Taoism or Daoism — Definition, Belief, History, and Facts
Taoism or Daoism Definition
Taoism or Daoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy about the law of nature and freedom, the Dao.
It pays attention to the essence and patterns of the universe and the relationship between humans and nature.
Unlike other traditional Chinese philosophies such as Confucianism, Legalism, and Mohism, which are active participants in society, Taoism is a neutral observer.
It tries to experience and comprehend the universe, society, and the inner fundamental principles of everything.
Gradually, Taoism developed some related fields, such as Taoist literature, science, military, medicine, music, art, folk religion, governance and military methodology, self-cultivation, martial art, and longevity preservation.
Chinese Taoist Aesthetics, Unearthed Porcelain Plate of the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907) — National Museum of China (Photo by Dongmaiying)
Taoism or Daoism Founder and Influential Philosophers
Taoist thoughts originated in China around 5,500 to 6,000 years ago. Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) (2717 BC — 2599 BC) and strategist Jiang Ziya (1156 BC — 1017 BC) formulated some fundamental thoughts.
Centuries later, after the great philosopher Lao Zi (or Lao Tzu) (about 571 BC — 471 BC) had finished his masterpiece Tao Te Ching (or Dao De Jing), Taoism was officially formed.
Hence, Lao Zi is respected as the founder, and Tao Te Ching is the essential classic of Taoism.
Another contributive philosopher is Zhuang Zi or Chuang Tzu (about 369 BC — 286 BC), who further developed Taoist belief as an exceptional philosopher and writer.
Silk Manuscript of Dao De Jing (Tao Te Chin), Unearthed From Tomb of Prime Minister Li Cang (? — 185 BC) — Mawangdui Museum of Hunan Province
Extension and Influence of Taoist Philosophy
As a fundamental philosophy, Taoism has influenced other ancient Chinese ideologies to different extents.
Confucius had visited and consulted Lao Zi several times and was highly impressed by his ideas and talent.
Legalism and Mohism referred to some ideas from Taoist classics; in other words, they could also be extensions of specific Taoist ideas in different directions.
Most importantly, Taoism Religion, one of China's most significant folk religions, evolved out of this philosophical school.
Taoist Lotus Shaped Jade Guan (Used to Decorate Tied Hair of Men) of the Song Dynasty (960 — 1279) — Capital Museum