Taoism is a religion and philosophy part of the ancient Chinese tradition. Follow the search for So, a concept that is equivalent to path or course and represents the cosmic force that creates the universe and all things.
the chinese ideogram So it can be translated into Portuguese by the way, but its idea is broader. It is a natural flow of life events that everyone must follow, the source of the universe.
O So it has the role of creator of all that exists, but it is not represented by a single deity. There are several deities worshiped in Taoist temples, so Taoism is a polytheistic religion.
The greatest power is that of nature and man must let it go its own way and live in balance and harmony in order to obtain happiness and longevity.
There are two central elements of life: the yin it's the yang. These two forces represent the dualities contained in nature: the feminine and the masculine, the good and the bad, the light and the dark, and so on.
Learn more about the meaning of yin yang.
Taoist doctrine believes that one should not try to understand the structures of nature but rather submit to natural laws. And it is guided by the three jewels, which would be compassion, moderation and humiliation.
Among the ways to achieve spiritual fullness through Taoism are meditation, the practice of feng shui, reading the sacred texts, and fortune telling or fortune telling.
Like other Eastern philosophies, as well as Buddhism, Taoism is not just a religion, it is a lifestyle, an entire ethical system of practices and teachings that guide the lives of their followers. One of the main teachings of Taoism preaches the detachment of material goods as a way to reach your path.
Before the Chinese communist revolution that took place in the 1940s, Taoism was one of the major religions in China. With the weakening policies of religions and philosophies that promoted ideas contrary to those of the Communist Party, Taoism saw its number of adherents drastically reduce.
Due to these Chinese sanctions, Taoism ended up losing strength in the country, but finds many adherents in countries like Hong Kong and Thailand, with hundreds of temples.
Taoism and its teachings were popularized around the world due to the practice of martial arts. Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, Tai-Chi-Chuan, among others, use the teachings of harmony between the yin it's the yang.
Acupuncture also applies various teachings of Taoism, using needles to balance the body's energy, as they believe that when the yin it's the yang it is in disharmony in the body that illnesses arise.
See also the meaning of acupuncture.
Among the rituals of Taoism are the cult of ancestors, exorcism, alchemy as a cure for ills. physics, magic to have power over nature, and necromancy as a way to anticipate the future.
Origin of Taoism
Taoism was developed in China during the 2nd century, in the Emperor Han dynasty. Taoist teachings are attributed to the philosopher Lao Tzu, a contemporary of another important Chinese philosopher, Confucius.
Lao Tsé would have written the sacred book of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching, called in Portuguese the book of the Way and Virtue. It is a 5,500-word book that contains the religious and philosophical teachings acquired by Lao Tzu in his search for the path.
Taoism and Confucianism
Taoist philosophy emerged as a counterpoint to the knowledge preached by Confucianism. Confucius excelled in the fulfillment of obligations in society and discipline as the only way to live life. While Taoism believes that it is in the contemplative contact with nature that an authentic and peaceful life is assured.
Taoism in Brazil
Taoism in Brazil arrived together with Chinese immigrants, most of them fleeing the Chinese Communist Revolution of the mid-twentieth century. Both strands find space in the country, both philosophical Taoism and religious Taoism.
Today Taoism in Brazil is represented by the Taoist Society of Brazil, created in the 1990s and with headquarters and temples in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Philosophical and Religious Taoism
Currently, Taoism was divided between religious and philosophical currents, with different practices and followers. Philosophical Taoism is a current of thought that follows the Taoist teachings as a way to find harmony in life and nature, and has influence in Chinese society to this day.
Learn about other religions and philosophies:
- Buddhism
- Hinduism
- Islam
- spiritism
- religious diversity
