I. Philosophical Concepts of Taoism
Taoism takes "Tao" as its core belief and believes that "Tao" is the origin and master of all things in the universe. "Tao" is invisible and intangible, yet it is everywhere. It contains the truth of the universe and the mystery of life. In the philosophical system of Taoism, it emphasizes following nature and governing by non-action. It advocates that people should follow the laws of nature and not forcibly interfere with the development of nature so as to reach the realm of living in harmony with nature. This concept has profound warning significance for the phenomenon of excessive pursuit of material interests and destruction of the natural environment in today's society.
As one of the important schools of Taoism, the Zheng Yi School even integrates the concept of "Tao" into daily life and practice. The Zheng Yi School emphasizes that "Tao is learned from the heart, and the heart is transmitted by incense". Through inner practice and external rituals, people can feel the existence of Tao and pursue the purification and sublimation of the soul.
II. Historical Inheritance of the Celestial Master's Mansion in Longhu Mountain and the Zheng Yi School
The Celestial Master's Mansion in Longhu Mountain is located in Longhu Mountain, Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province. It is the ancestral court of the Zheng Yi School. Since Zhang Daoling of the Eastern Han Dynasty practiced and founded the Zheng Yi School here, the Celestial Master's Mansion in Longhu Mountain has witnessed the rise and fall of Taoism through thousands of years of vicissitudes.
Zhang Daoling is respected as the founder of the Zheng Yi School. He refined elixirs and cultivated Taoism in Longhu Mountain, cured the sick with talisman water, widely recruited disciples and spread Taoist doctrines. Since then, generations of Celestial Masters have inherited the Taoist tradition and promoted Taoist methods in Longhu Mountain, making the Zheng Yi School always maintain an important position in Taoism.
The architecture of the Celestial Master's Mansion in Longhu Mountain is magnificent and full of Taoist cultural atmosphere. The palaces, towers, pavilions and waterside pavilions in the mansion all show the solemnity and mystery of Taoism. Here is not only a holy place for Taoist priests of the Zheng Yi School to practice, but also an important place for the inheritance of Taoist culture.
III. Practice Methods and Characteristics of the Zheng Yi School
The practice methods of the Zheng Yi School are rich and diverse, paying attention to both inner cultivation and external rituals. In terms of inner cultivation, the Zheng Yi School emphasizes purifying the mind and reducing desires, being indifferent to fame and fortune, and improving one's spiritual realm through meditation and chanting scriptures. In terms of external rituals, the Zheng Yi School has strict ritual norms, such as fasting and offering sacrifices, and talismans.
Fasting and offering sacrifices is one of the important religious rituals of the Zheng Yi School. By sacrificing to gods and praying for blessings, people express their awe and belief in Tao. Talismans are a unique magical form of the Zheng Yi School. Taoist priests draw talismans and use mysterious power to drive away evil spirits, avoid disasters and cure diseases and save people.
In addition, the Zheng Yi School also pays attention to interaction and communication with the folk. Taoist priests of the Zheng Yi School often go deep into the folk, hold religious ceremonies and pray for blessings and avert disasters for the people, and are deeply loved and respected by the people.
IV. Value and Significance of Taoism in Modern Society
In modern society, Taoism still has important value and significance. First of all, the philosophical thoughts of Taoism can provide people with a new way of thinking and values. Taoism emphasizes following nature and living in harmony, which has positive inspiration for solving environmental problems and interpersonal relationship problems faced by today's society.
Secondly, the practice methods of Taoism can help people relieve stress and regulate body and mind. In the fast-paced modern life, people often face various pressures and challenges. The practice methods of Taoism such as meditation and chanting scriptures can make people relax, calm their hearts and find inner peace and balance.
Finally, the Celestial Master's Mansion in Longhu Mountain and the Zheng Yi School, as important representatives of Taoism, play an irreplaceable role in inheriting and promoting Chinese traditional culture. Through the protection and development of the Celestial Master's Mansion in Longhu Mountain and the research and dissemination of Taoist culture of the Zheng Yi School, more people can understand and know Taoism and feel the profoundness of Chinese traditional culture.
As an ancient and mysterious religion, Taoism contains rich philosophical thoughts, cultural connotations and spiritual values. The Celestial Master's Mansion in Longhu Mountain and the Zheng Yi School, as important components of Taoism, have played an important role in the development process of Taoism. In modern society, we should attach importance to the value and significance of Taoism, inherit and promote Taoist culture, and let this ancient wisdom shine with new brilliance in the new era.