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Daoism, one of the three primary
religions of China, arose in the sixth century BCE, and is focused on the
solidarity of nature and humans; the cycles of nature in which all things
return to their starting points; as well as passivity, peace and mediation
are central points of identity for Daoism. Daoism was not originally a true
religion. It started as a combination of psychology and philosophy but
evolved into a religious faith in 440 CE when it was adopted as a state
religion. Different Chinese philosophers, presented some major ideas and a
way of life that are nowadays known under the name of Taoism, the way of
correspondence between man and the tendency or the course of the natural
world. It is a belief system, a "Way" of life, with folk religion roots
centered in China and popularized by the philosopher Lao-tzu in the 5th
century. It has taken many forms throughout the centuries, coexisting with
Confucianism and Buddhism, influencing Asia and to a lesser degree, other
world cultures. The Dao(Tao) manifest itself as the natural order of
things. It is a force that flows through every living and conscious object,
as well as through the entire universe. It is a River. Water is used as a
representation of Tao because water always seeks the path of least
resistance. It does not compete; it simply spiders out, finds the easiest
path and follows it, yet there is nothing stronger. Water will carve through
rocks, run around steel or anything which resists it. And it does so by
simply rising or using gravity. When the Tao is in balance it is possible to
find perfect happiness.
The Supremely Profound Principal of Taoism deeply permeates all species of things but its physical form cannot be seen. It takes nourishment from emptiness and nothingness and derives its life from Nature. It penetrates the past and present and originates the various species. It operates yin and yang and starts the material force in motion. As yin and yang unite, all things are complete on Heaven and on Earth. The sky and sun rotate and the weak and strong interact. They return to their original position and thus the beginning and end are determined. Life and death succeed each other and thus the nature and the destiny are made clear. Looking up, we see the form of the heavens. Looking down, we see the condition of the earth. We examine our nature and understand our destiny. We trace our beginning and see our end. ... Therefore the Profound Principle is the perfection of utility. To see and understand is wisdom. To look and love is humanity. To determine and decide is courage. To control things universally and to use them for all is impartiality. To be able to match all things is penetration. To have or not to have the proper circumstance is destiny. The way by which all things emerge from vacuity is the Way. To follow the principles of the world without altering them and to attain one's end is virtue. To attend to life, to be in society, and to love universally is humanity. To follow order and to evaluate what is proper is righteousness. To get hold of the Way, virtue, humanity, and righteousness and put them into application is called the business of life. To make clear the achievement of nature and throw light on all things is called yang. To be hidden, without form, deep and unfathomable, is called yin. Yang knows yang but does not know yin. Yin knows yin but does not know yang. The Profound Principle alone knows both yin and yang, both going and stopping, and both darkness and light. According to the Creed of the Western Reform Taoist Congregation followers believe in the formless and eternal Tao, and recognize all personified deities as being mere human constructs. Hatred, intolerance, and unnecessary violence, are rejected while embracing harmony, love and learning, as is taught by Nature. They place their trust and lives in the Tao, in order that they may live in peace and balance with the Universe, both in this mortal life and beyond. |
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