Taoism — Definition, Belief, History, and Facts

Taoism, or Daoism, is an ancient Chinese philosophy centered around the law of nature and freedom, known as the Dao

It focuses on understanding the essence and patterns of the universe and the relationship between humans and nature.

Unlike other traditional Chinese philosophies such as Confucianism, Legalism, and Mohism, which actively participate in society, Taoism adopts a neutral observer stance.

It aims to experience and comprehend the universe, society, and the fundamental principles inherent in everything.

Gradually, Taoism has developed various related fields, including Taoist literature, science, military strategy, medicine, music, art, folk religion, governance and military methodology, self-cultivation, martial arts, and longevity preservation.

Taoism Aesthetic Unearthed Porcelain Plate of the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907)

Chinese Taoist Aesthetics, Unearthed Porcelain Plate of the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907) — National Museum of China (Photo by Dongmaiying)

Taoism Founder and Important Philosophers

Development and Influence of Taoism in China

Prominent Taoist Believers in History

Main Taoism Beliefs

Taoism Symbol in Chinese Culture

Taoism Founder and Influential Philosophers

Taoist thoughts originated in China around 5,500 to 6,000 years ago.

The Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) (2717 BC — 2599 BC) and strategist Jiang Ziya (1156 BC — 1017 BC) formulated some fundamental ideas.

Centuries later, after the great philosopher Lao Zi (or Lao Tzu) (about 571 BC — 471 BC) finished his masterpiece, the Tao Te Ching (or Dao De Jing), Taoism was officially formed.

Hence, Lao Zi is respected as the founder, and the Tao Te Ching is the essential classic of Taoism.

Another influential philosopher is Zhuang Zi or Chuang Tzu (about 369 BC — 286 BC), who further developed Taoist beliefs as an exceptional philosopher and writer.

Silk Manuscript of Dao De Jing (Tao Te Chin), Unearthed From Tomb of Prime Minister Li Cang (? — 185 BC) — Mawangdui Museum of Hunan Province

Development and Influence of Taoist Philosophy

As a fundamental philosophy, Taoism has influenced other ancient Chinese ideologies to different extents.

Confucius had visited and consulted Lao Zi several times and was highly impressed by his ideas and talent.

Legalism and Mohism referred to some ideas from Taoist classics; in other words, they could also be extensions of specific Taoist ideas in different directions.

Most importantly, Taoism Religion, one of China's most significant folk religions, evolved out of this philosophical school.

Taoism Lotus Shaped Jade Guan (Used to Decorate Tied Hair of Men) of the Song Dynasty (960 — 1279)

Taoist Lotus Shaped Jade Guan (Used to Decorate Tied Hair of Men) of the Song Dynasty (960 — 1279) — Capital Museum

The Flourishing of Taoism and Prominent Taoist Believers in History

Since Emperor Liu Bang established the Han Dynasty in 202 BC, Taoism has been implemented as the official philosophy of the empire.

Until the year 134 BC, Emperor Liu Che respected Confucianism as the dominant ideology under the suggestion of philosopher Dong Zhongshu.

Afterward, Taoist ideology was sometimes suppressed, while in other eras was frequently applied with Confucianism together.

Centuries later, emperors of the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907) respected Lao Zi as their honorable ancestor and Daoism Religion as their state religion.

It was popular in the Song Dynasty (960 — 1279) and Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644); many emperors were genuine believers during these eras.

They wore Taoist robes, did alchemy and other Taoist practices, celebrated Taoist holidays, and so forth.

Taoist Robe of Educated Civilian of the Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644), by Xiefang Zhuren Dong Jin.

Nowadays, Taoist ideology still plays an essential role in guiding people to respect the laws of nature, know themselves, understand the essence of society, perform well in every social role, and live a life of which they can be proud.

Meanwhile, Taoist religious practices are still participated in by many Chinese people.

Main Taoism Beliefs

Everything in the universe follows certain principles, the Dao; humans and our society are only a part of the whole universe.

Hence, everything and everyone are equal constituents of the whole world; no one is superior or inferior.

The only permanent thing is changing. Human understandings are unlimited.

Following nature or the Dao is better than fighting against it.

Therefore, there should be no pre-set of absolute ideologies and responsibilities for people or society.

Part of Painting "Thousands Miles of Mountains and Rivers" (Qian Li Jiang Shan Tu), by one of Taoism Believer Emperor Zhao Ji’s Student, Artist Wang Ximeng (1096 — 1119) — The Palace Museum

Part of Painting "Thousands Miles of Mountains and Rivers" (Qian Li Jiang Shan Tu), by one of Taoist Believer Emperor Zhao Ji’s Student, Artist Wang Ximeng (1096 — 1119) — The Palace Museum

Everything and everyone has their original nature and follows their own Dao freely. In the end, they would develop on their path.

There’s no absolute right or wrong, good or bad. On the contrary, all sides are transformable.

Hence, people need to find unique, changing, and genuine themselves on their own.

Integration of the Universe and Humanity.

As a small part of the whole universe, humans should follow, correspond to, and integrate into nature.

Understanding the Dao, people could see the essence of everything, fit, and behave well in all circumstances.

Taoism Symbol: the Yin Yang Symbol or Taijitu

The Taoism symbol is believed to be the iconic Yin Yang symbol, also known as Taijitu.

This emblematic representation embodies the harmonious interplay of opposites, encapsulating the essence of balance and unity.

It holds both cosmological and philosophical meanings, with its shapes, colors, curved lines in the middle, and dots, all carrying significant meanings.