Taoism
the philosophical system evolved by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu, advocating a life of complete simplicity and naturalness and of noninterference with the course of natural events, in order to attain a happy existence in harmony with the Tao.
Also called Hsüan Chiao. a popular Chinese religion, originating in the doctrines of Lao-tzu but later highly eclectic in nature and characterized by a pantheon of many gods and by the practice of alchemy, divination, and magic.
Origin of Taoism
1Other words from Taoism
- Taoist, noun, adjective
- Tao·is·tic, adjective
Words Nearby Taoism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use Taoism in a sentence
Taoism was the idealism of the south, Confucianism the practice of the north.
The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind | Herbert George WellsTaoism, Confucianism, and even Buddhism have been said to lack the elements essential to a real religion.
The Shinto Cult | Milton Spenser TerryIn later times Taoism degenerated into mere magic, and was largely concerned with the search for the elixir of life.
The Problem of China | Bertrand RussellTaoism increased as a power in the religion of China, especially after the fall of its feudal system.
The Religions of Japan | William Elliot GriffisIt is the ethics of Confucius transfused with the mystical elements of Taoism and the speculations of Buddhism.
The Religions of Japan | William Elliot Griffis
British Dictionary definitions for Taoism
/ (ˈtaʊɪzəm) /
the philosophy of Lao Zi that advocates a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events
a popular Chinese system of religion and philosophy claiming to be teachings of Lao Zi but also incorporating pantheism and sorcery
Derived forms of Taoism
- Taoist, noun, adjective
- Taoistic, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for Taoism
[ (dou-iz-uhm) ]
A religion native to China. Its adherents attempt to live according to the Tao — the “Way,” which they believe governs the universe.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse