What are some Taoist rituals?

Question

I've been studying Taoism philosophically for years, but I haven't come across much information about Taoism as a religion. I know it has something to do with rituals and exercises, but I'm curious to find out what they involve.

Answer 1

Morning and Evening Rites - reading the Taoist incantations, scriptures, and exhorations, and contemplating them. This allows one to cultivate the Tao.

http://www.eng.taoism.org.hk/religious-activities&rituals/religious-practise/pg4-1-1.asp

Refining the Vital Breath is one of the primary routine practices of Taoists. It involves a practice of Taoist gynamstics and adjusting one's breathing. This practice varies by sect.

http://www.eng.taoism.org.hk/religious-activities&rituals/religious-practise/pg4-1-2.asp

Fasting is also used as a means of clensing the body, mind, and soul.

http://www.eng.taoism.org.hk/religious-activities&rituals/religious-practise/pg4-1-4.asp

And as with many eastern religions, meditation is a part of one's practice.

Answer 2

Taoism is not a religion, but a philosophy.
There are ancient written recordings of mantras for various purposes, eg. to protect one from evil spirits, enemies,..etc; to attract prosperity,...etc. There are certain rituals in following the time and manner in writing these mantras.
Also, there are fortune-telling based on the 64 faces, according to metal, wood, water, fire, earth.

Answer 3

http://religion-cults.com/Eastern/Taoism/taoism.htm
http://www.taoist.bc.ca/victoria/about/background.htm
http://www.cpa.ed.ac.uk/edit1/08/articles/03.html
http://www.religioustolerance.org/taoism.htm

Don't know if any of these links will help since you have been studying Tao philosophically. The one thing I have learned since finding these links, which I never knew before, is there is a Tao Tai Chi & then there is Tai Chi Chuan, both are ancient ways of fighting, but the Tao Tai Chi appears to be geared to recentering oneself in order to obtain the ultimate in mind and body health.

Answer 4

As a practising Taoist, i feel i should perhaps answer :P

Do you have a copy of the Tao Te Ching? If so, use that whenever you feel either lost, or are looking for a clear way ahead. Apart fro nthat, just live your life in harmony, tis all i do :)

Answer 5

Most devoted taoists live a life of meditation and peace in harmony with nature. That is the basis of what they beleive. They walk around stepping softly on the ground in order to not kill the little bacteria on the ground.