What is Taoism (Daoism)?
Philosy, Practice, and the Tradition of the Dao
An Introduction to the Historical Formation and Diversity of Taoist Traditions
Defining Taoism (Daoism) is not an easy task. The English word “Taoism” is derived from the Chinese “Tao” or “Dao”, meaning “road” or “way” (also meaning “method”), which was used by several ancient philosophical-religious traditions in China. Taoism becomes a mixture of all kinds of practices and beliefs.
Historical Formation
Defining Taoism is not an easy task. The English word “Taoism” is derived from the Chinese “Tao” or “Dao”, meaning “road” or “way” (also meaning “method”), which was used by several ancient philosophical-religious traditions in China. However, during the Han dynasty (some two thousand years ago), those existing traditions were categorized and named. Philosophical writings such as the Daodejing (the Book of Dao and its Power) and Zhuangzi (Master Zhuang) were obviously related, and their presumed authors (Laozi, the Old Master, and Zhuang Zhou) were henceforth called “daojia” (experts of the Way). Likewise, some medical texts were regarded as coming from the same school of thought.
Also in the Han dynasty, we see social movements and communities arising that integrate the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi, take Laozi as the incarnation of the Dao, and combine these with social and religious practices, including rituals and healing arts, belief in “gods”, and thus become Taoist movements. When they also show political interests, they draw the attention of the Han rulers and, in so doing, organize their own destruction or the need to find a way to survive under the emperors’ rule.
Whereas Laozi and Zhuangzi may not have been successful spiritual leaders, with the passing of time, their writings and associated life views attract more and more interested people (emperors, scholars, common folk, …), inspire non-conformist individuals, and become the center of so-called Taoist traditions or currents.
Diversity of Practices and Beliefs
Taoism becomes a mixture of all kinds of practices and beliefs, and the practitioners may combine medicinal and shamanistic practices, rituals, the search for immortality, health practices (physical exercises, meditation), experimental alchemy (later transformed into an internal practice), martial and fine arts, folk religion, and so on.
Personal taste and experience, freedom and non-dogmatic views, the inclusion of other philosophical elements, and religious beliefs all form what we call Taoism.
Contrary to what we see in many other religions, Taoists prefer not to have one great leader or dogmatic precepts. Although there may be rules and taboos in certain traditions, different visions of how to “believe” (or not believe), what and how to practice, practical approaches, combining different religions and philosophical teachings are not a problem but are welcomed.
Thus, we can see solitary hermits living in the remote mountains, as well as nuns and monks in monasteries, “priests” who live among the people of a village or city, and individuals who practice alchemy and/or a Taoist medical tradition, Taoist researchers, etc., all calling themselves Taoists.
What Links Taoists
What links all these people is the love of freedom, naturalness, and spontaneity, looking for a deeper sense in life, caring for life and health, and being inspired by Taoist predecessors and texts, Laozi and Zhuangzi being the main sources.
Indeed, they hold existential views that directly derive from the Daodejing and Zhuangzi and usually see themselves as part of a Taoist lineage.
What we often associate with Taoists is the external manifestation of their practices, whereas the internal experience might be what practitioners observe as the most important.
Complicated rituals, practicing martial arts and qigong, transforming one’s body and personality through internal alchemy, living in and in harmony with nature, can all be expressions of a Taoist way of life, but can also be empty forms of once profound practices.
Adapting to the twists of fate, maintaining stability in life, and enjoying quiet happiness and harmony may be true signs of internal Taoist peace.
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