Posted on 12/04/2008 8:46:34 PM PST by vnttn
The origin of Taoism Taoism is one of the main Vietnam Religion. Taoism is believed to be founded by Lao Tseu (Lao Tu), a Chinese contemporary of Confucius in about 500 B.C. The ideas and doctrines of his religion are explained in his book entitled Dao Duc Kinh (The Book of Morality).
He did spend his life on searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and conflicts that disrupted society during his lifetime. Taoism, therefore, is the natural mode of behavior that encourages one to live purely and simply. It relies on harmony between Man, Nature and a Universal Order. Such a harmony would promote good will, personal integrity. The ritual of Taoism in Vietnam today consists of religion-magical features, divining, worship of the spirits of nature, and so forth.
The Yin Yang is a common theme in Taoism, with black representing yin and white representing yang. The symbol was derived from astronomical observations which recorded the shadow of the sun throughout a full year. The two swirling shapes inside the symbol give the impression of change - the only constant factor in the universe. Hence, another idea states that, Yin - the dark side- represents the breath that formed the earth or symbolizes for the feminine which is soft, cool, calm, introspective, and healing… In contrast, Yang - the bright side- symbolizes the breath that formed the heavens and associate with the masculine: hard, hot, energetic, moving, and sometimes aggressive. However, since nothing in nature is purely black or purely white, the symbol includes a small black spot in the white swirl, and a corresponding white spot in the black swirl.
The implications of Yin and Yang
The Yin Yang symbol reflects the inescapably intertwined duality of all things in nature. No quality is independent of its opposite, nor pure. This principle applies to all elements of existence – from nature to a particular individual. Social disturbance, natural disasters, personal illness, unsettled family relationships and so on are the results of an imbalance between the forces of Yin and Yang A comparison between Taoism and other beliefs
The congruity of Taoism and Confucianism is obvious. Confucianism is a means of regulating behavior without a spiritual dimension while Taoism grant people precepts that mostly go without spirituality and mysticism. Like some aspects of Buddhism, Taoism seems to have overtones of pessimism and a negative attitude toward attempts to change drastically the life patterns.
Vietnam and Taoism
Prior to the Communist domination, many Vietnamese tended to accept all the three religious beliefs, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, without conflict concerns. Taoism aims to adjust the nature, and has its evidence in the daily life circle of ethnic Vietnamese whether they are city-dwellers or peasants on rice paddy fields. Through our country, you can see so many images of the Gods of Taoism to be worshipped in temples and pagodas. Most families use their altar to worship the ‘Kitchen God’- one of Taoist deities that monitor the families’ behaviors. Coming to Vietnam, you may be puzzled by a small mirrored octagonal disc, with the Yin Yang and other symbols, fixed above the door of most houses and small shops. According to the Vietnamese people, it plays an important role inbarring wandering spirits or ghosts.
Bump for tomorrow
Newly minted - and you already know how to post threads!
Jesus Christ said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one cometh unto the Father except by Me”.
- John 14:6
“There is Salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved”
- Acts 4:12
“Men of Galilee,” they [the angels] said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, Who has been taken from you into Heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into Heaven.”
- Acts 1:11
When hungry for pizza, eat; when thirsty for beer, drink.
I've been a Taoist practitioner for a while now.
There is a very famous singer from VN who is Cham. His songs are beautiful. I cannot remember his name but I met him several times in socali(Westminster/Little Saigon).
Very interesting. I’d never thought of Vietnamese practicing Taoism, but it makes sense.
Lao Tseu?!! I don't know.....that name sounds kinda made up.
I think there's some arrogant a-hole here that goes by that name.
And one of you misspelled it! ;-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.