Taoism

:For other uses of the words "tao" and "dao", see Dao (disambiguation).

Taoism in Imperial China

During the Han dynasty, Confucianism became official doctrine. Taoism was adopted as a state religion by some emperors of the Tang dynasty, while others were more inclined to Buddhism. Since the Song dynasty and until the foundation of the People's Republic of China by Mao Zedong, Neo-Confucianism was the official state doctrine; but Taoism and Buddhism existed as parallel personal religions.

Related Topics:
Han dynasty - Tang dynasty - Song dynasty - People's Republic of China - Mao Zedong - Neo-Confucianism

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Taoist religion

As the works of Laozi and Zhuangzi became widely known in China, schools formed based on their teaching. These schools eventually acquired the features of a structured religion and evolved into a religious faith by 440 CE. Laozi became a deity to many Chinese. Around 300 CE various denominations developed with distinct views. Some sought immortality, similar to the Buddhist concept of enlightenment. Others practiced alchemy and magic, using herbal potions or wearing charms. Polytheistic elements were added, worshipping many gods; some were closely identified with Buddhism, others from Chinese folklore, and still others were gods of nature, previously unknown. Especially popular were the Eight Immortals, celestial entities who were human but gained immortality through belief. In the Tang period from 600 to 900 CE many Buddhist concepts and practices such as monasteries, vegetarianism, prohibition of alcohol, and the celibacy of the clergy were incorporated into Taoism.

Related Topics:
440 - 300 - Enlightenment - Alchemy - Magic - Charms - Polytheistic - Chinese folklore - Eight Immortals - Tang period - 600 - 900

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Taoism and Buddhism

The relationships between Taoism and Buddhism are complex, as they influenced each other in many ways while often competing for influence. The arrival of Buddhism forced Taoism to renew and restructure itself and address existential questions raised by Buddhism. Buddhism was seen as a kind of foreign Taoism and its scriptures were translated into Chinese with Taoist vocabulary. Zen (Chan) Buddhism in particular holds many beliefs in common with philosophical Taoism.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Taoism and the arts

For many educated Chinese people (the Literati), life was divided into a social aspect, where Confucian doctrine prevailed, and a private aspect, with Taoist aspirations. Home, nighttime, exile, or retirement provided the opportunity to cultivate Taoism and reread Laozi and Zhuangzi. The Literati often dedicated this period of life to arts such as calligraphy, painting, and poetry, or personal researches into antiquities, medicine, folklore, and so on.

Related Topics:
Literati - Calligraphy - Painting - Poetry

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~