At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, social turmoil, political corruption, and the people lived in dire straits.
However, it is against this historical background that the two important factions of early Taoism, the Wudou Midao and the Taiping Dao, shine like two bright stars in the darkness. (Five buckets of rice is the way of the heavenly master, is one)
So, why was the Eastern Han Dynasty able to give birth to these two Great Dao Sect giants, and what are their historical origins, similarities and differences?
1. In the troubled times, why does the light of Taoism shine?
At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, wars were frequent, people were displaced, and their lives could not be sustained. In such an environment, people began to seek spiritual sustenance and a way out. Taoism, as a religion that pursues natural harmony and advocates the rule of non-action, just met the needs of people at that time. It brings hope and solace to people, allowing them to find spiritual sustenance in the midst of suffering.
2. Five buckets of rice Dao: The path of cultivation, the Tao is natural
The Five Bucket Rice Dao, also known as Zhengyi or Heavenly Master Dao, is one of the earliest sects of Taoism. It was founded by Zhang Daoling in Heming Mountain, Sichuan during the reign of Emperor Shun of the Eastern Han Dynasty. According to the Book of the Later Han Dynasty and the Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms, those who enter the Tao must take out five buckets of rice, hence the name "Five Buckets of Rice Road". Its doctrine takes "Tao" as "one", "one scattered form is qi, and the gathered form is Taishang Laojun", that is, Taishang Laojun is the embodiment of "Tao". Wudou Mi Daozun Lao Tzu is the leader, with the Tao Te Ching as the main classic.
Wudou Midao focuses on personal practice and inner peace, advocating the rule of inaction and living in harmony with nature. Its teachings are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and believers have gradually realized the true meaning of the "Tao" through long-term practice and practice. They seek inner peace and tranquility as a way to cope with the turmoil and turmoil of the outside world.
3. Taiping Road: To the dream of peace, dare to be the first in the world
Unlike Wudou Midao, Taiping Dao, under Zhang Jiao's leadership, paid more attention to social change and political ideals. With the aim of "bringing peace", it tried to achieve an ideal peaceful world by overthrowing the dark Eastern Han regime. The believers of Taiping Dao have a yearning for a better life and bravely stand at the forefront of history. By organizing uprisings and armed struggles, they tried to change the status quo in society and realize their ideals.
4. Similarities and differences: The Tao is different, but it is also conspiratory
Although Wudou Midao and Taiping Dao differed in their goals and means, they both originated from the social turmoil in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and people's yearning for a better life. They are all based on Taoist teachings and pursue harmony and tranquility in the individual and society. At the same time, they also attracted a large number of believers by curing diseases and saving people, preaching and solving doubts, etc., and became an important force in the society at that time.
However, their differences are also obvious.
Wudou Midao focuses more on personal practice and inner peace, advocating the rule of inaction, while Taiping Dao focuses more on social change and political ideals, and attempts to overthrow the existing regime through violent means.
This difference has led to their different fates and influences throughout history.
5. Conclusion: The light of Taoism shines through the ages
Looking back on the Eastern Han Dynasty, we can't help but sigh at the vicissitudes and changes of history. As two important sects of Taoism in the early days, Wudou Midao and Taiping Dao were deeply marked by the times in their birth and development. In different ways, they inherit the spirit and wisdom of Taoism, and also leave a valuable cultural heritage for future generations.