TAOISM

A PA , G I
WHAT IS TAOISM?
Ta o i s m , a l s o k n o w n a s D a o i s m ,
arose about the same time as
C o n f u c i a n i s m . L a o z e . Ta o i s m
holds that humans and animals
should live in balance with the
Ta o , o r t h e u n i v e r s e .
Ta o i s t s b e l i e v e i n s p i r i t u a l
i m m o r t a l i t y, w h e r e t h e s p i r i t o f
the body joins the universe after
death.
WHO IS LAO- TZU?
Ta o i s m h a s b e e n c o n n e c t e d t o t h e
philosopher Lao Tzu, who around
500 B.C.E. wrote the main book of
Ta o i s m , t h e Ta o Te C h i n g .

Ta o i s m ( a l s o s p e l l e d D a o i s m ) i s a
religion and a philosophy from
ancient China that has influenced
folk and national belief.
Ta o i s m d o e s n o t h a v e a G o d i n t h e w a y t h a t t h e
Abrahamic religions do. There is no omnipotent
being beyond the cosmos, who created and
controls the universe.
I n Ta o i s m t h e u n i v e r s e s p r i n g s f r o m t h e Ta o , a n d
t h e Ta o i m p e r s o n a l l y g u i d e s t h i n g s o n t h e i r w a y.

R a t h e r, t h e r e a r e g o d s a s p a r t o f t h e Ta o i s t
beliefs, often introduced from the various
cultures found in the region known now as China.
T h e s e g o d s a r e p a r t o f t h e Ta o , l i k e a l l l i v i n g
t h i n g s . Ta o i s m h a s t e m p l e s , m o n a s t e r i e s , a n d
priests who make offerings, meditate, and
perform other rituals for their communities.
Ta o i s t d e i t i e s i n c l u d e n a t u r e s p i r i t s , a n c i e n t l e g e n d a r y
heroes, humanized planets and stars, Hsien (humans who
b e c a m e i m m o r t a l a n d a c h i e v e d d i v i n i t y t h r o u g h Ta o i s t
practices and teachings) ancestor spirits and animals such as
dragons, tigers, phoenixes, snakes and lions. All human
activities—even such things as drunkenness and robbery—
are represented by deities as well.

G u a n Yu ( r e v e r e d a s S a i n t l y E m p e r o r G u a n ) , G u a n Yi n,
J a d e E m p e r o r, K i t c h e n G o d, Ts a i S h e n Ye h) . R e f l e c t i n g t h e
order of the Chinese political system, each single
d e p a r t m e n t o f t h e p a n t h e o n i s o v e r s e e n b y a p a r t i c u l a r d e i t y,
spirit or god.
T h e h i g h e s t Ta o i s t d e i t y, Y ù H u á n g - t i ( s e e : J a d e E m p e r o r) ,
is associated with the ancient Chinese god Shang Di, ruler
over all Heaven, Earth and the Underworld/ Hell. Guan Yu was a general under the warlord Liu Bei
during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25- 220 AD) and
Three Kingdoms era (220- 280 AD) of China.
T h e D i p p e r M o t h e r, D o u M u ( 斗 母 - d ǒ u m ǔ ) , a s t a r d e i t y
a n d a Ta o i s t a d o p t i o n o f t h e Ta n t r i c d e i t y M a r i c i , i s t h e
m o t h e r o f t h e s t a r s o f U r s a M a j o r, t h e B i g D i p p e r a n d i s
considered to be a personification of light and dawn.
A s a s a v i o u r a n d h e a l e r, s h e i s i n v o k e d t h r o u g h
visualizations that unite the adept with cosmic light and
“oneness with cosmic principles”. As the cosmic mother of
the nine star-gods of the dipper and supposed to be in charge
of all star deities, she nurtures and instructs, but the Dipper
M o t h e r a l s o m a i n t a i n s h e r o w n s a l v i f i c p o w e r s a n d a u t h o r i t y.

