Taoism: A Religion & Philosophy of Natural Living - Essay Sample

Introduction

Taoism or Daoism is among the most significant systems of philosophy that began in rural China. Lao Tzu, the Chinese Philosopher, also contributed to Taoism. It later became the official religion of China through philosophy. Therefore, it is regarded as both religion and philosophy. The main idea of Taoism is the emphasis on natural living. The Tao philosophy developed from observing the natural realm, and the faith came from believing in cosmic balance. Taoism also encourages people to be calm, live in fairness, and always smile at the modifications of the world. Taoism covers ethical values, such as morality and social and behavioral norms.

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Main Practices of Taoism

Taoism focusses much on physical practices because it does not provide a clear distinction between the body and spirit. It identifies that what one does in the physical affects the spiritual. The physical practices include purity, breathing, and meditation, the flow of energy, martial arts, and nutrition.

Purity - The Tao Te Ching (chapter 15) states that "a person of Tao receives purity of the mind through maintaining peace." Purity comes through keeping a particular diet and other vices as greed, envy, and betrayal.

Meditation - Meditation is a significant aspect of Taoism. It develops a state of mental tranquility and mindfulness. It also creates knowledge of the Tao.

Breathing - Breathing creates a sense of tranquility

The flow of Energy - Different forms of exercise and meditation enhance energy flow.

Nutrition - Taoism teaches against alcohol, meat, and cereals.

The Tao

Taoists think that the Tao is something that is beyond their capability to define it. Hence, Tao is undefined, unlike other religions that can define God. It accepts an individual's view as something personal. Tao cannot be defined since it resonates and is relative to each person. Thus, whenever one tries to explain Tao, it takes him further away from Taoism. The rule here is the inspiration. Relax and be inspired.

Taoism refers to the Taoists or God as the Tao. They say this because they only define themselves as they live. A more significant part of one's life cannot be established until they die. A Taoist only understands the Tao by witnessing their lives. Understanding the Tao only comes by accepting one's life.

Tao Te Ching

Tao Te Ching is an essential book of the principles of Taoism. It is written in the form of poetry, not a scripture. It has several different translations with various angles of the religion. It does not call for understanding rather inspiration through meditation. It prescribes simple ways of following Tao and harmonious living with self, others, and adapting to changes in the world.

It also prescribes a simple way of life by letting go of unnecessary things.

A standard verse recommends, "The incomplete becomes complete; the bent, straight; the hollow, full; the worn out, different. He, whose yearnings are few, gets them; he whose wishes are many goes astray" (Chapter 22). It teaches on learning from others instead of letting pride rule, unselfishness, and yielding to new ideas and new lifestyles. The writer of the book or how it was written is immaterial. What matters is what it communicates to its audience. It attempts to inform people of their connectivity to one another and the world. People would live together in peace if they minded how their opinions and deeds influence them and others.

My View on Taoism

I resonate with this religion mainly because of the flexibility that one ought to have in life. It gives one the freedom to submit to whatever life brings their way. Everyone subscribes to happiness and deserves to be happy. Therefore, Taoism brings the aspect of joy in conjunction with lifestyle. In all aspects, Taoism vouches for humanity, which is the desire and universal truth that unites people.

The interesting aspect of religion is the claim that nothing is wrong in itself; the human self-interests make things appear bad. This ideology is right, and I agree with it. The natural is pure and sacred unless corrupted by human selfish desires.

Therefore, I can describe Taoism as the aspect of accepting life the way it is, breathing and meditating to find inner peace, and smiling to realize a world of possibilities. When you follow all these, everything else, like the meaning of Tao flows naturally.

My Contrary Opinion

Surprisingly, and one thing that I fond problematic, however, is the realization that Taoists do not believe in God, neither do they worship God. They absorb everything right and peaceful. They do not pray like asking for provision or forgiveness, and their prayer is more like meditation and reflection. They believe that meditation is the answer to all life's problems. I disagree with this ideology. I do not object that somewhat meditation can bring healing to the soul. However, if it answers most of the problems of life, then I do not think that issues exist. Everyone can meditate, but not everyone can pray. Prayer is a one-on-one communication to the Deity, and it brings assurance of answers.

Social, Political, and Cultural Implications of Taoism

Taoism suggests that a person who demonstrates the values and ethics of the Tao Te Ching rules his or her life. This person is set to influence the people around them with moral values hence leaving a lasting impression in society. Such a person develops coherence wherever he or she goes. The impact cannot be measured on a scale; neither does it involve politics.

It starts with an individual change, followed by a difference in the community relating to responsibility in the use of natural resources. Ultimately, it progresses to awareness of nature and creating a balance in society. The teachings of Taoism revolve around the ecosystem and protecting the species of a kind.

Political Implication

Nonetheless, the political implication of Taoism influences authority, mainly in ancient China. This is because it alludes that leaders lead by example and with no supervision even from people who elect them. The Tao Te Ching (chapter 57) states that,

I do not act, yet transformation happens to people

I love tranquility, and the ratification of people happens

I do not participate in affairs, and the people become rich

I have no desire, and people become simple by themselves.

Taoism advocates for ethical leadership that leads by example with respect such that the subjects follow willingly. The overall lesson of leadership that it gives is that a leader has to live with integrity both in private and in public for a positive influence. One such leader who achieved such great leadership through Taoism was Emperor Xuanzong.

Social Implication

The Chinese adopted the religion either knowingly or unknowingly in their lifestyles, including their recreation. This is evident in the close Chinese bond with the natural world, health, and wellness using herbs, martial arts, traditional skills such as poetry, tourism, and cultural rituals. Regarding women, Taoism creates a sense of equality. It teaches that manhood and femininity are equal and complement each other.

The Tao Te Ching utilizes female symbols as the mother of the universe and the other of everything when explaining the Tao. Taoism accepts the equal position of women to men in spirituality. It gave women the chance to become priests and deities. It also allows femininity by the fact that it exemplifies female characteristics such as gentleness, meekness, submission, and self-consciousness.

Conclusion

Taoism has overtime impacted Chinese culture and traditions. It teaches people to be true to their hearts. The realization of the interconnectivity between people and objects creates an understanding of the human position in the universe and the duty of humanity. During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, he made Taoism as the state religion to achieve a harmonious balance among the people. As a result, it was among the most prosperous regimes in the world.

Thus, Taoism is a universal religion that strikes a balance between humanity and nature. Even though it lacks a definite structure, it is still accepted as a great religion, and the Chinese continue practicing it. It offers a discovery of one's life and identity and the knowledge that nature is always changing yet always the same. Harmonious living comes by less effort by humans trying to resolve life's flaws resulting in an acceptance of nature.

Work Cited

Tzu, Lao. Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching: A Book about the Way and the Power of the Way. CDED, 2018. https://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Chinese/TaoTeChing.php