World Religions Lesson 9.3: Spheres of Taoism

Early Taoism that was more of a philosophy and a guide to living than an organized religion.

• Philosophical Taoism

• Religious Taoism

The type of Taoism that Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu practiced and taught.

• Philosophical Taoism

• Religious Taoism

The type of Taoism that did not focus on the spiritual world, but on practices for human life, society, and the government.

• Philosophical Taoism

• Religious Taoism

Developed into more organized ritual and worship after many Chinese people became dissatisfied with Confucianism but did not want to follow the foreign Buddhist faith.

• Philosophical Taoism

• Religious Taoism

Developed by Zhang Daoling in the 2nd century CE after believers says Lao Tzu visited him and told him to create beliefs and rituals based on Taoism.

• Philosophical Taoism

• Religious Taoism

Originally formed 24 parishes centered around a place of worship with a libationer in charge of overseeing rituals and worship.

• Philosophical Taoism

• Religious Taoism

Three deities at the top of the hierarchy in Taoism that are thought to be personified by individuals like Lao Tzu.

• Three Pure Ones

• Posterior Heavens

Deities that are second in the hierarchy of Taoism and that are ruled by the Jade Emperor.

• Three Pure Ones

• Posterior Heavens

One of the Three Pure Ones that is for all existence.

• Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Being

• Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure

• Heavenly Worthy of the War and Its Power

• Jade Emperor

One of the Three Pure Ones that represents the mysterious Tao.

• Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Being

• Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure

• Heavenly Worthy of the War and Its Power

• Jade Emperor