Taoism
The philosophy is centred on the duality concept of Yin and Yang as is commonly depicted in its logo. Be it masculine and feminine, weak and strong, night and day, bad and evil, hard and soft, etc. But, Taoists view the polarities as partners in harmony, not mortal enemies. The yin and the yang do not try to destroy each other. They rely on each other for their own existence. They are complementary. It is through this appreciation and pursuit of the complementary nature of opposites that our mind will be much more holistic, and be at peace. It is about balance, not domination. We see that in ecology too. Through this understanding, followers regard themselves as part of nature, never to go against it or attempt to destroy it or the universe. |
三教之一简解
所谓道教:一是道,自身修身之道,追求至真;二是教,教化众徒与世间人,追求至善。
道家思想核心为自度度人,自度乃是度人的前提,只有自度的人才能去度众生。首先自身要修道,追求返璞归真,回到人最纯真的本性。修道是要下功夫的,不是一般人所能达到的,要将俗世的名利、荣辱富贵全部舍弃的。通过修身达到至真的境界。
在自身达到善的境界之后,才是教化世人。而教化世人追求的乃是至善。所谓至善不仅仅有利于自身,还要是有利于天地,有利于万物,没有任何附加条件,也没有任何其他杂念的善,才是至善。
真正的大德,至真至善,自己朝着善的方向,他人也朝着这个方向。这是道教最根本的精神。这种精神在普通老百姓口中流传着, 形容至真境界的如“去伪存真”;善的概念演变为“抑恶扬善”、“弃恶从善”等,道教教化主要是要世人在道德方面向善。
道教本身讲求修身和教化,道教最核心的东西用四个字来概括,就是自度度人,先度自己才有资格去度别人。一个凡夫俗子去度谁?现在本身是凡夫俗子觉得自己了不起,去度那些比其高明、别其有德的人;自己是个骗子,还度那些本分的人。这和道教已经完全是两码事了。
感谢: 孟至岭道长,中国道教协会副会长,中国道教学院常务副院长。
所谓道教:一是道,自身修身之道,追求至真;二是教,教化众徒与世间人,追求至善。
道家思想核心为自度度人,自度乃是度人的前提,只有自度的人才能去度众生。首先自身要修道,追求返璞归真,回到人最纯真的本性。修道是要下功夫的,不是一般人所能达到的,要将俗世的名利、荣辱富贵全部舍弃的。通过修身达到至真的境界。
在自身达到善的境界之后,才是教化世人。而教化世人追求的乃是至善。所谓至善不仅仅有利于自身,还要是有利于天地,有利于万物,没有任何附加条件,也没有任何其他杂念的善,才是至善。
真正的大德,至真至善,自己朝着善的方向,他人也朝着这个方向。这是道教最根本的精神。这种精神在普通老百姓口中流传着, 形容至真境界的如“去伪存真”;善的概念演变为“抑恶扬善”、“弃恶从善”等,道教教化主要是要世人在道德方面向善。
道教本身讲求修身和教化,道教最核心的东西用四个字来概括,就是自度度人,先度自己才有资格去度别人。一个凡夫俗子去度谁?现在本身是凡夫俗子觉得自己了不起,去度那些比其高明、别其有德的人;自己是个骗子,还度那些本分的人。这和道教已经完全是两码事了。
感谢: 孟至岭道长,中国道教协会副会长,中国道教学院常务副院长。
Founder and DoctrineLao Zi ( also variously known as Laozi and Lao Tzu ) was the founder of Taoism. According to the Shi Ji or Records of the Historian Sima Qian, Lao Zi was named Li Er, with Dan as his alias. He was a reputed philosopher around 6th century B.C. There are many legends about Lao Zi but few historical records. He left behind a 5,000-word book, Tao Te Ching or “Book of the Tao ( Way ) and Its Power”, and went on his ox from Hangu Pass to where nobody knows!
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Taoism promulgates wu wei, literally meaning Non-action. That is, follow the rule of nature instead of overriding it; and everything would run smoothly and efficiently. Practitioners should cultivate purity, and do not boast about their own achievements. According to Lao Zi, "Things will develop in the opposite direction when they become extreme," such as the state of existing and non-existing, up and down, long and short, front and back, fortune and misfortune, strong and weak. Flexibility can defeat strength ( the guiding principle of Tai Chi ). Lao Zi used water as a metaphor to explain the prowess of flexibility. Nothing can be more flexible and soft than water, but it can defeat all tough things. In short, Taoism emphasizes humbleness and tenderness.
