Taoist Philosophy example essay topic

Opposed to the li (law) school is the x in (mind) school of Neo-Confucianism. The chief exponent of the x in school was Wang Yang ming, who taught the unity of knowledge and practice. His major proposition was that apart from the mind, neither law nor object exists. In the mind, he asserted, are embodied all the laws of nature, and nothing exists without the mind. Ones supreme effort should be to develop the intuitive knowledge of the mind, not through the study or investigation of natural law, but through intense thought and calm meditation. During the Qing dynasty (Ching dynasty, 1644-1911) there was a strong reaction to both the li and x in schools of Neo-Confucian thought.

Qing scholars advocated a return to the earlier and supposedly more authentic Confucianism of the Han period, when it was still unadulterated by Buddhist and Taoist ideas. They developed textual criticism of the Confucian Classics based on scientific methodology, using philology, history, and archaeology to reinforce their scholarship. In addition, scholars such as Dai Chen introduced an empiricist point of view into Confucian philosophy. Taoism and the Tao Te Ching was written by Lao Tzu who, when disgusted with society, and moved away.

At the gate, he was asked by a gatekeeper to write down his teachings. It is the way of the universe, reality, and human life. Taoism is meant to extract chi (energy) from life through herbs, movement, and meditation. Popular Taoism is spiritualism and magic, akin to New Age religions. By living a life of wu wei, ultimately active and relaxed, one can appreciate the greatness of life. The quote Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river, written by Lao Tse exemplifies the magnificent foundation of the Taoist philosophy.

The statement illustrates the power of forces in opposition believed to be inhabiting and controlling our universe. While one may remain physically still, in the mind, one may dream and imagine ideas and thoughts beyond our realm of reality. This interpretation of the quote brings our attention to the incredible balance between the complementary but opposing forces of stillness and movement. Taoist philosophy promotes living simply and in harmony with nature, and going with the flow.

Although the Tao cannot be sufficiently described in words, it is a commonly referred to as a phenomenon that can be experienced by one in perfect harmony with the universe. Only when the Tao is in balance, is it believed possible to find perfect happiness. Overall, Taoists believe that by following the ways of the natural world, observing strict meal and meditative guidelines, and not struggling with their lot in life, they can achieve improved health and most importantly, an inner calmness. Attainment of inner peace and tranquility can lead one along the path of becoming one with the Tao, the ultimate goal of all believers. The Taoists believed that healthy human life could exist only in accordance with the Tao, whose interpretations and teachings encourage one to go with the flow around them and not to struggle against the tide (Hansen, 21). Early Taoists conformed their actions in life with the natural way of things, always accepting of the lives that nature provided for them.

The philosophy prides itself in the trust and attempt to understand the balance and power of the world and educates that in times of unbalance, all disorder and chaos that proceed to arise can be put to an end following the restoration of balance. If one can tap into this precious and steadfast resource and allow the world to be their guide, all will be at peace. It is believed that the true Taoist will become enlightened when they can listen and recognize this way of the world, and can accept and understand the continuous flow of the Tao within the universe.