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Taoism Facts & Worksheets

Taoism, or Daoism, is a religious and philosophical tradition that has influenced Chinese life for over 2,000 years.

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Taoism, or Daoism, is a religious and philosophical tradition that has influenced Chinese life for over 2,000 years. The Taoist approach toward life can be observed in the Chinese character’s embracing and yielding, joyous and carefree sides, an attitude that counters and complements the ethical and duty-conscious, austere, and purposeful quality assigned to Confucianism.

See the fact file below for more information on Taoism, or you can download our 28-page Taoism worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

TAOISM BACKGROUND

  • Taoism is further distinguished by an optimistic, active approach toward the supernatural and the metaphysical. In contrast, the agnostic, pragmatic Confucian tradition regards these topics as only marginally necessary, even though the actuality of such issues is not disputed by most Confucians.
  • Taoism encompasses the concepts and attitudes expressed by Laozi (or Daodejing; “Classic of the Way of Power”), Zhuangzi, Liezi, and kindred literature; the Taoist religion focuses on formal Tao worship and Taoists.

THE GREAT SAGES AND THEIR TEXTS

Laozi and the Daodejing

  • Behind all variations of Daoism stands the persona of Laozi, who is widely recognized as the creator of the classic text known as the Daodejing (“Classic of the Way of Power”). Sima Qian’s “Records of the Historian” contains the initial consistent biographical narrative of Laozi. 
  • This brief biographical sketch has become the definitive source of the philosopher’s life. Laozi’s surname was Li, his full name was Er, and he worked as an archivist at the Zhou court. He is claimed to have given Confucius formal advice.
  • The Daodejing was written as a guide for the ruler. One should be a wise man whose acts go unnoticed to the point where his mere presence is unknown. He places no limitations or constraints on his themes. His simplicity renders the Ten Thousand Things passionless and still, and tranquility automatically follows. He does not teach children discrimination, virtue, or ambition since “the great artifices begin when intellect emerges.” When there is family strife, ‘dutiful sons’ arrive. When the state slips into anarchy, ‘loyal subjects’ appear.” Thus, it is preferable to expel knowledge, fairness, and creativity, and the people will reap the rewards a hundredfold.
  • From a literary standpoint, the Daodejing is notable for its compressed language. It articulates its cryptic subject matter in short, simple phrases, as opposed to the debate or anecdotal writing of other current treatises. 

Zhuang Zhou and the Zhuang Zi

  • The “Zhuangzi” (“Book of Master Zhuang”), named after its alleged author Zhuang Zhou, is a highly significant composite literature comprised of multi-vocal compositions from numerous sources and periods in history. Guo Xiang, a commentator, and editor, helped establish the work as a substantial source of Daoist ideas. 
  • The “Zhuangzi” expresses one of its key themes through tales, parables, and dialogues: rejecting cultural conceptions and instead functioning authentically linked with the natural world. This way of life may be viewed as “meaningless” by most people who pursue their own “standard of living” and political and social guidelines, but it is a more innovative option since it is more in line with reality.

Other Chinese Classic Texts

  • Taoism relies on many Chinese texts that are not considered Taoist but are still crucial sources for Daoists. The Yijing, an ancient oracle literature, is perhaps the most significant. The divination method in the Yijing, as well as the related notions of yin and yang, transformed into 64 hexagrams, combinations comprising eight trigrams, have inspired Daoism from the beginning to the present day.

TEACHINGS OF TAOISM

Dao

  • Dao can refer to a path, a route, a channel, a doctrine, or a line. Dao refers to the natural progression of things, the way nature unfolds, and organisms develop and deteriorate in line with cosmic laws.  
  • The Dao is essentially incomprehensible and defies all study and definition. As a result, the Daodejing begins, “The Dao that can be told is not eternal Dao.” 
  • It is also something that people can find in themselves, as well as in natural and societal patterns. Thus, the Dao is also the “innate nature” of all humans, which Daoists regard as good. In real meaning, the Dao an observable pattern, “the Dao that can be told,” i.e., the natural world’s rhythmic processes and patterns that can be observed and articulated.

De

  • De is the active expression of Dao because it results from an individual living and nurturing the Tao. The term De can refer to both ethical virtues in the traditional Confucian sense and a higher spontaneous kind of sagely virtue or power that comes from adhering to the Dao and performing wu-wei and is thus an inherent manifestation of the Dao’s power.
  • The concept of De played a significant role in imperial China’s civic customs. The emperor, who was said to be the son of heaven (Tianzi), developed his de by executing rites to appease heaven (Tian) and therefore keep the divine mandate (tianming) for his reign. 

Ziran

  • It is seen as a fundamental notion and value of Daoism, as well as a method of flowing with the Dao. It is frequently connected with spontaneity and creativity and describes the “primordial state” of everything and a primary characteristic of the Dao.

Wu Wei 

  • Wu Wei is the practice of not doing anything contrary to the natural course of the universe. The entire universe, according to the Daoists, unfolds spontaneously (Ziran) through the continuous fluctuations of the Way (Dao). All things in the cosmos, including humans, have their natural trajectory that, if allowed to run its course, leads to harmony.

