This quiz tests Taoist School Selector ''Western'' Taoist - There is a lot of talk in the West about Taoism, most of it out of the context of the Chinese society from which it arose. Unlike other Eastern traditions that maintain an identity transcending their cultural contexts, like Buddhism, Taoism depends very heavily on its Chinese roots. There is a lot of good instruction out there in the Taoist arts, and that is actually good for most people. But to claim Taoist affiliation or even understanding requires one to embrace Taoist culture, something very difficult indeed. Many people claim to teach Taoism, but in China no Taoist hangs a shingle out for anyone to walk in and learn the trade secret. Taoists are happy to hire themselves out for services or to teach certain cultivations, but they choose their prospects for initiation, and thus the deeper teachings of Taoism, very carefully. Anyone publicly offering to teach Taoist esoterica, or who claim that you can get the essentials by buying their book, should be viewed with great suspicion. Religion Knowledge Quizzes, Trivia, IQ Tests

This Religion IQ Quiz is based upon the selector Taoist School Selector by Ming Miaoxue.
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''Western'' Taoist - There is a lot of talk in the West about Taoism, most of it out of the context of the Chinese society from which it arose. Unlike other Eastern traditions that maintain an identity transcending their cultural contexts, like Buddhism, Taoism depends very heavily on its Chinese roots. There is a lot of good instruction out there in the Taoist arts, and that is actually good for most people. But to claim Taoist affiliation or even understanding requires one to embrace Taoist culture, something very difficult indeed. Many people claim to teach Taoism, but in China no Taoist hangs a shingle out for anyone to walk in and learn the trade secret. Taoists are happy to hire themselves out for services or to teach certain cultivations, but they choose their prospects for initiation, and thus the deeper teachings of Taoism, very carefully. Anyone publicly offering to teach Taoist esoterica, or who claim that you can get the essentials by buying their book, should be viewed with great suspicion.

Show what you know by answering true or false to the following. Answer ''false'' if neither applies or if you're not sure. Your score will be calculated on the next page.

Your first question is below.

The Tao and its virtue are reflected in a pantheon of primordial deities, elemental forces, and ascended mortals.

True False

Through formal ritual, a Taoist can access and channel the power of the Tao on behalf of him/herself and the community at large.

True False

Talismans, charms, and petitions can be created by a skilled Taoist to call upon the power of the Tao and/or its agents.

True False

Ritual is a reflection of folk superstitions and has no place in the life of a Taoist.

True False

The focus of ritual should be the physical and energistic cultivation of the individual Taoist and his/her fellows.

True False

Primarily through meditation, one can escape mortal existence.

True False

A combination of physical conditioning and meditation can help one attain a purified state of being.

True False

Cultivations are not terribly important, awareness is sufficient to attain the virtue of Tao.

True False

The cultivation of sexual energy is an important part of refining one's body and mind.

True False

The confession of sins to a master and/or peers is important to cleansing one's body and energies.

True False

Performing charitable works is a good way to improve the state of one's being.

True False

A Taoist lives in the community at large, has a family, and offers his/her services as a doctor or lawyer might.

True False

A Taoist lives in a separate community of others who share his/her lineage and practice.

True False

A Taoist receives his/her lineage from an elder relative at an early age.

True False

A student of Taoism is carefully chosen by an elder Taoist as an apt pupil at any stage of his/her life.

True False

Initiation into a lineage is not relevant to learning Taoist practice.

True False

A Taoist completely shuts him/herself off from the company of others, especially from the uninitiated.

True False

Only the teachings of the early masters (the Yellow Emperor, Laozi, Zhuangzi, and maybe Liezi) are relevant to Taoism.

True False

The teachings of the early masters, plus the revelations to Zhang Daoling and his successors are important to the evolution of Taoism.

True False

The teachings of Buddhism can add significantly to Taoist practice.

True False

The teachings of Confucianism can add significantly to Taoist practice.

True False

Folk practices and shamanism are an important addition to Taoist practice.

True False

Taoism can encompass any religion and practice available.

True False

Taoist theory and practice can only be expanded and reinterpreted by accomplished masters of a lineage, and even then with great care.

True False

Now that you have answered all the questions, continue to the Show Me My Score button below.