Taoism (道 Tao — "the Way") is about living in harmony with nature and finding peace of body and mind — from festivals honoring heaven and ancestors, to meditation and the arts of well-being. Since 1966, the Taoist Association in Taipei has connected temples (宮觀) across Taiwan and run a Taoist Academy — and now we are bringing this living tradition to the world.
Study with the Academy
Our previous website gathered 40 essays on Taoist deities, 28 introductions to Taoist thought and 318 event records — but they were locked in an aging system, with no English. This new site is where we retell that real heritage in plain, bilingual language. Step by step.
Taoist philosophy, well-being and the classics — 28 plain-language primers. (Currently in Chinese; English editions in progress.)
Temple EtiquetteFirst visit to a Taoist temple? Rites, customs and courtesy, explained.
Courses & CeremoniesThe Taoist Academy enrolls yearly; ceremonies are held across the calendar.
Find a Local Association6 provincial-level and 18 county/city Taoist associations across Taiwan.
The highest deities of Taoism — three celestial embodiments of the Tao itself.
Deities of Taoism, essay no. 4 Xuantian Shangdi 玄天上帝The Dark Emperor of the North — guardian deity whose great sanctuary is Mount Wudang.
Deities of Taoism, essay no. 1 The Queen Mother of the West 西王金母Foremost of female immortals on Mount Kunlun — one of the oldest figures in Chinese belief.
Deities of Taoism, essay no. 13The Tao Te Ching, Zhuangzi and Huangting Jing — reading the worldview of the Tao.
Zhai-jiao liturgies (altar ceremonies of blessing) and the Lidou rite for peace and longevity.
Neidan ("inner alchemy" — breathing and self-cultivation) and Taoist medicine.
Liturgical chant and ritual instruments.
Enrollment +886-2-2732-4477 (Association) · +886-2-2732-2449 (Academic Affairs)
Campus Zhinan Temple, Wenshan District, Taipei · 34 research cohorts and 36 diploma cohorts to date
Can't visit in person? Begin with the Association's ceremony recordings — international enquiries welcome at servicetaoism@yahoo.com.tw.
Founded in Taipei on 13 February 1966 as Taiwan's national Taoist organization; the first chairman was Chang En-pu, the 63rd Celestial Master. Our mission: to elucidate Taoist teaching, uphold its precepts, serve society and promote harmony in the world.