Since this is my blog, most of the comments about Taoism originate from me. I intersperse my own thoughts and commentary with words from The TaoWoods Center, Chuang Tzu, Lao Tzu and Lieh-Tzu. But I am ever cognizant of the fact that my singular voice is just that -- one singular voice. I don't have a corner on the truth any more than anyone else.
I also realize that we each learn in different ways. What might seem poetic to one person may sound like utter gibberish to the next. So, here are some explanations of philosophical Taoism I've gathered from around the web. See if one or more of them speaks to you.
Taoism is not a religion, nor a philosophy. It is a "Way" of life. It is a River. The Tao is the natural order of things. It is a force that flows through every living and sentient object, as well as through the entire universe. When the Tao is in balance it is possible to find perfect happiness.
Taoism - Crystalinks
A 2,500-plus-year-old spiritual practice, Taoism (not unlike Zen) is like a "finger pointing at the moon." That is, Taoism states that words are just a sign to point to the nonconceptual ultimate reality. It is of value to not obsess over the conceptual pointer but to see the ultimate reality clearly.
Beliefnet
Taoism is a way of life which tries to accommodate the tendencies of nature, but it is not restricted to this alone. This approach is not a pure return to Mother Nature, so familiar to the today New Age ideology. Rather it is a life philosophy and wisdom acquired by simply observing the flow of natural events.
Way of Perfect Emptiness
Taoism views the universe and all of its manifestations as operating according to a set of unchanging, natural laws. As an inseparable part of the Tao, human beings can gain knowledge of these laws and become attuned to them. It is these natural laws that constitute the core principles of Taoism. Aligning ourselves with these principles provides a universal perspective and understanding and allows life to be lived in harmony with the Tao. Indeed our way of life becomes the Way, a full expression of the Tao.
Jade Dragon Online
Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy which promotes living simply and in harmony with nature, and going with the flow. Ancient Taoists believed that by following the natural world, pursuing a strict diet and meditation regime and not struggling with their lot, they could achieve an inner calm, improved health and great martial power. But despite its age, Taoism has a lot to offer the average Westerner and more and more people are turning towards the Taoist arts to help them with questions and problems in their lives.
The Taoists Arts
Taoism believes "Tao" to be the cosmic, mysterious, and ultimate principle underlying form, substance, being, and change. Tao encompasses everything. It can be used to understand the universe and nature as well as the human body. For example, "Tao gives birth to the One, the One gives birth to Two, and from Two emerges Three, Three gives birth to all the things. All things carry the Yin and the Yang, deriving their vital harmony from the proper blending of the two vital forces." (Tao Te Ching, ch. 42) Tao is the cause of change and the source of all nature, including humanity. Everything from quanta to solar systems consists of two primary elements of existence, Yin and Yang forces, which represent all opposites. These two forces are complementary elements in any system and result in the harmony or balance of the system. All systems coexist in an interdependent network. The dynamic tension between Yin and Yang forces in all systems results in an endless process of change: production and reproduction and the transformation of energy. This is the natural order.
United Communities of Spirit
Taoism is not easy to understand. In fact, the more you try to understand, the more confusing it can get. The first step is in understanding that Taoism is not really a religion - there are no gods, dieties, rituals, altars, or ceremonies. Taoism is a way of thinking and living in harmony with nature. It stresses simplicity in one's life - something we all need. You don't have to read the Tao Te Ching every day to be a Taoist. You don't have to live in hut in the middle of nowhere. You don't even have to know that Taoism exists to have this state of mind.
Taoism for the Teenage Soul
This is nothing but a smattering. One could easily find thousands -- if not millions -- of explanations about what Taoism is. Of course, in the end, it doesn't really matter how anyone else defines it -- The important thing is how YOU define YOUR path.
If you'd like to share what Taoism means to you, by all means use the comments section. There are as many paths of Tao as there are people. Maybe your understanding of this ancient philosophy will spark someone else to start off on their own journey!
I also realize that we each learn in different ways. What might seem poetic to one person may sound like utter gibberish to the next. So, here are some explanations of philosophical Taoism I've gathered from around the web. See if one or more of them speaks to you.
Taoism is not a religion, nor a philosophy. It is a "Way" of life. It is a River. The Tao is the natural order of things. It is a force that flows through every living and sentient object, as well as through the entire universe. When the Tao is in balance it is possible to find perfect happiness.
Taoism - Crystalinks
A 2,500-plus-year-old spiritual practice, Taoism (not unlike Zen) is like a "finger pointing at the moon." That is, Taoism states that words are just a sign to point to the nonconceptual ultimate reality. It is of value to not obsess over the conceptual pointer but to see the ultimate reality clearly.
Beliefnet
Taoism is a way of life which tries to accommodate the tendencies of nature, but it is not restricted to this alone. This approach is not a pure return to Mother Nature, so familiar to the today New Age ideology. Rather it is a life philosophy and wisdom acquired by simply observing the flow of natural events.
Way of Perfect Emptiness
Taoism views the universe and all of its manifestations as operating according to a set of unchanging, natural laws. As an inseparable part of the Tao, human beings can gain knowledge of these laws and become attuned to them. It is these natural laws that constitute the core principles of Taoism. Aligning ourselves with these principles provides a universal perspective and understanding and allows life to be lived in harmony with the Tao. Indeed our way of life becomes the Way, a full expression of the Tao.
Jade Dragon Online
Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy which promotes living simply and in harmony with nature, and going with the flow. Ancient Taoists believed that by following the natural world, pursuing a strict diet and meditation regime and not struggling with their lot, they could achieve an inner calm, improved health and great martial power. But despite its age, Taoism has a lot to offer the average Westerner and more and more people are turning towards the Taoist arts to help them with questions and problems in their lives.
The Taoists Arts
Taoism believes "Tao" to be the cosmic, mysterious, and ultimate principle underlying form, substance, being, and change. Tao encompasses everything. It can be used to understand the universe and nature as well as the human body. For example, "Tao gives birth to the One, the One gives birth to Two, and from Two emerges Three, Three gives birth to all the things. All things carry the Yin and the Yang, deriving their vital harmony from the proper blending of the two vital forces." (Tao Te Ching, ch. 42) Tao is the cause of change and the source of all nature, including humanity. Everything from quanta to solar systems consists of two primary elements of existence, Yin and Yang forces, which represent all opposites. These two forces are complementary elements in any system and result in the harmony or balance of the system. All systems coexist in an interdependent network. The dynamic tension between Yin and Yang forces in all systems results in an endless process of change: production and reproduction and the transformation of energy. This is the natural order.
United Communities of Spirit
Taoism is not easy to understand. In fact, the more you try to understand, the more confusing it can get. The first step is in understanding that Taoism is not really a religion - there are no gods, dieties, rituals, altars, or ceremonies. Taoism is a way of thinking and living in harmony with nature. It stresses simplicity in one's life - something we all need. You don't have to read the Tao Te Ching every day to be a Taoist. You don't have to live in hut in the middle of nowhere. You don't even have to know that Taoism exists to have this state of mind.
Taoism for the Teenage Soul
This is nothing but a smattering. One could easily find thousands -- if not millions -- of explanations about what Taoism is. Of course, in the end, it doesn't really matter how anyone else defines it -- The important thing is how YOU define YOUR path.
If you'd like to share what Taoism means to you, by all means use the comments section. There are as many paths of Tao as there are people. Maybe your understanding of this ancient philosophy will spark someone else to start off on their own journey!
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