Taoist concepts. Philosophical movements: Taoism

Helpful Hints 25.09.2019

Helpful Hints

One of the oldest teachings of China - Taoism, takes its origins from the very beginning of time, which is not inferior in its existence to such a large-scale and capacious religion as Buddhism. The absolute of knowledge and morality, which today leads every Chinese to the truth of life and the basis of existence, lies in the great canon about what should be the Path of each person.

Taoism - religion or teaching

Taoism is a close interweaving of philosophical Chinese teachings and religion. The prefix "tao", meaning "path", indicates the essence of this direction - the search for the human path, its study and submission to the benefactors of the world. The one who knows his way will be able to walk it with dignity. The definition of Taoism also refers to the critical remarks made by the great Chinese philosophers Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. Taoism of this time period (before the ascension of the Qin Dynasty) is called dao jia. In a simplified formulation, this religious movement can be designated by the Chinese abbreviation pinyin.

Taoism dates back to the 5th-3rd century BC, and only in the second century of the new era, the cult, built on the basis of barbaric shamanic beliefs, grew into a religious trend, headed by the Lord Jasper and his main follower, the philosopher Lao Tzu. Immediately after that, a hierarchy of demons was built, from which it would be necessary to defend themselves and teachers, whose knowledge allowed this to be done.

Throughout the centuries of development, Taoism was an unofficial religion and constantly competed with the widely accepted Confucianism in China. Because of this, schools that followed this direction were often seriously criticized, closed and dissolved. Despite this, the influence of Taoism left its marks both on the culture and on the politics of government in China, as well as in adjacent countries. And today this religion is often criticized, but does not cease to exist.

Fundamentals of Taoism

1. Taoism is the doctrine of Tao, of the path. Tao is boundless, formless, silent and imperceptible, but everyone should follow it. Tao is not created by anyone, but everything obeys it. Tao is the beginning and the end of everything that can be. Its laws are indisputable and necessary for everyone to follow.

2. Each person must embark on the path, must merge with the Tao, cognize it. This will help him be happy.

3. Physical death is only the completion of the existence of the physical shell, while the soul is separated from the body and dissolved in the microcosm, since the person himself is part of the common cosmos.

4. The deep essence of Taoism is the return to one's roots, the knowledge of one's true destiny.

5. Contemplation of the world and its order through meditation and calmness is the main instrument of Taoism for merging with Tao. This principle is called Wu-wei. It is impossible to act contrary to the Tao, to do something only in order to earn its favor - only through deep self-knowledge comes the truth and one feels the path leading to happiness under one's feet.

6. The hermit is a human unit of Taoism, an image inherent in everyone who is ready to renounce many instilled blessings for the sake of self-contemplation and merging with the Tao. A hermit is a person who follows his own path, achieving merging with the Tao in a natural way.

7. Tao is the energy principle, the generation of everything around, a complex circle that contains the spiritual essence of the cosmos, the world and man himself. The unity of all three components leads to a complete understanding of the structure of the world and the existence of life in it.

Main Categories and Elements of Teaching Taoism

Categories:
dao is the way;
de – virtue;
wu-wei - non-action;
pu - the soul or unused energy, the source of self-contemplation.

Learning elements:
Taoist philosophy;
three treasures - the main virtues of Taoism: philanthropy, frugality and the ability not to rush ahead of everyone, to be restrained (to be smarter);
the book of changes - the book of I-ching, which is used for divination, miscalculation of fate options;
Taoist doctrine of immortality, sections of this doctrine: external and internal alchemy, based on the rules for the preparation of special medicines to prolong life and become immortal;
Taoist meditation;
Taoist pantheon - a hierarchy of deities, demons and spirits;
huantingjing - visualization of spirits and internal alchemy of a person;
shangqing - the basis of visualization and unity.

Taoism- Chinese traditional teaching, including elements of religion, mysticism, divination, shamanism, meditation practice, science. There is also Taoist philosophy.
Taoism must be distinguished from the Teachings of Tao, a later phenomenon commonly known as Neo-Confucianism.

Formation of Taoism
Taoism in a stable religious organization took shape only in the 2nd century, but numerous evidence suggests that Taoism arose much earlier, at least in the 5th - 3rd centuries BC. e. there was already a developed tradition that prepared the elements of the doctrine that were actively used in the Middle Ages.

The main sources of Taoism were the mystical and shamanic cults of the Chu kingdom and other "barbarian" states in southern China, the doctrine of immortality and magical practices that developed in the kingdom of Qi, and the philosophical tradition of northern China.

Philosophical writings related to Taoism begin with the era of the Conflicting Kingdoms (Zhanguo) in the 5th century BC. e., almost simultaneously with the teachings of Confucius. Tradition considers the legendary Yellow Emperor Huangdi to be the founder of Taoism.

Another founder of Taoism is the ancient Chinese sage Lao Tzu. Taoist tradition ascribes to him the authorship of one of the main books of Taoism - "Tao Te Ching" (Chinese 道德經). This treatise was the core around which the teachings of Taoism began to take shape.

Another famous early Taoist text is Zhuangzi, authored by Zhuang Zhou (369-286 BC), known as Chuangzi, after whom his work is named.

At the beginning of the 2nd millennium A.D. e. the figure of Lao Tzu is deified, a complex hierarchy of deities and demons is developed, a cult arises in which divination and rites that “cast out” evil spirits take a central place. The pantheon of Taoism was headed by Jasper Lord (Shan-di), who was revered as the god of heaven, the highest deity and the father of emperors (“sons of heaven”). He was followed by Lao-tzu and the creator of the world - Pan-gu.

