Taoism-Living in harmony with the Tao

Taoism-Living in Harmony with the Tao

By: Asar, Nicko, Rachel

History of Religion

Taoism originated in China, created by Lao Zi.

The Yin and Yang symbol (Tai Chi disk), represents balance. This is the main theme of Taoism. 

Le Tai

Chi disk

The root of Tao is defined as the way of the universe, nature, balance.

It is a reality that can not be grasped in language, or thought. 

The goal of life is to conform human lives in the way of the universe.

Taoism is also known as the nameless philosophy.

Its main themes are intuition, simplicity, spontaneity, and the way of nature. 

Taoism mimics the foundations of the School of Yin-Yang.

Certain aspects of Taoism can be found even in prehistoric folk religions that existed in China, and were later drafted into the tradition of Taoism.

There have been several recordings in the transcripts of Taoism of magic, divination, and even the development of medicine.

The Fangshi, whom Laozi was considered to be a part of (although this is commonly debated) were often referred to as a fierce clan, and also as one of the more developed clans known to take part in exorcisms, and wield great power in sorcery.

The Tianshi was the first form of Taosim developed after the Rice movement at the end of the 2nd century.

Zhang Daoling had been the one to claim the rights as he claimed that Laozi had appeared to him with a message

Modern Taoism

Taoism has had many forms, and since then many different schools of tradition and beliefs.

Taoism is thought in several schools, and has millions of followers to this day.

Modern Taoism is not a (always) theistic belief, but a history of wisdom, and the evaluation of what we can learn from it.

Brief Explanation of Religious Belief System

Taoists believe that ordinary men can become Gods when they possess Tao and do good 3,000 times and accomplish exploits 800 times.

It actually means that humans must do good naturally like its what they do everyday.

You should not boast your achievements out to the world. God can see your secret achievements.

"Things will develop in the opposite direction when they become extreme.“

Up and down, left and right, fortune and misfortune, etc………….

Lao Zi

Philosopher of Ancient China

Author of the Tao Te Ching

Lao Zi was the author of the Tao Te Ching, the script of Taoism.

He is considered the founder of Daoism.

He is also revered as a deity, part of the 'Three Pure Ones' and refered to as

(Grand supreme elder lord)

Chinese traditions say he lived in the 6th century BCE.

But historians say that he is many historical figures put together or actually lived in the 5th~4thcentury BCE

He is honoured as an ancestor of the Tang imperial family, and was granted the title

(Supreme Mysterious and Primordial Emperor)

There are many legends and stories surrounding Laozi.

-he was a student of Confucius

-he was the Keeper of the Archives for the Zhou royal court

-he stayed in his mother’s womb for 62 years, was born when she leaned against a plum tree

-he had thirteen incarnations, and as Laozi he lived 990 years

Laozi was revered and so loved by the Chinese people to the point that many ‘unrelated’ emperors claimed to be born in Laozi’s lineage, which many scholars have said they were false.

Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the fourth successor of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad wrote that Laozi’s teachings were like Islam.

Tao Te Ching

15

The ancient Masters were profound and subtle.

Their wisdom was unfathomable.

There is no way to describe it;

all we can describe is their appearance.

They were careful

as someone crossing an iced-over stream.

Alert as a warrior in enemy territory.

Courteous as a guest.

Fluid as melting ice.

Shapable as a block of wood.

Receptive as a valley.

Clear as a glass of water.

Do you have the patience to wait

till your mud settles and the water is clear?

Can you remain unmoving

till the right action arises by itself?

The Master doesn't seek fulfillment.

Not seeking, not expecting,

she is present, and can welcome all things.

16

Empty your mind of all thoughts.

Let your heart be at peace.

Watch the turmoil of beings,

but contemplate their return.

Each separate being in the universe

returns to the common source.

Returning to the source is serenity.

If you don't realize the source,

you stumble in confusion and sorrow.

When you realize where you come from,

you naturally become tolerant,

disinterested, amused,

kindhearted as a grandmother,

dignified as a king.

Immersed in the wonder of the Tao,

you can deal with whatever life brings you,

and when death comes, you are ready.

Activity time~

1. Sit comfortably. balance your weight evenly, straighten your spine, and pay attention to physical sensations like heat, cold, trembling, etc (body)

2. focus on your breath. Focus as it flows in and out of the lungs, or focus on the energy streaming in and out. (Breath and energy)

3. Focus your attention on thoughts and feelings, insights and inspirations, visions and images. Eventually some might even be rewarded with intuitive flashes of insight. (spirit)

Thank you ^^

The legends...

Impact

The first page of the Tao Te Ching

tai shang lao jun

Deity?

tai shang xuan yuan huang di

Who is he?

The Tianshi

The Fangshi

Religious Schools

Temple on a Mountain Ledge by Kuncan in 1661

Taoism is a religion that focuses mainly on immortality and balance between human beings and nature.

Tao is a Non-action action. It means that in order to have Tao, you have to be pure and do nothing, which can do everything.

You have to follow the rules of nature but not override it.

Immortality and Balance

Dialectic thinking