Why daoism got started?

Answer 1

DAOISM I. Daoism Defined Daoism is a Chinese philosophical and religious system, dating from the 6th century B.C. (More of a mystical philosophy than a religion.) II. History of Daoism A. Daoism begins with Lao Tzu (Laozi) who lived in the 6th century B.C. 1. He was looking for a way to avoid the constant feudal warfare of his day that disrupted society. 2. Lao Tzu allegedly wrote the Tao Te Ching (“The Way and Its Power”). It explains essential Daoist beliefs. B. Daoism started as a combination of philosophy and psychology but evolved into a religious faith around A.D. 440. At this time Lao Tzu became venerated as a deity. C. Along with Buddhism and Confucianism, Daoism became one of the three great religions of China. D. With the end of the Ch'ing Dynasty in 1911, state support for Daoism ended. E. The Daoist heritage was destroyed during the next period of warlordism. 1. After the Communist victory in 1949, religious freedom was severely restricted. 2. The government put monks to work, confiscated temples, and plundered treasures. 3. Several million monks were reduced to fewer than 50,000 by 1960. 4. During the cultural revolution in China from 1966 to 1976, much of the Daoist heritage was destroyed. 5. Some religious tolerance has been restored under Deng Xiao-ping from 1982 to the present time. F. Daoism currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan. G. About 30,000 Daoists live in North America; 1,720 in Canada (1991 census). H. Daoism has had a significant impact on North American culture in the areas of acupuncture, herbalism, holistic medicine, meditation and Martial Arts. I. Among the native Chinese, the influence of Daoism has been second only to that of Confucianism. III. Worldview of Daoism A. Absolute—the Dao 1. The Dao is the mysterious, cosmic power present in all experiences. The Dao is found everywhere—the rocks, trees, seas, etc. Everything is alive with the spirit of Dao. 2. The Dao is impersonal, an invisible way that the universe follows, a harmony of tensions between opposites. 3. The Dao is a natural force that makes the universe the way it is. 4. Dao means “way” or “path” in English. 5. Dao is not influenced by prayer, hymns or rituals. 6. Humans can seek Dao, but Dao does not reveal itself. 7. Dao cannot be described with words or conceived in thought. 8. Humans who died became ancestors who were worshiped as gods. 9. "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" (Creed of the Western Reform Taoist Congregation). 10. It is probably best to refer to Daoism and non-theistic or pan-theistic. B. The World 1. The Universe is neither good nor evil; it is beyond good and evil—it just is. 2. Trying to conquer nature or improve it is futile. 3. Daoism disagrees with Hinduism’s and Buddhism’s view that the world is an illusion. C. Humans 1. Humans are divine in nature since they participate in the Dao. 2. Humans are essentially good and can enjoy a good life in the world. 3. Old age viewed as sign of wisdom. 4. People should not be forced into education, rituals, or organizations. 5. Humans are best when they remain weak and simple. D. Problem for Humans 1. Problem is disharmony with the universe. 2. People get into trouble when they depart from the simple, natural way of the universe. 3. Suffering comes from: a) Trying to conquer nature b) Establishing artificial human organizations. 4. These things entice humans away from peace and harmony. E. Solution for Humans 1. Solution is returning to a simple life. 2. Living in harmony with nature in a forest or small village is best. 3. A long life is the reward for those who live in harmony with the Dao. 4. Contemplation of nature is important. 5. Inaction is the secret of a good life. 6. “Live and let live” is best guide to conduct. 7. By doing nothing, humans have a positive influence on society. 8. Wuwei --accomplishing tasks without assertion or aggression. F. Community and ethics 1. Daoism scorns social institutions. 2. Education corrupts natural goodness of humans. 3. The less government the better. 