Taoism

History of Taoism The founder of Taoism is believed to be Lao-Tse He was searching for a way to avoid the constant warfare and conflicts that disrupted society The result was the book Tao-te-Ching

History of Taoism Taoism started as a combination of psychology and philsophy Evolved into a religion about 440 CE Lao-Tse became popularly worshipped as a deity Became one of the three great religions of China

Taoist Beliefs and Practices Tao is the first cause of the universe. It is the force that flows through all life Each believers goal is to become one with the Tao Time is cyclical, not linear as in Western thinking

Taoist Beliefs and Practices Yin (dark side) is the breath that formed the earth Yang (light side) is the breath that formed the heavens Yin and Yang symbolize pairs of opposites Intervention of human civilization upsets the balances of Yin and Yang

Taoist Beliefs and Practices “The Tao surrounds everyone and therefore everyone must listen to find enlightenment” Taoists generally have an interest in promoting health and vitality Five main organs and orifices correspond to the five parts of the sky

Taoist Beliefs and Practices The Five Parts of the Sky Water Fire Wood Metal Earth

Taoist Beliefs and Practices Each person must nurture the Ch’i (air, breath) that has been given to them Development of virtue is one’s chief task. The Three Jewels to be sought are compassion, moderation and humility

Taoist Beliefs and Practices Taoists follow the art of “wu wei”, which is to let nature take its course One should plan in advance and consider each action before making it Taoists are kind to individuals, because such an action tends to be reciprocated

Tai Chi Long history of involvement by Taoists in various exercise and movement techniques. Tai Chi is believed to balance the flow of energy in the body

Taoist Texts Tao-te-Ching (“The Way of the Power” or “The Book of the War”) is believed to have been written by Lao-Tse. It described the nature of life, the way to peace and how a ruler should lead his life Chuang-tzu (named after its author) contains additional teachings