Aspects of the self (Xing, Xin, Ming)

  • The Taoist perspective of oneself is holistic, rejecting the concept of an independent individualized person. One’s basic or underlying nature (xing) is essentially the Tao expressing or exhibiting itself as an embodied individual, according to Taoism. Innate nature is also linked to one’s heart-mind (xin), which relates to one’s consciousness, spirit, and heart. The Tao is viewed as bestowing upon each individual a ming (life destiny), which is one’s actual existence, body, and energy.
  • Taoists generally attempt a holistic psychosomatic training style known as “dual development of inherent nature and life destiny.”

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES

  • Taijiutu and Bagua. The Taijitu (also known as the “yin yang”) and Bagua (Eight Trigrams) are significant Daoist symbols as they symbolize major components of Taoist cosmology. Many Taoists utilize these symbols, which can be found on temple floors, logos, flags, and stitched into clergy robes.
  • Tiger and Dragon. The tiger and dragon are older emblems of yin and yang, which is why these two animals are still extensively employed in Taoist art. Roofs of Taoist temples in Taiwan and Southern China frequently feature tigers, dragons, and phoenixes (the phoenix also symbolizes yin) made of colorful tiled ceramics.
  • Symbols for longevity and immortality. Cranes, pine trees, and the peaches of immortality are among the most famous symbols of longevity and immortality. Natural symbols are also widely used and include gourds, caverns, mountains, clouds, and the Chinese zodiac animals.

INFLUENCES OF TAOISM

  • Art and Poetry. There have been several examples of Daoist impact on art throughout Chinese history. Taoist-influenced painters include Wu Wei, Huang Gongwang, Mi Fu, and many others. Taoist crafts and belles-lettres represent the various areas, dialects, and periods related to Taoism.
  • Since ancient times, visual guides have been used to aid in the identification of mystical minerals and plants, particularly mushrooms. A later example of this type of work can be found in the Taoist Code. The tactical side of Taoist influence contributed to China quickly attaining an unusually high technical level of botanical and mineralogical drawing. Daoists quickly established the most outstanding level of calligraphy as well. Wang Xizhi is regarded as one of the best calligraphers of all time.
  • Secular literature. Taoism had already appeared in the writings of the other schools during the Warring States period and the early Han. Both explicit quotations and precise imitations were standard, and references from Daodejing and Zhuangzi, as well as recollections of both their style and subject, abound in Chinese literature.
  • Chinese Science and Medicine. Through experiments, Taoists investigated how different remedies affected people and animals in a manner similar to contemporary scientific techniques. Their knowledge obtained from attempting to increase human longevity has made a significant contribution to health sciences.

TAOISM AND CONFUCIANISM 

  • Taoism and Confucianism have their similarities and differences. Taoists believe that when people die, they go elsewhere to live and don’t simply vanish. Confucians believe in this philosophy and admire their ancestors as part of everyday routines. 
  • Chinese religions include Confucianism and Taoism. They both infuse religious practices into everyday life in such a way that they relate to both religion and philosophy, making the secular sacred. Confucianism has its foundations in ethics and virtuous socio-political circumstances. By understanding the Tao or Way, Taoism, also known as Daoism, seeks to establish the correct relationship between humanity and the cosmos.
  • Another difference is that Confucianists are primarily concerned with social interactions, whereas Taoism is more general, mystically oriented, and intellectual. Although they have their differences, these two religions were both concerned with human-to-human relationships, as well as human-to-nature relationships. 

Taoism Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Taoism across 28 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Taoism. Taoism, or Daoism, is a religious and philosophical tradition that has influenced Chinese life for over 2,000 years.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Taoism Facts
  2. Venn Diagram
  3. Write a Poem
  4. The Word Bank
  5. The Great Sages
  6. Picture and Word Fusion
  7. I am an Artist
  8. Video Watching
  9. Taoism Influences
  10. Unscramble Me
  11. A Taoist Approach

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taoism?

Taoism is a philosophical and spiritual tradition that originated in ancient China. It emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, which can be translated as “the Way” or the natural order of the universe. Taoism promotes simplicity, spontaneity, and a non-interfering approach to life.

Who was the founder of Taoism?

Taoism does not have a specific founder like some other religions. It emerged from the teachings of various philosophers and sages, the most notable being Laozi, who is traditionally credited as the author of the foundational text of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching.

What are the key concepts in Taoism?

Some key concepts in Taoism include:

  1. Tao: The underlying principle of the universe, the source of everything, and the natural way of existence.
  2. Wu Wei: The principle of non-action or effortless action, emphasizing the idea of going with the flow and avoiding unnecessary struggle.
  3. Yin and Yang: Representing the complementary and interdependent forces in the universe, symbolizing harmony and balance.
  4. De: Virtue or power that arises from aligning with the Tao and living in accordance with its principles.
  5. Zhuangzi: A foundational text of Taoism, attributed to the philosopher Zhuangzi, which explores concepts such as spontaneity, relativity, and the nature of reality.

What practices are associated with Taoism?

Taoism incorporates various practices, including meditation, breathing exercises, and physical movements like Tai Chi and Qigong. These practices aim to cultivate inner harmony, balance energy, and promote physical and mental well-being. Taoist rituals and ceremonies are also conducted, often involving offerings to deities and ancestors.

How does Taoism view the nature of life and the goal of human existence?

Taoism sees life as a continuous process and emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and the Tao. It encourages individuals to embrace simplicity, spontaneity, and inner peace. The goal of human existence in Taoism is to cultivate a virtuous and balanced way of living, aligning with the Tao, and attaining spiritual enlightenment or immortality by merging with the natural rhythms of the universe.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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