Taoism is one of the great philosophical systems and religions which has come from ancient China, debuting fully in the 4th century .C. Taoism can be difficult or controversial to define because so much of Taoism has an elusive, adaptable quality to it, which can make it more challenging to peg down. It goes without saying that Taoism has been able to exert a tremendously powerful influence on Chinese aesthetics, hygience and religion (cuny.edu, 2013). Taoist did receive a certain influence from uddhism and adopted a certain degree of monasticism and anxiety for spiritual afterlife rather than seeking an immortality of the flesh. One of the major concepts of Taoism has been immortalized forever by the Yin and Yang symbol. This symbol may have been embraced by pop culture, but ultimately it's a traditional expression of Taoism and this form of harmony. It's a symbol of how the Taoists view…...

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Bibliography

CSUchico.edu. Basic Fundamentals of 'The Way'. 2013. October 2013

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This text, drafted primarily by Jennifer Hundoble, represents a summary of the background and history of Taoism along with some of the major beliefs of the religion and how the religion has come to impact modern life. This particular source is so important in that it presents the viewpoints of Taoism from a completely accessible way, making them obtainable for even someone who is completely unfamiliar with the religion. All of the concepts are explained with ease, even some of the more confusing ones. Hundoble is able to discuss the some of the pillars of Buddhism with remarkable clarity, offering lucid examples which help to further the reader's understanding of this religion as a whole. One of the major benefits of this source is that Taoism is also explained with regard to eastern philosophy as a whole. This is extremely helpful as the reader is able to gain a more thorough understanding of these concepts and how they related to one another.

Cuny.edu. Chapter 2: Religions of the World. 2013. October 2013

Taoism
Teachings of Taoism and their application

Taoism, also referred to widely as Daoism is known as an indigenous Chinese eligion which is closely associated with Tao Te Ching which was a philosophical and political manuscript written by Laozi in the 4th Century BC. The writings focused on Dao (Tao) as a path or way and this stood for the appropriate manner of behavior and also the way to lead others. It also stood for something that was there before the earth and the heavens came into being. However, in the context of this paper, the prime focus will be on the teachings and the beliefs of Taoism and how they can be applied in the contemporary society in order to shape and make the society better.

Taoism developed in four stages which include: Proto Daoism-During this period classic works were the Daode Jing, the Zhuangzi in particular they were highly influential upon…...

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References

James Miller, (2009). Doism and Daoist Studies. Oxford: One world publication. Retrieved May 1, 2014 from http://ww.daoiststudies.org/dao.daoism

The Shangra-La Mission, (2010). Taoist Beliefs. Retrieved May 1

, 2014 from http://www.shangrala.org/father/RELIGIONS/8Taoism/Beliefs.html

Taoism
Introduction to Terms and Concepts of Taoism: The origins of Taoism are explained in the book, The Taoist Vision (illiam McNaughton, 1-5): of the main Chinese religions, Buddhism originated in India but Confucianism and Taoism were both from China originally. Taoism, McNaughton explains, is the philosophy "of the Tao," or "Lao-Chuang philosophy." It's called Lao-Chuang because the two most important philosophers in the Tao faith were Chuang Tzu (from the fourth century B.C.) and Lao Tzu (from the sixth century B.C.). Hence, Lao-Chuang.

A few of the basic concepts of Taoism (also known as Daoism), which are not always easy to understand, and need careful, thoughtful examination, are found in McNaughton's book, and presented as follows: a) "Tao" means that knowing you don't know is a superior realization (10) (the sage "takes his flaws to be flaws, and that's how he lacks flaws"); b) "darkness of the Tao" ["Hsuan"] is that…...

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Works Cited

About The Tao. "Lao Tzu -- Tao Te Ching -- About Yin & Yang." Retrieved June 29, 2005, from http://www.thetao.info/tao/yinyang.htm.

Birdwhistell, Joanne D. "Ecological Questions for Daoist Thought: Contemporary Issues and Ancient Texts." Daoism and Ecology: Ways within a Cosmic Landscape. Ed. Girardot, N.J., &Miller, James, & Xiaogan, Liu. Harvard: Harvard University Press, 2001. 23-44.

Blofeld, John. Taoism: The Road to Immortality. Boston: Shambhala, 1978.

Chen, Xunwu. Being and Authenticity. Amsterdam: Rodopi, 2004.

