World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide During the Cultural Revolution, Taoism was banned, along with all other religions. However, Taoism is undergoing a major revival today. Shenism, which includes Taoism, might currently be the largest religion in China. Approximately 20-30% of the population worship Shenist ethnic deities, or they adhere to the Taoist institutions. As recently as 2007, China was part of an International Forum on the Daodejing; celebrities and government officials expressed their support of Taoism, stating it was one of the foundations of Chinese culture. Taoist clergy are launching missionary systems that are spreading the word on a global scale. Important themes Yin and Yang The Yin is the feminine force. The Yin is associated with wetness, darkness, coolness, and evil. The Yang is the masculine force. It is associated with warmth, dryness, goodness, and light. Combining the Yin and Yang produce the Tai Chi disk, which is the harmonious interaction between the two that governs the universe. Tao Tao is the path, or the way. It is the flow that follows the universe. It is calm, passive, yet stronger than anything else found in the universe. It is delicate, silent, and recurring. • Te is power, or integrity. It is the sensible application of the Tao in a person’s life • Wu wei is the art of accomplishing things without having to assert oneself in an active manner. It is the art of “doing without doing” • P’u is when one is directly aware of the state of wu wei • Ch’i is a state that is achieved through proper nutrition, physical activity, and breath control The Tao Te Ching is the most important text in Taoism. This book has been assembled over many centuries. There are 81 sections that were written to a benevolent ruler. The second most important book, Chuang-zhu , addresses the proper conduct of oneself. Lieh-tzu , Kuan-tzu , Classic of the Sacred Jewel , and Classic of the Great Peace are four more texts used by Taoists. The Three Jewels The Three Jewels assist a person in living in harmony with the Tao. They are: 1. Compassion or love 2. Economy or simplicity 3. Humility and modesty The Three Senses of Tao from the Tao Te Ching 1. The concept of the ultimate reality. This involves understanding that all things are Tao, but knowing the Tao cannot be defined. 2. This is the Mother of the World. She is the force behind all nature and the way of the universe. 3. The way of human life. The goal of living in harmony with nature. This is considered as attaining harmony with the Tao and the goal of all Taoists. ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 45 of 96