Taoism
About
Taoism is an ancient tradition of philosophy and religious belief that is deeply rooted in Chinese customs and worldview. Taoist ideas have become popular throughout the world through Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, and various martial arts.
Taoists believe that human beings are elements of a harmonious universe in which everything is interrelated. Health depends on letting the Tao flow freely and maintaining universal harmony, which includes harmony within the body.
End of Life
It is said that the human body is filled with spirits, gods, or demons. When people die, it is believed they should do rituals to let the spirits guard the body. Because of the emphasis on family in Asian cultures, a Taoist family plays a key role in making end of life decisions.
Medical interventions can conflict with Taoism by disrupting the Tao’s flow. When it is possible to delay death, the Taoist custom of filial piety, or absolute devotion to family, can influence decisions to try experimental treatments, life support, and other unnatural efforts to prolong life.
For a Taoist patient, natural pain relief is the most acceptable choice. Drugs are not off-limits as long as the medication serves a purpose by restoring the body’s natural capacity to function. When treatment is no longer helpful, a Taoist will allow nature to take its course.
After Death
Most Taoist funerals have priests to offer prayers and meditation, reading sutras and reciting chants. They are sombre occasions unless the deceased is above 100 years old, in which case longevity peach buns are served to celebrate a long and prosperous life lived.
The casket and body are sent to the wake separately. There’s an altar with fruits, candles, joss sticks and the deceased’s portrait, alongside their favourite foods. Some Cantonese families may have a priest perform a fire ritual known as “Breaking the Hell’s Gate”, which symbolises breaking down hell’s door to save the deceased and lead their soul out of the netherworld to enter reincarnation.
The “Summoning of Soul” ritual involves calling out the deceased’s name in hopes that they will be resurrected, plus burning of joss paper and chanting of sutras. Paper items are burned for the afterlife. A procession follows after the wake, with family members trailing behind the hearse for a short distance before making their way to the cremation or burial site. This symbolises the last journey of the deceased. A marching band often plays loud music to scare away unwanted spirits.