How Long Ago was Taoism Invented?

If you are studying different religions, you might be wondering how long ago Taoism was invented.  It's not only interesting to learn about when Taoism was invented, but how it was invented as well.

How Long Ago Did it Start?

Taoism started approximately 2300-2400 years ago. In fact, some argue that Taoism started as early as the third or fourth century B.C. Part of the reason why the origins of Taoism are so ambiguous is because when it started, there was not a written history. People simply passed on the teachings. Additionally, Taoism changes to keep up with modern times. Therefore, even if we could pinpoint a start of Taoism, perhaps it was just Taoism in a changed form.

Confusion also arises because of the range of tales, myths, and histories of Taoism. Without a written record, people could essentially change bits and pieces of information. Understand that Taoism is more of a philosophy than a religion. Therefore, it does not have a religious history as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam do. Therefore, the history of the set of ideas itself does not have as much concrete evidence.

How Did Taoism Begin?

Just as Taoism's origin date is uncertain, so are the roots of this religion's beginnings. Here are the different theories on how this religion came into practice:

• When Tao Te Chung was written in the 3rd or 4th century B.C., Taoism was first mentioned and people began to follow its words. These writings served to instruct people on proper morals and what has commonly been referred to as "the Way."
• Zhang Daoling, the founder of Way of the Celestial Masters sect of Taoism, has also been credited with forming the entire religion. Daoling was active in the second century, A.D. Daoling is said to have lived to the age of 123. However, he is not said to have dead, but rather to have gone up into heaven to become immortal.
• Others say that Taoism did not arise until Buddhism did. In this sense, people say that Taoism came to be because people wanted something in contrast to Buddhism.
• Some say that Laozi, the man who wrote Tao Te Chung, taught the leaders of Buddhism and Confucianism. Therefore, it seems that all three religions would be related. Some individuals say that Laozi lived through thirteen different incarnations.

Taoism is still practiced in some parts of Asia.