INTRODUCTION TO WORLD

RELIGIONS & BELIEF

SYSTEMS
2nd Quarter: Module 5

Mary Ann C. Doctor

Rogelio DG. Burce
Module Writer

Department of Education • Republic of the Philippines

HUMSS – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 5
First Edition, 2020

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 12
INTRODUCTION TO WORLD
RELIGIONS & BELIEF
SYSTEMS
Quarter 2 – Module 5:
Taoism

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
Content Standard
The learner demonstrates understanding of the elements of Taoism;
The learner demonstrates understanding of the elements of Taoism:
a. Founder: Lao Tzu (604 B.C.)
b. Sacred texts: Tao Te Ching, Book of Chuang Tze
c. Doctrines: Wu-Wei, Law of Reversion, Following nature
d. Tao as the Origin of all Beings, unnamable and eternal
e. Issues: Inaction, Superstitious practices, Environmentalism
Performance Standard
The learner identifies the things she can do without by making an inventory of personal belongings
(e.g. things in the bedroom) and writes a reflection on Taoism based on the result of the inventory.
Most Essential Learning (Week 5)
Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related issues of
Taoism.
Learning Competency
● State that “Tao is the origin of all beings whose essence is nothing”
● Give examples of acts showing love and respect of nature and the environment
● Explain: The core teaching of Taoism is becoming one with ‘Tao.’
● Identify the things she can do without by making an inventory of personal belongings
(e.g. things in the bedroom) and write a reflection on Taoism based on the result of
the inventory

● The lessons included in your module teaches you the basic concepts on the beliefs and
practices of Confucianism.
● It also helps you to identify the founder of Confucianism and how this belief started.
● In addition, it will help you to understand the concept of golden rule and the core teaching of
Confucianism.
● Moreover, it helps you to analyze what are the related issues concerning to the beliefs of
Confucianism.
Let’s get started……tune up!!!!

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
Multiple Choice: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of your correct answer on the space
provided.
1.________ The most common religion in Taiwan.
a. Hinduism b. Christianity c. Taoism d. Judaism
2.________He was the founder of Daoism.
a. Confucius b. Lao Tzu c. Mencius d. Xunzi
3.________Which country in Asia Daoism originated?
a. China b. Japan c. South Korea d. Taiwan
4._______It is the sacred space or the house of worship for Taoism.
a. Church b. Mosque c. Synagogue d. Temple
5._______ This term action without intention.
a. Wu wei b. Filial Piety c. Li d. Xi
6._______ What is the sacred text or scripture of Confucianism?
a. Analects b. Tao Te Ching c. Torah d. Vedas
7._______ The following belongs to the three treasures of Wu wei except;
a. compassion b. frugality c. faithfulness d. humility
8._______ Until what year Lao Tzu’s mother kept him in her womb?
a. 20 b. 40 c. 62 d. 82
9. _______In what dynasty of China Taoism exists?
a. Chin b. Han c. Tang d. Zhou
10._____ Which of the following do not belong to the doctrines of Taoism?
a. Concept of Wu Wei b. Concept of Filial Piety
c. Concept of De d. Concept of Tao

LOOKING BACK

Fill in the blank: Choose your answer on the boxes below and write it on the space provided.
1. ____________In what age Confucius start to love learning.
2. ____________In what dynasty of China Confucius exist?
3. ____________It is the most important book for Confucianism.
4. ____________A place of worship for Confucianism.
5. ____________This terms refers to respect for their ancestors and parents.
Temple Analects Zhou Mosque Filial 15 14
Piety

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
 Let’s Fonder!!

How did Taoism begin?

