Principle Beliefs

 

Tao

The main belief in Taoism is the belief in Tao. Tao is difficult to directly translate into english but we are able to understand that it generally means path or the way. Tao is the path that one must follow. It is the natural order of all things based on the principal of Yin and Yang. Tao is commonly believed to be the universal underlying nature of all things that exist. In viability, a Taoists fundamental choice is to either become one with the natural path of Tao or to establish a sense of self identity while respecting the harmony of the natural path/ Tao.

 

Natural Course and Wu Wei

Taoists believe in natural order or non action which refers to the constant interaction of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are believed to govern behavior and order of all things to some extent.They believe that the body corresponds with the plan of the universe.2 This means they believe that the fundamentals to understanding man involve the belief that the body’s organs correspond to direction, holy mountains, sections of the sky, the seasons and the elements. Once this is understood, the ultimate structure of the universe can be apprehended.

 

The belief in Wu Wei is similar to the concept of non action. It is in many ways an extension of non action and it is apart of Lao Tzu’s methodology. Wu Wei is a high virtue aspect of Taoism that means to never act on but never leave anything undone. It sounds virtually impossible and is a difficult concept to grasp but it simply means a person appears to be making no effort. By adhering to the principle of Wu Wei, you are closely following the path and your actions are occurring in response to the Tao. To gain this sense of accomplishment you need to consciously be quiet and watchful while listening internally and externally to the earth. This meaning, we are apart of the earth. You need to not only think with your brain but experience through the entirety of your body and mind. Wu Wei characteristics include spontaneity to a large extent. If you wander without purpose and effortlessly abide to Tao, a sense of accomplishment or fulfillment can be obtained and you are therefore able to obtain the elusive belief of Wu Wei.

 

 

Simplicity is believed to be a necessity in a taoists life. To obtain a simplistic lifestyle, you are to be in harmony with Tao. This is is how the belief in natural course and tao coincide with one another.

 

The Three Jewels

The three jewels are also recognised as the three characteristics that Taoists should live by. As stated in the Tao Te Ching, the three jewels are compassion, moderation and humility. The each lead up to returning to Tao in their own way. Ultimately, compassion obtains courage, moderation obtains generosity and humility obtains leadership. By obtaining all the characteristics, the path to becoming Tao and living simplistically is achieved with more ease.

 

 

2 The Shangra-la Mission 2010, ‘Taoist Beliefs’, retrieved 16 March 2014, http://www.shangrala.org/father/RELIGIONS/8Taoism/Beliefs.html