(Note: Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China, was largely
interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts.)
Ta o i s t t h o u g h t f o c u s e s o n g e n u i n e n e s s ,
l o n g e v i t y, h e a l t h , i m m o r t a l i t y, v i t a l i t y, w u
wei (non-action, a natural action, a perfect
equilibrium with tao), detachment,
r e f i n e m e n t ( e m p t i n e s s ) , s p o n t a n e i t y,
t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a n d o m n i - p o t e n t i a l i t y.
From an ethical point of view it is
considered correct not to interfere with the
spontaneity or alter it by any means,
expressed by ‘wu wei’
Wu wei is an ancient Chinese
concept literally meaning
"inexertion", "inaction", or
"effortless action". Wu wei
emerged in the Spring and
Autumn period, and from
Confucianism, to become an
important concept in Chinese
statecraft and Taoism.
When following the ‘wu wei’, the goal is called
‘pu’ "uncut wood", translated as "unsewn log", or
"simplicity", representing a passive state of
receptiveness. It is believed to be the true nature of
the mind, unburdened by knowledge or
experiences. Pu is a symbol for a state of pure
potential and perception without prejudice, without
illusion.Pu describes an aimless action, because
with a goal, one would develop anxiety about this
goal. Pu describes the ‘just being’ without the aim
of being.
The ‘te’ (Chinese: 德 ; pinyin: dé, "power; virtue", ‘”heart”,
"inherent character, personal character; inner power inner
strength; integrity") is the manifestation of the Tao within all
things, the active expression, the active living, or cultivation,
of the "way" Tao, the implementation and manifestation of
the Tao through undesigned actions. If Tao is honoured and if
‘te’ is considered precious, than there is no need for any
regulations: all is working durable by itself. Therefore, allow
Tao to create, generate, nourish, proliferate, accomplish,
ripen, mature, foster and protect; produce without owning,
affect without keeping, increase without domineering: that is
secret Tao.
 FENG SHUI
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art of
arranging buildings, objects, and space in
an environment to achieve harmony and
balance. Feng shui means “the way of
w i n d a n d w a t e r. ” I t h a s r o o t s i n e a r l y
Ta o i s m b u t i s s t i l l p o p u l a r t o d a y, h a v i n g
spread throughout China and even to
We s t e r n c u l t u r e s . F e n g s h u i s t e m s f r o m
t h e Ta o i s t b e l i e f i n c h i , o r t h e l i f e f o r c e
that inhabits everything. Chi is made up
of yin and yang elements. These are
opposing but complementary forces that
cannot be separated.
BAGUA
The octagonal trigram template is a common
symbol for the term Bagua.
The template has eight (ba) areas (guas),
connecting two neighbouring corners of the
octagonal trigram towards the centre to form one
gua. The centre contains the yin and yang symbol,
o r t a i j i t u a s p e r t a o i s t p h i l o s o p h y. E a c h o f t h e
‘guas’ shows three yao symbols, stretching in
three rows from the centre to the outer side.
Each single yao symbol (line symbol) is either yin
( 陰 ( 阴 ); representing the receptive (female)
force of nature, or yang ( 陽 ( 阳 ); representing
the creative (male) force of nature.
WHAT IS CHI?

Ch'i, or qi, is the energy present in and guiding

everything in the universe. The Tao Te Ching and
other Taoist books provide guides for behavior and
spiritual ways of living in harmony with this energy.
However, Taoists do not believe in this energy as a
god.
BELIEFS
T h e f o u n d a t i o n a l t e x t o f Ta o i s m i s
t h e Ta o Te C h i n g , a s h o r t
collection of prose poems written
by Laozi.

The second most important book is

the Zhuangzi or Chuang Tzu, a
collection of poems, essays, and
sketches named after its author
Zhuangzi.
 BELIEFS

The Zhuangzi consists of a large collection of anecdotes,

allegories, parables, and fables, which are often
humorous or irreverent. Its main themes are of
spontaneity in action and of freedom from the human
world and its conventions. The fables and anecdotes in
the text attempt to illustrate the falseness of human
distinctions between good and bad, large and small, life
and death,
BELIEFS

T h e m o s t s a c r e d w r i t i n g o f Ta o i s m i s t h e Ta o Te C h i n g , a
collection of 81 prose poems by Laozi. According to
l e g e n d , t h e Ta o Te C h i n g w a s i n t e n d e d t o b e a m a n u a l f o r
the rulers of China. It contains advice on morals,
metaphysics, and political science.
T H E ‘ T H R E E J E W E L S O F TA O ’ ( C H I N E S E : 三 寶 ; P I N Y I N : S Ā N B Ǎ O ) R E F E R T O
T H E T H R E E V I RT U E S O F TA O I S M :

1. compassion, kindness, love

( C h i n e s e : 慈 ; p i n y i n : c í ; l i t e r a l l y " c o m p a s s i o n , t e n d e r n e s s , l o v e , m e r c y, k i n d n e s s ,
g e n t l e n e s s a n d i m p l i e s t h e t e r m ‘ m o t h e r ’ , ‘ m o t h e r ’s / p a r e n t a l l o v e ' )

2 . m o d e r a t i o n , s i m p l i c i t y, f r u g a l i t y
( C h i n e s e : 儉 ; p i n y i n : j i ǎ n ; l i t e r a l l y " f r u g a l i t y, m o d e r a t i o n , e c o n o m y, r e s t r a i n t , b e
sparing")When applied to the moral life it stands for the simplicity of desire.

3 . h u m i l i t y, m o d e s t y
The third treasure is a six-character phrase instead of a single word: Chinese 不敢
為天下先 , Bugan wei tianxia xian, "not dare to be first/ahead in the world",
referring to the taoist way to avoid premature death.
BELIEFS
H e r e a r e t h r e e l e s s o n s f r o m Ta o i s m t h a t w i l l h e l p y o u l i v e a
better life:

1. Fully accept whatever the current moment brings. Give

y o u r s e l f f u l l y t o r e a l i t y.

2 . A d m i t y o u r o w n f a u l t s a n d m i s t a k e s , b e c a u s e u l t i m a t e l y, t h e y
might be your greatest source of strength.

