Taoism

We explain what Taoism is, its principles and its symbols. Also, its origin and its practice today.

What is Taoism?

Taoism is a philosophy and religion originating in China that focuses on living in harmony with the Tao (sometimes translated as “the Way” or “the Way”). Taoist philosophy proposes leading a life in communion with the Tao: following the natural path, acting spontaneously in harmony with the flow of life, valuing simplicity and living simply in harmony with nature.

This tradition has its roots in the teachings attributed to Lao-Tzu, a sage from the 6th century BC. C. considered the author of the Tao Te Chingone of the fundamental texts of Taoism. Another important text is Zhuangziattributed to the philosopher of the same name (also called Zhuang Zhou). It is a complex and multifaceted tradition that offers both a philosophy of life and a religion, with specific practices and rituals.

Taoism has deeply influenced Chinese and other Asian cultures in aspects such as traditional medicine, martial arts, literature, calligraphy, and art. His emphasis on harmony with nature and balance has had a lasting impact on the way many people perceive and relate to the world around them.

Principles of Taoism

The fundamental principles of Taoism are:

• CAT. He CAT It is an indecipherable and eternal natural order, which contains and sustains everything, and which also contains the harmony of things. The mission of the Taoist is to observe the balance of the world and accept it as it is, since the transcendent tao is unknowable, that is, it cannot be understood rationally.
• Yin-yang. The universe is composed of opposing but complementary forces, some active (yin) and others passive (yang), which are interdependent. This is not to be confused with irreconcilable opposites (such as good and evil). The mission of the Taoist is to understand these two vital aspects simultaneously, like someone looking at the dark side and the light side of the same mountain.
• Wu Wei. Wu Wei involves living in harmony with the natural flow of life, acting spontaneously and without forcing things. In this sense, it proposes inaction or involuntary action, that is, things happen by themselves.
• Simplicity and humility. Taoism condemns personal desires, such as greed, envy and surrender to worldly desires, while encouraging introspection, meditation, contemplation and analysis, that is, an attitude of greater detachment towards life.
• Relativity of things Taoism teaches that everything in the universe is relative and subject to change. It relativizes moral concepts and seeks to transcend human desire and simplistic considerations of good and evil, in order to perceive the underlying order of things.

Origin of Taoism

Taoism has its roots in ancient China and its origin is attributed to the teachings of the wise Lao-Tzu, who is believed to have lived in the 6th century BC. C. Currently, some historians dispute this date and maintain that he lived in the 4th century BC. c.

Lao-Tzu is considered the author of Tao Te Ching one of the fundamental texts of Taoism. It is a collection of poetic verses that offer wisdom on how to live in harmony with the Tao, which can be understood as the universal principle underlying all things.

In addition to Lao-tzu, Another important philosopher of early Taoism was Zhuangzi who lived in the 4th century BC. C and is known for the philosophical work that bears his name. His writings explore themes such as the nature of the Tao, the relativity of reality, and the importance of living in harmony with the natural flow of life.

Schools of Taoism

Throughout history, different schools and currents of Taoist tradition were founded:

• School of the Celestial Teachers Founded by Zhang Daoling in the 2nd century AD. C., focused on the worship of Celestial Masters and the performance of rituals to purify and protect their followers. It was one of the first Taoist schools organized in China.
• Shangqing School Founded in the 4th century AD. C. by Tao Hongjing, it focused on meditation, visualization and the invocation of celestial deities to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
• Lingbao School Emerged in the 5th century AD. C., focused on spiritual alchemy and ritual practices to achieve immortality. It is distinguished by its emphasis on the worship of the main deity, the Supreme Celestial King, and the cultivation of virtue and compassion.
• Quanzhen School Founded in the 12th century AD. C. by Wang Chongyang, emphasized internal alchemy, meditation and community life in monasteries.

religious taoism

Religious Taoism is a tradition that includes a variety of spiritual and ritual practices, and the worship of various deities and spirits. Unlike philosophical Taoism, which focuses on abstract principles and ways of life, religious Taoism has a more formal and organized structure.

In religious Taoism, A hierarchy of gods are worshiped, including the Jade Emperor and deified Lao-tzu along with other divine beings of the Taoist pantheon. In addition, ancestral spirits are worshiped, seeking their protection and guidance.

Rituals and ceremonies include purification rites to cleanse the body and spirit, as well as offering ceremonies in which food, incense and other objects are provided to the deities to ask for blessings and protection.

Taoist temples are sacred places where rituals are performed and serve as centers of community and spiritual practice. Priests and monks lead ceremonies, offer teachings, and guide practitioners on their spiritual path. Meditation and contemplation are practiced to achieve inner peace and harmony with the universe. Religious faithful also participate in the recitation of sacred texts, such as the Tao Te Ching and the Zhuangzi.

See also: World religions

Symbols of Taoism

Taoism is mostly identified with taiji either taijitualso known as the yin-yang symbol which consists of a circle inside which two intertwined shapes are seen, one black and the other white, within which there is a small circle of the opposite color.

This symbol represents the complementary opposites of the universe: active forces and passive forces, around which Taoism builds its philosophical doctrine. It is also possible to represent Taoism with the Chinese pictogram for the word dao (道), which can be translated as “way.”

Taoism today

Today, China's communist government established a policy of “administration of religion,” which involves state control over religious practices. While Taoism is not prohibited, Chinese authorities have imposed restrictions and limitations.

However, Taoism has left an indelible mark on Chinese culture and It has influenced areas such as traditional medicine, martial arts, calligraphy, painting and poetry. Many aspects of Chinese culture, from food and architecture to festivals and social etiquette, reflect the principles and teachings of Taoism.

Despite the influence of the atheism of the communist government in China, religious Taoism continues to be practiced by millions of people throughout the country. Taoist temples continue to be places of worship and ritual, where followers perform prayers and make offerings to Taoist deities seeking protection, blessings, and spiritual guidance.

In addition, The philosophical teachings of Taoism continue to be studied and appreciated both in China and around the world. The concepts of harmony with the Tao, Wu Wei (non-action), yin-yang and simplicity remain relevant in everyday life and contemporary philosophy.

References

• Ackermann, M. (2008). Daoism (Taoism); Laozi (Lao Tzu) and Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu). Encyclopedia of World History, vol. YO: The Ancient World. Prehistoric Eras to 600 C.E. Facts on File.
• Ellwood, RR and Alles, GD (Eds.). (2007). Taoism. The Encyclopedia of World Religions. Facts on File.
• Seidel, A.K., Strickmann, M., & Ames, R.T. (2024). Daoism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/