The origins of Taoism go back at least to the 4th century BCE. Early Taoism drew its cosmological
notions from the School of Yinyang (Naturalists), and was extremely influenced by one of the oldest
texts of Chinese culture, the I Ching (Yi Jing), which explains a philosophical system about how to
keep human behavior in accordance with the alternating cycles of nature. The "Legalist" Shen
Buhai (c. 400 – c. 337 BCE) may also have been a major influence, expounding a real politics of wu
wei. The Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing), a compact book containing teachings attributed to Laozi, is
widely considered the keystone work of the Taoist tradition, together with the later writings of
Zhuang zi.
Taoism has had a profound influence on Chinese culture in the course of the centuries. The
Chinese alchemy, , Zen Buddhism, several martial arts, traditional Chinese medicine, Feng
Shui have been associated with Taoism throughout history. Beyond China, Taoism also had
influence on surrounding societies in Asia.
Taoism or Daoism is a philosophical tradition of Chinese origin which emphasizes living in harmony
with the Tao . It denotes the principle that is the source, pattern and substance of everything that
exists. Taoist ethics vary depending on the particular school, but in general tend to highlight wu
wei (action without intention), "naturalness", simplicity, spontaneity, and the three
treasures:  "compassion",  "frugality", and "humility".
Tao is the origin of the eternal world. It is boundless in time and space. Ordinary people can become
gods when they have Tao. This religion pursues immortality and preservation of health; its
uttermost goal is to become an immortal being. This can be obtained through cultivating one's
moral character and perfecting one's moral integrity.
Taoism differs from Confucianism by not emphasizing rigid rituals and social order, but is similar in
the sense that it is a teaching about the various disciplines for achieving "perfection" by becoming
one with the unplanned rhythms of the universe called "the way" or "tao".
Lao Zi was the creator of this religion. According to the Shi Ji, or Records of the Historian, by Sima
Qian , Lao Zi was named Li Er. He was a reputed thinker around 6th century B.C. There are many
legends about Lao Zi but few historical records.
The other figure of Taoism is Chuang Tzu(Chuangzi) or “Master Chuang” who lived around 3rd
century BCE. He has also a book attributed to him “Chuang Tzu” and was believed to be completed
before the Han Dynasty.

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
The Taoist tradition today is one of the five religious doctrines officially recognized by the People's
Republic of China. It is also a major religion in Taiwan, and claims adherents in a number of other
societies, in particular in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia

❖ THE LIFE OF Lao Tze

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
 ❖ Taoism Sacred Scriptures
Some of the westerners are most familiar with the Taode jing (Tao Te Ching) and Zhuangzi (Chuang
Tzu), but there are thousands of Taoist scriptures. Earlier than most of the texts now classified as
Taoist, the Taode jing and Zhuangzi belong to the age during which scholars produced discourses
about the way, or Tao, rather than to subsequent centuries of "received" or "channeled"
transmissions from divine beings.
Both the Taode jing and Zhuangzi are polemical texts; that is, they criticize or mock other popular
views, especially those of Confucius.

❖ BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES

Like any other religion Taoism has its own concepts defining its belief system. Some
of its concepts are;
1. Concept of Dao or Tao
The Tao is not a Thing, or a substance in the conventional sense of its essence. It is invisible,
indistinct, universal, shapeless and indefinable, in other words it can be observed in the world but
we cannot perceive. Dao is also sometimes called as “mother” because she made and nourished all
things. Dao is the origin of heaven and earth. It might be more helpful to regard Tao as a system of
guidance.
Dao/Tao is not a God to be worshipped. Taoism does not include many deities. Although there are
lots of Taoist temple, they are part of the universe and depend, like everything on Tao.

