Learn: IB World Religions: Taoism

Tao

"The Way" A mystical sense of the word that defines all pathways of life good and bad. impossible for human comprehension

Yin

Associated with darkness, femininity, receptive aspects of nature, Moon.

Yang

Associated with light, masculinity, expansive aspects of nature, Sun

Earlier Heaven

A place where one can be aware of and experience the Dao. Considered a place before birth. Pre-desire and distraction. A reality without shape

Later Heaven

A place where one can be in harmony with the Dao. a reality that has taken shape and form.

Fu

Returning to the source. Meant as a concept of all things will return to their source.

Tzu Jan

Naturalness and spontaneity. Essence of things being in their natural state. The way a tree grows.

Wu Wei

The action of inaction. Acting in a way that aligns with the flow of life. Allow situations to develop and respond in patience.

Te

The power that comes from alignment with the Tao. Often associated with an individuals power within themselves by being aligned with the Tao

Ch'i or (chee)

Life's energy and life sustenance. intended by taoists to be cultivated.

Li

The natural patterns of the Tao. The underlying logic of nature. And how things unfold without human intervention.

Reverse Transmigration

Similar to a Taoist reincarnation. Embodies a conscious returning to a previous state of existence. This belief has often become interrelated with some Buddhist practices of returning to a physical form to help others achieve enlightenment.