Nature in Taoism Essay

Submitted By lexi1294
Words: 688
Pages: 3
Open Document
Religion Midterm Exam Question #4 Nature is the key to understanding Taoism. One of the important principles of Taoism is to act in harmony with nature at all times. In Taoism, you yourself is an illusion and weakness is more powerful than strength. As stated in the beginning of Tao Te Ching, Tao has no name, it is the “Originator of heaven and earth; (conceived of as) having a name, it is the Mother of all things.” The drives of Taoism are to have a direct experience of the universe, accept and cooperate with things are they are, don’t set standards of morality and don’t label things as “good” or “bad.” Taoism or Daoism steams from the word Dao or Tao which translates to ‘way.’ It is not defined as ‘the way’ because the belief of Taoism is not to define things but to experience them; it is the way of all reality. There is not a particular meaning to Dao, it is ever changing yet constant. Daoism functions on the idea of the River, a movement in nature that is ever flowing. It does not stop and it is not always the same body of water that is passing through the rocks. The key of the River in Taoism is to understand the current and go with the flow. The idea of weakness being more powerful than strength comes from the idea of the River. The water flowing over the rocks, smooth’s the rough edges of the stone. Thus, meaning in Daoism that water is stronger than stone. Nature being the cornerstone of Taoism helps individuals understand their purpose in the world. In the passage from Tao Te Ching, the world is a sacred, delicate place, “Those who act on it destroy it; those who hold on to it lose it.” This passage can be interpreted in that people cannot control the world, they cannot change nature. When humans try to deviate from nature and try to control it they bring destruction upon themselves and those around them. If you try to change something in nature that is not meant to be changed, you will destroy it and all your chances of acting on the world will fail. The world is the way it is, nature is the way it is; it cannot be changed or moved.
The ‘way’ to one’s life is to be one with nature. Sit and smell the roses don’t sit and destroy them. Humans themselves are defined by nature and nature is defined by humans. Humans can discover balance and wisdom from nature, we learn about our true selves through nature and become committed to destination through nature. Tao
Show More

Related Documents: Nature in Taoism Essay

Taoism Whale Talk

Taoism Research Taoism is a tradition of Chinese origin that is classified as religious or spiritual. Taoism emphasizes on living in harmony with the Tao. Tao means way or principle and can also be found in Chinese philosophies and religions other than Taoism. In Taoism roots come from chinese customs and worldview. Another name that Taoism is referred to as is Daoism. What Taoism bases on is the tao. Tao means the way or path to most, but it is not this exactly in Chinese. The belief is that…

Words 443 - Pages 2

Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu

Doctrinal and Ethical Dimensions Taoism has two main forms, philosophical and “religious”. In the philosophical branch of taoism it is mainly focused on texts like the Tao Te Ching and the Chuang Tzu which contain the fundamental teachings. The Tao Te Ching is most commonly thought to be written by Lao Tzu, but most scholars now believe that it was written much later than the time of Lao Tzu. The Tao Te Ching is a very short book and only contains about 5000 words of text. Although it seems short…

Words 777 - Pages 4

Taoism And Confucianism Similarities

and differences in comparing Taoism and Confucianism. Both philosophies, Taoism and Confucianism began in China and are ancient China styles of living. They are also the two most influential religious beliefs of China. Both religions are very flexible practices. They both worship in temples. Taoism and Confucianism both stem from similar beliefs and goals. Both religions are regarded as a path of life. Taoism teaches a person to follow their own natural instincts. Taoism is simply accepting you. It…

Words 595 - Pages 3

Taoism: Taoism and Lao Tzu Essay

Taoism The boundaries between religion and philosophy are not clearly defined in Chinese religious practice. There is no character in Chinese that correlates to the word "religion" as it is conventionally used in the West, and if the term "religion" is used in conjunction with Taoism confusion may arise since religion in China was not distinguished from social conduct in general. The Taoist tradition can be recognised as being historically divided into a philosophical and a religious…

Words 791 - Pages 4

Taoism 101 FINALCOPY Essay

Taoism 101 By Josh Cabungcal and Ned Mulholland OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION • PRINCIPAL BELIEFS CONCERNING THE ORIGINS OF THE UNIVERSE • PRINCIPAL BELIEFS OF TAOISM • SUPERNATURAL POWERS AND DEITIES • PRINCIPAL RITUALS • INFLUENCE IN THE SOCIETY • HUMAN SEARCH FOR MEANING • PRINCIPAL BELIEFS CONCERNING THE ORIGINS OF THE UNIVERSE THE TAO • Underlying principle for everything in the universe • First in a series of creative forces The Tao YIN YANG Examples of Yin-Yang in everyday life“All phenomena…

Words 1270 - Pages 6

Jessica Pierce24724 Essay

Jessica Pierce 4/22/14 p.1 Humanities What is good according to Taoism? Taoist ideas are formed around the concepts of simplicity and becoming one with the world. Taoists value the ability to not desire and conquer things, leaving them as they are and to let them develop on their own. According to Taoism, good is resting in non-action and smiling at the vicissitudes of the world. Taoism’s approach to ethics is not designed to preach morality or virtue to others. Taoists do not tell others how…

Words 544 - Pages 3

English: Tao Te Ching Essay

English Jackeline Ojeda English 4 Miss. Fanelli December 19, 2014 Confucianism vs. Taoism Confucianism and Taoism are two religions that we don’t really talk about in a day to day basis, but they were and still are a very important part of different parts of the world and they have so many history behind them. I both of the philosophies they are concerned with the quality of life and the condition of the people. Although Confucianism is more dominant, the both have had a huge impact on Chinese culture…

Words 738 - Pages 3

Taoism: Religion and Tao-te Ching Essay

Violence and conflict snowball their ways throughout each different religion, providing the believers with a grudge against the other. More specifically, as each religion beholds similar beliefs (meaning god) it creates a strong force of hatred. Taoism, for example, is an ancient tradition of stories and religious belief that Japanese people follow as their customs. It is also, one of the reasons why Japanese see the world as it is today. Taoist aspects have become well-known and followed throughout…

Words 563 - Pages 3

Essay on Taoism: Taoism and King Fu Hsi

The Taoism religion can be very confusing if you’re just watching it from the outside. But if you are involved in Taoism then it may make a lot of sense. Taoism is the ancient tradition of philosophy and religious belief that is deeply rooted in Chinese customs and worldview. This religion is also referred to as Daoism. Taoism includes many deities that are worshipped in Taoist temples, they are part of the universe and like everything else, and they depend on the Tao. The ‘god’ in this religion…

Words 847 - Pages 4

Taoism Religion

the answer to those are no. Taoism is an religion but not any religion it is an major religion. As for taoism it was first originated in china around the century of 500 B.C.E. It was developed in the latter part of chou dynasty. With the period of turmoil in which made it seem as though chinese civilization wasn't able to survive. With all that represents how one shall live their life to taoist an naturalist ideal. As in shinto no founder is available but lucky for taoism their is an proud founder…

Words 894 - Pages 4