Taoism first originated in China around 500 B.C. and the ideas that were proposed by some of those early thinkers still have a strong influence and impact, on humanity and contribute significantly to our thinking even today (Kohn, L. 2001, p11). Taoism has undergone many adaptations as history changed, but it is still fundamentally unchanged, and some of the physical traits exhibited by followers today are very similar to ones their ancestors showed (Lee, R. 1999, p45). The focus of this paper is primarily on the physical attributes and differences displayed by Taoism devotees who are tourists in Australia, and how tourism operators can allow and cater for their needs. This paper will highlight these significances and explain why they occur so that it may help readers obtain a better understanding of how to deal and accommodate followers of Taoism.
Taoism
Taoism began as a combination of both psychology and philosophy, but then changed into a religious faith in 440 AD (Lee, R. 1999). The man credited with creating the Taoist principles, Lao-Tse, was also at this time venerated as a deity. Taoism, along with Buddhism and Confucianism, became one of the three great religions in China (Blofeld, J.1979, p.32) and Blofeld also states that Taoism, along with Confucianism, has shaped Chinese life for more than 2,000 years. The Taoist heritage, with its emphasis on individuality, spontaneity, liberal government, mystical experience, has co-existed with Confucianism throughout history because it was written in a time of war, to try and solve feudal problems without having to resort to violence. Taoism today is becoming more and more popular with western cultures because its encourages inner thought and achievement (Li, C. 1999)
Taoist beliefs and philosophie ...