Definition

1. Noun:
   • A philosophical system: A Chinese philosophical tradition founded by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu, emphasizing living in harmony with the Tao (the Way), characterized by simplicity, humility, and non-interference (wu wei) with the natural flow of events.
   • A religious system: A popular Chinese religion incorporating the teachings of Lao-tzu, but also characterized by pantheism, the veneration of many deities, and practices such as alchemy, divination, and ritual magic.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The philosophy of Taoism teaches the value of yielding and going with the natural flow of life.
  • Some practices in religious Taoism are aimed at achieving longevity and spiritual immortality.

Advanced Usage

• "Philosophical Taoism": Refers specifically to the early, text-based philosophical tradition focused on the and .
  • He studies Philosophical Taoism, focusing on its metaphysical concepts rather than its rituals.
• "Religious Taoism": Refers to the later, institutionalized tradition with temples, priests, and a pantheon of gods.
  • Religious Taoism incorporates many folk beliefs and practices not found in the original texts.

Variants and Related Words

• Taoist (n): An adherent or practitioner of Taoism.
  • The Taoist priest performed the ceremony.
• Taoist (adj): Of or relating to Taoism.
  • She follows Taoist principles in her daily life.
• Tao (n): The central concept in Taoism, meaning "the Way" or the fundamental, ineffable principle of the universe.

Synonyms

• Daoism: An alternative transliteration of "Taoism."
• (For the philosophical aspect) Naturalism: A philosophical viewpoint that the universe operates according to natural laws, without divine intervention (partial overlap in concept).

Related Phrases

• Wu wei: A key Taoist concept meaning "non-action" or effortless action, often described as acting in accordance with the natural flow.
  • The art of wu wei is central to Taoist practice.

Noun

1. philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events
2. 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
3. religion adhering to the teaching of Lao-tzu
4. a Chinese sect claiming to follow the teaching of Lao-tzu but incorporating pantheism and sorcery in addition to Taoism