1. What is the Role and Nature of Daoism, and to What Extent is It A “Natural” Way? What Does “Non-Action” Mean to a Daolst?

Introduction

Daoism is a Chinese way of thinking that is best understood as being composed of two traditions, philosophical Daoism and religious Daoism. Both traditions are primarily derived from texts of archaic antiquity. Among them are the Dao De Jing (Classic of the Dao and Its Power) and the Zhuang Zi (Master Zhuang).

Discussion

As the major inspiration and authoritative source of Daoism, the Dao De Jing is a combination of poetry, philosophical reflection, and mystical speculation that is composed of some 5,200 words. Given its present form, this classic was probably completed in the third or fourth century BC. However, its original title is Lao Zi (“Old Master”), which attributes the authorship to a legendary figure who was born around 602 BC. It is likely that a good part of the book was edited from much older texts at the time of rendition and put in the mouth of Lao Zi (Brokaw, pp. 56-68). Profound and abstruse, this philosophical treatise is the most translated of all classics, next to the Bible.

Central to Daoism is the notion of Dao (Tao as in non-pinyin romanization, which also yields Taoism). The profound revelation that grew out of Daoist elaboration on the Dao or “the Way” is the key to a real appreciation of the Chinese worldview on the universe, society, and life. It impacted all other Chinese belief systems, including Confucianism. In expounding the meaning of the Dao, Daoism and Confucianism ran through Chinese thought like two powerful streams side by side until modern times (Brokaw, pp. 56-68). If Confucianism concentrates on social order and active duties, Daoism focuses on individual life and tranquility. While the former preaches conformity to a man-made social order, the latter emphasizes conformity to natural order. Daoism contrasts Confucian worldliness with a transcendental spirit that is by no means escapist. Not only does Daoism have a social, political ideology that rivals that of Confucianism, but its discourse also goes much deeper into the Way of life.

Philosophical Daoism

Two themes stand out in the Dao De Jing—life and government. Philosophical Daoism is concerned with how to live a meaningful life and institute a sage rulership. In addressing the issues that arise from these two questions, Daoism subscribes to a philosophical approach that puts more faith in nature than in humanity. This naturalism finds expression in a number of principles whereby the Dao is to be discovered, appreciated, and followed.

Simplicity of Life

To live simply and plainly is to exist close to nature, where the Dao rules without any interference from man-made social, moral, and political orders. It is a state in which people have direct access to the observation of the Way. Simplicity of life, or pu, also purifies the mind so that it becomes a clean mirror to capture everything clearly and enhance the reflection of the Dao in human awareness. For the mind to be purified, however (Kohn, ...