Summary of Timeline
Taoism was developed at around 400 B.C.E. This was the time period when Dao de Jing, the first compilation of Taoist writings were created. Later on, other writings were formed and the Zhuangzi is one of the most famous ones. In Taoism, there are different sects, which are groups in Taoism with somewhat different religious beliefs. In 142 C.E., a new sect called “Taoism of Celestial Masters” were created. During the period of 960 to 1279 C.E., many new sects were formed. From 1919 to 1950 C.E. after the Communist takeover in China, religion was persecuted in China, so the Taoists were not able to follow their religious beliefs in China. Taoists fell by 99% in 10 years. However, in 1982, religious tolerance was reestablished, from then until now, Taoism is spreading in China, and also in other parts of the world.
From the formation of Taoism first in the Middle and Eastern Han dynasties, we can see that this religion reformed, divided into sects, taking the Taoist philosophy, and using the idea of the Yin and Yang, Confucianism, and so on. Through Taoism, people were able to produce a lot of scriptures and documents, which are part of the Chinese Treasures nowadays. The timeline included the major events that happened in Taoism. However, the next section will provide information about Taoism from five major Chinese dynasties.
The Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.E)
This period was when the first concept of Tao was introduced. As explained in the timeline, many pieces of writing was formed. Taoism’s second and third most important texts were introduced during this period. The ideas in these scriptures were mostly referred to as “Philosophical Taoism” (Daojiao) where the ideas reflect reality. There are also ideas called “Religious Taoism” (Daojia) where they practice religious beliefs, so they do have some limits. However, nowadays, philosophers do not think of these two ideas separately.
The Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E-220 C.E.)
The Han Dynasty was when the mixture of Confucianism and Taoism began under the Chinese Empire. We get exposed to a new organized religion.
The Chinese “Middle Ages” (220-581)
In the Chinese Middle Ages, we see the birth of two major Chinese traditions. In years 375 to 370 Yang Xi receives the Supreme Purity Revelation. The main goal of this revelation is for immortality and also the idea of Zhuangzi. Tao Hongjing is the most important figure in this school. In 402, there is the Numinous Treasure (Lingbao) revelation. This school has impact on Mahayana Buddhism, and focuses on the idea of rebirth. Most of the traditions in the Lingbao revelation are based on Confucian and Buddhist ethics.
The Tang Dynasty (618-907)
The Tang emperors usually supported Taoism, but this dynasty is based more on the unification of the Indian speculation (Madhyamika) and the Dao de Jing. The Tang dynasty also gave influence on Taoist art and calligraphy. In all of the Taoist artworks of this period, we can see that the art is fairly simple, and it focuses more on the beauty of the natural world.
The Song and Yuan Dynasties (960-1368)
In these dynasties, the development of internal transformation occurs. This process is based on the circulation of the Yin and Yang. The emperors Zhenzong and Huizong represented rulers who worshipped Taoism in the Northern Song dynasty. Emperor Huizong claimed that the Heavenly Spirits had descended to rejuvenate Taoism. By his instructions, the Taoist Registration Administration officially titled Emperor Huizong as an emperor.