Taoism SLMS/08

Taoism (aka. Daoism) was developed in China by a man named Lao Tzu (also spelled Lao Tze, Laozi, Laotze, Laotzu). He lived at the same time that Confucius did, in the 6th century BCE, to-ward the latter part of the Zhou Dynasty. Lao Tzu, like Confu-cius, sought a way to avoid the constant warfare that was plaguing the Zhou Dynasty.

The Development of TaoismThe Development of TaoismThe Development of TaoismThe Development of Taoism

•Lao Tzu, like Confucius, lived in difficult times, with constant warfare. He be-lieved that people could find happiness and peace from within — regardless of one’s personal economic or social success, and regardless of the political un-rest in the country. •Lao Tzu wrote his ideas in a book called the Tao Te Ching. The ideas in this book are considered to be the basis of Taoism. •Taoism, like Confucianism, is not a religion according to western definitions, but it does have an intensely spiritual and medi-tative aspect to it. Ultimately, Taoism might be considered pantheistic — a relig-ion that identifies God with the universe and with nature.

The TaoThe TaoThe TaoThe Tao

•The Tao is literally “the way”. It is the mysterious natural order of the universe. The Tao has no exact characteristics, yet it is not nothingness — rather it is every-thingness. It is present everywhere and in all things. •While the Tao cannot be defined, it can be felt and experienced. Laws of nature are not discussed, defined or taught to ani-mals, they simply exist and are understood. •Animals exist in har-mony with nature. They understand their place, and they do what comes naturally to them. Like the flowing of a river, living in harmony with nature is effortless and peaceful. •Nature, admittedly, is not always peaceful. Storms are violent, and cause death and destruction, but this is part of the way — the natural ebb and flow of environment. •Likewise, life is filled with the ebb and flow of calm and stormy periods. Death is merely seen as a natural part of the life cycle — part of the Tao. •When one is following the Tao, one is in synch with nature, and it just feels right, although it may be defy explanation.

Symbol of TaoismSymbol of TaoismSymbol of TaoismSymbol of Taoism

•Yin/Yang represents the oppos-ing forces in the universe which exist together in a natural flow. Yin is dark, feminine, passive and earthly. Yang is light, masculine, active and heavenly. Yin & Yang help define each other, and as such, each contains a small bit of the other.

The Purpose of LifeThe Purpose of LifeThe Purpose of LifeThe Purpose of Life

•The purpose of human life is to live in ac-cordance with the Tao. This is achieved through a study of nature, and by leading a bal-anced life in tune with nature. •Taoism teaches that harmony comes from balancing the opposite forces in nature — yin and yang. The Tao, literally, is is is is the balance, and thus the way. The Tao-ist, therefore, does not oppose, does not strive, does not struggle, but just goes with the Tao. •A Taoist would practice wu-wei, or “action through non-action”. The best course of ac-tion is often to do nothing but wait and see how events unfold, so as to better discern the proper path. •Some common values include: -Focusing attention on the body through diet, exercises & mindfulness -Practicing humility & modesty to cut through the superficial -Eliminating pride, greed, unnecessary ac- tion and worldly ambitions -Behaving in a moral way that is in har- mony with the Tao •Death is seen as just another aspect of the Tao — it is simply a transformation from being into non-being — from Yin into Yang. It is neither to be feared nor to be desired. •Unlike many other relig-ions, Taoism has an individ-ual and independent focus. Each person is to find their own way. No one can really help another. •Finally, a Taoist believed it impossible to have good without bad, pleasure without pain, and thus, would not brag about good fortune nor complain about bad fortune.

View of Government?View of Government?View of Government?View of Government?

•Taoists believe that the government that governs least, governs best. According to the principle of wu wei, a ruler’s job was not to make policy and enforce it on the citizens. Rather, a ruler’s job was to allow the people to govern themselves, and sup-port them in achieving what they naturally desire.

CoCoCoCo----existence with Confucianismexistence with Confucianismexistence with Confucianismexistence with Confucianism

•Although Taoism had a very different view of government from Confucianism, most people found a way to tolerate both or to be both. Confucianism was a guide for learning, relationships and government, while Taoism was a private philosophy. •People were often privately Taoist, and in their public life, Confucian.

Impact of TaoismImpact of TaoismImpact of TaoismImpact of Taoism

•Art Art Art Art - Chinese painting reflects Taoist love of nature, and often depict serene moun-tains contrasted with violent storms. If hu-mans appear in the paintings, they are small and almost insignificant compared to the power of nature. •Medicine Medicine Medicine Medicine - Taoists believed that all people possessed ‘chi’, or life force. When the flow of chi is blocked in parts of the body, ill-ness results. Thus practices like acupres-sure, acupuncture, and even Tai Chi were created to unblock chi and pro-mote its healthy circulation. •Martial Arts Martial Arts Martial Arts Martial Arts - Most martial arts incorporate ideas of yin & yang and the focused power of chi. •Science Science Science Science - Taoists were also interested in immortality, and pursued scientific meth-ods to discover an elixir of life.

1. When did Lao Tzu live? Who was his con-temporary? 2. What was the political situation like in China during Lao Tzu’s life? 3. Where did Lao Tzu believe people could find happiness? 4. What book is the basis of Taoism? What is pantheism? 5. What is the symbol of Taoism & what does it represent? 6. What IS IS IS IS the Tao?

7. Where is the Tao most present? 8. How does one experience the Tao? 9. How is death viewed by a Taoist? 10. What is the purpose of life & how is it achieved? 11. What is ‘wu-wei’ and how is it practiced? 12. What are some common Tao values? 13. How is death seen as a transition?

AP World History Name ___________________________________ Taoism

14. How is Taoism different from other relig-ions? 15. How does a Taoist view the role of gov-ernment? 16. How do Chinese people combine their Taoist & Confucian beliefs?

17. Explain how Taoism impacts Chinese cul-ture. a. b. c. d.

Analysis:Analysis:Analysis:Analysis:

18. Western art, historically, involves much portrait work, and has a great deal of focus on individuals (be it Biblical, historical or legendary figures). How, and more importantly, WHY is this different from Chinese art? 19. What does this artistic focus reveal about societal values (Chinese vs. Western)?

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