Definition

Noun: 1. Taoism: A Chinese philosophical and religious tradition emphasizing living in harmony with the "Tao" (the Way), the fundamental principle that is the source, pattern, and substance of everything that exists. It encompasses philosophical teachings (e.g., from Laozi's Tao Te Ching) and religious practices, rituals, and pantheons. 2. (General) Religion, religious doctrine: A system of beliefs, practices, and moral values concerning the universe, the divine, and human existence. (Note: This is a broader, more general meaning, but the word is most specifically associated with Taoism).

Usage Examples

• Referring to the specific tradition:
  • Đạo giáo có ảnh hưởng sâu sắc đến văn hóa Trung Quốc. (Taoism has a profound influence on Chinese culture.)
  • Ông ấy nghiên cứu triết lý của đạo giáo. (He studies the philosophy of Taoism.)
• Referring to religion in general:
  • Tự do tín ngưỡng, đạo giáo là một quyền cơ bản. (Freedom of belief and religion is a fundamental right.)

Advanced Usage

• "tín đồ đạo giáo": A follower/adherent of Taoism; a Taoist.
  • Nhiều tín đồ đạo giáo hành hương về núi Võ Đang. (Many Taoist followers pilgrimage to Wudang Mountain.)
• "giáo lý đạo giáo": Taoist teachings/doctrine.
  • Giáo lý đạo giáo đề cao sự giản dị và thuận theo tự nhiên. (Taoist doctrine values simplicity and following nature.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đạo Lão: Another, more formal name for Taoism, directly referencing Laozi (Lão Tử), its traditional founder.
• Đạo gia: Taoist school (of thought); often refers specifically to the philosophical stream.
• Tôn giáo: Religion (the most common general term for "religion").
• Tín ngưỡng: Belief, faith (often used for folk beliefs or the concept of religious belief in general).

Synonyms

• Taoism: The direct and most accurate equivalent for the specific Chinese tradition.
• Religion: For the broader, general meaning (equivalent to ).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Tam giáo" (Three Teachings): Refers to the three major philosophical/religious traditions that have shaped East Asian culture: Nho giáo (Confucianism), Đạo giáo (Taoism), and Phật giáo (Buddhism).
  • Văn hóa Việt Nam chịu ảnh hưởng của Tam giáo. (Vietnamese culture is influenced by the Three Teachings.)

1. Taoism