taoism - vivian and joyce

7/30/2019 Taoism - Vivian and Joyce

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By Vivian So &Joyce MoranTAOISM


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Origins Of Taoism The word Tao means way" or path.

Daoism is another way of saying Taoism. It is

modernly romanized as Daoism.

Taoism is one of two religions that originated in

China, the other being Confucianism.

Taoism originated around 6 th-3rd century B.C.E.*

Traditionally Laozi, is considered to be the founder

of Taoism or the one who set a path for Taoism.

When Taoism first originated, it was meant to not

have a supreme being or someone who is more

important then others. Rather there are many

deities who are admired by many.

Taoism emphasizes on balance in everything. The

way we should find the balance is by looking to

nature and natural ways.


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Origins Of Taoism: Laozi He is known by many different names such as Laotsu,

Laotzu, Laotu, Laocius, Shengzu, etcetera but all of them

means Old Master.

Traditionally is he is said to have been a teacher of

Confucianism.

*It is said that Laozi was born in Hu near present day

Luyi(Anhui province). His mother became pregnant withhim through the rays from the Pole Star. She had carried

him for 81 years and gave birth to him through her leftarmpit while leaning against a plum tree. She then died. He was already a .

old sage when he was born.* It is also believed that while Laozi was a scholar, he met Confucius. They

did not agree on what they believed in for how one should live. *

After living as a scholar for a long time, he decided to retire in far -off

mountain of the western regions.


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Beliefs and Practices Cosmology: "systematic correspondence ofa

worldview based on yin-yang interaction and the

Five Phases Theology: emanation, immanence, and cosmological

processes. In terms of the origins of the manifest

universe, the Dao represents primordial pure

potentiality

Observation: "innerobservation is based on

maintaining stillness and readiness to respond to

whatever arises

Meditation: focuses on clarity, stillness, and

emptiness Ethics: the conservation and refinement of vital

essence that can be found in the Tao Te Ching

Deity: Taoists recognize the existence of several

gods and goddesses but do not acknowledge anythat are omnipotent or eternal; this includes Lao Tzu.


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The Influence of Taoism in Chinese Art andArchitecture Huge mountains create a sense

of the remote and eternal,

rising in the center suggesting

a modest position of humanity

in the grand scale of the natural

world

All structures are in line

forming a strict constructional

system which reflects Taoist

thought of the inter-relationship

of Essence, Energy and Spirit

Mountains were thought to be

great storage cells of energy

with huge caverns deep insideof them


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Sacred Texts of Tao Tao Te Ching: presents a way of life intended to restore

harmony and tranquility to a kingdom racked by disorder

promotes a course ofnon-action,understood asrestraint from any unnatural action, rather than completepassivity, allowing the Tao to resolve things naturally

It was designed as a handbook for rulers, who shouldrule by inaction, imposing no restrictions or prohibitionson their subjects

Structure: Each chapter is rather short, using fewcharacters to express its often difficult ideas poetically.

Historical authenticity:The existence of Laozi is

mentioned in scrolls dating back to 400 BCE, but thedetails of his life were not officially recorded

Chuang Tzu- enlarges on the teachings of Lao Tzu in alively Taoist discourse that opposes the ideas ofConfucius with a mystic sense to it


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They both originated from China and roughlyaround the same period.

They both emphasize on balance/harmony intheir life, interactions with people, and theuniverse.

Confucianism is based largely on order,guidance, society, and ritual. They also tend todespise nature. Taoism prefers nature andnatural ways, personal freedom, and

happiness. In a sense whatever one must do,they must do.*

Taoism does not have a supreme being but hasnumerous deities, while Confucianism has one

supreme being.

Relations With Other ReligionsTaoism VS Confucianism


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Buddhism and Taoism along with Confucianism all have

had a huge impact on China and its culture.

Both originated around the same time(6 th century).

Buddha is followed by many Taoists.

Both put forth protection and personal escape. Taoism focuses on balance in everything for the most

part. Buddhism emphasizes on how life is a suffering

and there is a cause and reason for this suffering. They

teach to end suffering.

Buddhism originated from India, while Taoism originated

from China.

Buddhism believe in withdrawing from nature, Taoism is

devoted to nature.

Relations With Other ReligionsTaoism VS Buddhism


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There are about 20-50 million Taoist in the world.* Taoism has no main authority and different sections have different

headquarters. However, the White Cloud Temple in Beijing is a key center

for training for priests and administration.

*In the 20

th

century, Taiwan was a refugee for Taoism due to politicalchange in power in China. Although the religion might have few changes

because of Zhang Enbu who had taken refuge in Taiwan.*

During the Cultural Revolution many Taoist sites were damaged.*

It has only been recently that Taoism has been introduced to the West. Thewest still has must to learn about Taoism.

Modern Taoism


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Citations http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism/

http://www.diffen.com/difference/Confucianism_vs_Taoism

http://www.taichiacademy.com.au/magazine/feature38.htm

http://personal.psu.edu/mkb199/challenge1.html

http://www.eng.taoism.org.hk/daoist-beliefs/immortals&immortalism/

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/taoism/

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-dharma-golden-buddhism-symbol-image9257313

http://www.buddhist-tourism.com/buddhism/principles/

http://www.taoist.org/

http://www.absolutechinatours.com/Xian-attractions/Zhongnan-Mountain-5154.html http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/582972/Daoism

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