Daoic Religions:: Daoism

DAOIC RELIGIONS:
DAOISM
IN THIS LESSON....
• Identify the different concepts and
doctrines of Daoism.
• Explains the ultimate goal of Daoists was
to conform to the great pattern of nature,
which is called Dao, or “The Way.”
• Writes a reflection paper on the teaching
of Daoism.
INTRODUCTION
• Daoism functioned as a philosophy of
abandonment and withdrawal from the
rampant warfare and social unrest which
characterized the reign of the Zhou
dynasty---a period of constant struggle for
power, wealth, and prestige. It began in
the state of Chu in the southern part of
the present Hunan Province.
INTRODUCTION
• The ultimate goal of Daoists was to
conform to the great pattern of
nature, which is called Dao, or
“The Way.”
• As a philosophy, Daoism focuses on
the great mysteries of the Dao; as a
religion, its goal is to achieve long
life and, ultimately, immortality.
DAOISM
• HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Laozi (Lao-tzu), meaning “Old
Master,” is believed to have
authored the Dao De Jing (Tao te
ching or The Book of the Way and
its Power), dating back to around
third century B.C.E.
DAOISM
• According to myth, Laozi was
conceived by a shooting star and
was born of a virgin mother, who
kept him in her womb for 82
years; Laozi was said to be born
with flowing hair, which signified
that he would become a wise man.
DAOISM
• He is considered as the first
important Daoist who is believed
to be a senior contemporary of
Kung Fuzi (some said he even
became Kung Fuzi’s adviser)
although there is much debate on
his date and identity.
DAOISM
SYMBOLS
• The Yin and Yang is the most well-
known Daoist religious symbol. It is an
image composed of a circle divided into
two swirling parts: one black and the
other white. Within each swirling or
teardrop-shaped half is a smaller circle of
the opposite color.
DAOISM
• Overall, the Yin and Yang
symbol signifies the perfect
harmonic balance in the
universe. For example, day
and night; birth and death.
DAOISM
• According to Daoist cosmology, the big circle
signifies the Tao (Dao), the source of existence.
Meanwhile, the black and white teardrop-shaped
halves signify the Yin-qi and Yang-qi, known as
the primordial feminine and masculine energies,
respectively.
• Daoists believe that the interplay of the Yin-qi
and Yang-qi created the manifest world
CONCEPTS AND BELIEFS
The Dao
According to Laozi, the Dao, which is the
essential concept and creative principle in
Daoism, existed before the world. It is
undetectable, indistinct, shapeless, and
indefinable, it is the foundation of all being, and
the way in which nature and the universe exist.
Deity/God (Dao as the origin of all beings)

• Unlike the Abrahamic religions, Daoism does not have
a God, for Daoists believe that the universe originated
from the Dao, which created and controls the universe
and distantly guides things on their way. However, the
Dao itself is not God and is not worshipped by the
Daoists.
• Instead, they worship deities, who are gods of a
particular role, and they traditionally worship Laozi not
only as the first god of Daoism but also as the
representation of the Dao.
Deity/God (Dao as the origin of all beings)

• Unlike the Abrahamic religions, Daoism does not have
a God, for Daoists believe that the universe originated
from the Dao, which created and controls the universe
and distantly guides things on their way. However, the
Dao itself is not God and is not worshipped by the
Daoists.
• Instead, they worship deities, who are gods of a
particular role, and they traditionally worship Laozi not
only as the first god of Daoism but also as the
representation of the Dao.
The De
• The De, which means virtue or the proper
adherence to Dao, is another basic concept in
Daoism. It encourages inaction in nature and
advocates the quiet and passive nature of a person
so that the Dao, or the creative principle in the
universe, may act through them without
interference.
Wu-Wei
• Wu-wei means “no behavior” or “doing nothing.”
It also means “to do without doing” (wei-wu wei)
or “actionless activity.”
• It is a concept used to negate or limit human
action. It refers to the cancellation or restriction of
human behavior, especially human activities.
Qi/Chi
• The qi refers to the natural energy or life force that
sustains living beings. Qi literally means “air’ or
“vapor.” It is the fundamental substance of nature
and living beings, as well as life force. It refers to
matter, which is continuous, energetic, and
dynamic. It is sometimes translated as “material
force”
• or “vital force.”

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DAOIC RELIGIONS:

Deity/God (Dao as the origin of all beings)

Deity/God (Dao as the origin of all beings)

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