1. “We Pick Ferns…” Marches!
You have 10 minutes to finish your choreography
Present!

2. Lao-Tzu (440) Founder of Taoism
Sought virtue and harmony with the universe rather than fame.
Revered as a philosopher, saint, and even god.

3. Lao-Tzu’s response to Confucianism
“The ideal ruler would cease meddling in the lives of people, give up warfare and luxurious living, and guide his people back to a state of innocence, simplicity, and harmony with the Tao, a state that existed in the most ancient times before civilization appeared to arouse the material desires of the people and spur them to strife and warfare, and before morality was invented to befuddle their minds and beguile them with vain distinctions.”

4. Taoism Confucius sought to civilize; Lao Tzu sought to naturalize.
A philosophy of thought based around “the way”
Tao means “the Way” or “the Path;” the source and purpose of all existence.
gives birth to all things and is a part of all things
goal for all things to be in harmony with true nature
Inspired by the balance seen in nature.
Encourages people to be close to nature and live in simplicity and joy.

5. Taoism, cont. Wu-wei = nonaction
Simple life and freedom from desire helps to discover the way
Wu-wei does not mean that people should sit around and do nothing, rather people should not indulge in useless efforts or actions or do anything that contradicts nature.
Juxtapose Taoism to other religions we’ve examined?
Videos:
Lion King (1:03):
Taoism and of yin and yang (4:00):

6. Lao-Tzu’s Tao Te Ching (442)
How does a paradox differ from an oxymoron?
Paradox: a seemingly contradictory statement that’s true
Oxymoron: a concise figure of speech that juxtaposes words that appear to be contradictory, such as "ground pilot,” “jumbo shrimp,” or…
Paradox example: “We had to burn the village to save it.” What is the meaning of this paradox?
Understanding a paradox allows the reader to come closer to an understanding of Tao.
Write down paradoxes you found in Tao Te Ching. Circle the parts that seem contradictory & explain them.