Daoism

Daoism (also spelled Taoism) is a religion or philosophy attributed to Lao Tzu (c. 500 BCE), often considered to be a contemporary of Confucius, originating in China. It is a polytheistic religion, though it is often taught in the West as an atheistic philosophy. Daoism is an open system that integrates elements from diverse sources, and is usually classified as an ‘ethnic religion’, i.e. its adherents are overwhelming born into it. About 12 million people (1.8% of the world’s population) follow Daoism, and about 10% of the Chinese population. Daoism is one of the five religions officially recognised by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). ‘Dao’ is usually translated as ‘way’ in English. The most foundational texts of Daoism are the Daode Jing (also spelled Tao Te Ching) and the Zhuangzi. Daoism is entwined with Confucianism and Chinese folk religions and has absorbed many Buddhist influences. It emphasises naturalness, simplicity, integrity, detachment from desires and the placing of one’s will in harmony with the natural universe. Daoists typically revere Lao Tzu as a god, along with many other gods, who are themselves subject to the Dao. Daoism has a rich tradition of liturgy and ritual, temples, monasteries and daoshis (masters of the Dao). Daoist monasteries are ruled by a strict hierarchy. During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) Daoism was banned, and the number of practising Daoists fell by 99%. Daoist religious orders prohibit alcohol and often promote a vegetarian diet to minimise harm to other sentient life. The traditional Daoist diet forbids grains, but this restriction is seldom strictly observed today. Highly processed foods are considered inedible. The official body governing Daoist practice in the PRC is the Chinese Daoist Association, based in Beijing, which controls the initiation of daoshis. Many Daoist festivals have evolved into general Chinese festivals. The main Daoist festivals are the Birthday of Jade Emperor, Lantern Festival, Birthday of Master Qiu, Supreme Purity Festival, Qingming Festival (All Souls’ Day, now a Chinese public holiday), Birthday of Master Lü, Lofty Purity Festival, Zhongyuan Festival, Nine-Emperor Festival, Minsuila Festival, Xiayuan Festival and Precious Purity Festival. Dates are based on a lunar calendar.