Taiwan Today

Taoism and folk religions are proving they remain an important part of the country’s social fabric.

In June 2019, a Taoist delegation of religious leaders and temple operators from across the country was invited to the Presidential Office in Taipei City for a reception with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). Led by Lu Kun-yung (盧崑永), chairman of the General Association of Taiwan Taoism Sects (GATTS) based in the central county of Changhua, the group was thanked by Tsai for their perennial efforts providing religious and charity services in the community. As centers of folk beliefs, temples are likewise hubs of neighborhood activity, the president said, which is why she prioritizes visits to local places of worship whenever possible.

Tsai’s confidence in the positive power of Taoism and other folk religions speaks to their widespread practice in Taiwan. Tracing its origins to the classical Chinese philosophy of “Tao,” meaning the way, Taoism is believed to have been founded by Li Er (李耳) commonly known as Laozi, a philosopher active around the 5th century B.C. at approximately the same time as Confucius and the Buddha. The first formal Taoist organization is widely considered to be the Heavenly Master sect founded in the second century by Zhang Daoling (張道陵‬) based on Laozi’s teachings. The title of master has been inherited by members of the Zhang family ever since. In 1949, the 63rd master Zhang En-pu (張恩溥) moved to Taiwan from the sect’s base in China’s Jiangxi province to escape communist rule. His descendants remain in the country to this day.

The Heavenly Master system led by the Zhang family is just one of many Taoist groups in Taiwan, which are akin to the various denominations of Christianity, according to Chang Chao-jan (張超然), an associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies at New Taipei City-based Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU). While the Zhang family represents one of the oldest branches of the religion, in Taiwan Taoism has evolved to have its own unique customs and rituals, Chang said. Taoist deities are often worshipped together with the Buddha and Confucius, forming a trio of faiths that share temple space: Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. These also have a strong connection with local folk beliefs.

Deeply Embedded

Religion plays an important role in everyday life in Taiwan, a fact made evident by the many temples and shrines throughout the country. The majority of these were founded by local residents of newly formed communities who bound together to construct places of worship for their divinities of choice. One of the most beloved is Mazu, a sea goddess who lends her name to more than 800 temples nationwide. Festivals held in her honor attract thousands of followers each year, with an annual weeklong 300-kilometer pilgrimage organized by Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung City’s Dajia District being the most famous example. GATTS head Lu argues Taoism’s inherent polytheism fits well with traditional belief in ancestor worship. “Taoism and folk beliefs have a symbiotic relationship,” he said.

This close bond is clear from the demand for Taoist priests to oversee folk festivals and rituals. In Taiwan, priests generally belong to either the Zhengyi or Lingbao schools hailing from the north and south of the country, respectively. While northern priests are trained in overseeing festive occasions, their southern counterparts also offer funeral services, said Chang, a leading scholar at FJCU’s Center for Taoist Studies.

Prevalence of various religious festivals and rituals in Taiwan has traditionally been tied to prosperity, as temples rely on funding from local business operators who tend to give more donations the more successful they become. Two periods in particular helped develop the country’s unique practices thanks to sustained stretches of high economic growth: the first half of the 20th century under Japanese colonial rule (1895-1945) and the 1960s and 70s during the economic miracle. The latter is also notable because it coincided with the Cultural Revolution in China. In response, the Kuomintang government in Taiwan launched the Chinese Cultural Renaissance Movement, which saw promotion of Taoist and Confucian principles rejected by China’s communist party.

Renewed Faith

Following the end of martial law in 1987, the Civil Associations Act came into effect and led to the establishment of many nongovernmental organizations across Taiwan including GATTS. The alliance was formed in 2007 to build connections among the country’s Taoist temples and religious associations, a task it has accomplished with much success by introducing the religion to a new generation.

Chang cites the box office success of Taiwan films such as “Seven Days in Heaven” in 2010 and “Din Tao: Leader of the Parade” in 2012, which tell the stories of a Taoist priest and temple festival, respectively. “Work by local organizations and depictions in popular culture have really helped propel Taoism and folk beliefs into the modern world while shedding lingering negative stereotypes,” he said. Tellingly, whereas the children of Taoist priests were once reluctant to talk about their parents’ profession, now there are many cases of youngsters taking up the family mantle, Chang added.

Modern life has also led to an unprecedented demand for Taoist ceremonies soliciting fertility, fortune, peace and well-being. For example, each year before Taiwan’s college entrance examinations, rituals are organized at local temples for young examinees and their parents seeking blessings from the god of culture and literature.

With growing numbers of young people interested in Taoism, training for would-be priests has also seen a corresponding shift from the traditional yearslong apprenticeship toward a modern model of classroom and online learning. In Chang’s undergraduate class at FJCU, two students are taking part-time lessons to learn about organizing Taoist rituals. His department additionally co-organizes forums with places of worship such as Guangyuan Temple in the northern port city of Keelung to provide a platform for disseminating Taoist experience and knowledge.

With relevant training courses also available through the Workforce Development Agency under the Ministry of Labor, GATTS Chairman Lu is glad to see the future of Taoism is secure in Taiwan. Regardless of which system they belong to, the country’s Taoists are united in their desire for a harmonious and spiritually fulfilled society, he said. “Taoism and folk religions are part of the foundation on which Taiwan is built. If you want to know the people’s hearts, come and visit a local temple.”

Write to Pat Gao at cjkao@mofa.gov.tw