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 The Chinese character for the Tao, often translated as 'way', 'path', 'technique', or 'doctrine' | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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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| Kanji | 道教 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hiragana | どうきょう | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Katakana | ドウキョウ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Taoism (/ˈdaʊ.ɪzəm/ , /ˈtaʊ.ɪzəm/ ) or Daoism is a diverse philosophical and religious tradition indigenous to China. Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao—generally understood as being the impersonal, enigmatic process of transformation ultimately underlying reality.[1][2] The concept originates in the Chinese word 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. Many Taoist terms lack simple definitions and have been translated in several different ways.
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 and 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] Taoism is one of the most important ideologies in Chinese thought, second only to Confucianism. Although almost completely different from Confucianism, it is not always contradictory. Later, 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.
Though Taoism often lacks the motivation for strong hierarchies, Taoist philosophy has often served as a foundation for theories of politics and warfare, and Taoist organizations with differing agendas have existed throughout Chinese history. During the late Han dynasty, Taoist secret societies precipitated the Yellow Turban Rebellion, attempting to create what has been characterized as a Taoist theocracy. Many denominations of Taoism recognize deities, often those present in other traditions, where they are venerated as superhuman figures exemplifying Taoist virtues. The syncretic nature of the tradition presents particular difficulties in attempting to characterize its practice. Since Taoist thought has been deeply rooted in Chinese culture for millennia, it is often unclear whether one should be considered a "Taoist". The status of daoshi, or 'Taoist master', is traditionally attributed only to clergy in Taoist organizations; these figures usually distinguish between their traditions and others throughout Chinese folk religion. The gods and immortals (神仙) believed in by Taoism can be roughly divided into two categories, namely "gods" and "xian". "Gods" refers to deities, of which there are many kinds. "Xian" were immortal beings with vast supernatural powers, although the word was also used as a descriptor for a principled and moral person.[6]
Today, Taoism is one of five religious doctrines officially recognized by the Chinese government, also having official status in Hong Kong and Macau.[7] It is considered a major religion in Taiwan,[8] 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.
- ^ Elizabeth Pollard; Clifford Rosenberg; Robert Tignor (16 December 2014). Worlds Together, Worlds Apart: A History of the World – From the Beginnings of Humankind to the Present. W.W. Norton. p. 164. ISBN 978-0-393-91847-2. Archived from the original on 1 September 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
- ^ Creel (1982), p. 2.
- ^ Kirkland (2004), p. 2-10.
- ^ Kohn (2008), p. 23–33.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Robinet 1997, p. 62was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "道教神仙分类" [Classification of Taoist gods and immortals]. 武当山道教协会 [Wudang Mountain Taoist Association]. 21 April 2019. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Religion in China". Council on Foreign Relations. 11 October 2018. Archived from the original on 14 October 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ^ "Taiwan 2017 International Religious Freedom Report". American Institute on Taiwan. US Federal Government. 29 May 2018. Archived from the original on 18 June 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.