Taoism

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Last update

14 June 2011

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Taoism

WHEN

Developed in the third or fourth century BCE as a reaction to the rigid instructions of Confucianism. Tradition says Taoism was created by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu (left).

Taoism started as a combination of psychology and philosophy but evolved into a religion in 440 CE when it was adopted as a state religion.

FOLLOWERS

Taoism currently has about 225 million followers, primarily in China, Taiwan, and Japan. In the 1991 Census, 1,720 Canadians identified themselves as Taoists; current estimates put the number at 3,440.

BELIEFS

“Tao” means the way and describes the hidden principle of the Universe. Less stress is laid on good deeds than on harmonious interaction with the environment, which automatically ensures correct behaviour.

Tao embodies the harmony of opposites - there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female, no good without evil. The opposites are a part of each other. This is captured in the Yin and Yang symbol (right).

The key to finding happiness isn’t trying to impose rules, government, or human will on life: it is following your own destiny and letting everything around you do the same. In doing this, we can be in accord with Tao.

Taoism offers no concept of the creation of the Universe. Thus, Taoists do not pray as Christians do; there is no God to hear them. They seek answers to life’s problems through inner meditation, visualization, and outer observation.

Development of virtue is one’s chief task. The Three Jewels to be sought are compassion, moderation and humility.

Taoism teaches that while there is no afterlife such as those described by other religions, death isn’t the end of life. Instead, because everything is one, death is merely another form of existence.

DIVISIONS

There is a strictly philosophical branch of Taoism and a religious branch known as Tao-chiao in China and Dokyo in Japan.

The religious version has different schools ranging from magic-based folk religion to a more scholarly and scientific approach. However, as they are all part of the same Tao, there is no conflict among them.

SACRED TEXTS

Tradition says that the Tao-te-Ching (The Way of Power) was written in one night by Lao Tzu. Experts say it was more likely compiled after his death. It describes the nature of life, the way to peace, and how a ruler should lead his life.

The Chuang-tzu (named after its author) contains additional teachings. It was initially written in about 340 BCE and added to later by the author's students.

ENERGY CIRCULATION

Chi, is the energy of the universe that flows through the mind and the body. A complex series of 108 physical exercises has developed partly from Taoism and partly from martial arts to balance this energy.

The exercises are done in slow motion and are called Tai Chi. According to practitioners Tai Chi, “stimulates the central nervous system, lowers blood pressure, relieves stress and gently tones muscles without strain. It also enhances digestion, elimination of wastes, and the circulation of blood. Moreover, Tai Chi's rhythmic movements massage the internal organs and improve their functionality.”

Sources used in this series

Religions in Canada, Directorate of Human Rights and Diversity, Government of Canada.

The Encyclopedia of World Religions, Robert S. Ellwood (ed.) Facts on File, 1998.

Religion for Dummies, Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Thomas Hartman, For Dummies Publishing, 2002.

Religious Tolerance, Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance

Religion, CBC Montreal

Taoism Canada

“We believe in the formless and eternal Tao, and we recognize all personified deities as being mere human constructs. We reject hatred, intolerance, and unnecessary violence, and embrace harmony, love and learning, as we are taught by Nature. We place our trust and our lives in the Tao, that we may live in peace and balance with the Universe, both in this mortal life and beyond.”

Lao Tzu