TAOISM A BRIEF HISTORY

History of Taoism Tao (pronounced "Dow") can be roughly translated into English as path, or the way. It is basically indefinable. It has to be experienced. It "refers to a power which envelops, surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living. The Tao regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. It embodies the harmony of opposites (i.e. there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female.)"

History continued The founder of Taoism is believed by many to be Lao-Tse ( BCE), a contemporary of Confucius. He was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted society during his lifetime. The result was his book: Tao-te-Ching (a.k.a. Daodejing). Others believe that Lao-Tse is a mythical character.

The Yin Yang symbol "It represents the balance of opposites in the universe. When they are equally present, all is calm. When one is outweighed by the other, there is confusion and disarray."

Taoist Beliefs Tao is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life. Each believer's goal is to harmonize themselves with the Tao. Time is cyclical (goes in circles), not linear (a straight line) as in Western thinking.

Beliefs continued Taoists strongly promote health and vitality. Five parts of the body correspond to the five parts of the earth: water, fire, wood, metal and sky. Each person must nurture the Ch'i (air, breath) that has been given to them. The quality, quantity and balance of Ch'i is believed to be essential to maintaining health and achieving a long life.

Beliefs continued All opposites are relative and interdependent, and the best way to live is in harmony with the natural course of things (the Tao- the “way”). A Taoist does not struggle, oppose, or strive.

Beliefs continued Development of virtue is one's chief task. The Three Jewels to be sought are compassion, moderation and humility. In Taoism, life and death are merely two aspects of reality, the unchanging Tao. Death is simply a transformation from being to non-being; from yang to yin. Taoism teaches that humans ought to accept life and death as complementary aspects of the Tao. Death should be neither feared nor desired.

Finally… Over the centuries Taoism classic teachings were developed and divided into philosophical, monastic, and folk religious forms. All of these could be included under the general heading of Taoism. But the basic Taoism is simply a particular way of appreciating, learning from, and working with whatever happens in everyday life. From the Taoist point of view, the natural result of this harmonious way of living is happiness.

Literary Focus Paradox- a statement that seems contradictory but is actually true. Example: St. Paul in the New testament of the bible wrote: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” Meaning: St. Paul felt that when he was weak physically it made him strong spiritually. Taoist writers use PARADOX to focus attention on important Toaist insights and philosophies.

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