Taoism's Role in Ancient Society

Independent Research Project – Religions of Ancient Origin
“Assess the religions role in society and how it affects the lives of individuals and the community”

Lao Tzu founded the religion of Taoism in ancient China. In the long history of China the religious cultures have developed into an important part of Chinese traditional beliefs and culture. Taoism was a main religion that had great influence in the thinking of Chinese people as well as on almost every aspect in political, economic and cultural life of the country. Lu Xun, one of the major Chinese writers of the 20th century once said, “The Chinese roots are deep in Taoism. If one tries to comprehend Chinese history and culture, he must first comprehend Taoism and the Taoist religion.”

The concept of Yin-Yang is a fundamental part of Taoism and is the best-known Taoist symbol. The main concept of Taoism is difficult to understand, though true Taoists may be able to fully understand but as Lao Tzu once said, “he who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know.” The religion emphasises the unification of the opposite and complementary forces of the universe. Taoism also stresses the harmony with nature, immortality, self-improvement and participation in helping society. The concept of the Tao, which is the core of Taoism cannot be define, the Tao is the ultimate creative energy of the universe. The most important text of Taoism is the Tao Te Ching, which was composed around the 3rd century; it includes guiding words on life and describes the nature of the universe. Another early text, the Zhuangzi has provided Taoism with doctrines and ideas throughout its history. Despite differences, the two texts present the same view of that Tao and its relation to the world.

Taoism is a polytheistic religion; it has gods for almost everything, the sun, moon, stars, rain, thunder, river, the land and many more. An example of Taoist deities is Man and Mo. These are two popular deities in southern China; they are two men who are said to be real historical figures. Man is the god of literature and Mo is the god of war. The Chinese placed these two deities together because one represents peace and one represents war thus bringing in the component of yin-yang with “balancing forces”. People would go to Man Mo temples to pray for success in academic endeavours and also to settle disputes.

“I have three things to teach: simplicity, patience and compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” Lao Tzu said this in attempt to bring harmony to the universe, the world, society and individuals, which then began to be what most Taoist rituals are based around. Worships include praying to deities, meditation, purification and making offering to deities. Because of Taoism’s complicated nature, rituals are performed by priests who chant, dance etc. The Jiao is an important Taoist ritual for cosmic revival, which consists of various rituals. It involved each village family bringing offering for the deities, which are then dedicated to the deities though a ceremony by a Taoist priest. Through temple rituals, the Chinese seek to stabilize the yin and yang as individuals and the community as a whole.

Taoism was a central pillar of Chinese life and culture. The foundation of this community had placed themselves deeply into the Chinese mindset, shaping the thoughts and actions of millions. One underlying cultural aspect that has been an important feature of the Chinese culture it is the fact that the Chinese seek to live in harmony with their surroundings. Today non-Taoists too adopt the principles that have been accepted in China as many of the most fascinating aspects of Asian supernatural can be traced back to Taoism.