Taoism

The Taijitu symbol, more commonly known as “yin and yang” represents more than meets the eye. The symbol was partially derived from an ancient manual known as the I-Ching, or Book of Changes (Issitt and Main 251). Like many other symbols, this one was created by combining other symbols together to make a more present and relatable symbol. This symbol represents opposite forces and how they work together in the world. The “Yin and Yang” are a way for citizens to explain nature and how it balances…

Daoism also known as Taoism is a religion-philosophical tradition and culture which bring an enormous influence to all over the world. Daoism was originally found in the Daodejing which was written by the first philosopher of Chinese Laozi, (Chinese name “Mater Lao” or Old Master) which gave explanation as to the reason of why the central writing of Daodejing was in Chinese.Laozi was well-known as a philosopher and he was worshipped by many Chinese as an imperial ancestor during the period of…

During the middle of the semester, we began discussing Eastern Philosophy. Kung Fu Tze, Lao Tze, Mo Tze, and Siddartha Gautama were the four Eastern Philosophers we discussed. Each of these philosophers had different objectives. Kung Fu Tze, also known as Confucius, believed that life ought to be lived in accordance with Heaven. Secondly, Lao Tze focused his concept around the Universe. Thirdly, Mo Tze based his philosophy on Jian Ai which is “Indiscriminate Love.” Lastly, the final philosopher…

What is the meaning of Dao? How does Daoism view human nature? What is the human predicament, or problem, according to Daoist teachings, and how do we, as humans, achieve harmony with the Dao? Dao, also known as Tao, is a Chinese word meaning principle, path or route. It may loosely be defined as the code of conduct expected of human beings. Tao, therefore, emphasizes the virtues that dictate and regulate the way of life people. Among these attributes include the peaceful co-existence and…

Throughout history people have had their own perspective about government and how much power it should hold. While some people believe in the saying “power to the people” and that government should play little to no role in the lives of society other’s believe all the power should be given to one specific person like a dictator. With these different beliefs, there is also those people who stand in the middle agreeing that the government should play big roles in society but the people should have…

My spiritual autobiography begins during my second year of high school and will cover about until the end of this class. There are many changes I went through during this period of time in terms of spirituality, and how I perceived the world. This autobiography will mainly focus on my transition from a catholic to everything else, and how I was able to use this experience to relate to Otto and Lauren and their own spiritual journeys. My journey began at St. Ignatius high school where we…

several important implications should be drawn. First, Dumoulin explains that Buddhism initially was met with great success as “educated Chinese of earlier centuries felt such an inner resonance with Buddhism that they came to consider it, along with Taoism and Confucianism as a genuine expression of Chinese religiosity.” The Mahayana Buddhism of India offered notions of equality and oneness with nature and reality that were important conceptions in Chinese philosophy at the time. Next, the…

Confucius and Lao Tzu were both philosophers in China. Their goals were to spread, and keep order, peace, and also harmony throughout China. Confucianism and Taoism (Daoism) are two totally different teachings that responded to disorder differently. Still to this day some Chinese thinkers study both philosophies. Both their teachings influenced the Chinese culture and religion. Confucius and Lau Tzu taught what they thought would make the world a better place. They both impacted China with their…

para. 6). In addition, “Three teachings in one” was inherited in many other Chinese traditions, including “folk or popular beliefs in gods, spirits, and ghosts; ancestor worship; the imperial or state ritual; divination and geomancy; Confucianism; Taoism; and Buddhism… Even before the Qing period, elements from these traditions had…

Have you ever sat down and wondered what religions, other than Christianity, the human race follows? Christianity is a huge belief. It is so big that it leaves many other faiths in its shadows. One of those faiths being Daoism. Daoism, A.K.A Taoism, is a Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-tzu, encouraging humbleness and religious devotion. The word Tao means the “way” or the “path” and is believed to be the origin of the universe, the basis of the existence of all creatures, and the…