Key to Exercise XIV

I. Discuss the following questions with your partner and then come up with your answers. 1.According to Taoism, what does the term Tao mean? The term Tao means "way", "path" or "principle", and can also be found in Chinese philosophies and religions other than Taoism. In Taoism, however, Tao denotes something that is both the source and the driving force behind everything that exists. It is ultimately ineffable: "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao."

2.What influence has Taoism had on the Chinese culture? Taoism has had profound influence on Chinese culture in the course of the centuries, and clerics of institutionalized Taoism usually take care to note distinction between their ritual tradition and the customs and practices found in Chinese folk religion as these distinctions sometimes appear blurred. Chinese alchemy (especially neidan), Chinese astrology, Chan (Zen) Buddhism, several martial arts, Traditional Chinese medicine, feng shui, and many styles of qigong have been intertwined with Taoism throughout history. Beyond China, Taoism also had influence on surrounding societies in Asia.

3.According to Robinet, what are the four components in the emergence of Taoism? Robinet identifies four components in the emergence of Taoism:(1)Philosophical Taoism, i.e. the Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi. (2)techniques for achieving ecstasy. (3)practices for achieving longevity or immortality. (4)exorcism.

II. Fill in each of the following blanks with an appropriate word or phrase chosen from the text. 1.ethical; harmony 2.Yin Yang; Laozi 3.ancestors; longevity 4.wu-wei; spontaneity 5.Taoism; favor 6. Naturalists; Warring States 7. Cao Cao; Laozi 8. Te; Tao 9. Naturalness; creativity 10.water; harmoniously