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TAOISM
Presentation are communication tools that can be used as demontrations,
lectures, reports, and more. it is mostly presented before an audience.

Subject : TAOISM BY: GROUP 8 Submit by : MARILOU J. PEROCHO

COMMONWEALTH
| Taoism Report Presentation | Jemhen Marc N. | 01
HIGH SCHOOL

TAOISM
Daoism, also known as Daoism, is a Chinese philosophy
attributed to Lao-Tzu (500 BCE), also known as Laozi or Lao-
Tze, which contributed to the folk religion of the people
primarily in the rural areas of China and became the official
religion of the country under the Tang Dynasty. Taoism is,
therefore, both a philosophy and a religion.It emphasizes
doing what is natural and "going with the flow" in
accordance with the Tao (or Dao), a cosmic force that flows
through all things and binds and releases them.

Jemhen Marc N.
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| Taoism Report Presentation | Kegie L. | 02
HIGH SCHOOL

ORIGINS
The historian Sima Qian (145-86 BCE) tells the story of Lao-
Tzu, a curator at the Royal Library in the state of Chu, who
was a natural philosopher. Lao-Tzu believed in the harmony
of all things and that people could live easily together if they
only considered each other's feelings once in a while and
recognized that their self-interest was not always in the
interest of others. Lao-Tzu grew impatient with the people
and with the corruption he saw in the government, which
caused the people so much pain and misery. He was so
frustrated by his inability to change people's behavior that he
decided to go into exile.
Kegie L.
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| Taoism Report Presentation | Faith N. | 03
HIGH SCHOOL

TEACHINGS: THE
TAO-TE-CHING
The tao-te-ching is an attempt to remind people that
everyone could live together peacefully if people would
only be mindful of how their thoughts and actions affect
themselves, others, and the earth. The Tao-Te-Ching is a
classical Chinese text written with 81 chapters and mainly
concerning tao/dào "way," te/dé "virtue," life, and strength.
Taoist thought focuses on genuineness, longevity, health,
immortality, vitality, wu wei (non-action, a natural action, a
perfect equilibrium with Tao), detachment, refinement
(emptiness), spontaneity, transformation, and omni-
potentiality.
Faith N.
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| Taoism Report Presentation | Jade C. | 04
HIGH SCHOOL

YIN-YANG
THOUGHT
A good reason to believe that Lao-Tzu was not the author of
the Tao-Te-Ching is that the core philosophy of Taoism grew
from the peasant class during the Shang Dynasty, 1600–1046
BCE, long before the accepted dates for Lao-Tzu. During the
Shang era, the practice of divination became more popular
through the reading of oracle bones, which would tell one's
future. Reading oracle bones led to a written text called the
I-Ching 1250–1150 BCE, the Book of Changes, which is a book
still available today that provides a reader with
interpretations for certain hexagrams that supposedly tell
the future.
Jade C.
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| Taoism Report Presentation | Paulo G. | 05
HIGH SCHOOL

WU WEI
'Wu Wei' does not signify not acting at all, but rather not
forcing things on their way. Wu wei signifies that the action
should be taken immediately by the Tao; hence, the
necessary will be done without exaggeration, hyperbole, or
over-eagerness, as these are considered obstructive, though
rather in an easy, facile, non-disturbing way, leading to
overall harmony and balance. It is a state of inner tranquility
that will show the right effortless action at the right time. the
harmonious complexity of natural ecosystems, the Tao works
well without man-made changes.

Paulo G.
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| Taoism Report Presentation | Jemhen Marc N. | 06
HIGH SCHOOL

LONGEVITY AND
CHI
'According to some interpretations of the Tao Te Ching, "to
live the longest possible natural life by living in harmony
with one's social and natural environment." (Adler 2002, 47).
In light of this, some Taoist practices aim to prolong and
enhance the life force, or chi, of the person. One of them is
"internal alchemy"." The "chi" energy is believed to be the life
breath of the universe.

Jemhen Marc N.
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| Taoism Report Presentation | Kegie L. | 07
HIGH SCHOOL

BELIEFS AND RELATED

ISSUES IN TAOISM
'Other Chinese texts relating to Taoism are the Chaung-Tzu,
also known as the Zhuangzi, written by Zhuang Zhou in 369–
286 BCE, and the Daozang from the Tang Dynasty (618–907
CE) and Sung Dynasty (960–1234 CE), which were compiled
in the later Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). All of these texts are
based on the same kinds of observation of the natural world
and the belief that human beings are innately good and only
needed a reminder of their inner nature to pursue virtue over
vice. There are no "bad people" according to Taoist
principles, only people who behave badly.

