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Quizzes > History

Taoism History: Buddhist or Taoist Quiz

Quick, free Buddhism vs Taoism quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Karma Toys Review Play DayUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art depicting white yin yang symbol above layered mountains clouds and foliage on dark blue background for Taoism quiz

This Taoism history quiz helps you check what you know about the Dao, early schools, and key ideas like wu wei, and see whether you lean more Buddhist or Taoist. For more context, try our world religions quiz, a China history quiz, or dive deeper with an ancient philosophy quiz.

Which ancient text is considered the foundational work of Taoist philosophy?
Diamond Sutra
Tao Te Ching
Zhuangzi
Lotus Sutra
The Tao Te Ching, traditionally attributed to Laozi, is the primary scripture of Taoism and lays out its core philosophical concepts. It consists of poetic verses emphasizing harmony with the Dao and the practice of wu wei. It predates other Taoist works like the Zhuangzi and is the most widely translated. .
Who is traditionally credited as the founder of Taoism?
Siddhartha Gautama
Laozi
Zhuangzi
Confucius
Laozi is the semi-legendary figure credited with authoring the Tao Te Ching and founding Taoist philosophy. His name means 'Old Master,' and he is revered as a deity in religious Taoism. Historical evidence is sparse, but tradition holds him as the originator of the Dao. .
What does the Yin and Yang symbol represent in Taoist philosophy?
Balance of the five elements
Complementary and interdependent forces
A cosmic conflict of opposites
Four noble truths
Yin and Yang depict complementary and interconnected forces that make up all aspects of the universe. They illustrate balance rather than conflict, showing how one gives rise to the other in a dynamic interplay. This concept is central to Taoist cosmology and health practices. .
In Taoism, the term "Wu Wei" is best translated as which of the following?
Non-action or effortless action
True knowledge
Absolute self
Great virtue
Wu Wei literally means 'non-action' or 'effortless doing,' emphasizing natural, spontaneous action aligned with the Dao. It does not imply laziness but rather acting in harmony without force. This principle is a cornerstone of Taoist ethics and governance. .
The concept of "Qi" in Taoism refers to what?
Moral virtue
Vital life energy or breath
Cycle of rebirth
Divine decree
Qi is the fundamental life energy or vital force that flows through all living things in Taoist thought. Maintaining balanced Qi is central to Taoist medicine, martial arts, and spiritual practices. Techniques like qigong and acupuncture aim to regulate Qi. .
During which Chinese dynasty did Taoism first emerge as an organized religious movement?
Tang Dynasty
Han Dynasty
Song Dynasty
Qin Dynasty
Taoist teachings were systematized and institutionalized during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), leading to the formation of organized religious movements. Earlier texts laid philosophical groundwork, but the Han era saw official recognition. State endorsement and the writing of early commentaries occurred in this period. .
Which of the following is a common practice in Taoist spiritual cultivation?
Veneration of saints
Pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya
Meditation and breathing exercises
Sacramental confession
Meditation, breathing techniques, and movement disciplines like qigong are key to Taoist spiritual cultivation. These practices aim to harmonize Qi, calm the mind, and align with the Dao. They differ from pilgrimage and confession found in other traditions. .
The Zhuangzi text is best known for its use of what literary device?
Mathematical proofs
Allegorical stories and parables
Liturgical hymns
Legal statutes
The Zhuangzi, attributed to the sage Zhuang Zhou, is famous for its imaginative parables and allegories that illustrate Taoist ideas. These stories challenge conventional wisdom and highlight the relativity of perspectives. It's a cornerstone of Taoist philosophy alongside the Tao Te Ching. .
What is the term for internal alchemy in Taoist practice?
Madhyamaka
Waidan
Samatha
Neidan
Neidan, or 'internal alchemy,' involves meditative and energy-cultivation techniques to transform Qi, Jing, and Shen toward spiritual refinement. It contrasts with Waidan, which is 'external alchemy' using physical substances. Internal alchemy is central to many Taoist lineages. .
Which concept belongs to Buddhism and is NOT a core idea in Taoism?
Wu Wei
Qi
Yin Yang
Nirvana
Nirvana is a key Buddhist concept describing liberation from the cycle of rebirth, but it is not part of Taoist doctrine. Taoism emphasizes harmony with the Dao, Wu Wei, and balance of Yin and Yang instead. Qi is also a distinctive Taoist concept of vital energy. .
The Daozang refers to which of the following?
The Taoist canon of scriptures
An ancient Legalist code
A collection of Buddhist sutras
A Confucian philosophical anthology
The Daozang, or 'Taoist Treasury,' is the official compilation of Taoist scriptures, rituals, and commentaries assembled over centuries. It includes over 1,400 texts across three main divisions. It serves as the foundation of Taoist religious tradition. .
