Daoism: A Hellenistic Religion

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Taoism (Daoism) is an archaic religion native to China that can be viewed from various perspectives and carry various definitions due to its broad history. Originally, Daoism described those who had a deep understanding of the natural world. Daoism was applied as a source for knowledge about medicine, astronomy, war strategies and scientific advancements which made china thousands of years ahead of other nations (Eric George: 2012, Para: 2). Religion is a belief in a supreme power and worship of it as the creator and controller of the universe without reasoning necessary, whereas philosophy is a pursuit of wisdom through intellectual search and logical reasoning. Religions discipline the people through a set of code of conduct, principles and…show more content…
In this perspective, Dao is not a religion as the concept of gods and afterlife is vague and almost nonexistent. Daoism’s main concern is here and now, how to live a pleasant life without causing unnecessary commotion or distress to yourself or what’s around you. It is the natural law behind all creation and those who can harmonise with it will find bliss (taoistic:N.d. Para :1). A person can be Daoist without embracing any of its religious aspects. Dao is an expression of the unity of the universe and of the path human beings must take to join that peaceful unity (religion: n.d: para:3). Philosophers determined that all things are interdependent. In Dao philosophy, one can come to understand the meaning of life and their place in the world. Tao Chia is a form of philosophical Daoism. It has little to do with gods, the afterlife and other aspects of religion. Tao chia focuses on the here and now of life, a guide to life and morals (taoistic: n.d: para:2).The two major sources of Tao chia are Lao Tzu and chuang Tzu. Daoist philosophy is focused on appealing to the logic and spirituality of…show more content…
Daoism has also accumulated a large quantity of scriptures and documents, temples and monuments, and sculptures and stone inscriptions, adding to the cultural treasury of the Chinese people and making significant contributions to the progress of human civilization.( Jiang Sheng: n.d: para:7) In the past, Daoism catered to the needs of the community in areas such as treating disease, pacifying ghosts, controlling weather and averting famine (Dawud Ilham, 2012). Today, the greatest mark of Daoism is the emphasis of luck in society. Good luck being linked with pleased gods and bad being associated with displeased gods. The fact that religion and philosophy are distinct does not mean that they are entirely separate, because they both address many of the same issues. The questions discussed in both religion and philosophy tends to be very much alike, which is why there has always been an ongoing dispute as to whether Daoism is a philosophy or
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