"Creative quietude" was key to these men's interpretation of the Tao and wu wei, or the second life-giving force of the Tao which flowed through human beings without the force of will, if only it was allowed to do so by a yielding spirit (207-208).
The contrasting camp of Philosophical Taoist were adepts who emphasized using rather than bending with the Tao through herbs, yoga, breathing, and other active methods deploying matter, movement, and their minds to use the Tao with maximum efficacy (201). Meditational Taoists tried to use the Tao to enhance the community, fusing Taoism's spirit with Confucianism (200). Selflessness, cleanliness, and calm and purity of mind were the ideals of this brand of Taoism. Virtually all forms of Philosophical Taoism rejected worldly competition and the pursuit of world values, as well as anything but total simplicity in art and life (213) Simplicity and an emphasis on nature…...

Taoism Smehra
Yin and Yang

The concept of Yin and Yang is fundamental to Taoism. Yin is considered the dark/female while Yang is the light/male. Yin represents the negative and feminine, while yang is the positive and masculine; together they represent the balance required for everything to exist. They are dualities that co-exist as well as exist to balance the other. One can not find harmony, without it's opposite.

Wu Wei, is also defined as the way of action through no action, or doing without doing. A visual example of wu wei is to stand in a stream so that the water flows in the opposite direction to that which you face. Visually, even though you are standing still, you will appear to be moving against the current. This essentially is the driving force behind Taoism. A Taoist must plan in advance and consider what to do before committing themselves to action. From…...

As a popular religion it became more and more widespread and accepted by the imperial court as important factor in social life and the people's mentality." (Theobold, "Daoism," 2000)
During this time, most critical to its populist embrace, Daoism developed a substantial pantheon of deities that made the religion even more comprehensible and accessible, even to the semi-literate while its more abstract concepts still earned "imperial respect," although "it never again existed as an imperial cult but flourished as the religion of the masses" after the Song Dynasty. (DeBarry, Chan & Bloom, p.258) One of the reasons for Daoism's collapse as an imperial cult amongst later emperors might be the fact that Chinese historians saw the veneration of the "passive" Taoist religion as one factor in the downfall of Northern Song "and the numerous registers and incantations did not prove to be an effective weapon against intruders." (Theobold, "Daoism, 2000)

The…...

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Works Cited

DeBarry, William, Wing Tsit Chan, & Irene Bloom. Sources of Chinese

Tradition. Volume One. Columbia University Press, 1960.

Hansen, Valerie. "The Beijing Qingming Scroll and Its Significance for the Study of Chinese History." Journal of Sung-Yuan Studies. 1996. Reprinted by Asian Topics in World History. [28 Nov 2006]  

In fact, Hindus consider their religion not as a form of religion per se, but spirituality in general. Selvanayagam (2005) discussed the Hindu concept of spirituality, which takes into account all possible ways or manner in which enlightenment can be achieved. In India, wherein the Hindu religion is the dominant and an integral part of people's lives, Hinduism is considered more than a religion -- it is also a political state. ecause of the unorthodox nature of Hinduism, India is a secular state, according to Selvanayagam, wherein 'all the interests of religious communities are safeguarded without bias' (114). More specifically, the Hindu religion paved the way for individuals to achieve enlightenment independently (114-115):

Allied with the comparative study of religion that finds 'faith' or a transcendental dimension as a common core in humanity, the movement of interfaith dialogue across the world, particularly in the ecumenical movement, has helped to maintain religious…...

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Bibliography

Bhakiaraj, P.J. (2006). "Christians meeting Hindus: An analysis and theological critique of Hindu-Christian encounter in India." Evangelical Review of Theology.

Chappell, D. (2005). "Religious identity and openness in a pluralistic world." Buddhist-Christian Studies, Vol. 25.

Combs, S. (2004). "The useless-/usefulness of argumentation: the Dao of disputation." Argumentation and Advocacy, Vol. 41.

Elmore, a. (2006). "Introduction to Buddhism for African & African-Americans." Available at http://www.proudblackbuddhist.org/introduction_to_buddhism_for_afr.htm.

In contemporary life, the Taoist moral rule is useful as an appropriate guide for reciprocating for moral behavior in kind while prohibiting the harshness inherent in the human impulse for revenge that tarnishes the character of the initial recipient of immoral conduct (ussell 1992).
Empathy and Social Concern:

Taoists believe that the appropriate neighborly perspective is to rejoice at the good fortune of neighbors and to experience sorrow in response to a neighbor's loss.

This contradicts some of the negative human reactions evident in many societies in which individuals are more likely to take perverse pleasure in the plight of others as encompassed by the notion that "misery loves company." This Taoist perspective is useful in contemporary life because ultimately, sharing in other's pleasures and empathizing with their disappointments is more conducive to the natural interconnectedness between individuals that creates a harmonious social fabric.

