God
Taoists do not believe in a single, all-powerful God although they do worship a number of deities.
Main beliefs
Taoists dedicate their lives to achieving harmony with the Tao – or path. Their guiding beliefs include:
- The three jewels: compassion, moderation and humility
- Nurturing personal ch’ i – or energy
- Fostering health and wellbeing
- The body’s organs and orifices correspond to the five parts of the sky: water, fire, wood, metal, earth
- Time is cyclical not linear, as in the West
Origins
Established by Lao-Tse, a contemporary of Confucius who lived between 604-531 BCE. (Alternate spellings: Lao Tze, Lao Tsu, Lao Tzu, Laozi, Laotze.)
Statistics
Around 20 million followers worldwide, primarily in Taiwan. Around NUMBER in the UK.
Diversity
Taoism has developed alongside the Confucian tradition for centuries. Many people follow aspects of both faiths.
Worship
Under construction.
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