Religion of the Taoist

Excerpt from Who's ? Right: Mankind, Religions & The End Times by Kelly Warman-Stallings:

Taoism is a form of ancient religious worship derived from the teachings of Lao-Tze, a Chinese philosopher of the 4th century B.C. Some scholars believe Taoism has existed since the prehistoric era, but no credible documentation exists prior to Lao-Tze, who was credited with giving the religion a written form.

Lao-Tze

The holy book attributed to Lao-Tze, Tao Te Ching (the Teaching of Tao), propounded a religious doctrine called Tao (the Way), which ultimately led to the forming of Taoism. The religious creed's central point is the universe operates in its own way. It also states that mankind should align themselves in the same way in order to achieve happiness.

In contrast to Confucius - who expounded upon authority and piety - Lao-Tze stressed ethical perfection of the individual. Some scholars believe that Lao-Tze was a teacher of Confucius, because many of the ancient scholar's ideas were gradually incorporated into which contains the virtues of wisdom, benevolence, courage, righteousness, propriety and good faith. Today, Taoism is primarily practiced in Taiwan, China and various other Asian countries. 

"If I have even just a little sense, I will walk on the main road and my only fear will be of straying from it. Keeping to the main road is easy, But people love to be sidetracked. " ~ Lao-Tze

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Taoism is based on the precepts of the yin and yang and the Wu Xing (or Five Phases) which were instituted from the School of Naturalists which developed during the 4th to 3rd centuries B.C. (this ancient era was also known as the Warring States period)

There are four components [in Taoism] that are incorporated:

1. Study of the Tao Te Ching (teachings of Lao-Tze) and Zhuangzi (teachings of Zhuang)
2. Techniques for achieving ecstasy
3. The practices for achieving longevity or immortality
4. The rituals of exorcism

Zhang Daoling

According to some theologians, the first form of Taoism was developed from the Five Pecks of Rice movement in the mid 2nd century B.C.; Zhang Daoling was credited with founding this particular movement after Lao-Tze appeared to him in 142 B.C. Later, a school for 'Celestial Masters' known as the Tianshi was organized (being developed from the Five Pecks of Rice movement) during the latter part of the 2nd century B.C. In the year 215, Cao Cao (Chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty) officially recognized the Tianshi school and set forth an imperial decree recognizing Lao-Tze as a great divinity.

The holy texts most commonly associated with Taoism is:

1.  Tao Te Ching ... a short text ascribed to Lao-Tze, containing 81 brief chapters and divided into two parts -Tao Ching (chapters 1-37) and Te Ching (chapters 38-81). The passages of this antediluvian text are ambiguous and poetic in style. The topics in this holy book range from political advice for rulers to practical wisdom for people.
2.  Zhungzi ... a composite of writings from various sources with Zhuang composing the first seven chapters. The ancient text is made up of anecdotes, parables and dialogues to express the need for mankind to align themselves with the laws of the natural world and "the way" of the elements. 
3.  Daozang ... was originally a compilation of many scrolls (1,400+ texts) collected by Taoist monks in the year 400 A.D. and consisted of three divisions known as the Three Grottoes. The main focus was aimed towards meditation, ritual and exorcism. Between 748 and 1444 more ancient texts [concerning Taoism] were added, while other original texts were removed. By 1444, the final version of the Daozang was produced using around 5,300 scrolls with the Three Grottoes still firmly in place.

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According to Wikipedia.com ... 

"Some authors have dealt with comparative studies between Taoism and Christianity. This has been of interest for students of history of religion such as J.J.M. de Groot, among others. 

The comparison of the teachings of Laozi and Jesus of Nazareth has been done by several authors such as Martin Aronson, and Toropov & Hansen (2002), who believe that they have pararells that should not to be ignored. 

In the opinion of J. Isamu Yamamoto the main difference is that Christianity preaches a personal God while Theist Taoism does not. Yet, a number of authors, including Lin Yutang, have argued that some moral and ethical tenets of these religions are similar."

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It is estimated there are 2,700,000 followers of Taoism worldwide. The ancient religion, which is deeply rooted in Chinese customs, continues to be a philosophical religious system [evolved by Lao-Tze and Zhuang] advocating a life of complete simplicity and naturalness, as well as not interfering with the course of natural events, in order to obtain a complete and happy existence in harmony with the Tao.

