Taoism is an indigenous religion in China. It is closely linked to the native Chinese culture and deeply rooted in the fertile soil of China, possessing distinct Chinese characteristics and exerting a profound influence on all aspects of Chinese culture. Taoism originated from Emperor Huangdi and regards him as the founding ancestor. Laozi, who expounded the essence of Taoism, is regarded as the Taoist patriarch. Zhang Daoling, who composed the core of Taoism, is regarded as the religious patriarch, and these are known as the three patriarchs of Taoism.
The "founder" of Taoism, Emperor Huangdi
"The Primogenitor", Emperor Huangdi, had the surname Gongsun. Since he was born in the Xuanyuan Mountain, he was called Xuanyuan. According to "Records of the Grand Historian: Book of Sacrifices", when Huangdi was alive, Chiyou, who was cruel and immoral and had a strong inclination towards war, caused great suffering to all living beings in the world and aroused the anger of the feudal lords. Later, with the assistance of his generals Fenglu and Limu, Huangdi fought against Chiyou at Zhuolu and finally captured and executed him, bringing peace to the world. After that, he calculated the calendar, taught people to raise silkworms, weave cloth, plant grains, create writing, determine the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, and establish medicine, and was hailed as the "first ancestor of human culture" of the Chinese nation.
黄帝
After the great flood subsided, Emperor Huangdi developed a desire to seek immortality and began to visit Guang Chengzi (an ancient immortal) at Kong Tong Mountain (located in present-day Pingliang City, Gansu Province) to ask for guidance. According to Volume Two of "The Book of Immortals": Emperor Huangdi asked about the way to maintain health, and Guang Chengzi replied: "The essence of the ultimate truth is indescribable and elusive; the extreme of the ultimate truth is dim and silent; without seeing or hearing, embrace the spirit and remain calm; the body will naturally align itself, and it is necessary to remain calm and clear; do not burden your body, do not shake your spirit, and thus you can achieve immortality." He also bestowed upon him the "Natural Scripture" scroll. This was the first sage in Chinese history with written records who sought immortality from an immortal and practiced cultivation. Therefore, he was revered by Taoism as the "First Ancestor".
The year 4716 AD that we are currently referring to (that is, the year 2019 AD) is the year designated by the event where Emperor Huang asked Guang Chengzi for advice.
The "Supreme Elder" of Taoism, Laozi
"Master Dao", Laozi, whose given name was Lian and whose courtesy name was Boyang, was a person from the Spring and Autumn period. Laozi was a great philosopher and the founder of the Taoist school. His thoughts had a profound influence on politics, philosophy, military affairs, religion, health preservation, and more in later generations. Therefore, Sima Qian said: "The Taoists enable people to focus their minds, move without form, and nourish all things. Their philosophy is based on the great order of Yin and Yang, incorporates the virtues of Confucianism and Mohism, and summarizes the essentials of Legalism. It adapts to the times, responds to changes in the world, and is suitable for all situations and matters. It is concise and easy to follow, with few actions but great results." (From "The Discourses of the Grand Historian - The Essentials of Six Schools"). The "Laozi Holy Mother Stele" written by Wang Fu of the Western Han Dynasty (84-86 AD) states: "Laozi is the Tao. He was born before the formless state, emerged before the beginning of Tai Chu, moved in the primordial state of Tai Su, floated in the six heavens, entered and exited the depths of the underworld, observed the unseparation of mixture, and explored the undivision of clarity and turbidity." In the "Laozi Thought Commentary" by Zhang Daoling of the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is said: "Laozi, when he dissipated his form, became qi; when he gathered his form, became the Supreme Elderly Lord."
老子
From the above, it can be seen that Laozi and the concept of "Dao" are inseparable and form a unity. That is, Laozi is Dao, and Dao is Laozi. In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, after Taoism was formally established as a religious organization based on Taoist thought, it regarded the "Tao Te Ching" as its sacred scripture and honored Laozi as the "God of Dao", also known as "The Supreme Elderly Lord Laozi".
In modern times, with the extensive dissemination of "Tao Te Ching" around the world, Laozi's influence has grown increasingly significant, leading him to be recognized by the international academic community as the top among the 100 "great men", "writers" and "philosophers" throughout history in the world, and as the "father of world philosophy". The birthday of the Taoist sage Laozi is on the 15th day of the second lunar month.
The "founder" of Taoism, Zhang Daoling
"Teachance", Zhang Daoling (around 34 - 156 AD), was from Pei County (now Feng County, Jiangsu Province). According to records, Zhang Daoling held the position of Jiangzhou Prefect in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Eventually, he felt that his efforts were not beneficial to his longevity and health, so he resigned from his position and retired to practice the way of immortality. At Fuan Mountain, he obtained the "Yellow Emperor's Nine-Temple Divine Pill Scripture". Later, he led his disciples to practice in Yunjin Mountain (now Longhu Mountain in Jiangxi Province). After three years, the elixir was completed and both the dragon and the tiger appeared simultaneously. He foresaw that the destiny would change, so he led his disciples to preach in Sichuan, where the local people had a simple folk culture and a prevalent witchcraft. After arriving in Sichuan, sorcerers often came to disrupt the altar. Later, Zhang Daoling defeated the sorcerers through repeated battles and finally established the True One Alliance and Power Tao (also known as the Immortal Priest Tao) during the reign of Emperor Shun of the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 125 - 144).
张道陵
Zhang Daoling's own work, "The Interpretation of Laozi for the Reader", expounded the doctrines. Additionally, he wrote twenty-four more Taoist scriptures as the action guidelines for the followers. Later, Zhang Daoling divided tens of thousands of believers into twenty-four divisions and appointed "Wangjiao" positions to manage each region.
According to Lu Xiujing's "Rules of the Taoist Sect", "The Five-Dou-Mi Tao established 24 divisions and 36 residential areas. There were 2,400 Taoist priests inside and outside the sect, along with 1,200 officials. They had thousands of scrolls, incantations, and sacrificial offerings, and they killed demons and brought people back to life, purifying the universe and establishing justice. They covered the entire sky and earth, ensuring that there were no more evil spirits. They lifted all restrictions on personal desires, implemented strict governance of the people (aiming for integrity and serving the public), abstained from lavish spending (meaning not to waste resources for the gods), and Taoist masters did not accept money (meaning they could not accept bribes). They practiced kindness and filial piety internally and showed respect and courtesy externally. They assisted in regulating the times and governing the country, and helped to save the nation and its people."
From this, it can be seen that the Tianshi Dao founded by Zhang Daoling was dedicated to upholding the traditional moral code of the Chinese nation. It also significantly stabilized the situation in a certain region and alleviated the conflicts between politics and the people.
At the age of 123, Master Zhang ascended to the heavens along with his two devoted disciples, Wang Chang and Zhao Sheng, during the day. Later, scholars regarded Master Zhang as the "founder of Taoism" and the "Supreme Deity of Exorcising Demons and Protecting the Faith".
The birthday of Zhang Tian Shi falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
