Exploring Daoism

In order to acquire, greater comprehension of the context and origin of Daoism it is necessary to travel into the distant past and explore the ancient shamanistic religion that the ancient Chinese practiced. In particular, at the core of the belief, system was animism and ancestor worship. The ancients viewed the afterlife as a continuation of a similar life experience as on earth; including the bureaucracy. Indeed, included within this belief was that the spirits of the ancestors were able to influence the lives of their descendants. (Brodd, et al., 2013). As a result, the shaman, often attributed with possessing supernatural abilities, performed as intermediaries between the spiritual and earthly planes. Additionally, the shamans’ responsibilities included healing, herbal knowledge, rituals of protection, calling forth rain, and divination. (Wong, 2011). Indeed, deeply ingrained in the lives and culture of the Chinese people were the religious beliefs and practices. In considering, the history of the religious culture in which Daoism developed grants a better understanding of the key concepts.

Notably, the primal religion practiced in China in the preceding centuries heavily influenced the two schools of thought that emerged nearing the end of the Ch’ou dynasty, which are Daoism and Confucianism. (Wong, 2011). Specifically, Confucianism teaches that it is by following the correct codes of behavior and rituals, which are numerous, that society will be peaceful. As a result, Confucius did not think the nature of the universe was relevant in creating a peaceful society. On the contrary, in the Daoist school of thought, the belief is that if people understand the natural order of the universe and live in harmony with it, society wi...

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...(Wong, 2011). Daoism is a philosophy; therefore, the history is vague. Interestingly, in the Chinese language a distinction between a philosophy and a religious practice did not appear until the early 1900’s. (Toropov & Hansen, 2002).

Works Cited

Brodd, J., Little, L., Nystrom, B., Platzner, R., Shek, R., & Stiles, E. (2013). Invitation To World Religions. New York: Oxford University Press.

Feng, G.-F., & English, J. (1972). Tao Te Ching; A New Translation. New York: Vintage Books.

Hoff, B. (1982). The Tao of Pooh. New York, New York: E. P. Dutton, Inc.

Hoff, B. (1992). The Te of Piglet. New York: Dutton.

Lukin, G. (2012). Taoism 101: Answers and Explanations. Gregory Lukin.

Toropov, B., & Hansen, C. (2002). The Complete Idiots Guide to Taoism. Indianapolis, IN: Beach Brook Productions.

Wong, E. (2011). Taoism: An Essential Guide. Boston & London: Shambhala.