneously to both schools of thought and many do. Religious Taoism posits the existence of numerous supernatural entities, but one can follow the Way without necessarily attributing any belief to the literal existence of ghosts and gods.

The principles of Taoism were first expressed in the Tao Te Ching, often attributed to Lao Tzu, although modern scholars believe it is the work of numerous philosophers over a long period of time. It is perhaps the oldest book in the world. In a series of enigmatic verses, the Tao Te Ching spells out the difficulty of grasping an understanding of the Way: "The way that can be walked is not The Way. The name that can be named is not The Name."

One of Taoism's primary tenets, which makes it attractive to modern Westerners, is the concept of wu wei, or 'do nothing', interpreted to mean that following the Way means leaving very little human imprint on nature, but leaving things as you find them. Nature maintains a perfect balance, which we disrupt with our acquisitiveness, building, destroying, removing and remaking until nature itself has been subdued.

Taoism recognizes the duality of life, and the yin-yang symbol, commonly thought to represent the male and female principles but really representing the duality of everything, is an important symbol both in Taoism and in eastern thought in general. Taoism also embrace the concept of qi, often spelled ch'i or ki, the universal force or energy that inhabits all things, living and inanimate. Balancing the qi is the focus of the practice of feng shui, in which placement of one's household and its objects can be optimized to create health, wealth and happiness.

Ritual is an important part of religious Taoism, and the rites are specific to particular deities and departed ancestors. However, ritual has a different place in the life of a Taoist than in a contemporary Westerner, in that anyone can, and should, perform their own rituals without the intermediary of a priesthood. Households have home altars and offerings are made by the head of the household, or in fact any person who wishes to. Taoism is currently becoming quite popular in the West, since its principles are often experienced in Tai Chi, Qi Gong and other martial and fitness disciplines imported from China.

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Discussion Comments
By SteamLouis — On May 23, 2011

It took me some time to understand what was meant by the term "tao." It's actually very similar to the concept of "om" in Hinduism. Neither of these point to a specific thing or God. It's about the universal order. I like to think of as simply being "everything."

Since "tao" is so general, it has probably led to the belief in different deities as the manifestations of tao in Taoism. And there is a lot of flexibility and freedom in Taoism as well. It has its main principles like order, nature, peace, simplicity, morality and detachment. But I think there is also a lot of leeway allowing its followers to experience "the way" in their own unique perspective.

By serenesurface — On May 22, 2011

Taoism is also a religion of non-violence. People who conform to this belief system are not supposed to engage in any kind of violent and aggressive behavior.

I think this is because Lao Tzu left the then civilized world to get away from violence and conflict. He was looking for peace, and his followers are supposed to do the same.

By turquoise — On May 21, 2011

I have several friends who practice feng shui in their everyday lives. They don't really practice any other aspect of taoism though. I think this is a recent phenomenon. We are learning about Eastern beliefs and practices and can take whatever we wish from them.

You don't necessarily have to be a "taoist," or anything else really, to benefit from their worldview and way of life. You can adapt any of the beliefs and practices you want as long as it makes you happy!

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