4. Violence should always be avoided. G. Life after death 1. Daoists often focus on harmony with the Dao in this life not what happens in the next life. 2. Some Daoists deny an afterlife or are agnostic about it. 3. Those who follow more religious aspects of Daoism sometimes believe that the soul of a person can go to a heaven or a hell. 4. “Taoists do not believe in the "Wheel of Life" as Buddhists do, nor do they believe in the Christian idea of Heaven and Hell. Taoists view existence in itself as glorious, and the universe marvelous. They believe strongly that everything on earth has its own ‘vibrant unity’ and energy. Man does not simply die, but is rather reborn into other forms and activities. ‘The end’ of a person is simply a return to what Taoists refer to as the ‘Ultimate Reality’” (http://www.angelfire.com/punk5/ religions_proj1/afterlife.html). H. Rituals and Symbols 1. Rituals not needed. 2. The symbol of the Dao is the Yin and Yang—opposite and complementary forces in Chinese thought, from Chinese words meaning “shaded” and “sunny.” a) Beginning in the early 4th century BC Chinese philosophers wrote about yin and yang in terms of the environment, especially the shaded and sunny sides of a hill. By the end of that century yin became associated with everything dark, moist, receptive, earthy, and female, whereas yang was bright, dry, active, heavenly, and male. Yin and yang were believed to combine in various proportions to produce all the different objects in the universe. b) There is always an element of yang within yin and an element of yin within yang. Together they are symbolized by a circle divided into black and white sections, with a dot of white in the black portion and a dot of black in the white portion. This interaction indicates that the characteristics of yin cannot exist without those of yang, nor the characteristics of yang without yin. Chinese philosophers stressed the importance of balance between the two to ensure social and political harmony. c) Rebellion, floods, and disease were said to be caused by an imbalance of yin and yang. Fortune-tellers and doctors in China and later in Japan advised governments and individuals on ways to restore harmony in relationship to yin and yang. d) Yin—Dark, female e) Yang—light, male f) Yin and Yang are identical aspects of the same reality. 3. Feng Shui – literally means “wind and water.” A feng shui expert advises on how to get the best results in a home or office by establishing the most advantageous use of space and furnishings. 4. Rites of Passage a) Exorcism: “Taoists believe that many sicknesses and behavior disorders are caused by demons, or kuei. Because the gods are much more powerful than the demons, a Taoist priest is needed in order to perform the exorcism. Normally, the priest will write out a charm in the name of a powerful god. The priest will read the charm outloud and then burn it so that the message will reach far into the heavens. If the demon is a stronger one, then the exorcism must be performed by the full-scale rite.” (http://www.angelfire. com/punk5/religions_proj1/ritesofpassage.html). b) Funeral Rites: “Funeral ceremonies are oftentimes very extensive and may combine Taoist and Buddhist elements. Rituals are performed over the deceased. Attendants of the funeral service that are not in the close family will wear a combination of black and white, and close family members will be dressed in black. They will burn paper money and houses and place flowers, wreaths, incense, and a special ancestor shrine at the burial site” (Ibid.). c) Cosmic Renewal Rites: “Cosmic Renewal Rites are rituals that go by the moon. In this ritual, Taoists perform non-blood offerings to the cosmos and universe” (Ibid.).

Answer 2

Han.

When first established,the Han dynasty adopted Daoism to rest the people.Many of the top rulers believe in Daosim.

However,note that the Daoism had never become the national religion throughout Han dynasty.

When Wudi (the 5th emperor of Han dynasty) ruled,things were changed and Daoism is no longer the guiding thoughts of the government.

Answer 3

It was started by Lao Tzu. He may or may not have been a real person, no one knows for sure.

Answer 4

It was started by Loa-Tzu. It was originally called the teachings of Loa-Tzu and then became Taoism. They believed in immortality and tons of gods not just Jesus.

Answer 5

because lao tzu's people wanted him as afamous religion dont ask me ijust guessed

Answer 6

China 500 BCE

Answer 7

About 1,900 years ago

Answer 8

In 500 BCEb