The discussion is divided into five periods of Chinese history, from the earliest to the most recent: (i) the Warring States (453-222 BC), (ii) the Han Dynasty, (iii) the Chinese "Middle Ages", (iv) the Tang Dynasty, & (v) the Song & Yuan Dynasties (960-1368 AD).

A Short Introduction to Chinese Alchemy

This article is in four sections: (i) Background, (ii) Doctrines, (iii) History, & (iv) Bibliography.

Chinese Philosophy: Taoism

This is a clear and concise article by Richard Hooker. He states: "Taoism is based on the idea that behind all material things and all the change in the world lies one fundamental, universal principle: the Way or Tao. This principle gives rise to all existence and governs everything, all change and all life." The glossary, in turn, provides a very interesting discussion of the tao as the 'Way of Heaven', the embodiment of the notions of ming ('destiny') and T'ien ming ('Mandate of Heaven').

Fabrizio Pregadio - Homepage

Of the resources listed here on Chinese religion and philosophy, those on the Daozang (The Taoist Canon) and 'Taoist studies in the World Wide Web' seem particularly useful. Included in the latter are links to 'Taoism and the Arts of China', and scholarly essays on Laozi (Lao-Tzu) and Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) by Alan K.L. Chan and Harold Roth respectively. Both of these essays were published in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Panlatrevo Home

This site provides translations of several Taoist works including the Tao Te Ching/Lao-tzu (translation Gia-Fu Feng), the Chuang-tzu (using translations by various scholars, principally James Legge and Yutang Li), and the Qingjing Jing, the main theme of which is how to attain purity and tranquility. A number of essays are also available. These include, for example, 'The "Laoist" Community' by Russell Kirkland, 1994, 'Taoism' by Alan Watts, and 'Buddhist and Taoist Roots of Zen' by Stan Rosenthal. Also under 'essays' is 'The Tao Speaks', a cartoon presentation of the Lao-tzu by Tsai Chih Chung: the first two introductory chapters are given here. In addition, there are section on Tao resources, books, and links.

Religious Taoism

This article is divided into three sections: (i) 'Taoist Practices and Beliefs', (ii) 'Taoist Sects', & (iii) 'History of Religious Taoism'. This web page also provides a link to a discussion of Taoist deities. In contrast to philosophical Taoism, religious Taoism evolved its own temples, priests, rites, & symbolism. The Taoist philosopher Lao-Tzu was even regarded as a 'saint'. The five elements theory, alchemy, & the concept of yin-yang were important components of religious Taoism. The notion of physical immortality and the influence of Buddhism upon the development of Taoist liturgy & theology are also mentioned. (See also the Taoism and the Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan index, which includes discussions of Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, and Lieh-tzu.)

Sacred Texts: Taoism

Included in this site is James Legge's translation (1891) of the Tao Te Ching/Lao-tzu and his discussion of The Texts of Taoism, which includes, in two parts, his translation of the Chuang-tzu. Also available is a translation (1912) by Lionel Giles of the Book of Lieh-Tzu, and by Teitaro Suzuki and Paul Carus (1906) translations of the T'ai-Shang Kan-Ying P'ien and Yin Chih Wen. The first of these last two works is said to be a key text on Taoist morality and ethics with more editions to its name than either the Bible or Shakespeare. 'T'ai-Shang' is an epithet of Lao-Tzu meaning the "Exalted One", revered by Taoists as the great teacher of humankind, the superior man. The Yin Chih Wen is described as a religio-ethical tract that, at least in the China of the translators' day, was read, taught, and studied, in schools and homes: "…there is probably no family in China without it…"

Tao Te Ching

Cei-Cai Yip discusses in ten brief paragraphs the authorship of the Tao Te Ching, which modern scholars regard as far from certain, the date of the work, and its structure. He also contrasts the teaching of the Tao Te Ching with Confucianism: the tao of Confucius, for example, is suggested to be different to that of the Tao Te Ching. Also of concern to the latter is the means of rulership. (For other discussions by Cei-Cai Yip on Taoism and related themes go to Cei-Cai Yip. Of direct relevance are the discussions on 'Lao Tzu: Life & Legend', 'Taoist Philosopher: Chuang Tzu', 'Lieh-tzu the Sage', 'Huang-ti: the "Yellow Emperor"', 'Ch'i: A Vital Force in Chinese Philosophy', and 'The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove'. One of the latter sages, Hsiang Hsiu, is considered to possibly be the author of the first commentary on the Chuang-tzu called the Chuang-tzu Chu.)

Taoism

Taoism is here noted to have two branches: (i) Philosophical Taoism (Tao Chia), and (ii) Religious Taoism (Tao Chiao). The latter is distinguished from philosophical Taoism by organized doctrine, formalized ritual, and institutional leadership. The article discusses these two forms of Taoism separately before concluding with a section on Taoism's historical development.

