04-Aug-2004, 17:08 PM
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 | | | | Enrolled: Jun 1st, 2004 Age: 33
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 Taosim - An Introduction
History/Founder/important persons/saints: Taoism (or, Daoism) was adopted as the state religion of China in the fifth century. Taoism is based on the work, The Tao-te-Ching, believed to have been written around 600 BCE (Scholars place the book at no earlier than 300 BCE) and attributed to the philosopher Lao Tse. The true beginning of the Taoist religion is placed in the first century with the adoption of Lao Tse's philosophy by the teacher Zhang Dao Ling. Another important figure is Chuang-tse, but the important Taoist work of the same name attributed to him was most likely authored by his disciples. Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/taoism/453-taosim-an-introduction.html Current leader/governing body: None. Taoism is a widespread and largely autonomous faith. Number of Adherents:About two hundred million worldwide. Clergy: Varies. There are Taoist ritual masters, teachers, etc., but most Taoists practice privately. Churches/Temples: Taoists worship in temples, and at home altars. Requirements to join:None. Scripture:In the fifth century, a Taoist teacher named Lu Xiu Jing attempted to compile a Taoist canon. Works he included totaled nearly fifteen hundred! The most important of these remains the Tao Te Ching , or, "The Way and its power." Required observances, dietary restrictions:In Taoism, practice is considered more important than creed, although different sects do have established doctrines, none is universal. Meditation is an important practice for many believers. Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=453 Holidays and observances: important days include birthdays of the gods, the remembrance of Kwan Yin, and regular fast days throughout the month. Basic teachings and Beliefs of Taoism:Taoism, or "The Way," is the natural order, or the force that flows through all living things. Tao is less a Deity than transcendent reality; however, as Taoism in China is inextricably bound up with folk traditions, there are also a variety of minor deities, which are generally considered aspects of the Tao. Taoists seek equilibrium above all else, and many traditional practices, such as acupuncture or other forms of 'Chinese medicine' are founded on this principal. Code of Conduct:Taoists generally follow a sort of Golden Rule, but the principal Taoist ethic is called Wu-wei, or no-action, meaning to seek equalibrium and follow the natural order. Symbols of Taoism:The Yin/Yang symbol, a circle divided into equal areas of light and darkness, symbolizing equalibrium and the harmony of opposites, is the most well known. 
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