Origins of Taoism Mavra A.

Taoism is a traditional Chinese native religion Laozi (also called: Lao Dan, Li Er, Laotzu, and Laotse) is the founder of this religion. The Doctrine of Morality is regarded as their holy Bible.

It was started by a child name Lao Tzu who lived in China around 600 B It was started by a child name Lao Tzu who lived in China around 600 B.C. He is called Lao Tzu ("Old Boy"), because nothing is known of his youth or origins. He worked in the Chinese government,

Taoism (pronounced Dao-ism) is believed to have originated around 300 B.C. The word "Tao" means “the way” or “the path

Many people interested in the Tao are still under the impression that Lao Tzu founded Taoism about 2,500 years ago. There is some truth to this, as long as we are only talking about philosophical Taoism (Dao Jia) or religious Taoism (Dao Jiao). However, the one thing that most people do not realize is that both variants of Taoism came from a much older tradition, known to the Chinese simply as the Tao.

It is not possible for Lao Tzu to be the founder of this ancient tradition for the simple reason that it began at leasht 2,300 years before his time

Fu Hsi was the first of the legendary emperors of ancient China Fu Hsi was the first of the legendary emperors of ancient China. His reign marked the starting point of Chinese civilization, and the Tao concept that originated at the same time also reflected the spirit of Chinese culture from this ancient beginning We can see the evidence for this when we get closer to Chinese culture.

Key Beliefs of Taoism Spencer Stevens

Tao Tao is literally translated as “the way” or “the path.” Many different beliefs as to what Tao really is. Taoists say that the “eternal Tao” can never be truly defined. A non-personal energy that created, and resides in all living things.

Wu Wei Literally translated as “not doing.” Means not doing anything that goes against nature.

Wu Literally translated as emptiness. The ideal state of mind, empty of any thoughts or desires that conflict with the Tao.

Yin and Yang The two complimentary forces that exist in nature. Yang represents everything masculine and active. Yin represents everything feminine and passive Too much of either is bad, a balance needs to be achieved.

Qi Qi (or Chi) is literally translated as “breath,” or “air” It is the life energy present in all living things. The martial art of Tai Chi is designed to aid the flow of Qi throughout the body.

Key Figures Brittney Lee-Own

Lao Tzu (Laozi) Might have founded Taoism We are not sure if he existed Lao Tzu: Old Master If he did exist he could’ve been Li Erh, an archivist He wrote Tao Te Ching

Huang Di Visited a Hermit who told him the secret to Tao Changed the way he governed people Earned the name “Yellow Emperor” The Greatest Emperor China has ever seen Created harmony within himself and then created harmony within his kingdom

Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi) [369-286BC]: He is one of the authors of the book Chuang Tzu is a collection of stories written in prose form instead of poetry that teaches Tao from the perspective of active, everyday life

Yu-Huang: Known as the Jade Emperor The Great High God Main job is to distribute justice, which he does through a court system of Hell where evil deeds and thoughts are punished

Yuan-shih T'ien-tsun (The First Principal) He has no beginning and no end Existed "before the void and the silence, before primordial chaos” Self existing, changeless, limitless, invisible, source of all truth

Symbols/Images By: Theron Nicholls Taoism Symbols/Images By: Theron Nicholls

Introduction Yin Yang most well-known Taoist symbol Taiji tu visual of all of Taoist cosmology The Five Elements which produce the Ten-Thousand Things The Lo Pan Compass The Guodian bamboo strips

Yin and Yang Universal harmony and unity between complimentary opposites. Yin = dark, passive, negative. Yang = light, active, positive.

10th Century

“This is like the discovery Guodian Bamboo Strips 4th Century “This is like the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.”

Rituals and Practices By Corey Yeung

Rites and Ceremonies Written memorial on behalf of the people to their God’s Major festivals can last for days Rites can vary from purification, invocation of the deities, prayers, consecration and offerings, hymns and dances

Rituals Can involve tens and hundreds of villages. Occur every five to ten years. Communal Meals, Military Parades, and plays

Meditation Taoists practice meditation Stillness of body lets them collect full chi Chi can be described as energy and matter

Tai Chi Chuan The martial arts form practiced for balance Spiritual, emotional, and mental aspects Form of movement meditation Used for self defense

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