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
2. Concept of the De
Usually translated as “virtual” also as an awareness of the Tao together with the capabilities that
enable a person to follow the Tao. “Non-competition in Emptiness” is said to be the principle of
“inaction in nature.” Daoists believes that one person become peaceful if he/she do not have desire
to compete to others. In line with this humility and contentment is the best way to great happiness.
According to Laozi “There is no greater sin than the desire for possession, no greater curse than the
lack of contentment.”.
3.Wu Wei
Wu Wei is a central concept in Taoism. The practice and efficacy of Wu Wei are fundamental in
Taoist thought. The literal meaning of Wu Wei is “without action”, “no behavior”, “doing nothing” or
“action less activity”. In ancient Taoist texts, Wu Wei is associated with water through its yielding
nature. Taoist philosophy proposes that the universe works harmoniously according to its own
ways. When someone exerts his will against the world, he disrupts that harmony. It advocates the
goal of “go with the flow” attitude by cultivating a state of being wherein our actions are in harmony
with the natural cycles of the universe. Nonaggression is also important in wu wei, for Daoist, the
ideal society is a primitive society with a natural, harmonious, and simple life which exists without
competition and war (Ong, De Jose 2016). Becoming a hermit from society also another way of
practicing wu wei by wandering through mountains, meditate in the caves, and eat based on what
natural world has offer to them. This doesn't mean to stop a person living into a proactive life but
their activities should fit into the natural pattern of the universe, and therefore need to be
completely detached and disinterested and not ego-driven.
4. Yin Yang
Yin Yang is the principle of natural and complementary forces, patterns and things that depend on
one another and do not make sense on their own. These may be masculine and feminine, but they
could be darkness and light (which is closer to the original meaning of the dark and light sides of a
hill), wet and dry or action and inaction. These are opposites that fit together seamlessly and work
in perfect harmony. You can see this by looking at the yin yang symbol. The yin yang concept is not
the same as Western dualism, because the two opposites are not at war, but in harmony. This can
be seen very clearly in the symbol: the dark area contains a spot of light, and vice versa, and the two
opposites are intertwined and bound together within the unifying circle. Yin and yang are not static,
the balance ebbs and flows between them - this is implied in the flowing curve where they meet.
5. Concept of Qi
Ch'i or qi is the cosmic vital energy that enables beings to survive and links them to the universe as
a whole. Qi is the basic material of all that exists. It animates life and furnishes functional power of
events. Qi is the root of the human body; its quality and movement determine human health. Qi can
be discussed in terms of quantity, since having more means stronger metabolic function. It is
considered as the foundation of body and life.
Human life is the accumulation of qi; death is its dispersal. After receiving a core potential of
primordial qi at birth, people throughout life need to sustain it. They do so by drawing postnatal qi
into the body from air and food, as well as from other people through sexual, emotional, and social
interaction. But they also lose qi through breathing bad air, overburdening their bodies with food
and drink, and getting involved in negative emotions and excessive sexual or social interactions.
(https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism/beliefs/concepts.shtml
❖ Symbols of Taoism

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
 (https://www.learnreligions.com/taoist-visual-symbols-4123)

Practices and Rituals

1. Rituals
Taoist rituals involve purification, meditation and offerings to deities. One major ritual is the Chiao
(jiao) that is a cosmic renewal which is made up of several small rituals. A shortened version of this
ritual requires the local villagers to present offerings to the deities, in order to bring peace and
prosperity to the village. Most rituals are performed by priests because many are often quite
complicated and technical therefore require training. The rituals involve the priest, along with
assistants, chanting and playing instruments and dancing. These rituals in Taoism are performed
to please their Gods and create harmony and happiness within their lives.
2. Festivals
Taoists have many festivals including; The Lantern Festival, Tomb Sweeping Day, The Chinese New
Year and Hungry Ghost Festival.
a. The Lantern Festival- is a festival celebrated on the first full moon of the year. It is also the
birthday of Tianguan, one of the Taoist gods. They eat dumplings called, Tangyuan, which
represents happiness and family unity.
b. Tomb Sweeping Day- a festival believed to have derived from the Tang Dynasty, is a festival for
ancestors and is performed at the graves of these ancestors on a particular day of the year. c.
Chinese New Year- is probably the most popular celebration and involves burning paper statues of
their Gods, believing this allows the spirits to fly up into heaven and report on the family’s behavior.
d. The Hungry Ghost Festival- is a festival in honor of the dead who were not given a proper funeral
and are released from the underworld on this day. Offerings are made to the ghosts, prayers are
said and entertainment and music events are held to please the spirits. These festivals are
performed to please those who have passed and to pray for a happy and enriching year.

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
3. Places of Rituals
Taoists have many places of worship, including many temples, where Taoists perform ceremonies.
There are generally three kinds of these temples; palace-like temples, ordinary temples and hut-like
or cave temples. In most Taoist temples the “Three Pure Ones” are worshiped. These rituals,
festivals and places of worship are used so that Taoists may show their faith towards their gods and
religion as well as communicate with those who have passed.
(https://taoismchina.weebly.com/rituals-worship-and-festivals.html

