A Brief Introduction to Daoism Study Notes

A Brief Introduction to Daoism

Introduction

  • Daoism comprises various concepts and practices that differ significantly from Western religions, notably those rooted in a Christian context.

  • Key differences include:

    • The precision of Western Christian doctrine versus the ambiguity often found in Daoism.

    • Fluidity of insider and outsider boundaries in Daoist practices, complicating the understanding for newcomers.

  • James Miller, in his introduction, notes the challenge of defining Daoism:

    • "Day by day, Daoism is truly becoming a world religion, but as it does so, it seems to resist being pinned down in neat categories."

  • Emphasis on the mental shift required to engage with Daoism:

    • Avoiding an attitude that requires clear, rigid answers to questions.

Distinction: Philosophical and Religious Daoism

  • A historical division in Western scholarship categorizes Daoism into:

    • Philosophical Daoism: more theoretical and metaphysical aspects.

    • Religious Daoism: practices, rituals, and cosmological ideas.

  • The Victorian or Leggean view:

    • Proposed by James Legge, privileging texts like the Daodejing and the Zhuangzi as the pure form of Daoism, viewing ritualistic aspects as superstitious.

    • Louis Komjathy critiques this view as flawed, underscoring a holistic perspective of Daoism that integrates mysticism, theory, and lived experience.

Historical Context of Daoism

  • Notable synergy exists among Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism in China, leading to a blurred boundary among them, often seen positively as adaptability in religious identity.

Brief Chronology of Chinese History Related to Daoism

  • Shang (Yin) Dynasty: 1600–1050 BCE

  • Zhou Dynasty: 1046–256 BCE

  • Laozi (Mythical-Historical): Sixth Century BCE

  • Warring States Period: 475–221 BCE

  • Zhuang Zhou: 370–29 BCE

  • Qin Dynasty: 221–206 BCE

  • Han Dynasty: 206 BCE–220 CE

  • Beginnings of Organized Daoism: Second Century CE

  • Celestial Masters Movement: Second Century CE

  • Taiping Dao Movement: Second Century CE

  • Lingbao Dao Movement: Fourth Century CE

  • Daoist Monasticism: Fifth Century CE

  • Tang Dynasty: 618–907 CE

  • Song Dynasty: 960–1279 CE

  • Quanzhen Dao Movement: Twelfth Century CE

  • Yuan Dynasty (Mongol Rule): 1279–1368 CE

  • Ming Dynasty: 1368–1644 CE

  • Qing Dynasty (Manchu): 1644–1912 CE

  • Republic of China: 1912–1949 CE

  • People’s Republic of China: 1949 CE–present

Daoist History in China

  • Daoism’s development occurred through four main periods that correlate with China's political changes:

    • Classical Daoism: Fifth Century BCE - Second Century BCE

      • Known for key texts like the Daodejing and Zhuangzi.

      • Diverse lineages emerged, sometimes organized around a master, alongside solitary practices.

    • Early Organized Daoism: First/Second Century CE - Seventh Century CE

      • Marked by the establishment of communities and movements, notable is the Celestial Masters.

      • The introduction of Buddhism led to shared ideas and practices between Daoism and Buddhism despite rivalries.

      • Daoism becomes the official religion in the Tang dynasty, fostering the development of rituals and monasticism.

    • Later Organized Daoism: Seventh Century - 20th Century

    • Characterized by institutionalization, ritual standardization, and the rise of Quanzhen Dao.

    • Increased incorporation of deities into the Daoist pantheon and further overlap with Buddhism and popular practice.

    • The end of this period coincided with Western influences in the 19th century, leading to significant challenges for Daoism.

    • Modern Daoism: 1911 - Present

    • Marked by severe persecution during the Cultural Revolution (1966–76), leading to deterioration of religious practice in mainland China.

    • Post-1980s saw relaxation of restrictions, revival of religious practice, and the globalization of Daoism due to emigration.

Daoism and Popular Chinese Religion

  • Definition of popular religion:

    • Local expressions of piety that enhance Chinese religious life and are interwoven with Daoist practices.

  • Popular religion is recognized as:

    • Influential and related to various Daoist practices.

    • An elevated expression of shared values that challenge strict boundaries between Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.

  • Key components of contemporary Chinese popular religion include:

    • Deities: Various gods are venerated in local temples.

    • Local gods: Worship practices that may vary significantly.

    • Divination: Widespread practice for personal guidance and foresight.

Syncretic Nature of Chinese Temples

  • A characteristic feature of Chinese temples is their inclusive nature where multiple religious traditions coalesce:

    • Example of Wong Tai Sin Temple in Hong Kong: Originally Daoist, now includes altars for Confucian and Buddhist figures along with Daoist deities.

    • The approach demonstrates flexibility in categorizing religious identities.

Divination Practices

  • Divination: A long-standing aspect of Chinese culture, often performed at local temples.

    • Example: Kau Cim/Chim method using oracle sticks at Wong Tai Sin Temple.

    • This practice involves shaking a container of sticks to yield a number, leading to interpretations provided by priests or fortune tellers.

Who Is a Daoist?

  • Key question regarding Daoist identity:

    • Unlike Western religions, no universal practice or creed defines a Daoist identity.

    • Definitions vary and often link Daoism to Chinese heritage, but such views overlook the complex, heterogeneous history of China and geographical diversity in Daoist practices.