Taoism and the Yin Yang Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Taoism and the Yin Yang Philosophy - Essay ExampleTaoism Taoism serves as twain a philosophy and a religion. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Shamanism. The Tao Te Ching which is the indorse most translated book in history codifies Taoism. Lao Tzu the sage wrote the 81 poems in 500 BC. Taoism is concentrate on on a number of fundamental beliefs. Just like any other philosophical quest of count, it gives a way of perceiving and comprehending reality. The word Tao means the way. The meaning is comprehensive of both the way in which individuals interpret the foundation surrounding them and the way they interact with life. Our path of action and way of being in the world is influenced by how we view reality. The key principle of Taoism is that all manifestation and life is part of a in all which is inseparable. It is an interrelated organic unity that originates from a mysterious, deep and basically unexplainable origin that is the Tao itself. This principle comprises of everything imaginable. A number of Western translators have likened this concept to the idea of God, absolute reality or universal promontory among others (Centre of Traditional Taoist Studies, 2009). Basic principles of Taoism All aspects of existence are unified by the Tao Te Ching. It brings unneurotic both the spiritual and earthly dimensions with principles that operate at the same time in meta visible, mental and physical realms. Classical Taoist instruction consequently included philosophy, meditation, physical exercise and religious ceremonies to strengthen how center field principles exceed dimensions. There are nine key Principles of Taoism that precisely explain its cornerstone religious doctrines. The early principle is that the goal is contentment. Contentment is defined as the only measure that should be used to auspicate personal success. Taoism teaches that a physical existence that is content will best make the soul put for the time when the body will be cas t off (Centre of Traditional Taoist Studies, 2009). The second principle is oneness-a holistic view. Taoism as a religious and philosophical system is built on a view of reality that is holistic. It uses principles that cut across the seen as well as unseen dimensions to unify all existence. world-wide oneness is represented with white and black colors that rotate in a circle using its renowned yin-yang symbol. The third principle is the manifestation of the Tao. Since reason alone cannot be trusted, Taoism avoids conceptions that cannot be tested and sustain by practical application. This requires a Taoist to not only rely on speculation and learn by looking at concrete demonstrations of larger universal forces. The fourth principle is that temperament is unkind. Seemingly, since all effort is committed towards survival, there is little compassion in the natural world. Taoists are therefore encouraged by Lao Tzu to adopt an outlook of harsh unconcern towards everyone except a a couple of(prenominal) loved ones. The fifth principle is that of society versus the individual. Taoism is mainly a philosophy for the individual. It perceives society to be inclusive of confused individuals that freely resign to alluring social patterns. The Taoist therefore distinguishes effective beliefs from ineffective ones. This is by understanding the presence of useful individual beliefs and possibly useless social values (Centre of Traditional Taoist Studies, 2009). The sixth principle is th