Elements of teaching

The foundations of Taoism, the philosophy of Lao Tzu are set forth in the treatise "Tao Te Ching" (4th-3rd centuries BC). At the center of the doctrine is the doctrine of the great Tao, the universal Law and the Absolute. Tao is ambiguous, it is an endless movement. Tao is a kind of law of being, space, the universal unity of the world. Tao dominates everywhere and in everything, always and without limits. No one created it, but everything comes from it, in order to then, having completed the circuit, return to it again. Invisible and inaudible, inaccessible to the senses, constant and inexhaustible, nameless and formless, it gives rise, name and form to everything in the world. Even the great Heaven follows the Tao.

Each person, in order to become happy, must embark on this path, try to cognize the Tao and merge with it. According to the teachings of Taoism, the human microcosm is eternal in the same way as the universe-macrocosm. Physical death means only that the spirit separates from the person and dissolves into the macrocosm. The task of a person in his life is to ensure that his soul merges with the world order of Tao. How can such a merger be achieved? The answer to this question is contained in the teachings of the Tao.

The path of Tao is inherent in the power of De. It is through the power of Wu-wei that the Tao manifests itself in every person. This force cannot be interpreted as an effort, but, on the contrary, as a desire to avoid any effort. Wu-wei - means "non-action", the denial of purposeful activity that goes against the natural order. In the process of life, it is necessary to adhere to the principle of non-action - the principle of Wu-wei. This is not inaction. This is a human activity that is consistent with natural course world order. Any action that is contrary to the Tao means a waste of energy and leads to failure and death. Thus, Taoism teaches a contemplative attitude towards life. Bliss is achieved not by one who strives to win the favor of the Tao with good deeds, but by one who, in the process of meditation, immersion in his inner world seeks to listen to himself, and through himself to listen and comprehend the rhythm of the universe. Thus, the purpose of life was comprehended in Taoism as a return to the eternal, a return to one's roots.

The moral ideal of Taoism is a hermit who, with the help of religious meditation, breathing and gymnastic exercises, achieves a high spiritual state that allows him to overcome all passions and desires, immerse himself in communion with the divine Tao.

Tao manifests itself through everyday life and is embodied in the actions of trained people, although few of them fully “walk the Way”. Moreover, the very practice of Taoism is built on a complex system of symbolism of interrelationships and unity of the general, cosmic, and internal, human world. Everything, for example, is permeated with a single qi energy. A child is born from the mixing of the original qi (yuan qi) of the father and mother; a person lives only by continuing to saturate the body with some external qi (wai qi), transferring it to an internal state with the help of a system of breathing exercises and proper nutrition. Everything truly “great” is connected with the transcendent, Tao, which at the same time manifests itself in things, phenomena, and actions every moment. The cosmic here is constantly projected onto the human and emerges in a special vital "energeticism", the energy potential of both the Tao itself and the people who were able to fully comprehend it. The path of Tao itself is perceived as an energy, inspiring beginning, for example, in Zhuang Tzu it is said: “He spiritualized deities and kings, gave birth to Heaven and Earth.”

Political and legal thought of Taoism

The ideology of early Taoism reflected the views of the petty nobility and the communal elite, their protest against the excessive enrichment of the rulers, the strengthening of the bureaucracy and the expansion of state activity. Having lost their former influence, these layers sought the restoration of the patriarchal order.

The founders of Taoism sought to debunk the ideology of the ruling circles, and first of all the official religious cult with its dogmas of "heavenly will" and "sovereign - the son of heaven", granting the laws of Tao to the people. Tao in the interpretation of the followers of Lao Tzu is an absolute universal principle. Taoists explained the shortcomings in society by the fact that people, indulging in vain desires, moved away from their original simplicity, broke the natural bonds that held them to the earth, and instead of wisdom rely on knowledge. The cause of social turmoil is the transition from the initial fusion of man with the Tao to the development of his abilities and knowledge.

In socio-ethical terms, the leitmotif of Taoism is the condemnation of pride, the preaching of average prosperity and moderation.

The Tao Te Ching reflects the widespread ideas among the communal peasantry about redistribution of property in favor of the poor. The celestial tao, the canon says, “takes away what is superfluous and gives what is taken away to those who need it. The Tao of Heaven takes from the rich and gives to the poor what is taken from them.”

Lao Tzu linked his hopes for the restoration of the natural simplicity of human relations with clever leaders from among the hereditary nobility who could see the “wonderful secret of the Tao” and lead the people.

The wise sovereign, the Taoists taught, rules the country using the method of non-action, that is, refraining from active interference in the affairs of members of society, Lao Tzu reproached contemporary rulers for being too active, establishing many taxes and prohibitive laws, and waging endless warriors. "The best ruler is the one about whom the people know only that he exists."

Lao Tzu called on the nobility and rulers to "settle closer to the earth", to restore the order that existed in antiquity, when people lived in small scattered villages, to abandon the use of tools and wean the people from knowledge.

The socio-political concept of Taoism was a reactionary utopia. It was nourished by the mentality of those strata of the well-born nobility and the communal elite, whose position was undermined by the growing property and social stratification. Lacking real power to fight the new aristocracy, these strata claimed to be the custodians of sacred wisdom not available to others. At the same time, they sought to improve their property affairs, to catch up with the aristocracy of wealth, using communal traditions of mutual assistance for this.

