Taoism

History of Taoism

Taoism does not have a specific founder. Its development was influenced by many religions and philosophies that existed in ancient China. It is believed that it first developed as a religion in the 4th or 3rd centuries BC. In 142 AD in China, the Tao revealed itself to Zhang Daoling, who formed the first organized school of the religion.

He also became the first Celestial Master, a tradition that survives today. During the Tang and Song dynasties, Taoism was a semi-official religion in China. This changed when Confucianism became popular. Nonetheless, Taoism was still well-spread. However, Taoism suffered greatly when Communists took over China and banned the religion. Taoism then moved to its new home, Taiwan. After some time, Chinese officials started becoming somewhat tolerant to religions and started reappearing in China.