Daoism
Directions
• You may sit next to whomever you like, as long as the arrangement
encourages a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere.
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Speak softly and move quietly.
Sit still, and move and speak only when necessary.
Avoid bringing attention to yourself.
If you have questions, try to answer them yourself instead of asking for help
from others.
Founder
• Some believe Daoism was founded by Laozi (Lao Tzu) during the Warring
States Period as one of the “Hundred Schools of Thought”
• China in period of chaos for 250 years as the Zhou Dynasty dissolves
• Looking for new way to govern and unite people
• Lao Tzu may have been an idea made up of the work of many
• No agreed upon time for when Daoism began
Text
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Tao Te Ching- text associated with Daoism
Thousands of translations- no one true translation
Legend about the “original” written text
Example of what you might find in text: “When you are content to be simply
yourself and don't compare or compete, everyone will respect you.”
Basic Beliefs
• Tao- The Way/Path- not a specific goal or set of steps one must take, but an
attitude about how to live
• First principle- everything in nature is all part of the same whole
• Must live in harmony with nature- not about relationships with others
• Wu-wei- action through inaction
• Boulder blocks your path
• Pu- “uncarved block”- nature was at its best before judgement or prejudice