Daoism

1. Where it Spread and Why

1.1. Spread slowly, because leaders thought people should come to them to convert, rather than them trying to convince people to convert

1.2. Mainly stayed in China, did spread to other places as Chinese culture did as well. Didn't leave a mark on other places in the world as it did on china and Chinese culture

1.3. It may not have spread because it had defects in its system of beliefs and practices as well as the fact that the philosophy was modeled for the Chinese people

2. Political and Social Impact

2.1. Daoist leaders added to medical findings and knowledge

2.2. Daoism religion supported Laissez Faire

2.3. Huge social impact in China, 30% of people in China but only 6.4% of people in the world are in the religion of Daoism

2.4. Yin and Yang, Qigong

3. Video

4. Core Beliefs of the Faith

4.1. Daoism recognizes many gods and spirits but has no overarching divinity

4.2. The core beliefs of Daoism are based around the ritual worship of the Dao and living in harmony with nature

4.2.1. Dao means "the way" and encompasses Heaven, Earth, and humanity

4.2.2. The Dao is the origin of all things and signifies the primordial essence or fundamental nature of the universe

4.3. Daoism teaches Wu Wei, the way of non action and selflessness

5. Origins/Founder

5.1. Lao Tzu, or "Old Master," was the first philosopher of Daoism and the author of the primary Daoist script, the Tao Te Ching

5.2. Originating in 6th century BCE China, Daoism was created in opposition to the Confucianism beliefs

6. Sacred Texts

6.1. Tao-te Ching, written by Laozi, is the founding document of Daoism. Its writings lay out the 5 principals of the belief system

6.2. Zhangzi is the other fundamental Daoist scripture. It describes Daoist philosophy and masters, including accounts of "spirit journeys", and giving techniques for certain things in life

6.3. Two other important sacred texts include Taiping Jing and Baopuzi which describe ways to reach immortality through certain practices