What actions are required, encouraged, or forbidden in Taoism?
There is a great emphasis on finding balance within oneself through such practices. The five precepts in Taoism mainly followed by Taoists, for monks and nuns, there are more stricter rules. These five precepts are very similar to the Buddhist Precepts.
- No Murdering
- No Stealing
- No Sexual Misconduct
- No False Speech
- No Taking In Of Intoxicants
Are there any holidays celebrated in Taoism? Why are they celebrated?
The lantern festivals is a celebration of the first full moon of the year and also the birthday of Tianguan, one of the gods responsible for good fortune. Dragon boat festival orginated in Zhou Dynasty, in honor of Qu Yuan, a poet and a statesman.
Where do Taoists meet? Where do they go and how often?
Many temples throughout China, once they meet to worship nine emperor gods in the nine emperor gods festivals which takes nine days. There are also many sacred Taoist sites like Mount Penglai, the mountain is said to be on an island in the eastern end of Bohai Sea, along with other four other islands where the immortals lived.
Is there a religious leader? (one who leads the ceremonies, rituals,etc.)
Ministers and priests who are in high ranking and are usually married are the ones to lead ceremonies or rituals.