Taoism
Taoism is certainly one of the most interesting and profound religions to have ever existed. Before Buddhism's introduction, it was the most commonly followed religion in China. Even to this day it is a tradition that is quite often mistaken with Confucianism. As similar as the fundamental teachings of the two are, Taoism certainly has its own history, beliefs and world view. Little is known about Taoism. No date of its creation has ever been made a complete fact. It is believed to have arrived in China around the sixth century BCE. It was founded by Lao-tzu who is said to have written Taoism's most important sacred writing, Tao Te Ching or The Way and Its power. This book is "second only to the Bible in number of Western translations." (Mary Pat Fisher, pg. 106) The story goes that as Lao-tzu was leaving for the mountains when he passed a guard, who "recognized Lao-tzu as a sage and begged him to leave behind record of his wisdom." (Mary Pat Fisher, pg. 106) And so he did before leaving for the mountains and was never saw again. Essentially the book contains his view and philosophy of life and politics. Tradition states that the Yellow Emperor who "supposedly ruled from 2697 to 2597 BCE..
Perhaps the most important symbols in all of China and the Taoism culture is the Yin Yang. It symbolizes the idea that there is a great emphasis on balance between the positive and negative aspects of life . Everything is said to have a relationship with an opposing factor. For example, men and women, or day and night. Yang is said to represent the power that starts things and Yin is said to be the power that completes them. (Overmyer, Daniel, Pg. 123) Water represents one of the most fundamental ideas that everything should flow. Water withers away the hardest of stones without any harm. Wu-wei, meaning "doing nothing" is just like the idea of water, where friction is small. Water adapts to its surroundings. The ritual of Feng-shui which is also known as "Geomancy" or "the art of locating graves and houses so that they benefit from cosmic forces in the sky and landscape." (Overmyer, Daniel Pg. 121) T'ai-chi is one of the most popular martial arts in all of China. It is known today as an activity which many practise daily at dusk and dawn for their well-being and health. (Mary Pat Fisher, Pg. 112) There are many festivals celebrated in Chinese culture however, there are a few specific to Taoism. In February the birthday of the Sun deity is celebrated, Lao-tzu's birthday is celebrated in March. The great Taoist demon Xuan-wu's birthday is celebrated in
Some common words found in the essay are:
Daniel Pg, Fisher Pg, Pat Fisher, , Yin Yang, Yellow Emperor, View World, Little Taoism, Taoism Tao, Feng-shui Geomancy, pat fisher, fisher pg, pat fisher pg, mary pat fisher, mary pat, fisher pg 106, pg 106, daniel pg, minor chinese, follow tao, overmyer daniel, overmyer daniel pg, world view, fundamental ideas,
Approximate Word count = 926
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
|