Taoism

Taoism

Taoism, a Chinese native religion, takes "Tao" as the highest belief. It is a religion established on the basis of Chinese primitive religion, folk beliefs, immortal alchemy and the theories cultivated by Yellow Emperor and Laozi. Taoism takes the Yellow Emperor as its ancestor of origin, Laozi ancestor of doctrine and Zhang Daoling celestial ancestor, and tao te Ching as the fundamental classic.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), Zhang Daoling (34-156) pioneered the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice (Wu Dou Mi Taoism), and canonized Laozi and tao te Ching, ritualized Taoism with proper organization. During the Sui (581- 618), Tang (618-907), Five Dynasties period (907-960) and the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), Taoism thought became systematic, and the social view, natural view and immortal view with Taoism as the core gradually took shape. Taoism believes that life and death, happiness and misfortune, and longevity depends on the person himself. Through accumulating virtue, doing good deeds, and practicing Taoism, people can achieve the state of unity with the Tao, live a long life and become immortals. Therefore, Taoism has created many ways to practice the doctrine and maintain health, such as alchemy, fasting, food-taking, guidance, meditation, etc.

Taoism has had a profound impact on ancient Chinese politics, economy, science and technology, culture and art, folk customs and other aspects. Taoism is an integral part of Chinese ancient cultural heritage and plays an important role in traditional Chinese culture.

道教

中国本土宗教道教，以“道”为最高信仰，是在中国原始宗教、民间信仰、神仙方术等的基础上，以黄帝之学和老子之学为理论依托而建立起来的宗教。道教以黄帝为始祖， 以老子为道祖，以张道陵为教主，以《道德经》为根本经典。

东汉时期，张道陵（34—156）首创五斗米道，将老子及《道德经》加以宗教化，实现道教的组织化、仪式化。隋唐五代和北宋时期，道教思想逐渐体系化，以道为核心的社会观、自然观和神仙观等教义和教观渐趋完整。道教认为， 人的生死祸福、寿命长短，取决于人自身。人通过积德行善、不断修炼，可以达到与道合一的境界，从而能够长生久视、得道成仙。因此，道教创造了很多修道养生的方法，如炼丹、辟谷、服食、导引、静坐等。

道教对中国古代政治、经济、科学技术、文化艺术、民风民俗等方面都产生了深远的影响。道教文化是中国古代文化遗产的一部分，在中国传统文化中有重要地位。