Essay on REL 133 week 4 Daoism Worksheet

He had revolutionary ideas about new relationships and government, different from many things that the Chinese people had ever seen. Another major belief system in Classical China was Legalism, which was technically a branch of Confucianism, and was surprisingly extremely popular (Carr). Legalism was very strict and built a code of law. The laws were generally harsh and discriminatory to women. Confucianism was the more popular and long lasting of the two. Daoism was also a notable belief system in the Classical Chinese time period. A possibly fictional philosopher and thinker named Lao Tzu created it. Daoism is partially a philosophy, but partially a religious faith just like most belief systems in this time. Daoists were much like present-day hippies due to their firm belief in the spirit world. Much like Confucianism and Legalism, this new idea was absolutely revolutionary and the Chinese loved it. They believed that respectfulness to the forces in everyday life and respectfulness to ancestors was the secret to being happy and free. While Confucianism argued that order was the only way for true peace, Daoist thought that ancestral veneration was the way for peace (Carr). These religious

Confucianism is a way of being loyal to the government and loving and caring for one’s family. Daoism is a way in living in harmony with the Tao. Both of these religions strive for peace and

Laozi (Laozi), also known as Classic of the Way and Virtue (Dao de jing), consists of just over 5,000 Chinese characters. Its 81 chapters are divided into two parts, Dao (the Way) and De (Virtue). Short as it is, the book has played a tremendous role in the development of Chinese culture. It became the basis of Daoism, the school of philosophy parallel to Confucianism in ancient China. The thought of Laozi formed the foundation of Daoism, the most influential indigenous school of religion in China. It has also exerted a direct impact on the characteristics, trends of thought and aesthetic sensibilities of the Chinese nation. Today Laozi still plays a role in development of Chinese thinking.

Daoism has everything to do with nature. It plays the most important role in human development and knowledge . It states that humans should help

The practice of Daoism and reading the Daodejing teaches individuals to flow with life while keeping a balance in all aspects of the their daily life. Daoism does not make a distinction between metaphysics, epistemology, or other ways of thinking. It also does not make a distinction between philosophy and religion. Instead, both philosophy and religion are thought of as one in the Daodejing. For this reason, Daoism is an exemplary type of philosophy for those who want to focus on their own self-realization and development while keeping in touch with those around them and nature.

This was a main concept of Daoism, which was centered around disengaging so nature can control one’s life and make it harmonious. Another concept of Daoism that lingered in Chinese society is the pairing of yin and yang. Yin and yang represent two opposite forces that perfectly balance, creating the perfect symbiotic relationship. Balance and peace were very important concepts in Daoism, and this relationship symbolized the harmony that could occur when two forces were perfectly matched. Yin and yang also inspired art works and scenes in movies, such as the film Hero.

The Daodejing expresses a great interest in balance in life. The Daodejing introduces the Yin (陰) and Yang (陽) and its ways. Yin and Yang balance the good and bad to create a virtuous situation. Daoism is presented as a much more spiritual way of life. Laozi urges people to follow ‘the Way’ (道) as it leads to a more rewarding, humbling, and virtuous life.

Oriental culture has been shaped by countless ideals, but two notable religions, Daoism and Japanese Zen Buddhism, played a crucial role in influencing the beliefs of the Asian community. Daoism emphasized unity with the Way, Though Daoism and Zen Buddhism emphasized different societal aspects and utilized various training techniques, they both aimed to achieve a similar religious goal of escaping worldly suffering. Daoism was influenced by Chinese traditions and aspired to harmonize oneself with the Dao, otherwise known as the Way. Daoist tradition placed a strong emphasis on the importance of qi, jing and awareness of relativity of perspective. Daoism believed in Qi, vital energy, and Jing, vital essence that was the basis of health, vitality and psychological well-being (The Inner Cultivation Tradition of Early Daoism, PAGE).

