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Chinese name | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chinese | 道教 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hanyu Pinyin | Dàojiào | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Literal meaning | "Religion of the Way" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Vietnamese name | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vietnamese alphabet | Đạo giáo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chữ Hán | 道教 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Korean name | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hangul | 도교 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hanja | 道敎 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Japanese name | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kanji | 道教 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hiragana | どうきょう | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Katakana | ドウキョウ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Taoism |
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Taoism (/ˈdaʊ.ɪzəm/ , /ˈtaʊ.ɪzəm/ ) or Daoism is a diverse philosophical and religious tradition indigenous to China, emphasizing harmony with the Tao—generally understood as an impersonal, enigmatic process of transformation ultimately underlying reality.[1][2] It is one of the most important ideologies in Chinese thought. The concept originates in the Chinese word Dao 道 (pinyin: dào; Wade–Giles: tao4), whose numerous meanings include 'way', 'road', and 'technique'. Taoist thought has informed the development of practices within the Taoist tradition and beyond, including forms of meditation, astrology, qigong, feng shui, and internal alchemy. Common goals of Taoist practice include self-cultivation, a deeper appreciation of the Tao, and a more harmonious existence. Although diverse, Taoist ethics generally emphasize virtues such as effortless action, naturalness or spontaneity, simplicity, and the three treasures of compassion, frugality, and humility.
The core of Taoist thought crystallized during the early Warring States period, c. the 4th and 5th centuries BCE, during which fundamental texts like the Tao Te Ching, associated with Laozi, and the more anecdotal Zhuangzi were largely composed. They form the core of a body of Taoist writings accrued over the following centuries, which was assembled by monks into the Daozang canon starting in the 5th century CE. Early Taoism drew upon various influences, including the Shang and Zhou state religions, Naturalism, Mohism, Confucianism, various Legalist theories, as well as the Book of Changes and Spring and Autumn Annals.[3][4][5] Although different from Confucianism, it is not always contradictory. When Buddhism was introduced to China, the two began to influence one another, with long-running discourses between Taoists and Buddhists. The distinct Mahayana tradition of Zen that emerged during the Tang dynasty incorporates many ideas from Taoism.
Many denominations of Taoism recognize deities, often shared with other traditions, venerated as superhuman figures exemplifying Taoist virtues. The many gods and immortals (神仙) believed in by Taoism can be roughly divided into two categories, namely "gods" or deities, and "xian". "Xian" were immortal beings with vast supernatural powers, also describing a principled, moral person. Since Taoist thought is syncretic and deeply rooted in Chinese culture for millennia, it is often unclear which denominations should be considered "Taoist". The status of daoshi, or 'Taoist master', is traditionally attributed only to clergy in Taoist organizations, who distinguish between their traditions and others in Chinese folk religion.[6] Though generally lacking motivation for strong hierarchies, Taoist philosophy has often served as a theoretical foundation for politics, warfare, and Taoist organizations.[7] Taoist secret societies precipitated the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the late Han dynasty, attempting to create what has been characterized as a Taoist theocracy.[8]
Today, Taoism is one of five religious doctrines officially recognized by the Chinese government, also having official status in Hong Kong and Macau.[9] It is considered a major religion in Taiwan,[10] and also has significant populations of adherents throughout the Sinosphere and Southeast Asia. In the West, Taoism has taken on various forms, both those hewing to historical practice, as well as highly synthesized practices variously characterized as new religious movements.
Robinet 1997, p. 62
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