Feng Shui, the practice of harmonizing individuals with their environment, originated in which tradition?
Buddhism
Legalism
Confucianism
Taoism
Feng Shui arose out of Taoist cosmology and the understanding of Qi flow in landscapes and buildings. It applies Taoist principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements to achieve environmental harmony. While widely practiced today, its roots are in Taoist geomancy. .
What was the primary goal of Taoist alchemy in ancient China?
To master martial arts
To purge all karma
To achieve sudden enlightenment
To attain physical or spiritual immortality
Taoist alchemy, both internal and external, historically aimed to extend life and achieve immortality through refinement of the body's essence and spirits. While spiritual enlightenment is valued, the alchemical tradition focused on physical longevity. This quest influenced medicine, chemistry, and ritual. .
In Taoist cosmology, the Three Pure Ones are:
The three realms of heaven, earth, and humanity
The three primordial forces of time, space, and matter
The three essential practices of Taoist cultivation
The highest divine beings in the Taoist pantheon
The Three Pure Ones are the supreme deities in Taoism, each representing different aspects of the Dao's manifestation. They are worshipped in temples and form the core of Taoist theology. Their titles reflect origin, manifestation, and completion of cosmic functions. .
In Taoist internal alchemy, the 'Three Treasures' (San Bao) consist of which elements?
Air, Wind, and Fire
Yin, Yang, and Dao
Heaven, Earth, and Humanity
Jing, Qi, and Shen
The Three Treasures - Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit) - are fundamental substances in Taoist internal alchemy. Practitioners cultivate and transform these to achieve health, longevity, and spiritual realization. This triad underpins most Taoist meditation systems. .
Which Taoist sect is known for its strict monastic discipline and vegetarianism?
Guiyidao
Zhengyi
Shangqing
Quanzhen
The Quanzhen (Complete Perfection) school, founded in the 12th century, established monastic communities with celibacy and vegetarian practices. It integrated Buddhist and Confucian elements but maintained distinct Taoist rituals. Quanzhen remains one of the major Taoist lineages today. .
The Taiping Jing was used to inspire which historical uprising?
Taiping Rebellion
Yellow Turban Rebellion
Boxer Rebellion
An Lushan Rebellion
The Taiping Jing, a Taoist scripture, fueled the ideals of equality and renewal behind the Yellow Turban Rebellion in 184 CE. Rebel leaders used its promises of a new age to rally support against the Han Dynasty. Despite its name similarity, it is unrelated to the 19th-century Taiping Rebellion. .
How do Taoism and Buddhism differ in their interpretation of 'emptiness'?
Taoism rejects emptiness, while Buddhism embraces it
Buddhism defines emptiness as lack of inherent existence; Taoism sees emptiness as the creative void of the Dao
Buddhism sees emptiness as bliss, Taoism sees it as fear
Both traditions treat emptiness strictly as nihilism
In Buddhism, ??nyat? (emptiness) refers to the absence of independent self-nature in all phenomena. Taoism, by contrast, regards emptiness as the fertile ground from which the Dao arises - a generative void rather than an ontological negation. Each tradition applies the concept to different soteriological ends. .
Which of the following is NOT a foundational text of the Taoist philosophical school (Daojia)?
Tao Te Ching
Zhuangzi
Mozi
Liezi
Mozi is the key text of Mohism, not Taoism. The Taoist philosophical tradition (Daojia) is built around works like the Tao Te Ching, Zhuangzi, and the Liezi. Mozi presents distinct ethical and political ideas unrelated to core Taoist doctrine. .
Apart from Mainland China, which region has the highest concentration of Taoist temples?
Taiwan
South Korea
Japan
Vietnam
Taiwan is home to thousands of active Taoist temples and religious associations, reflecting the island's deep cultural ties to Chinese folk and Taoist traditions. The government's support and local devotion have kept temple culture vibrant. Other East Asian regions have fewer active Taoist institutions. .
The Lingbao canon is notable for integrating elements from which religious tradition into Taoism?
Manichaeism
Confucianism
Buddhism
Christianity
Compiled in the early 5th century CE, the Lingbao canon incorporates Buddhist liturgical rites and cosmological ideas into Taoist scripture. It marked a turning point in Taoist ritual practice, blending texts with Mahayana influences. This synthesis helped Taoism adapt and expand during the Six Dynasties era. .
Which historical figure is famed for synthesizing Taoist alchemical practices with Buddhist ideas in the 4th century CE?
Xuanzang
Ge Hong
Zhang Boduan
Lu Dongbin
Ge Hong (283 - 343 CE), author of the Baopuzi, integrated Taoist internal alchemy with concepts of Buddhist transformation and meditation. His works reflect a dialogue between emerging Buddhism and established Taoist practices. Ge Hong's synthesis influenced later traditions in both schools. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Taoist Origins -

