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By Vivian So &Joyce MoranTAOISM
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Origins Of Taoism The word Tao means way" or path.
Daoism is another way of saying Taoism. It is
modernly romanized as Daoism.
Taoism is one of two religions that originated in
China, the other being Confucianism.
Taoism originated around 6 th-3rd century B.C.E.*
Traditionally Laozi, is considered to be the founder
of Taoism or the one who set a path for Taoism.
When Taoism first originated, it was meant to not
have a supreme being or someone who is more
important then others. Rather there are many
deities who are admired by many.
Taoism emphasizes on balance in everything. The
way we should find the balance is by looking to
nature and natural ways.
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Origins Of Taoism: Laozi He is known by many different names such as Laotsu,
Laotzu, Laotu, Laocius, Shengzu, etcetera but all of them
means Old Master.
Traditionally is he is said to have been a teacher of
Confucianism.
*It is said that Laozi was born in Hu near present day
Luyi(Anhui province). His mother became pregnant withhim through the rays from the Pole Star. She had carried
him for 81 years and gave birth to him through her leftarmpit while leaning against a plum tree. She then died. He was already a .
old sage when he was born.* It is also believed that while Laozi was a scholar, he met Confucius. They
did not agree on what they believed in for how one should live. *
After living as a scholar for a long time, he decided to retire in far -off
mountain of the western regions.
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Beliefs and Practices Cosmology: "systematic correspondence ofa
worldview based on yin-yang interaction and the
Five Phases Theology: emanation, immanence, and cosmological
processes. In terms of the origins of the manifest
universe, the Dao represents primordial pure
potentiality
Observation: "innerobservation is based on
maintaining stillness and readiness to respond to
whatever arises
Meditation: focuses on clarity, stillness, and
emptiness Ethics: the conservation and refinement of vital
essence that can be found in the Tao Te Ching
Deity: Taoists recognize the existence of several
gods and goddesses but do not acknowledge anythat are omnipotent or eternal; this includes Lao Tzu.
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The Influence of Taoism in Chinese Art andArchitecture Huge mountains create a sense
of the remote and eternal,
rising in the center suggesting
a modest position of humanity
in the grand scale of the natural
world
All structures are in line
forming a strict constructional
system which reflects Taoist
thought of the inter-relationship
of Essence, Energy and Spirit
Mountains were thought to be
great storage cells of energy
with huge caverns deep insideof them
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Sacred Texts of Tao Tao Te Ching: presents a way of life intended to restore
harmony and tranquility to a kingdom racked by disorder
promotes a course ofnon-action,understood asrestraint from any unnatural action, rather than completepassivity, allowing the Tao to resolve things naturally
It was designed as a handbook for rulers, who shouldrule by inaction, imposing no restrictions or prohibitionson their subjects
Structure: Each chapter is rather short, using fewcharacters to express its often difficult ideas poetically.
Historical authenticity:The existence of Laozi is
mentioned in scrolls dating back to 400 BCE, but thedetails of his life were not officially recorded
Chuang Tzu- enlarges on the teachings of Lao Tzu in alively Taoist discourse that opposes the ideas ofConfucius with a mystic sense to it
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They both originated from China and roughlyaround the same period.
They both emphasize on balance/harmony intheir life, interactions with people, and theuniverse.
Confucianism is based largely on order,guidance, society, and ritual. They also tend todespise nature. Taoism prefers nature andnatural ways, personal freedom, and
happiness. In a sense whatever one must do,they must do.*
Taoism does not have a supreme being but hasnumerous deities, while Confucianism has one
supreme being.
Relations With Other ReligionsTaoism VS Confucianism
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Buddhism and Taoism along with Confucianism all have
had a huge impact on China and its culture.
Both originated around the same time(6 th century).
Buddha is followed by many Taoists.
Both put forth protection and personal escape. Taoism focuses on balance in everything for the most
part. Buddhism emphasizes on how life is a suffering
and there is a cause and reason for this suffering. They
teach to end suffering.
Buddhism originated from India, while Taoism originated
from China.
Buddhism believe in withdrawing from nature, Taoism is
devoted to nature.
Relations With Other ReligionsTaoism VS Buddhism
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There are about 20-50 million Taoist in the world.* Taoism has no main authority and different sections have different
headquarters. However, the White Cloud Temple in Beijing is a key center
for training for priests and administration.
*In the 20
th
century, Taiwan was a refugee for Taoism due to politicalchange in power in China. Although the religion might have few changes
because of Zhang Enbu who had taken refuge in Taiwan.*
During the Cultural Revolution many Taoist sites were damaged.*
It has only been recently that Taoism has been introduced to the West. Thewest still has must to learn about Taoism.
Modern Taoism
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Citations http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism/
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Confucianism_vs_Taoism
http://www.taichiacademy.com.au/magazine/feature38.htm
http://personal.psu.edu/mkb199/challenge1.html
http://www.eng.taoism.org.hk/daoist-beliefs/immortals&immortalism/
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/taoism/
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-dharma-golden-buddhism-symbol-image9257313
http://www.buddhist-tourism.com/buddhism/principles/
http://www.taoist.org/
http://www.absolutechinatours.com/Xian-attractions/Zhongnan-Mountain-5154.html http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/582972/Daoism
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