History of Taoism

Taoism traces its origins to the 6th century BCE and the legendary sage Laozi (老子), author of the Tao Te Ching (道德经). However, many elements of Taoist practice draw from even older shamanic traditions of ancient China.

During the Warring States period (475-221 BCE), Taoist philosophy flourished alongside Confucianism and Legalism. The Zhuangzi (庄子) was written during this time, offering a playful, poetic counterpoint to the Tao Te Ching.

The Celestial Masters (天师道) movement, founded by Zhang Daoling in 142 CE, established Taoism as an organized religion with rituals, priesthood, and talismanic traditions.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), Taoism was the state religion. The imperial court patronized Taoist monasteries and ritual specialists.

Longhu Mountain (龙虎山) became the seat of the Celestial Masters tradition in the 10th century and remains one of the most important Taoist centers today.