Taoism Culture and Information Centre

Of the six major sections listed here three of these as of 25/11/02 still show many internal links to be inactive. The other three sections that are much more complete, however, and well worth a visit, are the 'General Presentation of Daoism', 'Daoist Beliefs', and 'Religious Activities and Rituals.' The first of these sections includes, for example, discussions of the origin and development of Daoism, major sects, and eminent philosophers & accomplished Doaists. Under 'Daoist Beliefs' one may find discussions of cosmogony, Yin-Yang, Immortals, and social ideals, among others. 'Religious Activities and Rituals' covers such themes as religious practice, discipline, talismans, ritual (e.g. ritual implements and rituals of purification and salvation), and folk customs (e.g. offerings for prolonged life and funeral rites). If one uses the site index it should be noted that not all of the active links are currently indicated as such: morning and evening rites under the latter section is one such example.

Taoism: Introduction

This page outlines the intentions of this site, its general structure and some of its themes. The 'Back' button at the bottom of the page will open a site map ("The Spiral Vortex"). Philosophical and religious Taoism are discussed separately under 'Religion' and 'Philosophy' and are a good place to start. Under 'Resources' one may find a link (TTC) to ten translations of the Tao Te Ching. External links are also found under this section. 'Cosmology' and 'Practice' are among the other options on the site map.

Taoism, or the Way

An article by Judith A. Berling for the Asia Society's Focus on Asian Studies, Vol. II, No. 1, Asian Religions, pp. 9-11, Fall 1982. The Taoism of Laozi & Zhuangzi (or Lao Tzu & Chuang Tzu) is said to be a reinterpretation of an ancient unnamed tradition of nature worship; it was also, however, developed as a response to the need for a stable, unified, & enduring social order. The tao was the origin of all creation & the force underpinning all its behaviour; only by living in accord with it could a stable social order be achieved. Taoism is here viewed as a "…retreat and withdrawal from the struggles of the political arena…" Notably, Berling makes no obvious distinction between a so-called philosophical Taoism (Lao-Tzu & Chuang-Tzu) and a religious Taoism, the latter sporting a pantheon of gods in heaven & hell who "…exacted strict punishments for wrongdoing, and would let no sinner off the hook."

Ten Tests for Lu Dongbin

Lu Dongbin is one of the eight deities or immortals. As a student with Yun Fang he faced ten tests, which are listed here. Ultimately, the Supreme Being registered Lu Dongbin's name at Yu Qing (the heavenly imperial palace) to become a deity. He had told his former teacher that before he went to heaven he wished to save all sentient beings: according to legend, we are told, he appeared in the human realm for over 400 years.

The Illuminated Lantern: Taoist Popular Belief in Hong Kong Cinema

This article on religious Taoism is in four parts: (i) 'The Taoist Priest'; (ii) 'Funeral Rites'; (iii) 'Tools of the Trade'; and (iv) 'Action Priest: The Movies'. The Taoist priest is portrayed as an interpreter of the yin-yang and five elements' theories as they relate to death, marriage, festivals, and so forth. His purpose is to serve the community. In section two we are reminded of how important it is in Chinese culture to avert the wrath of the dead by ensuring them a proper burial. The priest's role in this matter is here discussed. In the section 'Tools of the Trade' we learn of the devices employed by the priest should he need to subdue an angry spirit. The use of mantras and mudras here serves, as noted, to highlight the influence of Buddhism upon Taoism. Several Chinese films featuring Taoist beliefs are also discussed.

The Roots of Altruism in the Taoist Tradition

Russell Kirkland here refutes the widely held contention that Taoist tradition was the "…epitome of egocentrism…", concerned only with the personal pursuit of immortality to the exclusion of the needs of the human community at large. In his own words: "This paper is an attempt to document the altruistic elements in the medieval Taoist religion and to trace their roots in earlier phases of the Taoist tradition." The paper is divided into five sections: (i) 'The Origins & Development of Taoism'; (ii) 'Taoism Under the T'ang'; (iii) 'Altruism in Medieval Taoism'; (iv) 'Solicitude for Non-Human Life in Medieval Taoism' and (v) 'Conclusion'. (An Acrobat Reader will be required to view this article.)

The Taoism Information Page

This page provides links to articles on Taoism, Chinese culture and philosophy, and several translations of the Lao-tzu/Tao Te Ching and also the Chuang-tzu.

The Taoist Renaissance: Taoist Immortals

This introduction to the immortals of religious Taoism explains that the ultimate goal of most Taoist practices is to secure a place in the hierarchy of celestial beings. Clicking on the images at the top of the page leads to a discussion first of the immortal Lü Dongbin and secondly of female immortals. (This article is a part of the 'Taoism and the Arts of China' website, which includes many other themes under the headings of 'Taoist Tradition', 'The Taoist Church', and the 'Taoist Renaissance'. See Exhibition Themes in the index to the right of the page.)

The Taoist Tradition: A Historical Outline

A brief, but informative, historical outline of Taoist traditions & texts from the 4th century BC to the present, by Russell Kirkland of the University of Georgia.

Yin & Yang and the I Ching

In this discussion Kelly L. Ross Ph.d includes a brief explanation of how Taoism has embraced the theory of yin-yang. One very important point to grasp is that the latter evolved independently of Taoism and had its own School.