Taoism


 * Taoism**

Taoism originated in China around 551-479 BC. Nobody knows for certain who founded the religion but many believe the begining of it was linked to somebody named Lao Tzu. His name literally translates to 'Old Master' in Chinese and he is also known as the 'Hidden Sage'. He is now the god of Taoism. Taoism is not a single religion, it is one of the main three religions\ beliefs in China. For a long time Taoism was just a theory but it has eventually become a religion. It is not known why it started.

The main text of Taoism is the Tao Te Ching or Daodjing. It was written by Lao Tzu. It is the foundation scripture and is of central importance to the Taoists. There has been a big debate about the years the Tao Te Ching was written. It could have been written from anywhere in between the 6th and the 3rd century BC.

Taoists have quite a few pratices. Taoists are involved in the practice of Fortune Telling. They also have quite a few festivals during the year. At certain dates foods are sacrificed and to the spirits and the gods. One of the festivals they celebrate is the QingMing festival. Here they sacrifice animals and food to the gods. In holidays street parades take place. These often involve firecrackers and traditional music.

Taoism is mostly practised in rural China and parts of the surrounding cities. There are also other taoist temples in Indonesia and other places where the chinese have explored. It is not practised in Australia very often however approximatly 225 million practise it in China.

An important factor of Taoism is immortality. Immortality is apart of the religious taoism and has to be acheived over a long period of time. It can only be acheived by the proper directing of natural forces in the body. Through breathing excercises, body control, various alchemy treatments, the way you behave towards others and positive thinking.

Rituals are performed and religious officials speak to rid the individual and the world of ghosts, naughty spirits and bad omens.

There are no punishments and rewards assoiciated with this religion. It is about going with the flow and not struggling against the tide.

The symbol displays the unity of each side. Yin is associated with with darkness, water and females, Yang being, lights, activity, the air and males. Together in harmony they become one. Reliant and interdependent on each other.

The places associated with Taoism are all natural and outside. The most famous of these are Mount Tai and the Wuyi Mountains. Taoism has a strong connection with water and nature.