Taoism

[size=35]Taoism
Way of the Tao, Lao Tzu[/size]

There is a thing, formless yet complete. Before heaven and earth it existed. Without sound, without substance, it stands alone and unchanging. It is all-pervading and unfailing. We do not know its name, but we call it Tao. .. Being one with nature, the sage is in accord with the Tao. (Lao Tzu)

Taoism is one of the great religions / philosophies of Ancient China (along with Buddhism and Confucianism).
In 440 B.C. Taoism was adopted as a state religion of China, with Lao Tzu (so called founder of Taoism) honoured as a deity. Lao Tzu was a contemporary of Confucius and wrote a book called the Tao te Ching, composed some time between the sixth and third centuries B.C. Some people believe Lao Tzu is a mythical character. State support of Taoism ended in 1911 with the end of the Ch'ing Dynasty and much Taoist heritage was destroyed.

Tao (pronounced 'Dao') can be defined as 'path', or 'road'. The way of the Tao is the way of Nature and of ultimate reality. Tao is often described as a force that flows through all life. A happy and virtuous life is one that is in harmony with the Tao, with Nature.
The philosophy of Taoism understands Tao as the One Thing which exists and connects the Many things. Tao, Nature, Reality are One.
The following quotes (attributed to Lao Tzu) help us understand the nature of the Tao;
“If people do not revere the Law of Nature, It will inexorably and adversely affect them
If they accept it with knowledge and reverence, It will accommodate them with balance and harmony.”
“There is a thing, formless yet complete.
Before heaven and earth it existed.
Without sound, without substance,
it stands alone and unchanging.
It is all-pervading and unfailing.
One may think of it as the mother of all beneath Heaven.
We do not know its name, but we call it Tao.
Deep and still, it seems to have existed forever.”
“The Great Tao flows everywhere.
It may go left or right.
All things depend on it for life, and it does not turn away from them.
It accomplishes its tasks, but does not claim credit for it.
It clothes and feeds all things, but does not claim to be master over them.
Always without desires, it may be called the Small.
All things come to it and it does not master them;
it may be called The Great.”
“The Tao that can be told of is not the eternal Tao;
the name that can be named is not the eternal name.”
“Hold on to the Tao of old in order to master the things of the present.”
“Being one with Nature, he is in accord with the Tao.
Being in accord with the Tao, he is everlasting.”
“Whether it is big or small, many or few, repay hatred with virtue.”
”Manifest plainness, Embrace simplicity, Reduce selfishness, Have few desires.”
“Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river.” (Lao Tzu)
See our webpage Taoism / Philosophy of the Tao for more quotes, information, history and pictures.

Taoism

[size=35]TaoismWay of the Tao, Lao Tzu[/size]

Taoism :: تعاليق

Taoism

[size=35]Taoism
Way of the Tao, Lao Tzu[/size]