Focus
Taoism piques interest of young Beijingers
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-20 10:29
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Liu Tuanjiu, a 27-year-old Taoist, has set up an online discussion group on douban.com to promote Taoist teachings and practices. Provided to China Daily |
Traditional religion has online appeal for professionals in fast-paced, modern society, according to practitioner
Liu Tuanjiu, a 27-year-old Taoist in Beijing, said he sees increasing interest in Taoist beliefs and practices among young people.
Liu, a native of Shannxi province, was converted to Taoism two years ago after several years of learning Taoist teachings and visiting Taoist temples around China. Liu set up a discussion group on douban.com, a Chinese lifestyle and entertainment website, focusing on Taoist teachings and practices.
As many as 60 members have joined the group since it was established in January. Liu and others in the group share Taoist texts, video clips of Taoist music concerts and listings of events in Taoist temples, and answer questions posted in the discussion group.
"Respect for nature and emphasis on harmony lead people to a responsible lifestyle and drives away desire for things that will jeopardize spiritual development and ecological balance," Liu said.
He talk about Taoism's relevance for young Chinese people with METRO reporter Wu Yiyao.
METRO: Can you tell us about your conversion?
Liu: I used to work in the traditional craft industry and began learning about Chinese traditions. Taoism is obviously an indispensable part of Chinese tradition. I gradually realized that Taoism was at the root of much of Chinese culture. I converted to better my understanding of Taoist thinking.
METRO: Have you seen any changes in the dissemination of Taoism in recent years?
Liu: Taoism teaches us to keep a low profile so followers really do not promote the religion too much.
These days it is common for people to learn about Taoism online because the Internet is an effective communication tool. In an increasingly busy society people are starting to look beyond material wealth and want solutions to the pressures of life. Taoism satisfies people's need for peace of mind.
I noticed this, so I set up the discussion group on douban.com.
There are about six discussion groups like mine on douban.com and about 2,000 members have joined these groups.
METRO: What are some common misunderstandings of Taoism?
Liu: Taoism was once labeled as "superstition" or "mumbo jumbo" because some people judged Taoist rituals without understanding the meaning behind them.
Also in the past some ill-intentioned people posed as "Taoist healers" to sell false remedies, sullying the image of the religion in the process.
Now an increasing number of people, especially young people, tend to learn more before they draw conclusions and are more open to exploring how Taoist thinking can be integrated into our daily lives.
Take geomancy, or fengshui, for example. Fengshui used to be regarded as superstitious pseudoscience. But now more people tend see that fengshui, and what it teaches about how people's environment impacts their health, makes sense. Fengshui was humans' first environment science.
I think people are trying to see Taoism from a new perspective. In the past people tried hard to prove that it does not make any sense, but now people are trying to find the positive aspects of Taoism and then apply them to their daily lives.
METRO: Why is Taoism still mysterious to many people?
Liu: It is not easy to have a systematic understanding of the religion without learning it from Taoist scriptures and learning about the history of the religion. However, almost all the scriptures were written in classical Chinese and the language can be quite subtle and abstract.
Many people who find scriptures incomprehensible instead turn to novels or films about Taoist figures, which can be misleading. But now there are quite a few well-translated versions of scriptures, which provide easier access to Taoist teachings, which may soon make it seem less mysterious.
METRO: Can you tell us how Taoist thinking and practices can positively influence people's lives?
Liu: Taoism encourages filial respect, for example, because it teaches people to be grateful to those who have nurtured them in various ways. Parents obviously do a lot of nurturing. Filial respect is key to the harmony of a family. If every family is full of filial love, there will be fewer conflicts in society.
Taoism also teaches us to cultivate learning as well as morality. Most Taoists who are serving in Taoist temples have received at least a high school education and many Taoists hold bachelor's, master's and even doctoral degrees. We respect knowledge.
The religion also teaches us to lead humble and thrifty lives so that our minds and bodies will not be burdened by excessive desires.
METRO: What do you recommend to people wanting to learn more about Taoism?
Liu: To gain an understanding of what following being a Taoist involves by visiting a temple and talking to the Taoist serving there. And to read more about Taoist history and scriptures.
