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Peoples Republic of
China – Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin Temple.
Offerings and
sacrifices are made and fortunes are told by throwing the sticks in the bucket
on the ground during Taoist services.
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Taoism, the naturalistic, quietistic philosophy has, like
Confucianism, exerted a great influence on Far Eastern philosophy, art and
literature. Taoism is as important as Confucianism in the Chinese tradition.
Individuality, spiritual freedom, naturalness, simplicity, religious mysticism
and the importance of nature, are the central themes of Taoism. Lao Tzu, (6th
century BCE) traditionally considered to be the founder of this philosophy, was
the contemporary of Confucius and Buddha. The title of the Taoist canon is Tao
Te Ching, originally known as the Lao-tsu. No Chinese or Japanese can be
considered educated without some knowledge of this book. Tao literally means
“the way”. “The way” means the natural way of things and the order of nature.
Tao is the fount of all things. It is “non-being”, which means that Tao is
prior to and above all things. Tao is everywhere; it is indescribable and yet
can be discovered through enlightenment. It is used as a basic term in all
ancient Chinese philosophical schools.
Taoism teaches how to lead life in accordance with the
Tao, by taking things as they come. Tao takes no action but supports all things
in their natural state and there is nothing left undone. When man follows this
natural way, he will achieve a life of peace, harmony and enlightenment.
He will produce things but not take possession of them. The natural way is
opposed to all artificial regulations, organizations, ceremonies, formalities,
war, taxation, punishment, superficial knowledge, conventional morality, cleverness,
selfishness, profit, drawing attention to oneself, self justification and
pride. This philosophy advocates humility, contentment, ignorance, submission,
knowing where to stop, reducing desires, accepting disgrace, weakness, deep
love, simplicity, loving the earth, humanity, faithfulness, order in
government, timeliness in our activities, competence in handling affairs,
repaying hatred with virtue, patience and contentment.
Chinese tradition holds that Lao Tzu’s younger
contemporary Confucius humbly sought advice from him in 517 BCE. Confucius
strives to achieve the happiness of the community, but the Taoist’s aim is to
achieve the happiness of the individual. Whilst Confucianism emphasizes social
order and an active life, Taoism concentrates on individual life and
tranquillity. In Taoist thinking, the body, the mind and the environment are
closely interwoven. You should respond with kindness towards those who render
evil against you.
The nihilist Lao Tzu, who did not believe in gods and who
opposed any kind of worship, said, “From frailty and helplessness is born
strength; from humility, greatness; and from thrift is born generosity”. He
believed prayer and worship, votive offerings and sacrifices to be vain and
unnecessary. Taoism is a philosophy offering a practical way of life. But later
its teachings came to be utilized in the popular religion called Tao-chiao.
Although in the Chinese tradition the two are separate, they have often been
considered together under the name Taoism. Religious Taoism has a god for
almost everything and is considered primarily as a religion of the illiterate
masses.
In religious Taoism priest-magicians claim to prolong
life through alchemy. The Taoist religion strives to gain immortality though
the practice of controlling the spirits, meditation, control of breathing,
mind-body exercise disciplines, and aiming to restore internal harmony of the
forces of Yin and Yang. Taoism defines immortality as infinite life or a state
of disengagement, spiritual emancipation and being freed from the fear of
death. Taoism possesses Eight Immortals, one of which is female. Cosmic, social
and personal harmony can be achieved only by summoning the superior yang forces
to control the menacing excess of yin forces. Invisible channels, known as
meridians, radiate through the body. Through these are carried blood and ch’i
(vital energy) which nourish the organs and govern yin and yang. The flow of
ch’i may be regulated by acupuncture. Tai chi ch’uan, one of the martial arts,
is a Taoist discovery.
After the fourth century, Taoism and Buddhism had begun
to influence each other. Taoism exercised a greater influence on Buddhist
philosophy than vice versa.
Since the communists took over in China Taoism has been
rapidly fading away. Taoist priests have returned to productive life. However,
today Chinese life is still rich in the elements of the Taoist religion. The
spirit of Taoism has been expressed in Chinese landscape painting, gardening,
poetry and tea drinking. To most followers, who also follow Confucianism and
Buddhism, Confucian moral values, Buddhist virtues and Taoism’s ethics are
strongly advocated.
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Peoples Republic of
China - Hong Kong, Kowloon –Some portraits from Wong Tai Sin Temple
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Chapter
Eight Chapter Fifty-six
In dwelling, be close to the
land
Those who know do not
talk.
In meditation, go deep in the
heart.
Those who talk do not know.
In dealing with others, be gentle and
kind.
Keep your mouth closed.
In speech, be
true.
Guard your senses.
In ruling, be just.
Temper your sharpness.
In business, be
competent.
Simplify your problems.
In action, watch the
timing.
Mask your brightness.
No fight: no blame.
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
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