The Tao
Tao is one
One is two
Two is three
Three is the multitude
Tao is one
One is Yin and Yang
Two is Yin and Yang with Qi
Three is the multitude
in harmony of Tao
'Tao' is a term use in Taoism
by Lao Tzu to explain his thinking. In his teachings Tao has the following
meanings:
-
The way of utlimate
reality or the force that formed the universe
Taoist school believes that the Tao is something that exists before
the universe is formed. It cannot be described or defined by the
senses. Tao is the origin of Yin Yang, and Yin Yang is the origin
of the universe.
-
The way the universe
operates
Since the Tao is the origin of the world, so the Taoist school named
the universal rules as Tao.
-
The way to order human
life
Taoist school thinks that a man should always try to achieve harmony
with the nature. The nature does operate by anyone but by the Tao.
So they named the life style that doesn't conflict with the nature
as Tao.
Tao represents the basic
concept of Taoism. In general, this term belongs to the spiritual atmosphere
of the ancient China and can be translated "way", "mean",
"art" or "skill".
The word for word meaning
of Tao is represented also by the ancient symbol of this term. It is
made out of two distinct graphic elements: the first - placed to the
right of the sign - suggests the image of a hairy, human head; the latter
- placed to the left - suggests moving by presenting a foot walking.
However, the term "Tao" is differently translated depending
on the context of the doctrine in which it is understood. Thus, for
Confucius and for his philosophical school, "Tao" refers to
the art of ruling the state of the ancient emperors like King Wen and
the Duke of Chou, famous characters in the history of China. For the
Taoists, the same term alludes, in the late speculations, to an originary
order of the universe, to the Beginning , the Origin of all the things
or other similar concepts.
In the I -Ching, or "Book of Changes"
as it is known in the West, Tao is said to represent "a yin
and a yang". Or more precisely, a moving phenomena including
alternation of contraries, like day and night.
Back
to top |