Taoism Vocabulary Flashcards
Tao/Dao
“the way”, the indefinable source of all reality, the original nature; present in all human experiences
Tao Te Ching
The central text of Taoism written by Laos. Discusses how to live in the world with goodness and integrity and gives moral lessons
Lao Tzu/Laozi
founder of Taoism, who recommended retreat from society into nature. believed that individual should seek to become attuned with Dao
Yin
feminine, earth, dark, passive force
Yang
masculine, heaven, bright, active force
wu wei
in taoism, “not doing” in the sense of taking no action contrary to the natural flow. accomplishing tasks without assertion
Ch’i
internal energy. the life force of flow and functioning in human, organs, animals, and life. Ch’i infuses matter with life
Chuang Tzu/Zhuangzi
Chinese thinker. put nature above culture and individual above society. changed wu-wei to non-involvement (letting things be)
Tai Chi
tool for external and internal strengthening, a Chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation and balance and health
Taixi
in Taoism, the art of embryonic breathing, a method of holding one’s breath in contemplation
three purities
in china, three deities of Taoism: Ling Bao, the Jade Emperor, and Laozi
the five elements
water, fire, wood, metal, earth
ten thousand things
concept includes all of reality. meant to represent infinity and symbolize entire universe and full range of creation
Yijing/I Ching
ancient book that assists people in planning their lives in accordance with the universe using Yin-Yang forces
Shang Di
the transcendent God, who presided over all the forces of nature
