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Taoism, Taoism

Organized Taoism distinguishes its ritual activity from that of the folk religion, which some professional Taoists ( Daoshi ) view as debased. Chinese alchemy (including Neidan), astrology, cuisine, several Chinese martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine, fengshui, and many styles of qigong breath training disciplines have been intertwined with Taoism throughout history.

Taoist philosophy proposes that the universe works harmoniously according to its own ways. When someone exerts his will against the world, he disrupts that harmony. Taoism does not identify man's will as the root problem. Rather, it asserts that man must place his will in harmony with the natural universe. Faching & deChant (2001), p. 35.

Its many deities, although unified by the idea and practice of Tao, are oftentimes pictured as part of a heavenly hierarchy that mirrors the bureaucracy of Imperial China. According to the beliefs of Religious Taoism, Chinese deities may be promoted or demoted for their actions. Some deities are also simply exalted humans, such as Guan Yu, the god of honor and piety. The particular deities worshipped vary according to geographical regions and historical periods in China, though the general pattern of worship is more constant. Maspero (1981), p. 92.

Taoism rejects Western mind-body dualism; mind and body are not set in contrast or opposition with each other. Sex is treated as a vital component to romantic love, however Taoism emphasizes the need for self-control and moderation. Complete abstinence is frequently treated as equally dangerous as excessive sexual indulgence. The sexual vitality of men is portrayed as limited, while the sexual energy of women is viewed as boundless. Men are encouraged to control ejaculation to preserve this vital energy, but women are encouraged to reach orgasm without restriction. Taoists believe that a man may increase and nourish his own vitality by bringing a woman to orgasm, thereby "activating" her energy and attuning it with himself. This is considered to be of benefit to both partners. Therefore, if a man were to push a woman to the boundaries of sex, he would be rewarded with more sex. If a woman had too much sex with a man, that would be, in Taoism's eyes, against beliefs. Pas and Leung (1998), pp. 28081.

Miller (2003), p. ix It is a foundational scripture of central importance in Taoism. It has been used as a ritual text throughout the history of religious Taoism. Kohn & LaFargue (1998), p. 158.

We may distinguish between martial forms of mediumship (like the aforementioned jitong ) and X spirit-writing, typically through the practice of fuji . Silvers (2005), p. 132. Discussing planchette writing Many Taoists also participated in the reading and writing of books. Taoists of this type tend to be civil servants, elderly retirees, or in modern times, university faculty. While there is considerable overlap with religious Taoism, there are often important divergences in interpretation. Wang Bi, one of the most influential philosophical commentators on the Laozi (and Yijing) was in fact a Confucian. Schipper (1993), p. 192.

The terms Tao and De are religious and philosophical terms shared between Taoism and Confucianism. Markham & Ruparell (2001). Pg 254.

Source: Wikipedia > Taoism