Taoism in Brief
Taoism is based on the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, some short verses that were written in the 6th century BC in China. It places its emphasis on spiritual harmony. There are two main strands and schools within Taoism, usually labeled “philosophical Taoism” and “religious Taoism” Philosophical Taoism focuses on the philosophical writings of Lao-Tzu, Chuang-Tzu and other ancient sages. At Pure Mountain Zen Center, we concentrate on philosophical Taoism.
The Tao encompasses all opposite and complementary forces, which are collectively referred to as yin and yang. Yin is associated with darkness, femininity, passivity and water, while yang is light, masculinity, activity and air. Yin and yang are always in perfect balance within the Tao. The goal of the Taoist, therefore, is to keep these opposites in balance within his or her own life. Taoism takes its name from the word “Tao” (”the Way”), the ancient Chinese name for the ordering principle that makes cosmic harmony possible. The Tao is found in the world (especially in nature) and can be encountered directly through experiences. It is the proper natural way of life humans should follow. Taoism prizes naturalness, non-action, and introspection.
The Tao-te Ching is the main text of Taoism. It was written it is said by Lao-Tzu. Whether it actually was or not is of some question. Some believe that it was compiled over a period of centuries by different authors. Whether Lao-Tzu even existed has been doubted, but most scholars now believe he was likely a historical figure. The Tao-te Ching’s 81 verses are thoughtful, paradoxical, vague, yet practical. There are many translations and interpretations of the TTC. Some are easier to understand than others. You will notice some interpreters see things slightly differently than other interpreters. Even so, they are close in spirit.
The ideal person in philosophical Taoism is the sage who understands and lives in accordance with the Tao. Knowing that all opposites are relative and interdependent, and that the best way to live is in harmony with the natural course of things (the Tao), a Taoist does not struggle, oppose, or strive. Instead, the sage practices wu-wei, or “non-action.” In the Tao Te Ching, this is the central virtue of the wise ruler. Wu-wei does not mean doing nothing or doing things only in moderation. To practice wu-wei is to so orient oneself with the Tao that one’s actions go unnoticed, for the perfect traveler leaves no trace,. In yet another paradox, wu-wei “never acts, yet there is nothing it does not do.”
Life and death are merely two aspects of reality, the unchanging Tao. Death is simply a transformation from being to non-being; from yang to yin. Taoism teaches that humans ought to accept life and death as complementary aspects of the Tao. Death should be neither feared nor desired. The one who knows how to live is not afraid of death. All waters return to the sea. From whence we came, we shall return. It accepts death as a natural returning to the Tao. “Since life and death are each other’s companions, why worry about them? All beings are one.” (Chuang-Tzu)
