Taoism

Taoism or The Tao (The Way)

Julie Mendez, Hunter York, & Shaun Yatsik

When & Where it Founded/Started

550BCE is generally the time period when a variety of spiritual thinkers were putting their ideas into writing.

These writings were not collected as a composite teaching of the "Tao" until the 4th or 3rd century BCE.

Originated in China

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Who is the Founding Figure is

Lao Tzu,meaning old man or old sage, was the ancient author of Tao Te Ching. (Most widely translated Chinese work of all time & the classic book of the religion or philosophy known as Taoism.)

Born in 600 B.C., Died in 200 B.C., born in China

Scholars disagree whether Lao Tzu was a real person or a pen name for the writers of Tao Te Ching. (Which is often called The Lao tzu).

Lao Tzu is decribed as an older contemporary and teacher of Confucius (551-479 B.C.). It says he wrote the two-volume Tao Te Ching at the request of the keeper of a "pass" while on a westward journey.

Compared to Confucius, who focuses on right relations in human society, Lao Tzu takes a more mystical approach to tuning into the natural order of things as a way of achieving personal and social harmony.

Lao Tzu

What the Philosophy Means

The Way, according to Taoists, is the spiritual force that underlies the universe and is found in all things. Even though it is a part of all things, it is greater than all things. It is the ultimate reality. The Taoists believe that that they should live in harmony with the Tao or Way. If they do this they will merge with the Tao, free their soul, and become one of the Immortals. The Yin/Yang Tao Symbol represents the harmonious interaction of the two opposing forces in the Universe, male or yin and female or yang.

How the Philosophy Was Applied in Ancient China

Taoism is mostly a philosophy & China’s government allows very little because it isn’t supportive to the government. While not improving the government system, it had a large effect on the people of China simply because they were Taoists & they were focused on bettering themselves & becoming one with nature, taking away from the government & social system.

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Credits

http://chinesephilosophers.wikispaces.com/Lao+Tzu+images

Google Images