Unlike Buddhism, Taoism does not advocate asceticism. |
System of DeitiesBasically, there are three tiers of deities. The highest tier comprises the San Qing or the Three Pure Ones. They are Yu Qing (Jade Pure), Shang Qing (Upper Pure) and Tai Qing (Great Pure).
Below the Three Pure Ones are the four holy emperors among whom Yu Huang (Jade Emperor) comes first. 'Houtu Mother' is a female deity who presides over child-bearing affairs. Other deities take charge of different affairs. Among them are the God of Wind, God of Rain, God of Fire, God of Town and God of Earth. There is also the so-called San Guan (the Three Officials) comprising the Official of Heaven who blesses people, Official of Earth who gives absolution, and Official of Water who wards off disasters. |
Evolution and DevelopmentKnowledge of Taoism begins with two texts, the Tao Te Ching ( Pinyin: Dao De Jing ) or Book of the Tao ( Way ) and Its Power by Laozi, and the Chuang-tzu ( Pinyin: Zhuangzi ) by another sage of the same name.
Three other texts were less popular:
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The Treasury of Dao or Taoist scriptural canon, Tao-tsang ( Pinyin: Daozang ) comprises about 1,400 texts ( about 200,000 pages ) divided into three major sections or Grottoes ( 三洞 ) namely, Meditation, Ritual, and Exorcism. They address many topics such as spirituality, botany, and astronomy. Most of these works use arcane, multi-level symbolic language and alchemical terms, and were collected around 400 AD by Taoist monks in their attempts to bring together all of the teachings of Taoism. Many of the works were purportedly revealed by the deities (shen) to humans. Four supplements were added around 500 AD. The Tao-tsang began to be compiled in the 8th century, and a definitive version was printed in the early 12th century. Commentaries, revelations, and texts elaborating on the core topics were progressively added to the otherwise, well-organised canon.
Three Grottoes (sandong) 三洞
Authenticity Grotto or Dongzhen 洞真部: Texts of Supreme Purity (Shangqing) tradition is concerned mainly with meditation, and is regarded as the highest phase of initiation for a Taoist master; Mystery Grotto (Dongxuan) 洞玄部: Texts of Sacred Treasure (Lingbao) is concerned mainly with rituals, and is the middle phase of initiation for a Taoist master; and Spirit Grotto (Dongshen) 洞神部: Texts of Three Sovereigns (Sanhuang) tradition is concerned mainly with exorcisms, and is the lowest phase of initiation for a Taoist master. |
Four Supplements:
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Celestial MastersIn 142 AD Zhang Daoling claimed that Laozi had appeared before him; and commanded him to rid the world of decadence, and establish a new state consisting only of the ‘chosen people.’
Zhang became the first Celestial Master, and began to spread his newly-founded movement throughout the province of Sichuan. The movement was initially called the "Way of the Five Pecks of Rice", because each person wishing to join was required to donate five pecks of rice. The movement spread rapidly, particularly under his son Zhang Heng and grandson Zhang Lu. The Celestial Masters were the first group of organized Taoists. Before their foundation, Taoism did not exist as an organised religion. Being the first organised religious Taoists, the Celestial Masters are regarded as the ancestors of subsequent Taoist movements such as the Shangqing and Lingbao movements ( see footnote ). |
The fall of Northern China to the Huns in 317 AD, scattered the Taoist followers of the movement founded by Zhang Daoling. Followers subsequently reemerged as Celestial Masters in the 4th and 5th centuries as two distinct offshoots namely, the Northern and Southern Celestial Masters. Both did not last beyond the 5th century.
During the Yuan Dynasty, the Zhengyi Tao School of Taoism claimed lineage to the Celestial Masters. They became one of the two leading schools of Taoism in China, along with Quanzhen Tao. Zhengyi Taoists became common in the Jiangxi, Jiangsu, and Fujian provinces of China, as well as in Taiwan. The Celestial Masters have survived into the 20th century. In 1949, after the communists gained power in the mainland, the remaining Celestial Masters fled to Taiwan, where they still live today.
