Taoism
/ˈtaʊɪz(ə)m
/ /ˈdaʊɪz(ə)m/(also Daoism)
noun [mass noun]
A Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-tzu, advocating humility and religious piety.The roots of Japanese mythology are in the Shinto religion, in Taoism and in Zen Buddhism alike....
- Confucianism blamed Taoist philosophy of escapism, while Taoism responded by deeming Confucianism as escapist from one's true nature.
- The Chinese philosophy of Taoism looked inward, seeking harmony with nature.
The central concept and goal is the Tao, and its most important text is the Tao-te-Ching. Taoism has both a philosophical and a religious aspect. Philosophical Taoism emphasizes inner contemplation and mystical union with nature; wisdom, learning, and purposive action should be abandoned in favour of simplicity and wu-wei (non-action, or letting things take their natural course). The religious aspect of Taoism developed later, circa 3rd century ad, incorporating certain Buddhist features and developing a monastic system.
Derivatives
Taoistic
- Chuangtse is therefore important as the first one who fully developed the Taoistic thesis of the rhythm of life, contained in the epigrams of Laotse.
- More than two thousand years ago Taoistic healers already were writing books in which they openly discussed love and sex.
- Incubation is an important part of the creative process, since Taoistic artists would seek for spiritual transcendence through reflection before starting on their creative work.