T AOISM “Harmony with Nature”

Taoism The idea of Tao is central to understanding the Chinese The idea of Tao is central to understanding the Chinese Goal: recognize the underlying unity at heart of perpetual change Goal: recognize the underlying unity at heart of perpetual change Guiding Principle: the good of the whole Guiding Principle: the good of the whole Tao: the Way Tao: the Way But more…. But more….

A. Beginnings of Taoism Lao Tzu b. 604 BCE in China Lao Tzu b. 604 BCE in China Wrote a short book, Tao Te Ching “The Way and its Power” Wrote a short book, Tao Te Ching “The Way and its Power” Paradoxical observations of the nature of the universe Paradoxical observations of the nature of the universe a psychological approach to gaining wholeness and serenity. Meaning? a psychological approach to gaining wholeness and serenity. Meaning? Goal: psychological/spiritual peace and balance where all the conflicting parts of oneself are reconciled Goal: psychological/spiritual peace and balance where all the conflicting parts of oneself are reconciled

Yin Yang The Tao: made of the polar opposites Yin and yang The Tao: made of the polar opposites Yin and yang Moral/ethical implications? Moral/ethical implications? From Christian standpoint is problematic From Christian standpoint is problematic saint/sinner? saint/sinner?

Yin and Yang Two main aspects of the Tao Two main aspects of the Tao Neither can work separately from the other Neither can work separately from the other It is important to recognize that yin and yang are not opposites but complimentary aspects of the Tao It is important to recognize that yin and yang are not opposites but complimentary aspects of the Tao Like all of reality, they help define each other Like all of reality, they help define each other How is the Way of the Good Man like Water? How is the Way of the Good Man like Water?

The yin Dark Dark Feminine Feminine Passive Passive Earthly Earthly Winter Winter Death Death Weak Weak The yang Light Light Masculine Masculine Aggressive Aggressive Heavenly Heavenly Summer Summer Life Life Strength Strength

Beginnings continued Became a “religion” in 440 CE when it was adopted by China as a state religion Became a “religion” in 440 CE when it was adopted by China as a state religion Currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan Currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan Zen Buddhism (Chan in Chinese )is actually more Taoist than Buddhist Zen Buddhism (Chan in Chinese )is actually more Taoist than Buddhist

B. Lao Tzu Not much historical info: usually portrayed as a simple man Not much historical info: usually portrayed as a simple man Turned from society and lived as a hermit in nature Turned from society and lived as a hermit in nature A contemporary of Confucius A contemporary of Confucius He was not a… He was not a… Preacher Preacher Organizer Organizer God God Descendant of a royal line Descendant of a royal line Rich man Rich man Complicated man Complicated man

Depictions of Lao Tzu

C. The Tao and its 3 meanings Literal translation: The Way of ultimate reality (The structure of the universe) Literal translation: The Way of ultimate reality (The structure of the universe) Is an ultimate state of being where all is one; the self, the universe are one and the same Is an ultimate state of being where all is one; the self, the universe are one and the same Is not God but a state of being Is not God but a state of being Two aspects: the infinite, indivisible, pure void Two aspects: the infinite, indivisible, pure void Paradoxically, is also everything that exists Paradoxically, is also everything that exists

The Tao, 2 nd Meaning 2. The way of the universe (Its Flow) 3. Nature best reflects the Tao 4. The seasons; a waterfall; the morning mist over a valley: all embody the forever changing, forever staying-the-same Isness of nature. 5. Taoists look to nature for wisdom on how to live their lives

The Tao, 3 rd Meaning The way of human life (Wisdom) Goal of individual is to develop effective and harmonious ways of change One should flow through life like water down a hill: path of least resistance

Water and the Tao Nature and characteristics of Water offer valuable insight into the Tao’s nature Nature and characteristics of Water offer valuable insight into the Tao’s nature Like water, the Tao is: Like water, the Tao is: both weak and strong both weak and strong can be clear and calm, or raging and destructive can be clear and calm, or raging and destructive

Water and the Tao continued It always takes the path of least resistance It always takes the path of least resistance It takes the shape of whatever container it is in It takes the shape of whatever container it is in It can reflect all things and all people, whether good or evil It can reflect all things and all people, whether good or evil It gives and takes life It gives and takes life Patterns formed by water like that of Yin and Yang Patterns formed by water like that of Yin and Yang

A Taoist… Recognizes the interaction between the yin and yang in his or her life Recognizes the interaction between the yin and yang in his or her life Is in accord with change in a tranquil way Is in accord with change in a tranquil way Recognizes that with no downs, there could be no ups Recognizes that with no downs, there could be no ups With no death there can be no life With no death there can be no life

“Creative Quietude” “Creative Quietude” “Pure Effectivness” “Pure Effectivness” “Actionless Activity” “Actionless Activity” “Nonaction” “Nonaction” System of virtues/ethics/morals System of virtues/ethics/morals Wu-Wei