Dao- literally "the way", in Taoism - being and changing the Universe in the most general sense. Impersonal force, the will of the universe, which must comply with the order of all things in the world
De- literally "virtue" or "morality". Virtue, given from above (from Tao), does not have the characteristics of a physical, forceful impact, in contrast to the Greek “arete”. Grace, a huge spiritual power that Heaven endowed the ruler of China and which he could transfer to his subjects
wu wei- literally "non-action" - understanding when to act and when to do nothing
Pu- literally "an unfinished piece of wood" represents energy untouched by nature objects, if it is simpler, then the simplicity of the soul, the soul of pu.

Components of Taoism

Ministry of the Russian Federation for Communications and Informatization.

Siberian State University Telecommunications and Informatics.

Department of Philosophy and National History

"Basic concepts of the philosophy of Taoism"

Completed by: group student

E-91 Budchenko E.A.

Checked by: Skiba M.F.

Novosibirsk, 2001.

Plan.

Introduction. 2

Foundation of Taoism. 3

Basic concepts. 3

Qi and Ming. four

Change and Tao. 5

Yin and Yang. 5

Harmony with nature. 7

Feng Shui. eight

Individualism. 9

Naturalness and simplicity. ten

Conclusion. 12

Bibliography. fourteen

Introduction.

What is Taoism? This question has long attracted the attention of Chinese researchers, but it turned out to be very difficult to give a brief and clear answer to it, since “Taoism” is a very multidimensional and ambiguous concept.

The very word "Tao" is not at all the exclusive property of Taoism. It belongs to all Chinese thought, and every philosopher of ancient China saw in it the designation of truth, or, more precisely, the truth and the righteous way of life. All Chinese sages are adherents of Tao. And although this concept gave its name to Taoism, there is nothing actually Taoist in it. This is one of the most important categories of all Chinese culture. Only its interpretation by Taoism is specific. If in Confucianism Tao is the path of moral improvement and rule based on ethical norms, then in Taoism Tao acquires the meaning of the highest first principle, world substance, the source of being of all things.

Tao is what is given to a person before he knows himself, and Tao is what will pass from us to future generations after we are gone. What is this? The classics of the Taoist tradition give a seemingly vague, but in fact very accurate answer: everything that exists by itself, that is not generated by human reasoning and concern, that does not bear the stamp of effort, tension, violence.

The wisdom of an adherent of the Tao is not knowledge or art, but a kind of skill - completely inept - "not to obscure the great peace of being with vain doing." Therefore, Taoism is not a philosophy in the classical sense of the word, since it is not interested in definitions of concepts, logical proofs. Nor is it the religion of God, who requires faith and obedience from his worshippers. It cannot be reduced to art, craftsmanship, or practice, because the wisdom of the Tao does not affirm the need to do anything. Rather, Taoism is "the path of whole existence." Such a unity, like most of the basic concepts of Taoism, is paradoxical through and through, and therefore Taoist teachers are silent when they are asked to explain it. As it is said in the Tao Te Ching, the main canon of Taoism: "He who knows does not speak, but he who speaks does not know."

Foundation of Taoism.

Taoism arose in Zhou China almost simultaneously with the teachings of Confucius in the form of an independent philosophical doctrine. The founder of the philosophy of Taoism is the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. He is considered to be an older contemporary of Confucius, but it is possible that he lived in an earlier historical era. Many modern researchers consider him a legendary figure. There is a legend about his miraculous birth. Mother wore it for several decades and gave birth to an old man. This is where his name Lao Tzu comes from, which means “Old Child”, although the sign tzu also means the concept of a philosopher, and, therefore, this name can also be translated as “Old Philosopher”. There is also a legend about his departure from China. Heading west, Lao Tzu agreed to leave his Tao Te Ching to Yin Xi, the keeper of the frontier outpost. The Tao Te Ching is a compilation of various sayings, some of which belong to Lao Tzu himself and some to his students. The name of the treatise can be defined in this way: Tao - the Way; de – manifestation of Tao; ching means authority, belonging to the classical scriptures. Accordingly, the title of the work can be translated as "The Book of the Path and Its Manifestations." The treatise "Tao Te Ching" belongs to the 4th - 3rd centuries. BC e.

Basic concepts. Tao.

Tao means the Way of comprehending the laws of nature, its patterns. The teaching calls people to live according to natural laws, in accordance with the Tao, the universal principle of harmony. In Taoist cosmology, Tao acts as the root cause and source of creation. In this sense, Tao is interpreted as an absolute, indescribable category, an eternal universal principle. At the beginning of the Tao Te Ching it is said: "The Tao that can be spoken about is not the true Tao." The treatise also says about the sequence of the creation of this world: “Tao gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, three gives birth to all things. All things contain yin and bear yang, which interact in an inexhaustible flow of qi energy.

Tao is spoken of as "the beginning and matter of ten thousand things", that is, the essential basis of being. Manifestations of the Tao are spontaneous and effortless. Generating life, Tao does not own the objects of creation. It is the very embodiment of a natural process, not limited by anything, but producing a continuous series of ordinary things, limited in their essence. Tao is often compared to water. Water is gentle and flowing, but has the potential power to destroy stone drop by drop. To follow the Tao means to surrender naturally and without resistance to the flow of the river of life.

