Daoism Today

Daoism is prevalent today across the globe, both through its influence and inspiration and directly through those who still practice. Around 12 million people are said to still practice Daoism, concentrated mostly in China but also across the globe in countries like the United States. Daoism’s main legacy however, is their influence on daily life and culture in modern day China and throughout the world. For example, the symbol of the yin and yang can be seen in households, wallets, clothing, and buildings all across the world as it has become accepted as a universal symbol for balance. The practice of meditation, natural medicine, and martial arts such as Tai Chi all stem from Daoism, and are practiced all around today. Daoism is most prevalent in practice and authenticity in China, the region from which it originated, more so than it is in western countries. In China, the range of followers of Daoism ranges from a smaller few who practice Daoism devoutly to those who view it as a benevolent philosophy for life, compared to other countries where devout practice of Daoism is either extremely rare or non-existent. According to research on strategic studies for the US Army War College by David Lai, Daoist principles are even used today by leaders for Chinese defense strategies, as well as meditation and martial arts in Chinese military training (Lai 2004). Daoism is also active in modern society through its influence on other religions that are still practiced. There are different Buddhist sects in China that have incorporated Daoist principles into their teaching and practice, and parts of Daoism can be seen in classical religious sects across East Asia. Daoism’s appeal as a philosophical aspect that enriches one’s knowledge or view of self is also one of the forms that is most prevalent in modern society, as its easygoig nature combined with no religious strings has created a great appeal to many around the world to incorporate aspects of Daoist philosophy like the yin yang into their lives. Compared to the most popular worldwide religions, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, Daoism is a lot smaller in following, but its role today is defined more so on its influence in different aspects of Chinese culture, global activities, works of art, and philosophy.