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Taoism
By peace | May 21, 2008
Taoism honours Lao Zi as the Venerable Lord (Tai Shang Lao Jun), Supreme Patriarch of Taoism, Celestial Lord of Virtue, one of the Three Pure Ones. The Tao as expounded by Lao Zi is the most fundamental concept.
Taoism is the main surviving religion native to China. Its roots lie far back in Chinese shamanism and philosophy, and its name comes from the Chinese word for the way, meaning ‘the Way, the very essence, of nature’. It developed into a full-blown religion from the second century AD. Taoists aim to develop virtues, and to live in harmony with others as well as with Tao. Tao is believed by Taoists to be the primary force of all life.
Taoism in Southeast Asia is generally known as “Folk Taoism”. Others name it ‘popular religion/folk religion/Chinese religion’. Taoist rites and custom are practised and passed down; however, the real meaning behind them is often not sufficiently emphasised. In addition, devotees tend to practise a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist and even Confucian rites and traditions in their daily lives.
As an indigenous religion in China, Taoism embodies elements of Chinese Traditions and beliefs from the early days of Chinese civilisation. As Chinese writer Lu Xun put it, “The root of the Chinese people is Taoism.” Most people feel that one has to understand Taoism before one can understand Chinese culture.
Taoism is about learning, cultivation and practice, that is, learning about the ways of Tao, self-cultivation to achieve Tao and practising the teachings of Taoism. It draws its philosophy from Lao Zi’s Tao Te Ching. Taoism emphasises the paramount importance of understanding the natural order of things, because only by knowing the principles of Tao, can people then live in harmony.
Taoist View on Life and Death: Man, like all living things, belongs to the world of nature and has a limited life cycle. Hence, Man should learn to love his body and develop both its physical and spiritual potential. Human desires should be kept in moderation. Man should perform charitable acts, be modest and thrifty, and love his fellow human beings in order to achieve an inner peace. Taoism believes that Man embodies the yin and yang.
The essence of Taoism is maintaining the balance of nature of the Tao, through controlling and influencing the forces of yin and yang, exorcizing evil spirits and seeking immortality.
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