Tao Te Ching Research Paper

Taoism is a Chinese philosophical system that is based on the writings of Lao Tzu, specifically the classic Chinese text the Tao Te Ching, where Lao Tzu’s thought is seen. Taoism originated and was set into a religious system in ancient China around the 4th or 3rd century BCE and focuses on “The Tao”. The Tao roughly translates to “the way” and is the idea that everything was perfect before prejudice existed and that humans should try to get back to this thought. The Pu is a main concept in the Tao Te Ching and roughly translates to “the uncarved block”, it is the concept that nature was better off before right or wrong was conceived and changed how nature was viewed. This forms the basis of Taoism, which is living simply, honestly, and in
harmony with nature. Another concept that can be found in the Tao Te Ching and is more well known is the Yin-Yang. The Yin-Yang can be described as a whole made up of two opposites that would otherwise make no sense separated. The Yin (the “shady side’) and the Yang (the “sunny side”) are the starting points for change and when they both come together they make a whole and when this happens they are unchangeable and complete and if they were to be separated it would upset the equilibrium or balance of life. Thus, supporting the basis of Taoism, living in harmony with nature before there was change in a simple and honest matter and this would maintain social order in during the warring periods. Since Taoism is the relationship with nature, it would maintain the social order through the relationships that can be made. For example, the Yin-Yang shows a balance between two opposite forces that create a harmonious relationship and because the Taoism heavily stresses the idea that harmony can exist with nature, when set into place as a societal system it can create harmony between two opposing sides as both sides are trying to seek that harmony.