1. Perspectives of Reality
TAOISM
By: Shanoon P, Vivian V, Albos M, Alex T

2. Taoist Beliefs
Believe that all things come from the Tao, which sustains all things in being
There is nothing in the world like Tao
Believed in keeping a harmonious world
We Wei means "not acting"
Believed that action is not to be wasted nor should any be taken that may go against nature
Action can disturb the delicate balance of nature
Knows that nothing is permanent
There is an endless cycle of development and decline in which the Tao is responsible

3. Laozi Also known as Lao Tzu, lived in 6th century BCE
Wrote a book, Tao Te Ching (Classic of the Way of Power)
Lao Tzu insisted of Ultimate Clarity, with confusion regarded as a cardinal sin
Believed that reason stood in the way of one truly understanding reality
He understood that there are limits of language, and at times resorted to silence rather than use more words

4. Tao The term Tao means a road, and is often translated as "the way"
Pronounced as "Dao"
The fundamental principle of the universe as a whole

5. The Tao gives birth to the one One gives birth to two
Two gives birth to three
Three gives birth to all things"
- Tao Te Ching
Tao gave the world the mechanism for balance. The birth of two means the birth of opposites. The birth of three refers to the existence of heaven, earth and humanity. Thus, all creation can be linked back to the Tao, the silent source of harmony.

6. Tao (cnt'd)
The Tao is not like anything in the universe, for it came before the universe, not can it be described with any particular characteristics
The oneness of Tao is expressed in nature in two: the yin and yang

7. Yin-Yang The Symbol of balance between opposing forces
Points to the existence of pair opposites
Dark and Light
Night and Day
Sun and Rain
Aggressive and Passive
The curves suggest movement
Representing their belief that everything is subject to change

8. Yin-Yang (cnt'd) White Side Black Side
Yang, represents the heavenly force, akin to movement, light warmth and life
"the sunny side"
Yin, represents the "shady side" of existence
"the breath that formed earth"

9. Reasoning Taoists believe in keeping the world in harmony
They strive to be one with the Tao
Their every action or non-action has a purpose in keeping nature in balance
They try to avoid getting caught of in the desires of the senses, particularly artificial desires
The goal of the Taoist is to be natures companion, following the way of the Tao