In the beginning… Primordial chaos, created by the Tao Separation into yang/heaven and yin/earth Creation of fire and sun, water and moon Creation of everything else

Five elements: wood, fire, water, earth, metal Correspondences to other sets of five; e.g. planets, weather, organs, moods Cyclic interaction of elements

Humans Co-operative union of yin and yang Human nature as microcosmic reflection of universe Obligation to find the te (power/life principle) within and live according to it

Humans The problem: artificiality and coercion Imposing articificial structures on lives and world Alienation from the Tao Causes of alienation

Humans Being out of balance with the Tao, because of neglect and ignorance Approval or disapproval of gods, ancestors, etc.

Philosophical Taoism Meditation, wu wei (no action), withdrawal Aiming to transcend limits and live in harmony with the Tao The meaning of “no action” Lifestyle of early Taoist philosophers Avoidance of education, societal roles

Religious Taoism More practical for most people Addressing common human concerns Focus on community, temples, rituals Two de facto classes: priests and common folk

Religious Taoism Seeing human body and temple as microcosmic reflection of great cosmos Priests summoning great powers of cosmos to renew/transform community Meditation, bodily exercises

Religious Taoism Spirit (head), breath (heart), spermatic essence (just below navel) Realms of the Three Ones Growing imbalance of yin and yang Dispersal of bodily elements Priests using various means to reverse this

Religious Taoism Common folk following leadership of priests Worshipping deities, ancestors Balance between mundane and supernatural

Religious Taoism Jiao (Chiao, Rite of Cosmic Renewal) Ritual addressed to Three Ones Mostly conducted by priests in closed temple Elaborate rituals of purification and summoning