Taoism
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According to tradition, Taoism
(pronounced Dowism) originated with a man named Lao Tzu, (alternate
spellings: Lao Tze, Lao Tsu) said to have been born about 604 B.C. though
some scholars date his life as three centuries later than this. Although
ascetics and hermits first wrote of the 'Tao' long before Lao Tzu, it
was with the sixth century B.C. philosopher that the philosophy of Taoism
really began with the writings of the book of Tao
Te Ching, or "The Way and Its Power." Some scholars
believe he was a slightly older contemporary of Confucius (Kung-Fu Tzu,
born Chiu Chung-Ni). Although not much is known about Lao
Tzu, even his real name, he is considered the Founder of
Taoism.
Taoism is both a philosophy and a religion and it is a lifestyle with
the goal of achieving harmony with the environment. If you believe in
it, it is a religion; if you try to study it, it is a philosophy; if
you practice it, it is a lifestyle.
The basic principles of Taoism come to the surface from the ancient
writings of such masters as Lao Tzu and also from the famous work
I-ching ("The Book of Changes").
One of the most difficult tasks is determining the specific beliefs
of Taoists. Because the tradition is so ancient, and is linked so closely
with Confucianism, it can be difficult to distinguish the individual
beliefs. Taoism and Confucianism are seen side-by-side as two distinct
responses to the social, political and philosophical conditions of life
two and a half millennia ago in China. Whereas Confucianism is greatly
concerned with social relations, conduct and human society, Taoism has
a much more individualistic and mystical character, greatly influenced
by nature.
The main tenet of Taoism is the belief in the Tao.
According to the Taoist, the Tao Te Ching lays down the philosophy on
following a correct life style that is known as 'Tao'. In Chinese, Tao
means literally Way; it also denotes Teaching. In Taoism the term takes
on a metaphysical meaning as the Absolute, the ineffable Reality, the
First Principle and source of all being to which all things ultimately
return. The term Taoism refers to the school that focuses on the significance
of the Tao. The goal of Taoists is to become one with the Tao.
Taoism is a polytheistic religion. Each of the Dieties
is believed to be a manifestation of some aspect of the Tao. Taoists,
however, do not pray to any of these gods. Unlike Christianity, for
example, Taoist gods are not personified. There is no god that can solve
any of life's problems. Rather, Taoists seek the solutions to life's
problems through personal meditation and observation.
Taoism has influenced people around the world. Today, it is believed
that there are currently about 20 million followers, and are primarily
centered in Taiwan. About 30,000 Taoists live in North America. Taoism
has had a significant impact on North American culture in areas of acupuncture,
herbalism, holistic medicine, meditation
and martial arts.
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