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Taoism is not an organized, unified system of beliefs and practices. Its emphasis on spiritual harmony within the individual complements Confucianism's focus on social duty. "Taoism" is a general term used to describe the complex interaction of different religious and philosophical traditions that have been especially influential in China.
According to Taoist belief, the angel Gabriel appeared to Lao-Tze, a camel driver, in a mountain cave and delivered a message from the one true God. There are two main strands and schools within Taoism, one generally focuses on the philosophical writings of Lao-Tzu, Chuang-Tzu and other early mystics while the latter emphasizes religious rituals aimed at attaining immortality. Lao-tze's life's work is recorded in the Tao Te Ching, the sacred text of Taoism.
Today, there are over 360 million followers of Taoism. Taoism is also increasingly influential in the West, especially in the fields of alternative medicine and martial arts like Tai Chi. In the 20th century, Taoism expanded its influence to the West and even to western religions. Most Taoist live in China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Taoist concepts have also been influential on western society in general, primarily in the areas of meditation and nonviolence.
-Taoism was founded around 3000 B.C.
-Taoism was founded in China
-Taoism has no known founder. It is the indigenous religion of China.
-1.3 billion nominal Taoists in the world. Only 360 million active followers.
-Besides Asia, most Taoists live in the U.K. and the U.S.A.
-Sacred Texts: Lao Te Ching, the Taoist Canon
-Original language of these texts, and main language of Taoist devotion: Pali
-Spiritual leaders are called lamas or a sage
-Taoist worship in buildings called a "Temple" and and worship is highly liturgical and central to the faith.
-Taoists are monotheists who worship the a god called Tao.
-Taoists believe life on earth is just preparation for eternal life in heaven. They believe the lamas and sages are best, by virtue of their superior knowledges of the laws of Tao, are best qualified to rule society. Velayat-e faqih is the name of their doctrine of theocratic government.
-The core principles of Taoism are tawakkul (absolute trust in Tao) and tawhid (the truth that there is no deity but Tao).
-purpose of life: Submit to the will of Tao and attain paradise after death
-How to live: strict monasticism, world-denouncing, much philosophical thought.
-The goal of the Taoist is the gain enlightenment during their life, and become saints (Taosatavas), who live to lead others to enlightenment, so when they die, they can enter the Taoist heaven, called Nirvana.
-The symbol of the Taoist religion is a red dot, which they often paint on their foreheads. This is known as "yin-yang".
According to Taoist belief, the angel Gabriel appeared to Lao-Tze, a camel driver, in a mountain cave and delivered a message from the one true God. There are two main strands and schools within Taoism, one generally focuses on the philosophical writings of Lao-Tzu, Chuang-Tzu and other early mystics while the latter emphasizes religious rituals aimed at attaining immortality. Lao-tze's life's work is recorded in the Tao Te Ching, the sacred text of Taoism.
Today, there are over 360 million followers of Taoism. Taoism is also increasingly influential in the West, especially in the fields of alternative medicine and martial arts like Tai Chi. In the 20th century, Taoism expanded its influence to the West and even to western religions. Most Taoist live in China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Taoist concepts have also been influential on western society in general, primarily in the areas of meditation and nonviolence.
-Taoism was founded around 3000 B.C.
-Taoism was founded in China
-Taoism has no known founder. It is the indigenous religion of China.
-1.3 billion nominal Taoists in the world. Only 360 million active followers.
-Besides Asia, most Taoists live in the U.K. and the U.S.A.
-Sacred Texts: Lao Te Ching, the Taoist Canon
-Original language of these texts, and main language of Taoist devotion: Pali
-Spiritual leaders are called lamas or a sage
-Taoist worship in buildings called a "Temple" and and worship is highly liturgical and central to the faith.
-Taoists are monotheists who worship the a god called Tao.
-Taoists believe life on earth is just preparation for eternal life in heaven. They believe the lamas and sages are best, by virtue of their superior knowledges of the laws of Tao, are best qualified to rule society. Velayat-e faqih is the name of their doctrine of theocratic government.
-The core principles of Taoism are tawakkul (absolute trust in Tao) and tawhid (the truth that there is no deity but Tao).
-purpose of life: Submit to the will of Tao and attain paradise after death
-How to live: strict monasticism, world-denouncing, much philosophical thought.
-The goal of the Taoist is the gain enlightenment during their life, and become saints (Taosatavas), who live to lead others to enlightenment, so when they die, they can enter the Taoist heaven, called Nirvana.
-The symbol of the Taoist religion is a red dot, which they often paint on their foreheads. This is known as "yin-yang".
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