Kegie L.
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TAOISM REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL
9 BELIEF AND RELATED
ISSUES IN TAOISM
1. Tao (Dao): Central to Taoism is the concept of the
Tao, often translated as "The Way" or "The Path." It is
an ineffable and transcendent force that underlies
and unifies the universe. Taoists seek harmony by
aligning themselves with the natural flow of the Tao.
2. Wu Wei: This principle emphasizes "non-action"
or "effortless action." Wu Wei encourages
individuals to act in accordance with the natural
order, allowing things to unfold organically
without forceful interference.
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3. Yin and Yang: Representing the dualistic nature
of existence, Yin and Yang symbolize the
interdependence and balance of opposites. This
concept is integral to understanding the dynamic
harmony present in the natural world.
4. Te (De): Te refers to virtue or power, reflecting
the moral character cultivated by individuals. It
involves qualities such as compassion, humility,
and integrity. The attainment of Te is seen as
aligning with the Tao.
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TAOISM REPORT
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9 BELIEF AND RELATED
ISSUES IN TAOISM
5. Immortality: Taoist thought includes a pursuit of
immortality, not only in a physical sense but also
spiritual immortality. Practices such as alchemy
and meditation are employed to attain longevity
and spiritual enlightenment.
6. Nature and Simplicity: Taoists revere nature
and emphasize living in harmony with it.
Simplicity and humility are valued virtues, and
the natural world serves as a guide for
understanding the Tao.
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7. Taoist Cosmology: Taoist cosmology includes the
belief in various deities and spirits. The Three Pure
Ones are prominent celestial beings, and there is a
pantheon of gods and goddesses. Folk Taoism often
involves local deity worship and ancestor veneration.
8. Taoist Texts: The primary Taoist texts include
the "Tao Te Ching" attributed to Laozi and the
"Zhuangzi." These writings provide philosophical
insights, guidance on virtuous living, and
reflections on the nature of the Tao.
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TAOISM REPORT 10
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9 BELIEF AND RELATED

ISSUES IN TAOISM

9. Feng Shui: While not strictly a religious belief,

many Taoists incorporate principles of feng shui to
create harmony and balance in the physical
environment, aligning it with the natural flow of
energy.
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| Taoism Report Presentation | Faith N. | 11
HIGH SCHOOL

TAOISM AND
CONFUCIANISM
The philosophy of Taoism grew into a religion of the peasant
classes of the Shang Dynasty, who lived closely with nature.
Their observations of the natural world influenced their
philosophy, and one of the things they incorporated was the
concept of eternity. The tree that seemed to die came back to
life in the spring season, and the grass grew again. They
concluded that when people died, they went somewhere else
where they continued to live; they did not just disappear.
Everyone's ancestor who had ever died still lived in another
place and the presence of the gods. Confucians believed in this
same concept and revered their ancestors as part of their daily
practices.
Faith N.
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| Taoism Report Presentation | Jade C. | 12
HIGH SCHOOL

RITUALS
'This belief in allowing life to unfold by the Tao does not
extend to Taoist rituals, however. The rituals of Taoist
practice are absolutely by the Taoist understanding but have
been influenced by Buddhist and Confucian practices so that,
in the present day, they are sometimes quite elaborate. Every
prayer and spell, which makes up a Taoist ritual or festival
must be spoken precisely and every step of the ritual
observed perfectly.

Jade C.
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TAOISM RITUALS AND

PRACTICES
1. Worship of the Tao: Taoists venerate the Tao, 3. Meditation: Taoist meditation
which represents the fundamental principle that
techniques, like Tai Chi and Qigong,
is the source of everything. Rituals often involve
bowing, offerings, and meditation to connect are popular for promoting health,
with the Tao. inner balance, and spiritual growth.

2. Ancestor Worship: Many Taoists practice 4. Festivals: Taoists celebrate various

ancestor veneration, where they honor and seek
guidance from their ancestors. This involves
offerings, rituals, and maintaining ancestral
altars.
festivals, such as the Taoist New Year
and the Birthday of Laozi, with
ceremonies, processions, and offerings.
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TAOISM REPORT
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TAOISM RITUALS AND
PRACTICES
5. Temples and Altars: Taoists often
visit temples and maintain personal
altars at home for rituals, offerings,
and prayers.
6. Yin and Yang: Taoism emphasizes the
balance of opposites, symbolized by Yin and
Yang. Practitioners may use these symbols in
rituals to seek harmony and balance.
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7. Dietary Practices: Some Taoists follow
dietary guidelines to maintain physical
and spiritual health, often favoring a
simple and natural diet.
8. Purification and Cleansing: Rituals for
cleansing the body and spirit, as well as
exorcising negative influences, are
common in Taoism.
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TAOISM RITUALS AND

PRACTICES

9. Talisman and Amulet Usage: Taoists may

use specific symbols, talismans, or amulets
to protect themselves from negative
energy or enhance their well-being.
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| Taoism Report Presentation | Paulo G. | 16
HIGH SCHOOL

AFTERLIFE
Taoism doesn't pay close attention to what happens after
death—the afterlife. Taoists have an ambition throughout
their whole lives, which is immortality. Taoism stresses health
and longevity through diet and meditation. Death is nothing
but a return to Tao. Taoists were traditionally not concerned
with death because they expected to live forever.

Paulo G.
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THANK YOU!
Presentation are communication tools that can be used as demontrations,
lectures, reports, and more. it is mostly presented before an audience.

Subject : TAOISM BY: GROUP 8 Submit by : MARILOU J. PEROCHO