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Long Island Taoism, Taoists
on Long Island, Long Island Taoist Daoist Temples
temples. Long Island Browser spirituality and religion
section providing listing of Taoism, Tao temples, Tao
faith on Long Island, New York including Nassau and
Suffolk Counties and the Hamptons.
The
Center of Traditional Taoist Studies
The Center of Traditional Taoist Studies is a non-profit
501(C)(3) religious organization committed to promoting
Taoist ideas and practices. Our mission is to make
available unambiguous teachings in Taoist philosophy,
physical arts, and religion; and to further instruct
individuals in ancient practical techniques that improve
health and inspire contentment in everyday life.
About Taoism
Taoism (Daoism) is the English name referring to a
variety of related Chinese philosophical and religious
traditions and concepts. These traditions influenced
East Asia for over two thousand years and some have
spread internationally. Taoist propriety and ethics
emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao; namely,
compassion, moderation, and humility. Taoist thought
focuses on wu wei ("non-action"), spontaneity, humanism,
and emptiness. An emphasis is placed on the link between
people and nature. Taoism teaches that this link
lessened the need for rules and order, and leads one to
a better understanding of the world. The character Tao
(or Dao, depending on the Romanization scheme) means
"path" or "way", but in Chinese religion and philosophy
it has taken on more abstract meanings. Tao is rarely an
object of worship, being treated more like the Indian
concepts of atman and dharma. The word "Taoism" is used
to translate different Chinese terms. Daojiao/Taochiao
("teachings/religion of the Dao") refers to Daoism as a
religion. Daojia/Taochia ("school of the Dao") refers to
the studies of scholars, or "philosophical" Daoism.
However, most scholars have abandoned the dichotomy of
"religious" and "philosophical" Daoism. Most traditional
Chinese Taoists are polytheistic. Nature and ancestor
spirits are also common in popular Taoism. Organized
Taoism distinguishes its ritual activity from that of
the folk religion, which some professional Taoists (Daoshi)
view as debased. This sort of shamanism is eschewed for
an emphasis on internal alchemy among the "elite"
Taoists. Chinese alchemy, astrology, cuisine, several
Chinese martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine, feng
shui and many styles of qigong breath training
disciplines are intertwined with Taoism throughout
history.
