[MD] Taoism

[MarshaV]

At 12:19 PM 12/18/2007, you wrote:
>Marsha,
>
>as all of us may be aware, taoism is the clearest format for the 
>lives of human
>beings - especially the middle class.  I am a burgeois, and although 
>the Tao Te
>Ching is, for me, the main trunk, and root, of the tree of understanding
>(although, there is still a lot of meditation under the words is necessary for
>me), a tree sustained under this philosphy, should be in the way of tunning us
>with the mystical.  ZAMM could be considered a strong branch from this tree of
>awareness that is definitely a beautiful first step into phylosophy.  We can
>not deny the evolution it brought to western's  point of view.  And it's an
>excellent novel, too!
>
>Cheers,
>Zoo Lontra


Thanks for the reminder.    - Marsha


The Dao ---

Dao (literal: Path or Way) is what Daoism is all about. Following Dao 
is following the way of Daoism. This way is discussed in the Dao De 
Jing, which elaborates on Yin and Yang, Wu Wei, Governing, the Three 
Jewels, and others.


Yin and Yang ---

In Daoism, Yin and Yang are negative and positive principles of the 
universe. One cannot exist without the other, and they often 
represent opposites in relations to each other. As you have more and 
more Yang, eventually, Yin will appear and replace this increase. 
Similarly in the opposite direction, Yang will appear to replace the 
increase in Yin.

The Yin Yang symbol (circle with black and white sections) depicts 
this clearly. As you travel around the circle, white or black will 
increase, until the opposite color is almost gone, but never totally 
gone. The cycle then repeats for the opposite color.

What seems like Yin is often supported by Yang, and vice-versa. As an 
example, to truly know good, you must know what evil is, and without 
good as a comparison, nothing is evil. Thus, while keeping to one 
end, do not shun the opposite end, but embrace both as they are. 
Allowing Yin to flourish, you welcome Yang. By letting go of Yin, you 
are waiting for its return. As an example, before you can possess 
something, you must be willing to let it go.

Yin and Yang often represent the following opposites...

-Yin:
Negative
Female
Dark
Evil
Earth

Yang:
Positive
Male
Light
Good
Heaven


Wu Wei ---

Wu Wei (literal: without action) is one of the main concepts from 
Daoism. It means to do things such that it does not seem like you are 
taking the effort of doing them. A close analogy would be following 
the natural flow of nature. By applying Wu Wei, one is closely 
following the way.


Governing ---

In Daoism, the government should follow the way in governing the 
people as well. Specific chapters in the Dao De Jing describes the 
ideal way of governing people. They can be summarized in these key points...

Do not emphasize status, intelligence, or possessions.
Govern with least visibility and with a serving attitude.
Reduce laws and govern lightly.
Take few actions that involve the people.
Treat other countries non-aggressively.


Three Jewels ---

There are three jewels (characteristics) that Daoists should cherish 
as mentioned in Dao De Jing chapter 67. They are...

Compassion - leads to courage
Moderation - leads to generosity
Humility - leads to leadership