The dictionary definition of Taoism is a philosophical system developed by of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events. Roughly translated as the "Way" for many Taoism is much more than a religious or philosophical way of thought it is a way of life. Taoism has found its way into modern living. The most common graphic representation of Taoist theology is the circular Yin Yang figure. It represents the balance of opposites in the universe. When they are equally present, all is calm. When one is outweighed by the other, there is confusion and disarray. The Yin and Yang are a model that the faithful follow, an aid that allows each person to contemplate the state of his or her lives. But Taoism is deeper than Yin and Yang. .
While Taoism is translated to English as the "Way" it is hard to restrain it to that definition. Taoism is virtually indefinable. The best way to understand Taoism is to live the life. Taoism "refers to a power which envelops surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living. The Tao regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. It embodies the harmony of opposites (i.e. there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female.)" 1 .
Every religion has its beginnings. By the Christian calendar most religions began Before Christ (B.C.). Same is thought to be true of Taoism. Taoism is believed to begin with Lao Tzu (one of many believed spellings) a contemporary of Confucius. He was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted society during his lifetime. The result was his book: Tao Te Ching.
The Tao Te Ching is the main source of Taoist wisdom available to the Westerner. To many this is the first place a student of the Tao should begin. Unlike many other Taoist books it is lacking in humor or stories, and is often seen as difficult by Western Scholars.
Taoism is not a religion, nor a philosophy. ... With the end of the Ch'ing Dynasty in 1911, state support for Taoism ended. ... Taoism currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan. ... Taoism Beliefs: Taoism has provided an alternative to the Confucian tradition in China. ... Their are many health-related practices that naturally flow from taoism. ...
Confucianism and Taoism In a world conflicted with crime, hatred, and the doings of a radical generation x, now more than ever, we should look toward the fundamental schools of thought of the Chinese: Confucianism and Taoism. Fundamentally sound, the principles of Confucianism emphasize an individual's responsibility to act purposefully and sensibly, while its sister philosophy, Taoism, stresses the joyful acceptance of life and an appreciation for the natural world. ... Taoism's focus on the natural world and happiness with life is important also, but the elementary basics of be...
Taoism and Confucianism Decisions often stand in the way of life. ... In China, in particular, Taoism and Confucianism offer two options. ... Taoism teaches that a person must live naturally, in the "way". ... Also, Taoism is not led or governed by a hierarchy but by a concept. ... Taoism, on the other hand, tells people to live naturally and do what comes naturally and thereby others" views of how life should be, must not influence how one lives their own life. ...
This essay will compare and contrast the philosophical differences and similarities of Confucianism and Taoism. ... Taoism is based on living a simple life. ... Taoism thinks that the more a man knows the stranger things happen. ... Taoism lives by no laws or penalties. ... Now that the philosophical differences and similarities of Confucianism and Taoism have been compared and contrasted, you will know which life you live and which one you want to live. ...
With over three thousand years of history; China has used Confucianism and Taoism to foster its people to expand their consciousness as it relates to self and others. ... From among these schools emerged schools of Confucianism and Taoism. ... Mans very own self awareness defines one state of consciousness and this is the focus in which the practice of Taoism consist of. In more practical terms Taoism provides a way of live adapted to suit any individual by way of incorporating techniques from the physical and the meditative. ...
Taoism (pronounced Daoism) is an ancient religion that originated in China over 2000 years ago. ... The ongoing beliefs and philosophies of Taoism are sustained through rituals and sacred spaces, practices, deities and sacred texts. ... In Taoism, the Tao represents the force behind everything that exists both spiritually and physically. ... Lao-Tzu was a philosopher who was believed to have been one of the many deities as well as the founder of philosophical Taoism. The Taoist beliefs have been shaped and influenced by the deities and supernatural beings of Taoism. ...
