The Tao that can be told

The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.

The name that can be named is not the eternal name.

The nameless is the beginning of heaven and Earth.

The named is the mother of the ten thousand things.

Ever desireless, one can see the mystery.

Ever desiring, one sees the manifestations.

These two spring from the same source but differ in name;

This appears as darkness.

Darkness within darkness.

The gate to all mystery.

Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching

So begins the first chapter in the Tao Te Ching–the foundational text of Taoism. Taoism has existed as a philosophical system in China since about the 6^th century B.C.E. When I began my spiritual quest in earnest, Taoism was the first tradition that resonated with me. It’s difficult to encapsulate Taoism in just a few words. A fact made even harder due to their being at least 3 major divisions and an untold number of minor sects. However, my interest has solely been in Taoism as a philosophical system.

Perhaps the first thing that attracted me to Taoist teaching was that is essentially non-theistic (i.e., without a belief in a Deity). Instead, Taoism refers to the Tao–a word that is usually translated as “path” or “way.” The Tao is viewed as a cosmic force or energy that underlies all existence. As such, it is the source of the natural laws by which the entire Universe operates. The actions (the manifestations) of the Tao are best understood through studying the natural world. An analogy would be the wind. Think of the wind as the Tao, which cannot be seen (the mystery). We are only aware of the wind by its actions (the manifestations) within the physical universe (i.e., trees bending, leaves blowing, etc.). That which is not in harmony with the Tao will eventually cease to exist. Therefore, a follower of the Tao attempts to live his or her life in harmony with this cosmic force. This is also the philosophy behind the Taoist moving meditation and martial art, T’ai Chi. The practice is designed to help one harmonize with the Universe.

One of the essential aspects of the Tao’s manifestation in the Universe is constant change. The most recognized icon for Taoism is the T’ai Chi (usually referred to as the “yin/yang”). This circle divided into light and dark symbolizes the constant interaction of two complimentary elements–yin and yang–which are the source of everything (the ten thousand things).

That which engenders Creation is itself uncreated; that which engenders Change is itself unchanging. The Uncreated is able to create; the Unchanging is able to effect change. That which is produced cannot but continue producing; that which is evolved cannot but continue evolving. Hence there is constant production and constant evolution. The law of constant production and of constant evolution at no time ceases to operate.

Lieh Tzu

I like Taoism’s reverence for the natural world and the idea of trying to live in harmony with it. A good example of this can be seen in traditional Chinese landscape paintings. In these landscapes, people (or the evidence of people such as buildings, etc.) are virtually invisible–hidden among the majesty of the natural world. Most Taoists saw society as a corrupting influence on the individual and would often live as hermits in the forests or mountains. Thoreau–though not a Taoist in name–certainly lived in accord with many Taoist principles.

Taoists were–for the most part–very rational and scientific. They studied nature to understand the underlying principles at work. In so doing, Taoists by-in-large founded the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. They tended to see the “big picture” and knew that anything–even if left alone–would eventually change. It seems they viewed the Universe as a wondrous mystery just waiting to be explored.

A word of caution: If you decide you would like to do some study of Taoism, be aware that there is a magical-shamanic folk religion that uses the name Taoist and has little–if any–connection to Taoist philosophy. This is typically called “Religious” or “Popular” Taoism.