Tao is not being or not being. This is what is the root cause. Tao is universal. Pervasive and indestructible. From the point of view of metaphysics, Tao is invisible and inaudible, inaccessible to the senses, constant and inexhaustible, nameless and formless, it gives rise, name and form to everything in the world, gives rise to everything that exists, and at the same time, is the ultimate goal of any manifestation. To know the Tao, to follow it, to merge with it - this is the meaning, purpose and happiness of life. According to Taoist philosophy, movement is preceded by rest, and action is preceded by a state of rest. Accordingly, Tao is the basis of any process, in itself it is motionless, but it is the beginning of any movement. Tao is not something subject to intellectual comprehension. A person can realize only the meaning that is not amenable to verbal expression.

Tao is not known, but omnipresent. What you can talk about is called de. This concept demonstrates the Tao in action, manifests its potential energy in the objects of creation. For the Taoists, this statement has more practical meaning than a metaphysical statement of the features of the universe. If the subject or object follows the Tao, i.e. acts naturally, they are filled with energy, i.e. de. This does not mean a force that strives for violent changes, which would contradict the very essence of the teaching, but a natural force that fully reveals the natural potential. By analogy with water, Tao is like a stream, the strength of which is represented by de.

Qi and Ming.

Literally, the word qi means breath, subtle energy primary matter. Qi - matter, air, ether, gas, spirit, life force contained in everything that exists, life energy is not only a material substance, but also some fluids, elements of the spiritual principle. Among the early Taoists, qi appears on a cosmic universal scale, qi is directly connected with the entire universe, with Tao, with heaven and earth, with the four seasons of the year, and forms the basis of both physical and mental life of a person. Qi is seen as the driving force of the universe. The ideal state for the Taoists, as noted earlier, is merging with the Tao, the source that bestows absolute satisfaction and primordial naturalness. The one who has reached this state no longer enters into a senseless struggle for existence and does not set false goals for himself. This perfect state is called min (enlightenment); the state implies awareness of the eternal law of chan, unchanging, but causing the process of change and controlling its action in the manifested world.

Change and Tao.

According to the philosophy of Taoism, everything that exists is in a constant process of change, balanced by Tao. Chinese philosophers have always believed that the absolute category cannot be fixed, but is a changeable beginning. In ancient times, even before the emergence of writing, this idea was gleaned by people from observing the change of light and darkness in the world surrounding a person. A classic example is the ancient Chinese book "I-ching", and - this is a change, ching - a book. The main idea behind the Book of Changes is the idea of change. On the basis of this idea, a theory of fortune-telling about human activity was built: does this activity run counter to the course of world accomplishment, or is it harmoniously included in the world, that is, does it bring misfortune or happiness, as it is called in the language of technical terms "Book of Changes ". The use of the book implies an individual approach, and, at the same time, a person must show an element of intuitive vision.

Taoists are confident in the impermanence, changeability of the universe. Only the eternal principle or law (chan) that governs the process of change remains unchanged. That is, in life there is nothing more permanent than change.

Another important concept of Taoism is that you need to focus only on the present moment in time. The world is as it is, and if perfection exists, it is all around us, not in our imagination. Based on this, any attempt to change the world is an encroachment on its perfection, which can only be discovered while in a state of natural rest. The return to perfection is a movement from the unnatural to the natural.

Yin and Yang.

In the above quotation from the Tao Te Ching, the cosmological process of creation was described, where there is a direct indication of the primary formation of matter from one to two. The mention of two is a direct reference to the initial appearance of two principles, yin and yang. The theory of yin and yang is rooted in the mists of time, but it owes its design to Zou Yan, who lived in the 4th century. BC e. The theoretical basis of this teaching is also considered in the I Ching.

Yin is dark, feminine, yang is light, masculine. They personify two types of universal forces, embodied in the five elements, which in turn constitute the essence of the world. Just as the Tao establishes balance, yin and yang need it. Like the sunny and shadow sides of a mountain, yin and yang are inseparable and complement each other. Life cannot be colored only in dark colors and vice versa. To think differently is to be reckless. An attempt to perceive life as an endless stream of pleasures is doomed in advance and leads to disappointment. Similarly, it is impossible to be 100% male or 100% female. This is the basic concept of Taoism: a balanced approach to all natural phenomena and correction in case of violation of the natural balance. This concept is expressed by the symbol of the great limit - tai chi.

Black symbolizes yin and white symbolizes yang. Two opposites form a single whole, complement each other and flow into each other. All things are characterized by the presence of both the masculine and the feminine, the manifestation of both dark and light, and the feminine necessarily contains elements of the masculine and vice versa. At the same time, tai chi personifies continuous movement, an ongoing process. The symbolism of yin-yang permeates all spheres of the Chinese national way of life and culture. The philosophy of yin-yang can be considered a statement of the existing order of things. Taoism does not claim that life is initially cloudless, and suffering is just an unfortunate accident. The basis of any life phenomenon is the balance of growth and decay, joy and sorrow, gain and loss. It is the understanding of the duality of everything that exists that allows you to live happily and regardless of the black and white stripes in life.

There is another manifestation of yin-yang balance: yin is a passive beginning, peace and reflection; yang is active and creative power. Ideally, these forces must be balanced. Taoists argue that periods of activity and contemplative rest must alternate in a person’s life, otherwise his activity will be ineffective.

A person's personality also reflects the yin and yang aspects. Regardless of gender, a person has both feminine and masculine qualities. The confrontation between yin and yang is the initiator of the process of change and is in principle unsolvable. This statement is the main premise of the Taoist worldview, according to which inconsistency human nature reflects the universal principle of things. According to the Taoists, a person's personality cannot be identified as a constant value, because a person becomes what a continuous process of change makes him.

