Retribution for good and evil is one of the important doctrines of Taoism. Taoism holds that good deeds will be rewarded with good, and evil deeds with evil. The retribution for good and evil follows one like a shadow, leaving no place to escape.
Taoism claims that there are gods in charge of people's merits and demerits between heaven and earth. These gods have a strict organizational structure with countless subordinates, who monitor and record all people's behaviors. There are also numerous gods in each person's body, called "body gods", who will report people's good and evil deeds to the celestial Lord of Life at any time. Additionally, the Kitchen God, who resides in every household, will also go to heaven to report the good and evil deeds of the family members.
In short, "Heaven's observation of people is no different from a mirror". People's every word and action, even their thoughts and intentions, cannot escape the gods' clear inspection. Based on the good and evil deeds, merits and demerits they have grasped, the gods will carry out retribution, rewards, and punishments. Minor faults will reduce one's fortune and longevity; major faults will bring disasters or even take one's life; and great good deeds and merits will increase one's fortune, official rank, and lifespan.
The retribution for good and evil is absolutely accurate, either in this life or in the next life.
Part of the Series
This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.
View Full Guide →
✦ Explore All Topics
About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
Read his full story →
