Taoism Collection (#10)

Dazu, Chongqing, China
Dazu rock carvings

Rock Carvings, Baoding Shan, Dazu Chongqing China
The Dazu Rock Carvings are a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings, dating back as far as the 7th century AD, depicting and influenced by Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
One of the Three Worthies of Huayan, named Manjushri. A triad venerated by the Huayan (Jp. Kegon) School of Buddhism.The Dazu rock carvings, one of Chinas most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
One of the Three Worthies of Huayan, named, Vairocana, a triad venerated by theAHuayanA(Jp. Kegon) School of Buddhism.The Dazu rock carvings

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
Close-up of one of the Three Worthies of Huayan, named, Samantabhadra, a triad venerated by theAHuayanA(Jp. Kegon) School of Buddhism

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
One of the Three Worthies of Huayan, named, Manjushri, a triad venerated by theAHuayanA(Jp. Kegon) School of Buddhism

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
Two of the Three Worthies of Huayan, named, Manjushri and Vairocana, a triad venerated by theAHuayanA(Jp. Kegon) School of Buddhism.The Dazu rock carvings

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
Close-up of one of the Three Worthies of Huayan, named, Vairocana, a triad venerated by theAHuayanA(Jp. Kegon) School of Buddhism

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
Head of Buddha Parinirvana.A prominent carving in Baodingshan is the Reclining Buddha or Sleeping Buddha, which depicts Shakyamunis death and achievement of parinirvana

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
MahamayuriThe cult ofAMahamayuriAwas widespread in Sichuan, although this deity, the only femaleAVidyaraja, seems little-known outside of that area

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
A small section of the 1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara.In this stunning devotional relief, the thousand hands of Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), which give him the power to save sentient beings everywhere

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
Head of Buddha ParinirvanaA prominent carving in Baodingshan is the Reclining Buddha or Sleeping Buddha, which depicts Shakyamunis death and achievement of parinirvana

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
Parinirvana - carvings around the reclining Buddha. A prominent carving in Baodingshan is the Reclining Buddha or Sleeping Buddha, which depicts Shakyamunis death and achievement of parinirvana

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
Parinirvanaplatform above the reclining Buddha also known as the sleeping Buddha. The platform supports effigies of the Buddhas relatives

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
This relief illustrates the Oxherding Parable, an analogy of the process of bringing the seekers mind to a state of enlightenment

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
These carvings are know as Parents Bestowing Kindness on Their Children

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
This carving is part of the Ox herding parable, where the herdsman stands away from his ox, as he no longer needs to supervise the animal

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
Part of the Ox herding parable. In this Scene two hersdmen relax by a pond and enjoy the beauty of nature (represented by a crane) while one of them plays a flute

Rock Carvings, Baodingshan, Dazu, China
Close-up of the carving knows as Shakyamuni Repays His Parents Kindness.The colossal statue of Shakyamuni, overlooks a relief that illustrates twelve instances of Buddhist filial piety

Rock Carvings, Beishan, Dazu, Chongqing, China
The Dazu Rock Carvings are a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings, dating back as far as the 7th century AD, depicting and influenced by Buddhist

Chinese Joss House
Worshippers at a Chinese Joss House, circa 1845. Published by Longman, London, 1848. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Prayer boxes inside the Temple inside statue of the Taoist god Xuan Tian Shang Di, North Pole Pavilion, Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Tung Wang Kung the eastern royal duke

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Melaka (Malacca), Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Asia

Lao-Tzu (6th century BC) Chinese philosopher and inspiration of Taoism. Lao-Tzu riding a buffalo

Lao-Tseu (Lao Tzu) Chinese philosopher and sage, father of Taoism. 6th century BC. British Museum

Jade Emperor Pagoda. Hell wooden sculpture

Fan dance

Monk and tiger painting

Emperor Jade Pagoda. Taoist worship rituals

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple (Taoist temple), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Asia

Jade Emperor Pagoda main shrine

Qi Gong

Zen koan painting depicting monk and tiger

Kun Iam Temple. Buddha

Na Tcha Temple. Door

Man Mo Temple

Head of dragon

Hong Kung Temple

A-Ma Temple

Roof of a temple

Pau Kong Temple. Bell

Kun Iam Temple. Worshipper

Kun Iam Temple. Incense coils

Tin Hau Temple. Incense coils

A-Ma Temple

Pau Kong Temple. Worshipper

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Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion, encompasses a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices, and is deeply rooted in the principles of balance, harmony, and the pursuit of inner peace. One can catch a glimpse of Taoist spirituality through various cultural artifacts scattered across time and space. The enigmatic image of The Kitchen-God from 1922 captures the mystique surrounding this tradition's deities. Its unknown creator skillfully portrays a divine figure associated with domestic affairs, symbolizing blessings upon households. The teachings of Lao-Tse, Confucius, and Buddha have also influenced Taoism over centuries. These great thinkers shaped its philosophical underpinnings while emphasizing compassion, wisdom, and self-realization. In Southeast Asia's Thian Hock Keng Taoist temple stands Mazu sea goddess—a revered deity believed to protect seafarers. This sacred site in Singapore serves as a testament to Taoism's enduring presence throughout the region. Further south lies Cebu City in the Philippines where another Taoist temple stands tall—its vibrant colors reflecting devotion to spiritual enlightenment amidst bustling city life. The iconic Yin Yang symbol embodies one of Taoism's fundamental concepts—the harmonious interplay between opposing forces such as light and dark or masculine and feminine energies—an eternal dance that maintains cosmic equilibrium. Delving deeper into its mystical aspects reveals Chinese eroticism depicted in Sou Nu King—a treatise on sexual initiation dating back to the 4th century A. D. Within these pages lies an exploration of sensuality intertwined with spiritual growth—an embodiment of Taoist beliefs regarding physical intimacy as a path towards transcendence. Xuan Wu (Tran Vu), a bronze statue residing within Quan Thanh Temple in Ba Dinh District exudes strength and protection—a representation of one aspect within the pantheon worshipped by followers seeking guidance along their spiritual journey.