What might be considered alternative to Americans was actually widespread and common to the Chinese for many centuries. Taoism, along with Buddhism and Confucianism, made up China’s 3 main historical religions for hundreds of years.
Taoism Coexists with Confucianism for Centuries
The origin of Taoism (pronounced Dow-ism) can be traced back to a man named Lao Tsu. Lao Tsu (approx 604-531 BC) was a contemporary of Confucius. Little is known about Lao Tsu, whose alternative name spellings include Lao Tze, Lao Tzu, Lao Tse and Laotze, other than the fact that he was a brilliant and charismatic teacher. Lao Tsu’s pupils wrote down his philosophical ideas, which widely differed from Confucius doctrine, in what later became the main text for Taoism, the Tao Te Ching. In 440 AD, Taoism was adopted as one of China’s main religions.
Tao is loosely translated as “the way” and emphasizes harmony and mindfulness, all in stark contrast to Confucianism’s strict codes of personal duty and social behavior. However, the religions managed to co-exist for centuries within China until a communist regime overtook the country and stripped citizens of many religious freedoms.
Taoism Tenets and Western Applications
Despite dwindling state support in China, Taoism still exists and is widely applicable to a changing world. There are few religions like Taoism, which does not include a deity to pray to or a church or temple for followers to worship in. In many ways, Taoism symbolizes the opposite of many religious and philosophical beliefs.
Beliefs of Taoists include:
- No Deity, God, or Icon to worship.
- No concept of creation. The Tao is everything and always was, is and will be.
- Time is cyclical, rather than linear.
These things offer a refreshing perspective to many westerners, whose societies are dominated by Christianity, creationism, and the idea of a linear progression of time. To adopt the concept that things always are and always have been lifts the weight off an agnostic wondering about the existence of God or where we came from, for instance. Cyclical time offers a whole new perspective on the average workers’ “rat race” when, really, what kind of prize is at the end of the race? Taoism instead emphasizes finding happiness and contentment along the journey.
Chi, Te, and Wu Wei
Taoists emphasize personal meditation, inner vitality and well-being, in contrast to the Western world’s consumer-driven approach to life, which includes such notions as conspicuous consumption and materialism. Instead, Taoists emphasize:
- Nurturing one’s personal energy source, known as Chi
- Developing one’s virtue, or Te
- Following the wu wei concept of action through non-action
- Harmony though balancing opposites
Yin Yang and the Three Jewels
Perhaps most applicable to stressed and burdened Westerners are the ideals of the Yin Yang and the Three Jewels. Yin Yang symbolizes the need to balance opposites in one’s life in order to preserve inner harmony and calmness. This notion leads to the idea of the "Three Jewels" that Taoists strive for:
- Compassion
- Moderation
- Humility
Taoists believe these principles can be achieved through meditation and observation of one’s own actions and existence within the world. Taoists put great importance on thoroughly thinking through the reasons and consequences of one’s actions. Through mindfulness, awareness, balance and the Three Jewels, citizens of any country or society may find harmony and calm in their daily lives.
Further Reading for the Western Taoist Beginner
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff (EP Dutton, 1982)
Complete Idiot’s Guide to Taoism by Brandon Toropov (Alpha Books, 2003)
Daoism: A Beginner’s Guide by James Miller (Oneworld Publications, 2008)
Stephanie Cox - Stephanie earned a B.S. in General Science with minors in physics and professional writing from Portland State University. As a teenager, ...
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