Daoism Glossary Terms
Dao
The term dao (or tao) literally the “path,” or “way,” has been employed in Chinese religious and philosophical traditions, including Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. In general usage, the Tao refers to the proper way to act so as...
Daodejing
The Daodejing, literally “The Scripture of the Way and its Power,” has been influential in the philosophical and religious traditions of Daoism. It is traditionally dated to the 6th century BCE, although most scholars believe it was written several...
Daoism
The Daoist tradition incorporates a highly diverse range of philosophical, religious, and folk values and practices, all of which share a concern for realigning human life so that it is in better accord with the natural rhythms of the universe. Symbols of...
Daoist meditation
There are two interrelated forms of Daoist meditation. In one, the practitioner visualizes the characteristics of various deities while reciting their esoteric names and attributes, thereby gaining immortality and acting as the mediator between heaven and...
Eight Immortals
Since the Song dynasty (960-1279), the Baxian, or “Eight Immortals” have been a frequent subject of Daoist-inspired legend and artwork. They may be depicted separately, or as a group. The eight include: Zhongli Quan, depicted as a fat man with a bare...
Healing Tao
The Healing Tao organization is the largest Daoist organization in the United States with its network of Healing Tao centers. Since the early 1980s, the organization has been led by Mantak Chia, trained in both Daoist practice and Western medicine, who...
Heavenly Worthy
In the Lingbao Daoist tradition the Heavenly Worthy ( Tianzun) and other celestial lords are entreated to gain salvation for all humankind.
Hong, Ge
Ge Hong (c.283-363 CE) was a Daoist alchemist that took the stance that a perfect alignment with the Way results in a person’s attaining immortality. The most direct means to achieve this goal is to ingest potable gold and other elixirs. Since most people...
Jade Emperor
Since the 12th century CE the Jade Emperor has been the head of the Daoist celestial pantheon. He presides over the councils of heaven and, on the last day of each year, he receives reports on the activities of all gods and humans so that he may mete out...
Laozi
It is unknown whether a historical Laozi ever existed. The name “Laozi” simply means “Old Master.” According to Daoist legend, in the 6th century BCE this mysterious sage authored the Daodejing, a text which assumed great importance in both philosophical...
Lingbao
The Lingbao Daoist tradition first arose in 4th century China to provide an indigenous alternative to Buddhism that was open to more general participation than was possible in the rigorous meditative tradition of Shangqing Daoism. To do so, Lingbao...
Lu Tung-pin; Lü Dongbin
Lu Tung-pin is one of the Baxian (Eight Immortals), who are frequently depicted in Daoist artwork. He is said to have been a reclusive scholar in 8th century China who attained immortality at the age of 50. In his right hand he holds a Daoist fly-brush...
Ma-tzu
Mazu has been a popular goddess offering protection to Chinese seafarers since at least the 10th century CE. Often, crews who have narrowly escaped sinking during a storm report that, when the tempest was at its most terrifying, Mazu’s spirit guided them...
qigong
According to modern Daoist practitioners, the goal of qigong is to enhance a person’s health by maintaining the proper balance of qi (vital energy) and enhancing its free circulation throughout the body. Techniques for accomplishing this include...
Shangqing
Practitioners of the Shangqing tradition, which gained popularity in 4th-century China, strove to gain immortality through practicing meditation in a remote location. By visualizing the characteristics of various deities while reciting their esoteric...
Supreme One
In early Chinese cosmology, Taiyi, the “Supreme One,” was the god of the center of the universe. Since the advent of the Shangqing Daoist tradition in the 4th century, Taiyi has come to especially represent the universe’s primordial unity.
taijiquan
Taijiquan, literally “the fist of the great ultimate,” refers to a method of calisthenics with roots in ancient Daoist longevity techniques. By following a series of slow, graceful movements, the practitioner attempts to stimulate and harmonize the...
Zhuangzi
Zhuangzi (c.369-286 BCE), second perhaps only to Laozi, is considered one of the main founders of the Daoist tradition. Unlike Laozi, scholars are more certain Zhuangzi was a real historical figure. While the Daodejing was composed in poetry, Zhuangzi’s...