What is Taoism?
The Chinese character, “Tao,” can mean several things, all variations of “way” or “path.” It can be the path you travel through a forest; a road through a modern city; the sidewalk up to your front door; or the mystery and wonder of the “Way” the Cosmos unfolds – the “Way Things Are.”
Taoism has two expressions, both rooted in ancient Chinese culture. One use of the term applies to the complex folk religion of China, complete with temples, gods, goddesses, rituals, beliefs, magic, and esoteric knowledge. This is often called “religious Taoism.” Another expression developed in China in the 6th Century, B.C.E. through the teaching of the sage, Lao-Tzu. Lao-Tzu was not a religious teacher and his writing expresses what is called “Philosophical Taoism,” sometimes referred to as, “Quietism.”
It is this second, Philosophical Taoism, that has deeply affected my life over the past forty years. Lao-Tzu distrusted words and refused to write down his teachings until, legend has it, was forced to do so before he could leave a society he no longer valued and retreat into the mountains. At this time he quickly wrote the short wisdom poetry that is contained in The Tao Te Ching, gave it to the border guard, and disappeared into the mountain mists. Today this little book is the most translated book in history outside of the Bible.
He begins the book with the words, “The Tao that can be talked about is not the eternal Tao…” He then continues to talk about it in short enigmatic poetry whose purpose is to help the reader find the direct experience of Life that waits behind ideas, words, and concepts – waiting to surprise us with its tastes, textures, aromas, sounds and sights.
This Taoism has no religious beliefs, rituals, temples or prescribed forms. It invites us to experience life directly rather than conceptually; to enjoy what is rather than what we think should be or wish would be. It is a life of flexibility, grace, enjoyment, and ease – yet also of efficient activity, compassion, and accomplishment.
Actually, I’m still finding out what the Tao is doing in my life. Lao-Tzu said, “Those who talk, don’t know. Those who know, don’t talk.” Yet here I am, talking and writing about that which I can’t really express. But it’s what I do. I write to you as an unknown friend in order that we both might see behind our words to the “thing itself” – Life.
Thank you for sharing the journey.
