Taoism - How will you explain the social structure of Taoism ?

Question

Taoism - How will you explain the social structure of Taoism ?

Answer 1

Taoism is one of the great religions of the world. It is an Eastern religion/philosophy with perhaps 225 million followers. The exact number is impossible to estimate because many of its followers also identify with other religions -- often Buddhism and Confucianism -- and because it is impossible to obtain reliable polling information from individuals in China.



Taoists were heavily persecuted in China after the Communist victory in 1949, and during the cultural revolution from 1966 to 1976. Some religious tolerance and freedom has been experienced over the last three decades.



Taoist concepts, beliefs and practices:

Tao is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life.





"The Tao surrounds everyone and therefore everyone must listen to find enlightenment." 1





A believer's goal is to harmonize themselves with the Tao.





Taoism has provided an alternative to the Confucian tradition in China. The two traditions have coexisted in the country, region, and often within the same individual.





The priesthood views the many gods as manifestations of the one Dao, "which could not be represented as an image or a particular thing." The concept of a personified deity is foreign to them, as is the concept of the creation of the universe. Thus, they do not pray as Christians do; there is no God to hear the prayers or to act upon them. They seek answers to life's problems through inner meditation and outer observation.





In contrast with the beliefs and practices of the priesthood, most of the laity have "believed that spirits pervaded nature...The gods in heaven acted like and were treated like the officials in the world of men; worshipping the gods was a kind of rehearsal of attitudes toward secular authorities. On the other hand, the demons and ghosts of hell acted like and were treated like the bullies, outlaws, and threatening strangers in the real world; they were bribed by the people and were ritually arrested by the martial forces of the spirit officials." 2





Time is cyclical, not linear as in Western thinking.





Taoists strongly promote health and vitality.





Five main organs and orifices of the body correspond to the five parts of the sky: water, fire, wood, metal and earth.





Each person must nurture the Ch'i (air, breath) that has been given to them.





Development of virtue is one's chief task. The Three Jewels to be sought are compassion, moderation and humility.





Taoists follow the art of "wu wei," which is to let nature take its course. For example, one should allow a river to flow towards the sea unimpeded; do not erect a dam which would interfere with its natural flow.





One should plan in advance and consider carefully each action before making it.





A Taoists is kind to other individuals, in part because such an action tends to be reciprocated.





Taoists believe that "people are compassionate by nature...left to their own devices [they] will show this compassion without expecting a reward."

Answer 2

Here's how someone explained it to me: Grab yourself a copy of the Oxford Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged version. Read the first definition. What it describes is not Tao. Read the second definition. What it describes is not Tao. Continue through the entire twenty volumes of the dictionary in the same manner. As you read each definition, understand that what you're reading does not describe Tao. Even the entry for "Tao" does not describe Tao. After you've finished reading every single definition, you should have a complete understanding of what is NOT Tao. Take a look at the one thing that the dictionary did not describe. That's Tao. Tao has also been described as "that which is", but that's not a complete definition. Tao is also "that which isn't", because the existence of a thing implies the concept of "not that thing". I know that's a convoluted explanation, but it's the best I can do. Lao Tzu explained it better in the "Tao Te Ching". Really, if you want to understand Taoism, it's best to just read the Tao Te Ching. It's something that can be learned, but not taught. The link below directs to a recent English translation. Chapter 1 Verse 1: "The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao The name that can be named is not the eternal Name. The unnamable is the eternally real. Naming is the origin of all particular things." Chapter 1 verse 25: "There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born. It is serene. Empty. Solitary. Unchanging. Infinite. Eternally present. It is the mother of the universe. For lack of a better name, I call it the Tao. It flows through all things, inside and outside, and returns to the origin of all things. The Tao is great. The universe is great. Earth is great. Man is great. These are the four great powers. Man follows the earth. Earth follows the universe. The universe follows the Tao. The Tao follows only itself."

Answer 3

He whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds.

The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord; he will not desist until the Most High visits him, and does justice for the righteous, and executes judgment.