answersLogoWhite

0

Taoism is a philosophy of life, based on "The Tao" or the way, according to ancient Chinese wisdom and observation of nature. Taoism consists in various disciplines such as the use of herbs, holistic medicine, the body and diet, breathing and physical exercises including Martial Arts, and last but not least meditation. Taoism tries to bring man into close union with nature and tries to find a way that mankind seems to have completely forgotten about. Taoism is one of the main religions in China, together with Buddhism and Confucianism. It has about 20 million followers worldwide. (97)

Founder of the religion

The Taoism movement is founded by Lao-Tzu, the author of "Tao-te ching" which means "The Book of the Way and its Power". Lao-Tzu was searching for a new way to avoid feudal conflicts that disrupted society and he wrote his reflections in his book ""Tao-te ching". The book dates back to the 4th or 3th century BC. Contemporary specialists in Taoism do question whether Lao-Tzu existed as a person or not. The book Tao-te ching might be attributed to a group of persons interested in philosophy. Notwithstanding these claims the book "Tao-te ching" is still considered as The Bible of Taoism and its author (whether La-Tzu or a group of philosophers) as the founder of Taoism. (116)

Features of that religion .

The Ch'i is a fundamental concept in Taoism. Ch'i means "air". Taoists consider breath control and meditation as important way of maintaining good health.

Death and Afterlife - Taoism teaches than mankind should accept life and death, as the latter is simply the transformation from being to non-being, from yang to yin.

Death is not to be feared but neither desired.

Taoists immortals - The Immortals, who are worshipped in Taoism, are considered to be super humans or the perfect persons.

The purpose of life - A Taoist should aim to obtain immortality. This can be achieved by following the way "The Tao", by focusing on diet and physical exercises amongst other disciplines.

The Way - "The Tao" includes opposite and complementary forces often referred as ying and yan. Yin is linked with darkness and femininity, while yang is light and masculinity. A Taoist aims to keep these opposites in balance with his or her life.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?