Tao is
translated as "the Path" or "the Way".
It cannot be defined, but its effects can be observed and studied.
This principle is evident in the first verse of the Tao Te Ching.
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Tao is the common bond that exists between all things and is the blueprint of nature and the universe. We are all threads in the vast tapestry of life, unique, but each a part of a greater whole. Taoism is a means to seek the common link we share with all life; the way of Harmony, Peace and Understanding of ourselves and others.
Lau Tzu (604-531 BCE ?) was the founder of Taoism and is considered the author of the Tao Te Ching (pronounced Dow-Deh-Jing). He was an Imperial Court Librarian and also a contemporary of Confucius, whom Confucius described as "....a dragon riding the wind and clouds." According to legend, Lau Tzu was leaving for the desert to distance himself from the evils of man. When he arrived at the city gate, the gatekeeper ask him to set down his philosophy in writing. That text is the Tao Te Ching. Taoism originated in China as a philosophy but evolved into a religion in 440 CE when it was adopted as a state religion. At that time, Lau Tzu (meaning "Old Master") was elevated to god-like status. Today, the mystical religious form of Taoism is followed by over 50 million people.
The Tao Te Ching is a short work - approx. 5,000 Chinese characters long in 81 verses - takes very little time to read, but may take a lifetime to comprehend. Next to the Bible, it is the most translated text in the world. The Tao Te Ching is the fundamental text of Taoist philosophy but there are other texts, such as the I Ching (The Book of Changes), which is thought to be even more ancient. A third text, named after its author Chuang Tzu, is also considered one of the primary text. Chuang Tzu lived about 200 years after Lau Tzu and was a contemporary of Mencius, who was a follower of Kung Fu Tzu ( Confucius ).
Taoists believe that Tao is the first-cause of the universe and the source of all things. It is a force that flows through all life. The principle objective is to become one (in harmony) with the Tao by understanding the nature of Tao and by developing virtue. The three main virtues of Taoism (The Three Jewels) are compassion, moderation and humility.
Another Taoist principle is the "Duality of Being". The Duality concept being the twin nature, or personality, of all things. We weigh these sides of our nature against each other to achieve Balance and Harmony. This is symbolized by the Yin-Yang (Tai Ch'i). Yin (dark side) is the breath that formed the earth. Yang (light side) is the breath that formed the heavens. They symbolize pairs of opposites, such as good and evil, light and dark, male and female. Intervention by human civilization upsets the balances of Yin and Yang. The symbol of Taoism represents Yin and Yang in balance.
Taoists, like Native American and Pagan beliefs, have a deep respect for nature as nature follows the Tao. It is by observing the relationships in nature that we can most clearly see the effects of Tao. The Tao surrounds everyone and therefore everyone must listen to find enlightenment. Each person must nurture the Ch'i (air, breath) that has been given to them.
Wu-wei (action through inaction) is also a primary, and uniquely Taoist, principle. It does not mean no action at all, rather limiting all action to that which is required of the situation with minimal effort. In other words, to do only that which is necessary to overcome an obstacle. One should plan in advance and consider carefully each action before making it. To non-Taoist, the practioners of Tao appear to take no action - but in fact action is taken long before others ever foresee the need for action.
Taoists
display kindness and compassion to other life forms because such an actions
tend to be reciprocated. Taoists believe that people are compassionate
by nature. When left to their own devices people will usually return this
compassion without expecting a reward.
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©
1997-2003 D.A. Bartash