Taoism Notes

Taoism

Objectives

Define Taoism and discuss its origins
Explain Taoist doctrines, beliefs, and important concepts
Introduce issues concerning Taoism

Definition

A religion and philosophy focused on the concept of the Tao and the relation between nature, humanity, and the divine.

Lao Tzu

A naturalistic philosopher-sage; A native of Chu
Lived during the Warring States Period; A contemporary of Confucius.
One of the scholars specializing in astrology and divination at the royal court of the Zhou Dynasty
Keeper of the archives for most of his life
Left China due to cruelty & corruption of politicians, moral decay in society, and unresponsive government (decline of Zhou)
Met a gatekeeper who was an ardent follower of his teachings at the western gate of the state’s border
Was requested to write his teachings if he were to be permitted to pass
Wrote a text – Tao Te Ching (debatable)
Two forms: Tao Chia or Philosophical Taoism and Tao Chiao or Religious Taoism

Two Forms of Taoism

Tao Chia or Philosophical Taoism
Tao Chiao or Religious Taoism

Taoism Today

It is one of the world’s most established religions
Countries with the most number of Taoists: China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Doctrines and Beliefs

Tao

“The path of life”; “the way of nature.”
Nameless, invisible, formless, all-pervasive power or energy
Bringing all things into being
Flowing through all life
Following the way, order, and law of nature and the universe
Implies interconnectedness, interrelatedness, and interdependence
The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao
The name that can be named is not the eternal name
The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth
The Named is the mother of all things
There was something undifferentiated and yet complete,
Which existed before Heaven and Earth
Soundless and formless it depends on nothing and does not change
It operates everywhere and is free from danger
It may be considered the mother of the universe
I do not know its name; I call it Tao

Universal Oneness, Wholeness, and Balance

The Yin and the Yang embody opposing forces that form complementing halves of the same phenomenon or principle

Law of Reversion

Anything that reaches its highest point returns to its starting point, creating a continuous cycle of reversion.

Following Nature

One should be in harmony with nature to achieve oneness with the Tao, resulting in harmony and order

Wu Wei

“Non-action” or “without action” or to act naturally and let all things run its natural course, allowing the cosmic energy or the power of the Tao within to move and act through one’s being

Deities in Religious Taoism

The deities in religious Taoism are spiritual forces, not gods; they originated from divine heavenly energy and possess supernatural powers; they are within the universe and are themselves subject to the Tao. e.g., Deified Lao Tzu

Holy Days and Celebrations

Most Taoist holy days are dedicated to deities or important figures in Taoist history, e.g., the "birthday" of deities. There are no fixed dates of celebration because they are based on the lunar calendar.