Basic Concepts in Daoism

Lao Tze

(b. ca. 604 BCE) the traditionally accepted "founder" of Daoism and the author of the Dao De Jing (The Way and Its Power). Most likely not a historical figure as such, but a composite of Chinese and Taoist tradition.

Religious Daoism

Religious Taoism takes many forms in many places, but in the main it may be said to focus on ritual practice, the veneration of sages, Gods, and ancestors, and the channeling of harmonious spiritual forces for the benefit of mankind

Philosophical Daoism

Taoism (also called Daoism) is a religious or philosophical tradition of Chinese origin that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (also romanized as Dao). The term Tao means "way", "path", or "principle", and can also be found in Chinese philosophies and religions other than Taoism. In Taoism, however, Tao denotes something that is both the source of, and the force behind, everything that exists. Although the Tao itself is not seen as an independent divinity, being more comparable to the Buddhist concepts of dharma and karma, taoism is nonetheless a Polytheistic religion that contains a multitude of gods.

Dao De Jing ([Classic of] The Way and its Power)

The Way and Its Power;" with the Chuang Tze, one of the primary scriptural texts of Daoism

Ch'i (breath, life force)

in Daoist philosophy, the breath or life force that exists within all living things. Much emphasis is given to various means by which its flow can be increased (e.g., acupuncture, relaxation techniques), thereby improving one's overall plane of health. In Confucian and Neo-Confucian thought, Ch'i is the "material" nature of the created universe, ranging from spirit/breath (as above), to the tangible corporeality of the physical world around us.

Wu Wei ("actionless action")

in Daoist thought, "actionless action;" related to the concept of de as efficient power, Wu Wei refers to action that is in accordance with the Dao ("Way"), which is therefore seen as ultimately more productive than energy-depleting friction that pushes too hard, i.e., against the Dao, for its goal.

Yin (female, passive, darkness, moisture, winter, etc.)

in traditional Chinese thought, the female aspect or force of the universe. It includes darkness, the earth, moisture and passivity. Yin is the balanced and yet dynamic counterpart of Yahng.

Yahng (male, active, light, dryness, summer, etc.)

in traditional Chinese thought, the male aspect or force of the universe. It includes light, the heavens, dryness and dominance. Yahng is the balanced and yet dynamic counterpart of Yin.

De (power- augmented, efficient)

literally, "power;" as both "moral example" and "energy," de is applied in diverse ways in Confucianism and Daoism. In Confucian thought, de can refer to a kind of cultivated moral virtue, while in Daoism, one can speak of de as both efficient (acting in a wise accordance with the dao; see wu wei) and augmented (added to in order to increase the flow and power one one's ch'i.

Chuang Tze

literally, "son of the prince;" in Confucian thought, the noble or graceful human being; the person of fully-evolved character who exhibits human-heartedness or high-mindedness in the act of relation with others.

Dao (way- transcendent, immanent)

literally, "way" or "path;" the rhythmic balance and natural, flowing patterns of the universe. The enlightened human being is one who always acts in accordance with the Dao; the teachings of the means or methods of doing so, both philosophically and religiously.