Taoist (Daoist) practices are estimated to influence as many as 400 million people in China. The centre of Taoist religion is Maoshan mountain, located between Nanjing and Zhenjiang. It is here that Laozi, the founder of Taoism, came in the 5th century B.C. A monastery was established in Maoshan in 153 B.C. Some of the temples have been rebuilt after the Japanese invasion of the Second World War and the Cultural Revolution. The bronze statue of Laozi is the largest of its kind in the world. The most obvious symbol of Taoism is the yin yang (shadow-light). Although many interpretations are possible for its meaning, it is most commonly explained as symbolizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of seeming opposites. Fundamental Taoism emphasizes the importance of personal meditation, either at home or at a temple. Over the centuries, a pantheon of gods has been created, each with their own temple. Food sacrifices and the burning of incense are common features of Taoism. It is typical to see all ages involved in worship ceremonies. Taoist monks are dressed in black, with black caps. They tend to be camera shy. As with other temples, inside photography is not permitted, so interior views have to be obtained with telephoto lenses, which do not provoke a negative reaction from the monks! Of interest, the main images of Laozi show him dressed in blue-black-white garments!
Peeter Põldre
Photo gallery – Photos By Peeter Põldre