During the Yuan Dynasty, the Zhengyi Tao School of Taoism claimed lineage to the Celestial Masters. They became one of the two leading schools of Taoism in China, along with Quanzhen Tao. Zhengyi Taoists became common in the Jiangxi, Jiangsu, and Fujian provinces of China, as well as in Taiwan. The Celestial Masters have survived into the 20th century. In 1949, after the communists gained power in the mainland, the remaining Celestial Masters fled to Taiwan, where they still live today.
Other Different SectsDuring the Sui-Tang dynastic era ( 581-905 AD ) when Taoism flourished under state patronage,various other Taoist schools emerged.
Some focusing on repentance, healing, invoking of spirits, use of talismans, magical formulae, etc. From 907-1368 AD, Taoism was influenced by:
These Taoist schools more or less combined in the early 1200s, and gave rise to the common Taoist legacy, popularly referred to as the Cheng-i ( Zhengyi ) or Way of Right Unity Taoism. Priests practised healing by invoking the spirits (shen), releasing of ghosts/demons ( kuei ), reciting of magical formulae, using talismans ( fu ), sacred water ( fu-shui ), sacred dance ( yü-yen ), ascetic practices and sublimation of energies. |
Besides Cheng-i Taoism, the next most important school of Taoism is the Ch’üan-chen ( Quanzheng ) sect, or Complete Reality school, which integrated Zen Buddhist and neo-Confucian elements with Taoism.
A subsequent split-up gave rise to the Southern “dual cultivation” school (this school is no more in existence ), and the Northern “Pure Serenity” school. The Northern Ch’üan-chen Taoism headquartered at Pai-yün Kuan (“Monastery of the White Clouds,” built in 739 AD ) in Beijing, is still being practised in many parts of China today; and is becoming well-known in the West through the translations of many works by Thomas Cleary. |
Footnote: The Lingbao School ( 灵宝派 or 靈寶派 ), also known as the School of the Sacred Jewel or the School of Numinous Treasure, was an important Taoist school that emerged in China in between the Jin Dynasty and the Liu Song Dynasty in the early fifth century AD. It lasted for about two hundred years until it was absorbed into the Shangqing School during the Tang Dynasty. The school combined religious ideas based on Shangqing texts, the rituals of the Celestial Masters, and Buddhist practices.
Although reincarnation was an important concept in the Lingbao School, the earlier Taoist belief in attaining immortality remained. The most important scripture in the Lingbao School is known as the Five Talismans (Wufujing). While the Lingbao School no longer exists as a distinct teaching, its influence on Taoism remains, most importantly in the way it combined Buddhist and Taoist practices.
Although reincarnation was an important concept in the Lingbao School, the earlier Taoist belief in attaining immortality remained. The most important scripture in the Lingbao School is known as the Five Talismans (Wufujing). While the Lingbao School no longer exists as a distinct teaching, its influence on Taoism remains, most importantly in the way it combined Buddhist and Taoist practices.
Master Li Bo 李播 Founder of Liu Ren 六壬 SectAlso known as Priest Huang Guan Zi, Li Bo was born in AD 552 (during Sui Dynasty 隋朝) in Feng Xiang County 中國陕西省凤翔縣 of Shanxi Province in China.
