Taoism (pronounced Dao-ism) is believed to have originated around 300 B.C. The word "Tao" means “the way” or “the path.” Influenced by the beliefs and thoughts of various faiths and philosophies that existed in China at the time, Taoism developed as the Chinese sought a way to gain greater enlightenment and peace. Here is a brief introduction to this history of this fascinating philosophy of Lao Tzu or Lao Tsu, who is credited with discovering and formalizing Taoism.
Lao Tzu and Taoism
Lao Tzu, legend has it, worked in the library of the Chinese Emperor. Credited with starting the philosophy of Taoism, Lao Tzu believed that happiness is achievable when people “go with the flow.” Taoism emphasized that happiness, contentment and success will come to people when they stop trying to make things happen and rather devote time to uncovering the natural way to achieve.
Lao Tzu also believed that everything that exists in the universe shares a universal life force or yin and yang, and therefore, it was incorrect of people to fight each other or destroy the life force in anything else.
Rules and regulations imposed by governments were another thing that Lao Tzu didn’t support simply because they made people follow the same mode of behavior. Taoism’s principle was that everyone should be allowed to make independent decisions.
Formal Establishment of Taoism
Taoism began as a philosophy and grew into a religion. According to The Taoist Body, this ancient philosophy was formally introduced under the first rulers of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C- A.D.221).
Taoism was influenced by a number of religions that existed in China at the time. Ancestor worship and Shamanism were the earliest, while Confucianism and Buddhism followed later. Taoism beliefs were drawn from these faiths and ultimately, they were formally established as a distinct philosophy.
Evolution of Taoism Into a Religion
The progression of Taosim from a philosophy to a religion was quite natural, and actually, expected. It gained popularity and strength with the emperors and saw great developments during the rule of various dynasties such as the Tang dynasty and the Yuan Dynasty. In fact, during the Yuan dynasty, Taoism was divided into two major sects – the Quanzhen sect and the Zhengyi sect.
Religious Taoism worships Lao Tzu as a saint and regards the book Tao Te Ching as a scripture. There are temples and shrines, priests and prayers and all the rituals associated with an organized religion. There are, according to scholars, differences between the Taoist philosophy and the Taoist religion. Taoism as a philosophy is fair and does not need prayers and appeasements while Taoism as a religion includes rites, rituals, prayers and sacrifices.
Modern times have seen Taoism and Taoism beliefs acquire a great deal of popularity and it has even become fashionable to practice Taoism. However, at the end of the day, it is important to understand that ancient Taoism beliefs must be applied to modern day experiences and in keeping with the essence of the Tao, each individual must do so in a unique way.
Readers of Taoism may also like An Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism and Use Buddhism Teachings for Better Relationships.
Sources:
- Schipper, Marinus Kristofer. The Taoist Body. University of California Press (1993).
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