TAOISM
Religious tradition founded in China in the 3rd century B.C. and based upon the teachings
of the philosopher Chuang-tzu. Also ascribed to works developed by Lieh Tzu and Laotzu. However, the historicity of their works and very existence remains somewhat in
doubt. Whereas, the life of Chuang-tzu can be authentically dated to approximately 369286 B.C., it is probable that the tenets of Taoism date earlier to the 6th century B.C.
1.
View of Deity
According to philosophical Taoism, there is no Supreme Being or deities of any
sort. There is a “Tao” or “Way” that is the mystical essence that is “the
underlying principle that gives order and harmony to the universe.” Tao is the
primordial, undivided state underlying both being and non-being. In short, Tao is
the inherent purposeless, impersonal Cosmic Principle. Religious Taoists believe
in a variety of gods. Taoist texts include the Tao-te Ching (the Classic of the
Way and its Virtue) and the Book of Chuang-tzu.
2.
View of Human Nature
Human beings do not have a soul but may become immortal in Religious
Taoism. Human beings have a free will; they can learn to live in harmony with
the Tao.
3.
Purpose of Life
Human beings need to learn to live in harmony with the Tao, or the Way. The
pinnacle of peace, human happiness, and wisdom is achieved when a person
adjusts himself/herself to the motion and movement of the universe.
4.
View of Spirituality
5.
Living in harmony with the Tao is the pathway to inner harmony and peace. An
important principle of the Tao is “we-wei” or the principle of non-action. Wewei is a call to passive action. One should not resist, confront, or defy. One
should not lay down rules or requirements. Only sincere humility, minimal
desires, and pure spontaneity can enable one to find the Way.
View of Morality
Taoism does not proscribe rules, laws, or moral constraints. People need to
submit to the natural order of things and live in harmony with the Tao.
Judgments of what is right and wrong are relative to one=s personal stance,
situation, and needs.
6.
View of Life After Death
The founder of philosophical Taoism did not believe in immortality; when a
person dies he or she passes into non-being and individuality is dissolved.
Religious Taoists believe in immortality. Those who become immortal were
thought to dwell on an island of paradise called “P’eng-lai.”