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
Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching)
Sacred text of
Daoism
Expresses all the
basic ideas of
Daoism
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.
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.
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.
Influence of Daoism
Less on society,
more on art
(painting) and
philosophy
Possible effect on
Zen Buddhism
Natural beauty and
spontaneity
Daoism (cont.)
Concerned with
equality of life
(reconciling of all
forces
Yin - cool, dark,
submissive, feminine
Yang - warm, bright,
aggressive,
masculine
Daoism (cont.)
One cannot exist
without the other
and one is within
the other
Means people can
follow Daoism,
Confucianism, and
Buddhism at once
The Three Vinegars