Dao De Jing Lao Tzu 6 th -3 rd Century B.C. (Laozi) There are no assured details about Lao Tzu’s life, which is shrouded in legends and lore. It is not even certain if one man called “Lao Tzu” lived and composed the collection of poems and aphorisms known as the Dao Te Jing (Tao Te Ching).

Dao Mysticism: an intuitive, non-rational approach to reach a direct connection with a spiritual dimension or God. Daoism began as a philosophical explanation of how the universe works. Reconciliation of Opposites: Yin and Yang

Dao The Dao is impossible to define because of its paradoxical nature. In part, it is the cosmic order in all things, yet it is utterly hidden and unknowable. Anti-intellectual and anarchic: “Drop wisdom, abandon cleverness, and the people will be benefited a thousand fold.” It is sometimes called a “Path” or “Way” to Enlightenment. Sometimes a Force or Being (i.e. God) Sometimes, it’s Nothing Language is an unacceptable medium to discuss the dao. It can only be known mystically and in practice--not by reading a text. Knowledge through language is constraining.

Confucianism/Daoism Confucian Thought: Interested in the political construction of China. The observation of hierarchies--the community’s needs over those of the individual. The delineation of power. Ren (Human Benevolence) is the goal. Daoist Thought: No real aspirations for the political--except to advise all to follow the dao. The individual in achieving inner harmony and peace--even to the neglect of social and political needs. Lead an ascetic life governed by inaction--Quietism Subjective Truth, Inaction, Individual. “Heaven and Earth are not humane”

I never saw a moor-- I never saw the sea-- Yet know I how the heather looks And what a wave must be. I never spoke with God-- Nor visited in heaven-- Yet certain am I of the spot As if the chart were given. Emily Dickinson