Taoism as a Global Religious Phenomenon

It is, therefore, regarded as “world religion” (Nadeau, 61). The primary goal of Taoism is to provide an “indefinite extension of long life, immortality” (Nadeau, 94). Therefore, according to the views of Taoism “life is made for living, and to be vital, active, engaged and youthful into old age…” (Nadeau, 94). How is this possible? The self-cultivation of Taoism includes several exercises as well as meditation practices thus “from the moment you begin this practice, if you do it regularly and consistently, you age appearance will not change. If you begin at 30, you will retain the youthfulness of a 30-years-old well into old age” (Nadeau, 94). It is impossible to ignore the teachings of Taoism for the Chinese in their daily life. For instance, the following aspects explain how the Chinese incorporate Taoism into their daily lives.

One, the belief that there is a power beyond the “observable realm and includes spiritual power that has physical effects and manifestations” (Nadeau, 96). Secondly, the Chinese belief in harmony that not only extends to individual and other persons but includes a harmonious relationship with the cosmos and the entire natural world is taught through Taoism. There is also an emphasis on the practice of personal meditation which is aimed to unite the physical, emotional, spiritual and physiological identity. Do the failures “reflect a breakdown in communal structures, including religious institutions, which leads to people measure their interests in purely individual terms?” (Nadeau, 97). However, as result of the ills experienced in the world in the presence of other religions and the need to counterbalance the global ill trends, most of the people have seen Taoism as the only “alternative religious orientation that provides a platform for self-cultivation and understanding tool (Nadeau, 97).

Therefore, the global Taoism emphasis on “naturalism, holistic development of the physical and emotional aspects of human identity, political and ecological harmony…” has been adopted globally (Nadeau, 98). Moreover, there is increased adoption of the alchemy, psychological and physical exercises and other lifestyles requirements offered by Taoism in most of the Western countries in the world. Despite lacking an institutional base for Taoism even in China, most individuals, scholars and support group are coming up with ways to establish such Taoism institution in China, Western countries, and the entire world. There are other aspects of Taoism which have been in the modern Chinese community and which are spreading all over the world. For instance, the contemporary Chinese art is said to be influenced by the aspects of Taoism naturalism which has been in existence for long in the Chinese history.

The practices of long life are still adhered to in modern Chinese community and include lifestyles such as cooking where preference to “leafy green vegetables” is given to meat and other Western foods (Nadeau, 99). Taoists values and practices in the current world In China as opposed to the Western nations, physical activities are considered essential for personal well-being and not for competitive or in sports. Taoism encourages some of the physical activities that include among others, yoga, meditation and aerobic exercises. As a result, Taoism has ceased to be regarded as philosophical but a religious tradition which entirely focuses on self-cultivation for a better and harmonious society. The teachings of Taoism are gaining more followers from every part of the world in the twenty-first century due to the observable benefits.