A Complete Overview of Taoism(道教) Part 2

Taoists in Society

Contrary to popular belief, Taoists are not anti-social hermits. Instead, Taoists live their lives by setting good examples for others. In other words, Taoists are not concerned with performing good deeds as much as they are with being a good person; they believe that people will follow them if they lead with good example and that individual deeds will just lead to disruption of Tao. Taoists believe that being a good person means living by a moral code and living in harmony with nature. Taoism also includes certain practices which can bring a person closer to Tao. These include not eating in excess, performing breathing exercises, meditation, acupuncture, and performing martial arts. In times of trouble, Taoists generally tend to recite from the Tao Te Ching and pray with the use of talismans. Clearly, all conceptions of Taoism being a religion of hermits are completely unfounded.

Modern Taoism

Taoism has recently undergone a Renaissance of sorts as it is now being permitted in China after being banned as a result of the Chinese communist revolution. Taoism currently exists in two main sects: Southern Taoism and Northern Taoism. In Southern Taoism, followers make offerings to Gods, and priests tend to perform public healing or exorcism rituals. In Northern Taoism, moral and spiritual discipline are heavily emphasized. Taoism has many other lesser sects, but very few people follow them.

Impacts of Taoism

Taoism has had major impacts on China’s history. Famous Taoists helped to shape everything from Chinese medicine to Chinese literature to Chinese calligraphy. Taoism has also had major impacts on the world as well. Taoism became popular during the “Hippie” movement in the 1960s and has since spread to all different parts of the world leaving massive throngs of followers in its wake.

Evidently, Taoism is a little-known ancient religion that is, in truth, quite complex. It also helped to shape the world as we know it.

Check These Sources Out!:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Daoism/Influence

There are 5 comments

  1. Stephanie Arzanipour

    This article helped me better understand the beliefs and customs of Taoists. It was interesting to read that Taoists live their lives by setting good examples for others which means that they are not as concerned in terms of performing good deeds. It appears to me that Taoists would much rather be a good person (for themselves) than to have others think of them as a good person. While I was reading towards the end of the article, I was surprised to hear that China banned Taoism as a result of the Chinese communist revolution and that they are just now allowing it in the nation. I would love to continue learning about Taoism through more well written pieces like this!

  2. Maya Y.

    Amazing job with the article, Michael! I read the first one you posted and it was extremely in depth and helped me understand the history of Taoism. I was also surprise to learn about China banning Taoism because of the communist revolution. Keep up the great work!

  3. Larry D.

    This was a very interesting topic! There hasn’t been much opportunity to learn much about this part of Chinese culture and I’m glad that I learned about these new facts. This was an amazing and informative article. I look forward to your next release.

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