Intellectual Perspective:

Taoism emphasizes the notion that the human intellect…...

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REFERENCES

Bowker, J. (1997) the Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. New York: Oxford.

Capra, F. (1991) the Tao of Physics. Boston, MA: Shambhala

Russell, B. (1992) the Basic Writings of Bertrand Russell. London, UK: Routledge.

Confucianism and Taoism
Confucianism is a moral and religious system of China, dating back to the Analects and the teachings of Confucius, and to ancient commentaries, including that of Mencius (Confucianism pp). Before the third century B.C., it was basically a system of ethical precepts for the proper management of society, envisaging man as a social creature bound to others by "jen," a term meaning humanity or human kindness (Confucianism pp). Jen is expressed through five relationships: sovereign and subject, parent and child, elder and younger brother, husband and wife, and friend, all of which function smoothly by the exact adherence to "li," which denotes a combination of etiquette and ritual (Confucianism pp). In many of these relations, an individual may be superior to some while inferior to others, thus, if someone in a subordinate status wants to be treated properly, then he or she must apply a principle similar to…...

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Work Cited

Taylor, Rodney L. "The religious character of the Confucian tradition."

Philosophy East and West; 1/1/1998; pp.

Confucianism. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition; Columbia University.

Gale Group. 2005; pp.

2. Discuss the concepts of non-action and spontaneity (tzu-ran) in the Tao-Te-Ching and Chuang-Tzu

The main tenants of Taoism were put forth by Lao Tzu and Chuang-Tzu in their writings. The principles of non-action and spontaneity were the most important principles that the Taoists preached, and were central to their understanding of true knowledge. Paradoxically, they believed that knowledge is not to be attained by accumulation of information, but actually by diminishing the quantity of information:

ithout stirring abroad / One can know the whole world; / ithout looking out the window / One can see the way of heaven. / the further one goes / the less one knows."(Tzu)

From this, the Taoists derived the principle of non-action or stillness, which implied that the way or the "tao" is to be seen by looking deeper into things, rather than by pursuing learning. Non-action was preferred to action because it was believed that…...

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Works Cited

Legge, James. The Chinese Classics.The Internet Sacred Text Archive.  http://www.sacred-texts.com/cfu/cfu.htm 

Tzu, Lao. Tao Te Ching. Terebess Asia Online (TAO).  http://www.terebess.hu/english/tao/lau.html#Kap48 

Robinet, Isabelle and Phyllis Brooks. Taoism: The Growth of a Religion. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1997

James Legge. The Chinese Classics.The Internet Sacred Text Archive.

Taoism is a mindset, philosophy, and way of life that is all about flow and harmony. The quote about being like water relies on nature metaphors—something that is central to Taoism. Being like water is a powerful statement, because as soft and formless as water is, water also has the power to transform mountains over time. Brute force is often not the best way to create lasting or meaningful change. It is often better to go with the flow, being more like water than like dynamite in one’s ways and attitudes towards the world. Of course, given Taoism’s respect for nature and what it can teach human beings, the environmental movement can draw from Taoism. Taoism teaches human beings how to live in harmony with nature, not pursing a path of unbridled economic growth but one that fulfills both the desires of human beings to live comfortably and the need for…...

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References

McCauley, R.N. (2000). The Naturalness of Religion and the Unnaturalness of Science. Explanation and Cognition (Keil, F. and Wilson, R. eds). MIT Press: Cambridge, MA.

Molloy, M. (2013). Experiencing the world\\'s religions (6th ed.). New York City, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 6: Daoism and Confucianism and Chapter 7: Shinto

“What does Daoism (Taoism) teach us about ecology?” (n.d.).

http://environment-ecology.com/religion-and-ecology/282-what-does-daoism-teach-us-about-ecology.html

Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism
Taoism, Confucianism, and Judaism

There are several major religions in the world and in different parts of the world the religions are quite diverse. In China, two major religions are Taoism and Confucianism, while in the West one of the oldest religions is Judaism. These religions are quite different, with historical, theological, and philosophical differences. But they also have certain aspects in common, such as honesty, integrity, and compassion. These religions espouse doctrines on how a person should to live their life, how they should behave in relationships, and how they should treat other people. This essay will explore these three religious traditions; their histories, differences, and similarities.

Sometime around 550 BCE, in the Chinese kingdom of Lu, there was born a man named Confucius, called "Kung Fu Tzu" in Chinese. After opening a school and serving as a minister for his ruler, Confucius was forced to flee Lu after…...

