Making the Midterm

30 short answer or definition topicsShort answer and definition topics should be substantiveAt least 4-6 short essay topics; you will need to choose two out of that groupMeet as groups to collect reasonable ideas for both?We will assemble a class list and then discuss additions or subtractions

Buddhism Re-cap

The Four Noble TruthsThe Eight-Fold PathMajor divisions- Mahayana/TheravadaOther branches- Zen and the koanSidhartha (Sidhattha)- when and who?Nirvana and enlightenmentBodhisattvaDharma and KarmaThe Ox Herder metaphorThe idea of mindfulness

Taoism Overview

Chinese origins“Founded” by Lao Tzu @ 600-300 B.C.E.Includes multiple ideas that are compatible with BuddhismFocuses on the following the TaoEmphasizes chi flow, harmony with natural world and non-judgment

What Is the Tao?

Yin, Yang and the Nature of Opposites

YinDarkReceptiveFeminine

YangBrightAssertiveMasculine

What is intrinsic to both sides of the yin/yang symbol?

Possible Definitions of the Tao

“Way” or “Path”

Natural order

A balanced life

Divine energy

Non-anthropomorphic version of god

The way to live when humans are in touch with their world

The Point of Taoism

To study the order and system of natural life so that one can order one’s own life to move with the

flow of the Tao

Ideals of TaoismExperience the transcendent unity in all things, not separation

reconcile opposites on a higher level of consciousness

Everything has it’s place and function in life; not comparison oriented

no good or bad, small or large, disfigured or beautiful; to compare a thing is to destroy a thing

“Perfect wisdom” of ancient sages before they knew there were “things”

More Ideals of Taoism

Experience the universe that is directly cooperating with the way things are, not making judgments, setting standards of morality, not labeling

Harmony with natural order and flowing with that order; water imagery is often used as a metaphor for the Tao

Water doesn’t fruitlessly attack; it effortlessly flows around and over, gently removing obstacles

The Tao Te Ching

Most translated text after the Bible.“The Way and It’s Power”- Waley trans.

http://oaks.nvg.org/re3ra3.htmlhttp://www.afpc.asso.fr/wengu/wg/wengu.php?l=Daodejing

Lao Tzu- “old master” traditional author.Dating from around 350 B.C.E.Introduces Taoist concepts through verse.Wu Wei.

Principles From the Tao Te Ching

Paradox

Union of opposites

Wu wei

Leadership

Feminine elements

Individual happiness

Moderation

Improving the worldMaterialism“The Master”Metaphors and analogiesVerse 29 comparisonsVerse 19 interpretation

Wu Wei

Wu wei=doing nothingWhy is this problematic to the Western perspective?Wu-wei

“taking no intentional or invasive action contrary to the natural flow of things”“spontaneous, creative activity proceeding from the Tao, action without ego assertion, letting the Tao take its course

The Concept of Chi

Impersonal self-generating energyCirculates through body and provides interconnectivity in all thingsGoverns health,well-being, and spiritual development Sometime associated with the idea of “soul”Physiological underpinnings

Other Important Practices

I-ChingA way of divining future directions based on thrown sticks or coins and the anagrams they represent

Questions are meditated upon prior to the throw

Tai chi chuan (“highest reaching boxing”)Also translated as “supreme ultimate fist techniques”

Physical exercises to promote vigor, longevity and for circulation of chi

Images of Tai Chi Chuan

Images of Tai Chi Chuan

Images of Tai Chi Chuan

Tai chi chuan practice

Yang short form

Listen to the principles of practice and try to apply them

Go through the first few poses only

What was it like going through those movements?

Does it seem physically challenging or too easy?

Taoism As a World Faith

No proselytizing or missionary efforts Influences can be seen in Japanese versions of Buddhism and other practicesAn individual Taoist has a low profile

like a valley, allowing things to flow into life, like a streamNot working for recognition, doing it because it is their function to do itNo possession of accomplishments, works effortlessly

ICW Task

Explain the benefits of the concept of wu wei, as you understand it. What would it do for people in a Western

society? Why is it often dismissed by those unfamiliar with the concept as being unproductive and useless? What assumptions are being made about the meaning of life for those

who take that stance?