Taoism Religion in Chinese Culture
What is Taoism or Daoism Religion?
What is the ultimate purpose of Taoism Religion?
What are the main characteristics of the Taoism Religion?
Cultivation in Taoism Religion.
Sacred places of Taoism in China.
Scientific contributions of the Taoism Religion.
What are the magic powers of the Taoism Religion?
Three Most Supreme Immortals of the Taoism Religion — San Qing
What is Taoism or Daoism Religion
The Religion of Taoism or Daoism is a Chinese religion that evolved out of the Taoism Philosophy and ancient Chinese Mythology.
It respected Lao Zi (or Lao Tzu) as the saint and deity, his masterpiece Dao De Jing (or Tao Te Ching) as an essential classic.
It consists of a complete system of magical forces and deities, as well as a series of outstanding scientific achievements.
Taoism Religion is the most mysterious and secular religion in Chinese culture. It sounds far away but has indeed integrated into Chinese people’s daily lives for thousands of years.
Silk Manuscript of Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching), Unearthed From Tomb of Prime Minister Li Cang (? — 185 BC) — Mawangdui Museum of Hunan Province
Ultimate Purpose of Taoism Religion — Pursuing the Dao
Taoism or Daoism Religion apotheosized the Taoism Philosophy and constructed an entire immortal system, based on ancient Chinese Mythology.
The most important purpose of every Taoist priest is pursuing and trying to understand the Dao or Tao, the law of nature, and the rule of the universe, by all means.
Most importantly, in Taoism Religion, all human beings have the opportunity to become immortals, man or woman, noble or humble.
Therefore, the main purposes of Taoist priests are to pursue the Dao in the current world, and hopefully to become immortals through cultivation.
Chinese Character "Dao" Written by Emperor Li Longji (685 — 762)
Main Characteristics of the Taoism Religion
-
Everyone is possible to become immortal through cultivation, hence the polytheistic system.
Everyone can choose their own favorite deity to believe; there are no absolute rules or regulations or ceremonies.
-
The best means to pursue the Dao, for most people, is to practice in the secular world.
To be a good daughter or son, a lovely partner, a responsible employee, etc.
Finding and completing oneself is the foremost thing to do.
-
Everyone could have their own understandings of the Dao.
Part of Murals of Taoism Deities on Walls inside the Yongle Palace (Built in 1247 — 1358) in Shanxi Province