By the 2nd century AD, Taoists formed large hierarchical religious societies such as the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice. Its followers believed that the sage-philosopher Laozi () was a holy prophet who would offer salvation and good health if his devout followers would confess their sins, ban the worship of unclean gods who accepted meat sacrifices, and chant sections of the Tao Te Ching.
by the 2nd century ad taoists formed large hierarchical religious societies such as the way of the five pecks of rice its followers believed that the sage-philosopher laozi () was a holy prophet who would offer salvation and good health if his devout followers would confess their sins ban the worship of unclean gods who accepted meat sacrifices and chant sections of the tao te ching