Founder: Lao-Tze
Location: China
Sacred Texts: Tao Te Ching, Chuang-Tzu
Tao: the way
House of Worship: Temple
Spiritual Leader: Sage
Key Dates in Taoism
| C. 550 BCE: Taoism is founded | C. 350 BCE: Taoism philosophy is developed |
226-249 BC: Taoist concepts are introduced into Confucian learning |
637 AD: Emperor Taizong issues edict that Taoism is to be valued over
Buddhism |
| 691 AD: Buddhism emperor reverses previous decision |
845 AD: All non-Taoist religions are persecuted |
1919: Forth of May movement tries to eliminate religion using science |
1928: Taoist and Buddhist temples are dismantled |
Symbols of Taoism
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 |
 |
 |
|
Chinese Dragon |
Yin-Yang |
Eight Tri grams |
Tao |
|
The dragon is a symbol of fertility and vigor |
Balance in Nature |
Balance in Nature like the Yin-Yang |
The Way |
Taoism/Daoism is very closely related to daily Chinese life. It is so ingrained it is difficult for westerners to realize what is and isn't considered religious. The western world know of Taoism in various popular situations. Zen Gardens are part of the Tao. It is a way of creating balance. The rocks in a Zen Garden represent water. The balance of Yin and Yang are also part of Taoism. Each side of has specific traits.
| Yang | Positive | Aggressive | Active | Man | Bright | Warm | Heaven | Fire | Masculine |
| Yin | Dark | Mysterious | Shadows | Cool | Secretive | Earth | Wet | Submissive | Woman |
Feng Shui is a way of moving all the elements of a room or area to optimize the positive energy that can be created with natural objects
These five elements are the key to Taoism and it's balance with nature: Fire,
Wood, Water, Metal, Earth. All 5 elements work with and need each other
What is Taoism
It is difficult to define because it incorporates other ideas
like Buddhism and Confucianism. Taoism tries to connect mankind with the spiritual
world
Taoists focus on the healing of the body and the spirit. Confucianism: Focus’
on government and social behavior. Buddhism: Theory of life, The Cosmos
It is difficult to define too because there is not central authority.
Other elements of Chinese culture are found within Taoism. Chinese Calendar
with the specific animals.Gun power was invented while trying to create an
elixir for immortality. Ancestor worship is very important. This is where
the Chinese and the Far East is known for its high respect of the elderly
in their societies.