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T AOISM

T AOISM. “Harmony with Nature”. Taoism. The idea of Tao is central to understanding the Chinese Goal: recognize the underlying unity at heart of perpetual change Guiding Principle: the good of the whole Tao: the Way But more…. A. Beginnings of Taoism. Lao Tzu b. 604 BCE in China

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T AOISM

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  1. TAOISM “Harmony with Nature”

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

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

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

  5. Yin and Yang • Two main aspects of the Tao • 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 • Like all of reality, they help define each other • How is the Way of the Good Man like Water?

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

  7. Beginnings continued • 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 • Zen Buddhism (Chan in Chinese )is actually more Taoist than Buddhist

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

  9. Depictions of Lao Tzu

  10. C. The Tao and its 3 meanings • 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 not God but a state of being • Two aspects: the infinite, indivisible, pure void • Paradoxically, is also everything that exists

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

  12. The Tao, 3rd 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

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

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

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

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

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