Li Bo studied Taoist Scriptures, Prediction Methods & Spiritual Skills from a very young age. Li Bo left home at the age of 20, and enrolled at Shang Qing Mao Shan Taoist School 上清茅山道宗 for his training in Taoism. Upon reaching the Main Ancestral School of Shang Qing Sect, Li Bo was taken in by High Priest Zheng Si Yuan 上清祖師鄭思遠 as his disciple. By the age of 32 (AD 584), Li Bo mastered almost all the Taoist Skills that High Priest Zheng had imparted to him. On 15th Day of Lunar 9 Month, High Priest Zheng called Li Bo to his Preaching Hall, and advised him to return to his hometown. High Priest Zheng explained to him that he had other tasks awaiting for him to settle in his hometown. After leaving Mao Shan, Li Bo travelled around to do his field-study, and gain experiences. Li Bo composed quite a number of poems and songs during his travel, and most of his writings can be found in some of the chinese museums. Due to his growing popularity, Li Bo was summoned by the Sui Emperor to the Imperial Court in AD 588; and given a post to assist the Sui Emperor in planning and strategizing. In the following year, Li Bo realised from his Spiritual Skills of Observing the Stars that Sui Empire would soon be destroyed; and decided to resign from his post. The emperor granted his wish, and Li Bo travelled on as a wandering priest. When he finally returned to his hometown at the age of 40 years old (AD 592), his parent had already match-made a lady for him as his wife. On the 3rd year of his marriage (AD 595), his wife gave birth to his first son, and he used his Prediction Skills to name the son as Li Chun Luo 李淳洛. Two years later, Li Bo's wife gave birth to the second son, Li Chun Pu 李淳浦. In AD 602, just before his third son was being born, Li Bo dreamt that Tai Shang Lao Jun , also known as The Supreme Lord 太上老君 passed a set of Scriptures to Jiu Tian Xuan Nv ( also known as The Ninth Heaven Maiden 九天玄女 ) in a Celestial Palace. Li Bo was then asked to step forward to receive the Scriptures from the Ninth Heaven Maiden. In his dream, a strong aroma of Sandal-wood fragrance entered his nose when he received the scriptures. It was then that Li Bo was woken up by his maid, telling him that his wife had given birth to the third son. Li Bo dashed to his wife's room, and just as he was about to step into the room, Li Bo started to smell the fragrance of the Sandal-wood again. This time round, he told himself that he must have had a Spiritual Child given to him by Heaven. Li Bo was delighted to see his third son being born with an extraordinary face ( looking like an Immortal ), and immediately used his Prediction Skills to choose a name for his third son, 李淳風. On returning to his room, Li Bo was shocked to see a stack of Scriptures on his study table. He was amazed that Scriptures resembled those he saw in his dream. After going through the Scriptures, he realised that ALL the Skills recorded in the Scriptures were known as Liu Ren Skills 六壬法門. He started his in-depth study on the Scriptures, and hoped that he and his descendants could bring pride to the Heavenly's Gift. In AD 603, Li Bo got another son Li Chun Xue 李淳. By then, Li Bo was already 51 years old. In AD 620, Li Bo was summoned by the first Emperor of Tang Dynasty - Li Yuan 唐高祖李淵 to the Imperial Court; and appointed as the Officer of Prediction 司天監. Li Bo was highly respected by Li Shi Min 李世民, the second son of Emperor Li Yuan. When Li Shi Min became the second emperor of the Tang Empire, Li Bo was already 75 years old, and he decided to return to his hometown. Before Li Bo returned home, he recommended his third son Li Chun Feng 李淳風 and his eldest disciple Yuan Tian Gang 袁天罡 to assist Emperor Li Shi Min in Prediction and Strategic Planning as both were being imparted with the full set of Liu Ren Skills. Back at his hometown, Li Bo started to do his cultivation on the Liu Ren Skills again. As he was getting on in age, he soon decided to impart the remaining Liu Ren Skills to his other three sons. And so at the age of 90, he set-up 3 branches for his 3 sons. These 3 branches were Feng Huo Yuan 風火院, Qun Ying Guan 群英館 and Fu Ying Guan 伏英館. After setting up the 3 branches, he wrote a letter to Li Chun Feng and Yuan Tian Gang to look after these branches, in order not to let the disciples of the three other sons to fight against each other for the leadership. When Li Bo passed on at the age of 109, Li Chun Feng and Yuan Tian Gang were appointed as the second-generation leaders of Liu Ren Sect. Source: Master Jave Wu. |
TAOISM ( or DAOISM as it is known in Hanyu pinyin) is the indigenous religion of China.
20 million people around the world, including nine percent of Singaporeans (some say more) practise Taoism ( Year 2007 ).
It became a significant religion through the teachings of philosopher Lao Tzu in the 6th century BC. By then, the ancient chinese had already been indulging in folk beliefs and practices that could be traced back some 4,700 years to the reign of the Yellow Emperor ( Huang Di ). The co-existence of both continues to this day; and it is difficult, if not impossible, to delineate them.
Lao Tzu teachings were passed down orally, and subsequently compiled in a book titled Tao Te Ching ( The Way and Its Virtues ) in the third century BC. Tao Te Ching is still the main Taoist text today.
