Taoism: A Complete Way of Living - Essay Example

Taoism: A Complete Way of Living Taoism is mainly considered as a philosophy or a complete religion which defines a way of life. When the force which runs in all the objects of a universe is in order, it results in the balance of Tao; which consequently becomes a cause of contentment and happiness. Taoism is a mode of living; it encompasses philosophy and religion and thus, becomes a self contained syncretism. It tells a person to discover the harmonies present around one self to determine the worthiness of life given to us by God and admire his gifts showered on us. The system is like any religious method, which fills a person with contentment through meditation and contemplation. It takes different elements from other traditions and religions, but remains distinct from them at the same time. Taoism is based on some practices, sects and views, but a whole organized system was never made. It became the basis of Chinese life for than 2,000 years ago. Basic concepts of Tao came from Tao te Ching and I Ching, author of these famous teachings were renowned Taoist masters Lao Tzu and Chang Tzu. Tao was written in the time of conflict and warfare, so, Lao wrote versus of Tao which reflected on a way of living that is peaceful and brings conflicts to an end. The original book of Tao is named Tao te Ching. The word Tao or Dao means way, path, route, or a principle. According to Tao te ching, Tao means the basis of all the other phenomena. Tao is not an intellectual phenomenon; it is basically a fact that can be felt more than it can be understood. Tao indicates real meaning of fundamental nature of universe. According to Lzao, Tao is not the name of any matter, but it is the core of natural order of balance of universe that is difficult describe in words. (Laozi,1972) Tao incorporates in a person, peace and love for life and the living. A Taoist has to study nature and learns ways to work with the nature to bring benefits to himself and people, animal and environment around him. The goal of life is to match human lives with the way of universe. If anything unnatural is done by a person, the natural balance of the world is disturbed, which brings disturbances in a day to day life. Taoism is so flexible that a person of any religion can induce it in his life and attain its benefits. Yin and yang is one of the most popular aspect and foundation of Chinese philosophy Taoism. The yin and yang symbol also refers to Tai chi disks, which indicate balance in the universe. This principle is based on the transformations within the Tao. The principle is based on two principles which differ from each other in their actions. It constitutes all the opposites we find in the universe. Yin and yang constitutes the reality such as yang refers to male, sun, light, and heat. On the contrary, yin refers to female, moon, dark, and cool. The complete balance between yin and yang is preferred. Though, Tao te Ching advocates feminine (yin) qualities of softness, fluidity more than Confucian values of yang (male). Yin and Yang can also be described as head and tail of the coin.(Cooper,2010) Everything in the universe is produced from the combination of these opposites. Hence, each principle produces the other. Yin produces yang and yang produces yin, this method is run in a recurring motion and it continues making the equilibrium a reality of life. Through this balance one principle directs the other. Thus, yin and yang interrelates to everything in the universe. In real life though, there is neither pure yin nor pure yang, each has the essence of the other. Taoism is the understanding of a person to correspond or harmonize with the nature in order to achieve “non-purposive action”. The meaning of wu is “non existing”, but there are many descriptions of wei, which means to act, purpose or action. It does not mean pure absence of any action or refrain from interfering in any action; it is working of a person with the way of the things or resistance to change. Wu Wei is often associated with water because water has the propensity to move where ever it is lead. It does not shoe resistance and assume any ship according to the container, but at the same time this non-resisting and soft water has the potential to move mountains and erode stones that comes in its way. Thus, these droplets of water join and make streams, rivers, and seas without opposing the nature and increase their strength.(Heidi, John&Laozi,1985) The Tao of pooh explains Taoism in the character of Pooh the Bear to illustrate the philosophy in a simplistic manner. Taoism is manner of living where a person appreciates, learns, works with and makes peace with everything that happens around him and that ultimately leads to happiness. P’U; the uncarved block, is the purity, simplicity or originality of the things that possess its own power. Just like Pooh in The Tao of pooh, who is a simple minded bear, devoid of conceit, and complexity. Pooh describes the life as fun and not intricate as we make it ourselves by sing a lot theories and logics. Pooh explains easy life as less use of brain and more use of heart, living in peace and harmony just like a perfect Taoist.(Hoff,1983) Thorough reading of the philosophy can shape our lives. Taoism is the philosophy or a way to happiness and contentment and this can lead to health and prosperity of any being. We can mingle the ancient texts with our modern life and see world with a different perspective-i.e., a peaceful perception. Taoism can be applied in our lives when we start listening to our inner voices and let our heart and intuition guide us. We can connect with the truth around us either good or bad, and give it the significance as its worth. Cleverness is not preferred, but wisdom should be the way of living, making peace with the situations no matter how trying they might be, cooperating with fellow human is of vital importance in Taoism (Deng, 1996). These things help you transform gradually from bad to goodness. Reference: Top of Form Hoff, Benjamin. The Tao of Pooh. New York, N.Y: Penguin Books, 1983. Print. Top of Form Cooper, Jean, and Joseph A. Fitzgerald. An Illustrated Introduction to Taosim: The Wisdom of the Sages. Lanham: World Wisdom, 2010. Internet resource. Top of Form Laozi, , Gia-fu Feng, and Jane English. Tao Te Ching. New York: Vintage Books, 1972. Print. Top of Form Heider, John, and Laozi. The Tao of Leadership: Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching Adapted for a New Age. Atlanta, Ga: Humanics New Age, 1985. Print. Top of Form Deng, Ming-Dao. Everyday Tao: Living with Balance and Harmony. San Francisco, Calif.: HarperSanFrancisco, 1996. Print. 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