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YIN and YANGYin and Yang indicate relative opposites. Unlike the beliefs of other religions, Taoism does not believe in the presence of an absolute evil or absolute good. Both Yin and Yang have the potential to turn into one another, supporting the Taoist idea that “everything contains the seed of its opposite.” Yin and Yang are complementary. Neither could be labeled as “bad.” Together, they create a balanced whole.
YIN is the whiter part of the circle. It represents male dominance. Yin is stronger, brighter, faster, and in many ways better than Yang. Yin is dynamic, as it starts actions. YANG, on the other hand, is the darker part of the circle that represents female submission. Yang is darker, calmer, colder, and weaker than Yin. Yang receives the actions the Yin starts. |
EXAMPLES OF THE YIN and YANG
YIN- wheat growing
- sun - gas pedal - inside of egg - cup - waterfall - telephone - heat of coffee |
YANG- wheat reaped
- shade - brake - egg shell - inside of a cup - calm flowing river - toothpick - blackness of coffee |
Three Treasures
Also present in Buddhist ideas, the Three Treasures represent how the Chinese look at the human body. It also relates to alchemy practices that Taoists embrace.
Jing- material basis for the physical body
- essence - kidney and reproductive system |
Qi- best translated as "health" or "well-being"
- essentially it means "the soul" - vitality - animates body: movement including breathing, circulatory system, etc. |
Shen- the spirit
- relates to the physical heart |
The One
= the essence, the soul, of the Tao
The possession of the One, also known as the "essential energy of life," allows things and beings to be of their true nature and follow the Tao accordingly. In other words the One gives things potential to follow the Tao. Taoist texts refer to the Tao as the mother and the One as the son.
The possession of the One, also known as the "essential energy of life," allows things and beings to be of their true nature and follow the Tao accordingly. In other words the One gives things potential to follow the Tao. Taoist texts refer to the Tao as the mother and the One as the son.
Tzu Jan
= how things are when they are left in their natural state without interference
By following the Tao, one achieves their maximum Wu Wei.
One writer suggests using the phrase 'that which is naturally so', meaning the condition that something will be in if it is permitted to exist and develop naturally and without interference or conflict.
The Taoist ideal is to fulfil that which is naturally so, and the way to do this is Wu Wei.
By following the Tao, one achieves their maximum Wu Wei.
One writer suggests using the phrase 'that which is naturally so', meaning the condition that something will be in if it is permitted to exist and develop naturally and without interference or conflict.
The Taoist ideal is to fulfil that which is naturally so, and the way to do this is Wu Wei.
Immortality
Taoists strive for a type of spiritual "immortality" similar to Buddhist "nirvana" and Hindu "brahmin." Taoist believe that as life progresses they come closer and closer to nature, and that they finally become a part of nature and the universe with death. However, different to the Hindu idea, Taoists believe that these spirits are individual and do not change from their earthly state, except gaining several advantages similar to those given to angels in Christian heaven.
In order to achieve this spiritual immortality, people cultivate their qi, which they believe will eventually transform into "pure spirit," a form of enlightenment. This cultivation process includes intense medication, trance training, a special diet, and other practices.
In order to achieve this spiritual immortality, people cultivate their qi, which they believe will eventually transform into "pure spirit," a form of enlightenment. This cultivation process includes intense medication, trance training, a special diet, and other practices.
Wu Wei
= the method of following the Tao
Wu Wei is translated as "non-action." However, this does not mean "not doing anything." In order to live with the Tao, Taoists believe that one should simply go along with the natural flow of things in the world, and not fight against the natural current. In this way they characterize life as a river. Taoists do not believe in fighting against things. Rather, they value balance and harmony.
However, this does not mean a Taoist cannot live an active life. This simply means they should not live greedy or ambitious lives. Rather, they must follow the Tao by practicing Wu Wei.
Wu Wei is translated as "non-action." However, this does not mean "not doing anything." In order to live with the Tao, Taoists believe that one should simply go along with the natural flow of things in the world, and not fight against the natural current. In this way they characterize life as a river. Taoists do not believe in fighting against things. Rather, they value balance and harmony.
However, this does not mean a Taoist cannot live an active life. This simply means they should not live greedy or ambitious lives. Rather, they must follow the Tao by practicing Wu Wei.
