How and when was the religion created? What was the historical context (what was happening during the time of its creation based on its location)?
Taoism was formed in 550 BC in China. It is an indigenous Chinese religion. Tao, originally, meant 'road' and then implied 'to rule' and 'principle'. This religion pursues immortality and preservation of health; its uttermost goal is to become an immortal being. Taoism became a religion during the Eastern Han Dynasty and Lao Zi was respected as the creator.
What are the basic doctrine and practices of the religion?
Having a set of basic guidelines can be helpful. However realistically, guidelines don’t determine how to live; Instead Taoism teaches by living you will express your nature.
- Aid those who are extended expressions of nature.
- Be true to yourself
- Connect to the world as you want to be treated.
- Connect to those outside my nature with decisive action.
- To those unwilling to accept you for your true nature, no action is required:
Just silently let them be themselves as you remain yourself. - You own nothing; You are merely a passing custodian of items outside of you nature.
Is there religious text(s) that are important to understanding the religion?
- Tao Te Ching - According to tradition, it was written around 6th century BC by the sage Laozi. It is the most sacred text in Taoism. "The Tao that can be trodden is not the enduring and unchanging Tao. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name."
Where did the religion begin?
Taoism has no founder and no founding date. It grew out of various religious and philosophical traditions in ancient China, including shamanism and nature religion.
Using a map visibly describe the spread of the faith.
Taoism spread mostly across China, Korea, Japan, and many other parts of Asia. It was the followers that helped spread Taoism.
Who were the important leaders, individuals and empires in the religion?
- Laozi or Lao Tzu - He is assumed to have written Dào Dé Jīng aka Tao Te Ching.
- Zhuangzi or Chuang Tzu - his sayings and stories are today put together as a book, and translated into English and other languages.
- Huangdi - assumed to have been the first Taoist
What was the impact of the religion on world history?
Taoism never really diffused out of China, but spread throughout China. Worldwide, only 6.4% of people identify with Taoisms. From this it can be seen that Taoism’s influence on larger societies is not as great.