Harmony with nature.

Taoists believe that the world in general and man in particular are characterized by three types of vital energy: shen - spirit, qi - breath, jing - vital substance. During meditation, a person strives to merge his microcosm, Ego, with the macrocosm, the whole world. In other words, he tries to identify his Ego with the entire universe, that is, to get rid of the subjective-objective consciousness. This identification defies rational explanation; comprehension is carried out directly through experience. Thus, the fundamental position of Taoism is affirmed, according to which the spoken Tao is not the true Tao. What is known during meditation is not amenable to verbal expression. Taoists believe that information about the entire universe is embedded in every person. Thus, following the Tao does not mean doing something contrary to human nature or ceasing to feel like a person. On the contrary, the true nature of man is revealed when he achieves unity with the cosmos.

Since everything is in the process of change, the definition of one's own "I" becomes a clear delusion, but sooner or later a person will be forced to come to terms with the reality of change. Taoism focuses on the practical implementation of this concept. A person must, through his own experience, realize the true reality and feel himself a part of the flow of Tao.

Feng Shui.

While meditation seeks to harmonize a person's inner resources, feng shui is the art of living in harmony with the world. Literally, feng shui translates as wind and water, that is, it denotes the natural elements that form the landscape. The art of Feng Shui is associated with the theory of the presence of qi (life force) in the environment. A feng shui master knows how to arrange the environment in the best possible way, that is, in such a way as to ensure the optimal flow of chi. To ensure a harmonious flow of energy, the architectural features of the building, its position on the ground and even the interior are important. Separate rooms should be located in accordance with the needs and aspects of life of the inhabitants of the house. A Feng Shui master can advise on how to make your home cozy and fit for a harmonious life.

From the position of basic philosophical concepts, we can say that feng shui brings artificially created things and the external aspects of life to perfection, using knowledge of the laws of nature. A harmoniously built and properly located home will look attractive and provide a balanced flow of energy. Feng Shui says that the philosophy of Taoism does not abandon the everyday aspects of life, but applies basic metaphysical concepts in practice in order to improve energy and ensure decent living conditions.

Wu-wei.

Wu-wei means abstaining from active action. This term can be translated as non-interference, although this concept does not imply absolute passivity. On the contrary, it is an action, but carried out in accordance with two principles:

No effort should be wasted;

Do not do anything contrary to the laws of nature.

Thus, wu-wei can be translated as a spontaneous or natural action, an action that a person performs intuitively without planning. This action is motivated by real circumstances. Often a person acts contrary to his nature in order to prove some idea or principle. In such a situation, personal contradictions arise: emotions suggest one thing, the rational principle - another, consciousness - the third. Under such conditions, the act is ineffective and unnatural, as it is the result of a compromise between different areas consciousness. Acting according to wu-wei, a person does not ask the question of the legitimacy of an act, but simply performs it. A person should act only when it is known in advance that his act is effective. If all the efforts made are doomed in advance, then it is not worth acting at all. Wu-wei is a quality that allows you to look at things with an open mind, the art of being yourself, the skill of natural behavior and self-confidence. Wu-wei manifests itself when a person does not adhere to conditional stereotypes of behavior and does not think about what he is doing. That is, a person obeys the orders of the subconscious, without wasting time on logical analysis and conscious assessment of the situation.

Thus, we can conclude that a person acting in a natural way refuses ethical stereotypes. Ethics implies a rational understanding of the act and the way of its implementation. In most cases, moral assessment is carried out after the act, the result of which speaks for itself. Human consciousness is influenced by social and religious rules and prohibitions. Trying to determine the morality of his act, a person has to think in advance and evaluate the consequences.

In this sense, Taoists are not adherents of moral norms. When performing this or that act, a person should not stop halfway to assess the consequences and remember the rules of conduct. Ethical criteria are necessary for those who do not feel the Tao. Unnatural actions are violence against human nature and violate the harmony of Tao. Taoism offers a life philosophy of natural behavior that minimizes negative experiences.

Individualism.

In the views of the Taoists, a person's personality is a direct expression of his de. The main goal is to achieve a state of unity with the world, that is, a return to the original source - Tao. The comprehension of reality and this goal is strictly individual and does not carry any social component. Taoists prioritize the interests of the individual, not society. A person should not be guided by external motivation, whether it be public morality, the expectation of encouragement or condemnation. This does not mean that arbitrary actions are necessarily anti-social and that the person who commits them does not take into account the interests of others. The meaning of an unmotivated action is the lack of interest in the results of this action.

Taoists believed that there is no good and evil, and these categories are manifested depending on the circumstances and personal traits of the participants in the events. This does not mean that the Taoists are absolutely free from any moral obligations. Their teaching is aimed at preparing a person for liberation from outdated moral stereotypes. Taoism claims that a dispute is fundamentally unresolvable, since a person who has taken on the role of a judge is forced to take the side of one of the disputants and thereby supports his point of view. That is, as soon as it concerns a moral choice, the evaluation criterion becomes a relative value, because how many people, so many opinions.

Naturalness and simplicity.

