Taoism 101

Lesson 2: Development of Taoism

Taoism and Other Religions

We have seen how Taoism grew on its own - however, it is important to discuss the interaction between Taoism and the other great religions of China, Buddhism and Confucianism. The histories between these three are long and complex, but entirely fascinating.

Taoism was born in approximately the same age as Confucianism - some say Laozi and Confucius were contemporaries. It is also a matter of debate whether they were truly "born" at this time, or rather just rediscovered - both traditions (like many other religious traditions, including Buddhism and Jainism) insist they are only carrying on age-old traditions that have been lost. As we saw in our discussion of the Zhuangzi, there was an early indication of the rivalry between Taoism and Confucianism, as they were both competing in an atmosphere of unprecedented philosophical thought known as the "Hundred Schools". Other views existed in this time as well - two other popular ideas were Legalism (discussed in the preceding section) and Mohism, the philosophy of Mozi (Mo Tzu), who propounded a doctrine of universal love. However, Taoism and Confucianism were the only two doctrines to emerge and carry on long after this period, and over time continued to be rivals. One explanation is their polar views on the good, proper and humane life: Confucianism spoke of relations, ritual and respect while Taoism focused on the mystical aspects of the universe and introspection.

The import of Buddhism to China had an even greater affect on Taoism - more than a rival, Buddhism and Taoism would alter one another. When it was first introduced, Buddhist terminology in China mostly consisted of Taoist terms and ideas, for that was the easiest way Buddhists could explain their ideas to new Chinese converts. Many saw Buddhism as only a new form of Taoism. In time the distinctions were made clear, but when imperial favor turned to Taoism there were periods of extreme persecution of Buddhism. The most popular criticism was the Buddhism was foreign to China, and a product of the barbarians. Interestingly, a legend grew around Laozi's journey westward - it was proposed that he made his way to the Indian subcontinent and became the originator of Buddhism (variously described as either Buddha or a teacher of Buddha) in an attempt to enlighten the barbarians. As Buddhism developed into Ch'an (Zen) in China, Taoism would begin to appropriate various ideas and practices.

Taoism also had other interesting encounters with competing faith groups - for instance, Christianity. Many Nestorian Christians traveled east to China after their persecution in the council of Chalcedon in 451 CE. However, Taoism met with Christianity again when the first missionaries arrived in China. These missionaries were surprised little Taoists were impressed with the idea of immortality and resurrection, for they had been talking of such occurrences for centuries. Finally, an interesting story of Christian/Taoist meetings - early translations of the Bible into Chinese translated the book of John's "the Word (Logos) became flesh" using Tao for Logos - a choice filled with theological and philosophical nuances not clearly comprehended by these missionaries.

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