Besides pursuing immortality, Taoism advocates salvaging human being with their own endeavor and serving the society mainly by the means ofJidu(providing salvation for the masses)andFuzhou (Taoist magic figure or incantation).Jidumeans the behaviors that can relieve the tribulation of disciples and make them free of diseases and poverty in the practical world.Jidurequires people to accumulate merits, do good deeds to affect the immortals to get good retribution or insist on chanting scriptures.
Fuzhouis another important characteristic of Taoism. Its goals are to order about ghosts and gods, expel evils, cure diseases and pray for happiness.Fuzhouincludes some characters or figures written by Taoists on paper, cloth, wooden chip or buildings. Most of the characters look like Chinese characters, but they are not the real ones. The figures have many types and are always grotesque and cannot be identified in general.
ManyFuzhouwere especially recorded in the canons of Taoism. Taoism widely uses them in practical life. They attach much importance toFuzhou, and believe that the characters and figures are the magic languages and tools.Fuzhouis also one of the important contents that Taoist disciples have to study. In general,Fuzhoucontents are forbidden to be divulged to others and can only taught to Taoist disciples by their masters. According to Taoism, learningFuzhouis a key to the mastery of the magic arts of Taoism.
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