Taoism derived its name from the concept of Tao 道 that Lao Tzu propounded in Tao Te Ching, and Taoists are expected to learn, contemplate and practise it for their self-cultivation. Taoist self-cultivation is for seeking unity with Tao or the absolute, and spiritual comprehension of knowledge beyond the intellectual or conscious mind. The ultimate aim is to bring forth the innate goodness in oneself through self-cultivation.
Concept of Tao
Tao is a concept that is central to Taoist beliefs and practices, but it is very difficult to define Tao due to its mystery. For simplicity, some defined it as a life-force that surrounds and flows through all living and non-living things, and brings about balances, orders, unity and connectivity amongst them in the universe.
Tao has also been described as the laws of nature and the universe, which govern the ebb and flow of continuous change in all living and non-living things, our environment and beyond.
But Tao is not regarded as an object of worship in Taoism. Incidentally, Tao is a misnomer as the mystery and mysticism that it purports to denote are beyond description.
Lao Tzu simply coined it as Tao for ease of reference. As such, Tao is revered more as a form of universal truth, the eternal and inherent truths of nature, or the reality of the universe at work as revealed by Lao Tzu. Even the legendary Lao Tzu remains a mystery to this day.
Virtues
Taoists acknowledged Tao as the Way to everything that matters, including proper attitude, morality and charity; and Te 德 ( which means Virtue ) as the natural and inherent result of its active application.
The building of virtues is a Taoist's primary task, and Taoist teachings on virtues are aimed at bringing forth the innate goodness in each person.
Taoists also believe in the meritorious act of inculcating virtues, and living them to benefit others.
The three jewels of Taoism are the virtues of compassion, moderation and humility.
Thus Taoism calls on its faithfuls to respect the wonders of Tao, and go along with its flow or direction by, inter alia, respecting heaven, nature and all things under heaven.
Unfortunately or fortunately, Tao Te Ching is a poetic framework of archaic chinese writing that is devoid of punctuation mark or any other form of denotation for want of clarity. As such, it has been variously interpreted and fleshed out to this day.
Alchemy, astrology, scriptural chanting, meditation and some forms of martial arts, notably tai-chi and qigong are the key disciplines of Taoism.
Taoists believe that reciting the scriptures can dissolve misfortune, eliminate illness, prolong life and benefit health.
Popular folks' belief in after-death realms, ancestor worship, divination, and other practices of shamanism since time immemorial continue to mar Taoism to this day. The informed and ill-informed did not seem to attempt any serious effort to delineate the differences either.
The spread of Buddhism into China, and the growing popularity of Confucianism also influenced Taoist beliefs and practices during their early formatic years.
Nevertheless, its various sects and sub-sects teach the same core beliefs and practices based on Tao Te Ching.
There are three broad arbitrary categories of Taoist followers; but they are not mutually exclusive. Most tend to focus on prayers and rituals in their devotion. The esoterics focus on mystical and healing powers, while the philosophical taoists focus on how to live in harmony with the universe.
The younger and better-educated Taoists are more inclined to take a philosophical approach to Taoism.
Taoism is polytheistic. Taoists venerate many deities or immortals.
Immortality
Immortals are former human beings who have achieved eternal life through the cultivation of Tao. Immortals dwell in heavens, on mountains, and in other mystical spaces.
It is largely for this state of immortality that Taoists faithfully and labouriously observe their moral living and self-cultivation. Self-cultivation involves leading a disciplined life of daily meditation, qigong, martial arts, calligraphy, chanting, and other devotional practices.
Through meditation Taoists seek knowledge of the universe or nature by discerning and reflecting on the Self as Taoists view the human body as a miniature of the universe.
In seeking to bring all elements of existence into harmony, Taoism embraces the concept of Wu Wei 无为 ( without exertion ) .
This is done through the alignment of one's will with Tao by letting nature takes its own course of action. This is based on the teaching that the universe works mysteriously and harmoniously according to its own ways.
When one exerts one's will against nature, harmony is disrupted; and hardship, sickness, disaster, failure, and other negative outcomes will result from one's efforts.
For instance, one should allow a river to flow towards the sea unimpeded, and not obstruct its natural flow by building a dam. Others down the river will be deprived of adequate precious water, and flood may occur in upper part of river.
Concept of Chi
Another key concept in Taoism is chi 气 or the inherent vital energy that everyone is born with, and which must be nurtured in one's lifetime. Chi enables living things to survive, and links them to the whole universe. Life comes to an end with its dispersal.
