Progress: Lesson 1 / 10
What Is Taoism (道教)?
Taoism is a Chinese religion — or more precisely, a category of religions. The official name “Taoism (道教 - Doe Gaau)” began in the East Han Dynasty about 2,000 years ago, but the practices and teachings existed long before that. The East Han period was simply when the religion was formally recognized and named.
Many westerners today try to say that Taoism is “not a religion” and treat it like a philosophy. This is completely off from reality. In China, no one treats Taoism as “just a philosophy.” When you mention Taoism, everyone thinks of temples, altars, gods, FU talismans, ceremonies, and Taoist magic. The western interpretation is disconnected and even toxic because it strips Taoism away from its real roots.
This is a Taoist temple in China, and they have altars and all that goodies. Who say Taoism is JUST a philosophy? It's like when the Americans try to say their "Amercianized Chinese Food" are Chinese Food - while the Chinese sees them as not even 1% close to the real thing.
An example of the altar they have inside the temple... Yup, it's not JUST a philosophy and Tao Te Ching or even about Lao Tze at all. They do NOT worship Lao Tze there. The misunderstanding should be the deity named Taai Sheung Lo Guan 太上老君 which people call the Elder Lord. That is a deity, not a person, based off the image and profile of an "elder" which the master once claimed is a GOD that came to him and passed on the teachings to him. It was not the HUMAN "Lao Tze".
The Real Vibe of Taoism
If you want a quick sense of what Taoism feels like, watch some classic Chinese movies about immortals or Taoist masters. The Taoist master is always the one fighting off evil forces, saving people, and dealing with the unseen world. That is the real image of Taoists — powerful cultivators who can handle problems beyond the physical realm. This is how Taoism has always been, from ancient times until today.
Across different sects, Taoists share common practices: burning incense, speaking to gods, chanting scriptures, writing FU talismans, and doing ceremonies at the altar. Taoism was never about hugging trees, camping in nature, or sitting on mountains just to “feel peaceful.” It is a practical religion with real tools and real magic.
A Closed Religion — You Must Enter the Sect
Taoism has always been a closed religion. To access the real knowledge, power, and teachings, you must enter a sect and become a disciple. In ancient times, teachings were so restricted that a master would not teach if more than two people were present. Because of this secrecy, many Taoist books are full of metaphors, codes, and poetic words that normal people misunderstand.
For example, many translations say Taoism is about “living in harmony with the universe.” That is wrong. The word is not “universe.” It refers to the SKY of that sect — the divine source, represented by its gods and deities. You follow the teachings, align to that source, and improve your life through that connection.
You might ask, WHY does it have to be a closed-religion?
Because, it is DANGEROUS when taught to the wrong people with a bad and evil mind. Even martial arts was like that in the old days, no one want to give birth to the next virus in the society, every disciples must not just learn the art, but also the proper mindset to be a responsible person in the world with that great amount of power.
Temples for the Public — But Not Everyone Is a Taoist
Taoist temples are built for the public. People can visit, worship the gods, ask for help, or consult the master. But believers who visit the temple are not Taoists. They are customers, visitors, or believers. No one becomes a Taoist simply because they believe or burn incense.
To become a Taoist, you must ask to be initiated and ordained into a sect — this is called stepping into the Door of the Tao. After that, you are a disciple of that sect, taught directly by the master and connected to the Tao of that lineage.
Taoism Is Something You Learn and Cultivate
Taoism is not about “believing.” It is something you study, practice, and cultivate. It is a real skillset with a complete system — like becoming an engineer, programmer, or doctor. You don’t call yourself an engineer just because you play with gadgets. In the same way, you don’t become a Taoist by reading a book or vibing with some poetic lines.
Real Taoists in China learn for years under a master. They study magic, scriptures, FU, and real methods so they can help people. It is not a casual hobby.
Who Is Fit for Taoism?
Not everyone is suitable for Taoism. Especially people who want shortcuts or “fast-food religion” that says, “just believe this and you’re fine.” Taoism is not for them. Taoism is a path of cultivation. You plant, you work, and you enjoy the fruit later. It requires effort, patience, and persistence.
This path is for the warrior-type mindset, not for average people. Taoists are not the ones begging for help — Taoists are the ones offering help.
The Taoist Mindset — Not a Slave, but a General
Most religions teach people to beg the gods for blessings. Taoists call their gods to work, fight, and battle on command. Most people have a slave mindset, praying and begging for help. Taoists carry the mindset of generals at war. We announce the decree, and the celestial armies carry out the order to destroy evil.
Do you vibe with this style? If you do, you will understand why Taoism is a powerful, serious, and warrior-type path — not a soft “philosophy” for casual read
