Taoism/Daoism by Micaela, Isabella, Jayme and Yujin (Watch this Video on Taoism)

Origins ◉ Founded in 550 BCE by Laozi ◉ Often associated with the Daodejing- a political and philosophical text written by Laozi ◉ Other texts are the Zhugandzi and the Yi Jing ◉ During the Han Dynasty the people became interested in the Daodejing, Zhugandzi, and many other related texts ◉ Taoism is so old the complete history of it cannot be fully traced through written records ◉ Taoism and Daoism are the same thing

Major Events Turning Points: ◉ Became an official religion during the Tang and Shang Dynasties. ◉ Taoism changed to more of a tradition than a religion. ◉ As communism increased Taoism decreased. ◉ The Shang Dynasty Religion heavily influenced Taoism ◉ The sacred text the Daodejing is believed to have been written when Laozi was fleeing China in fear that the Zhou Dynasty was going to fall and a gate keeper convinced him to write down his teachings ◉ Kou Qianzhi’s rules of moral behavior, and stated that those who obeyed the rules would have eternal life, ones who broke them would be reborn as insects or animals.

Major Events Turning Points: ◉ There were many turning points in Taoism. ◉ It became a semi-official religion during the Tang dynasty and continued during the Song dynasty. ◉ As Confucianism became popular Taoism fell in popularity and changed from an official religion to a popular religious tradition. ◉ After the communist takeover of China, Taoism was banned, and its followers were re- educated. The number of practicing Taoists fell by 99% in 10 years. ◉ Around this time Taoism began to flourish in the grater freedom on offer in Taiwan ◉ After the end of the Cultural Revolution the Chinese government began to allow a small measure of religious freedom, and Taoism began to revive in China.

Spreading Taoism ◉ Taoism was guessed to have spread across East Asia including: China, Korea, and Japan ◉ Its also known to spread through the Chinese Diaspora ◉ Instead of diffusing out of China it mostly spread throughout it ◉ The religion spread because of Laozi and his followers ◉ They believed people who want to convert should come to them ◉ It spread through trade routes like the Silk Road

Spreading Religion The consequences and key changes. ◉ Taoist ridiculed Confucianism efforts to emphasize the importance of education and earnest striving for a good living, which made things worse. ◉ Taoist encouraged the view that education wasn’t important and that everyone should withdraw into nature, abandoning the normal way of living. ◉ Self-Sufficient communities, limited government, and active efforts at self improvement. ◉ 2.7 million people follow Taoism. Guan Yin “The Goddess of Mercy”

Spreading Religion Lao Zi - The founder of Taoism. A philosopher and poet of ancient China who was fed up with how the government was being led and decided to take measures into his own hands. Qingyang Taoist Temple “One interesting fact is that one of the pillars has not only the dragon relief sculpture, but also a fist imprint. Legend has it that this dragon wanted to get away from Qingyang Taoist Temple one night, however was found by the Moon Taoist holy man, who then beaten it on the pillar by a fist. From then on, the fist imprint was left there.” - China Tour Online Built during the Tang dynasty. “This statue is carved, in the Song Dynasty, on a piece of naturally formed rock along its contour. It had taken eleven years for the completion( AD). Its height is 7.5 meters. It is located in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. This original stone statue was frequently imitated all over China, particularly in the 20th Century and until now.”- Daoism.Net

Beliefs ◉ Opposite of Confucianism ◉ Spontaneous, Individualistic, and Natural behavior (go with the flow) ◉ The immense realm of nature and its mysterious unfolding pattern ◉ “Laozi wanders beyond, while Confucius roams within society” ~ ◉ Dao- the notion refers to the way of nature ◉ Believes in that there is Light and Dark inside us (yinyang) ◉ Against all violence ◉ The balance between Yin and Yang is essential to have peace and harmony

” A leader is best When people barely know he exists Of a good leader, who talks little, When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, They will say, "We did this ourselves. -Laozi

Taoism Today ❖ Taoism is mainly practiced in North and South China but is gaining popularity in North America ❖ Now, it is mainly viewed as a philosophy rather a religion and many of those who practice choose to practice another religion as well ❖ Modern Taoist beliefs include healthy living such as yoga, meditation and spiritual discipline. ❖ Over 2 million people are following Taoism

Cebu Taoist Temple Laozi Guodian bamboo LAOZI, discovered in a 4th Century BC tomb; it is the oldest book discovered in the world history. Tai Shan: one of the 5 sacred taoist Mountains The last gate before heaven, located at the top of the main route.

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