Introduction

Abstract

The Daode jing is the oldest and most venerated scripture of Daoism, a complex religion that includes philosophy, communal ritual, and health cultivation practices. The philosophy is associated with “Dao” or “Way” and works with ideas of naturalness and nonaction. Its communal ritual comes with priestly hierarchies, holy scriptures, exorcistic spells, and more; health practices involve techniques of deep breathing, slow motion, gentle stretches, and meditation. This threefold division matches the three types of Daoists: literati, organized, and self-cultivation. Literati Daoists are members of the educated elite, creating meaning with Daoist thought and expressing themselves in commentaries, treatises, and poetry. Organized Daoists engage in formal initiations, regular rituals, and prayers to the gods, forming a particular segment of ordinary society. Self-cultivation practitioners focus on personal health, longevity, peace of mind, and spiritual immortality. All three come together fruitfully to constitute Daoism as a living tradition, and all strongly rely on and work with the Daode jing.