Introduction to Taoism

Definition of Tao

• Tao: Meaning "The Path" or "The Way"; a journey resulting in Change.
• Historically used to indicate any ideological path or process connecting two disparate points, bridging polarities, and tempering yin-yang.
• In the Zhou dynasty, it became a definitive line statement: Interaction between yin and yang is the Tao.

Historical Texts and Interpretations

• Book of Songs (1046 BC - 600 BC): One of the Five Classics, providing context for the use of Tao.
• I Ching (易經) and Book of Changes: Central texts from the Zhou dynasty.
• Other Texts: Include Book of Documents, Book of Zhou, Jing Fang’s Commentaries on the I Ching, and Jiao Clan’s Forest of Changes.
• Yī yīn yī yang zhī wèi Dào: An encounter or transaction between yin and yang is the Tao.

Origin and Evolution

• Source of Tao's axiom: The Ten Wings commentaries appended to the I Ching.
• Confucian texts like Shuō Yuàn and commentaries from philosophers Chéng Yí and Zhū Xī further defined Taoism.
• Essence of Tao: Not a defined construct, but a step-by-step pathway to reconcile opposing forces.

Integration with Other Philosophies

• Buddhism: Its Middle Path philosophy fit the definition of "The Way".
• Tao used to describe methods of petitioning spirits and shamanic practices.
• Eastern Han Dynasty (126-144 AD): Taoism begins to institutionalize.

Four Cornerstones of Taoist Belief

1. Wu Wei & Ziran: "Let it be" and "It is what it is".
2. True Names and True Forms: Reality has true names and forms.
3. Basic Taoist Cosmology: "The Tao gave rise to the one, the one to the two..."
4. Xuan De: Path for transcendence to attain Divine Knowledge.

Taoist Practices

1. Invoking Spirits: Mediating between physical and spirit worlds.
2. Divination: Interpreting the Mysteries.
3. Ceremonial Rites: Guardian of cultural traditions.
4. Shamanic Witchcraft: Channeling creative force to organize the natural world.

Role of Methods Masters

• Fāngshì: Experts in Taoist practices, including ceremonial magic and alchemy.

Taoism's Fundamental Assumptions (Li Yǎng Zhèng)

1. Guǐ shén chóng bài: Working with spirits and consciousness.
2. Shén xiān xìn yǎng yǔ fāng shù: Cultivation methods for immortality.
3. Huáng Lǎo xué shuō zhōng: Huang Lao's occult and arcane doctrine.

Huang Lao Doctrine

• Combination of teachings from the Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) and Lao Zi.
• Concepts of social advocacy and wú wéi.
• Lì Mín: For the greater good of the people, combined with wú wéi.

Syncretism and Modern Perception

• Taoism encompasses various practices and beliefs, integrating Confucianism, legal philosophy, and folk religions.
• The Tao described as a universal principle.
• Sima Qian's Definition: Taoism as a school of thought that controls the unseen world and supports all things.

Conclusion

• Taoism's roots in Yellow River civilizations.
• Emphasis on harmonizing yin and yang, the metaphysical, and cultural continuity across generations.
• Objective of Taoism: Cultivate a focused mind and stabilize all things.