Definition

Noun: * Hsuan Chiao: A popular Chinese philosophical and religious system. It is based on the teachings of Lao-tzu but is characterized by a pantheism of many gods, and incorporates practices such as alchemy, divination, and magic. It is more commonly known in English as Taoism or Daoism, specifically referring to its religious form.

Usage Notes

• "Hsuan Chiao" is a transliteration of the Chinese term (玄教). It is a specialized term used primarily in academic or historical contexts to refer specifically to the religious and ritualistic aspects of the Taoist tradition.
• In general English usage, the terms "Taoism" or "Daoism" are far more common and understood. These terms can encompass both the philosophical system (associated with texts like the ) and the religious system.

Examples

• Academic Context:
  • The study focused on the rituals of Hsuan Chiao during the Tang dynasty.
  • He is an expert on Hsuan Chiao and its pantheon of deities.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used to distinguish the religious tradition from purely philosophical Taoism. For example, a scholar might write: "While philosophical Taoism concerns itself with the and wu-wei, Hsuan Chiao developed a complex liturgical and monastic system."

Variants and Related Words

• Taoism / Daoism (n): The much more common English terms for the philosophical and religious system. "Religious Taoism" is a direct synonym for "Hsuan Chiao."
• Taoist / Daoist (adj/n): Relating to Taoism; a follower of Taoism.
  • A Taoist temple. A Daoist priest.

Synonyms

• Religious Taoism
• Daoist religion
• (Chinese) folk religion (this is a broader, less precise synonym)

Notes on Different Meanings

• It is crucial to distinguish "Hsuan Chiao" (religious Taoism) from Philosophical Taoism. The latter refers primarily to the ideas found in classical texts like the and the , focusing on living in harmony with the (the Way) through concepts like naturalness, simplicity, and non-action (wu-wei). "Hsuan Chiao" incorporates these ideas but adds theology, worship, and ritual practices.

Noun

1. popular Chinese philosophical system based in teachings of Lao-tzu but characterized by a pantheism of many gods and the practices of alchemy and divination and magic