Happy Father's Day from Who's ? Right

Historically, fatherhood was born with our common ancestor, Adam [of Eden] who was the pre-Flood “father” of a great nation that endured for over 2,000 years. In the days of Moses, long after the Great Flood, when enumerating the households of the Hebrews (in the Book of Numbers) they [the people] were counted according to the 'house of their fathers'. 

Numbers 33:54 -

“And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.”

The 5th Commandment:

"And he [Moses] wrote on the tablets, according to the first writing [of God], the ten commandments, which the Lord spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the Lord gave them unto me. "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." - Exodus 20:12

The Jewish custom of honoring the "father" is based on the fifth of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12 & Deuteronomy 5:16). The ancient Rabbinic writings of the Talmud (a collection of Jewish laws and traditions) stresses the importance of honoring parents; the sages wrote that when mankind honors his father (and mother), it is considered as though he is honoring God, who was a partner with our parents in our creation. 

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"My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." - Proverbs 3:11-12

"Everything that your father says to you, you are obliged to obey. But if he says to you: “Let us bow down to idols,” you must not obey him, lest you become an apostate." -Midrash, Yalkut Shimoni, Proverbs 960 

"I am the Lord your God, and both you and your parents are equally bound to honor Me, therefore, you must not hearken to them to disregard My word." - Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 143:15

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In Christianity, one of the greatest "father" stories is about a priest [from the sons of Aaron] named Zecharias; husband of Elisabeth and the father of John the Baptist. Christians, as well as Muslims, believe him to be a prophet of great esteem. The story is as follows from the New Testament: 

The Announcement of Receiving a Child: Luke 1:12-22 - 

12) And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13) But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14) And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15) For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 16) And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17) And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18) And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 19) And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. 20) And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. 21) And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. 22) And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. 

The Birth of John the Baptist: Luke 1:57-66 - 

57) When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58) Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59) On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zecharias, 60) but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61) They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” 62) Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63) He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64) Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65) All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66) Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him. 

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Clearly outlined by Islam, “fatherhood” is one of various responsibilities, including being a guide in Life to lead and seek infinite happiness in the hereafter. 

As the Head of the family, the father ensures the family members are eluded from the fires of Hell and strives to have peace and prosperity in Life; free from concerns and anxiety that can damage the heart and mind.

“And Allah has made for you wives of your own kind, and has made for you, from your wives, sons and grandsons, and has bestowed on you good provision". - Quran 16:72

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The man is a guardian of his family, the woman is a guardian and is responsible for her husband’s house and his offspring; and so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your subjects." 

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While Buddhism teaches the importance of respecting one’s "father", the founder of this religion, Siddhārtha Gautama [Buddha], renounced his own father and family in search of enlightenment. What Buddha discovered on his journey of knowledge, besides the lesson of his ambivalent relationship with his own father and son, was the bonds between parents and children were fundamental to the social order of Life. 

Buddha taught: “There are five ways in which a son should minister to his father and mother… he should think: having been supported by them, I will support them. I will perform their duties for them I will keep up the family tradition. I will be worthy of my heritage. After my parents deaths, I will distribute gifts on their behalf”

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Scriptural passages from Hindu texts, such as the Vedas (composed between 1400 to 400 BC), glorify responsible family life as the backbone of society; the basic building block of Hindu society is the extended family, which usually consists of three or more generations living together. The "fathers" provide a pooled income, as well as make the majority of important decisions based on their own Life experiences, which is used as a guidance tool for the younger members. 

"God! Give us wisdom as a father gives to his sons. Guide us, O Much-invoked, in this path. May we live in light." - Veda 7.32.26 

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The greatest "Father" of mankind is known by many names (such as: God, Allah & Yahweh) and is revered above all else. While the Muslims do not believe that Allah is the "Father", the other major religions do believe the Creator is "Father" to ALL.

Christianity: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.” – Matthew 6:9

Judaism: “Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.” – 1 Chronicles 29:10

Buddhism: “I tell you, Shariputra, I, too, am like this, Being the Most Venerable among many saints, The Father of the World....I tell you, Shariputra, You men are all my children, and I am your Father. For age upon age, you have been scorched by multitudinous woes, and I have saved you all.” - Lotus Sutra 3

Hinduism: “The Great Principle, the Divine, is my womb; I cast the seed into it; there is the origin of all creatures.Whatever forms originate in any wombs the real womb is the Divine, the Great Principle. I am the Father that gives the seed.” - Bhagavad Gita 14.4

Depending on the historical and cultural experience, there have been many variations in the roles of being a "father" [from educator to guardian]. In analyzing the various customs of fatherhood, one might be led to believe that respect for the father is a function of religious traditionalism and a great respect for the greatest "Father" of All mankind.

