Northern Taoism
The outside world knew little about the existence of Northern Taoism until the 1980s because few foreigners were allowed to enter mainland China under conditions that allowed them to experience the country's religious culture. For a time there was also a question mark over whether Taoism had survived the crackdown on all religions in China from 1966 to 1976.
Northern Taoism grew out of the Ch'üan-chen tradition. It was founded in the 12th century by Wang Chu'ung-yang. It emphasises moral and spiritual discipline and also continues self-preservation practices that date back to the classical Nei-yeh. Its headquarters are at White Cloud Abbey in Beijing.
Northern Taoism grew out of the Ch'üan-chen tradition. It was founded in the 12th century by Wang Chu'ung-yang. It emphasises moral and spiritual discipline and also continues self-preservation practices that date back to the classical Nei-yeh. Its headquarters are at White Cloud Abbey in Beijing.
Southern Taoism
Southern Taoism is an offshoot of Cheng-i Taoism, the only liturgical tradition surviving today. The modern Cheng-i tradition dates back to the 11th century. Its priests still preform liturgies like the chiao, believed to harmonise the local community with the cosmos. They also perform healing rituals and exorcisms in public. But these activities are frowned upon by 'Northern' Taoists.
Other Groups
There are other Taoist groups but none of them is believed to exist in its original form. Some of them are listed below:
- Chin tan (Golden Elixir) Taoism - a tradition strong on meditation or 'Inner Alchemy'. Much of this practice was absorbed into the Ch'üan chen tradition.
- Ch'ing wei (Clarified Tenuity) Taoism - A complex of ritual traditions that trace back to a young woman, Tsu Shu.
- T'ien hsin (Heart of Heaven) Taoism - A tradition of ritual healing based upon scriptures discovered in the early Sung period by a retired official, Jao Tung-t'ien.
- Shen hsiao (Divine Empyrean) Taoism - A liturgical tradition established by Lin Ling-su at the court of the Sung emperor Hui tsung (early 12th century).
- T'ung-ch'u (Youthful Incipience) Taoism - An obscure tradition of therapeutic rituals founded by a young man in 1121, claiming continuity with the Shang-ch'ing tradition.
- T'ai i (Supreme Union) Taoism - Founded by Hsiao Pao chen in the 12th century, it stressed ritual healing and social responsibility.
- Chen ta (Perfected Greatness) or Ta-tao (Great Way) Taoism - Founded by Liu Te-jen in the 12th- century. It combined the basic moral teachings of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism and was patronized by the Chin government.