DAY 162 - TAOISM AND HAPPINESS

Taoism is considered to be a philosophical and religious tradition that was born more than 2500 years ago in Eastern Asia.  The primary figures in Taoism are Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, two scholars who dedicated their lives to balancing their own inner spirits.

LAO TZU

Taoism is based on the idea that behind all material things and all changes in the world lies one fundamental, universal principle: the Way or Tao. The most common graphic representation of Taoist theology is the circular Yin Yang figure. It represents the balance of opposites in the universe. When they are equally present, all is calm. When one is outweighed by the other, there is confusion and disarray.   These two polar energies, through their constant interaction, create change causing the movement of the Tao.

Yin Yang Figure

The principle of the Tao creates all existence and governs everything. The purpose of human life, then, is to live life according to the Tao, to the Cosmos, to Nature, in the broadest sense of these words.

Taoism is based on the observations of the patterns in the world and the fact that everything is connected somehow. Taoists therefore believe in following the natural flow of things, the course of nature, instead of trying to go against it.   Darkness and lightness are equally important since one cannot exist without the other.  

In that perspective, nothing is viewed as being good or bad.   Your mind becomes free of prejudice.  Everything is just part of the nature of things.  There is no judgment… there just IS.

Taoists advocate a life of simplicity, and encourage their followers to perform and seek inner peace through the cultivation of optimism, passivity, and inner calm.

Taoism morality is based on the Three Treasures: compassion, simplicity and humility.

According to Taoism, happiness is achievable when we  “go with the flow” and stop going against the current. Furthermore, as Buddhism, Taoism believes that desires can never entirely be fulfilled (we always want more) and invariably lead to a state of dissatisfaction.

Taoism is also concerned with longevity through the balancing of the body ‘ch’i’ (energy force).  Acupuncture and Tai Chi, which both work on re-balancing the energy in the body, are both based on the Taoist philosophy.  Many other practises are based on Taoism, Feng Shui (see a previous post), for instance. 

“Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.”

“Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.”

“So if loss of what gives happiness causes you distress when it fades, you can now understand that such happiness is worthless. It is said, those who lose themselves in their desire for things also lose their innate nature by being vulgar.”

Chuang Tzu

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