Human life should proceed along the path of least resistance. The ideal of the Taoists is an existence free from passions and ambitions. However, education is a serious obstacle to liberation from worldly desires, as knowledge increases attachment to desires and ambitious aspirations. Taoists have developed a theory of thought that prevents the increase of intellectual and educational levels. The natural simplicity of pu manifests itself in spontaneous actions of wu-wei, reflecting natural harmony. In the process of wu-wei, the personality is expressed in its original simplicity and unity with the outside world. In this case, the consciousness does not have time to show its rational principle and the subconscious takes on the functions of managing the personality. These qualities contribute to the awareness of the nature of all living beings and the place of man in this world. One Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu dreamed that he was a butterfly and, waking up, he asked himself the question: “How do I know if a person dreamed of a sleeping butterfly or a sleeping person dreamed that he was a butterfly?”

The idea of natural harmony is embodied in many aspects of Chinese art. For example, in the works of landscape painters, mountains (yang) are usually balanced by some kind of reservoir (yin). Artists deliberately create impressions of the dynamism of their subjects (the process of change), for example, under the pressure of tree roots, the rock is covered with cracks. Usually. People and residential buildings occupy a certain place in the picture and, in comparison with the majestic landscape surrounding them, seem negligible. According to the laws of Feng Shui, the structure of the composition is balanced, and people are depicted in accordance with the direction of the flow of positive energy.

Taoism has penetrated all spheres of Chinese life: the art of feng shui achieves a balance between man-made objects of the environment and the natural energy of the qi flow; the concept of yin and yang is reflected in the characteristics of Chinese cuisine. Some foods, such as meat, are yang, while others, such as vegetables, are yin. Everything that is served on the table should express the balance of yin-yang. For example, nuts (yin) can serve as a side dish for meat (yang), and tea (yin) should be served with any meat dish, but not strong drinks (yang). The most famous Taoist technique is a set of tai chi exercises, which is a set of sequential movements that restore the balance of yin-yang. A person who has mastered this technique performs the exercises spontaneously and naturally, and the induced qi flow is not controlled by consciousness. This art originated in the XIV century. and gained numerous admirers, many of whom have no idea about his Taoist origin.

All of the above confirms the practicality of Taoism, materializing its theories in art and Everyday life. At the same time, an attempt to embody metaphysical ideas and Taoist principles in cultural phenomena and features is clearly traced. national character.

Conclusion.

The founder of the philosophy of Taoism is the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, and the main treatise is his book "Tao Te Ching". Basic concepts of Taoism: Tao, de, qi and min. Tao means the Way of comprehending the laws of nature, its patterns. In Taoist cosmology, Tao acts as the root cause and source of creation, and in this sense is interpreted as an absolute, indescribable category, an eternal universal principle. Taoism encourages people to live according to natural laws, in accordance with the Tao. “The Tao that one can talk about is not the true Tao,” that which one can talk about is called de. This concept demonstrates the Tao in action, manifests its potential energy in the objects of creation. Qi - matter, air, ether, gas, spirit, life force contained in everything that exists, life energy. The perfect state for a person is merging with the Tao, called min, that is, enlightenment.

According to the philosophy of Taoism, everything that exists is in a constant process of change, balanced by Tao. Taoists are confident in the impermanence, changeability of the universe. Only the eternal principle or law (chan) that governs the process of change remains unchanged. That is, in life there is nothing more permanent than change.

Taoism recognizes the existence of two main principles in the world: yin and yang. Yin is dark, feminine, yang is light, masculine. Just as the Tao establishes balance, yin and yang need it. The basic concept of Taoism: a balanced approach to all natural phenomena and adjustment in case of violation of the natural balance. This concept is expressed by the symbol of the great limit - tai chi.

Taoists believe that the world in general and man in particular are characterized by three types of vital energy: shen - spirit, qi - breath, jing - vital substance. Taoists believe that information about the entire universe is embedded in every person, the true nature of a person is revealed when one achieves unity with the cosmos.

Wu-wei means refraining from active actions, this action, but carried out in accordance with two principles: no effort should be wasted; nothing should be done contrary to the laws of nature. Unnatural actions are violence against human nature and violate the harmony of Tao. Taoism offers a life philosophy of natural behavior that minimizes negative experiences.

In the views of the Taoists, a person's personality is a direct expression of his de. The main goal is to achieve a state of unity with the world, that is, a return to the original source - Tao. Taoists prioritize the interests of the individual, not society. Human life should proceed along the path of least resistance. The ideal of the Taoists is an existence free from passions and ambitions.

Bibliography.

1. Malyavin V. V., Vinogrodsky B. B. Anthology of Taoist Philosophy. - M.: Partnership, - 1994.

As if it provokes people to pull quotes out of themselves and use them in completely different contexts, so you need to be especially careful about such irresponsible use of Chuang Tzu fragments. However, several basic concepts of the text can be distinguished. §four. The Philosophy of Chuang Tzu It is often said that the philosophy of Chuang Tzu is skeptical, and indeed it is. But despite...

Knowledge, and the other is knowledge about the names of things. The source of this second experience is the mind, which is thus reduced to the faculty of naming things and linking names, i.e. correct use words. The subject of philosophy Hobbes considers the body, the emergence of which we can comprehend with the help of scientific concepts. As for spiritual substances, even if they existed, they would be...

Siberian State University of Telecommunications and Informatics.

Department of Philosophy and National History

Abstract:

"Basic concepts of the philosophy of Taoism"

Completed by: group student

E-91 Budchenko E.A.

Checked by: Skiba M.F.

Novosibirsk, 2001.

