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Abstract

This paper is a sort of tentative study on how Taoism(Daoism) deal with the realm of ‘welfare’ and on what meanings we could find in it. First of all, I examine the reason why we should conduct welfare in the theory of Taoism. As a person, charity(積德) is essential to become a supernatural being(Shenxian, 神仙). Through giving alms to the poor, we can practice good deeds. In a social perspective, Taoism emphasize the public spirit of the Establishment and the public nature of goods, as the concept of the relief of the poor(周窮救急). They said all goods and wealth belong to the Heaven, not a person, so we have right to share them if necessary. Second I find some specific examples in history of Taoism: an uprising of the peasants based on Taipingdao(太平道) in Han period, Zhanglu(張魯)’s episodes, and Righteous Shelter(義舍) system in Tianshidao(天師道). Especially, I find the concept of spontaneity in Righteous Shelter(義舍) system in Tianshidao(天師道), theory of Taoism and Laozi. I think it could provide a way to overcome paternalism, premodern relief systems devoted to dispensation.