Daoists

Daoists follow the 'path' or 'way' written about by various ancient Chinese thinkers including notably Lao Tzu (Laozi).  Elements of Shang Dynasty shamanistic beliefs, folk religion and traditional Chinese medicine have played a role in the development of Daoism, as well as The Book of Changes or the I Ching and the philosophy of Yin-Yang and the 5 Phases (Wuxing).  Confucianism and Buddhism also play a role in the history and development of Daoist ideas and practices.  

Daoism is rooted in nature, change, and your own experience of the world.  It emphasizes going with the flow and not trying to force or control things.  It has a sense of humor.  Simplicity, compassion, and humility are three of its virtues. 

Daoist practices include reading texts, meditation, Tai Chi and other internal martial arts, breathing methods and physical postures (Daoyin/Qigong), calligraphy, etc.

There are also traditional Daoist temples with liturgical frameworks and rituals such as chanting, worship, incense burning, funeral services, wedding celebrations and lectures or sermons.  In the Wudang mountains in China a monastic tradition exists.  As a religion Daoism has spread across east Asia into other parts of the world.



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How did you get into Daoism? 6
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