The understanding that chi is essential to good health and longevity has led to the interest in exercises like tai-chi and qigong.
Leveraging the concept of Chi has also led many, Taoists and non-Taoists, to believe and practise feng shui ( literary, wind and water ) in enhancing their well-being and wellness in life. Practitioners use feng shui to locate auspicious sites/directions, and orientate dwellings, offices, factories and other possessions so as to be in harmony with the flow of chi.
Likewise, theory and practice of traditional chinese medicine ( TCM ) are based on the understanding that it is important to keep one's ying and yang energy in balance. Many illnesses are caused by an excessive imbalance between ying and yang.
Taoist Icon
The universal symbolic representation of Taoism is a circle divided into two halves. One half is darker in colour or shade to represent the negative force or aspect ( Ying Energy or Element ), while the opposing and lighter half represent the positive force ( Yang ). Ying and yang constantly and simultaneously balance each other in all things and spaces in the universe. Earth, night, darkness, coldness, inwardness, femininity, and the likes are classified as Ying, while heaven, day, brightness, heat, outwardness and masculinity are part of Yang.
Ying and yang complement and counterbalance each other. Their interaction produces change. Neither can exist without the other. Neither is good or bad in itself. Danger lurks when there is an excessive predominance of either one.
The merging of ying and yang within one circle in the Taiji Icon or Tu 图 symbolizes harmony and the unity of Tao.
Taoism in Singapore
The general public tends to include or view Chinese Folk Religion as Taoism in the city-state.
Owing to the disinterest or decline in religious knowledge amongst the general public, many focus on rituals with little or no knowledge of Taoist texts, scriptures and cultivation.
The Taoist Federation of Singapore was established in 1990 to propagate the religion, and to promote intra-religious and inter-religious relations in Singapore and Taoist organisations abroad. There are about 500 ( Year 2016 ) Taoist temples and organisations affiliated to the Taoist Federation of Singapore.
Some were of the view that Taoism was first introduced into Singapore by the Chinese immigrants at the turn of the 19th century, and flourished with the arrival of more Chinese merchants and labourers. But, many of the early immigrants were illiterate and ignorance of Taoist texts, scriptures and cultivation.
As such, it was not Taoism proper; but Chinese Folks' beliefs and practices that were first introduced to Singapore. In fact, majority of these settlers worshipped Mazu deity ( 媽祖 ) for guiding them safely upon their arrival in a new foreign country. Such practices later flourished as an increasing number of Chinese merchants and labourers settled in Singapore.
Taoist priests from South China eventually came to Singapore to set up altars for carrying out rituals during the second half of the 19th century.
The continued peaceful co-existence between Taoism and Buddhism will entrench the obscured delineation between the two religions in Singapore.
In the year 2000 Singapore census of population, nine percent of Singaporeans had acknowledged themselves as Taoists. The percentage could be higher as many Taoists were involved with Buddhism, and considered themselves to be Buddhists when they were actually more Taoists than Buddhists.
Ancestral Veneration
Traditionally, Chinese used to set up ancestral tablets with their ancestors' names inscribed on them in their homes.
Such tablets are placed on ancestral altars with urn(s) meant for family members to place their joss-sticks. Drinks are offered every morning, while food and other offerings are usually placed at the altars on death anniversaries, lunar festivals, ecetera as if the ancestors were still alive, albeit no more residing with them. Ancestral tablets only state the names of patrilineal ancestors and their wives.
Ancestral veneration is losing its following along with the decline of traditional Chinese values, filial piety, and interest in anything indigenous.
Taoists all over the world celebrate the Anniversary of Lao Tzu aka Tai San Lao Jun on 15th day of 2nd lunar month ( For year 2019, it falls on 21 March of the Gregorian calendar ).
Ci 慈 temples celebrate Tai Shang Lao Jun anniversary on the 1st day of 7th lunar month.
20 million people around the world, including nine percent of Singaporeans (some say more) practise Taoism ( Year 2007 ).
It became a significant religion through the teachings of philosopher Lao Tzu in the 6th century BC. By then, the ancient chinese had already been indulging in folk beliefs and practices that could be traced back some 4,700 years to the reign of the Yellow Emperor ( Huang Di ). The co-existence of both continues to this day; and it is difficult, if not impossible, to delineate them.
