Tao of the Day

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tao or Dao (道, Pinyin: Dà o, pronounced “doe”(Cantonese) or “doew”(Mandarin)) is a Chinese character often translated as ‘Way’ or ‘Path’. In ancient China Tao gained a special currency referring to the Way of Nature or Heaven. This Great Way was considered the source of the order that could be seen in Nature and the Cosmos. The concept of the Tao and its relationship to yin and yang heavily influenced Chinese philosophy and continues to this day. Sages such as Lao Tsu and Confucius advocated a deep understanding of Nature so that human life could be lived in accord with the natural order of things. In ancient Chinese civilisation Nature was not seen as a wilderness that was in need of subduing and controlling but was Herself the teacher from whom humanity could learn.

A common theme in Taoist literature is that fulfilment in life cannot be attained by forcing one’s own destiny; instead, one must be receptive to the path laid for them by nature and circumstance, which will themselves provide what is necessary. Lao Tsu taught that the wisest approach was a way of ‘non-action’ (”Wu wei”) – not inaction but rather a harmonisation of one’s personal will with the natural harmony and justice of Nature. ‘The World is ruled by letting things take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering’ (Tao Te Ching; Verse 48). Nature is stabilized by order, and humans, everything, exists within nature. Attempting to force one’s own path is futile and self-destructive. ‘Do you think you can take over the universe and improve it?…The universe is sacred. You cannot improve it. If you try to change it you will ruin it.’ (Tao Te Ching; Verse 29).

It should be noted that in Taoism the complemental part of “non-action” (”Wu wei”) is “non-left-undone” (”Wu bu wei”). Taoism should be viewed as advocating the harmonization of “passivity” and “activity/creativity” instead of just being passive.

Lao Tsu, the legendary author of the Tao Te Ching, was the first to provide a comprehensive treatment of the Tao. The religion based on the concept of Tao - Tao Jiao - is known in English as Taoism. Lao Tsu taught that, “He who follows the Tao is one with the Tao,” and “Being at one with the Tao is eternal, though the body dies, the Tao will never pass away.’ (Verses 23 & 16)