❖ Selected Issues
Like any other religions, Daoism has its share of issues. Some of the issues will be discuss in
this chapter.
1. Inaction
Anyone who has left something up to fate knows that doing nothing is often the hardest course
of action. Yet, according to the Taoist notion of Wu Wei, it is through this inaction that harmony is
reached. Inaction often related in laziness or espousing a fatalistic attitude in life by letting nature
take its course and reminding Daoists to just go with flow. In Taoism, inaction simply means
avoiding unnatural action by not doing forced or aggressive action. It means performing all one’s
actions with natural and unforced attitude. Using of incense is a way of communicating to deities.
2. Superstitious Practices
Another issue encountered by Taoism is superstitious practices. There is a misconception that
Taoism involves sorcery, this includes the drawing of signs, chants, and other practices which led to
the notion it promotes superstitious practices. They believe that all things have spirits, and that
deities of the heavens and earth are all around us. They guide us, protect, and bless us. In this way
we should always show our gratitude to them by performing rituals such as praying and using
incense as medium of communicating with their deities.
3. Environmentalism
Daoists believe in the dictum “leave nature alone, and nature will thrive.” They advocate the
utopian view of society characterized by order and harmony, and an emphasis on self-cultivation as
means of achieving social harmony. One should have a healthy relationship with nature by taking
care of one’s body. Taoism stressed the balance of opposites and the interdependence of all things,
which can be understood as an ancient equivalent of today’s nation of the ecosystem. Excessive
urbanization in China is being inconsistent in views of Taoism belief which is living in harmony with
nature.

From this Frayer Model Diagram, provide information about the founder of Taoism!

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
 (https://www.google.com/search?q=graphic+organizer+&tbm=isch&ved)
Guide Questions:
1. In what way Daoism try to solve the social disorder in China?
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Why do you think Daoism often related to mysticism and superstitious religion?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Activity 2- Let’s Define!- From the petals of flower organizer, fill up the beliefs and doctrines of
Taoism. Write 2 statements to explain each item.

(https://www.google.com/search?q=graphic+organizer+with+5+templates+&tbm=isch&v

Fill up the table the basic facts about Taoism.

Founder
God
Sacred Texts
Doctrines
Sects
Issues
Sacred Space

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
 What I Can Do
Definition of Terms. Provide simple definitions of the following terms.
1. Taoism_________________________________________________________________________________
2. Dao De Jing____________________________________________________________________________
3. Guodian Bamboo Strips_______________________________________________________________
4. Lantern Festival ______________________________________________________________________
5. Ba Gua_ _____________________________________________________________________________
6. Lao Tzu_______________________________________________________________________________
7. Yin-Yang _____________________________________________________________________________
8. Wu Wei _______________________________________________________________________________
9. Chuang-tzu ___________________________________________________________________________
10. Five Element Chart __________________________________________________________________

A. Matching Type: Match column A with Column B. Write the correct letter on the space
provided.
a. Yin Shi _________1. Sacred book of Taoism
b. Chuangzi _________ 2. Founder of Daoism
c. Tao Te Ching _________ 3. The gate keeper in Western Pass
d. Lao Tzu __________4. Greatest Historian of China
e. Wu Wei ___________5. Master Chuang
f. De __________6. It is invisible, sometime called as mother
g. Yin Yang ________7. Non-competition
h. Chi __________8. Without action
i. Sima Qian _________9. Harmony between light and darkness
j. Dao/Tao ___________10. Root of the human body.

Answer the following questions;

1. Explain the fundamental teaching of Daoism: “The ultimate goal of humanity is becoming one
with ‘Tao’.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. Do you think that the Concept of Wu Wei is synonymous to laziness? Why?
How would you apply the concept of it in your life?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
3. What doctrines of Daoism do you think we need to adopt as Filipinos especially in taking care of
our nature? Explain your answer.

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Referrences:

Villamor, Quebral S, Pathway to Devotion ,Lorimar Publishing, 2018

Jose, Mary Dorothy DL & Ong, Jerome A, Vibal Publishing, 2016
Website:
(https://taoismchina.weebly.com/rituals-worship-and-festivals.html
(https://www.learnreligions.com/taoist-visual-symbols-4123
(https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism/beliefs/concepts.shtml
(https://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/religion/taoism/)
https://www.ancient.eu/Lao-Tzu/)

Answers Key

PRE-TEST REVIEW POST TEST

1. C 1. 15 1. C
2 B 2. ZHOU 2. D
3. A 3. ANACLETS 3. A
4. D 4. TEMPLE 4. I
5. A 5. FILIAL PIETY 5. B
6. B 6. J
7. C 7. F
8. D 8. E
9. D 9. G
10. B 10. H

MARY ANN C. DOCTOR

Intro to World Religion. Qr.2.Wk5