World Religion and Thoughts

Taoism Overview

Founded: 6th Century BC

Country of Origin: China

Founder: Lao Tzu

Principal Text: Tao Te Ching (The Way and Its Power)

Main concepts:

Tao--the way; metaphysical principle; source of all things; immanent (ontologically) yet transcendent (epistemologically); encompasses binaries; embodies balance, holism, and fluidity, and eternity.

Chi: life force or energy

Te: Power

Wu-wei or wei-wu-wei: empty action

Taoism is a naturalistic philosophy that counterbalances more socially oriented rule- based philosophies (Confucianism). It tends to emphasize the natural perfection of the world and the natural goodness of those who are in harmony with nature. Taoism stresses spontaneity and creativity. It is suspect of undue rationalization. It encourages humility and simplicity and dissociating from desire as a means to greater contentment. Salvation is achieved through being in harmony with the Tao. Though Taoism emphasizes the eternality of the Tao and the fact that all things are part of a larger whole, it does not tend to encourage belief in an eternal soul apart from the fact that one can find contentment in the fact that one will always be part of reality (which is everlasting) even after one dies insofar as one’s life serves to bring more life forth and remains integrated with the whole.