Laozi Influence

“It is precisely because he does not compete that the world cannot compete with him” (Brodd). Although this may sound like it came out of Star Wars, it is actually a message from the Daodejing, an important text from Taoism. Taoism is the spiritual Chinese traditions that emphasizes living in harmony with the undefinable Tao. Taoism is a philosophy and religion with an extensive history, peaceful beliefs, and an intriguing culture. Taoism’s history is one of the most important aspects of its foundation. One important figure in the foundation of Taoism is Laozi. Regarded as the founder of Taoism, Laozi is considered to be the writer or one of the writers of the Daodejing, a text that has influenced both the philosophy and religion (Toropov). However, in order to not cause debate on the original author, Laozi is referred to as a text speaking to all human beings (Toropov). This not only shows Taoism’s important history, but it also shows the unity between its followers. Laozi has also played many important roles, such as bestowing upon Zhang Daoling, another important Taoist figure, the high title of
tianshi (Ames). The Book of Transformations portrays him in cosmic perspective, meaning that he is a god (Toropov). Therefore, he played an important part in Taoism and still does today. These facts show that Laozi helped influence the practice of Taoism. Taoism has spread in multiple ways, but one of the earliest known ways was through the ways of the Huang-Lao masters. These masters followed the Yellow Emperor, a wise man who began ruling in 2697 BC (Ames). He was the patron of multiple arts unknown at the time, such as cooking and medicine, and he is also a disciple, a seeker of knowledge (Ames). The Yellow Emperor was an influential person in society and Taoism. The Huang-Lao masters’ teachings spread throughout the court of King Qi (Ames). Many scholars and Han statesmen followed these teachings a and became disciples (Brodd). The spread of these teachings truly helped to show the Taoist’s ways. The Huang-Lao masters helped give Taoism the start it needed to spread throughout the region. Ever since it was first introduced, Taoism has continued to welcome more people to its teachings. The name ‘Taoism’ was first introduced in the Han Dynasty (Toropov). Taoism translates to way or guide, and it refers to the way things operate in guidance (Toropov). Therefore, the religion focuses on the paths humans should follow to make nature thrive. Taoism includes the teachings of the Daodejing, the Zhuangzi, the Leizi, and the worship of the Dao (Ames). It is the most common religion in China, and it is a link between Confucianism and folk tradition (Ames). These facts show how the teachings have influenced many people hoping to live fully with the Dao. Taoism’s history shows its important beginning, spreading, and influencers. The beliefs of a Taoist are always a central part of their lives. The Dao is the center of the Taoist religion, along with living in harmony with it. The Dao existed before heaven and earth and contains all forms and forces of phenomena (Ames). The Dao governs the cosmos, and it signifies a principle that assists all life on the righteous path (Ames). It is so complex that it can not fully be explained in words. Daoist are those who follow the Dao and do not strive to live through physiological practices (Ames). A sage is one living in oneness with the Dai and an undistracted mind to fully see the truth (Brodd). The sage sees past the ability to think into distractions. Therefore, the Dao plays a huge role in a Taoist’s life. Taoism has multiple symbols and signs to help understand its true meaning, such as yin-yang and Qi. Yin-yang represents constant change, and it shows how infinity and integrity encompasses everything (Toropov). Yin is the dark side, representing femininity and completion, while yang is the light side, representing masculinity and creation (Toropov). Yin and yang how Taoism teaches opposites express unity and all things are related to each other. Qi is our vital energy and breath which opens us to accessing the universal energy’s flow (Toropov). With Qi, life is sustained by the balance of energy rooted in our activity and breathing patterns (Toropov). It teaches that each part of the human body has a life force and that each being on earth is continually filled with it. Both yin-yang and Qi show the peaceful teachings of the Taoism religion. The primary teaching of Taoism is nature, which is evident in both the Daodejing and the Five Phases. The Daodejing emphasizes the importance of nature to Taoism (Brodd). For instance, the author wrote, “Humanity follows earth; earth follows nature; nature follows Tao; Tao follows what is so” (Toropov). Even before it was truly introduced, nature was still an important aspect in a Taoist's life. Another example is the Five Phases, which are fire, wood, metal, earth, and water (Ames). For example, water stands for the pattern of behavior and the following and making of one’s own tao (Brodd). The Five Phases show how nature is present in everything a human does. In all, these beliefs are the heart of Taoism and its teachings. The teachings of Taoism have and continue to influence the lives and culture of Taoists.
Priests of Taoism perform two major rituals: the Golden Gate ritual and Sacrifice of Writings. In the Golden Gate ritual, the priest walks the pattern of the Ursa Minor constellation and meditates (Merkur). He then is escorted up a twelve story tower and descends as an elderly man (Merkur). The ritual presents the priest as an important figure in Taoism. The Sacrifice of Writings is where the chief cantor chants formulas while the priest, or Great Master, makes hidden gestures and breathes in multiple directions (Merkur). From there, the priest summons the twenty four energies and lights the incense burner (Merkur). The lighting of the burner shows the important steps a priest must take. The rituals performed by the priest show the mystical side to
Taoism. Many aspects of nature affect the lives of Taoists, such as microcosm-macrocosm and de. All human beings are a part of microcosm, where as the world is the macrocosm (Ames). Microcosm-macrocosm teaches that once a person understands the human experience, they understand the structure of the universe (Brodd). This teaching encourages Taoists to see the universe in a different way. De is the virtue, integrity, and power allowing one to follow a path and do things well (Toropov). Representing charisma, life, and identity, it is often known as the Tao within (Toropov). De shows the beauty of each simple task a person takes. Microcosm-macrocosm and de are two examples on how nature and spirit are shown in the life of a Taoist. Along with nature, Taoists use teachings from the Daodejing to teach them how to live, such as knowing the Tao and naturalness. Taoists are called to follow the example of the Tao so that everything will be in its place (Ames). The Daodejing teaches, “Do not meditate, do not cogitate… follow no school, follow no way, and then you will attain the Dao” (Ames). By following the example of the Tao, nothing shall ever go to waste. Another teaching is naturalness, which is behaving as nature does and not allowing pride to influence decisions (Brodd). The author of the Daodejing tells Taoists, “He who boasts achieves nothing, and he who brags will not endure” (Brodd). Naturalness allows Taoists to see how to live. These rituals and beliefs show how Taoists are influenced by their religion. In conclusion, Taoism is a religion with an influencing history, beliefs, and customs. It holds both the teachings of the Daodejing and the Dao central to the religion. Taoism shows the beauty of life, nature, and the universe.