Taoist terminologies and Scripture quotes from Confucius and Lao-Tzu

What does Lao-Tzu mean? Literally…

Old Master

Legend claims that he was the philosophical founder of Taoism. But there is little proof of his actual existence. He retreated into the forest in solitude to meditate and kept to himself but was soon sought out by others looking for enlightenment, after a short stay in politics. He reluctantly became a teacher of others and generally taught in paradoxes.

Lao-Tzu

What did Lao Tzu write?

Tao Te Ching

A _________ is a logical puzzler that contradicts itself in a baffling way. Statements that may seem completely self-contradictory, but they can be used to reveal deeper truths.

Paradox

Does Lao Tzu trust in humanity

No, he says trust in nature because humans can let you down.

Why did they make up Lao Tzu?

For divine credibility.

2nd Founder of Taoism. He further expands Taoist Philosophy by reinterpreting and making his own text. Then named the text after himself.

Chuang Tzu

What does Chuang Tzu concentrate on?

The relativity of things.

What is the Goal of a Taoism?

It is to become a sage or a person in perfect harmony with natural realities. To be one with our environment. Do what you believe is right.

The tao

The way of nature or the path that an individual navigates through life. It can not be fully explained, it must be experienced, it is not seen but felt.

• Confucius sees it as stability.

• Taoism says to leave nature alone. Don’t do anything to intervene with the natural path of life. If you want to emulate anything emulate nature.

The balance of the universe can be divided into two separate opposing forces.

Yin and Yang

Yin

Taoism

• Negative, Passive, feminine, darkness, weakness, death

Yang

Confucius

• Positive, active, masculine, light, strength, birth.

Sages roles:

• Humility

• Non-competition

• Non-aggression

• Passive Rule

  • Just listening to your friend.

• Naturalness

• Naturalism

Non-action without intention. It is being genuine. Do what your gut says and don’t second guess yourself. Helping someone because it is right not because of fame or praise.

Wu-Wei

The inner force of a human. Taoism looks to reach and maintain a perfectly harmonious inner ____. Breathe/Balance.

• Long life means you are full of _____. The Universe lets you live longer because your ___ is balanced.

Chi

To sit and forget. Empty the mind.

Zhuan. (Meditation)

Creating harmony between humans and the environment to enhance well-being.

• Flow of Chi

Feng Shui

Quotes having to do with Confucian

• Confucian ideals

  • gentlemen

  • law/society

Quotes having to do with Taoist

• Paradoxes

• nature