The Tao Philosophy

An Introduction to the Way of Tao

Following Tao means following a living path, says Tao scholar Deng Ming-Dao. It is a way of life that sustains, guides, and leads us to innumerable rich experiences. We go through life confused and worried about external concerns that afflict us with stress, but it is when one discovers the path of Tao that we begin to become one with the earth and within ourselves. It is a great reality that is within nature, and through this, it urges us to understand where we stand in the world and to accept ourselves while we work on who we really are to make our journey through that path joyous and radiant.

Tao is not a religion, but a way of life or a philosophy. We can live our lives to the fullest studying Tao.

Those who follow this philosophy strive to achieve certain special qualities that set them apart from those who do not. Though seemingly easy, following these ideals of Tao require great perseverance and a conscious effort on the individual.

Simplicity

When following Tao, simplicity is the key. The students of Tao strive to keep their lives simple, conserving their energy for maintaining their center instead of chasing ambitious goals.

Sensitivity

The followers of Tao practice being observant of their surroundings, avoid loud and aggressive people and places, and help those who are in need. They spend time reveling in the beauty of nature, and once in the wilderness, strive to study and learn from the seasons, animals, as well as absorbing the teachings of nature’s creativity. Nature is a part of Tao, thus to be immersed within it is a perfect way to get a glimpse of the living path.

Flexibility

Those who follow Tao believe that everything in this world is relative and there are no absolutes. These followers believe in seeing all possibilities because choices should depend upon circumstance rather than preconceived ideas. Believers of other philosophies have a hard time accepting this quality, for they are rigid in the following of their beliefs, but the followers of Tao observe the river and, like the water, will go around or above any obstacle they see.

Independent

Followers of Tao rarely care about what society dictates to be the norm. They do not care about fads, trends, political movements, and mainstream morality. They believe that these ideas are limited and imperfect and often too petty. They are not immoral, but instead, act upon a more profound level of spirit. Followers of Tao are often accused of being rebellious anarchists that pose a danger to religion and society. However, it is the affirmation of wisdom and experience over anything conventional.

Focused

Tao is a person running along a path of their own journey, and so to be a follower, one must know the inner direction of their own lives. Once the followers accept who they are, they then strive to find out and accept the things that make them what they are. They never try to be anyone else but themselves knowing that they were born and will eventually die and understand that between the start and the end is their personal path.

Cultivated

Because the followers of Tao are not burdened with unnecessary things such as ambition and concerns about what others think of them, they seek to cultivate and refine themselves in all aspects to be able to follow their path perfectly.

Disciplined

The followers of Tao are disciplined, but not in a difficult way that is constricting. Instead, they take charge of their actions and act in an orderly and responsible way to achieve their goals. They focus their energies on concentrating on self-improvement and are conscious of their actions. This is what makes them disciplined.

Joyous

While following the path of Tao, there will come a point where the follower will become one with its flow. They become a part of it and it will fill them with a joy that can only be found when becoming connected directly to the source of life. There is no more fear once this point is reached because nothing can destroy their belief in Tao, not even death, for the followers understand that in Tao, there is no death but merely ascension into the Tao.

Reference

Deng, Ming-Dao. Everyday Tao: Living with Balance and Harmony. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1996.

 

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