Research Paper on Daoism

Daoism

Daoism, usually called Taoism, is an indigenous religio-philosophical tradition that has affected Chinese life for over 2,000 years. In the broadest sense, a Daoist approach toward life may be observed in the welcoming and yielding, happy and carefree sides of the Chinese character, an attitude that offsets and complements the moral and duty-conscious, austere and purposeful character assigned to Confucianism.

Daoism is also distinguished by a positive, active attitude toward the occult and the metaphysical, whereas the agnostic, pragmatic Confucian tradition regards these issues as only marginally important, though the reality of such issues is not denied by most Confucians.

Daoist ideology pervades Chinese culture, including many features that are not traditionally regarded as Daoist. In Chinese religion, the Daoist tradition has historically been more popular and spontaneous than the official (Confucian) state worship and less dispersed and shapeless than folk religion, frequently functioning as a connection between the Confucian tradition and folk religion.

Daoist philosophy and religion have permeated all Asian civilizations affected by China, particularly Vietnam, Japan, and Korea. Various religious rituals evocative of Daoism in such areas of Chinese cultural influence reflect unresolved early encounters with Chinese travelers and immigrants.

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