Exploring the History of Taoism
Nov 26, 2024
The period from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD) to the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties (220-589 AD) was the era when Taoism was formed and established. In the first year of Emperor Shun's Han An (142 AD), Zhang Daoling founded the Tianshi Dao in Heming Mountain, Sichuan. This was the first Taoist sect in history with complete doctrines and organization. As Zhang Lu, the master of the sect, surrendered to Cao Cao, a large number of believers followed Cao's army to settle in Guanlong, Luoyang, Yecheng, and other places, allowing the Tianshi Dao to spread in the north.
- During the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties (220-589), Taoist classics, cultivation techniques, and rituals gradually became more refined and systematic. New Taoist sects flourished and were recognized by the rulers, evolving into a mature orthodox religion.
- During the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), Taoism flourished and gained significant social influence due to the respect afforded by the ruling class. Its philosophy, health preservation techniques, spells, rituals, and regulations were also further enhanced. Later, some new changes occurred within Taoism, mainly evident in the emergence of the idea of the unity of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and the rise of the Jindan Daoist school, which mainly practices inner alchemy.
- Taoism underwent a great transformation during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and the Jin and Yuan Dynasties (1271-1368), with different Taoist sects emerging in large numbers in both the north and south.
- In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Taoist beliefs and culture deeply permeated Ming society and had a significant influence on the creation of operas, novels, poems, music, and paintings.
- During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the development of Taoism stagnated and became rigid. With the founding of New China, the China Taoist Association facilitated a great union of Taoists across the country. As the only indigenous religion, Taoism was able to continue to develop.
