What is the Taoism Definition?How can we deeply understand Taoism?
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Taoism is one of the traditional religions in China, with "Tao" as the highest belief.
It is formed by evolving from the immortal arts since the Warring States Period based on the theoretical basis of Huang-Lao Taoist thought. Taoism pursues long life, attaining immortality, saving the world and liberating people. It emphasizes the harmonious unity of human and nature and pays attention to moral cultivation and spiritual transcendence.
The doctrines of Taoism include metaphysical thoughts such as yin and yang, five elements, and eight trigrams, as well as cultivation methods such as fasting, talismans, alchemy, and qigong. Its organizational forms include temples and Taoist academies. Taoists conduct cultivation and promote Taoism through activities such as chanting scriptures, sitting in meditation, and making alchemy. Taoism has had a profound impact on many fields such as philosophy, literature, art, medicine, and science and technology in Chinese history, and also influences people around the world who believe in Taoism.
How can we deeply understand Taoism? What books are there?
Here are some books that are helpful for deeply understanding Taoism:
"Dao De Jing": The foundational work of Taoist thought, written by Laozi. It expounds the concept of "Tao" and the thought of natural non-action in concise and profound language, and has a profound influence on the philosophical foundation and cultivation concepts of Taoism.
"Zhuangzi": The work of Zhuangzi is full of fantastic fables and profound philosophical thinking. It emphasizes being carefree and at ease and conforming to nature, and has important inspirations for the spiritual realm and life attitude of Taoism.
"The Book of Changes, The Kinship of the Three": Known as the "king of alchemy scriptures through the ages", it is a work that integrates Yi learning, Huang-Lao theory and alchemy, and has a significant impact on the theory of inner alchemy cultivation in Taoism.
"The Scripture of Great Peace": One of the important early classics of Taoism. Its content covers thoughts in many aspects such as society, politics, ethics, and religion, reflecting the wishes of the people at that time and the early concepts of Taoism.
