Taoist
/'tɑ:ouist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- An adherent of Taoism: A person who follows the teachings, practices, or philosophy of Taoism (Daoism), a Chinese religious and philosophical tradition.
Adjective:
- Relating to Taoist philosophy: Pertaining to the philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu (Laozi) and Chuang-tzu (Zhuangzi), which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the Way) through simplicity, spontaneity, and non-action (wu wei).
- Relating to Taoist religion: Pertaining to the popular Chinese religious system based on the teachings of Lao-tzu but incorporating a pantheon of deities, rituals, divination, and practices aimed at longevity and harmony.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The hermit was a devout Taoist who lived simply in the mountains.
- Many Taoists visit the temple for the spring festival.
Adjective:
- He studies Taoist philosophy, particularly the concept of wu wei.
- The Taoist temple was adorned with symbols of yin and yang.
Advanced Usage
"Taoist priest": A religious officiant in Taoism who performs rituals and ceremonies.
- The Taoist priest conducted the ceremony for peace and prosperity.
"Taoist cosmology": The understanding of the universe, its origins, and its fundamental principles (like qi, yin-yang, and the Five Elements) within Taoist thought.
- The concept of complementary opposites is central to Taoist cosmology.
Variants and Related Words
Taoism (Daoism) (n): The religious or philosophical tradition itself.
- Taoism has deeply influenced Chinese culture.
Tao (Dao) (n): The central concept meaning "the Way" or the fundamental principle of the universe.
- The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.
Taoist temple (n): A place of worship and community for Taoists.
- We visited a beautiful Taoist temple in the old city.
Synonyms
- Daoist: An alternative spelling and exact synonym for Taoist.
- Follower of Taoism: A descriptive synonym for the noun form.
Related Phrases
Taoist practices: Refers to activities such as meditation, tai chi, qigong, and alchemical rituals.
- Meditation and tai chi are common Taoist practices for cultivating qi.
Taoist texts: The classical scriptures of Taoism, primarily the Tao Te Ching and the Zhuangzi.
- She is translating ancient Taoist texts.
Adjective
- of or relating to the philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life
- of or relating to the popular Chinese religious system based on the teachings of Lao-tzu but including a pantheon of gods along with divination and magic
- Taoist temples
Noun
- an adherent of any branch of Taoism