What is Taoism?
Origin of Taoism - "Way before mankind and planet earth"
Taoism is a celestial religion passed down to human being on planet Earth long time ago. It have been in history of mankind of so long now that we all know what it is.
The earliest history of Taoism dates back to approximately 2697-2597BC when the king of China "Wong Dee 軒轅黃帝" (aka Yellow Emperor) was known for his war with their enemy Chi-Yau 蚩尤. During the war, Wong Dee was trapped in the foggy forest by Chi-Yau and the legend said that it was the deity 九天玄女 (Nine Heaven Mysterious Deity) who was the sister of Fuk-Hey 伏義 (approx 7724-7606 BC). Is that possible? Yes. It is. Wong Dee learned magic from the deity to dissolve and clear the fog out of the way and also learned the way to invent the compass as well. That war ends with a brilliant victory and it marked the importance of "magic" in history of China all along the way. Taoism can be taught by people 5000 years ago, so of course it can exist long before that as well. History book and stones may not even have written records but we proof it ourselves with our experience in 2009 already. It's real.
Taoism the Religion - Officiallized for about 2000 years already!
The next "real" Taoism dates back to the East Han Dynasty of China (25-220 AD). During this period of time, the first Celestial Master on earth Jeung Dao Ling 張道陵 (34-156 AD) formed the religion of "Taoism" officially which was called Dao-Gaau 道教 in Cantonese. The sect he formed as "Five Pecks of Rice Sect" 五斗迷道 which was named that way because you need to give five pecks of rice and some other things when you ordain instead of money.
The religion of Taoism was then officialized. In history, Jeung Dao Ling claim that his Taoism magic was taught by a deity called Tai Sheung Lo Gwun 太上老君 while he was in a cave. That was the name of the deity and the deity is an elder as well. During that time, he also emphasize that his students must cultivate Taoism magic along with good virtues as the foundation of Taoism and so the "Book of Virtue" 道德經 Tao Te Ching, was the main foundation grade 1 textbook used. Later on, people then said the so-called Tai Sheung Lo Gwun must be Lao-Tze 老子, who was the author of Tao Te Ching - just because he also have white hair and looks elder-like. (but it is not true)
Downfall of Taoism - Politics and Religion
This "real" Taoism sect only last for three generations and ends at their 3rd generation's holder Jeung-Lo 張魯 (approx 190-216 AD) because they combined religion and politic into one and soon the people fight to get the "lineage holder" position, lots of evil things were done including killing and burning people etc,. The real Taoism was gone and they also changed the sect's name to Zhen Yi Sect 正一盟威道 which is what is left now. It's not the same thing anymore. Some people think they worship Jeung Dao Ling and think they are genuine. The fact is, it is not the same sect anymore. It's real history, what is there to debate?
The sad thing is, the "real" Taoism isn't around for very long. China's history were flooded by crooked Taoism off-shoots all over the place and many lineages arise with all those "politics related" factors which later even lead to the born of many "3-in-1" or "5-in-1" sect that combine Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism into one. Some even combine other religions as well! It just get so messy and the "real" Taoism is not there anymore.
Beware Taoism Off-Shoots - Taoism is JUST Taoism!
Be logical all readers. Taoism is Taoism itself. It's a fully rounded system already. Just because those off-shoot do not get the whole circle, they have to "steal" from here and there to attempt forming a full circle. The good way of saying it is - to exchange and combine, but the reality is "stealing" from other places and call it "part of your own". Is that real Taoism? No way. The real Taoism is just Taoism, 100% PURE Taoism. It cannot even blend with Buddhism, don't be silly.
Real Taoism - Tin Yat Lineage!
No worry though, deities have passed the "real" Taoism down again and that is Tin Yat Lineage! In 2009's fall, we also got connected with many Taoism Deities including Tai Sheung Lo Gwun 太上老君 as well, just like how the past celestial one was. The first thing first, he told me that he hate the name people gave him which is "The Elder Lord". The word "lord" is so controlling and it reminds people of the JC man. Therefore, we changed it with his desired name - "Taoverse Deity". Now "real" Taoism is back with us again! Tin Yat Lineage is 100% from heaven, and it is 100% pure Taoism as well.
Good luck in seeking for the Tao!
-- Chi in Nature Ltd.
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