THE RELIGION OF TAOISM

The eight elements of religion can be found in Daoism according to Michael Molloy in Experiencing World Religions (2010). First, there is a fundamental belief system that revolves around the concept of the Dao, which is understood to be the divine source that is the origin and destination of everything. It flows through all things and everything is a natural expression or manifestation of the force of energy known as the Dao (p. 221). This belief system is held by a significant community of believers, which continues to grow. “Daoism is strong in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and in overseas Chinese communities” (p.229). This community unites around the central myth of the founder of Daoism, Lao Tsu. According to legend, Lao Tzu was conceived by a virgin and born around c. 600 B.C.E. in China (p. 218). As an adult, when he became tired of his job as state archivist and librarian, he set out with his ox to travel. Upon reaching the western border of China, he was stopped and recognized as a highly esteemed and scholarly figure. So he was forbidden to cross the border until he composed writings containing his wisdom and knowledge. The result of this was the Daodejing, which became the handbook of Daoism.

The Daoist community also unites in practicing traditional rituals and ethics, which are based on teachings of the Daodejing. Rituals such as T’ai- chi and Qigong are exercises intended to enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual health (pg. 226). They can be viewed as Taoist yogas, in the sense that they are ways to aid in connecting with and becoming united with the Dao. These practices are influenced by the Taoist belief that nature should be the example for leading a proper life. The concept of “Wu Wei” promotes a lifestyle of simplicity, gentleness, and relativity (p. 226). Daoists believe that spontaneity, effortlessness, surrender rather than resistance are the highest virtues and will lead union with the Dao, which is the ultimate goal. The characteristic emotional experiences, which are a result of practicing Wu Wei, are peace, balance, and harmony.

A material expression of the Dao is the Yin Yang symbol, which represents the balance between the two complimentary yet seemingly conflicting forces of nature (p. 217). The Yin Yang reminds followers that everything contains elements of both forces, which are constantly in fluctuation, dominating at different points in time like transients of a wave. Other items that are commonly used as physical representations of the Tao are natural items like gardens, stones, valleys, birds, trees and water (p.230). Also statues of Lao Tzu, Confucius and Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) are also found at Daoist temples or shrines, since Confucianism and Buddhism are often practiced alongside Daoism as complimentary religions. Statues of nature spirits and other historical figures are also found, since for Daoists, nature is the most sacred. The sacredness of all natural things and their spirits are highly honored and respected in Daoism.

Sources

Molloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the world’s religions: Tradition, challenge, and change (5 ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.