The Religion of Taoism in Chinese Culture

-- Mystic Martial Art and Horoscope

The Religion of Taoism or Daoism is the most mysterious and secular religion in Chinese culture.

 

It consists of a whole system of magical forces and celestial beings, as well as a series of outstanding scientific achievements.

 

Many great scientists and generals in the history of China were Taoists.

 

It sounds far away, but also indeed integrated into Chinese people’s daily lives for thousands of years. 

 

Pursuing the Dao

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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 is pursuing and trying to understand the Dao or Tao, the law of the nature and the rule of the universe, by all means. 

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Most importantly, unlike other religions, Taoism Religion allows human beings to become immortals equally, man or woman, noble or humble.

 

Taoists pay more attention to the present, to cultivate themselves and to pursue the Dao in the current world, and hopefully could become immortal in the end.

 

Scientific Contributions of the Taoism Religion 

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Not everyone could succeed, however, during the process of pursuing the Dao in thousands of years, Taoists made great contributions in medication, chemistry, alchemy, astronomy, geology, math, science, botany, Fengshui, astrology, numerology, literature, etc.

 

For instance, gunpowder and Tofu were the results of alchemy activities, compass was in regard to Fengshui, acupuncture and moxibustion and Tai Ji were important ways to keep healthy, the author of the most extraordinary medical masterpieces in China believed in Taoism, and many equipments were designed to fly.

 

These achievements integrated into and benefited civilians’ daily lives extensively, which made the mysterious Taoism Religion secular and popular. 

 

Varied Practicing Places

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Those skills and knowledge are only meant for pursuing the Dao, however, the final results varies for each person.

 

People can practice Taoism both in mysterious mountains, and in the secular world.

 

Rise of the Taoism Religion in the History of China

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After the Han Dynasty was established in the year 202 B. C., their emperors applied Taoism Philosophy as the dominant ideology in governance.

 

The Doctrine of Inaction was adhered to by the ruling class, which flourished the Han Empire. 

 

In the year 134 B. C., Emperor Liu Che respected Confucianism as the dominant philosophy.

 

Taoism gradually came into civilians’ world, and combined with ancient Chinese mythology, alchemy, astrology, etc.; the apotheosized Taoism became more and more popular. 

 

Prosperity of the Taoism Religion

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Around 1800 years ago, in the end of the Han Dynasty in the history of China, many Taoism organizations appeared and popularized.

 

They all respected King Huang Di, Lao Tzu and Zhuang Tzu’s ideology, as well as the immortal system. But they were also classified into many schools, because of their different means of pursuing the Dao. 

 

Emperors of the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907) claimed that Lao Tzu was their ancestor, therefore, Taoism Religion was respected as the Tang Empire’s national religion and was well developed; it further flourished in the Song (960 — 1279) and Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644).

 

From emperors to civilians, Taoism Religion was widely believed and practiced in these eras; its related departments, such as medicine, science, botany, Fengshui, astrology and literature, were all well developed. 

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Decline and Recover 

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When the nomadic Manchurian established the Qing Dynasty in the year 1636, they respected Buddhism and strictly suppressed the Taoism Religion.

 

Afterwards, Taoism Religion gradually declined in the history of China.

 

In the year 1957, Chinese Taoist Association was established to communicate and discuss the Taoism Religion.   

 

Taoism Religion in Modern Chinese Culture

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Today, celebration activities in Tradition Chinese Festivals and many customs are closely connected to the Taoism Religion.

 

As it always suggested, the best practice of the Taoism, for most of the people, is to be a good person and to do a good job in the secular world.