INTRODUCTION TO WORLD

RELIGION AND BELIEF SYSTEM

(HUMSS 002)
 LEARNING COMPETENCY
1. State that “Tao is the origin of all beings whose
essence is nothing.”
2. Give examples of acts showing love and respect
for nature and the environment
3. Explain: The core teaching of Taoism is becoming
one with ‘Tao.’
TAOISM
What is Taoism?
 WHAT IS TAOISM?

 Taoism, also known as Daoism, is

both a religion and a philosophy. It is
an indigenous Chinese religion as well
as an ancient nature philosophy
deeply rooted in Chinese customs
and worldview. It has influenced and
shaped Chinese life for more than
2,000 years.
 As a philosophy, it focuses on
understanding and practicing
Tao or the “way”, while as a
religion, it deals more on
worship and rituals.
 Taoism emphasizes the need
for a relationship between
nature, humanity, and the
divine. It is also concerned with
the appropriate behavior and
ways of leading and governing
others.
ORIGIN OF
TAOISM
Lao Tzu
 An ancient Chinese philosopher
and writer who is said to have
lived around the 4th or 5th B.C.
 The first Taoist philosopher in
Ancient China
 Often referred to by historians as
the “Father of Taoism”
 Said to be a contemporary of
Confucius
 An honorific title which means
“Old Master”

 In religious Taoism and

traditional Chinese religions, Lao
Tzu is a deity, he is worshiped
under the name “Supreme Old
Lord” and as one of the “Three
Pure Ones.”
SACRED
TEXTS
The two important texts from
which Taoism derives its core
teachings are:

1. Tao Te Ching
2. Book of Chuang Tzu
 1. Tao Te Ching (“Book of the Way and
Virtue)

 a philosophical text on the Tao .

 the first written record of Taoist
philosophy and serves as its major
source of teachings
 Tao Te Ching…

 the text is believed to have been

written in the latter part of the Zhou
dynasty, during the height of social
and political unrest and moral decay in
China
 consists of 81 short chapters of verses.
2. Book of Chuang Tzu
 Said to have been compiled during the
period of the Warring States when the
classical civilization of China was declining
because of civil wars.
 Comprised of a collection of stories,
essays, and monologues explaining the
teachings of the Tao Te Ching.
Universal Oneness, Wholeness, and
Balance
 Taoism views reality in a holistic manner.
In essence, everything in reality is one
and the same. The concept of universal
oneness that forms the core of Taoist
philosophy is embodied in the symbols
of the Yin and the Yang.
 Yin translates to “dark” or
“shaded”, while Yang
translates to “bright” or
“sunny”. The alternating black
and white colors in the circle
represents the duality and
opposition existing in natural
phenomena.
Following Nature
 Being in harmony with nature is the
way to achieve oneness with the Tao.
That is, in following one’s nature, one
follows the Tao. Following one’s nature
means one obeys the natural law and
the order of the universe.
Following Nature…

 This implies respect for one’s own

nature, and that of other beings.
Respect for one’s nature is
exemplified by avoiding acts such
as indulging in sensual and worldly
pleasures.
Law of Reversion
 Reversion refers to the
movement of the Tao and the
natural order in which anything
that reaches its highest point
returns back to its starting point,
creating a continuous cycle of
Law of Reversion...

 This is in relation to the belief that

since everything originates from
the Tao, everything eventually
returns to its source. Life and
death are part of this continuous
transformation from nothing into
something and back to nothing.
Wu-Wei
 The core teaching of Taoism which is
literally means “non-action” or “without
action.” However, its traditional rendering
is incorrect as Taoism is not a philosophy of
“doing nothing” rather, Wu-wei means to
act naturally and let all things run its natural
course.
Wu-Wei…
 The concept of inaction refers to the
absence of acts that are contrary to nature
and the practice of a spontaneous and
natural response to the events and course
of life. Wu-wei is allowing the cosmic
energy or the power of the Tao within to
move and act through one’s being.
Wu-Wei…
 Politically, this is used to advise
the rulers not to use force in
influencing and governing the
people.
 
Superstitious Practices
 Taoism slowly degenerated into a
system of superstition and idolatry as
Buddhism was making its way to
Chinese religious life. Taoism promoted
itself as a religion with Chinese roots.
Here are some of the
beliefs and superstitions:

Birth is a time for casting

a horoscope. A month
after birth, a naming
ceremony is held.
What is Feng Shui?
Generally, Feng Shui is translated as “wind and
water” which are the natural elements that shape
the landscape. According to the book Religion 101,
the Feng Shui expert can advise on how to get the
best results in a home or office by establishing the
most advantageous alignment of space and
furnishings to allow the most positive and
harmonious flow of chi (energy).
Thank you for
listening!
 Performance Task:
POSTLOGAN
GUIDE QUESTION:
 If you have given a chance to be an Ambassador
of the Youth, what will you do to contribute to
dealing with the protection of our nature.
 Create a postlogan showing your thoughts and
give a brief explanation of your insights. You will
be graded based on the rubrics given.