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This quiz tests Taoist School Selector Redhead/Tangki/Fangshi- This class of folk ritualists is descended from the ancient fangshi, itinerant mystics who performed services to communities in their circuit. While not really Taoist, they have assimilated many early Taoist practices, such as sorcery, exorcism and divination, into their list of services. Mostly, they appear in festivals officiated by Taoists, Buddhists, or Confucianists, but are never allowed to participate in high liturgy. Still, they are regarded more or less favorably by the communities they serve. Their practices are usually handed down along family lineages, although sometimes one who shows promise, but is not part of a Tangki's family, may be trained in minor ritual and practice. Some communities may even designate apt individuals (usually during adolescence) to learn mediumism and other trademark practices. The regimen they follow varies according to lineage, with Maoshan and Kunlun sorcerers living very austere lives, while others live according to the norms of their village. Kenneth Dean's Taoist Ritual and Popular Cults of Southeast China has an excellent first-hand account of the role of these minor ritualists in a village festival in Fujian province in the early 1990s. Religion Knowledge Quizzes, Trivia, IQ Tests
This Religion IQ Quiz is based upon the selector Taoist School Selector by Ming Miaoxue.
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Redhead/Tangki/Fangshi- This class of folk ritualists is descended from the ancient fangshi, itinerant mystics who performed services to communities in their circuit. While not really Taoist, they have assimilated many early Taoist practices, such as sorcery, exorcism and divination, into their list of services. Mostly, they appear in festivals officiated by Taoists, Buddhists, or Confucianists, but are never allowed to participate in high liturgy. Still, they are regarded more or less favorably by the communities they serve. Their practices are usually handed down along family lineages, although sometimes one who shows promise, but is not part of a Tangki's family, may be trained in minor ritual and practice. Some communities may even designate apt individuals (usually during adolescence) to learn mediumism and other trademark practices. The regimen they follow varies according to lineage, with Maoshan and Kunlun sorcerers living very austere lives, while others live according to the norms of their village. Kenneth Dean's Taoist Ritual and Popular Cults of Southeast China has an excellent first-hand account of the role of these minor ritualists in a village festival in Fujian province in the early 1990s.

Show what you know by answering true or false to the following. Answer ''false'' if neither applies or if you're not sure. Your score will be calculated on the next page.

Your first question is below.


The Tao and its virtue are reflected in a pantheon of primordial deities, elemental forces, and ascended mortals.
True False

Through formal ritual, a Taoist can access and channel the power of the Tao on behalf of him/herself and the community at large.
True False

Talismans, charms, and petitions can be created by a skilled Taoist to call upon the power of the Tao and/or its agents.
True False

Ritual is a reflection of folk superstitions and has no place in the life of a Taoist.
True False

The focus of ritual should be the physical and energistic cultivation of the individual Taoist and his/her fellows.
True False

Primarily through meditation, one can escape mortal existence.
True False

A combination of physical conditioning and meditation can help one attain a purified state of being.
True False

Cultivations are not terribly important, awareness is sufficient to attain the virtue of Tao.
True False

The cultivation of sexual energy is an important part of refining one's body and mind.
True False

The confession of sins to a master and/or peers is important to cleansing one's body and energies.
True False

Performing charitable works is a good way to improve the state of one's being.
True False

A Taoist lives in the community at large, has a family, and offers his/her services as a doctor or lawyer might.
True False

A Taoist lives in a separate community of others who share his/her lineage and practice.
True False

A Taoist receives his/her lineage from an elder relative at an early age.
True False

A student of Taoism is carefully chosen by an elder Taoist as an apt pupil at any stage of his/her life.
True False

Initiation into a lineage is not relevant to learning Taoist practice.
True False

A Taoist completely shuts him/herself off from the company of others, especially from the uninitiated.
True False

Only the teachings of the early masters (the Yellow Emperor, Laozi, Zhuangzi, and maybe Liezi) are relevant to Taoism.
True False

The teachings of the early masters, plus the revelations to Zhang Daoling and his successors are important to the evolution of Taoism.
True False

The teachings of Buddhism can add significantly to Taoist practice.
True False

The teachings of Confucianism can add significantly to Taoist practice.
True False

Folk practices and shamanism are an important addition to Taoist practice.
True False

Taoism can encompass any religion and practice available.
True False

Taoist theory and practice can only be expanded and reinterpreted by accomplished masters of a lineage, and even then with great care.
True False

Now that you have answered all the questions, continue to the Show Me My Score button below.

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