Taoism(道教) is a historical ancient Chinese religion that has been around for so long that no one knows when it even began, but its rich doctrines and rituals have shaped China and the world.
A Brief History of Taoism
The religion of Taoism is believed to have started in the year 142 C.E., but no one knows for sure. Taoism
(道教) evolved from many other ancient Chinese religions, such as Shamanism and nature religions. The religion officially began when Zhang Daoling founded the first Taoist school of thought. After founding the school, he inherited the title of the first Celestial Master of Taoism (the current Celestial Master of Taoism resides in Taiwan). Then, the teachings of Taoism became focused like a laser beam when Lao Tzu (老子) wrote one of the most prized books in Taoism, the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu may be one person, but it is more likely that Tao Te Ching is just a book that compiled sayings regarding Taoism from multiple anonymous sources. Nevertheless, Tao Te Ching represented a turning point for the Taoism religion.
Beliefs of Taoism
Tao Te Ching helped to organize the main teachings of Taoism. Taoists believe that a force – called Tao – controls and guides all of the natural forces of the universe. Tao is not an object nor a God to Taoists, it is simply a universal, omnipotent force. In addition, Taoists pray to a variety of gods and goddesses. Lao Tzu is considered to be the first God of Taoism, even though his existence is disputed. Taoists believe that gods and goddesses are arranged in the spiritual world in a way that closely mirrors the bureaucracies of ancient Chinese governments. Taoists also believe in other abstract concepts – such as Tzu Jan – which is the condition that something will be in if it is left undisturbed by humans. Otherwise known as its natural condition. According to Taoists, Tzu Jan must be preserved as interfering with Tzu Jan would mean interfering with Tao. Taoists believe that Tzu Jan can be preserved by practicing Wu Wei, which is living one’s life by going along with nature. Living one’s life, according to Wu Wei. includes not making unnecessary decisions, living without compulsions, and living life free from ego. Furthermore, Taoists believe in Yin and Yang (阴阳) which teaches that every force has a complementary force. All of these different concepts make up the complex, evolving, and fascinating religion called Taoism.
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