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References

"Catholic Encyclopedia: Confucianism." NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. 18 June 2011.

 http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04223b.htm 

"Confucianism." Religious Tolerance.org. Web 17 June 2011.  http://www.religioustolerance.org/confuciu.htm 

Dosick, Wayne. "Living Judaism: the complete guide to Jewish belief, tradition, and practice." Google Books. Web 17 June 2011.  http://books.google.com/books ?id=bpXUYUO7cg8C

Taoism and Later World Religions
Laozi -- the legendary author of the Dao Dejing -- may not have been a real person, since his name is simply the Chinese for "Old Master." Yet the Dao itself would not want this fact to get in our way inquiring what Laozi himself would have thought of something -- after all, the Dao teaches that "the name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name." Indeed, the Dao's insights are particularly interesting in considering developments in world religion after the time in which the Dao Dejing was composed (somewhere between about 500 and 300 B.C.E.). I hope to apply the principles of Laozi to take a Daoist view of the two major religions to rise out of Judaism -- Christianity and Islam.

A Daoist view of Islam would be somewhat contradictory. Islam itself means submission unto the will of Allah. To some…...

West
There are three major religions that have established themselves in China: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism; and of the three, only Buddhism is not indigenous to China. Buddhism found its way to China along the Silk oad, brought by missionaries from India. For centuries, the three religions have co-existed with many Chinese adopting elements of each in their daily lives. Whatever similarities, or symbiotic elements each contains, the three religions have also competed with each other for prominence and prestige within Chinese society. At different times each has been the dominant religion, fully supported by the Imperial Court, however, Buddhism, since it's incorporation into Chinese society, has viewed itself as the superior religion. While most Buddhists are completely comfortable with the idea of other religious ideals in society, and even embrace certain aspects of them, they still feel that Buddhism is superior. One piece of Chinese literature, generally accepted as…...

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References

Hodus, Lewis. (2006). Buddhism and Buddhists in China. New Vision Publishers.

Qiancheng Li. (2004). Fictions of Enlightenment: Journey to the West…. USA:

University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved from  http://books.google.com/books 

Wu, Cheng'en. (n.d.). Journey to the West. Retrieved from  http://www.chine-informations.com/fichiers/jourwest.pdf

Traditional Chinese Beliefs that played a part if Taoism and Confucianism
Chinese Beliefs

Taoism and Confucianism both have their roots in the ancient beliefs of Chinese people. The core of Taoism and Confucianism is still based in the ancient Chinese beliefs. Taoism emphasizes the significance of being compatible with nature by balancing the forces of yin and yang. In reference to the traditional Taoist cosmology, matter and force are contemplated to be ruled by five movements. Earth exerts its presence strongly before the beginning of every season.

Taoism is in favour of a simple life. It is a strong follower of acquiring spiritual harmony by incorporating positive attitude, compliance, and serenity in our lives. The simplest way of life is the ideal one. A wise person always complies with to the rhythm of the world.

Taoism is about accepting life and everything associated with it in its natural form. Taoists lay emphasis on natural…...

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References

Chow K., Ng O.C. & Henderson J.B. (1999) Imagining boundaries: changing Confucian doctrines, texts, and hermeneutics. New York. United States of America. University of New York Press.

Wiesner M.E. (2001) Gender in history. United Kingdom. Blackwell Publishers.

Wong. E (1997) The Shambhala guide to Taoism. United States of America. Shambhala Publishers.

Yang J-M. (1997) The Essence of Taiji Qigong: The Internal Foundation of Taijiquan. Canada. YMAA Publication Center In

Taichi: A Journey of Mind, Body, and Spirit

Taichi, an ancient Chinese mind-body practice, holds a profound significance in my life, embodying a harmonious blend of physical movement, mental focus, and spiritual cultivation.

Physical Harmony

Taichi's gentle yet intricate movements provide a unique form of physical exercise. With each flowing sequence, the body stretches, strengthens, and balances. It improves flexibility, coordination, and posture, leaving me feeling energized and revitalized.

Mental Serenity

Beyond its physical benefits, taichi plays a pivotal role in cultivating mental well-being. The choreographed movements require unwavering concentration, drawing attention to the present moment and calming the mind's chatter. It fosters a state....

1. Individuals who subscribe to monotheistic religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, often perceive death as a transition to an afterlife realm where they will face divine judgment and potential eternal punishment or reward, shaping their end-of-life perspectives and practices.

2. Conversely, adherents of polytheistic religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, may view death as a cycle of rebirth and reincarnation, influencing their beliefs about the impermanence of life and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

3. The concept of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism emphasizes the moral consequences of one's actions, leading to a belief in a cycle of rebirth until....