Taoism Symbols - Yin Yang
Symbol
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Also known as the 'Taijitu', the Yin Yang
symbol is one of the most important of the
Taoism symbols
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The word Taijitu translates to "diagram of
ultimate power"
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The Yin Yang symbol as shown on the right
comprised two 'S' shaped images. The black
shape is 'Yin' whilst the clear shape, often
pictured colored white represents Yang
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Many Taoist temples and buildings display
the Yin Yang Symbol and it also appears on
flags and logos that symbolise Taoism
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Yin and Yang are complementary, not opposing
forces
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Taoism Symbols - What is the difference between Taoism and Daoism?
What is the difference
between Taoism and Daoism? The answer is nothing! They both refer to the
same religion and are just different ways of translating the same word.
Taoism Symbols - Jade Emperor
According to Taoist
mythology the Jade Emperor is the ruler of heaven. He also appears in
Chinese culture and is one of the most important gods in Chinese
religion. The Jade Emperor is referred to by many names including
Heavenly Grandfather, Ancient Buddha, August personage of Jade and Yu
Huang Shangdi. He rules all mortals but his rank is below that of the
Three Pure Ones who are the three highest gods in the Taoist trinity.
Taoism
Symbols - The Eight Immortals
According to Chinese mythology and the Taoist faith
there are Eight Immortals. Each one having a specific
power giving life or killing evil. Collectively, these
eight individual powers are referred to as the "Covert
Eight Immortals". The Immortals are:
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Immortal
Woman He (He Xiangu)
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Royal
Uncle Cao (Cao Guojiu)
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Iron-Crutch Li (Tieguai Li)
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Lan
Caihe
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Lü
Dongbin (leader)
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Philosopher Han Xiang (Han Xiang Zi)
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Elder
Zhang Guo (Zhang Guo Lao)
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Han
Zhongli (Zhongli Quan)
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Taoism Symbols -
Definition of Belief
Being religious is defined as
the outward act or form by which a person indicates their recognition of
the existence of a god or of gods having power over their destiny, to
whom obedience, service, and honor are due. Having a religious belief or
faith is being in awe of some superhuman and overruling power, whether
by profession of belief, by observance of rites and ceremonies, or by
the conduct of life. Religion is a
framework of beliefs relating to supernatural or superhuman beings or
forces that transcend the everyday material world. Being religious is to
have a strong belief, a faith in a supernatural power or powers that control
human destiny; "he lost his faith but not his morality".
Facts about Taoism Symbols
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Taoism Symbols Fact One:
The number two is an important symbol in the Taoist faith.
Followers of Taoism believe in the complementary and opposing
forces of Ying and Yang
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Taoism Symbols Fact Two:
Mountains are symbolic in Taoism, it is believed that people can
communicate with immortals through mountains. In Taoism there
are five sacred mountains
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Taoism Symbols Fact Three: The Tao Te Ching and the
writings of Zhuangzi are the sacred texts of Taoism
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Taoism Symbols Fact Four: The 'Three Pure Ones' are the
highest ranking gods in the Taoist trinity, they are The Grand
Pure One, The Jade Pure One and The Supreme Pure One
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Taoism Symbols Fact Five: The Supreme Pure One, one of
the three gods of the Taoist trinity is also known as the keeper
of the sacred book
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Taoism Symbols Fact Six: Taoism is both a religious
tradition and a philosophical belief
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Taoism Symbols Fact Seven: The 'Three Treasures' of
Taoism also known as the 'Three Jewels' are Moderation,
Compassion and Humility
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Taoism Symbols Fact Eight: Several martial arts including
T'ai Chi follow the Taoist principles
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Taoism Symbols Fact Nine: Astrology and Fortune Telling
are both traditional activities for followers of Taoism
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Taoism Symbols Fact Ten: Both Confucianism and Taoism
share the terms 'Tao' and 'Deo'
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Taoism Symbols Fact Eleven: The Taijitu, better known as
the Yin Yang symbol is a simple design made up of various nested
circles. Each half contains a dot in opposite colors
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Taoism Symbols Fact Twelve: Ba gua means "Eight Symbols"
and are referred to as "Trigrams" in English. They are used in
Taoism to symbolise the the principles of reality
Taoism Symbols
- Spirituality
Discover facts and
information about a huge range of spiritual and religious emblems,
symbols
and signs. Read about each of the individual symbols and its significance to
Taoism. Find out
interesting facts about Lao Tzu. Who are the Eight Immortals? What is
the significance of the Jade emperor in Taiosm? Discover the answers to these questions and
many more, a useful educational resource for everyone.
Taoism Symbols
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