What is the significance of taoism

History Unsuited to the development of an explicit political theory, Daoism exerted its greatest influence on Chinese aesthetics, hygiene, and religion. Alongside the philosophical and mystical Daoism discussed above, Daoism also developed on a popular level as a cult in which immortality was sought through magic and the use of various elixirs.

Experimentation in alchemy gave way to the development, between the 3rd and 6th centuries, of various hygiene cults that sought to prolong life. These developed into a general hygiene system, still practiced, that stresses regular breathing and concentration to prevent disease and promote longevity. About the 2nd century AD , popular Daoist religious organizations concerned with faith healing began to appear. Subsequently, under the influence of Buddhism , Daoist religious groups adopted institutional monasticism and a concern for spiritual afterlife rather than bodily immortality.

The basic organization of these groups was the local parish, which supported a Daoist priest with its contributions. Daoism was recognized as the official religion of China for several brief periods. Various Daoist sects eventually developed, and in the leader of one of these was given an extensive tract of land in Jiangxi Kiangsi Province. The successors of this patriarch maintained control over this tract and nominal supremacy over local Daoist clergy until , when they were ousted by the Chinese Communists.

In contemporary China, religious Daoism has tended to merge with popular Buddhism and other religions. T he Center of traditional Taoist studies: a non-profit religious organization established to encourage traditional Taoist studies. Pecorino All Rights reserved. Web Surfer's Caveat: These are class notes, intended to comment on readings and amplify class discussion. They should be read as such. They are not intended for publication or general distribution.

Return to: Table of Contents for the Online Textbook. Philosophy of Religion. Chapter 2. Special thanks to the Microsoft Corporation for their contribution to our site. After the end of the Cultural Revolution the Chinese government began to allow a small measure of religious freedom. Taoism began to revive in China, and Taoist temples and practitioners can now be found throughout the country. Search term:. Read more. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets CSS enabled.

While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets CSS if you are able to do so. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Find out more about page archiving. The Origins of Taoism Last updated When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media. Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service. Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives. Ancient China is responsible for a rich culture, still evident in modern China. From small farming communities rose dynasties such as the Zhou B.

E , Qin B. E , and Ming C. Each had its own contribution to the region. During the Zhou Dynasty, for example, writing was standardized, iron working refined, and famous thinkers like Confucius and Sun-Tzu lived and shared their philosophies.

Learn more about the history and rich culture of Ancient China with this curated resource collection. Confucianism is one of the most influential religious philosophies in the history of China, and it has existed for over 2, years. It is concerned with inner virtue, morality, and respect for the community and its values. From the mythic origins of the Chinese dynasties to the eventual fall of the last imperial house, Chinese emperors have long fought to maintain control over one of the most enduring empires on Earth.

The rise and fall of various imperial families oversaw waves of innovation and cultural advancement. Ruled by Hammurabi, restored by Nebuchadrezzar, conquered by Cyrus—this city in the heart of Mesopotamia was both desired and despised, placing it at the center stage of the dawn of history. Join our community of educators and receive the latest information on National Geographic's resources for you and your students. Skip to content.

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