Daoism Flashcards
Who is the founder of Daoism?
Laozi = Old Master/Man
What does Dao mean?
The way of the Nature; The underlying and unchanging that governs all natural phenomena; All life comes from Dao; People tap into the power of dao for practical uses (Magic, fortune telling, search for immortality); The fundamental principle that underlies the universe. It is the natural order, the flow of everything, and the way of harmony
Who wrote the major text of Daoism?
Laozi
What was Laozi’s early life like?
He was a wise and insightful man; Wrote the Dao De Jing (Foundation text of Daoism); Laozi is said to have disappeared into the mountains after meeting Confucius
What are the central beliefs of Daoism?
Dao; Living in harmony with nature and simple / effortless actions - involving acting in accordance with the natural flow rather than forcing outcomes; Yin and Yang; Laozi; Rejecting Formalism and Attachment; Practice inner cultivation (Meditation, etc.); Finding harmony, balance, and spontaneity in life by aligning oneself with the natural flow of the Dao, embracing simplicity, and cultivating inner peace and wisdom
What are the central teachings of Daoism?
The Dao; People are naturally good; it’s the rules and values of society that are corrupting; Trust your natural impulses; Balance is important in life; do not try to force things to happen; Live in harmony with nature; Not be attached to things or possession, instead should focus on cultivating the inner selves; Yin and Yang
What is the major text of Daoism?
Dao de Jing:
Do not honor the worthy,
And the people will not compete;
Do not value rare treasures,
And the people will not steal.
One of the central beliefs that people should not strive for fame, fortune or status because when people don’t compete for these things, there are less conflicts and divisions in society
What is the goal of Daoism?
To live a peaceful and effective life
What did Daoists believe about humans?
People are naturally good and that it’s the rules and values of society that are corrupt
How do Daoists behave?
Trust your natural impulses/gut; Balance is important in life; Do not try to force things to happen; Withdraw from the world political and social activism into world of nature; Align themselves with nature - Step away from the public life; Encourage spontaneous, individual, natural behavior; Focus on realm of nature
What is the most important aspect of Daoism?
Happiness / how to be happy in a Confucius World - happy and satisfied with simplistic life; Nature
What is a Haiku?
Haiku (Zen Buddhism) = Daoism Poem
What does Yin and Yang symbolize?
Daoist perspective was widely regarded by elite Chinese; Expressed a belief in the unity of opposites; Dualistic nature of existence; Harmony is found in the balance and interaction between these opposing forces; Yin and Yang are not opposing forces, instead they are constantly interacting/transforming each other - Their balance is essential for harmony and well-being (complementary concepts)
Daoist Goverment
Rule by the easiest path; Isn’t as forceful as Confucianism
Daoist Military
Martial Arts (Balance)