    Outline the foundational events and developments that shaped Taoist philosophy and practice.

  2. Differentiate Philosophical Teachings -

    Distinguish the key principles and doctrines of Taoism and Buddhism to recognize their unique spiritual approaches.

  3. Identify Key Figures and Texts -

    Recall influential Taoist sages and canonical writings, such as Laozi's Tao Te Ching, and their impact on the tradition.

  4. Analyze Rituals and Traditions -

    Examine common Taoist ceremonies and practices to understand their symbolic and historical significance.

  5. Assess Personal Spiritual Alignment -

    Use the am I Buddhist or Taoist quiz to evaluate your beliefs and discover which tradition resonates more with your worldview.

  6. Retain Key Historical Insights -

    Engage with the history of Taoism quiz and Taoism history test to cement your grasp of major milestones in Taoist thought.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Foundational Text: Daodejing -

    The Daodejing is the core scripture of Taoism, attributed to Laozi and composed of around 5,000 Chinese characters (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Mnemonic trick: remember "DDJ" as "Dao, De, Jing" to ace any history of Taoism quiz question on primary texts.

  2. Key Figures: Laozi & Zhuangzi -

    Laozi, author of the Daodejing, and Zhuangzi, namesake of the Zhuangzi text, are the dynamic duo of early Taoist thought (Harvard Divinity School). A quick memory aid: "LZ" reminds you these two giants laid the groundwork for many Taoism trivia questions.

  3. Core Concept: Wu Wei (Non-Action) -

    Wu Wei literally means "effortless action" or "non-forcing" and encourages flowing with natural rhythms (Oxford University Press). Imagine a leaf floating downstream - that's your mental image to recall Wu Wei on an "am i buddhist or taoist quiz."

  4. Complementarity: Yin and Yang -

    The yin - yang symbol illustrates interdependence of opposites (Yin = shaded, Yang = bright) and is central to Taoist cosmology (Journal of Chinese Philosophy). Use "Yin is IN the dark, Yang is out IN the sun" as a playful mnemonic for balanced duality.

  5. Comparative Insight: Anatta vs Ziran -

    In Buddhism, anatta declares "no-self," while Taoism's ziran celebrates "natural spontaneity" (University of Oxford). Spotting this contrast is key to many Taoism history tests and helps you determine "am i buddhist or taoist" by emphasizing selflessness versus self-nature.

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