Quote:
Originally Posted by pianoperformer  From what I understand, there are branches of Taoism that do have specific beliefs, and even deities. Of course none are required. |
Yes; as far as I know, Taoism, did become heavily ritualised, with a plethora of gods etc; a long cry from it's origins. Tao sages of old, would have had no need to call themselves Taoist, or to identify with any word or label; infact; I believe the name Taoist was very much after the fact, and applied to these wise men of old, by others.
Taoism very much encourages you to discover the truth of your own nature, and the universal nature, for yourself; it states very clearly, that words, concepts, ideas etc; are not it (check out first few lines in the DDJ). While Taoism is a descriptor to the nature of reality; it makes this clear, and that one should let go of the descriptor. It also describes the interplay and change within the natural world.
One analogy I like to use, is that of a finger pointing at the moon. Religions do that; they point at something, but then there is a tendency with people to mistake the finger for the moon; no no no! The fingers' only value is in it's ability to direct people to the moon; to their true, unforced natures, behond all description and words.