

Damming rivers may cause disastrous floods, which is unwelcome by humans but is caused by the same. the tao-the harmonic changing of seasons of summer, autumn, winter, and spring-works beautifully, but the harmony has been disrupted by man-made global warming. Taoist philosophy understands that the Universe already operates smoothly in its own manner if a person presses his will against or upon the universe, he will disturb the already existing harmony, going ‘against the flow of life.’ (i.e. Rather, it maintains that man must align his will with the natural world. Taoism does not see man’s volition as the source of the problem. One will simply be irritated and have difficulty, getting nothing but inflicting harm on oneself.) A boat is not suited for moving about if one wants to stroll on land. If you wish to go on water, you will use a boat or ship since it is appropriate for moving about on water.

Water behaves with wu wei, not with a motive. It may be impeded by an item (a branch or a stone), yet it finds a way around the impediment without attempting to do so. I.e., water runs downriver unconsciously or organically (principle of tao). Wu wei might be defined by the flexibility of a stream’s flow of water. the harmonic complexity of natural ecosystems- the tao- operates well in the absence of man-made changes- wu wei.) It is a condition of inner peace that will manifest the correct easy action at the right time. Also Read, Marxism: Is it the Best philosophy for 21st Century? Wu wei denotes that the action should be carried out immediately in accordance with the Tao, and that the necessary will be carried out without exaggeration, hyperbole, or overeagerness, as these are considered obstructive, but rather in an easy, simple, and unobtrusive manner, resulting in overall harmony and balance. ‘Wu wei’ does not mean that you are not acting at all, but rather that you are not forcing things to happen. In their natural state, all things with their transformations and changes are thought to be self-regulating and self-expressing. , wwéi or also in Chinese: /, wéi wwéi, non-activity as in abstinence of any action opposing nature). The character ‘Tao’ (or Dao) translates into “path”, “method”, “principle” or “way”, and Taoist belief is based on the idea that there is a central or organizing principle of the Universe, a natural order or a “way of heaven”, Tao, that one can come to know by living in harmony with nature and thus with the cosmos and the Universe.įrom an ethical standpoint, it is regarded as proper not to meddle with or modify spontaneity, as indicated by ‘wu wei’ (chin. Taoism is a religious and philosophical system that has its roots in the ancient Chinese people’s nature worship and divination. Genuineness, longevity, health, immortality, vitality, wu wei (non-action, natural action, perfect balance with tao), detachment, refinement (emptiness), spontaneity, transformation, and omnipotence are central to Taoist thinking. Taoists believe in spiritual immortality, which holds that the spirit of the body enters the cosmos after death. According to Taoism, humans and animals should live in harmony with Tao, or the universe. Taoism has been linked to the philosopher Lao Tzu, who penned the Tao Te Ching, the major text of Taoism, circa 500 B.C.E.

Taoism (sometimes written Daoism) is an ancient Chinese religion and philosophy that has inspired folk and national belief.
