Laozi and the Daodejing
Laozi, traditionally considered the founder of Daoism, is believed to have written the Daodejing, a fundamental text that outlines the core principles of 道家, emphasizing the Dao and the concept of wu wei.
6th Century BCE
4th Century BCE
Zhuangzi's Contributions
Zhuangzi, another key figure in Daoism, wrote the Zhuangzi, a collection of parables and anecdotes that further developed Daoist philosophy, emphasizing the relativity of things and the importance of spontaneity.
142 CE
Establishment of the Celestial Masters
Zhang Daoling established the Celestial Masters (Tianshi Dao), one of the earliest organized Daoist movements, which played a significant role in the development and formalization of 道家 practices.
4th Century CE
Ge Hong and Alchemy
Ge Hong, a Daoist scholar, compiled the Baopuzi, a text that integrated Daoist philosophy with alchemical practices, emphasizing the pursuit of immortality and internal alchemy.
5th Century CE
Emergence of Shangqing School
The Shangqing (Highest Clarity) school emerged, focusing on meditation, visualization, and the pursuit of spiritual purity, significantly influencing the development of 道家.
618-907 CE
Daoism during the Tang Dynasty
During the Tang Dynasty, Daoism enjoyed imperial patronage, and many temples and monasteries were built. The Daoist Canon (Daozang) began to take shape, compiling important texts and scriptures of 道家.
1019 CE
Compilation of the Daozang
The Daozang, or Daoist Canon, was compiled, collecting over 1,400 texts that are essential to 道家, covering a wide range of topics including philosophy, rituals, alchemy, and medicine.
1116 CE
Emergence of Quanzhen School
Wang Chongyang founded the Quanzhen (Complete Perfection) school, which emphasized monastic discipline, meditation, and inner alchemy, becoming one of the most influential schools within 道家.
13th Century CE
Integration with Chinese Buddhism
During the Yuan Dynasty, Daoism and Buddhism began to integrate, with Daoist temples adopting Buddhist practices and vice versa, enriching the traditions of 道家.
1368-1644 CE
Daoism during the Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty saw a revival of Daoism, with significant contributions to Daoist literature and the construction of many temples. The Daoist Canon was further expanded during this period.
1644-1912 CE
Daoism during the Qing Dynasty
Despite facing challenges from Confucianism and Buddhism, 道家 continued to thrive, with notable figures like Liu Yiming contributing to the Quanzhen school and the development of internal alchemy.
1920s
Modernization Efforts
In the early 20th century, Daoist leaders began efforts to modernize 道家, establishing associations and publishing works to adapt Daoist practices to contemporary society.
1949
Impact of the Communist Revolution
The establishment of the People's Republic of China led to the suppression of religious practices, including 道家. Many temples were closed, and Daoist practices were restricted.
1980s
Revival of Daoism
With the relaxation of religious policies in China, 道家 experienced a revival. Temples were reopened, and interest in Daoist practices and philosophy grew both in China and internationally.
2000s
Globalization of Daoism
The 21st century has seen a growing global interest in 道家, with Daoist teachings and practices being adopted worldwide, contributing to the global spread of Daoist philosophy and spirituality.
2024
Contemporary Daoism
Today, 道家 continues to evolve, with a focus on environmentalism, health, and well-being. Modern Daoist practitioners integrate traditional practices with contemporary issues, ensuring the relevance of Daoism in the modern world.
