Daoism


 * Origin **

Daoism, also referred to as Taoism, is a religious philosophy that first began in 500 BCE. Daoism was created by Lao Tzu in Han China during which time Confucianism was also popular. Lao Tzu created this religious philosophy thinking that if you are one with nature, you will free you soul and become immortal. This led to the creation of the Yin Yang symbol. Lao Tzu also wrote down his philosophical teachings in the Daoism sacred text, Dao de Jing. In the text Lao Tzu explains Daoism’s reliance on stories, morals, and myths in order to remain in harmony with the world. The Dao de Jing gives the reader simple truths about peace, joy, and harmony.

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Rituals
Dao relegious practices are aimed at allowing people to discover the Dao through a variety of rituals and ceremonies. The goal is to strip a person of outside influences to allow him or her to become one with the Dao. Rituals are an attempt to bring harmony to the universe, world, society, and humans.Individuals create a link to the Dao by using images of the Deities in meditation. Rituals are often very elaborate with extreme details. Only Priests and their assistants are allowed to perform these rituals. Usually, there are wind instruments, chanting, dancing, and percussion instruments. The "//Chiao//' is a ritual for cosmic revival. In this celebration, each family in the villages bring food to sacrafice for their deities. The "//Jiao",// is the most important Daoist ceremnoy where priests are ordained and the gods birthdays are celebrated. Common traditions liike this are often elaborate and the people really get in to them. They include flower-covered floats, fireworks, lion, and dragon dances. Some of the festivals lasting several days.

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Daoism in the world today
Daoism is a very traditional religion in china with a history of more than 18 hundred years since the second century C.E. Taoists worship natural objects and ancestors. Later, it evolved to two major factions, Quanzhen and Zhengyi Taoism. This religion has long played an essential role in Chinese culture and life, but for the 20th century, the reformers and revolutionaries saw it as a hindrance to the country. They also saw it as a key reason for china’s “century of humiliation”. The five current major religions in china are Buddhism, Islam, Daoism, and Christianity (Catholicism and protestanism). In cities, yuppies are turning more towards Christianity. Middle-class people are more drawn towards Buddhism, and Daoism is practiced more among people in small towns and rural areas. These religions are closely regulated by the Chinese communist government. Each religion has an organization headquartered in Bejing. All report to the State administration for religious affairs. Today, Daoism is facing a progressing stage of revival. There are currently about 270 million daoist believers in the world. The Chinese communist government has investing money in rebuilding and welcoming daoist temples, hoping to help gain money from tourism in the country. In 2007, President Hu Jintao endorsed charities to religion in the country. This also helped solve social problems among the people.



**More Information**
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Taoism http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/philosophy/taoism.htm