Daoism

SHIBALLLLL

Laozi

• founder of Daoism

• Name means “Old Master” (Lao Dan)

• Seen as an imperial archivist in later texts

Daodejing

• Key text of Daoism

• Teachings recorded in poetic style

• Promotes harmony with the Dao

• Archaeological finds (Guodian, Mawangdui) show it was an oral tradition before being written down

Daoism

• humans as part of nature

• Influenced literature, art, medicine, and politics

• an indigenous Chinese philosophy

Mission of daoism: Live in harmony with the Dao (The Way)

• The ultimate, ineffable principle uniting all things

• Seeks balance between humans and nature

• Encourages self-cultivation and spiritual growth

Historical and cultural context of Daoism

• Emerged ~ 2,300 years ago

• Response to decline of Zhou rituals & Confucian dominance

• Daojiao (organized religion) during Eastern Han dynasty (126–164 A.D.)

Core teachings

• Wu Wei – effortless action, going with the flow

• Ziran – naturalness, being true to one’s nature

• Simplicity & Humility – modest lifestyle, contentment

• Relativity of Concepts – good/evil, beauty/ugliness are relative

• Harmony with Nature – respect cycles of the cosmos

Tao te ching

• “The Way of Integrity”

• Foundational text of Taoism

• Written around 400 BC by Laozi (“old master”)

• Main theme: living with goodness and integrity

• Tao Ching (Ch. 1–37)

• Te Ching (Ch. 38–81)

• Goal: return to harmony with the Tao

• Wu Wei (“non-action” / “not forcing”): Acting with ease, flowing with life

Tao

• source and foundation of all existence; Unseen yet present

Zhuangzi

• "The Book of Master Zhuang"

• Written around the 4th century BC by Zhuang Zhou (“Master Zhuang”) 

• A collection of stories, parables, and reflections

• Uses humor, imagination, and fantasy to explain Daoist ideas

• Divided into 3 chapters

Inner chapter (Zhuangzi)

• core teachings: Focus on core Daoist ideas like freedom, relativity, and harmony with the Dao

• chapter 1-7

Outer Chapters (Zhuangzi)

• expansions: Expand on Daoist philosophy with more parables and teachings

Different Chapters (Zhuangzi)

• (23–33)

• other writings: A mix of different writings, some from later thinkers

Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji)

• Early history about his life and ideas. 

• Found in Zhuangzi

Han Dynasty Commentaries

•  Preserved and explained his teachings.

• Found in Zhuangzi

Guo Xiang’s Commentary

• Most famous explanation of the Zhuangzi.

Buddhist & Daoist Writings

• Mixed his ideas with Buddhism and later Daoism.

• Found in Zhuangzi

The Dao (the way)

• The most important concept of the Daoism religion.

• The ultimate, undefiable principle that is the source, pattern and the substance of the universe.

• "The Dao that can be told is not the eternal Dao.” Meaning that the energy cannot be described into words and can only be felt or intuited

De (virtue/power)

• The manifestation of the Dao in each individual expression of power and virtue to positively influence others.

• De is not a desirable human trait, the term means "to get," or "take hold of.”

Wu Wei (non-action)

• The practice of aligning actions with the natural flow of the Dao; Actions of a Daoist is effortless and does not struggle.

• Known to be the most misunderstood doctrine as some interpreted it as inaction or doing nothing.

Yin and Yang

• symbol that represents the dynamic between the opposites of the universe.

• Teaches that opposites are interdependent (each contains a seed of the other,) interconnected, and in a constant flux to keep the balance of harmony.

Pu ( the uncarved block)

• Symbolizes simplicity, authenticity, and pure potential.

• Encourages returning to one’s natural state, free from artificial expectations.

Ziran (spontaneous self-so)

• Teaches authenticity and living in harmony with one’s true nature; “Self-so” means allowing things to be what they are without interference.

Qi (Vital Energy)

• Considered the life force that sustains health, vitality, and balance.

• Essential for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Relative and dualistic thinking

• Teaches that opposites (good/evil, life/death, success/failure) are interdependent.

• Encourages flexibility, balance, and acceptance of change.

God of Daoism

• The Dao is ultimate, not a personal god

• Deities and immortals are honored as part of Daoist belief

• Cannot be classified easily as monotheistic or polytheistic

Jade Emperor

• celestial ruler of heaven

Three Pure Ones

• highest gods in Daoism, embody aspects of the Dao

Eight Immortals

legendary figures of wisdom and longevity

legendary figures of wisdom and longevity

• Gods often represent forces of nature, virtue, or cosmic order

• Daoism can be described as pantheistic, with divinity in all things

• Also considered henotheistic, giving respect to many deities under one Dao

What type of religion is daoism?

• Daoism can be described as pantheistic, with divinity in all things

• Also considered henotheistic, giving respect to many deities under one Dao

Daojia

• Dao means“the way”

• Jia means “family, lineage or school”

• the term translates to “school of the Dao”which equates to the view of Daojia as  viewing it as a philosophical Daoism

• began during the Warring States Period or 475–221 BCE with  Laozi and Zhuangzhi

Daojiao

• Jiao meaning "religion teaching.”

• Developed during the late Han dynasty

• During the Northern and Southern Dynasty,  Daojiao adapted to religious beliefs

Tianshi Dao

• Way of the Celestial Masters or the Orthodox Unity Daoism

• started with a healer named Zhang Daoling during the 142 BCE, received a vision from a deified Lao Tzu who gave him“Dao of the Orthodox Unity” and appointed as the First Celestial Master

Quanzhen Dao

• “Complete Reality or Perfection”

• founded in the 12th century CE by the philosopher Wang Zhu

• four hindrances: alcohol, sexual pleasure, wealth and wrath

• mystical traditions are developed with meditative and alchemical practices.

• Technology Reliance and Environmental Harmony (Issues of Daoism)

• Modern society relies heavily on technology to solve environmental issues.

• Technology is helpful but cannot address the root causes of ecological damage.

• Daoist principles stress living in harmony with nature and practicing Wu Wei (non-interference).

• Western Misinterpretation  (Issues of Daoism)

• Focus is placed on tai chi, qigong, and meditation while neglecting deeper ceremonial and ethical aspects.

Decline of Traditional Daoist Institutions (Issues of Daoism)

• Rapid modernization and urbanization in China have weakened traditional Daoist institutions.

• Historically, temples served as spiritual centers, cultural hubs, and community spaces