Every nation in the world has its own religion throughout history.Among them, some gradually decline and even die out with the development of history, and some continue to this day; Regions and nations have become world religions. Taoism is the religion of the Han nationality in China.It appeared in the Eastern Han Dynasty around the 2nd century AD, and has a history of more than 1,800 years.In addition to spreading in China, it also has a certain cultural influence on countries such as Japan, North Korea and Vietnam. The word "Taoism" appeared very early in ancient books.During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, most of the schools of thought like to call the set of principles they taught as "Tao". Those who talk about how to govern the country are called "the way of governing the country"; those who talk about how to keep fit and live longer are called "the way of governing the body". ,etc.Like the Confucian school, they often lobby and conduct propaganda everywhere, with the purpose of making others believe and implement their own ideas, which is called "educating" the people.Using "Tao" to "educate" people is called "Taoism". The book "Mozi" mentions "Taoism of the former kings" and "Confucianism believes that Taoism", which refers to the way of governing the country of the "previous kings" such as Yao, Shun, Yutang, etc. advocated by the Confucius School, and "Death and life have fate, wealth and honor lie in the Heaven" Confucianism.

After Buddhism was introduced to China in the Han Dynasty, many people also called the set of principles taught by it "Tao", called it "Taoism", and called Buddhist monks "Taoist".Until the Wei and Jin Dynasties in the third and fourth centuries, in the translated Buddhist classics, it was often called this way, and it can really be said to be "the Taoist crown and the Buddha's wear". Therefore, the word "Taoism" in ancient Chinese literature sometimes has nothing to do with Taoism as a real religion. Unlike Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam, Taoism was not founded by a certain leader alone.When Taoism first emerged, there were several Taoist organizations such as Taiping Dao and Wu Dou Mi Dao.It was not until the Southern and Northern Dynasties that as a native Chinese religion that competed with Buddhism, it was gradually and explicitly called "Taoism".Later, this name was dedicated to it.

The highest religious goal pursued by Taoism is to become immortal and live forever.Its a large set of religious teachings and doctrines are all centered on the realization of this goal.Moreover, it also has a variety of specific cultivation alchemy, such as,,,, and so on.These are the methods and approaches it preaches to achieve immortality. The main content of the early Taoist theories was not how to make people into gods. Taoism took immortality as its basic doctrine, which was a later thing, and there was a historical process of development and change.This should be noted when understanding the basic characteristics of Taoism.

In the history of Chinese culture, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism stand together and are called the three religions.Therefore, Taoism is an important part of Chinese traditional culture.Mr. Lu Xun once said that the root of China lies in Taoism, "by reading history in this way, many problems can be easily solved."Different people may have different interpretations of these words.But at least it can be said that if you want to fully understand Chinese history and culture, you cannot do it without understanding Taoism.

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