Tao (or Dao)
Tao, or Dao, is a central concept in Taoism, representing the fundamental principle that underlies all existence. Translated as "the path," the Tao is seen as the driving force behind life, guiding individuals toward spiritual harmony with the world. Taoists often refer to the *Tao Te Ching*, an ancient text traditionally attributed to the philosopher Lao-Tzu, which offers poetic insights and alternative perspectives on living in alignment with the Tao. Key teachings emphasize the importance of accepting life's events, letting go of pride, and understanding that actions should be viewed through a lens of neutrality rather than good or bad. This approach encourages flexibility and acceptance, advocating that peace comes from moving harmoniously with the flow of life.
Taoists also practice ancestral worship and perform rituals to honor their ancestors, believing that those who have passed exist in another form and can aid their descendants. These rituals can be elaborate and must be conducted with great precision. Many practitioners live in remote monasteries, where they follow strict routines of labor, study, and meditation, aiming to deepen their understanding of the Tao. Despite historical challenges, including suppression during the communist era, Taoism continues to thrive, with a resurgence of practice and temple openings in recent decades, reflecting its enduring significance in Chinese culture and spirituality.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Tao (or Dao)
According to Taoists, the Tao (or Dao) is the mythical driving force behind all life. The term literally translates to "the path." While it is not strictly defined in Taoism, many follow Taoist teachings focus on becoming closer to the Tao. Taoists draw inspiration from the Tao-Te-Ching, which teaches an alternative approach to life designed to allow people to exist in spiritual harmony with the world.
To understand and grow closer to the Tao, students must master a variety of concepts. They must abandon all pride, seeking to understand issues from a variety of perspectives instead of seeking to be right. They must learn to accept all of life's events instead of fighting against them. Finally, they must learn to live in harmony with the Tao, acknowledging that all parts of life originate in the Tao, making them natural and just.
Background
The Tao Te-Ching is the primary text of Taoism. According to Chinese legend, the Tao-Te-Ching was written by the philosopher Laozi in a single sitting for Yin Xi, a random passerby who recognized the philosopher and asked for his wisdom. However, most historians view this tale as fictional. Instead, they argue that the Tao Te-Ching is probably a collection of the works of one or more unknown Chinese scribes mistakenly attributed to Laozi.
Taoism grew from the religious beliefs of rural Chinese peasants. These peasants lived closely with nature, studied it, and applied what they learned to their daily lives. For example, they interpreted the concept of eternity from trees, which went through repeated cycles of life.
When the communist leader Mao Zedong took control of China, he formed a secular government and cracked down on all types of faiths, especially traditional Chinese religions like Taoism. The government viewed any domestic authority other than itself as a threat. Nevertheless, this failed to stop the Chinese people from participating in their ancient religions. Many Chinese view Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism as legacies from their ancestors, and they refused to abandon the religions that their families had practiced for millennia.
Once the Communist government loosened its restrictions on religion, many Taoists once again began to practice their beliefs out in the open. Taoist temples reopened their doors, and new temples were consecrated. While there were only 1,500 functioning Chinese Taoist temples in 1997, there were more than 5,000 in the early 2010s. Into the twenty-first century, Taoism continued to expand, with over 9,000 temples in 2018.
Overview
Taoists study and follow the Tao-Te-Ching. Unlike the holy books of other mainstream religions, the Tao-Te-Ching is not a book of rigid scripture or stories. Instead, the Tao-Te-Ching uses traditional Chinese poetry to offer alternative perspectives on life. When studied as a whole, the Tao-Te-Ching offers a life perspective that seeks to minimize suffering while maintaining harmony among the self, nature, and the spiritual world. These works also remind people to be mindful that all life is connected and that all actions influence others. This approach is designed to bring students a greater understanding of the Tao and allow them to live in harmony with it.
Taoists believe in an approach to life that conflicts with most modern Western thinking. Taoist teachings encourage flexibility above all things. They claim that the path to peace involves learning to move passively with life instead of fighting against it. This means accepting events as they happen, whether they are good or bad. Taoists must accept that life is mostly out of their control and should not strive to drastically change the world. The belief system also advocates letting go of pride and opening the mind to all points of view.
In fact, Taoism rejects most notions of good and bad entirely. Taoists argue that most events and actions are neutral. They simply happen. It is people's self-interest that frames their interpretation of those events as good or bad. Taoism states that this is an illusion. The reality is that all things happen in accordance with the Tao, the connecting force of all life. Because all things happen in accordance with the Tao, all things are natural and thus acceptable. Instead of fighting against events people perceive as negative, Taoists believe that they should strive to accept and appreciate them.
In accordance with this concept, Taoists do not believe in bad people. If life is constantly shifting, there can be no consistently bad people. Instead, there are only people who are currently behaving badly. In the context of Taoism, behaving badly does not mean negatively impacting the lives of other people. Instead, it means living in conflict with the Tao. Taoists believe that people who are behaving badly simply need proper reeducation and guidance. If given this, they will begin to act in a manner that is more in harmony with life and nature.
Taoists also believe in the ritual worship of their ancestors. They believe that all living things simply change form when they die and still exist in another place. Through specific, difficult rituals, ancestors can be called to aid their descendants. However, for these rituals to succeed, the ancestors must be properly venerated.
Unlike Taoist approaches to life, Taoist rituals are often long, complicated, and precise. If a single error is made during the ritual, it will not function as intended. Additionally, Taoists worship a number of gods, and the traditional rituals to invoke their aid must be performed perfectly to be successful. These ceremonies often involve ritual objects like crowns and swords, chanting, singing, and meditation.
Many Taoists live and study in remote monasteries. While some monasteries operate as tourist destinations, others follow the rigid paths of traditional Taoism. Life inside a traditional Taoist monastery is harsh. Modern amenities, such as telephones and Internet communications, are often shunned. A strict schedule of labor, study, and meditation is enforced. The abbot, the highest-ranked monk in the monastery, holds absolute authority over his organization. The rigid discipline he enforces is designed to humble newer monks and to drive experienced monks toward a deeper understand of the Tao.
Bibliography
Carr, Kevin. "What is Tao? Taoism in Ancient China." Quatr.us, quatr.us/china/philosophy/taoism.htm. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Chan, Alan. "Laozi." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 21 Sept. 2018, plato.stanford.edu/entries/laozi/. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Johnson, Ian. "The Rise of the Tao." The New York Times, 5 Nov. 2010, www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/magazine/07religion-t.html. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Mark, Emily. "Taoism." World History Encyclopedia, 22 Feb. 2016, www.worldhistory.org/Taoism. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Pittman, Joann. “Religion in China—By the Numbers.” ChinaSource, 23 Apr. 2018, www.chinasource.org/resource-library/blog-entries/religion-in-china-by-the-numbers. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
"Religious and Philosophical Taoism." BBC, 11 Dec. 2009, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism/beliefs/religious‗1.shtml. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
"Taoism." BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
"Taoism, Daoism." Nations Online, www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese‗Customs/taoism.htm. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
"What Is the Tao?" BBC, 11 Dec. 2009, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism/beliefs/tao.shtml. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.