3. Always compete in a spirit of play to stay in harmony with the

Ta o .
FESTIVALS
Ta o i s t s h a v e m a n y f e s t i v a l s , a n d t h e y
a r e a l a r g e p a r t o f Ta o i s t c u l t u r e .

• The Lantern Festival

• To m b S w e e p i n g D a y
• Dragon Boat Festival
• T h e C h i n e s e N e w Ye a r
• Hungry Ghost Festival
MEDICAL
PRACTICES OF
TAOIST
 Compared with western concepts of mental health, Taoism advocates self-
transcendence, integration with the Law of Nature, inaction and infinite frame of
reference instead of social attainment, self-development, progressive endeavor and
personal interpretation.

HEALTH
Traditional Chinese medicine and Taoism share the same origin. Taoism believes HEALTH
that in order to become immortal, diseases must be eliminated. Therefore, Taoism
in turn uses Traditional Chinese medicine to form a unique Taoist medicine, which
is recorded in the Taoist classic “Tao Zang”. There are many prescriptions derived
from Taoism and Traditional Chinese medicine.
 ACCUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine is rooted in ancient Taoist philosophy which views a person as an
energy system in which body and mind are unified, each influencing and balancing the other.
Ge Hong, a Taoist physician and Taoist priest in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317–420 AD) advocated that
acupuncture and moxibustion should be used in combination with medicine, emphasizing that the position of
moxibustion should only be measured on its scale, and not on the accurate acupuncture points. These treatment
methods and drugs reflect the characteristics of “simplicity, convenience and cheapness”,
 HERBAL
Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal therapy
have their origin in ancient Taoist philosophy which MEDECINE
views a person as an energy system in which body
and mind are unified, each influencing and
balancing the other.
Each herb has been meticulously studied and
recorded for its flavor, therapeutic property, and
organ system in which it is active. Flavors include
sour, bitter, acrid, salty, and sweet. Therapeutic
properties span cold, cool, neutral, warm, and hot.
The organ systems cover the various systems that
make up our entire anatomy.
 FOOD THERAPY
All foods and herbs are classified as having Four Qualities and
Five Tastes. The Four Qualities are hot, warm, cool and cold.
The Five Taste are sweet, sour, pungent, bitter and salty. Hot
foods invigorate and heat up the body. Warm foods gently warm
up the body. Cool foods gently cool the body. Cold foods
vigorously cleanse the body. When we are running a fever, we
need cool foods to help reduce the fever such as drinking more
water, ingesting watermelon and pears. When we are chilled in
the winter, we need warm or hot foods to invigorate and get rid
of the coldness.
MOVEMEN
Tne of the example of movements is the
O
traditional Emei wushu is both Buddhist
and Taoist in nature as well as a mixture
of internal and external martial arts. Many
of the arts are a mix of training methods,
sparring techniques, hand forms and
weapon forms from both Buddhist and
Taoist styles.
MANUAL
THERAPY
Manual therapy is very effective at helping release
stored trauma. By addressing the physiological
anchor of emotional and psychological pain, clients
can experience freedom to enjoy life
unencumbered by their past. Manual therapy is
also very effective at improving athletic
performance.
Treatments involve a trained therapist using
acupressure, fascial release, massage, guided
breathing, and stretching to activate the recipients
own healing energies, as well as offering advice
based on classical Chinese and modern herbology
and healing theory.
HEALTH

It also includes guiding technique, massage, valley-

clearing, beauty-care, qi-therapy, etc. Then there are
spells, medicine labels, prayers, sacrifices, fasting
and other therapies which have strong religious
belief characteristics and diversified treatment
methods.
TAOIST ATTITUDE

Taoist disapproves of killing, stealing,

lying and promiscuity, and promotes
altruistic, helpful and kindly behaviour.
Taoists believe such good behaviour is
an essential part not only of self-
improvement but of improving the world
as a whole. Cultivate the Tao within
oneself; and one's virtue will be
perfected.
TAOIST ATTITUDE

In the broadest sense, a Daoist attitude toward life

can be seen in the accepting and yielding, the joyful
and carefree sides of the Chinese character, an
attitude that offsets and complements the moral and
duty-conscious, austere and purposeful character
ascribed to Confucianism.
TAOISM VS. CONFUCIANISM
DAOISM and Confucianism present contrasting, though not
incompatible, understandings of human flourishing or well-
being.
Whereas Daoism seeks harmony between the individual (or
human) way and the natural order and tends to dismiss
human society as artificial and constrained,

Confucianism emphasizes the achievement of a kind of

m o r a l e x c e l l e n c e ( r e n, o r “ h u m a n e n e s s ” ) t h a t i s c u l t i v a t e d
and manifested by conscientious behaviour within social
i n s t i t u t i o n s s u c h a s t h e f a m i l y, t h e s c h o o l , t h e c o m m u n i t y,
and the state.
 As the Tao operates impartially in the universe, so
should mankind disavow assertive, purposive action.
The Taoist life is not, however, a life of total inactivity.
It is rather a life of nonpurposive action (wu-wei).
Stated positively, it is a life expressing the essence of
spontaneity (tzu-jan, "self-so").