Commentary from the Editor

Hello! I am Kelly Warman-Stallings, the Creator and Editor of the Who's ? Right blog, and normally I do not make commentaries on my web-blog, but I would like to express my grateful appreciation and share my humble thoughts with my followers.

My first article, "Death and Resurrection" (an unpublished article to date), was wrote April 6, 2012 and basically was my own thoughts "put on paper". From there, my interest was piqued and the research for this blog began! Albeit, my own thoughts and opinions were removed and book-shelved (until now).

Recently, I received an inquiry from one of the Who's ? Right blog followers who questioned:

 "i need to know who is right in todays world" 

My response:

"Your comment/question is the very reason I began the Who's ? Right Blog. While I cannot answer the question, for I believe no one in this world has all the correct answers, I strive to educate myself from all perspectives." 

I was sure I could not provide a suitable answer that would appease the curiosity of my follower (or me, for that matter), but it did inspire this editorial missive I now write. This week, I would like to share a few interesting perspectives from notable people who were asked similar questions during their own lifetimes...

Where Does Mankind Come From?

“When he, whoever of the gods it was, had thus arranged in order and resolved that chaotic mass, and reduced it, thus resolved, to cosmic parts, he first moulded the Earth into the form of a mighty ball so that it might be of like form on every side … And, that no region might be without its own forms of animate life, the stars and divine forms occupied the floor of heaven, the sea fell to the shining fishes for their home, Earth received the beasts, and the mobile air the birds … Then Man was born:… though all other animals are prone, and fix their gaze upon the earth, he gave to Man an uplifted face and bade him stand erect and turn his eyes to heaven.”

Ovid

The above excerpt was taken from Ovid's influential narrative poem, Metamorphoses. Considered the ancient poet's magnum opus, this poem not only chronicled the history of the world from its creation, but bespoke of Ovid's own "creation" beliefs in the origins of mankind.

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“I am fully convinced that species are not immutable; but that those belonging to what are called the same genera are lineal descendants of some other and generally extinct species, in the same manner as the acknowledged varieties of any one species are the descendants of that species. Furthermore, I am convinced that natural selection has been the most important, but not the exclusive, means of modification.” 

Charles Darwin

The above quote comes from Charles Darwin - in his book, On the Origin of Species published in 1859. Darwin, the distinct naturalist and geologist who stood firmly behind his "evolution theory", is credited with creating the foundation of evolutionary biology. 

Do You Believe in God?

"Your question [about God] is the most difficult in the world. It is not a question I can answer simply with yes or no. I am not an Atheist. I do not know if I can define myself as a Pantheist. The problem involved is too vast for our limited minds. May I not reply with a parable? The human mind, no matter how highly trained, cannot grasp the universe. We are in the position of a little child, entering a huge library whose walls are covered to the ceiling with books in many different tongues. The child knows that someone must have written those books. It does not know who or how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child notes a definite plan in the arrangement of the books, a mysterious order, which it does not comprehend, but only dimly suspects. That, it seems to me, is the attitude of the human mind, even the greatest and most cultured, toward God. We see a universe marvelously arranged, obeying certain laws, but we understand the laws only dimly. Our limited minds cannot grasp the mysterious force that sways the constellations." 

Albert Einstein

The above quote was taken from an interview published in 1930 in G. S. Viereck's book, Glimpses of the Great. In response to a question about whether or not the reputable and distinquished scientist believed in God, this was the explanation that Albert Einstein gave. 



Is There Really Going To Be A Final Battle?

"For this time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side. There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing: it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realised it before or not." 

C. S. Lewis

The above is an excerpt from The Case for Christianity by C. S. Lewis, who was a renowned 20th century novelist, literary critic and lay theologian. Lewis, who had become an atheist in 1913 at the young age of 15, converted to theism in 1929 and later to Christianity in 1931.

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While I do not claim to have all the answers, I continue to maintain a steadfast curiosity... which aides my research. There are so many subjects just waiting to be revealed in the Holy Books of the world, that I foresee this Blog will continue its trek through Cyberspace for a while longer.... :)

Thank you again for making the Who's ? Right blog a great success!

"So I say to you, Ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you."

~ The Prophet Jesus (Hallelujah)

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"The ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr."

~ The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

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"I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people."

~ The Prophet Moses (Amen)