Introduction. 2

Foundation of Taoism. 3

Basic concepts. 3

Qi and Ming. four

Change and Tao. 5

Yin and Yang. 5

Harmony with nature. 7

Feng Shui. eight

Individualism. 9

Naturalness and simplicity. ten

Conclusion. 12

Bibliography. fourteen

Taoism arose in Zhou China almost simultaneously with the teachings of Confucius in the form of an independent philosophical doctrine. The founder of the philosophy of Taoism is the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. He is considered to be an older contemporary of Confucius, but it is possible that he lived in an earlier historical era. Many modern researchers consider him a legendary figure. There is a legend about his miraculous birth. Mother wore it for several decades and gave birth to an old man. That's where his name comes from Lao Tzu, which in translation means - "Old child", although the sign tzu means at the same time the concept of a philosopher, and, therefore, this name can also be translated as "Old Philosopher". There is also a legend about his departure from China. Heading west, Lao Tzu agreed to leave his essay to Yin Xi, the guard of the border outpost. Tao Te Ching". The Tao Te Ching is a compilation of various sayings, some of which belong to Lao Tzu himself and some to his students. The title of the treatise can be defined as follows: Dao- Path; de- manifestation of Tao; ching means authority, belonging to the classical writings. Accordingly, the title of the work can be translated as "The Book of the Path and Its Manifestations." The treatise "Tao Te Ching" belongs to the 4th - 3rd centuries. BC e.

Tao means the Way of comprehending the laws of nature, its patterns. The teaching calls people to live according to natural laws, in accordance with the Tao, the universal principle of harmony. In Taoist cosmology, Tao acts as the root cause and source of creation. In this sense, Tao is interpreted as an absolute, indescribable category, an eternal universal principle. At the beginning of the Tao Te Ching it is said: "The Tao that can be spoken about is not the true Tao." The treatise also says about the sequence of the creation of this world: “Tao gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, three gives birth to all things. All things contain yin and bear yang, which interact in an inexhaustible flow of energy qi ».

Literally word qi means breath, subtle energy primary matter. Qi - matter, air, ether, gas, spirit, life force contained in everything that exists, life energy is not only a material substance, but also some fluids, elements of the spiritual principle. Among the early Taoists, qi appears on a cosmic universal scale, qi is directly connected with the entire universe, with Tao, with heaven and earth, with the four seasons of the year, and forms the basis of both physical and mental life of a person. Qi is seen as the driving force of the universe. The ideal state for the Taoists, as noted earlier, is merging with the Tao, the source that bestows absolute satisfaction and primordial naturalness. The one who has reached this state no longer enters into a senseless struggle for existence and does not set false goals for himself. This perfect state is called min(enlightenment); the state implies awareness of the eternal law of chan, unchanging, but causing the process of change and controlling its action in the manifested world.

According to the philosophy of Taoism, everything that exists is in a constant process of change, balanced by Tao. Chinese philosophers have always believed that the absolute category cannot be fixed, but is a changeable beginning. In ancient times, even before the emergence of writing, this idea was gleaned by people from observing the change of light and darkness in the world surrounding a person. A classic example is the ancient Chinese book " I-ching" , and is a change ching- book. The main idea behind the Book of Changes is the idea of change. On the basis of this idea, a theory of fortune-telling about human activity was built: does this activity run counter to the course of world accomplishment, or is it harmoniously included in the world, that is, does it bring misfortune or happiness, as it is called in the language of technical terms "Book of Changes ". The use of the book implies an individual approach, and, at the same time, a person must show an element of intuitive vision.

Welcome to the Tao of the Celestial Empire, or the so-called Chinese Taoism, from the labyrinth of this Eastern teaching, as well as from all life's troubles and problems, we will try to get out with the help of the ideas, essence, principles and philosophy of Taoism, as one of the most famous religious teachings in the world .

What is Dao?

First of all, you need to understand that the word Tao means « beyond". Going beyond duality and any polarity, this is the union of male and female in man, life and death. And as the great master of Taoism Lao Tzu said - Tao is empty, but thanks to it everything exists.

History of Taoism

It is usually believed that historically, Taoism originates from the reign of the Chinese emperors of the Chu dynasty, where mystical shamanistic rituals and cults were already developing. And yet, the real tradition begins with the legendary master Lao Tzu (Wise Elder) of the 6th-5th centuries BC, who created the fundamental treatise "Tao Te Ching".

And the word Tao can be translated as Absolute Knowledge that cannot be expressed in words, but can still be experienced. And the word Te is a way of being or how to stay in such Absolute Knowledge. Tao moves all things, but which is beyond the concept of them.

Essence of Taoism

The essence of Taoism is that Tao is without form and color, there is no personality, and even there is no “I”. Moreover, there are no efforts and goals either. There are no traditions and there are no temples, and there is no one to serve about, no one and there is no need - stay in emptiness and do not follow thoughts and phenomena, but simply observe and be a witness.

Understand that emptiness is the support of everything, Tao without form and without name, but it is the support of everything, it is the transcendental aspect that binds everything together. It's just a universal order, and in Tao they don't usually build temples, and there are no priests and rituals there - there is only pure understanding.

One day, the Taoist master Li Zi was traveling with his student. Sitting down by the road to have a bite to eat, he saw a skull, and said to his student, pointing to the skull: "Only he and I know that you were not born and will not die." He also added that people do not know the truth and are just unfortunate fools, and the skull and the master know the truth beyond death and birth, and therefore are happy.

