Taoism Beliefs Research Paper

Taoism

Teachings of Taoism and their application

Taoism, also referred to widely as Daoism is known as an indigenous Chinese Religion 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 the flourishing of the classical Daoism. Classical Daoism-Here Daoling established the way of the celestial masters known as the way of orthodox unity. Modern Daoism-This time the boundaries between elite Daoist religion, Budhism and local cult began to blur increasingly. Contemporary Daoism-Here Daoism started to be practiced. Daoism aimed at achieving immortality through breathing, meditation, helping others and use of elixirs. Daoism has influenced Chinese culture positively vastly as it has given birth to martial arts such as Tai chi and Qigong (James Miller, 2009).Also it has improved the healthy living such as practicing vegetarianism and exercise. Its texts have codified Chinese views on morality and behaviors regardless of religious affiliation.

In line with the Tao Te Ching teachings, one biggest challenge that humans face is that they do not know who they truly are, yet it teaches that human beings are part of the cosmic process which is referred to as Tao. It therefore challenges human beings to either choose this reality and acknowledge it and live better lives or try to establish our own individual identities and have a tough life. This teaching is very applicable in the contemporary world were people disregard the environment as though it is a very different entity and no one wants to take care of the environment but instead pollute it with impunity in the name of industrialization hence the global warming.

The other teaching of Taoism is that current world that we experience is a manifestation of the unmanifest Tao, hence the patterns of return that Tao uses. This indicates that everything is in the process of coming into being, then goes into maturity and finally decaying and returning to the Tao. All things are in a constant cycle and they have their own destiny (Te) and if this Te is not tampered with or hindered, it will come to show….....