Meaning of Taoism (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Taoism:

Taoism is a philosophical trend that emerged in China at the time of the Hundred Schools of Thought (770 - 221 BC), and which form the basis of current Eastern thought. Its greatest thinker was Lao-Tse or Laozi.

Laozi bases his philosophy on the inherent harmony of nature defined as Tao, 'way' in Spanish. The description of the Tao is found in the book Tao Te Ching or Dào Dé Jīng which means 'Book of the way and virtue'. The work is a compilation of several authors of the same doctrine, whose main author is Laozi.

Although Taoism was not born as a religious system, in the 2nd century AD it was imposed as a cult doctrine in China, and the imperial priest Zhang Daoling became the first pontiff of this belief.

Taoism as a philosophical system

These are some of the characteristics of Taoism, understood as a philosophical current.

• Exalts values ​​such as compassion, kindness, piety, sacrifice, honesty, fairness, teaching, analysis, introspection, harmony with nature, self-denial and magnanimity. Lacks a dogma to be followed. Rejects concepts or beliefs based on prejudice or dogmatic submission, such as religious submission, nationalism, or filial loyalty. It defends the harmony of man with the Tao and believes in the ethereal course of events. Exposes the concept wu wei , which means to flow, and is associated with harmony with Nature. It teaches stillness as a way to achieve harmony, with the aim of being completely in the Tao: the encounter with the true self.

Taoism as a religion

As a religious system, Taoism incorporates ideas from the naturalistic school, or Ying-Yang school. These are some of its most representative foundations.

• It is based on the existence of three forces: an active force (yang), a passive force (ying) and a third force that contains the other two, called Tao.The Tao is the source from which everything exists, but still, it cannot be reached by human thought. Hence, one of the main sentences of the Tao Te King affirms that "the Tao that can be called Tao is not the true Tao." The Tao has no space or time and is the source of the natural order that explains by itself the behavior of things. Hence, Taoism proposes an understanding and integration of man with the flow of nature. To travel the path of Tao, a spiritual preparation is necessary that involves the practice of silence and stillness. Only in a state of total relaxation is it possible to contemplate the soul. The Tao believes in immortality, and those who follow this path can become 'angels'. They apply the principle of non-action that states that we should not try to control or interfere with the natural order of things. Otherwise, we disconnect from the Tao. Everything has a natural flow, so you should avoid what feels forced or away from genuine passions.