Way of the Dao

Taoism as a religion teaches to be on the path and not different from the path, because the whole existence itself is one, and we are part of it. Usually we are all taught as individuals, but how then to be in harmony with others? Happiness is to be inseparable from the whole, this is the way of Taoism or simply Tao.

If you have 'I', or even a concept of 'I', then you are not on the path. The concept of holiness in Taoism is to be in harmony with the one, to be one.

And the understanding of the Bible there is different - we all had parents and they, in turn, also had parents. And we get to Adam and Eve - and it turns out that God gave birth to them. And who gave birth to God, because He must exist somewhere, because, at least, there must be space for his existence or creative energy, vacuum or emptiness.

Is there a God in Taoism?

Therefore, in Taoism, the main thing is not God, but Tao - which includes God, if you like, and everything that exists, it's just Being or Unity. As soon as you consider yourself separate from the rest of the living and non-living, then you are already separated from God.

Usually people delve into the past and the future, but this is just a measurement of time, and when you are one, you are connected in space with everyone and are outside of time. There are no sufferings and sorrows in this Being, they arise when we are separated from the whole, when there is “I”.

Taoist Parable

Once, one king called a minister to him and said: "I want to be happy - take care of it, otherwise I will execute you." Minister, replied that, probably, you need to find a shirt happy person and bring her. And for a long time he was looking for a happy person, but it turns out that everyone was unhappy, and the minister was saddened.

And then someone suggested to him that on the river bank someone constantly plays cheerful music on a flute at night. Then the minister went there and actually saw a man playing enchanting music on the flute, and asked him, "Are you happy?" He replied, "Yes, I am happiness."

The minister was overjoyed and asked for a shirt. But the man was silent for a long time, and only then said that he had no shirt, he was naked. "Then why are you happy?" the minister asked.

The man replied: “One day I lost everything, including my shirt…and became happy. I have nothing and I don't even have myself, but still I play the flute and the whole or the one plays through me. You understand - I simply do not exist, I do not know who I am, I am nobody and nothing.

The main ideas of Taoism

Sometimes Tao is called a path without a path, there is only understanding. The main idea of Taoism is that a common person he is constantly in thought, he constantly thinks about himself or about something external, and he simply has no time to live, to live a real life.

When a person is not one with everything around him, he is tense and constantly defending himself and fighting for his survival. And if you notice correctly, this world becomes an illusion if we are not united. This is the main idea of the Tao.

Everything is an illusion that disappears when the observer or knower arises. And when you are merged with everything, when you stand at the center of all being, you are the truth, and the truth is you. Sometimes awakened masters would exclaim: I am the truth».

How to gain enlightenment and the Tao?

So, what did Lao Tzu and the other masters talk about - in order to know reality, you must be in a state of inaction, because when you act, you move away from yourself, from unity with Tao. You are not in contact with the outside, all bridges are burned.

In complete silence, without internal dialogue, for example, if you are washing the floor - let it completely absorb you, if you are cooking, the same thing.

And when you dissolve into what you are doing, your "I" disappears, this is “enlightenment” in Taoism, and also the principle of Tantra, that is, the continuity of being or consciousness in being itself, you can say whatever you like.

Our ego is never harmonious, it is separated from the whole being and this is the whole problem of humanity, with its wars and struggle for survival. Remaining inactive "I" disappears If you're walking, just walk, if you're dancing, then just dance.

Being completely in the present moment, inner depth, inner happiness will begin to penetrate into you.– this is Tao, you are not there, you have dissolved.

Principles of Taoism

The main principle of Taoism is that true happiness can only be found in merging, when you are just as a witness - thoughts arise, you simply observe them. You watch them come and go, so you merge with them. The same goes for arm and leg movements – you move and you just watch.

At first, you will be distracted, but then the state will deepen, inner peace and joy will come. The Taoist principle of happiness - it does not need an external cause, the Taoist can always be happy, because happiness is the whole existence, everything that the Taoist does is happiness.

External happiness has its cause, and already in this misfortune, this is slavery from the external. Taoists are beyond logic and reason. One of the main principles Tao is emptiness and when you are empty, God enters you. where the Devil cannot exist, but what can he do there, he will die of boredom, because he needs power over a person.

Emptiness is the main value

Look how wonderfully Lao Tzu talks about emptiness - he says that it is not the walls of the room where you live that are useful, but the emptiness between the walls. After all, a person uses the room, not the walls.

Emptiness is the most valuable thing on the planet and it was created not by a person, but by Being or Tao itself - after all, this is how eternity is arranged, this is how the cosmos and all being are arranged. This is the famous emptiness in Buddhism and Zen is the feminine aspect of everything.

If you are engaged in Tantra, then this is its basis and principle of work. Even in Old Testament there are hints that everything comes from the void. Take the story of Adam and Eve.

It is believed that man or Adam was created first, but this idea is from the fact that he is close to the earth, that's all. And God says to Adam - give Eve a name and he said: "She is my heart," which simply means the psychic or spiritual aspect.

The heart is the feelings that arise but are invisible to our eyes. The feminine principle is the principle of the inner. The innermost we call the soul, and the body is our outer.

Philosophy of Taoism

In the philosophy of Taoism, as you understand, there is no definite path, because if you go somewhere, every moment is already a goal in itself. In Tao, you renounce the past and the future, and even yourself.

There is no goal and no aspirations, it means surrendering to the unity. The Tao that can be told is no longer authentic. For reality can only be known when the mind withdraws.

The perfect swimmer becomes part of the river

He is the wave