Taoism Flashcards
According to official Taoist teachings, who was the author of the Tao Te Ching?
Lao Tzu
Taoism essentially grew out of what circumstances? What provoked its founding?
Lao Tzu’s disillusionment with the social and political situation of his day
Water is a popular symbol of the Tao because of what?
Lowest possible position, humble and submissive but also powerful
The black ox is a symbol of what? And what is implied by Taoism’s founder riding out on an ox?
Represents how Lao Tzu has tamed/overcome the world
The dot of contrasting color in the Yin/Yang symbol represents what?
Everything has an opposite, find balance
Which branch of Taoism seeks to prevent death, extend life, discover the “fountain of youth,” and ultimately achieve immortality?
Religious Taoism
The name “Lao Tzu” means literally what?
“old boy” or “wise master”
What is the Tao Te Ching supposedly a summary of? Where did its creator get its contents?
Cosmic Tao– in all things, sustains all things
What is the second most important Taoist text?
Chuang-Tzu
How large is the Taoist canon? What influences its size?
Largest scriptural canon, more than 1000 volumes
In 142 CE the founder of Taoism appeared to whom?
Appears to Zhang Daoling: organized the religion
How many overarching denominations of Taoism are there?
86 denominations
What is the oldest version/denomination of Taoism?
Philosophical Taoism
Which branch of Taoism is passive?
Philosophical Taoism
What are the kuei? What is done to scare them away?
Bad. Banished through means of loud noises and fire in any forms
Which grouping/denomination of Taoism claim a belief in God?
Religious Taoists
What is the Tao?
Continuing viability, infusing the universe with life and moving within the flow of nature
What is Filial Piety?
Respect for ancestors
What is the purpose of life in Taoist thought? How is that connected to Yin and Yang?
There is opposition in all things
What is wu-wei?
Submission to the natural order of things
Three principles of wu-wei:
- Don’t resist, confront, or defy
- Don’t try to better or change others
- Don’t exhibit excessive ambition, desire, or pride
If you’re living in harmony with the Tao, nothing can go wrong. Why is that?
You’re where you’re supposed to be
In which of the branches of Taoism is wu-wei found?
Philosophical Taoism
Which branch of Taoism largely rejects wu-wei, seeking instead immortality through various medicines, breathing techniques, diets…
Religious Taoism
