It is often expressed by the paradox Wei wu Wei, meaning “action without action” or “effortless doing”. The literal meaning of wu Wei is “without action”. Wu Wei (simplified Chinese: 无为 traditional Chinese: 無爲 pinyin: wúwéi) is a central concept in Taoism. LaFargue asserts that Tao is rarely an object of worship, being treated more like the Indian concepts of atman and dharma. It is often considered to be the source of both existence and non-existence. Tao is compared to what it is not, which according to Keller is similar to the negative theology of Western scholars. The flow of qi, as the essential energy of action and existence, is often compared to the universal order of Tao. Martinson says that Tao is associated with nature, due to a belief that nature demonstrates the Tao. Cane asserts Tao can be roughly stated to be the flow of the universe, or the force behind the natural order, equating it with the influence that keeps the universe balanced and ordered.Ī Taoist Temple in Taiwan, showing elements of the Jingxiang religious practice and sculptures of Dragon and Lion guardians. Hansen disagrees that these were separate meanings and attributes. Wing-Tsit Chan stated that Tao meant a system of morality to Confucianists, but the natural, eternal, spontaneous, indescribable way things began and pursued their course to Taoists. The word “Tao” is usually translated as road, channel, path, way, doctrine, or line. The effects of Tao (the way) creates the origin by generating duality that is yin and yang, light and shadow, as every action creates a counter-action by itself, it is a natural and unavoidable movement. Most of the Taoists believe that it is the constant flow of chi that guarantees the welfare of individuals and the world around them by using the combination of Taoist doctrine with an active expression of Chinese spirituality. The flow of chi as considered as an essential element of life’s flow or continuity, it is believed to support and give prosperity, good fortune, and health, whilst it simultaneously blocks sickness, conflicts, and difficulties. Yin YangĪ basic belief of Taoist teachings uses the universal energy of chi, the life-giving force drawn from the dynamic interchange of polar forces yin and yang. Taoist theology emphasizes various themes found in the Daodejing and Zhuangzi, such as naturalness, vitality, peace, “non-action” (wu Wei, or ‘effortless effort’), emptiness (refinement), detachment, flexibility, receptiveness, spontaneity, the relativism of human ways of life, ways of speaking and guiding behavior. Nevertheless, there are certain core beliefs that nearly all the sects share. ![]() Taoists believe that people can become deities or live forever by practicing certain rituals and austerities.ĭifferent branches of Taoism often have very distinct beliefs. The core of the basic belief and doctrine of Taoism is that “Tao” is the origin and law of all things in the universe. Before talking about Taoism beliefs, we must know that Taoism has never been a unified religion but has rather consisted of numerous teachings based on various revelations.
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