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Taoism

Taoism. The human being follows [the laws of] the earth, the earth follows the heavens, the heavens follow God, and God must follow nature [Tao] ―Tao Te Ching http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh9Q_TPyOQE. Origins of the Universe. 600 BC: Birth of Taoism

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Taoism

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  1. Taoism

  2. The human being follows [the laws of] the earth,the earth follows the heavens, the heavens follow God,and God must follow nature [Tao] ―Tao Te Ching • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh9Q_TPyOQE

  3. Origins of the Universe • 600 BC: Birth of Taoism • Taoists believe that when the world began, there was only the Tao, a featureless, empty void pregnant with the potential of all things. • Tao generated swirling patterns of cloudlike energy, called qi ("chee"). This energy eventually developed two complementary aspects: yin, which is dark, heavy, and feminine, and yang, which is light, airy, and masculine. • Yin energy sank to form the earth, yang energy rose to form the heavens, and both energies harmonized to form human beings.

  4. Principal Beliefs • Nothing in the Universe is fixed, static or non moving; per se everything is transforming all the time. • They believe Tai Chi keeps the universal order of Tao balanced. • Taoists believe that man is a microcosm for the universe, that the body ties directly into the Chinese Five Elements • Rituals, exercises and substances affect a persons physical and mental health. • Internal alchemy and various spiritual practices are used by some Taoists to improve health and extend life, theoretically even to the point of physical immortality

  5. Supernatural Powers and Deities • Taoist deities include nature spirits, ancient legendary heroes, humanized planets and stars, ancestor spirits and animals such as dragons, tigers, phoenix's and snakes. • All human activities—even such things as drunkenness and robbery—are represented by deities as well. • The highest Taoist deity, YùHuáng ,who is associated with the ancient Chinese god Shang Di, ruler over all Heaven, Earth and the Underworld/ Hell.

  6. Rituals • Taoist rituals involve purification, meditation and offerings to deities. • The details of Taoist rituals are often highly complex and technical. • The rituals involve the priest (and assistants) in chanting and playing instruments and dancing. • One major Taoist ritual is the chiao (jiao), a rite of cosmic renewal, which is itself made up of several rituals. • Temple rituals can be used to regulate ch’i and balance the flow of yin and yang both for individuals and the wider community • Other rituals involve prayers to various Taoist deities, meditations on talismans and reciting and chanting prayers and texts.

  7. Influence on the Society • Has a peaceful impact i.e. a very harmonious society • Taoists have a balanced life • Taoists are humble and wise • Not harsh, so adherents don’t feel pressured

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