Daoism

6th Century BCE Founders/Leaders:** 1. Lao Tzu aka Laozi (lived 6th century BCE) 2. Zhuangzi (369- 286 BCE)
 * [[image:http://home.debitel.net/user/wulf.dieterich/laozi_pointing623.jpg width="319" height="232"]]

1. Daodejing (Dao-te-ching) "Classic of the Way and of Virtue" 2. Zhuangzi (written by Zhaungzi) 3. Doctrine of Wuwei (Wu-way)
 * Holy books/ writings**:

~ means "The Way" or "The Way of the Cosmos" or "The Way of Nature" ~ an unchanging principle which governs everything in nature ~ the flow of the universe ~ only humans don't follow the Dao ~ humans should live in harmony with the Dao by freeing themselves from the material world and liberating their souls (the state of P'u) ~ humans should tailor their behavior to the Dao
 * The Dao**

~ They believed in a spiritual force and were neither polytheistic or monotheistic ~ wanted a simple life; they lived in small communities and did not believe in states ~ non-exclusive ~ wanted the trait of wuwei ~ wanted to understand nature ~ thought it was pointless to waste time on problems that defied solution ~ did not engage in political activism ~ believed activism and ambition brought chaos to the world ~ did not receive an advaced education ~ spontaneity ~ humanism ~ relativism ~ emptiness ~ Daoists believe that its better to have little to no goverment. ~"without action" ~ goal: alignment with the Dao ~ placing oneself in harmony with the natural universe
 * Beliefs**
 * Wuwei**

~ water: flows, soft, but powerful at the same time ~ simple bowl ~ yin and yang
 * Symbols**

~ tai chi ~ meditation ~ fengshui ~ qui gong ~chanting
 * Rituals**

The symbol on the left is the traditional yin and yang symbol. These two powers together represent the natural rythms of life. Yin and Yang does not only apply to Daoism, it also corresponds to Confucianism and Legalism; all three of the most-studied Chinese philosophies.

It served as a counterbalance to Confucius activism. It encouraged cultivation of self-knowledge and advocated small, self-sufficent communities.

This religion emerged in the sixth century BCE. and it was developed in response to the turbulence of the late Zhou dynasty and the period of the Warring States. The Daoists were encouraged believed that activism had led to a state of chaos. They did not to take part in political activity. believe in a large central government so they didn't hold administrative positions.


 * Impact on Wider World and the Zhou Dynasty**

Daoism coexisted with Confucianism in the Zhou dynasty. Many administrators who were Confuciasts were Daoists by night. The Daoists' desire to understand nature led to scientific studies that advanced the fields of alchemy, astronomy, and medicine.


 * Daoism and the Qin Dynasty**

The Qin who had defeated the Zhou, opposed Daoism and favored Legalism. Qin leaders burned Daoist texts, and executed those who opposed legalism. After a while, when Daoists were once again allowed to speak openly, they worked to reconstruct texts that were lost.

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