Daoism means “Followers of the way”, although Dao does not means only “way”. According to the BBC religion, the word Dao or Tao can include several concepts such as “the source of creation”, “the ultimate”, “the unnameable” ,“the way of nature as a whole”, “the natural universe as a whole” and “the inexpressible and indefinable.” In Taoism they believe in way of living in which there were not many rules and believes in the philosophy of inaction. They say that you can find happiness through nature and harmony. Also this is where yin and yang come from. As we can see, there are major differences between Daoism and Confucianism, but one of them is very important, the life after death.

The basic concepts that are the most important for understanding the Daoist view of reality is described simply in our Revealing World Religions courseware. Essentially, Daoism teaches that there is an ultimate reality. This ultimate reality serves as the basis for everything and everyone in the universe. This is a trait of the religion that is similar to that of other ancient wisdoms. The introductory lecture on Daoism introduces the translation of the Dao. The Dao is representative of “the path” or “the way”. The concept relates specifically growing power that surges and flows through all things, living and non-living. The idea of the Dao is to serve as a regulator for natural processes, nourisher for balance within the Universe, and an embodiment

Daoist, or also known as Taoist, is a spiritual, philosophical and religious tradition of Chinese people. The term Tao means a way, principle, or path. The symbol of Daoist is often referred to a circle with a black and white wave type drawing, and opposite color dots in each wave. Daoist follow the scripture of Dao De Jing, he is also one of the most important person in this religion. Currently Daoist doesn’t have a large amount of followers.

Laozi believes Dao is a part of nature.The interaction between the world and human society, worshipping ancestors, the heavens, and the divine sovereign. Daoism believed in each person knowing themselves

Though no one is completely certain, The Urantia Book Fellowship(Sprunger) many scholars believe Taoism’s foundation goes back to 604 BC, by Lao Tzu. Taoism is one of the more influential religious practices of the Eastern culture and many view it as a way of life rather than a religion. It emphasizes various themes centered on naturalness, vitality, peace, non-interference/non-resistance, refinement, detachment, flexibility, receptiveness, spontaneity, and the ways of life, speaking, and guiding behavior. Taoism represents the road, path followed in life, the flow of the universe, or the force behind the natural order of life that keeps the universe balanced and ordered. There are several variations of Taoism practiced around the

Daoism is synonymous with Taoism; in this religious philosophy, the way of nature is central theme of life. It was founded by Lao Tzu in 500BC in China. Lao is believed to have authored the “Dao de Jing”, which details the Daoist beliefs. Dao is a concept, a way, a principle that will lead a person to a happy, peaceful life. Dao can be achieved by incorporating the Three Jewel of Taoism that are humility, simplicity and compassion in one’s life. According to Dao, de Jing “The Way to Heaven is to benefit others and not to injure”.15 Further, there is no concept of good and evil, the Dao is simply the universe, which is perceived as a self- sustaining entity that generates energy called qi. Like other Chinese traditions, Daoist also have great reverence for the spirits of ancestors as well as spirits of nature that is plants, animals, rivers, etc. 16

When the topic of religion or philosophy comes to mind, Taoism is often unheard of and is shrouded with mystery. While this is true, its rich history and ideologies are both profound and intriguing. Taoism is one of the oldest and most ancient philosophies known to mankind. There are many theories as to just how old the customs are. Taoism is also referred to as Daoism which is a more precise way of articulating the word in English to match the pronunciation of the Chinese word. Taoism is often entitled as a philosophy or a religion. However, certain time frames set it to be either a religion or a philosophy. For example, back in the 2nd century, Taoism was mainly a religion. Nowadays, it is treated more as a philosophy due to its complex ideas. Many philosophical writings and poetry in the Tao Te Ching, many believe it to be a philosophy. On the other hand, there are many religious aspects of Taoism such as reciting the Tao Te Ching or giving offerings. While Taoism is a more uncommon religion, its origin, ideology, practices, and persecutions have been studied immensely.