Lao Tzu teachings were passed down orally, and subsequently compiled in a book titled Tao Te Ching ( The Way and Its Virtues ) in the third century BC. Tao Te Ching is still the main Taoist text today.
Taoism derived its name from the concept of Tao 道 that Lao Tzu propounded in Tao Te Ching, and Taoists are expected to learn, contemplate and practise it for their self-cultivation. Taoist self-cultivation is for seeking unity with Tao or the absolute, and spiritual comprehension of knowledge beyond the intellectual or conscious mind. The ultimate aim is to bring forth the innate goodness in oneself through self-cultivation.
Concept of Tao
Tao is a concept that is central to Taoist beliefs and practices, but it is very difficult to define Tao due to its mystery. For simplicity, some defined it as a life-force that surrounds and flows through all living and non-living things, and brings about balances, orders, unity and connectivity amongst them in the universe.
Tao has also been described as the laws of nature and the universe, which govern the ebb and flow of continuous change in all living and non-living things, our environment and beyond.
But Tao is not regarded as an object of worship in Taoism. Incidentally, Tao is a misnomer as the mystery and mysticism that it purports to denote are beyond description.
Lao Tzu simply coined it as Tao for ease of reference. As such, Tao is revered more as a form of universal truth, the eternal and inherent truths of nature, or the reality of the universe at work as revealed by Lao Tzu. Even the legendary Lao Tzu remains a mystery to this day.
Virtues
Taoists acknowledged Tao as the Way to everything that matters, including proper attitude, morality and charity; and Te 德 ( which means Virtue ) as the natural and inherent result of its active application.
The building of virtues is a Taoist's primary task, and Taoist teachings on virtues are aimed at bringing forth the innate goodness in each person.
Taoists also believe in the meritorious act of inculcating virtues, and living them to benefit others.
The three jewels of Taoism are the virtues of compassion, moderation and humility.
Thus Taoism calls on its faithfuls to respect the wonders of Tao, and go along with its flow or direction by, inter alia, respecting heaven, nature and all things under heaven.
Unfortunately or fortunately, Tao Te Ching is a poetic framework of archaic chinese writing that is devoid of punctuation mark or any other form of denotation for want of clarity. As such, it has been variously interpreted and fleshed out to this day.
Alchemy, astrology, scriptural chanting, meditation and some forms of martial arts, notably tai-chi and qigong are the key disciplines of Taoism.
Taoists believe that reciting the scriptures can dissolve misfortune, eliminate illness, prolong life and benefit health.
Popular folks' belief in after-death realms, ancestor worship, divination, and other practices of shamanism since time immemorial continue to mar Taoism to this day. The informed and ill-informed did not seem to attempt any serious effort to delineate the differences either.
The spread of Buddhism into China, and the growing popularity of Confucianism also influenced Taoist beliefs and practices during their early formatic years.
Nevertheless, its various sects and sub-sects teach the same core beliefs and practices based on Tao Te Ching.
There are three broad arbitrary categories of Taoist followers; but they are not mutually exclusive. Most tend to focus on prayers and rituals in their devotion. The esoterics focus on mystical and healing powers, while the philosophical taoists focus on how to live in harmony with the universe.
The younger and better-educated Taoists are more inclined to take a philosophical approach to Taoism.
Taoism is polytheistic. Taoists venerate many deities or immortals.
Immortality
Immortals are former human beings who have achieved eternal life through the cultivation of Tao. Immortals dwell in heavens, on mountains, and in other mystical spaces.
It is largely for this state of immortality that Taoists faithfully and labouriously observe their moral living and self-cultivation. Self-cultivation involves leading a disciplined life of daily meditation, qigong, martial arts, calligraphy, chanting, and other devotional practices.
Through meditation Taoists seek knowledge of the universe or nature by discerning and reflecting on the Self as Taoists view the human body as a miniature of the universe.
In seeking to bring all elements of existence into harmony, Taoism embraces the concept of Wu Wei 无为 ( without exertion ) .
This is done through the alignment of one's will with Tao by letting nature takes its own course of action. This is based on the teaching that the universe works mysteriously and harmoniously according to its own ways.
When one exerts one's will against nature, harmony is disrupted; and hardship, sickness, disaster, failure, and other negative outcomes will result from one's efforts.
