Daoism (or Taoism)

1. Daoism (or Taoism) • Founded by Laozi (Lao Tzu) means ‘old master’ • Potentially mythical • Contemporary of Confucius • Followers try to live in harmony with the Dao (‘The Way’) - unnamable, unknowable, ongoing process of the universe

2. Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) • Sacred text of Daoism • Expresses all the basic ideas of Daoism

3. Basic ideas of Daoism • The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao;The name that can be named is not the eternal name.The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth. • Since before time and space were,the Tao is.It is beyond is and is not.How do I know this is true?I look inside myself and see.

4. Basic ideas of Daoism (cont.) • A leader is best when people barely know that he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him, worst when they despise him. Fail to honor people, They fail to honor you. But of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aims fulfilled, they will all say, "We did this ourselves. • He who knows does not speak; he who speaks does not know.

5. Basic ideas of Daoism (cont.) • Without laughter, there would be no Tao. • Knowing others is wisdom; Knowing the self is enlightenment. Mastering others requires force; Mastering the self requires strength; He who knows he has enough is rich.

6. Influence of Daoism • Less on society, more on art (painting) and philosophy • Possible effect on Zen Buddhism • Natural beauty and spontaneity

7. Daoism (cont.) • Concerned with equality of life (reconciling of all forces • Yin - cool, dark, submissive, feminine • Yang - warm, bright, aggressive, masculine

8. Daoism (cont.) • One cannot exist without the other and one is within the other • Means people can follow Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism at once

9. The Three Vinegars