Daoism

Question 1

Stats

Answer 1

• Not exact, often intermixed with other traditions (400 million Daoists?)
• Two identifiable strands:
  
  • Philosophical Daoism (focus on universal balance)
  • Religious Daoism (focus on self-cultivation, longevity, divine help)
• According to tradition Lao-zi (“old man” – 600 BCE) was the writer of the key Daoist scripture, the DAO DE JING The roots of Daoism are to be found in ancient Chinese religion

Question 2

Ancient Chinese Religion

Answer 2

• Chinese folk religion as one of the most resilient native traditions
  
  • Nature religion
  • Heaven worship
  • Divination
  • Ancestor Veneration
  • Yang and Yin

Question 3

The Dao Way

Answer 3

• A universal equilibrium
• The natural course of things
• The cyclical way of perfection
• The way of harmony and integration
• It includes the yin and the yang

Question 4

Non Resistance to the Dao

Answer 4

• Water as a powerful symbol of the Dao
• Can be very powerful, futile to struggle against it
• WU-WEI Don’t resist, confront, or defy
• Don’t try to better or change others
• Don’t exhibit ambition, excessive desire, or pride
• Society excessively dominated by yang, should be counterbalanced by yin Laissez-faire idea of government

Question 5

From Philisophical to Religious Daoism

Answer 5

The common people connected the Dao to the quest for immortality

• RELIGIOUS Daoism
  
  • absorbed magic and divination in this search through elixirs, special diets, searches for special places or plants
  • Offerings and prayers to deities at temples (incense, paper money, food, candles)
  • Cultivation of life force (Chi) Vegetarianism Meditation and recitation of scriptures twice a day