For instance, one should allow a river to flow towards the sea unimpeded, and not obstruct its natural flow by building a dam. Others down the river will be deprived of adequate precious water, and flood may occur in upper part of river.
Concept of Chi
Another key concept in Taoism is chi 气 or the inherent vital energy that everyone is born with, and which must be nurtured in one's lifetime. Chi enables living things to survive, and links them to the whole universe. Life comes to an end with its dispersal.
The understanding that chi is essential to good health and longevity has led to the interest in exercises like tai-chi and qigong.
Leveraging the concept of Chi has also led many, Taoists and non-Taoists, to believe and practise feng shui ( literary, wind and water ) in enhancing their well-being and wellness in life. Practitioners use feng shui to locate auspicious sites/directions, and orientate dwellings, offices, factories and other possessions so as to be in harmony with the flow of chi.
Likewise, theory and practice of traditional chinese medicine ( TCM ) are based on the understanding that it is important to keep one's ying and yang energy in balance. Many illnesses are caused by an excessive imbalance between ying and yang.
Taoist Icon
The universal symbolic representation of Taoism is a circle divided into two halves. One half is darker in colour or shade to represent the negative force or aspect ( Ying Energy or Element ), while the opposing and lighter half represent the positive force ( Yang ). Ying and yang constantly and simultaneously balance each other in all things and spaces in the universe. Earth, night, darkness, coldness, inwardness, femininity, and the likes are classified as Ying, while heaven, day, brightness, heat, outwardness and masculinity are part of Yang.
Ying and yang complement and counterbalance each other. Their interaction produces change. Neither can exist without the other. Neither is good or bad in itself. Danger lurks when there is an excessive predominance of either one.
The merging of ying and yang within one circle in the Taiji Icon or Tu 图 symbolizes harmony and the unity of Tao.
Taoism in Singapore
The general public tends to include or view Chinese Folk Religion as Taoism in the city-state.
Owing to the disinterest or decline in religious knowledge amongst the general public, many focus on rituals with little or no knowledge of Taoist texts, scriptures and cultivation.
The Taoist Federation of Singapore was established in 1990 to propagate the religion, and to promote intra-religious and inter-religious relations in Singapore and Taoist organisations abroad. There are about 500 ( Year 2016 ) Taoist temples and organisations affiliated to the Taoist Federation of Singapore.
Some were of the view that Taoism was first introduced into Singapore by the Chinese immigrants at the turn of the 19th century, and flourished with the arrival of more Chinese merchants and labourers. But, many of the early immigrants were illiterate and ignorance of Taoist texts, scriptures and cultivation.
As such, it was not Taoism proper; but Chinese Folks' beliefs and practices that were first introduced to Singapore. In fact, majority of these settlers worshipped Mazu deity ( 媽祖 ) for guiding them safely upon their arrival in a new foreign country. Such practices later flourished as an increasing number of Chinese merchants and labourers settled in Singapore.
Taoist priests from South China eventually came to Singapore to set up altars for carrying out rituals during the second half of the 19th century.
The continued peaceful co-existence between Taoism and Buddhism will entrench the obscured delineation between the two religions in Singapore.
In the year 2000 Singapore census of population, nine percent of Singaporeans had acknowledged themselves as Taoists. The percentage could be higher as many Taoists were involved with Buddhism, and considered themselves to be Buddhists when they were actually more Taoists than Buddhists.
Ancestral Veneration
Traditionally, Chinese used to set up ancestral tablets with their ancestors' names inscribed on them in their homes.
Such tablets are placed on ancestral altars with urn(s) meant for family members to place their joss-sticks. Drinks are offered every morning, while food and other offerings are usually placed at the altars on death anniversaries, lunar festivals, ecetera as if the ancestors were still alive, albeit no more residing with them. Ancestral tablets only state the names of patrilineal ancestors and their wives.
Ancestral veneration is losing its following along with the decline of traditional Chinese values, filial piety, and interest in anything indigenous.
Taoists all over the world celebrate the Anniversary of Lao Tzu aka Tai San Lao Jun on 15th day of 2nd lunar month ( For year 2019, it falls on 21 March of the Gregorian calendar ).
Ci 慈 temples celebrate Tai Shang Lao Jun anniversary on the 1st day of 7th lunar month.