All about Taoism

Taoism (also known as Daoism) is a Chinese philosophy attributed to Lao

Tzu (c. 500 BCE) which contributed to the folk religion of the people
primarily in the rural areas of China and became the official religion of the
country under the Tang Dynasty. Taoism is therefore both
a philosophy and a religion. It emphasizes doing what is natural and
"going with the flow" in accordance with the Tao (or Dao), a cosmic force
which flows through all things and binds and releases them.

5 facts about Taoism:

Taoism is a Chinese philosophical, religious, and spiritual belief system
that teaches one to flow with life and to be true to one's nature. Taoism is
one of China's five religions. It is one of three philosophical teachings
which also include Buddhism, and Confucianism. Taoism began in the in
the late 4th century BC under the work of Laozi, in the Tao Te Ching. 'Tao'
means 'way' and Taoism is sometimes expressed as 'the flow of the
universe.' Taoism's central value is naturalness, which one achieves by
freeing themselves from desire and selfish thoughts and behaviors and
embracing simplicity in life.

Interesting Taoism Facts:

The five religions recognized in China include Taoism, Islam,
Protestantism, Buddhism, and Catholicism.
Taoism is also sometimes referred to as Daoism.
Taoism teaches that trusting one's instincts and gut is the path to finding
one's true nature.
Taoism has survived as long as it has because it teaches to adapt to
which allows followers to embrace modern culture rather than fight it.
The three most popular ancient Taoist works include Tao Te Ching
written by Laozi, and one written by Lieh Tzu, and another written by
Chuang Tzu.
Taoism teaches to reject hate, to reject intolerance, and to live with
compassion, harmony, and balance in one's life.
Violence is considered to be a last resort in Taoism.
Taoism can help one to decrease stress in their life, which is known to
cause illness.
Taoism teaches that bad deeds and sin result in illness.
The morality of Taoism is based upon three treasures including being
charitable, being thrifty, and not putting one ahead of others.
Tao is not a god and Taoism does not involve worshipping Tao. Instead
Taoism has deities that are worshipped in temples. These deities have
particular roles and have titles associated with them.
Taoism involves scripture, meditation, feng shui, and fortune telling.
Taoism does not approve of lying, killing, and stealing. Instead it
encourages charity, and kind and helpful behavior.
The physical practices of Taoism involve martial arts, yoga, meditation,
massage and breathing exercises. These are mean to bring one into
harmony with the Tao.
The diet and herbs and mineral use in Taoism which is meant to promote
a longer life is called wai-dan.
The Taoist ritual called chiao is made up of several rituals that are meant
to promote cosmic renewal.
Because much of the true elements of Taoism are orally passed on and
not in writing, one can only truly learn Taoism by studying with a
master.
Talismans in Taoism are made up of strips of paper with images, words,
or symbols that are meant to purify, drive away evil, and even heal the
sick.
Talismans are only valuable if written (or drawn) by a highly trained and
qualified person who is considered to be in a state of purity.
 The recitation of Tao Te Ching passages has been going on for more than
2000 years. This practice of reciting passages meant that people that
could not read or write could learn them and recite them as well.

5 peace Teachings/Concepts of Taoisim

1. SIMPLICITY, PATIENCE, COMPASSION

“Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient
with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.”

WHAT DOES IT TEACH: Life can get complicated quite easily, but
sometimes all we need to do is get back to the basics. When feeling
overwhelmed, these guidelines present essential rules in how to manage
actions, relationships, and self-worth in a few, concise sentences.

2. GOING WITH THE FLOW

“When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.”

WHAT DOES IT TEACH: This quote explains the concept of wu wei,

uncontrived action or natural non-intervention. In life, rather than fighting
against the conditions in our lives, we can allow things to take their natural
course. This can also mean that when you don’t know what to do, do
nothing. Instead, only jump at opportunities when you feel ready.

3. LETTING GO

“If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold
on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.”

WHAT DOES IT TEACH: Many Eastern philosophies remind us of the

only true constants in life, change and death. While not an easy thing to do,
accepting these facts of life can release you from as much suffering and
bring freedom in life. We must remember to let go, and allow life to take its
course.

4. HARMONY

“Tao engenders One; One engenders Two; Two engenders Three; Three
engenders all things. All things carry the yin (femininity) while embrace
the yang (masculinity). Neutralising energy brings them into harmony.”

WHAT DOES IT TEACH: The Chinese concept of yin and yang describes
nature in daulities with two opposite, complementary, and interdependent
forces. In other words, two halves balancing together that make a whole.
Yin and yang always flows and changes with time. One aspect increases as
the other decreases, and this balance continues as a pattern in nature. The
night becomes the day. The sky meets the earth.

5. Taoism categorically promotes environmentalism as it is a very old

nature philosophy that has been considered significant in environment-
care even by today’s scientific standards. Taoism strives for a world
wherein the laws of nature are respected. Tao is nature.