Daoism Spirituality

It is always interesting to explore different beliefs, philosophies and religions to find commonality.  It seems especially important today with our world turned upside down.

The Chinese word Tao or Dao is used in an attempt to identify, by name, that nameless Infinite Energy, a Divine Intelligence beyond our understanding. The  energy makes up the physical and metaphysical worlds in all of its manifestations, both known and unknown.  The original conception of Dao was simply the observation that reality has a certain way about it. The Dao or the “Way’ encompasses all of existence. Some may call it God’s will, or an atheist may call it the laws of nature,  labels pointing to the same concept.

The Daoists understood the Dao as the appropriate way for humans to live their lives. But for the Daoists, following the way was participating in the Dao of nature, the changes and rhythms of the universe and the natural world. For Daoists, to neglect the way of nature was the root of society’s misery. They believe if a person follows the “way” or “path” and lives a life of virtue, then the way of nature, heaven, Earth, and humanity will be balanced.

 Followers of Dao is to master what is within each of us and realize the power within. One has to know themselves to gain intuitive understanding and discernment. This basic concept was also taught by Jesus, Buddha and Krishna. Even though Daoism does not name a tradition by a founding thinker, is it believed that a teacher named Lao Tzu reported to have written the dao de jing  2500 years ago It was considered one of the wisest ancient books, living in unity with nature and the way or Dao. It is also the most translated text into English next to the Bible. It is difficult to interpret because of its poetic, evocative style and its elusive subject. It is a book of mystery and can be translated as the “Classic of the Way and the Virtue.”

The goal is balance yin, our feminine side, and yang, our masculine side.  According to the Chinese, Energetic fields are divided into Yin and Yang. The theory of yin and yang energy represents the duality of balance and harmony within the body as well as the universe. Earth energy is Yin while Heaven energy is Yang.  The video below is an excellent summary providing insight on how to be spiritual from a Daoist perspective