Chapter 5 of the book “The World’s Religions” is devoted to Taoism in the 6th century B.C. by Laozi in China. Compared to Confucianism, Taoism is a more mystical, irrational religion whose central concept is “Tao” (the Way) (Smith, 2009). This is the metaphysical path of ultimate reality, which cannot be expressed in words, but only felt or practiced. Taoism includes various branches – philosophical, mystical, and magical, each of which explores different aspects of human existence, from the meaning of life to rituals and practices to extend the life and gain eternal life. All three branches focus on living wisely, that is, living in such a way as to preserve vitality and energy (Qi) (Smith, 2009). The Taoists created practices that focused on matter, movement, and mind to maximize Qi. The matter was dealt with by Chinese pharmaceuticals and dietetics, movement by training and martial arts, mind by meditation, and spiritual enlightenment.
Reference
Smith, H. (2009). The world’s religions: Our great wisdom traditions. 50th-anniversary edition. Harper One.