BELIEF IN DEITIES AND SPIRITS
The “Tao” in Taoism is the source of everything in the universe and helps impersonally guide everything that exists, although, the “Tao” is not a supernatural being that controls the universe as most religious beliefs do. Because the “Tao” is not a God, it is not worshiped. Although, in some texts the “Tao” is referred to in a God-like way.
Other than the “Tao”, Taoists believe in other deities and supernatural beings that represent human activities, such as, robbery. The most important Gods in Taoism are known as the “Three Pure Ones”, Yu-ch'ing (Jade Pure), Shang-ch'ing (Upper Pure) and T'ai-ch'ing (Great Pure), and they are said to be teachers of man-kind rather than rulers of it. The Jade Emperor in Taoist mythology is the ruler of the heavens. The Jade Emperor distributes justice and punishment those who commit evil deeds or thoughts. When a person dies, they are punished in heaven by the Jade Emperor if they have committed any form of evil.
Furthermore, in Taoism it is believed that there are “Eight Immortals” who have powers of giving life or killing evil. They are said to live in heaven along with the Jade Emperor. These are not the only deities that Taoists believe in, but these are the main ones which, linking to their belief in the “Tao”, they believe are there to show man-kind the way to life rather than control it.
Taoists also have a strong belief in spirits that live in heaven or an underworld, there are many festivals and rituals performed in honor of the spirits of those who have passed.
Taoism is a religion focused on nature, and through understanding the natural law of the world Taoists believe that they can gain eternal life.