Main Beliefs of Taoism

Important Beliefs/Conventions:

Tao

Tao literally means "the path" or "The Way". It is the undefineable, harmonious power that flows throughout the universe. It flows through all entites--living and non-living. One of the goals of a taoist is to become intune with Tao.

Confused?

Try thinking of "The Force" in those Star Wars movies...... Still don't get it? Don't worry. The full idea of Tao beyond the grasp of the human mind.


Wu Wei

Wu Wei means "non-action" literally translated. It is the idea of "actionless action". One does not need to be agressive to make things happen or to win battles. It ties in with the Taoist virtue of nonagression/noncompetition.

Examples: a musician does not compete with a musical score... An artist does not rush his/her work...An athlete may sidestep an opponent... A friend listens and does not inturrup another friend's story.


Other Virtues Related to Wu Wei

Naturalness: Behaving as Nature dictates instead of heeding silly social pressures.

Naturalism Leaving nature to it's own devices. Respecting the environment and letting it take care of itself.

Nonagrssion and Passive Rule: Warfare should only happen when necessary---a good ruler takes a passive approach by letting the nature of his people take it's course.


The Yin Yang

What is a Yin Yang?: A yin yang is a Taoist symbol that represents the opposite components of Tao. The yin is the dark, passive, feminine part. The yang is the active, light, masculine part. These equal parts balance and compliment each other as opposites in the world and the universe naturally balance and compliment one another.

Yin Is: · Black · Negative · Feminine · Passive · Dark · Cold · Moon · Empty

Yang Is:o · White · Positive · Masculine · Active · Light · Warm · Sun · Full

The Site

Home
What is Taoism?
Origin
Main Beliefs
Sacred Texts
Taosim Today
Quick Fact Sheet
Links
About/Sources Cited/Contact