Daoism

Who united the Israelite tribes, and established Jerusalem? How & Why?Describe Diaspora and its importance.What were the Phoenicians known for?Warm Up: (Taoism)DaoismA journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu

2Origin & Diffusion to 600 C.E.Began during the Warring States Period of the Zhou DynastyLaozi was the originatorLived during the sixth century B.C.E. Many think that he is a mythical person that didnt exist, though some considered him a deityDaoism has diffused mostly throughout/within Southeast Asia

Basic BeliefsDao ( the Way)Beyond literal descriptionthe origin of the universe, the basis of all existing things, the law governing their development and changeVirtue (De)has different connotationsthe manifestation of Dao in specific thingsAdvocates a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural eventsThe primal world of the distant past was happy and blessed before civilization and knowledge corrupted it.

GodsNo real GodsThough sometimes, Laozi (the religions founder) is worshipped as a godAnd the Jade emperor is sometimes worshipped as a God of HeavenAnd some sects worship the ancient polytheistic gods of ChinaClearly, this has never been a unified religion

The Tao of Pooh"While Eeyore frets ... ... and Piglet hesitates... and Rabbit calculates ... and Owl pontificates...Pooh just is.-- Benjamin Hoff*

*Hoff, Benjamin. Tao of Pooh. New York: Penguin, 1983.

The Tao of Pooh"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"

"What's for breakfast? said Pooh.

"What do you say, Piglet?"

"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.

Pooh nodded thoughtfully.

"It's the same thing," he said.

PracticesNo formal prayersIndividualistic ritualsNurture the Ch'i Being kind to othersFeng ShuiMajor influence on Chinese architectureExerciseTai chi: balance energy flow in bodyMeditationHarmonizing with Tao

Rituals & HolidaysSolstices & Deity HolidaysLaozis BirthdayChinese New YearLantern FestivalTomb Sweeping DayDragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Racing

Role of WomenYin-MoonEqual importance as menBut viewed as more energeticShamans: perform ritualsMany Taoist goddessesQueen Mother of the West

Major textsDao de Jing (Tao Te Ching) - "The Way of Power," or "The Book of the Way")Written by Laozi (Lao Tzu)About how a ruler should lead his life through peace with nature"Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river.How to avoid warfare

Missionary/Outreach WorkNo central missionary programMainly spread by travelersSchools eventually formed based on the teachings

Contacts with other ReligionsConfucianismServed as an alternativeDoes not share the Confucian belief in civilization for better societyBuddhismConsisted of same terms and ideasForced Daoism to renew and restructure itself

Similarities & Differences to other ReligionsConfucianism: polar opposites of thinking, more about social aspectsChristianity: There is sin, Taoism has no sin, just loss of balanceDaoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism were the three greatest religions in ChinaBuddhism also supports powerful women

Winnie the PoohYoko ShimomuraKingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack (Disc 1), track 352002Game148721.8eng - TOCT-24768