Taoism

Tao·ism  (douzm, tou-)

n.

A principal philosophy and system of religion of China based on the teachings of Lao-tzu in the sixth century b.c. and on subsequent revelations. It advocates preserving and restoring the Tao in the body and the cosmos.

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Taoist n.

Tao·istic adj.

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Taoism [rhymes with Maoism]

Noun

a Chinese system of religion and philosophy advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events

Taoist nadj

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Taoism

1. a philosophical system evolved by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu, especially its advocacy of a simple and natural life and of noninterference with the course of natural events in order to have a happy existence in harmony with the Tao.
2. a popular Chinese religion, purporting to be based on the principles of Lao-tzu, but actually an eclectic polytheism characterized by superstition, alchemy, divination, and magic. Also called Hsüan Chiao.

See also: Religion

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	Taoism - a Chinese sect claiming to follow the teaching of Lao-tzu but incorporating pantheism and sorcery in addition to Taoism religious order, religious sect, sect - a subdivision of a larger religious group Tao, Taoist - an adherent of any branch of Taoism
	2.	Taoism - religion adhering to the teaching of Lao-tzu Daoism, Taoism - philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events organized religion, religion, faith - an institution to express belief in a divine power; "he was raised in the Baptist religion"; "a member of his own faith contradicted him" Tao, Taoist - an adherent of any branch of Taoism
	3.	Taoism - popular Chinese philosophical system based in teachings of Lao-tzu but characterized by a pantheism of many gods and the practices of alchemy and divination and magic Hsuan Chiao faith, religion, religious belief - a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny; "he lost his faith but not his morality"
	4.	Taoism - philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events Daoism philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory - a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy Tao - the ultimate principle of the universe Tao - the ultimate principle of the universe Taoism - religion adhering to the teaching of Lao-tzu