What is the background of Taoism? When, where and how did it start?
Taoism, also known as Daoism, is an indigenous Chinese religion often associated with the Daode jing. The Daode jing focuses on dao as a "way" or "path" — that is, the appropriate way to behave and to lead others. Taoism did not exist as an organized religion until the Way of the Celestial Masters sect was founded in 142 C.E. by Zhang Daoling. The Way of the Celestial Masters and other later sects of Taoism engaged in complex ritual practices. Taoists also engaged with Chinese politics in a variety of ways throughout Chinese history. At one time, scholars in both China and the West distinguished philosophical from religious Taoism. In both, a harmonious relationship between nature, humanity, and the divine is emphasized. The term "Tao" has a number of meanings. Taoist religious sects were persecuted in China during the 19th and 20th centuries. Western interest in Taoism has, for the most part, been confined to the Daode jing.
Who is the founder, where and how Taoism practiced today?
Laozi. Laozi (also spelled Lao-Tzu; ; Lao-tze) was a philosopher and poet of ancient China. He is also revered as a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions.Taoism is mainly practiced in China and Taiwan. About 30,000 North Americans practice Taoism. Most followers practice Taoism in conjunction with Confucianism, Buddhism, and other religions. Many Chinese practice a mix of Confucianism and Taoism.